Head of Communications and Engagement

Royal Economic Society Head of Communications and Engagement
Location London, UK
Application deadline 9 September 2019
Contract type Permanent
Hours Full-time
Salary GBP42,000-GBP45,000 dependant on experience
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The Royal Economic Society’s purpose is to promote the study of economic science. With over 4,000 members worldwide, we are one of the oldest economic associations in the world. Founded as the British Economic Association in 1890, we became the Royal Economic Society upon receiving our Royal Charter in 1902. We are a registered charity and membership is open to anyone who shares our aims and objectives. Our annual report and accounts provide a summary of our financial position and key activities.

The role

This is a senior role with responsibility for developing and executing the Society’s communications and engagement strategy and overseeing key activities, working in partnership with relevant RES committees and in line with the Society strategy. The role involves communicating to and engaging with Society members and prospective members, the media, policy professionals, and the wider public.

Key roles and responsibilities

  • Develop and deliver an implementation plan for communications and engagement activities, in line with the Society strategy and in partnership with relevant committees and staff
  • Oversee the Society’s key communication channels (including website, social media, event attendance/promotion and printed marketing materials), ensuring a joined-up approach
  • Work collaboratively with officers, volunteers and staff delivering RES and journal activities to provide appropriate communications support
  • Line management of the Digital & Media Officer
  • Oversee media engagement work, including media briefings and press releases
  • Foster partnerships with other relevant organisations to support the strategy
  • Manage an assigned budget and contribute to budgeting and reforecasting process
  • Promote Society membership and lead campaign to renew existing members
  • Oversee communications support for Society campaigns, such as Discover Economics
  • Manage the Society brand and associated guidelines and policies
  • Provide secretariat support for relevant committees and working groups

Experience and skills

Essential Skills

  • Degree level of education or equivalent
  • Proven experience in a senior communications or engagement role
  • Knowledge of and enthusiasm for economics
  • Excellent communication skills, with experience of creating written or digital content
  • Demonstrable experience of working collaboratively with committees and working groups
  • Demonstrable experience of public engagement and media work
  • Line management experience
  • The ability to effectively plan and manage budgets and resources
  • The ability to work well within a team with a flexible can-do approach to work

Desired Skills

  • Knowledge and experience of the academic sector, including learned societies
  • Knowledge of membership organisations
  • Economics degree or equivalent
  • Knowledge and experience of placing content in the media
  • Knowledge and experience of Content Management Systems and Customer Relationship Management systems.