Head of External Relations Job Description - Wikimedia UK

Job Description

Job Title: Head of External Relations

Reporting to: Chief Executive

Salary: £35,000 - 40,000 per annum depending on skills and experience

Benefits: 25 days annual leave, Employer pension contribution

Location: Central London

Purpose of the role

The purpose of this role is to lead Wikimedia UK’s external relations, encompassing communications, marketing, fundraising communications and membership development. As a member of the Senior Management Team you will be involved in the overall development and success of the organisation, and will manage staff and budgets relating to external relations activities.

Communications Planning, Management and Reporting

• Lead the development of the charity’s communications strategy and crisis communications plan, incorporating input and feedback from stakeholders including staff, trustees and the wider Wikimedia community.
• Develop and lead the delivery of detailed media and communications plans for specific events, projects and programmes, working with other staff, trustees, volunteers and partners to ensure maximum publicity and reach for the charity.
• Manage the online public profile of Wikimedia UK, including the website, blog and social media channels
• Commission the production of online content, such as videos or podcasts, according to the priorities defined within our communications strategy and plans
• Lead on the creation and distribution of regular, targeted communications for key stakeholders including donors, members and volunteers
• Provide regular, timely and insightful reports on communications activities to the Chief Executive and report directly to the board of trustees as required.

Marketing

• Lead on the development of Wikimedia UK’s brand and identity and act as an internal and external brand ambassador
• Lead on the creation of publications about the charity - such as the annual Strategic Report - commissioning and managing external designers as appropriate
• Oversee the design and production of printed materials and merchandise, leading and managing the work of junior staff in this area
• Supporting and advising the programme team and other staff in the promotion of specific events, projects, partnerships or programmes

Fundraising Communications

• Lead the charity’s communications with individual donors, working with other staff to plan, write and deliver targeted email messages to supporters with the aim of increasing their engagement with us and securing ongoing donations.
• Oversee donor cultivation and care, ensuring all donations are appropriately acknowledged and recorded and that the potential to increase the charity’s income through Gift Aid is maximised.  
• Develop a fundraising communications plan, working closely with the Chief Executive and other staff to make the best use of existing channels and identify potential new communications channels for supporters

Membership Development

• Lead on communications with existing members, directing and supervising the work of other staff regarding member administration and support
• Develop the organisation’s membership strategy, working with the Chief Executive, other staff and the board of trustees to determine future priorities and approaches with regards to charity membership and to lead their implementation
• Play a lead role in planning and managing the charity’s AGM, working with other staff, trustees and volunteers in the creation and delivery of this annual event.

Press and PR

• Act as the initial point of contact for any media enquiries, responding or directing the enquiry to another member of the staff or the Wikimedia Foundation as appropriate
• Build relationships with a wide range of  media, working proactively to secure positive coverage for the charity and developing targeted media campaigns around specific events, projects or public policy issues
• Support the Chief Executive and other staff and trustees to ensure that Wikimedia UK responds quickly and effectively to all external profile opportunities and threats

Senior Management

• Line manage the Communications and Governance Assistant, and other employees or freelance staff working within communications and/or fundraising
• Provide advice and support to the wider staff team and board of trustees on communications and other external relations issues
• Deputise for the Chief Executive as required; for example Chairing staff meetings or presenting to the board
• Attend all meetings of the Development Advisory Board - unless agreed otherwise with the Chief Executive - providing written and oral updates and reports as requi