At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Cedar's Communications Strategy through social media, website updates, and marketing materials.
- Company: Join the Cedar Foundation, a leading organisation supporting disabled people in Northern Ireland.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 20 days annual leave, and a great pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a Platinum accredited team committed to staff development and well-being.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the community while developing your communications skills.
- Qualifications: Degree or equivalent experience in communications, with strong IT and organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 30426 - 30426 £ per year.
The Cedar Foundation is seeking to recruit a Communications Officer.
Location: Cedar, Balmoral Training Resource Centre, 1 Upper Lisburn Road, Belfast
Salary: Starting on £30,426 per annum (pro rata)
Hours: 1 X 25 Hours per week and 1 X 30 hours per week
The Cedar Foundation delivers services across Northern Ireland, supporting disabled people to live, connect, work and learn within their local communities. With a dedicated workforce of over 650 people, we support almost 3,000 people annually, enabling them to live the lives they choose. We are proud to hold Investors in People Platinum status placing us in the top 7% of organisations recognised for excellence in people management as well as Investors in Volunteers accreditation.
Purpose of the Job: To provide comprehensive support in the delivery of Cedar’s Communications Strategy. This includes maintaining and updating Cedar’s website, managing content across social media platforms, and assisting in the creation and distribution of both print and online marketing materials. The role will support our communications function with a particular emphasis on Cedar services, including co-ordination of promotional activities, events, and campaigns aimed at increasing visibility and engagement with the programme.
Benefits:
- Starting on 20 days annual leave pro rata plus Cedar recognises 12 statutory days
- Agile working and working from home options promote well-being and work-life balance.
- Flexi-time policy.
- Enhanced auto-enrolment pension scheme consisting of 5% employee contribution and 4% employer contribution.
- Occupational Sick Pay Scheme.
- Staff recognition & reward incentives aligned to high standards of performance.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Cashback health scheme.
- Special offers at over 600 leading high street and online retailers.
- Investor in People Platinum accredited organisation with commitment to development of the staff team through training and learning opportunities.
Essential Criteria:
- RQF level 6 / Degree or equivalent level qualification AND Minimum of 1 year’s paid experience in a similar role OR RQF level 4 or equivalent level professional qualification AND Minimum of 3 years paid experience in a similar role
- Experience of preparing content for websites, ezines, print and social media channels
- Experience of event management
- Proficiency in IT skills, specifically Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and content
- Ability to work independently with good organisational, communication and interpersonal skills
Desirable Criteria:
- Qualification in a relevant discipline (e.g. Communications or Marketing)
- Experience of working with people with disabilities or other disadvantaged groups
- Knowledge of the Community and Voluntary Sector
Closing Date: Friday, 7th August 2026 at 10:00 am
THE CEDAR FOUNDATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER
Please note – At present the Cedar Foundation does not offer sponsorship.
Communications Officer in Belfast employer: The Cedar Foundation
The Cedar Foundation is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for Health Care Support Workers in the vibrant community of Bangor. With competitive pay rates, generous benefits including paid training opportunities and a commitment to employee development, staff are empowered to grow both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with learning disabilities. Join a team that values collaboration and compassion, ensuring that every employee feels valued and supported in their role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Communications Officer in Belfast
✨Get Involved in PR Events
Dive into local PR meetups and workshops. Events like these are perfect for getting your face out there, chatting with industry pros, and spotting potential job openings at companies like The Cedar Foundation. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to learn about trends and make lasting connections.
✨Showcase Your PR Skills
Start building your personal brand as a PR ace. Use platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to share your thoughts on current events or PR campaigns you admire. Tagging companies you want to work for, like The Cedar Foundation, can catch their eye—especially if your insights resonate!
✨Leverage Your Network
Reach out to friends, family, or connections in the PR field. Even a casual chat can lead to opportunities. If you've got mutual contacts, ask for introductions when applying. Personal recommendations can give your application a nice little boost!
✨Tailor Your Approach
When applying for a full-time PR role, make sure to research The Cedar Foundation inside and out. Understanding their campaigns, values, and style allows us to directly align our application and impress during interviews. Don't hesitate to apply through our website—going direct can make a real difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Communications Officer in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Your Story Straight:In public relations, storytelling is everything! Make sure your CV highlights your experience in crafting compelling narratives and managing media relations. Share specific examples of campaigns you've worked on, and don’t forget to include any press coverage you've generated—it's impressive proof of your skills!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since PR is all about communication, we want to see your best writing samples. Include pieces like press releases, blog posts, or social media content that you've created. This gives us a taste of your voice and your ability to convey messages clearly and effectively, which is crucial for a role in this field.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a recap of your CV; it’s your chance to shine! Emphasise why PR excites you and how your background fits with the mission of The Cedar Foundation. Show us that you’ve done your homework and speak to why you’re passionate about the work we do.
Connect the Dots:When you’re writing your application, think about how your past experiences link to the responsibilities of the role. Mention any internships, volunteer work, or projects that involved public speaking, event planning, or strategic communication. This will help us see how you can seamlessly bring your skills into a full-time position at The Cedar Foundation.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Cedar Foundation
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
In public relations, storytelling is key. We should prepare compelling narratives about past campaigns or projects we’ve worked on. Think about how we can illustrate our impact and creativity in those stories—be ready to discuss specific examples that showcase our skills in managing media relationships and crafting messages.
✨Know Your PR Tools Inside Out
Familiarity with PR tools like Cision or Meltwater is crucial. We need to be able to discuss how we’ve used these tools in past roles or projects. If we've worked on media lists, press releases, or analytics reports, let’s have those experiences ready to share along with metrics we’ve achieved to back up our claims.
✨Stay Current with Industry Trends
We’ve got to stay sharp on the latest trends and events impacting the public relations field. Having a few insights ready about recent campaigns or shifts in media landscapes can show that we’re engaged and knowledgeable. This will also help us make connections between our experiences and the current state of the industry.
✨Showcase Our Versatility
As full-time PR professionals, we need to demonstrate our adaptability. Be ready to talk about how we've handled challenging situations, managed crises, or adapted strategies on the fly. Employers will appreciate our ability to pivot and find solutions under pressure, so let’s have those scenarios at our fingertips to discuss.
