Job Description

About the Role

This is an exciting new role focused exclusively on communications, designed to significantly raise Aspire's profile across the region and establish the organisation as the leading voice in our area of work. Reporting to the Head of Fundraising and Communications, the Senior Communications Officer will lead on all external communications pathways, with particular emphasis on digital media and digital fundraising strategies. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with national and local media outlets, creating compelling content that showcases Aspire's impact, and implementing comprehensive digital communications strategies that drive engagement and support our mission.

The postholder will also support the development of internal communications plans and strategies to ensure that staff are informed and able to access key information though a range of appropriate internal channels.

Key Responsibilities

External Communications & Media Relations

Lead on all external communications strategies to position Aspire as the authoritative voice in supporting people to overcome personal challenges Develop and maintain relationships with national and local media outlets, journalists and media platforms Write and distribute press releases to media partners and arrange media interviews and coverage Proactively seek media opportunities to amplify Aspire's work and influence key audiences Monitor media coverage and manage Aspire's public reputation

Internal Communications

Design and implement effective internal communication plans that align with organisational objectives and promote staff engagement, ensuring consistent messaging across all departments. Produce high-quality written and visual content for a variety of internal channels, including staff newsletters, intranet updates, leadership communications, and team briefings. Support initiatives that build a positive workplace culture by facilitating two-way communication, gathering staff feedback, and promoting organisational values and achievements.

Digital Media & Content Strategy

Create and implement comprehensive digital media strategies across all platforms including WhatsApp, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok and emerging channels Develop and maintain a strategic content calendar that showcases Aspire's impact and drives engagement Produce high-quality digital content including videos, infographics, case studies and multimedia materials Manage and optimise Aspire's website content in collaboration with technical teams Oversee the design and publication of digital marketing materials and publications

Brand Development & Communications

Ensure consistent implementation of Aspire's brand guidelines across all communications channels Develop compelling messaging that resonates with target audiences and drives positive change Create an organisational communications toolkit to ensure consistent branding and messaging across all departments Lead the production of Aspire's annual Social Impact Report and other key publications Write award nominations and support recognition opportunities for the organisation

Digital Fundraising Support

Support digital fundraising initiatives through strategic communications and content creation Develop communications materials that drive donor engagement and retention Create compelling case studies and impact stories to support fundraising efforts Collaborate with the fundraising team to develop integrated campaigns

Stakeholder Engagement

Represent Aspire at conferences, events and in interactions with other organisations, services and authorities Act as a key spokesperson for the organisation when required Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, partners and influencers Develop advocacy-oriented communications that support policy and systemic change

Performance & Impact Measurement

Act as the key CRM ambassador internally (Salesforce) and manage data acquisition and DBMS "policing" Monitor and evaluate the impact of all communications activities Track key metrics including media coverage, social media engagement, website traffic and digital reach Provide regular reports on communications performance and ROI Continuously optimise strategies based on data and insights

Person Specification

Essential Requirements:

2+ years of communications experience, preferably in the charity or public sector Proven track record in digital marketing, social media management and content creation Excellent written communication skills with ability to write creative and impactful copy for diverse audiences Experience building relationships with media outlets and managing press relations Strong understanding of brand development and implementation Advanced IT skills including Microsoft Office, content management systems (e.g. WordPress, Drupal), social media scheduling tools (e.g. Hootsuite, Buffer, Lightfall) and analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics (GA4), Tag Manager, Dataro) Understanding of AI as a tool to support the charity's communications Experience with digital fundraising communications Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously You don't need to be passionate about Aspire's mission and committed to supporting people to overcome disadvantage but be aware that you will need to understand the issues

Desirable Requirements:

Degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism or related field Experience with DBMS / CRM systems and donor management platforms such as Salesforce, Donorfy, ACT or RaisersEdge Video production and graphic design skills Experience working with vulnerable populations or in social services Knowledge of the Oxfordshire and Thames Valley region Driving licence and access to a vehicle

Additional Information

Equality and Diversity

We celebrate the diversity of our people and are committed to building on an inclusive culture that encourages and supports both our employees and beneficiaries to thrive. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds.

Safeguarding

Adherence to safeguarding requirements and training is mandatory for all Aspire employees. This role is subject to satisfactory DBS checks.

This role offers flexibility to occasionally work evenings and weekends as required, particularly for media opportunities and events. The position provides an excellent opportunity for a communications professional to make a significant impact in tackling complex social issues while developing their career in the charity sector.

About Aspire

Aspire is a dynamic and forward-thinking organisation, tackling some of the most complex social issues that our community is facing as we respond to the cost-of-living crisis. Aspire supports people across Oxfordshire and the Thames Valley who have faced significant challenges in their lives, such as homelessness, offending histories or substance misuse, to find sustainable employment and break the complex cycles of re-offending, poverty and homelessness.

To apply for this role, please either apply on Indeed or submit the following documents by email to the email address provided at www.aspireoxfordshire.org/current-roles:

An up-to-date CV

A short Covering Letter (no more than 2 sides) which outlines your motivation for applying and your suitability for role

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 30,000.00-33,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Casual dress Cycle to work scheme Employee discount Enhanced maternity leave Flexitime Free parking On-site parking Work from home
Ability to commute/relocate:

Oxford OX1 1NJ: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:

Communications: 2 years (required)
Language:

English (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Oxford OX1 1NJ

Application deadline: 13/07/2025
Reference ID: SENIORCOMMS25