At a Glance
- Tasks: Support communication efforts for refugees and asylum seekers in the North East.
- Company: Join the Regional Refugee Forum North East, a vital community organisation.
- Benefits: Permanent role with opportunities for personal development and community impact.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment focused on diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by amplifying the voices of refugees and asylum seekers.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are here to support, promote and develop voluntary and community action in Middlesbrough. The Regional Refugee Forum North East is recruiting for a Communication Officer. The Regional Refugee Forum North East is an independent membership organisation created in 2003 by, and for community organisations led by Refugees and Asylum Seekers living in the North East of England. We are founded on the understanding that peer support plays a unique and vital role in promoting integration. Policy and services are most effective if the voice of the Refugee and Asylum Seeker community themselves is heard in their development.
The Communication Officer will support the Regional Refugee Forum North East in communicating effectively with refugees and people seeking sanctuary across the region. They will support the Coordinator and Community Development Officer in developing a strong voice for refugees, and help with the administration of the charity.
Contract Type: Permanent
Role Type: Employment
Based: North East of England
Salary Type: Fixed Salary
Location: Regionwide
JOB PURPOSE: Support the development and growth of communication activities in support of the Regional Refugee Forum North East and Refugee-Led Community Organisations (RCOs) across the Northeast of England.
MAIN DUTIES
- Refugee-led Community Organisation (RCO) Development
- Develop an understanding of the communications and information needs of the Refugee-Led Community Organisations (RCOs) and our allies across the Northeast England.
- Develop an understanding of existing platforms and social media channels to connect with the work of local RCOs.
- Develop a communications strategy that meets the information needs of the local RCOs.
- Develop, implement, and maintain a wide range of communication channels, methods, and tools that meet the needs of RCOs.
- Write, edit, and distribute various relevant content and information using a range of communications channels including website, social media, printed and online materials.
- Plan and implement communications and marketing campaigns and develop an understanding of what works for different audiences.
- Provide communications advice and support to RCOs and to colleagues internally.
- Develop mechanisms to gather the views of local RCOs, as well as systems and processes for recording, analysing and sharing this information, to help influence local, regional and national policy and practice.
- Ensure our work is compliant in key areas, such as data protection etc.
- Develop and produce marketing materials as directed by the trustees and other staff members.
- Keep abreast of developments in new technology including artificial intelligence and determine its appropriate use in the work of the team.
- Sector engagement and representation
- Establish, develop and maintain relationships with RCOs and a wide range of key stakeholders and partners to support and facilitate the sharing of relevant information to refugees and people seeking asylum, both in person and using online platforms.
- Work collectively with the trustees and other staff to develop and implement a programme of sector engagement, ensuring the team is well connected to community issues and those of local RCOs.
- Develop and maintain a database of RCOs, services and networks, working with colleagues to ensure consistency across the organisation as a whole.
- Information, resources and training
- Keep abreast of local, regional and national issues and news that is of interest or importance to RCOs to ensure all information is up to date and relevant.
- Keep up to date with policies and other developments relevant to your work by reading and attending meetings and conferences.
- Develop systems and processes for recording, tracking and seeking feedback on internal and external communications mechanisms, as well as analysing their effectiveness.
- Use feedback and analysis of communication mechanisms to improve communication and information for RCOs continuously.
- Assist in the development of online tools and digital self-serve facilities for the voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) sector.
- Contribute to the planning, delivery and evaluation of training for local RCOs, aligning your expertise, skills and interests with the training programme's priorities.
- Other
- Undertake training in line with Regional Refugee Forum North East requirements and personal development plans agreed with the trustees and members of staff.
- Fully participate as a member of the staff team by attending meetings, sharing information, and covering other roles in the event of staff sickness.
- Contribute to organisational planning and policy at Regional Refugee Forum North East.
- Ensure that all work is carried out in accordance with the policies, procedures, and values of the Regional Refugee Forum North East.
- Contribute to maintaining a working environment in which diversity is respected and equal opportunities are promoted.
- Undertake other duties as required by the trustees and members of staff.
The closing date for this job is 3 July 2026 - 5:00pm.
Organisation: Regional Refugee Forum North East
Communication Officer employer: Middlesbrough Voluntary Development Agency
The Regional Refugee Forum North East is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment in the heart of Middlesbrough. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer opportunities for professional development while championing the voices of refugees and asylum seekers. Our collaborative culture encourages innovation and engagement, making it a meaningful place to contribute to community action and integration.
Contact Details:
Middlesbrough Voluntary Development Agency Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Communication Officer
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Middlesbrough Voluntary Development Agency.
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✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Middlesbrough Voluntary Development Agency.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
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We think you need these skills to ace Communication Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Middlesbrough Voluntary Development Agency. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Communication Officer, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Middlesbrough Voluntary Development Agency
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Middlesbrough Voluntary Development Agency. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
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Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
