Marketing and Communications Manager in Kendal

Location: The Lakes Centre (Kendal) or Duke Street Centre (Barrow)

£28,431 per annum

Hours: 37.5 hours

The Marketing and Communications Manager is responsible for coordinating and delivering all areas of the organisation’s communications, marketing and brand activity to raise the charity’s profile, engagement and income across its geographical footprint. This role will lead the planning, implementation and evaluation of integrated marketing campaigns and communications activity by creating, distributing and optimising high-quality content across a range of channels. The postholder will be an agile and proactive professional, capable of managing multiple priorities and projects simultaneously, while building strong relationships internally and externally. The role requires excellent organisational, communication and leadership skills, alongside the ability to respond confidently to emerging opportunities and changing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Marketing and Brand / Corporate Identity
  • Work with the Head of Fundraising and Marketing to develop and deliver a marketing and communications plan supporting all areas of the organisation, including services, centres, fundraising and events.
  • Prepare proposals for the annual marketing budget.
  • Monitor and evaluate marketing activity against agreed objectives and strategy.
  • Support the implementation and execution of the organisation’s marketing strategy.
  • Manage the Marketing Job List, coordinating the creation and delivery of current and upcoming marketing activity.
  • Develop and maintain a portfolio of branded assets and promotional materials for use across the organisation.
  • Act as a brand guardian, ensuring all internal and external communications adhere to branding guidelines.
  • Advise colleagues on branding requirements and best practice where required.
  • Ensure all communications reflect the organisation’s mission, vision, values and tone of voice.
  • Ensure all newly created content is accessible and compliant with the organisation’s accessibility standards.
• Media Relations
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with media contacts across the organisation’s geographical footprint.
  • Write and distribute press releases, articles, statements and other media materials.
  • Create and manage engaging e-newsletter campaigns.
  • Coordinate and oversee media interviews involving staff, supporters and service users.
  • Respond to media enquiries and identify opportunities to increase engagement and awareness.
  • Work collaboratively with fundraising teams and volunteers to identify publicity opportunities.
  • Support colleagues with drafting communications plans, media statements and key messaging.
  • Respond proactively and reactively to current affairs, healthcare-related news and sector developments.
• Website and Digital Marketing
  • Maintain and update the organisation’s website through the CMS, ensuring content remains accurate and up to date.
  • Liaise with external web development agencies where required.
  • Support ongoing website development projects and recommend improvements to usability and performance.
  • Ensure website content is optimised for search engines (SEO).
  • Contribute to and lead the implementation of the organisation’s social media strategy.
  • Use analytics tools including Google Analytics, Mailchimp and social media insights to evaluate campaigns and produce reports for the management team.
  • Stay informed about developments in digital marketing, technology, the charity sector and healthcare communications.
• Content Development, Design and Production
  • Work collaboratively across teams to generate engaging and bespoke content for all communication channels.
  • Produce a variety of content including case studies, client stories, news articles, videos, photography, data-led content and campaign materials.
  • Lead on copywriting, editing and proofreading for all marketing communications.
  • Manage the design, production and printing of organisational literature and promotional materials.
  • Liaise with external suppliers including graphic designers, printers and creative agencies.
  • Coordinate production of the annual newsletter brochure and annual report.
  • Arrange photography and attend events, meetings or external visits where necessary, including occasional work outside normal office hours.
  • Ensure all content is tailored appropriately for each communication channel and aligned with tone of voice guidelines.
  • Develop and manage an editorial calendar to support planned campaigns and content delivery.
• Internal Communications and Support to Funded Projects
  • Manage day-to-day communications enquiries and act as a key point of contact for marketing and communications support.
  • Work closely with the CEO, Head of Fundraising and Marketing, and Bids and Trusts Officer on internal communications and funding applications.
  • Provide communications support for funded projects and organisational initiatives.
• Line Management
  • Line manage the Design and Social Media Officer, ensuring responsibilities and objectives are met.
  • Provide clear briefs, guidance and feedback on all delegated work.
  • Support staff development through regular supervision, objective setting and identifying relevant training opportunities.
  • Work collaboratively with the Design and Social Media Officer to manage distribution plans for marketing materials.
  • Oversee delivery of the organisation’s social media and email marketing strategy.
• Organisational Responsibilities
  • Contribute positively and proactively to the overall effectiveness of the organisation.
  • Manage workload effectively and maintain accurate records using organisational systems such as Microsoft Outlook.
  • Demonstrate flexibility in working patterns to meet the needs of the role.
  • Participate in training, meetings, events and organisational activities as required.
  • Comply with all organisational policies and procedures.
  • Promote and uphold the organisation’s mission, vision and values at all times.
  • Undertake any additional duties as reasonably requested by the Executive Leadership Team.

Skill Requirements

• Proven experience in a marketing, communications or public relations role.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong copywriting, editing and proofreading abilities.
• Experience managing websites, digital content and social media platforms.
• Knowledge of SEO, email marketing and analytics tools.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Excellent IT skills, including Microsoft Office and digital marketing platforms.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Experience managing external suppliers and stakeholders.
• Experience working within the charity or healthcare sector.
• Knowledge of accessibility standards and inclusive communications.
• Experience using CMS platforms, Mailchimp and Google Analytics.
• Graphic design or multimedia content creation experience.
• Understanding of media relations and public affairs.
• Full UK driving licence with access to a vehicle.
• Creative and strategic thinking.
• Relationship building and stakeholder engagement.
• Leadership and team development.
• Adaptability and resilience.
• Problem solving and initiative.
• Brand awareness and audience focus.
• High level of professionalism and discretion.