Communications Manager
Closing Date: Wed 27 November, 17:00 GMT
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Applications
Please apply online, or alternatively, download the application form in Word and email it to hr@watershed.co.uk.
Do get in touch if you would like any of this information, or wish to apply, in another format.
Please do not include your CV as it will not be considered. Please put all relevant information on your application form.
Before you apply
Watershed's first value is Inclusive – We listen to and learn from our community, creating equity and addressing harm where it occurs. The information below lays out some of the steps we are taking to create a more inclusive recruitment process. Many of these steps are new to us, so feedback and questions are very welcome.
You may not have worked in a cultural organisation before, or in an organisation like Watershed. Please still consider applying as many other sectors offer transferable contexts.
If you are from a background that is underrepresented in the culture sector - for example you are from a community that experiences racism or you are a disabled person (as defined by the Equalities Act 2010), or you did not go to University or had free school meals as a child - and you would like support to articulate how your experience is transferable to this role, you can book time with us to discuss it. We will ensure the person you meet is not involved in the recruitment process. Please request this by emailing hr@watershed.co.uk (we will not ask you to disclose your background).
We believe our work will be stronger with greater diversity and welcome applications from those who bring balance to our team. Watershed welcomes the whole person to work, and we understand that each of us brings our experiences, our backgrounds and our own unique lens to what we do. Supporting our staff means they are not appointed to represent specific groups or organisations.
- Position
- Communications Manager
- Salary
- £35,909 per annum
- Hours
- Full time
- Contract type
- Permanent
- Location
- In the building. Hybrid working option available (part working in the building and part remote). This post is not suitable for full remote working.
Purpose of job
Working with the Head of Communications to manage Watershed’s marketing and communications across all relevant channels with the aim of achieving growing engagement from all respective audiences and stakeholders.
You will develop and deliver an effective communications strategy across the creative programme (including digital, marketing, advertising, and PR) that deepens audience engagement and develops a strong audience base in collaboration with the Head of Communications, Communications Manager (Creative Technology) and key members of the Creative Team.
Reporting to the Head of Communications you will effectively profile the work of Watershed and maximise opportunities with the following key areas of responsibility: press, print and media advertising, evaluation and research.
Main responsibilities
- Lead on the production and publishing of marketing related to the cultural programme and the activity of the organisation.
- Undertake media planning and buying - including campaigns, outdoor media sites and print advertising.
- Line manage and support the Communications Co-ordinator carrying out all expectations as outlined in the Management Guidance for managers at Watershed detailed on the Staff website.
- Ensure that the relevant data is effectively and efficiently captured for organisational reporting, project evaluation and measuring success.
- Manage ongoing relationships with regional and national press which includes working with and maintaining relationships with agencies and key local press, dealing with press enquiries and acting as a spokesperson where necessary. .
- Manage ongoing relationships with external partners and freelancers including design and advertising agencies
- Contribute to the development and implementation of the organisation’s communications strategies.
Key performance indicators
- Marketing, press and profile raising campaigns for Watershed in collaboration with the Head of Communications are successfully created and implemented.
- Evaluation is up to date and intelligence shared with relevant teams across the organization.
- Watershed has regular profile in local and national media.
- Team members are well managed, effective, motivated and developed.
Essential criteria
- Experience of developing and implementing communication and marketing plans, strategies, campaigns and projects.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to form productive, professional working relationships with a diverse range of individuals and groups.
- Experience of managing and motivating a team or individual.
- Ability to develop creative communication ideas and translate sometimes complex subject matter into inspiring and accessible messages.
- Able to communicate persuasively with a broad range of organisations, groups and individuals.
Application process
Closing date:
We will be conducting short interviews with all applicants who meet the essential criteria. A shortlist will then be invited to a longer second interview.
First round interview / presentation (if relevant): -
Second round interview:
Introduction to the role
Working in Watershed’s Communications Department means being part of a small team working across all areas of the organisation. The Communications Manager holds a wide variety of priorities, relationships and messaging. These could include promoting opportunities, connecting with our family audiences, encouraging our visitors to become donors and much more.
In this role you could expect to work in partnership with artists, distributors and press among many others. We celebrate being part of a team that achieves really exciting things, and work hard to attract audiences and national press. You can also expect to create content for all of our social media channels, analyse data and write news articles. If you’re able to balance this variety of work while maintaining a killer attention to detail, great tone of voice and the embodying our organisational values then we’d love to hear from you.
Working at Watershed
Find out more about staff benefits, our values and more about our approach.
Access
Watershed will work with candidates to ensure their access needs are met during the interview process and will ensure access requirements are not a factor in decision making.
Equal opportunities monitoring
We are striving to understand more about who applies to work with us. At the end of the application process we invite you to complete our anonymous equal opportunities monitoring form, which will not be shared with anyone involved in the recruitment process.
Opening hours
At full operation, Watershed is open seven days a week, including Bank Holidays (Christmas Day and Boxing Day are the only exceptions). Watershed is a public building, which operates a diverse range of cultural and commercial activities. The post holder will need to be comfortable working in this environment.
Watershed Values
As a registered charity and social enterprise, Watershed has well-established brand values. We seek to apply our values in everything we do and ask staff, partners, suppliers and collaborators to do the same.
Our values are:
- Inclusive We listen to and learn from our community, creating equity and addressing harm where it occurs
- Transparent We share our approach openly and clearly, working at a pace which enables everyone to participate who wishes to
- Responsible We use our resources generously and sustainably, considering our impact on future generations
- Kind We are careful and caring with ourselves and with others
- Hopeful We celebrate culture, creativity and wonder as paths to a better future
Watershed is a Social Enterprise Mark holder. Social Enterprises are businesses whose products and services create both social and environmental benefits.
Closing Date: Wed 27 November, 17:00 GMT