PURPOSE OF THE JOB The Deputy Head of Communications is an exciting new role that reflects the strategic importance of digital communications to this internationally renowned organization. It represents a rare opportunity to shape strategy, transform the charity’s digital presence, and experience working at a senior level when deputising for the Head of Communications. You will create and implement the organization’s digital strategy, managing a team of experienced and dedicated web and communications specialists. Together you will deliver high-quality, targeted digital channels and marketing that inspire engagement and support from a range of stakeholder audiences. Initial priorities will be to: a) build digital communications capacity by recruiting three new roles (Digital Marketing Manager, Digital Marketing Officer and Copywriter); b) develop a digital marketing strategy, based on a recent audit of channels and performance; and c) establish and embed processes to ensure the relaunched Cochrane website is dynamic, useful and accessible to Cochrane’s key audiences. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES/KEY RESULT AREAS Management and leadership Provide confident, supportive management of direct reports to encourage productivity, positivity and innovation. Develop and monitor a set of key digital communications performance indicators. Assign, proofread, edit and sign-off communications collateral. Deputise for the Head of Communications as necessary, with additional support from the Director of Development & External Relations as appropriate Digital marketing that drives action Develop and deliver a digital marketing strategy for brand, product and event marketing, including project-based campaigns and regular newsletters. Devise and deliver a joined-up social media plan based on a recent audit of Cochrane’s social media activity and performance. Work closely with colleagues and content owners to ensure marketing and social media activity are fresh, cohesive and showcase the full range of Cochrane’s work. Establish a monitoring process to identify emerging issues and opportunities. Engaging, accurate and accessible web presence Work with colleagues and content owners to ensure content on cochrane.org is inspiring, up to date and speaks to a range of audiences. Oversee web content calendar, standards and workflow, including leading regular editorial meetings to plan content and dissemination. Develop a plan to support the wider Cochrane community to maintain high-quality, accessible websites that have a coherent tone of voice. Other • Ad-hoc projects to enhance or progress Cochrane’s digital activity or presence. • Horizon scanning to stay up to date with the digital landscape and trends. • Any other duties commensurate with the role. PERSON SPECIFICATION Essential criteria: Management and leadership Flexible, self-starter with recruitment experience, keen to shape Cochrane’s digital presence and this role. Strong project management, organizational and decision-making skills, with the ability to work to tight deadlines and budgets. Confident senior manager with experience of managing both projects and individuals remotely. Leadership and diplomacy skills, including negotiation and conflict resolution. Digital communications: Experience of leading digital communications strategies in complex organizations with multiple internal and external stakeholders. Experience of managing and maintaining corporate websites and social media within the scientific, academic, publishing or non-profit sector. Excellent knowledge of writing for the web and SEO, with a strong understanding of accessibility and usability requirements. Confidence and experience using website content management systems, web analytics and social media engagement metrics, with a working understanding of HTML, CSS, and web development principles. Communications skills Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, including the ability to work effectively and confidently with colleagues at all levels. Experience of planning, researching, writing and editing stand-out copy for a range of purposes, platforms and audiences, including reworking scientific/technical copy for non-expert audiences. Excellent attention to detail and proofreading skills, with experience signing off content with senior stakeholders. Experience handling communications around sensitive or controversial issues. Desirable: This role involves managing and working alongside colleagues with specialist skillsets, so experience of the following may be beneficial but is not necessary: ● matrix management; ● events and/or product marketing; ● using software for social media management, design and/or multimedia work; ● training and supporting others to communicate effectively; ● commissioning and overseeing freelancers (e.g. designers or videographers); ● conducting or commissioning communications evaluations; ● press or public relations work. Other Willingness to work flexibly, including occasional meetings outside normal working hours to accommodate different time-zones. Willingness to develop new skills as the digital landscape and platforms evolve. Commitment to Cochrane’s mission and principles. KEY INTERFACES Internal: Cochrane Central Executive Team, particularly Development & External Relations Directorate. External: Wider Cochrane community including Cochrane groups. DIMENSIONS Budgetary responsibility: Oversight of digital communications and marketing budget, in partnership with Head of Communications. Number of direct and indirect reports: 3 direct reports; 2 indirect reports