At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead marketing and communications to boost awareness of vital support services for farmers.
- Company: Join Rural Support, a charity dedicated to improving the lives of farming families in Northern Ireland.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration across sectors.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team that creates positive change in rural communities.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in marketing or business development; passion for community engagement is a must.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Location: Cookstown (hybrid working available)
Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week
Contract: Permanent (subject to funding)
Reports to: CEO
Company Description
Rural Support is the Farm Support Charity for Northern Ireland. Through our programmes and services, we provide a range of crisis and non-crisis support to farmers and farm families, addressing issues such as financial pressure, succession planning, isolation, bereavement and mental health support. Working collaboratively with stakeholders across government, industry, and the agri community, our core aim is to improve resilience and well-being in farm families. Staff members are mission-driven and committed to creating positive, sustainable change for those living and working in rural Northern Ireland.
Role Purpose
The Marketing, Communications and Business Development Manager will lead Rural Support’s strategic communications, stakeholder engagement and outreach activity to maximise awareness, access and uptake of its core services, including farm business support and farmer well-being programmes. The role plays a central function in ensuring that services reach farmers effectively, particularly those who are harder to engage or at risk, enabling earlier intervention and improved outcomes. In addition, the post holder will develop partnerships and secure complementary investment that enhances programme delivery, extends reach, and supports the long-term sustainability of services. This will ensure that Rural Support can continue to respond to growing demand while maximising the impact and value of public funding.
Key Responsibilities
- Marketing, Communications and PR
- Develop and deliver an annual Strategic Marketing and Communications Plan in line with organisational and funder priorities
- Manage integrated communications across digital, print, media and events
- Create clear, sensitive and engaging content reflecting the realities of farming life
- Manage website, social media and email platforms to drive awareness and engagement
- Develop and maintain media relationships; prepare press releases and monitor coverage
- Capture and communicate impact, outcomes and case studies across all services
- Programme Reach, Access and Impact
- Increase awareness and uptake of Rural Support services across the farming community
- Target communications and outreach to harder-to-reach and vulnerable farmers
- Support early intervention by ensuring farmers are aware of available supports at the right time
- Contribute to monitoring and evaluation by capturing data, insights and outcomes
- Demonstrate the reach, effectiveness and value of funded services through reporting and communications
- Business Development, Partnerships and Co-Investment
- Develop and manage strategic partnerships with Agri-sector organisations, corporates, funding partners, community groups and other stakeholders
- Secure co-investment, sponsorship and grant income that directly supports programme delivery and expansion
- Identify and secure opportunities to leverage additional resources, from various sources, that support core activities and projects
- Support the development of collaborative initiatives in line with farm business resilience, farmer well-being, social farming and other Rural Support programmes
- Contribute to a diversified and sustainable funding model linked to service delivery
- Work with the CEO and senior team to identify and progress new programme opportunities based on emerging need
- Community Engagement and Participation
- Develop and deliver community engagement initiatives that increase awareness, participation and support for services
- Plan and support events and campaigns that engage farmers and rural communities
- Strengthen relationships with supporters, partners and stakeholders to build trust and ongoing engagement
- Ensure consistent, accessible and relevant communication with service users and stakeholders
- Corporate Outreach and Representation
- Represent Rural Support at sectoral events, meetings and networking opportunities
- Build relationships across the agri-food industry and rural stakeholder landscape
- Ensure Rural Support messaging is clear, consistent and professionally presented
- Support innovation in outreach approaches to increase engagement and reach
- Data, CRM and Governance
- Maintain accurate records of stakeholders, partners and engagement activity using CRM systems
- Track and analyse engagement, partnership and co-investment activity
- Ensure timely and professional communication and follow-up with stakeholders
- Ensure all activity complies with GDPR, safeguarding and organisational policies
- Provide regular reports to senior management and the Board
- Collaboration and Organisational Support
- Work closely with service delivery teams to ensure communications and outreach are planned in collaboration with programme delivery
- Support organisation-wide initiatives and projects as required
- Uphold Rural Support values and maintain high professional standards
Team working is an essential component of this post both in relation to those within the immediate team but also directly with Senior Leadership Team and the Board of Trustees.
Other Duties
The Marketing, Communications and Business Development role is a key role, and there may be occasions where they will be asked to represent the organisation at events and meetings. They are expected to have high level presentation skills, a high level of professionalism and expertise and to be able to engage with a wide range of people and bodies.
Experience and Education
- Third Level or Professional qualification in marketing, communications, business development or related field
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in marketing, communications, business/partnership development
- Experience building partnerships and securing funding/financial support
- Experience working in the charity, voluntary or community sector
- Strong digital, written and verbal communications skills
- Experience using CRM systems and managing stakeholder data
- Proven ability to build relationships with a range of stakeholders
- Strong organisational and administrative skills
- Understanding of confidentiality, safeguarding and GDPR
- Commitment to Rural Support’s mission
- Understanding of the Northern Ireland farming sector
- Experience of stakeholder engagement or membership-based models
- Media relations or event management experience
- Experience designing and delivering stakeholder research campaigns
Marketing, Communications and Business Development Manager in Cookstown employer: Rural Support NI
Rural Support is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and mission-driven work culture that prioritises the well-being of both its staff and the farming community in Northern Ireland. With a focus on employee growth and development, the organisation offers opportunities for professional advancement while promoting a collaborative environment where innovative ideas are welcomed. The hybrid working model enhances work-life balance, making it an attractive place for individuals passionate about making a meaningful impact in rural communities.
