Application closing date: Friday 20th March.

Please send a cover letter and CV to HR@rda.org.uk

Job Title:  Internal Communications & Engagement Manager 

Reports to:  Director of Fundraising, Marketing & Communications

Based at: RDA National Office (Lowlands Equestrian Centre, Old Warwick Road, Shrewley, CV35 7AX)

Salary range: £37,000 – £44,000 per annum DOE 

Contract Type: Permanent  

Hours:  Full Time 37 hours per week, (flexibility to routinely work from home 2-3 days per week / hybrid working). with part-time arrangements considered for suitable candidates. 

Role Purpose

This role is crucial in ensuring that our federation network are informed, engaged, and aligned with the Charity’s mission and values. By fostering effective communication, it helps build a strong federation culture and improve overall network satisfaction and productivity.   

This position is responsible for developing and delivering engaging internal communications strategies, supporting organisational change projects, and fostering effective internal engagement across RDA. 

Main Duties and Responsibilities 

• Lead the delivery of innovative internal communications and engagement strategies, including exploring new channels and ways of working.  

• Act as a key link between operational managers, helping them develop their plans into clear, simple and engaging messages.  

• Support the implementation and continuing development of a new intranet (My RDA), ensuring effective staff and volunteer onboarding and adoption.  

• Contribute to the organisation’s digital transformation by supporting internal messaging, engagement and rollout, and developing communications to embed new tools.  

• Create high-quality, audience-focused content in varying formats for internal channels.  

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with senior leaders, including the CEO and wider leadership teams.  

• Monitor and evaluate internal communications activity using insights to continuously improve engagement and effectiveness.  

• Foster a positive work environment by promoting open communication and ensuring employees are informed about RDA updates and initiatives.  

• Manage internal communications during crises, ensuring that sensitive information is communicated effectively and in a timely manner.  

• Work closely with HR, marketing, and executive leadership to ensure consistent messaging across all internal channels.  

Person Specification 

General  

• Significant experience delivering successful multichannel internal communications and engagement initiatives.  

• Proven expertise in managing internal communications channels and developing innovative content strategies.  

• Experience within the charity sector, preferably in disability sector or related fields, is desirable.  

• Familiarity with Microsoft tools, SharePoint, Office 365, Mail Chimp, CRM systems, social media channels for internal communication purposes.  

• Proven track record supporting organisational change projects such as digital transformations, product launches or strategic rollouts.  

• Confident in engaging with senior stakeholders and influencing at management level.  

• Excellent organisational and project management skills, with an ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.  

• Experience in change communication and embedding new ways of working.  

 

Experience/Skills/Knowledge:  

Essential criteria  

• Significant experience in a communications role with internal focus and demonstrable track record in developing and managing impactful brand and/or communications activities.  

• A strong understanding of brand and corporate identity, with experience of acting as a brand champion and guardian particularly with internal stakeholders and translating values into behaviours.  

• Experience of building and developing relationships with a range of stakeholders, especially volunteers and a demonstrable ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with groups and individuals with differing perspectives and agendas.  

• Experience of working directly with senior leadership, influencing and supporting their internal communications to staff.   

• Commitment to empowering people in a complex organisation, who may have complex needs.  

• An audience-focused approach to communications with a demonstrable ability to adapt messages and methods to meet the needs of specific groups.  

• Experience of managing internal communications during a reputational or operational crisis.  

• Experience of project management, monitoring and evaluating quality and impact.   

Desirable criteria  

• Demonstrable understanding and empathy towards disability  

• Experience of communicating change in a complex organisation  

• Experience in the full marketing communications mix (brand, internal/external communications, marketing, digital, media, campaigns).   

• Excellent knowledge of integrated working on complex campaigns