Head of Marketing and Communications
British Science Association
Hours
Full-time 35 hours per week
Salary
£45,448 - £55,744 per year
About the Organisation
British Science Association (BSA) is a UK-based organization dedicated to promoting science, engaging the public, and encouraging inclusivity in scientific fields. Established in 1831, the BSA has a rich history of fostering curiosity and understanding of science among diverse audiences. Its mission is to transform the way people connect with and view science, making it more accessible and part of everyday culture.
About the role
The Head of Marketing and Communications is responsible for the strategic direction of the BSA’s marketing and communications activity. Working with senior colleagues, you will develop and oversee the marketing and communications strategy for the BSA overall, as well as some of its high-profile programs. You will have responsibility for the full spectrum of the BSA’s communications function, from digital marketing to traditional media relations, and for communications output across earned, owned, and bought media platforms, leading a small team to deliver against the goals set at both a program and organizational level.
You will oversee a small, centralized communications budget (<£100,000) in addition to the communications budgets attached to core programs, including the British Science Festival and CREST Awards. You will ensure that our communications strategy meets the needs of our audiences; you will grow the reach and impact of our communications activities and deliver action plans that support the KPIs of our programs, including ensuring we achieve targets agreed with our funders.
Responsibilities
Leadership:
- Lead and inspired the Communications team, with line-management responsibility for three manager-level roles.
- Foster a collaborative, values-driven working environment for the Communications team across the organization, including Fundraising, Policy, and Programme teams.
- Work closely with the Director of Development & External Relations and Chief Executive on key strategic and emerging issues such as stakeholder engagement, thought leadership, and crisis communications.
External Communications:
- Develop and deliver a bold and exciting marketing and communications strategy for the organization, based on our strategy and business plan.
- Accountability for the marketing and communications output for all BSA programs and their respective brands, including the British Science Festival, CREST Awards, British Science Week, For Thought, and others.
- Oversight of the BSA’s corporate communications strategy and BSA brand, offering support and leadership to colleagues on the delivery of the strategy.
- British Science Week, including planning and delivery of the annual PR campaign, as well as supporting the Education and Community Engagement teams on the program content (activity packs, grants).
- BSA’s lead on messaging and tone of voice, ensuring consistency and appropriate use across all communications output.
- Lead our engagement with media, journalists, influencers, and other relevant stakeholders to raise the profile of the BSA and its programs.
- Direction and maintain oversight of the BSA’s digital communications output, including our websites and social media channels, supporting colleagues to develop and deliver innovative content ideas.
- Lead the evaluation and impact reporting of all communications activity, including providing reports to the BSA’s Council and other senior stakeholders/funders.
- Support colleagues across the organization, especially at busy times or in specific areas of expertise.
- Support internal communications, such as coordinating internal opportunities to promote collaborative working across the organization.
- Other duties as reasonably required by your line manager.
Skills, Competencies & Experience
- Extensive experience in creating integrated marketing and communications from scratch, for a range of audiences.
- Extensive media and digital communications experience, with an eye for strong story angles and narratives that will work with audiences.
- Understanding of how to work with the media to generate press coverage and raise the profile of an organization, project, and spokesperson. In particular, showcasing diverse and representative ambassadors across numerous projects.
- Experience in line management, including leading high-performing teams and dealing with all aspects of people management.
- Managing budgets effectively, including planning & controlling spend.
- Experience in briefing, commissioning, and managing suppliers (such as designers, writers, web developers, etc).
- Excellent organizational and time management skills; ability to juggle multiple projects and remain calm and clear-headed under pressure.
- Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to communicate effectively in a range of different settings (including presentations to external stakeholders and funders) and to act as an effective ambassador for the organization.
- Excellent project management skills, including the ability to juggle numerous projects at once
- Experience in working with stakeholders and funders.
- Awareness of the ways that organizations can implement the best equality, diversity & inclusion practices to achieve results in campaigns and programs.
- Passion for the BSA’s vision and mission.
- Keen interest in current affairs and politics, particularly in science, business, and the media.
- Interest in the power of analytics data and how to use it to improve customer journeys, engagement with comms activity, and reach of campaigns.
Desirable:
- Experience working in journalism, PR, and science communication.
- Interest in communications best practices and keeping abreast of innovative tactics being used in charity and consumer campaigns.
Required Qualifications
- Undergraduate Degree
Compensation & Benefits
- 27 days Annual Leave and Bank Holidays
- 2 days of Paid Leave per year
- Auto-Enrolment Pension Scheme 4% paid by Employer
- 5 days’ Unpaid Leave per year
- Life Assurance First day Subject to Scheme rules
- Occupational Sick Pay 6 weeks’ Full pay per year
- Interest-Free Loan & Season Ticket
- Bike to Work
- Discounts Science Museum Tickets and Shop
Working locations
- Hybrid model, working in the London office and remotely
How to apply
- Send an email to [email protected] with a CV and a cover letter by Wednesday 8th January 2025 at 11:30 PM
Interviews
- Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. The 1st interview will take 20th January and The 2nd interview will take 27th January 2025
Policies
- As part of the British Science Association’s commitment to being a Disability Confident employer, all disabled* applicants who meet the ‘essential criteria’ for this vacancy will be offered an interview under our guaranteed interview scheme.