Communications Manager

Description:

We're looking for an experienced Communications Manager who can create clear, engaging and impactful communications that help residents and colleagues feel informed, connected and involved in the future of Morden College.

This is a highly collaborative role at the heart of our organisation. Working across teams, you'll help bring our strategy, values and ambitions to life through communications that build understanding, trust and a shared sense of purpose. You'll support colleagues and leaders to communicate effectively, explain change clearly, celebrate success and ensure residents receive timely, accessible and meaningful information.

We're looking for an exceptional writer and communicator with a talent for turning complex information into clear, engaging content. You'll be naturally curious, enjoy building relationships, and have a strong editorial eye for what matters most to different audiences. You'll know how to communicate with clarity, empathy and impact.

You'll lead the development and delivery of internal and resident communications across a range of channels, including newsletters, website content, the resident portal, leadership communications and our staff intranet. You'll also play a key role in strengthening communication practices across Morden College, improving planning and ways of working, supporting colleagues to communicate confidently, and ensuring communication is consistent, accessible and audience-focused.

You'll oversee the day-to-day development of key communication platforms helping to ensure they remain effective tools for information sharing, engagement and community connection.

Most importantly, you'll help ensure our communications reflect who we are: an ambitious, responsible, compassionate and collaborative organisation committed to creating thriving communities where people in later life can live with independence, dignity and purpose.

Main Responsibilities of the role

1. Communications planning and ways of working

Develop a structure, consistent and audience-focused approach to communications across Morden College by:
Creating communication plans, schedules and content calendars
Establishing clear processes for requesting, developing and approving communications.
Introducing guidance on lead times, responsibilities and expectations
Supporting teams to plan communications proactively
Developing templates, tools and guidance to improve the quality and consistency of communications
Building understanding of how colleagues can work effectively with the Communications function
Supporting the development and effective use of digital communication systems, including CRM-based platforms, to improve audience understanding, communication planning and engagement
Working collaboratively with colleagues to ensure communication systems support accurate information management, effective targeting and a positive user experience
Using insight, feedback and engagement data to continually improve communications and strengthen audience engagement
 
2. Content and storytelling

Capture engaging and high-quality communications that help residents and colleagues understand, connect with and contribute to life at Morden College. This includes:
Resident newsletters
Website stories and organisational updates
Annual report and impact reporting content
Stories celebrating residents, colleagues and partners
Communications about strategic priorities, service improvements and organisational change
Content that demonstrates how Morden College is evolving to support more people in later life

3. Resident communications

Working closely with colleagues in Resident Services to:
Develop and maintain website and resident portal content
Create accessible communications for residents using a range of channels
Support resident meetings, engagement activities and events
Deliver information campaigns across our communities
Ensuring communications are inclusive, accessible and easy to understand

4. Colleague communications

Working across the Charity to deliver effective internal communications, including:
SharePoint intranet content
CEO updates and leadership communications
Quarterly College Conversations staff briefings
Organisational announcements
Change communications
Support HR with colleague engagement initiatives
Working closely with the Records Management Lead to promote good information-sharing and best practice in document management
 
5. Supporting organisational change 

Support leaders and teams to communicate change effectively, including:
Progress against strategic priorities
New services and initiatives
Technology and new ways of working
Sustainability and ESG activity
Service improvements and organisational developments
 
6. Communication standards and brand

Champion high-quality communications by:
Promoting brand guidance and tone of voice using the Morden College Message House
Supporting colleagues to communicate effectively and confidently
Encouraging accessible communication practices
Developing templates, guidance and communication resources
Promoting high standards of writing, editing and content creation
Arranging and using high-quality photography, video and visual content
Supporting effective communication planning and coordination across the organisation