Digital Communications Manager (18 month FTC)

*The application page will give you a single 'Upload your CV' option. Please use this CV upload option to upload a single document that includes both a Cover letter and a CV within a single document. Please use the Cover letter to outline how your skills, experience and knowledge meets the essential criteria of the role *

Job purpose

We are looking for an experienced digital communications professional to play a key role in improving our digital communications. Reporting to the head of communications, marketing and digital, the role will oversee the development of a new RCVS Knowledge website, developing our use of user data and insights and managing the development of engaging content.

As project manager for the RCVS Knowledge website development from discovery to launch, you will be working closely with your colleagues in our small and friendly communications team, as well as with internal stakeholders and external suppliers to help us realise our vision of a well-designed, user-friendly website which meets the needs of all our audiences.

You will ensure that we have a shared understanding of our requirements across the RCVS Knowledge team and with the supplier, and that these requirements are informed by audience data and insights. In addition, you will also take the lead on auditing our current site content and developing a strategy for developing relevant, high-quality content in time for launch and beyond.

You will have recent, relevant experience of leading website developments of significant size and complexity, with a passion for user-centred design and creating high-quality content.

Key responsibilities

• Act as the main point of contact between RCVS Knowledge and the digital agency, and internally with the website project stakeholders.

• Work with internal and external stakeholders to ensure user needs are understood, manage the development of the project plan, establish regular meetings to share progress and seek input and deliver to agreed timescales.

• Develop website goals and KPIs which support the RCVS Knowledge communications, marketing and digital strategy.
• Manage documentation for project governance as needed, including issues and risk logs.

• Lead on our content audit and strategy for the new website, considering user needs and supporting our organisational objectives.

• Create and edit a range of content for the new website which supports user experience and meets current best practice for SEO and accessibility.

• Oversee the content migration to our new website.

• Ensure all internal users receive training on the new CMS appropriate to their level of access.
• Ensure all activity is undertaken observing the requirements of data protection legislation (GDPR).
• Contribute to the development of a new communications, marketing and digital strategy.

• Using tools such as Google Analytics, ensure we are reporting against our agreed objectives and make recommendations based on the data and insights available.

• Ensure the wider RCVS Knowledge team and senior team are kept up to date with project progress.
• Provide additional informal training to staff on the use and interpretation of analytics.
• Undertake any other duties in line with the objectives of the post.

Essential Criteria

 Skills, Knowledge & Experience

• A track record in, and passion for, digital communications gained in either in-house or agency roles.
• Experience of managing website projects from end to end including agency management, stakeholder management, build, design, testing and content creation.

• A solid understanding of content design, user experience and web accessibility.
• Experience of developing digital content which follows best practices and is engaging and inspiring for a range of audiences.
• Excellent writing and editing skills.

• Proficiency in Google Analytics, analysing data to inform decisions around improvements.
• A great understanding of SEO and the impact good content has on search visibility.

• Experience of and confidence in working with content management systems.

• Ability to build strong and effective working relationships internally and externally.

• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a dynamic environment.

• Patience, initiative, sound judgement, and willingness to work as part of a team.
• Great communication skills – written and verbal.
• High-level of IT literacy, proficient user of Microsoft Office tools and project management software.

Desired skills & experience

• Experience working in the communications, marketing and/or digital function of a small/medium-sized organisation, or evidence of how you would apply skills learnt in a different context to a charity of c20 staff.

• Experience of different project management approaches e.g. agile and waterfall.
• Facilitation and workshop experience.

• Experience of establishing new ways of working and successfully embedding them to secure effective use of resources.

1st Interview - Thursday 10th October (via Teams online)

2nd Interviews w/c 14th October (in person)