This is an exciting and varied role involving building the profile of CJA on social media and other platforms, amplifying the work of our 180+ members and promoting good communications practice in the sector and amongst journalists, with the aim of effecting systemic change in the criminal justice system.

The Criminal Justice Alliance advocates for positive changes to make the criminal justice system work better. Our insight comes from our members: over 180 non-profit organisations with expertise across the whole criminal justice system. Their broad remits enable us to piece together the right formula for lasting change.

Our vision is of a fair and effective criminal justice system that works well for everyone and leads to a more equitable society. Our mission is to achieve sustainable, systemic change, through the collective power of our membership network.

Main Tasks & Responsibilities:

Communications

• Shape the development of the CJA’s communications strategy in line with our exciting new five-year strategy and lead on its implementation to reach a variety of audiences
  including CJA members, the wider sector, policy makers and the public.
• Develop new and creative audio/visual approaches to support the amplification of CJA members’ work and the CJA’s overall strategy, such as podcasts, short films, and blogs/vlogs.
• Produce weekly CJA e-bulletin and promote its distribution to expand its impact.
• Lead the CJA’s social media presence and develop a presence on new platforms.
• Lead on website management, and work with external website developers on any future redesigns.
• Be the first point of contact for media enquiries, draft quotes and support CJA staff or other spokespeople engaging with the media.
• Proactively promote CJA campaigns, key messages and events through both traditional and social media.
• Monitor CJA communications and website through analytics/other evaluation tools; assist with reports to the Board and funders and suggest ways to increase our reach and impact.
• Ensure all CJA communications and reports are high quality and persuasive; liaise with external designer for all publications.
• Lead on a project promoting sensitive, constructive and nuanced reporting on criminal justice to journalists and trainee journalists.
• Set up and run a Communications Network among CJA members to share challenges and solutions in media and communications work in the sector.
• Organise public facing ‘conversation starter’ events including a light installation and a ‘Yellow Ribbon Run’ event to help change the public narrative and reduce stigma.
• Role model and promote well framed communications.

Engagement

• Shape the development of the CJA’s member engagement strategy in line with our exciting new five-year strategy and lead on its implementation to ensure we are meeting the needs of our members, breaking down silos and giving them a voice in
  our work and future direction.
• Act as first point of contact for members and potential members. Visit, maintain contact and build relationships with members to better understand their work.
• Promote CJA membership, including identifying and approaching potential new members. Process new member applications and maintain up to date member records.
• Lead on organising engaging and interactive member meetings, activities and events.
• 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 Sector and Media Awards.
• Support the organisation of expert groups, roundtables and report launch events.
• Develop and maintain the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) database 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.
• Promote our new associate academic membership and work with the Policy Manager to organise an annual research symposium.

Other duties

• Line manage staff and/or interns as required.
• Provide logistical support for internal CJA meetings and communications.
• Contribute to the general administration and development of the charity.
• Conduct the duties of the job description in accordance with the operational policies of the CJA, including but not limited to the Diversity Policy and Safeguarding Policy.
• Maintain good working relationships with trustees, staff, volunteers and other stakeholders.
• Offer day-to-day support to paid interns through our partnership with the Longford Trust.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties as may be required.

How To Apply

The closing date for applications is 11:59pm on 15 January 2023. Interviews will be held on 26 and 27 January 2023. Please indicate in your application if you cannot make those dates.

To apply, please follow the link below to find the application form. Applications – marked ‘Private and Confidential- Communications and Engagement Manager’ – should be sent to recruitment@criminaljusticealliance.org.uk. Please also return the recruitment analysis form. This will be separated from your application upon receipt. Please mention Journo Resources when you apply, it really helps us out.

We shortlist candidates by matching details on your application form against the person specification, so please ensure personal statement in the application form carefully addresses this. We are looking for clear evidence of your experience, skills and knowledge and we are interested in all relevant experience, including beyond paid employment, that might contribute to your ability to do the job. Please also attach or hyperlink:

• Two different examples of your own written work such as a blog, article or press release.
• One example of media coverage you have been involved with.
• One example of a social media post that was particularly successful.

If you have a disability and would like us to make reasonable adjustments should you be invited to interview, please advise us with your application. If you would like to have an informal conversation about the role, please email me on nina.champion@criminaljusticealliance.org.uk to arrange a time.