About the role

With the decision to create a single directorate for SSAFA’s fundraising, marketing and communications operations, we now have an exciting opportunity for a collaborative and influential marketing and communications leader to play a key role in creating a fully integrated team that is focused on: -      

• reaching more of our beneficiaries and promoting SSAFA as the ‘go-to’ front line of support,

• developing content and platforms that build an excellent and valuable supporter experience

• evolving a volunteer engagement strategy that meets the needs of SSAFA’s beneficiaries,

with the aim of meeting our strategic aims and positioning SSAFA as the trusted source of support for our Armed Forces and their families.

Reporting to the Director of Fundraising, Marketing & Communications, you will play an active role across the wider organisation, helping provide the Executive Leadership Team with insight, guidance and solutions on marcomms related challenges.

You will enjoy a high level of autonomy supported by a team of 30 specialists in brand, marketing, digital and innovation, PR and communications.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a not-for-profit marketing and communications specialist looking for a career-making role; or, for a senior marketing and communications professional looking to join the sector.

About the team

The Directorate of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications is made up of 70 highly skilled and committed people who will work with and support you to develop and execute a strategy and calendar of activities that will: -       

• drive beneficiary reach and engagement,

• promote SSAFA to existing and new audiences,

• champion SSAFA’s brand and ensure that we share one voice

• raise more income from existing and new supporters

• create persuasive RoI metrics that will enable the organisation to fully understand the impact and value of its marcomms spend across all areas of engagement

• evolve an inspiring volunteer recruitment and retention strategy, and

• fully exploit the use of digital and offline channels to optimise reach and impact.

About you

You are an empowering leader with a determination to succeed.  You thrive in a fast moving and dynamic environment.  You will seize the opportunity to drive the implementation of an integrated fundraising, marketing and communications strategy that will help the organisation to achieve its strategic aims. As Deputy Director of Marketing and Communications, you will champion excellent internal communications with our people, external key stakeholder audiences and our partners.

We need someone who can think strategically about how we build our profile and influence, whilst also managing the risks and day-to-day challenges associated with leading a high-profile national marketing and communications service.

A confident and creative communicator, you have current experience in social media engagement and digital strategy with applied knowledge of class-leading best practice and emerging trends.

Strong leadership and  high emotional intelligence are essential in this pivotal position; you will have good negotiation and influencing skills with experience of people leadership in multi-disciplinary teams.

About SSAFA

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity is a trusted source of practical, emotional, and financial support for serving personnel, veterans and their families in their time of need. In 2021 our trained teams of volunteers and employees helped more than 66,000 people, from Second World War veterans to those who have served in more recent conflicts, or currently serving (both regulars and reserves), and their families.

SSAFA understands that behind every uniform is a person. And we are here for that person and their family, any time they need us and in any way they need us.

Diversity and Inclusion at SSAFA

SSAFA exists to support a diverse range of beneficiaries within the armed forces community, and we believe diversity within our teams is key to ensuring we can deliver our services effectively. We thrive on differences and believe it is critical to our success as a worldwide charity. SSAFA is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace that seeks to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We therefore encourage applications from all genders, races, religions, ages and sexual orientations, as well as parents, veterans, people living with disabilities, and any other groups that could bring diverse perspectives to our business.

SSAFA is committed to using the Disclosure & Barring Service to ensure we, as an employer, safeguard those we serve.

Further information about the role

Download the full job description here.

Click here to view the benefits SSAFA has to offer.

If you have any queries or would like to speak to someone about this role, please contact Jonathan Sandall, Director of Fundraising, Marketing & Communications at Jonathan.sandall@ssafa.org.uk for an informal discussion.

No agencies please. Any unsolicited submissions from agencies will be accepted as a direct application from the candidate and no fees will be payable.

How to apply

Click on 'Start your application' now.

If you need any adjustments to support you with the application process, please contact recruitment@ssafa.org.uk

Closing date: Midnight on 18 October 2022. SSAFA reserves the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Interviews: Week commencing 31 October 2022.