Internal Communications Manager - job share

This role is instrumental in leading the development of a culture of effective internal communications throughout Plan – one of the two key objectives of our International Communications Strategy.

Through the development of a clear internal brand aligned to our external brand, clear policies and procedures to support our internal communications and the implementation of multi-media campaigns to deliver our key messages and encourage two way dialogue between staff, the post-holder will drive engagement amongst our 8000+ staff across the world.

The post-holder will become a key business partner to the leadership of Plan, increasing their visibility and building staff understanding of the key issues, priority actions and the overall strategic direction of the organisation.

About the role

This role will be shared with each job share post holder working three days a week. They will manage 3 staff members: the internal communications editor (F/T) and 2 part time Internal Communications Assistants (job share position – 2 days and 3 days)

This role has direct responsibility for managing the internal communications budget of approximately 250,000 Euros.

Main responsibilities

• Development of approved policy with stakeholders (including other departments – ICT, P&C, Programme and others that lays out the areas to be covered, minimum standards and the style/content rules

• Lead the development of a clear internal brand, policies and processes and ensure buy in from our leadership team to support the implementation of our International Communications Strategy

• Clear strategy indicating the choices that have been made about what when and how to use internal comms

• Lead the development and roll out of our internal social media strategy

• Implement our internal communications strategy and business plans to meet organisational objectives and aligns with our global Strategy to 2015

• Become a business partner to Plan’s leadership to determine their core communication needs and provide support through the writing or editing of key messages, strategies and business updates

About you

Knowledge

• of the key components of what creates an effective and proactive culture of good internal communications
• of an internal brand – components and value
• of core internal communications policy and guideline requirements
• of effective project management tools and mechanisms
• of good people management practices including effective performance management, career development and coaching
• of working in a busy online editorial environment with hands on experience of editing features and news, developing and moderating social media tools and effective online promotion.

Skills

• Excellent people management skills and ability to build a high performing team
• Excellent influencing and negotiating skills to enable you to work effectively with staff across the organisation and at all levels from the CEO onwards
• Consistent decision making and sound judgement
• Skilled in working in an internal communications role in a large international organisation
• Excellent project management skills to deliver a project to time and budget
• Excellent skills at developing strategy, business plans and associated budgets and management of the budget
• Excellent skills to both write engaging copy from scratch and proof read meticulously
• Ability to develop the right tone and style to write successfully for our CEO

Behaviours:

• Presence and authority to gain trust from the leadership of the organisation
• A strong belief in the need for effective internal communications and the patience and flexibility to engender this belief in others
• A collaborative working style to encourage the sharing of content by colleagues
• An interest in and awareness of global development issues and how they affect children
• Ability to work on a number or projects simultaneously and to manage the competing demands and deadlines
• An outgoing personality with the ability to network effectively and build good working relationships with colleagues across the organisation
• An innovator with a desire to identify and explore new methods of communication.

Languages

Fluent in English, knowledge of Spanish and/or French highly desirable

Location and Travel

This post is based in an office environment at the International Headquarters of Plan in Woking, Surrey UK. An occasional trip may be required to attend meetings on an ad hoc basis.

How to Apply

Please submit a full CV and a comprehensive cover letter setting out your reasons for applying for the post and outlining the qualifications experience knowledge and skills that you feel you can bring to the role to:- recadmin@plan-international.org

The closing date for applications is 13th February 2012

Please quote reference number IH090

Reference and background checks will be carried out in conformity with Plans Child Protection Policy. Plan operates an equal opportunities policy and actively encourages diversity, welcoming applications from all areas of the international community.

Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK without restrictions.

Reference and background checks will be carried out in conformity with Plans Child Protection Policy. Plan operates an equal opportunities policy and actively encourages diversity, welcoming applications from all areas of the international community.