Communications and Engagement Manager

We are seeking a strategic and creative Communications and Engagement Manager to join our small but mighty team. 

As the only completely independent member body in the criminal justice sector, we represent 200 charities, academics, legal experts, and individuals with lived and professional experience. 

This is an exciting, varied role where you will build the CJA’s profile, amplify the vital work of our members, and help drive systemic change at a pivotal moment as we approach our 20th anniversary.

Main tasks and responsibilities
 

1.Communications

• Shape the development and implementation of the CJA’s communications strategy
• Develop new and creative audio/visual approaches to support the amplification of CJA members’ work and the CJA’s overall strategy
• Oversee the production of weekly CJA e-bulletins and promote their distribution to expand impact.
• Lead the CJA’s social media presence and website management
• Be the first point of contact for media enquiries, supporting both CJA staff and other spokespeople to engage with the media as appropriate.
• Promote CJA campaigns, key messages and events through both traditional and social media.
• Monitor CJA communications and website through analytics/other evaluation tools.
 

2. Engagement

• Develop and implement the CJA’s member offer and engagement strategy
• Promote CJA membership, including identifying and approaching potential new members. Process new member applications and maintain up to date member records.
• Promote the work and good practice of our members to our membership, policy makers and the public.
• Lead on the co-ordination, promotion and development of the CJA Awards.
• Develop and maintain our internal records to keep up-to-date and accurate records of our members and other key contacts and to help target our communications and engagement more effectively.

Person Specification

The CJA is committed to achieving greater diversity in its staff and trustees, particularly as there are issues affecting individuals from non-majority backgrounds across the criminal justice system. 

We actively encourage applications from minority ethnic communities and people with protected characteristics.
We welcome applicants with lived experience of any aspect of the criminal justice system, personally or through a close relative or friend. This includes having served a sentence. 

Please list any relevant experience in your supporting statement and explain why it strengthens your suitability for the role.
 

Essential

• Demonstrable relevant work experience.
• Strong IT and social media skills.
• Experience of using graphic design software and producing video and audio content.
• Experience of managing websites, including writing website copy.
• Excellent organisational skills, including some experience of event management.
• Excellent verbal and written skills to communicate persuasively with impact.
• Ability to build positive relationships with a range of stakeholders.
• Ability to work to tight deadlines, with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work flexibly as part of a small team.
• Proven commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Commitment to the vision, mission and strategic objectives of the CJA.
 

Desirable

• An interest in constructive journalism and influencing public narratives.
• Understanding or experience of the criminal justice system of England and Wales.
 

No job description can cover every aspect of the post and the post holder is expected to carry out additional duties and responsibilities according to the needs of the organisation. Demonstrating agility and flexibility as a leader is a key requirement for this role.

For more information, please visit our website: https://www.criminaljusticealliance.org/about-the-cja/work-with-us/