Communications Officer

Communications and Patrons Officer

Koestler Arts is renowned for its impactful work within the criminal justice system. From our new premises just outside HM Prison Wormwood Scrubs in East Acton our team works together to deliver our mission -to inspire participation in the arts by people in prisons and beyond and to build public recognition of their creative work, fostering communities that support rehabilitation.

We provide an annual awards programme - the Koestler Awards - open to people in prisons, secure mental health hospitals, immigration removal centres, and more; a post-release arts mentoring scheme; an arts membership for people in prison; family engagement opportunities; and a programme of exhibitions, events and publications. We work in partnership with other organisations and art world experts; recent show curators include Ai Weiwei, Jeremy Deller & John Costi, and groups of beneficiaries.

About the Role

As our Communications and Patrons Officer, you'll be responsible for the charity's digital infrastructure, implementing campaigns to develop our audiences, raise awareness, and generate income from donations. You will work with the Director of Development to organize events and fundraising appeals and will manage the Koestler Patrons, our new giving scheme, to connect with individual donors.

What You'll Do

Manage the charity's communications, website, and social media. Create engaging content for all digital channels, designing assets in-house. Support the Director of Development in the delivery of the Fundraising strategy. Lead the Patrons programme, growing and stewarding our current donor base.

Who We're Looking For

Experienced and innovative in the use of social media and online marketing. Working knowledge of website content management systems and image editing software. Highly creative with strong writing skills, attention to detail, and a good eye for design. Personable, with strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to building an inclusive team that shares a passion for the charity's 60-year legacy inspiring life-changing art. Every time we add to our small team is an opportunity for us to bring in a new perspective, and to better represent our diverse range of participants and audiences. We strongly encourage candidates of all backgrounds and identities to apply.

We have a guaranteed interview scheme for people with recent lived experience of prison. Please mark the relevant section of the application form, if you'd like to apply through this scheme. If there's anything we can do to make our recruitment process more open to you please let us know.

Hybrid Working

This is an office-based role. You'll need to be present most of the week to reference and report on the charity's day-to-day work for our communications. As a small team, everyone supports visitors and calls. Some remote work is possible, in agreement with the line manager.

How to apply

Read through the Job Description and Person Specification. Your application should include:

1. Your CV. Applications will be assessed against the Essential and Desirable Criteria (outlined in the person specification table, page 5).
2. The completed Application Form, available to download here and from our website. Please make sure you complete all fields, including the three application questions.
3. A portfolio showcasing your design, copywriting and or video editing work (we want to see samples of your work, you can send them on a PDF, PPT, or link to a personal website, blog, social media profile, etc.)