Media & Communications Officer

Scotland - homeworking or based in Edinburgh office (Remote)Closing30th April 2024Advertised from 12th April 2024The role can either be on full-time or part-time basis. The salary quoted is for full-time. 3 months - interim role.RoleChristian Aid exists to create a world where everyone can live a full life, free from poverty. We are a globalmovement of people, churches and local organisations who passionately champion dignity, equality and justiceworldwide. We are the changemakers, the peacemakers, the mighty of heart.This is a varied and exciting interim role which will help to build greater awareness and support for Christian AidScotland’s work through the media, social media and our website. During the assignment the role holder will sellin stories and react to media opportunities. In addition, the role holder will support the development of anumber of communication projects including one featuring community photographers from Ethiopia.About youYou are an experienced media officer with a track record in spotting opportunities to generate positive mediacoverage and an excellent knowledge and contacts with Scotland’s media. You’ll bring excellent writing skillsand an ability to drive forward communications projects and campaigns. Above all you will use your media and PRinsights to help us influence change and connect with churches and supporters across Scotland.Further informationAt Christian Aid we strive to be an inclusive and diverse employer and recognise the value that this brings inhelping to build strong, creative and high performing teams.We are actively encouraging racialised minorities, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, returning parents or carers whoare re-entering work after a career break, people with caring responsibilities, people from low socioeconomicbackgrounds, women, and older workers to apply. This is because these groups are under-represented within ourteams, especially at senior level, and we recognise and value the contributions members of these groups make tostrong, creative and high performing teams.We have a strong Christian ethos and we encourage applications from all faiths and none (with the exception ofDirector positions where there is a genuine occupational requirement to be a practicing Christian - Exemptedunder the Equality Act 2010).All successful candidates will require a DBS/police check appropriate to the role and location and a CounterTerrorism Sanction check as part of your clearance for commencing your role with us. We also participate in theInter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme . In line withthis Scheme, we will request information as part of the referencing process from job applicants’ previousemployers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, orincidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the jobapplicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.This role requires applicants to have the right to live and work in the country where this position is based andundertake the role that you have been offered. If you are successful and we make you an offer for the role, wewill be required to conduct a right to work check on your immigration status in the UK. We will contact youregarding the documentation you will need to provide to evidence this.You can expect a wide range of rewards and benefits, including a generous holiday allowance, a season ticket loan,and flexibility that will ensure you enjoy a good work/life balance.Early applications are strongly encouraged as interviews will be scheduled on an ongoing basis and this role may befilled before the advertised closing date.We are looking for an experienced and passionate Head of Counselling to lead and develop this highly-regardedService. You will lead a team, oversee around 15 committed volunteers and ensure we deliver a safe, professionaland effective service to a range of clients. The role is an excellent opportunity for the right person.Full details can be found in the job description below however a summarised list of some of the main responsibilitiescan be found below.The Head of Counselling has a key role:Managing and delivering counselling service.Ensuring robust governance of the service.Workingwith the church leadership team to ensure there is strong interface with other church ministries and that thecounselling service is integral part of its vision and strategyThe Counselling Service is a member of the Association of Christian Counsellors and adheres to their statement offaith and code of conduct.Main duties and responsibilitiesLead and manage Ps & Gs Counselling Service.Manage Counselling Staff team.Oversee a team of volunteer counsellors.Provide support and guidance to both qualified and student counsellors.Ensure all qualified and student counsellors receive required level of supervision.Offer supervision as appropriate.Hold a personal caseload.Plan a programme of CPD for the team.Take the professional lead in reviewing/updating counselling policies and practices.Lead and supervise the development and implementation of all operational business plans and service improvement.Lead on the recruitment and induction of volunteer trainee and qualified counsellors and volunteer receptionists.Attend staff prayers and other staff meetings each week and establish working relationships with the wider staff team.Report annually to Vestry.You will be responsible for the budgets for the counselling service, under the direction of the Finance Team.Ensure team have regular safeguarding training and all safeguarding guidelines are followed.Follow GDPR guidelines and ensure IT is used responsibly, including safe storage and appropriate retention of client information.With the Support of the Counselling Advisory group, ensure a pattern of review for governance, best practice, guidance and procedures.We are looking to appoint two part time coordinators, each working for five half days each week so that we havesomeone in our offices throughout the working week. We would expect both Coordinators to spend time in theoffices at Gorgie Church and Palmerston Place Church each week and sometimes in the office at Saltyard Cafétoo.Our Coordinators will often be the first point of contact with our church and must therefore be fully aligned to ourChristian ethos and values so we are looking for special people with a strong and lively Christian faith. [Thisis a Genuine Occupational Requirement in terms of the Equality Act 2010]Communications Coordinator - Provide a creative input to our publications and social mediacommunications.Premises Coordinator - Oversee the use of all of our buildings and assist in themaintenance and upkeep.Both Coordinators will share responsibility for dealing with callers at the door and handling incoming post, emailand phone calls.Further details about the roles can be found in the Information pack below.Based across our Scotland centres in Edinburgh and Glasgow (Hybrid)Closing19th April 2024About Smart WorksSmart Works is a dynamic, high profile and fast-growing UK charity that dresses and coaches unemployed