Communications Manager
Please note we require a covering letter from all applicants demonstrating why they are suitable for the role. Email covering letters to recruitment@ukroed.org.uk
Overview of the role
UKROEd and The Road Safety Trust are looking for an experienced communications manager to deliver communications functions across the two organisations.
About UKROEd
UKROEd Ltd is a private, not-for-profit company responsible for the delivery, management and administration of the National Driver Offender Retraining Scheme (NDORS) on behalf of the Police Service. It is also the operating company of the Road Safety Trust and is committed to the education and training of drivers who commit low-level traffic offences.
UKROEd values and respects each individual employee, client and customer and is committed to promoting equal opportunities throughout its workforce. As such, all relevant applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, sex, gender reassignment, marital status, disability, or pregnancy status.
About The Road Safety Trust
The Road Safety Trust is the UK’s largest independent road safety grant-giving charity, dedicated to achieving zero deaths and serious injuries on UK roads. It funds innovative projects, research, and initiatives to improve road safety for all road users. Surplus funds from UKROEd activities from the delivery and management of the National Driver Offender Retraining Scheme (NDORS) are donated to The Road Safety Trust at the end of the financial year. This enables the Trust to carry out its grant-making programme.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
Both UKROEd and The Road Safety Trust
* Work closely with the senior leadership team across both organisations to advise on, and deliver, all areas of communication and engagement, including planned and unplanned issues.
* Work to ensure that communications and engagement efforts of both organisations align with their overall strategies
* Stay informed of best practices and emerging trends in communications, advocacy, and public affairs
UKROEd specific
* Work alongside the UKROEd Crisis Communications Consultant to develop and deliver an annual communications plan that outlines the priority campaigns and communications projects to help the company deliver its corporate plans and financial strategy.
* Work alongside the UKROEd Media Associate Consultant to manage and further develop the external communications service, including communication campaigns, reactive communications, media relations, digital, and design.
* Develop a unified company voice that aligns with our branding and values
* Oversee UKROEd’s internal communication function and work with key business areas to implement effective internal communication and engagement strategies, which drive new ways of working and support wider transformation and cultural change across the organisation
* Build and maintain relationships with our stakeholders and audiences, including internal and external stakeholders across course providers, police forces, the Road Safety Trust, local and central Government & Whitehall, statutory and non-statutory bodies, industry & business, road safety communities and other parties to establish strong working relationships.
* Work with appointed associates on the organisation's external digital platforms, planning and managing the design, content, and production of all materials.
* Provide overall editorial control of communication processes to all key stakeholders
* Continuously improve the delivery and effectiveness of campaigns and engagement activities via a robust evaluation process.
* Support UKROEd in influencing external decision makers, including central government, regional government and police forces nationally.
* Promote the interests of UKROEd regionally and nationally, establishing a strong organisational profile to enhance its reputation, impact and influence.
* Be accountable for the effective management of the company’s communications budgets to ensure measurable return on communications investment
* Develop efficient communication protocols and policies for diverse scenarios or emergencies by engaging with executive management in drafting policies.
The Road Safety Trust specific
* Working with the Director, develop and implement a comprehensive communications and engagement strategy that aligns with the Trust’s overall goals and objectives
* Lead the production, management, and regular updating of our digital channels and other editorial content to ensure they reflects the Trust’s activities, achievements, and strategic priorities, including content focused on our grantee projects
* Manage day-to-day media relations, including handling press inquiries, drafting and disseminating press releases, and building relationships with journalists, media outlets and other key channels to raise the profile of the Trust and ensure its reach
* Work with the team to create and distribute the Trust’s regular communications outputs including our regular newsletters and other publications, both broadcast, digital and print, ensuring that content is engaging, relevant, and aligned with our communications strategy
* Monitor media coverage and provide regular reports on media activity and its impact
* Prepare briefings, position papers, and policy submissions to support the Trust’s advocacy efforts
* Engage with relevant stakeholders across the road safety sector, including UKROEd, the Police, the nonprofit and private sectors, to ensure that The Road Safety Trust is represented and participates in key events and forums
* Support and amplify public engagement campaigns that raise awareness of road safety issues and mobilize public support for the Trust’s initiatives, ensuring that our communications and media are strategically timed for maximum impact
* Organize and manage large-scale events, webinars and workshops that engage stakeholders and promote the Trust’s work
* Coordinate with grant recipients and project partners to amplify their impact through joint communications, dissemination and advocacy efforts
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Qualifications
* Bachelor’s degree, or equally recognised professional qualification, in a relevant subject
* Member of the CIPR or relevant professional body
* Evidence of continuing professional development
Experience
* Proven experience at a managerial level delivering strategic communications operations and leading communication and engagement initiatives within a complex organization
* Strong experience in managing and delivering content across modern printed and digital platforms, including social media, websites, and email
* Proven experience in writing, editing, and distributing press releases and other published content, and managing their impact
* Strong capability in both short-term and long-term strategic planning, with the ability to anticipate and respond to evolving priorities and emerging issues
* Experience fostering cross-organizational collaborations and partnerships
* Deep understanding and management of brand development and its influence on stakeholder perception and engagement
* Proven ability to engage and build relationships with diverse stakeholders, including community groups, industry partners, and the general public
* Experience in organizing, promoting, and managing publicity and PR events, such as press conferences, launch events, conferences and public campaigns
* Experience providing strategic communications advice to senior leadership, including boards, committees, or executive panels
* Demonstrated experience in managing organizational change and executing effective internal communication strategies.
* Experience in developing and executing crisis communication strategies
Job Related Knowledge
* Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills with the ability to communicate complex issues clearly and persuasively
* Strong understanding of media relations, including crisis communication and reputation management
* Understanding of digital and social media marketing, with experience in content creation and online engagement.
* Strong editorial skills, with experience in creating, publishing and managing newsletters, press releases, social media and website content
* Competence in using standard office software
* Knowledge of best practices in website content management, including SEO principles.
* Knowledge of advocacy and public affairs strategies, particularly within the context of influencing public policy
* Awareness of the legislative and policy landscape related to road safety, transportation, or public health.
* Basic knowledge of media law, data protection regulations, and ethical considerations in communications.
Skills and Aptitudes
* Strong project management skills and techniques
* Ability to plan, organize, and prioritise work effectively, managing multiple projects simultaneously
* A strategic thinker with the ability to anticipate challenges, identify opportunities, and drive innovation
* A self-starter who is highly motivated and resilient, with the ability to work under pressure and maintain a positive attitude
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with a wide range of stakeholders
* Strong ethical standards, with a commitment to acting with integrity and professionalism
* Strong editorial judgment, with the ability to craft and manage high-quality written content across multiple platforms
* Demonstrable ability to organize, promote, and manage successful publicity and PR events that align with organizational goals
* Demonstrated resilience and high motivation, and the ability to inspire these qualities in others and negotiate with a wide range of stakeholders
* Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with senior managers, directors, and external partners
* Strong political awareness and sensitivity to navigate complex organizational and external environments.