Job Description

​An ambitious, multi-award winning, private housing organisation is looking for an Internal Communications & Engagement Manager to join their fast-growing Harrogate-based team. Reporting directly into the Executive Director and working closely with the HR and Marketing Teams, the successful candidate will take ownership of the Internal Communications strategy and delivery with the central aim of driving employee engagement.

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​Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver an engaging internal communications strategy to increase employee engagement, working with contributors from across the business to craft impactful content.

• Develop and manage internal communication channels, including new and innovative solutions, to gain maximum receptivity and engagement across the organisation.

• Lead, coordinate and provide hands on support to deliver a calendar of engagement activities.

• Work closely with the Executive Director - Partnering and HR and Marketing teams to drive the employee engagement strategy:

• Manage the employee engagement survey delivery and any output/action planning.

• Deliver an effective communication plan in relation to the survey.

• Support the development of employee experience projects relating to health and wellbeing, retention, recruitment, employee benefits and employee recognition awards.

• Support the embedding of company values across all areas of the employee experience.

• Identify new trends in internal communications, evaluating new technologies and ensure the brand is at the forefront of industry developments.

• Work with and get the best out of external agencies/suppliers to support the strategy i.e. graphic designers etc.

• Lead and manage internal events such as town hall sessions, conferences etc, from concept to completion working closely with senior leaders.

• Support senior leaders to deliver inspiring, on-message communications, through coaching as well as the crafting of scripts or written communications.

• In partnership with the Marketing team, support the business’ Corporate Social Responsibility strategy and corporate fundraising targets, ensuring that charity fundraising or volunteering events are delivered on time and in budget.

• Lead, inspire and coordinate an engaged team of champions and influencers across the business to support the delivery of the communications strategy and engagement events.

Key Requirements

Qualifications & Training

• Relevant qualifications in communications or marketing would be an advantage.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products including; Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel.

Experience

• Editing and writing skills: You need to be a great writer, editor and proof-reader. You also need the journalistic ability to source and develop stories from within the organisation.

• Speaking skills: The role of internal communications means you need to influence and inspire, so confident speaking and presentation skills are critical.

• Interpersonal skills: You’ll need to build great relationships at all levels of the organisation. From influencing people on the front line of the business, through to coaching Exec members.

• Creative skills: You need the creative ability to devise communication strategies and come up with new and fresh ideas. An eye for visual design is an advantage.

• Digital and technology skills: Familiarity with intranet technology and a variety of digital communication tools including video is essential, as is a strong competency with Office products including PowerPoint and Word. Experience with Microsoft SharePoint, InDesign, Adobe and Photoshop systems is desirable.

• Video editing skills: Experience in basic video production and editing for internal use and using online tools for a quick turnaround for visual content is an advantage.

• Industry knowledge: Experience in a manufacturing or construction environment would be an advantage.

• Project management: Strong organisational and planning skills and the ability to deliver to deadlines is essential.

Qualities & Attitude

• The ability to think strategically, with hands on delivery.

• Positive, engaging communication style.

• Proactive, flexible and resilient, to cope with a fast paced, high demand role.

• Ability to self-prioritise and manage a demanding workload.

• Passionate about communications and engagement, cares deeply about delivering high quality work.

• Ability to influence and coach people at all levels.

• Self-starter with a drive to make things happen and add value to solutions within a business.

• Innovative, creative and inspiring – able to challenge and suggest improvements.