Communications Manager

Retina UK supports people affected by inherited progressive sight loss and invests in medical research. Our vision is a world where everyone with inherited sight loss is able to live a fulfilling life.

We are seeking a talented and experienced all-round communications professional to join our enthusiastic and hardworking team. It’s an exciting time to join us - we recently rebranded and have ambitious plans for the future.

As our new communications manager you will lead on, develop and deliver all aspects of Retina UK’s communications plans and activities including brand and reputation management, PR, website, social media, print publications and content marketing.

Main purpose of the role:

Responsible for raising the profile of Retina UK by leading on, developing and delivering all aspects of the charity’s communications plans and activities including brand and reputation management, PR, the website, social media, print publications and content marketing.

Main duties and responsibilities:

1 General

• Develop a communications strategy
• Plan and produce compelling accessible content in a range of formats including infographics, film, blogs etc.
• Develop key messages, lead on creating and maintaining appropriate and consistent language and terminology across all media
• Act as a ‘brand guardian’ ensuring consistency across all internal and external communications
• Identify issues that could potentially damage the organisation’s reputation and recommend actions to mitigate this risk
• Act as communications advisor to the Chief Executive, Chairman and Board of Trustees

2 Publications

• Lead on copywriting and production of marketing materials and key publications including Annual Review and impact report
• Design, copy-write and distribute regular e-bulletins to promote publications, programme activities, events and other key information 
• Oversee the management of a case study database

3 Website

• Develop and manage the website including generating content, making improvements to functionality, maximising its potential and monitoring its performance
• Manage the relationship with our digital agency

 4 Digital media

• Manage and expand social media presence, sourcing and sharing newsworthy information from across the charity
• Create a content plan for social media channels
• Lead on creation of film and audio content

5 Publicity and media

• Increase the organisation’s profile across media, and with influencers and organisations
• Act as a spokesperson when necessary
• Develop relationships with target media representatives
• Write press releases, articles and policy statements
• Respond to requests from the press for comments

6 Internal communications

• Provide training to staff on branding where necessary and ensure staff are well briefed on key communications issues
• Analyse all aspects of communications on a quarterly basis and prepare a report for the Head of Development
• Provide a communications ‘toolkit’ to support staff to include brand guidelines, key messages, house style guidelines.

7 Staff and supplier management

• Manage any communications volunteers and interns
• Manage relationships with suppliers of services essential to communication work eg designers, printers, photographers.

8 Finances

• Prepare and monitor the communications budget

Other responsibilities

• Keep up to date on best practice within the sight loss and charity sector generally and particularly changes to communications innovation, legislation and codes of practice
• To promote the work of the charity to others within the sight loss sector including national organisation and local sight loss charities.
• To produce and present regular reports and updates on progress to the Head of Development, CEO and Board of Trustees.
• To complete other reasonable related tasks requested by the Head of Development or CEO.