***THIS JOB VACANCY HAS NOW CLOSED***
Background:
While early stages of project development of Reading Force in Northern Ireland would be managed through a research phase by our founder and director, and project lead Judith Burke, in the longer term we anticipate appointing a short-term contract for a Northern Ireland Reading Force Ambassador, who would manage the day-to-day liaison and build connectivity. This has been the process by which we have developed our relationships in Scotland and the basis for this job description. This is a paid role.
The person we appoint will be joining a well-established team and the role is fully supported, with ongoing access to our informal, proactive and highly committed team of five.
Key role: To manage, develop and deliver Reading Force to veterans and their families within Northern Ireland
Competencies
· Understanding of veteran Forces communities and their specific needs
· Appreciation of the particular situation of veterans in Northern Ireland
· Experience with project management
· Effective builder and manager of relationships particularly within collaborations
· Excellent communicator at all levels
· Academic understanding of, and support for, the role and value of reading and literacy for all
· Skilled and creative copywriter
· Effective opportunity spotter
· Proactive, responsive and persuasive
· Appreciation of partner goals and relevant styles of communication and branding
Specific roles:
Management of pilot project:
· Build relationships with welfare support/relevant associations/other charitable bodies
· Suggest optimum configuration of delivery processes
· Trial and then organise the reformatting of Reading Force materials, as appropriate
· Organise formal briefings and liaison to ensure project understanding
· Deliver initial pilot project within a trial
· Report back on outcomes and associated analysis
Relationships and liaison:
· Welfare support/relevant associations/other charitable bodies – being the point of contact for providing information and liaison
· Organising regular briefing and communication sessions between partners
· Funding – reporting back to partners on funding and ensuring collaborators know how their money has made a difference
· Author liaison – setting up author visits when required; negotiation with all parties
Marketing/creative/communications
Supporting other members of the Reading Force team with:
· Mailings – organising; despatching email and mini mailings
· Creating and dispatching press releases when needed
· Copywriting – creation of information, leaflets, scrapbook, website, blogs
· Events – organising; attending where relevant
· Press and PR – strategy for local, national and Services media
· Establishing scrapbook review through various means – strategy, rules, sourcing prizes, liaising with winners
· Updating database
Academic:
· Supporting Director of Reading Force with associated research and documentation of RF – e.g. development and analysis of questionnaires, drafting reports
Weekly availability:
One day a week. We would welcome this being spread over the week, as best suits applicants. We have initial funding for a year but anticipate the role continuing once RF is embedded in Northern Ireland.
In brief:
Informed, proactive, collaborative
Looking further ahead:
We may develop this role into concentrating on veterans within the UK as a whole, including work with veterans in prison.
For more information or to make an application: Please contact Alison Baverstock a.baverstock@kingston.ac.uk Applications should consist of a CV, a letter (no more than two sides of A4) outlining why you would like to work on this project and what you would bring to us, and a covering email.
Applications to be submitted by Wednesday 21 April 2021 at 5pm. Reading Force is fully committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.
