Communications and Engagement Officer

About us

The Greater Manchester Women’s Support Alliance (GMWSA) was established in 2016 by seven organisations who provide support services to women across all ten boroughs in Greater Manchester (GM) who may be vulnerable or have unmet support needs. We came together as the GMWSA in order to ensure that our collective voice is heard by policy makers and commissioners of services. We represent the interests of our beneficiaries and service users, we share good practice and experience and ensure that no service operates in isolation. 

GMWSA is now formed of nine Member and Associate Member women’s centres having a presence in each of the 10 local authority areas across GM all of whom are collectively funded to deliver support services across GM to women either involved in the Criminal Justice System, or whose vulnerability and marginalisation leaves them at risk of offending, but all also have individual funding streams to ensure their provision reaches every woman in need of support. Alliance members offer a full range of services to women who need support around issues such as domestic abuse, housing, mental health, substance misuse, education, employment, training, and confidence/self-esteem, all delivered with a trauma and responsive approach.

Our Mission 

To fund or provide high quality services to support, safeguard and empower vulnerable Women facing multiple disadvantage, to help them take control of, and rebuild, their lives.

Our Vision

To see an approach to Women facing multiple disadvantage which emphasises early intervention and prevention, diverting women away from statutory intervention.

Our Values

• A strong sense of justice.
• A belief in a common purpose and a strong partnership approach, both with GMWSA members and partners.
• The promotion of Equality and Diversity.
• A belief in our service users’ ability to change and develop, have a voice in and contribute towards our service delivery.
• Transparency and accountability.
• An evidence-led approach to service delivery, and trauma and responsive service.

This post is open to WOMEN ONLY, exempt under the Sex Discrimination Act (1975) Section 7(2) and in accordance with our safeguarding procedures, will require a DBS check. 

This post will be based at our office in Salford for 11.5 hours per week. 

If you would like to discuss the role, would like more information, or to receive an application form please contact, admin@gmwsa.org.uk or download an application form from our website https://www.gmwsa.org/jobs 

Purpose of the Role 

We are seeking a passionate and dedicated individual to join our team as a job share Communications Officer working in partnership with our current Communications and Social Media Officer. In this role, you will play a vital part in promoting GMWSA’s mission and increasing awareness of the challenges faced by women experiencing multiple deprivation in Greater Manchester. With an expanded scope, this position allows for greater engagement and impact by strengthening our digital presence, deepening stakeholder relationships, and supporting key awareness and fundraising initiatives. You will work closely with our Communications and Social Media Officer, collaborating to enhance our content strategy, increase engagement, and ensure consistent and effective messaging across all platforms. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals with strong communication skills, a strategic mindset, and a deep commitment to improving women's lives. The ideal candidate will have a solid background in communications, excellent attention to detail, and a passion for GMWSA’s mission and values.

General Work-Related Expectations

• To work within GMWSA Values, Ethos and Vision.
• To contribute to the development of GMWSA.
• To maintain a knowledge and awareness and work in accordance with relevant legislation.
• To work in accordance with all Policies and Procedures of GMWSA.
• To identify and attend training as required.
• To undergo supervision.
• To comply with operational reporting procedures.
• To work as part of a team.
• Able to organise own workload
• Able to inspire and motivate others
• Commitment to continual professional development
• To adhere to ethical, legal, and quality standards.
• To be responsible for ensuring the provision of high quality, effective services.
• To support and promote user involvement in all aspects of service development and delivery

Main Duties & Responsibilities

Key responsibilities -

Social Media & Digital Content (Engagement & Planning of campaigns)

• Create and schedule posts across all platforms with increased frequency.
• Engage with followers by responding to comments/messages in more depth.
• Plan and implement mini-content campaigns (e.g., awareness weeks).

Content & Branding

• Write and publish website updates & occasional press releases.
• Create a wider variety of content, including email updates.
• Maintain brand consistency across all communications.

Stakeholder Communications

• Engage with key donors, partners, and volunteers via email and social media.
• Assist in coordinating updates for key stakeholders.

Basic Campaign & Fundraising Support

• Work with the Development Manager to support promotions for awareness and fundraising initiatives.
• Assist in crafting messages and social media pushes for campaigns.

Performance Tracking & Reporting

• Track social media and website performance using analytics tools.
• Provide brief monthly reports on engagement trends and key recommendations.

Personal / Professional / Development and Training  

• GMWSA supports personal development, and encourages development opportunities where budget allows. We actively encourage our team to seek out mentoring opportunities and will support taking time in the working week to take up this type of opportunity.

This is a time limited role until March 2026 funding dependant. You will work alongside our current Communications & Social Media Officer and split the work load with your role having a focus on planning and engagement.

Person Specification 

Skills & Abilities

Essential

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong storytelling and copywriting abilities to engage and inspire diverse audiences.
• Ability to tailor messaging and content for different platforms and target audiences.
• Ability to work collaboratively and build relationships.
• Project management skills to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines effectively.
• Empathy and sensitivity to communicate potentially sensitive issues effectively.
• Ability to work effectively on own initiative without direct supervision.
• Adaptability and willingness to learn new tools and technologies as needed.
• Can do attitude.

Desirable

• Proficiency in using communication tools and software, such as social media management platforms, email marketing tools, and content management systems.
• Analytical skills to measure and evaluate the impact of communication activities.
• Creative thinking and problem-solving abilities to develop innovative communication strategies.

Knowledge

Essential

• Understanding of the charity sector and its various stakeholders.
• Familiarity with current trends, challenges, and opportunities in the charity sector.
• Knowledge of effective communication strategies and techniques.
• Awareness of different media channels and platforms, including social media, print, and online.
• Understanding of branding and messaging principles in the context of charitable organisations.

Desirable

• Understanding of issues affecting women experiencing multiple disadvantage and involved in the Criminal Justice System.

Experience

Essential

• Previous work or volunteer experience in a communications role, preferably within the charity sector.
• Experience in creating compelling content for various communication channels.

Desirable

• Experience in developing and implementing communication plans and strategies.
• Track record of successfully managing and delivering communications campaigns.

Accountable to: GMWSA Executive Committee 

Responsible to: CEO Based: Salford and various areas across Greater Manchester 

Hours: 11.5 hours per week Salary: £7,983 per annum (£26,035 FTE) 

Pension: 5% Employee & Employer Workplace Pension 

Contract: Time Limited until March 2026 - Funding dependant 

Annual Leave: 25 days, plus bank holidays and the days between Christmas and New Year, rising by 1 day per year of continued service to a maximum of 30 days. Pro-rata for part-time staff.