women forsuccess at their job interview. We empower each woman by giving her the clothes and the confidence she needs tosucceed. After visiting Smart Works, 69% of clients secure a job within a month, gaining financial independenceand transforming their lives.More information about who we are can be found on our website.About the roleSmart Works is volunteer-powered and exists to empower all women who need help getting into work. As such, afantastic opportunity has arisen for a proactive self-starter with outstanding leadership skills to take on thepivotal role of being the Head of Smart Works Scotland. Reporting to the Chair of the Trustee Board, the role isresponsible for developing and delivering our core strategies and for the overall operation of our two centresin Glasgow and Edinburgh.In practice, this involves leading a small staff team to thrive in their roles and deliver outstanding results, withdirect line management responsibilities for 3 team members out of 8. It also includes representing our charityto a range of stakeholders across the region, contributing to our ambitious client targets and unlocking vitalfunds to deliver the Three Year Plan.A major focus of this role will be to deliver, and support team members to aid delivery, of our annual fundraisingtarget (c. £400k) via, grants and trusts, corporate partnerships, fundraising events, and identifying new incomestreams.The Head of Smart Works Scotland must build strong working relationships with the staff team and Board of Trustees,foster excellent collaborations with a variety of stakeholders and have significant experience across multiplefundraising streams.Whilst the successful individual will be supported by the Chair, Board of Trustees and colleagues in other centres,they will be expected to work autonomously and confidently in carrying out their duties. There may be occasionalevening and weekend work in order to support fundraising, networking and key events as required.The role will be based in our Edinburgh or Glasgow centre, and flexible working options are available.If you are passionate about supporting women, are flexible, have excellent organisation and prioritisation skills andcan liaise confidently and successfully with a broad range of stakeholders, then this is an idealopportunity.Duties and responsibilitiesLeading a staff team of 8 across two centres, ensuring all team members are thriving in their roles andcontinuing to develop their skills.Supporting each direct report with project deliverables andidentifying continuous improvement opportunities in our ways of working.Oversee the smooth running ofboth centres, ensuring all client and service delivery targets are on track and all protocols such assafeguarding and governance are adhered to.Setting and delivering our core strategies, across allfunctional areas.Working with various staff members on targeted campaigns and corporate partnerships,providing guidance and support on the annual fundraising target c. £400k via our three revenue streams -Corporate, Community and Events, Grants and Trusts.Manage the day-to-day costs of the budget,contributing to timely process reconciliation with the Board Treasurer and Group FinanceTeam.Delivering financial activities to target, maintaining an up to date database with relevant incometracking and pipeline information to facilitate regular financial reporting to the Board of Trustees and timelyprocess reconciliation with the Board Treasurer and Group Finance team.Supporting the team to raiseawareness of our charity and increase our supporter community through social media campaigns and in-personevents throughout the year.Personal SpecificationOutstanding interpersonal and team management / leadership skills.Significant experience of generatingincome from a variety of sources, including Events, Trusts, Foundations, Community and Corporatesponsorship.Demonstrable experience of securing new business and onboarding newpartnerships.Experience of managing four figure+ partnerships across the following activities: employeefundraising, sponsorship, commercial or grants.A strong networker, with relationship managementexperience across seniority levels and sectors.Strong presentation skills, with prior experiencedelivering engaging sessions to large audiences.Experience of balancing changing priorities andresponding to delivery needs.Proactive approach to problem solving, with an entrepreneurial attitudetowards fundraising strategy.Ability to work autonomously and also have a strong team focus andethic.Good working knowledge and experience using Microsoft Office, Excel, Word, CRMsystems.Target driven, with excellent organisation and time management skills to meet deadlines andmonthly / quarterly KPIs.An understanding of the employment and skills landscape in Scotland.Experience of working collaboratively with volunteer teams and / or in the not for profit sector.Financially aware, able to interpret basic financial accounts for reporting purposes.Columcille provides a safe and supportive healthy social environment which offers creative daytime activities and asense of community from its premises in the Morningside area of Edinburgh. We support people who have learningdisabilities, and mental health needs through arts & crafts, cooking, woodwork, printing, gardening,pottery, drama, holistic therapies and dance. We have a minibus and driver who provide transport and communityaccess. Seasonal celebrations form part of the rich social life of the centre. Some 1-1 support is provided inthe local community.We provide relationship centred support that upholds the dignity and value of each human being and supports theirdevelopment and growth.Relief workers cover staff absences due to illness, holiday or training. There are no guaranteed hours, but forflexible and available individuals there can be regular work.Main Roles and ResponsibilitiesProvide support to service users to learn new skills, develop socially, and gain self- confidence and greaterindependence. This may be small group or 1-1 support.Be attentive to group dynamics and proactive increating a positive atmosphere.Respond positively and calmly to any behaviour thatchallenges.Provide personal care and support with using wheelchairs and mobility aids.Providecover on the centre’s tea break and lunch rota as required.Tidy workshops each day and help maintain aclean and safe work environment.Be guided by Columcille policies and procedures and the SSSC Codes ofPractice.Take part in induction, staff training and supervision meetings.Essential Skills, Experience and AttributesEmpathetic and PatientCompassionate and caringAbility to work as part of a team and on your own initiative.Able to explain and demonstrate what a person-centred approach means.Experience of one to one support work with people with learning disabilities.Knowledge and skills relating to at least one of the work activities listed above.Become a member of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme.Available for minimum of two days in a week to make the work mutually worthwhile.
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