The NCTJ has a dedicated team of staff based in a converted granary in the lovely North Essex village of Newport, near Saffron Walden. We have a friendly working environment with a team-working and goal-orientated culture.
Everyone is very committed to the organisation’s values, achieving high standards and implementing new ways of working. All staff are flexible in their approach and adaptable to change. As a charity, we are cost conscious and efficient. We take great care over recruitment and training as we regard our staff as vital to our success.
The NCTJ is an equal opportunities employer and believes in investing in staff.
We also employ examiners and rely on volunteers who are committed to professional journalism and our charitable activities.
Communications manager
The National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) is looking for a communications professional to join its team at an exciting time of growth and development.
The NCTJ is the media industry’s training charity, a professional body, awarding organisation and training provider for journalists.
The ideal candidate will have a wide range of skills in communications, journalism and management.
Candidates should be NCTJ-qualified and will have experience working in the media and communications industry and a passion for quality trusted journalism and diversity. This is a great opportunity for an editor or senior journalist who wants to move into a senior communications role.
Key responsibilities
The main areas of responsibility are:
- Work with the head of marketing and communications and the chief executive to implement the NCTJ’s strategy and action plan.
- Promote the NCTJ’s presence through effective content creation and thought leadership and messaging.
- Co-ordinate, implement and evaluate communication campaigns and activities including press relations and public affairs.
- Manage promotion and increase awareness of the Community News Project and other NCTJ projects.
- Manage NCTJ events.
About you
The NCTJ is looking for a brilliant communicator who shares our values and has the confidence and skills to hit the ground running at an important time in the charity’s development.
As a small team, we need a professional with excellent communication skills who can create the highest quality content and promote our products and services effectively to our stakeholders.
You must be able to plan ahead as well as think on your feet. You will bring new creative ideas to the team and be able to multi-task, prioritise and work efficiently to tight deadlines and under pressure.
You will need to be confident leading teams and communicating with stakeholders at all levels and from different backgrounds and all walks of life. You’ll be dealing with learners, journalists, editors, sponsors and industry executives on a daily basis so you’ll need to combine professionalism and confidence with diplomacy and sensitivity.
Successful candidates will play a lead role in the charity’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion so it’s important to have an interest in this vital area of our work.
For this role it is absolutely essential that you have an excellent standard of English and good writing ability as well as digital skills and attention to detail.
Benefits
This full-time fixed-term (12 months) post attracts an annual salary of £40,000-£45,000 (depending on experience). This is a maternity cover role but for the right candidate we expect further permanent opportunities will become available as the NCTJ continues to grow.
Other financial benefits include a five per cent employer pension contribution, life insurance, company bonus scheme and 25 days of holiday.
There are staff events and personal development training opportunities and a great working environment. The job is based at our lovely offices in the North Essex village of Newport near Saffron Walden. We promote work-life balance and support staff who have family responsibilities and particular needs.
How to apply
Your curriculum vitae and covering letter, detailing why you would like to be considered for the position, should be addressed to Joanne Butcher, chief executive. Please email your application to joanne.butcher@nctj.com.
Communications manager job description
Finance and audit committee
The NCTJ has experienced considerable growth in recent years, and its finances are becoming more complex. We have therefore established a finance and audit committee (FAC) to formalise and extend the role and remit of the audit committee which met annually to oversee the external audit.
The purpose of the FAC is to assist the directors in fulfilling their obligations and oversight responsibilities specifically relating to financial planning, the audit process, financial reporting, the system of controls and risk management, and to make recommendations to the directors.
We are looking to appoint at least two additional external members (ie those who are not directors of the NCTJ). External members should bring an appropriate range of financial, risk, compliance and audit management skills and experience to the FAC.
The committee normally meets four times a year, and additionally as required.
Expressions of interest in joining the FAC can be made at any time by emailing the chief executive Joanne Butcher: joanne.butcher@nctj.com
