Communications & Marketing Officer

About us

The Porch provides a place of sanctuary for homeless and vulnerable adults, where lives are rebuilt, and dignity is restored

The Frontline for Homeless Day Services in Oxford

The Porch is a Queens Award winning charity providing life-changing dedicated support to vulnerable adults facing homelessness and poverty. Through its day services, The Porch provides a safe space where individuals can access vital resources such as nutritious meals, showers, laundry facilities, and tailored support services. Its holistic approach addresses both immediate needs and long-term goals, offering guidance in housing, finance, physical health, mental health, addiction recovery, and employability skills.

More than just a service provider, The Porch is a place where compassion meets action, empowers individuals to overcome adversity, fostering transformation, growth, renewal and purpose.

The Porch nurtures a strong sense of community and belonging, helping individuals rebuild their confidence, regain independence, and restore hope. The Porch is a place where everyone is seen, valued, and given the chance to thrive".

We offer a safe and welcoming environment where those in need can access various resources and assistance. Some of the services we provide are:

• Meals: Providing Free hot meals and snacks to those in need.
• Showers and Laundry: Access to shower facilities and Free laundry services for personal hygiene.
• Clothing and Toiletries: Distribution of donated clothes and toiletries.
• Social Support: A place where individuals can connect with others and find a sense of community.
• Information and Advice: Offering guidance on housing options, healthcare, and other support services available in the community.
• Educational and Vocational Support: Providing opportunities for skill development and job training.
• Health Services: Basic medical check-ups or consultations are offered.

Main purpose of job:

We are seeking a dynamic and motivated Communications Officer to develop and implement strategies that increase our income and raise awareness of our vital work. This role will be key in engaging donors, securing funding, and amplifying our message across various communication channels.

Our new Communications Officer will play a key role in shaping our publicity and social media strategy. They will help us establish a clear, data-compliant approach to sharing news, maintaining our digital platforms (website and social media), and creating print materials such as leaflets and easy-read information to engage our growing community

In addition, they will lead the planning, preparation, and delivery of community-facing events, working closely with the team to ensure we host at least one community fundraising events each year. They will collaborate with the Fundraising Officer to develop materials that empower supporters to fundraise and raise awareness within their own communities.

This is a dynamic and multi-faceted role with plenty of opportunities for growth and development. You'll collaborate with colleagues across the organisation, gaining experience in different aspects of fundraising, communications, and community engagement. There is also scope to take on more advanced responsibilities over time.

Working closely with The Porch Charity Director and Chairty Fundraisier you will effectively for::

Building a strong online presence: Develop a strong online presence for The Porch through our website, social media channels, and email marketing campaigns to communicate our mission, impact, and funding needs to potential donors.

Organize events: Organize events such as sponsored walks, runs, or cycling events, galas, or concerts to engage donors, corporate partners, and the community.

Individual giving: Implement a regular giving program to encourage individuals to make small, recurring donations to the charity.

Stewardship of Donors: Nurturing and maintaining relationships with donors to ensure they feel valued, informed, and engaged with the charity they support. It involves expressing gratitude, demonstrating impact, and building trust to encourage continued giving and long-term involvement.

Engage corporate sponsors: Reach out to local businesses and corporations to explore partnership opportunities.

Key Responsibilities:

Communications and Marketing

• Develop and implement a communications strategy to enhance the profile of The Porch. Develop, schedule, and publish engaging content across all social media platforms (e.g. Facebook, Instagram), ensuring consistency in messaging and coordinating with other members of the team who help with content posting.
• Monitor social media channels, responding to comments and messages, engaging with followers, and growing the online community.
• Use social media analytics tools to better understand our reach and effectiveness, and create recommendations to improve both.
• Plan and execute targeted social media campaigns to raise awareness of specific initiatives, events, or fundraising activities. Manage The Porch's website and social media platforms, ensuring engaging and up-to-date content.
• Create compelling marketing materials, including newsletters, press releases, blogs, and reports.
• Foster relationships with local media and secure press coverage to promote The Porch's work.
• Support internal communications and engagement with staff, volunteers, and stakeholders.
• Ensure all communications align with The Porch's brand and values with a view to develop a consistent message.

Fundraising

Oversee the stewardship of donors, ensuring they are thanked, updated, and engaged through regular communications and impact reports

• Develop tailored stewardship plans for different donor groups, ensuring meaningful and personalized engagement.
• Create donor recognition initiatives, including thank-you letters, impact stories, and exclusive donor events.
• Maintain a donor journey strategy to strengthen long-term relationships and encourage repeat giving.
• Organize and promote fundraising events, campaigns, and community initiatives.
• Build and maintain relationships with donors, supporters, and key stakeholders.
• Develop and implement a fundraising strategy to secure income from individual giving and corporate partnerships.

Print and Digital Marketing Materials

• Co-design and produce printed materials, such as leaflets, brochures, posters, and flyers, to support the organization's activities, events, and campaigns.
• Co-write, design, and distribute regular newsletters to stakeholders, ensuring relevant, timely, and engaging content.
• Work with colleagues to update our website, ensuring that all information is current, engaging, and accessible.

Event Planning and Management

• Plan, organize, and manage at least 1 annual events aimed at our supporter community and for fundraising purposes, working together with other team members to ensure smooth planning and execution and timely review of activities and experiences afterwards.
• Develop promotional materials for events, including digital and printed content, and manage event promotion across social media, email campaigns, and other channels.

General Duties

• Work collaboratively with colleagues, volunteers, and external partners to maximize The Porch's impact.
• Monitor and evaluate fundraising and communication activities, reporting on performance and outcomes.
• Stay up to date with best practices in fundraising and digital communication

Other responsibilities:

The work of The Porch requires a commitment to work across the whole organization with other services and departments as appropriate.

• Must be willing to travel between different locations to meet fundraising and Communication needs as required.
• Undertake any other appropriate responsibilities that may arise and anything else commensurate with your role and level of responsibility, that from time to time, may be deemed necessary by the Service Manager and/or the Director.

Qualifications

• Strong public relations skills to effectively communicate with diverse audiences
• Experience in fundraising initiatives and strategies (desirable)
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
• Ability to develop and maintain relationships with stakeholders
• Proficiency in crafting press releases and promotional materials
• Knowledge of social media platforms and their role in communications

Please note, we will be assessing applications as they are submitted and may close this role should we find sufficient applicants with which to make our shortlist. As such, we would advise applying as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

For the full job description please visit

Applications by email ONLY and to include a CV and Cover Letter to:

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Pay: £19,200.00 per year

Benefits:

• Canteen
• Company pension
• Free parking

Work Location: In person