Communications Officer

We are looking for an experienced communications professional, with an understanding of the charity sector, to join us and make a significant impact on our work with young people in central Doncaster.
We are currently finalising our next Forward Plan, with an ambition to create an inclusive, vibrant community, committed to everyone having a fair chance to discover who they are and what they can become. We currently work with children and young people aged 5 to 30, undertaking some great projects which deserve better recognition locally and beyond. We are part of the YMCA federation, making use of a joint brand and key messaging that we share with colleagues across England and Wales.
This is a new role, recognising that we need to do more to promote the products and services that we offer as well as the impact that we have. We want to build awareness of the YMCA and to engage more people in supporting our work, enabling us to offer more opportunities for young people in the city.
This is a fabulous opportunity to make your mark on young lives in Doncaster.
Pay and Hours
£30,725 salary (based on 40 hours weekly).
We are happy to consider a working week between 32 and 40 hours, and for the post holder to decide on a suitable work pattern. There will be some expectation of non-standard hours for events, meetings and similar. Hybrid working arrangements are available, with a minimum of three days per week on site.
Main Responsibilities
- To create compelling long form content including website articles, information for print material, case studies, media releases and similar.
- To lead on the organisation of three supporter focused events each year (initially a sponsored sleep out, a Christmas event and a showcase/impact report launch).
- To oversee adherance to key messaging, branding and voice across all external communications.
- To keep the WordPress website up to date, and to co-ordinate technical and design updates.
- To oversee the distribution of regular media releases and co-ordinate enquiries, interviews and similar.
- To work to a planned calendar of events, publicity and launches across all products and services.
- To create responsive publicity as necessary.
- To attend networking and similar events where appropriate to current communications priorities.
- To ensure that all staff and volunteers joining YMCA Doncaster have an onboarding session to encourage their contribution to positive communications.
- To supervise / oversee volunteers and other staff engaged in communications tasks, and to provide templates and instructions as appropriate.
- To co-ordinate the work of external providers where necessary for design and print, advertising, the website and similar.
- To comply with fundraising and other legislation relevant to the role.
- To recommend updates to relevant policies in accordance with changes to legislation or operating practice.
- To report to the Chief Executive monthly in the required format.
- To approach the role with professionalism, and to maintain appropriate boundaries with staff, clients and others.
- Additional or other duties as necessary within your capabilities and status to meet the needs of YMCA Doncaster.

Person Specification
- Recent evidence of success in a communications-focused role.
- An understanding of the charity sector and the key issues for communication with stakeholders, supporters and the broader public.
- Experience of measuring continuous improvement and return on investment.
- Exceptionally strong written communication skills, a strong command of grammar and meticulous attention to detail.
- Able to build relationships and articulate YMCA Doncaster’s work effectively to a range of audiences.
- Able to co-ordinate the work of others including staff, volunteers and external providers.
- Proficient in the use of WordPress, ideally with the ability to address basic functionality issues.
- Experience of graphic design work (we work on Canva).
- Self-motivated and self-supporting, with the ability to work methodically and efficiently, programming work to allow for unexpected or short-notice opportunities / needs.
- Computer literate, able to use Microsoft Word and Excel to a high standard, and able to use technology in gathering information and producing content.
- Experience and understanding of maintaining confidentiality and appropriate relationships.