Website Cats Protection

Associate Director of Communications, Cats Protection
Location: Remote
Salary: Up to £71,460 per annum
Hours: 35 per week
Closing date: 6 November 2024

Cats-protection logoWe are the UK’s largest cat welfare charity. All over the country, our passionate employees, volunteers and supporters are using their kindness and expertise to make life better for millions of cats and the people who care for them.

Will you join us and make life better for cats?

Responsibilities of our Associate Director of Communications:

  • take accountability and leadership for Cats Protection’s integrated communications, providing strategic leadership of the function
  • take a strategic approach to integrating different approaches to communications to deliver a proactive strategy which delivers against agreed organisational priorities
  • lead, manage, and motivate the Communications team in line with Cats Protection’s people policies
  • responsible for the successful delivery of Public Relations campaigns ensuring objectives are met and work is achieved within budget
  • build a culture of positive engagement across functions and promote and role model the values and behaviours of the charity
  • maximise the value for money achieved by the charity’s expenditure, with responsibility and accountability for the planning and management of the Communications budget
  • work in collaboration with members of the Senior Management team, to fulfil all duties and responsibilities set out in the terms of reference

About the Communications Department

The newly formed Communications department consists of three functions;

  • Digital – responsible for the digital footprint of the organisation across social media and website, creating content and supporting engagement across branches and teams
  • Internal communications – delivering creative and effective communications strategies to ensure effective engagement of employees and volunteers
  • Media – responsible for developing and delivering innovative strategies to enhance and protect Cats Protection’s reputation in the media, through national stories and supporting local branches and centres

Together, these functions are responsible for the external voice and visibility of Cats Protection, delivering integrated, impactful messages and campaigns in support of organisational priorities.

What we’re looking for in our Associate Director of Communications:

  • experience developing and integrating new teams
  • excellent understanding of communications metrics
  • experience of working with media outlets and/or social media channels
  • significant experience of overseeing the work of a communications team
  • experience of working and developing an internal communication function
  • a thorough understanding of strategy, planning, risk management and dependency planning
  • the ability to make sound and logical decisions
  • ability to build strong, trusted relationships and influence where needed
  • strong planning and organisational skills
  • excellent management skills, including change management
  • knowledge of UK communications outlets
  • experience with databases & monitoring systems
  • an understanding of working with a network of volunteers to deliver impact

What we can offer you:

  • range of health benefits
  • 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with length of service
  • Salary Finance, which empowers you to take control of your financial wellbeing
  • and much more, which you can learn about here

Application closing date: 6 November 2024

Virtual interview date: TBC

Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment. Please note, applications received after the closing date may not be responded to.

If you’re enthusiastic about this opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway and demonstrate how your experience is transferrable.  You may be just the right candidate.

Please email recruitment@cats.org.uk if you require any adjustments to be made for you to complete your application or to participate in the recruitment journey.

We operate a bias-free application process in our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. To assess your application quickly, fairly and objectively, please fully complete the qualifications and work history sections of our online application form.

Redacted CVs may be accepted by exception.

We believe being an inclusive, diverse organisation – where we welcome diversity of thought, value individuals’ experience and can reach and partner all areas of society – is crucial if we’re to help more cats. Our ambition is to work together to promote a more inclusive environment, which attracts all candidates and signals our commitment to celebrate and promote diversity.

There’s a place for everyone at Cats Protection and we encourage applications from talented people across all communities.

Cats Protection is committed to safeguarding children and adults at risk and protecting anyone that comes into contact with us from harm. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. You may be subject to a criminal record check if required for the role.

To apply for this job please visit careers.cats.org.uk.