Director of Communications and Marketing in Wandsworth

Back Up is an organisation that has inspired and supported people affected by spinal cord injury to get the most out of life for almost 40 years. Today, the organisation is leading the way in helping people adjust positively to life after a spinal cord injury. The organisation's services are delivered by people who've been there, who understand the journey, and know how to support others. Whether it's building practical skills through wheelchair skills training, boosting confidence via participation in life-changing courses, or supporting families through challenging times, Back Up is there for everyone affected by spinal cord injury.

Charity People is delighted to be supporting this incredible organisation to recruit for a part time Director of Communications and Marketing who will join the team at a key point in the early stages of their new strategy, as they launch a new brand and head into their 40th birthday year with the vision to ensure everyone affected by spinal cord injury can reach their full potential - no matter their age, background, injury level or any other factor.

Part time Director of Communications and Marketing

• Contract: Permanent role
• Hours: Part time, 21 hours per week
• Salary: £60,000 to £70,000 per annum FTE (pro-rata for 0.6 hour week to between £36,000 and £42,000)
• Location: Hybrid - home based with at least one day per week in the charity HO in Wandsworth, South London
• Closing date for applications: Monday 15th December at 9am
• Interviews: first stage interview held remotely on Wednesday 7th January, with second round being held in person on Tuesday 15th January

The Director of Communications and Marketing will combine strategic leadership with a readiness to get hands-on where needed, building sustainable systems, processes, and team capacity that set Back Up to achieve long-term success. Your core responsibilities will include:

• Building on existing plans develop and deliver a comprehensive 2030 communications and marketing strategy aligned with organisational and departmental plans.
• Serve as strategic communications advisor to the CEO and SLT on reputation, brand positioning, and stakeholder engagement; and lead cross departmental collaboration to deliver shared objectives.
• Build and nurture strategic partnerships with key media, influencers, and sector organisations.
• Oversee the successful phased launch and roll-out of Back Up's new brand across all channels from January 2025.
• Ensure storytelling is compelling, authentic, and inclusive, reflecting the lived experience of people with spinal cord injury.
• Oversee creative strategy, commissioning, and content planning, ensuring quality and alignment with Back Up's mission.
• Champion accessible communications that reach and resonate with diverse audiences.
• Provide strategic oversight of digital marketing and online engagement, including social media, to grow reach and impact.
• Champion the ethical use of AI and emerging technologies in communications, ensuring robust governance and responsible practice.
• Introduce systems and processes to measure digital performance and optimise engagement.
• Line manage a team of five in total with direct line management responsibility for two Communications and Marketing Managers, ensuring clarity, accountability, and professional development.
• Model a creative, ambitious, and positive culture in line with Back Up's values.
• Build long-term team capability in brand, digital, and storytelling.
• Manage external agencies, freelancers, and suppliers to deliver high-quality outputs.
• Maintain strong financial management and risk controls within agreed budgets, and report clearly and regularly to CEO, SLT, and Board on communications impact, reputation, and reach.

We'd love to hear from candidates with the following skills and experience:

• Previous Director-level leadership experience of communications and marketing functions (charity or comparable sector).
• Proven track record in developing and delivering successful communication and marketing strategies.
• Strong expertise in brand management, digital engagement, and integrated campaigns across multiple channels.
• Experience leading a significant brand roll-out or website redevelopment project.
• Understanding of digital transformation, including CRM/data integration, marketing automation, and analytics.
• Knowledge of accessibility standards and inclusive communications practices.
• Familiarity with the ethical application of AI and emerging digital tools in communications.
• Strong financial and risk management skills.
• Outstanding storytelling, presentation, and influencing skills, with gravitas to act as an organisational ambassador.
• Ability to lead through change, build effective partnerships, and inspire teams.
• Alignment with Back Up's values: we embrace challenge, we have fun, we build inclusive communities, and we are ambitious for each other.

Additionally, we're particularly keen to speak to anyone who has lived experience of disability or spinal cord injury, however this is in no way essential.

If you're interested in hearing more about this opportunity, please send your CV to Alice at Charity People in the first instance.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.