Reports to: Head of Operations and Development
Responsible to: Chief Executive Officer
Base: Unit 1, Whitegates, BT35 6UA
Hours: 30 hours per week
* Pension: 6% employer contribution (subject to conditions)
* Annual Leave: 25 days per annum + 11 statutory holidays (pro-rata)
* Health Care: AXA Business Care (subject to conditions)
* Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
About Bolster Community
Bolster Community is a practical, hands‑on charity working alongside individuals, families and communities to help them get through and get ahead. Since 2004, we’ve supported people facing life’s challenges, from early years through to later years through our Family, Ability and Seniors services and our social enterprises, Acorn and Bolster Training.
We are committed to delivering inclusive, impactful and creative solutions that strengthen people and communities across the Newry, Mourne and Down area and beyond.
Purpose of Post
We are seeking a creative and motivated Communications Officer to strengthen awareness of Bolster Community and its services. This role will deliver engaging, high‑quality communications and marketing activities across digital and traditional channels, helping us connect with families, partners, funders, and the wider community.
The postholder will be responsible for the day‑to‑day management of communications, content creation, social media, website updates, e‑newsletters, and event planning/promotion. They will line‑manage a part‑time Content Creator and work closely with colleagues across all projects to ensure our stories and impact are effectively shared.
The Communications Officer will also represent Bolster Community at events, ensuring a strong and professional presence that reflects our mission and values.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
1. Communications and Marketing Delivery
* Deliver engaging and consistent communications content across all channels – digital, print, and media.
* Maintain and update the organisation’s website and social media platforms, ensuring content is accessible, timely and on‑brand.
* Write and design newsletters, promotional materials, press releases and case studies to highlight the impact of our work.
* Support the planning, promotion and coverage of organisational and community events, including photography, media coordination and live updates.
* Support colleagues in capturing and sharing success stories from across our Family, Ability and Seniors services.
* Assist in implementing communications plans aligned with Bolster Community’s strategic goals and funder requirements.
* Monitor communications performance through analytics and reporting to the CEO.
2. Content Creation and Brand Management
* Manage and support a part‑time Content Creator to ensure consistent, high‑quality visual and written output.
* Ensure all communications align with Bolster Community’s brand identity, tone of voice, and accessibility standards.
* Coordinate photography, video and design production (using Canva or Adobe tools).
3. Media Relations and Stakeholder Engagement
* Develop and maintain positive relationships with local media, funders, and community partners.
* Respond to media enquiries and prepare press statements when required.
* Represent Bolster Community at events, conferences and community initiatives, ensuring our profile is strong and consistent.
4. Internal Communications and Support
* Collaborate with staff teams to support internal communications and staff engagement.
* Provide guidance and support to colleagues on effective communication practices and use of brand assets.
* Contribute to the continuous improvement of communication processes and digital tools.
5. General
* Attend occasional evening and weekend events as required.
* Maintain accurate records, reports and content archives.
* Ensure all communications comply with data protection, safeguarding and equality policies.
* Undertake any other duties as may be reasonably required in line with organisational needs.
* Educated to degree level (or equivalent experience) in communications, marketing, public relations or a related field.
* Minimum 2 years’ experience delivering communications and/or marketing activities, including digital and print.
* Strong writing and editing skills with the ability to create engaging and accurate content for different audiences.
* Experience managing social media platforms, websites and e‑newsletters.
* Working knowledge of design tools such as Canva or Adobe Creative Cloud.
* Excellent organisational skills and the ability to prioritise competing deadlines.
* Experience supporting or promoting events.
* Confident and professional communicator with strong interpersonal skills.
* Ability to represent the organisation at events and liaise effectively with external partners and media.
* Full current driving licence and access to a car for work‑related travel.
* Experience working in the community, voluntary or social enterprise sector.
* Experience in photography, video, or multimedia storytelling.
* Experience supervising staff, volunteers or freelancers.
* Knowledge of analytics tools and CRM systems.
* Membership of a professional body such as CIPR or CIM.
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