At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop online community services for those affected by motor neurone disease.
- Company: Join a dedicated team at the MND Association making a real difference.
- Benefits: 28 days holiday, healthcare access, life assurance, and personal development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while supporting a vital community.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing online communities and strong conflict management skills.
- Other info: Hybrid working with a commitment to equality and inclusivity.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
As our Online Communities Specialist, you'll step into a newly created role where your experience in online forums and digital community support will make a real difference for people affected by motor neurone disease (MND). You'll lead the development and delivery of our online community services, ensuring they remain safe, accessible, and people-centred. You'll take a forum with real potential and develop it into a professional, sustainable peer support service - building the systems, processes and relationships to support long-term growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the growth, improvement and day-to-day delivery of online peer-support services
- Manage the forum platform, including configuration, security and performance
- Act as product owner, ensuring technology supports safe community connection
- Lead and coordinate online community support volunteers, including training
- Handle content moderation, complaints, conflict and crisis escalation
- Manage relationships with external suppliers and internal teams
- Ensure safeguarding, legal and regulatory compliance across the service
- Develop service policy, process and business continuity planning
- Analyse community data and contribute to service impact reporting
- Advocate for community needs while balancing organisational priorities
About You
Essential
- Proven experience managing online community platforms, including forums
- Strong understanding of data security, GDPR and Online Safety Act requirements
- Skilled in conflict management, complaints handling and crisis escalation
- Confident with data metrics and reporting
- Able to communicate with care and clarity, including representing an organisation externally
- Experience managing volunteers or staff remotely, supporting their development
Desirable:
- Understanding of person-centred digital support and accessibility considerations
- Experience contributing to digital service or product development
- Experience working with external agencies or suppliers
Hybrid working expectations: home-based role
We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We work to remove barriers for everyone affected by MND, employees, volunteers, and stakeholders. As part of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee interviews for disabled applicants who meet the role's requirements.
What We Offer
- 28 days holiday, increasing to 33 days after 5 years, plus Bank Holidays
- Access to UK Healthcare, including dental, eyecare, health screenings, and therapies
- 24/7 GP access via phone and video
- Life assurance and confidential counselling helplines
- Salary sacrifice schemes (Cycle to Work, Buy/Sell Annual Leave)
- Access to Benefit Hub for discounts on everyday shopping
- Enhanced pension scheme
- Opportunities for training and personal development
Motor Neurone Disease moves fast. It takes away time, it takes away independence and it has no cure. Every day we support people affected by MND. We fund ground-breaking research. We campaign for better care. We're here for everyone who needs us. Because with MND, every day matters.
Online Communities Specialist employer: Motor Neurone Disease Association
Contact Detail:
Motor Neurone Disease Association Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Online Communities Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Connect with people in the industry, especially those who are already working in online community roles. Use platforms like LinkedIn to reach out and engage with them; you never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you've got experience managing online forums or community support, make sure to highlight that in conversations. Share specific examples of how you've improved community engagement or handled conflicts – it’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; apply through our website! It shows you're genuinely interested in the role and helps us see your application more clearly. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on any new opportunities we have.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching our organisation and understanding the needs of the community we serve. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to making our online services safe and accessible – that’s what we’re all about!
We think you need these skills to ace Online Communities Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for online communities and supporting people shine through. We want to see how your experience aligns with our mission to help those affected by MND.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the Online Communities Specialist role. We love seeing how you can bring your unique background to our team!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us understand your qualifications quickly.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Motor Neurone Disease Association
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, dive deep into understanding the online community you'll be working with. Familiarise yourself with the current forum dynamics, user needs, and any existing challenges. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how you can enhance the community.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience managing online community platforms. Prepare specific examples of how you've handled conflict, moderated content, or improved user engagement. This will demonstrate your capability and give the interviewers confidence in your skills.
✨Understand Compliance and Safety
Brush up on GDPR, the Online Safety Act, and other relevant regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure compliance within the community. This shows that you take safeguarding seriously and understand the legal landscape surrounding online interactions.
✨Engage with Empathy
As this role is centred around supporting individuals affected by MND, practice communicating with care and clarity. Think about how you can advocate for community needs while balancing organisational priorities. This will highlight your person-centred approach and commitment to making a difference.