Head of Marketing and Communications

Job description

To oversee the Marketing and Communications function in delivering internal and external communications ensuring the organisation is delivering on all marketing initiatives to drive brand awareness across Northern Ireland, Great Britain, Ireland and the Isle of Man. To mentor and coach department staff and interns to deliver on their role objectives and develop their knowledge and skills. To oversee and provide coaching and guidance on all marketing and communications related issues to the wider organisation. Ensure strong influencing of stakeholders and marketing team through matrix management to enable successful delivery of projects. To support the wider organisation to create a culture of collaboration in promoting the brand of Praxis Care..

Responsibilities

• Be the organisational lead for all Marketing and Communications initiatives and build credibility for the area of expertise.
• Support in the development and communicate policies and procedures to ensure that all teams are operating to clear and timely advice and processes.
• Build and improve all ways of working to lead to service excellence. Support, review and update all relevant procedures and policies to ensure continuous service delivery and improvement.
• Ensure marketing data is protected in line with GDPR and data protection policies.
• Directly deliver or prepare training materials for colleagues to deliver on relevant communications.
• Manage all elements of the brand visual identity and ensure brand guidelines are relevant and meaningful. Ensure all brand messaging is strong and consistent across all jurisdictions on all channels and marketing efforts.
• Establish and maintain templates for staff use, both digital (e.g., PowerPoint template) and physical.
• Provide a structure and framework in terms of branding and marketing from which the team can develop marketing activity to support the organisations activities, including market research, collateral and advertising.
• Define and drive the brand to a range of stakeholders, tailoring messaging and developing marketing campaigns and activity.
• Develop and work with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) in the implementation of the marketing and communications plan.
• Align the strategy with the organisational objectives and work closely with SLT contributing to the shape and direction of Praxis Care.
• Chair the cross-departmental Communications Pillar Group that works on achieving Praxis Care Strategy 2025 objectives.
• Undertake regular branding surveys on a wide scale in all jurisdictions to review efficacy of PR and marketing.
• Strategise about efficient allocation of resources and channels using available data, conducting tests and reviewing research.
• Be accountable in preparing and managing the monthly, quarterly and annual marketing budgets for the marketing department whilst monitoring spend and maximising effectiveness alongside the Director of Care & Development.
• Provide clear information to departments/services about costs of running campaigns on their behalf and ensure costs are assigned correctly.
• To report directly to the Director of Care & Development on marketing updates, trends and other relevant updates to ensure ongoing organisational growth.
• To produce reports when required on marketing activity updates, advising the SLT on recommendations for improvements. Set, monitor and report on marketing and communication objectives.
• To liaise with line management, colleagues and external suppliers as determined by needs and to attend all required meetings.
• To negotiate and enforce contracts with vendors and partners.
• To provide input into the SLT and be accountable for providing accurate and timely information to support key organisational decisions and requirements.
• Work closely with all departments across operations and corporate services to develop and implement tactical activity and communications to support their function and overall organisational strategy.
• Liaise with strategic partners to promote Praxis Care as part of brand awareness and growth strategy.
• To develop and manage external agency/freelancer relationships (media purchasing, web development, design, photography/videography) ensuring there is a clear understanding of the strategy, brand and communications messaging
• Be responsible for the development and implementation of all aspects of marketing communications including writing copy, producing marketing collateral, PR and advertising.
• Manage all direct communications internally and externally, ensuring staff and volunteers are fully briefed on key messages.
• Manage crisis communications including liaising directly with leadership at regulators, housing associations, commissioners (e.g., Trusts, councils and HSE).
• Oversee production and dissemination of Annual Report and Financial Accounts in line with regulatory requirements.
• Manage effective internal communications with Praxis Care staff and volunteers using relevant channels, including briefing the Board on relevant topics and preparing media for their review.
• Oversee the Praxis Care intranet (Workvivo), collaborating with the project team across departments encourage engagement, liaising with the intranet provider to optimise the platform.
• implementing innovative initiatives to encourage staff communication and promote a values-led organisational culture.
• Lead the implementation of and deliver all multi-channel marketing activity. Oversee the production of all promotional material and marketing campaigns.
• Develop and manage all communications channels, including website, social media, advertising and listings on relevant online platforms and the production and distribution of all digital and printed material.
• Create, own and manage relevant marketing processes to improve forward planning and project management.
• Arrange for Praxis Care involvement in the sector through event sponsorship, event attendance/other participation, award nominations, campaign involvement, etc.
• Provide event management for high value events, including conferences and internal awards ceremonies, working with relevant colleagues, including visuals.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Business-related degree and at least 3 years' recent experience in a marketing/communications management role.
• Or 5 years' recent experience in a marketing/communications management role.
• Demonstrable experience in: Branding; Working with external agencies and partners; Working with senior stakeholders; Developing strategic partnerships with external parties.
• Development and delivering high level marketing strategies: Copy writing; Website management; Social media management; Extensive cross-departmental collaboration
• Full valid drivers licence on application and access to own vehicle on appointment; Strong relationship building and people skills; Excellent organisational skills
• Excellent customer service and communication skills and ability to translate thinking clearly to others
• Analytical and methodical in dealing with tasks
• Highly initiative driven and creative in approach to solving problems; Proactive, solution oriented and plans ahead to achieve outcomes; Constantly seeking to improve process and systems and influential in doing so
• Willing to provide frequent, honest feedback to staff, vendors and relevant colleagues

Further Information

Hybrid working available Base can be in Ardee or Belfast