Job Description

About Us

School of Hard Knocks (SOHK) is a registered charity in the UK that supports young people from economically disadvantaged areas who are struggling to thrive in mainstream secondary education. There are two typical profiles of SOHK participants: Those who present as disruptive in school and those who are socially withdrawn, because of 'Social, Emotional Learning' (SEL) needs. By fostering an environment of genuine acceptance - and through the use of rugby related activity, personal development group sessions and specialist one-to-one support - we help our young people to thrive in school and find meaning and purpose to life.

Overview

SOHK has recently launched an ambitious new strategy to accelerate the charity's growth and maximise impact over the next five years. We aspire to reach and support more young people at a pivotal stage in their adolescence, empowering them to unlock their potential.

To achieve this, we need to broaden our audience, inspire more supporters to become donors, and enhance how we communicate with our existing stakeholders; from course participants and educators to prospective corporate partners, fundraisers, and donors. Our marketing and communications assistant plays a vital role in that.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone creative, organised, and purpose-driven to join our Fundraising & Communications team. You'll play a key role in boosting brand engagement and awareness, supporting fundraising activities, and producing compelling content across a range of channels.

With strong support for learning and development, this role is perfect for someone looking to build a career in communications, marketing, and fundraising while making a meaningful impact within a supportive and passionate team.

Key Responsibilities

Content Creation & Digital Presence

Maintain and execute a content calendar with key dates. Draft high-quality, engaging social media content, web content, blogs, and newsletters. Help produce creative assets (graphics, short videos/reels, reports). Keep our website and social channels up-to-date and informative. Support the development of compelling case studies with photos/audio. Ensure communications are consistently on-brand, clear and concise.

Brand Awareness & Campaigns

Assist in delivering marketing campaigns and events to raise SOHK's profile. Identify ways to leverage social channels and increase engagement across LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube. Monitor performance of content and campaigns.

Fundraising & Supporter Engagement

Draft fundraising and supporter communications (emails, newsletters, thank-you correspondence). Support fundraisers and maintain engagement. Help create fundraising packs and promotional materials. Provide some logistical support for fundraising events.

Data Management & Research

Update and maintain fundraising CRM/database (training provided). Organise and maintain photos, consent records and media files. Assist in prepping data reports and impact metrics for management and board meetings.

Person Specification

Skills & Experience

Experience in a communications role (desirable) Educated to higher education level or have relevant work experience Excellent written and verbal communications skills Good organisational and time-management abilities Experience of creating digital and social media content. Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook and various social media platforms and digital tools (e.g. Canva, Office365, Mailchimp) Basic video editing skills (desirable).

Person Specification

Highly driven and passionate about contributing to SOHK's mission and delivering on our ambitious 5-year strategy Creative, enthusiastic, and confident in using storytelling and digital engagement to connect with audiences Excellent communicator with the ability to tailor messages for different platforms and audiences Highly organised with strong attention to detail Proactive and process-driven, with the ability to improve and develop existing systems Able to manage multiple tasks effectively A team-player with have a growth mindset, always open to feedback, learning and new challenges.

Terms of Appointment

This is a permanent, part-time position (3 days per week), with a start date of June 2025. The salary is 29,250

pro rata.

You will receive 19 days annual leave (pro rata) entitlement plus Bank Holidays and the working days between Christmas and New Year. This is a hybrid role but will require travel to the office in Edinburgh once a week. Some other travel may be required for events etc. SOHK offers flexible working hours where possible, to support work-life balance. All staff are required to attend our annual 3-day UK staff conference in August. The successful candidate will be required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, and the offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory references.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and Cover Letter detailing why you think you would be a good fit for SOHK to

megan@schoolofhardknocks.org.uk

with the subject line ''SOHK Marketing and Communications Assistant"

Closing date - 11.59pm Sunday 18th May 2025.

Interviews will take place, w/c 26th May 2025.

*Please note, interviews will include an in person element.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: 17,550.00 per year

Expected hours: 22.5 per week

Benefits:

Casual dress Cycle to work scheme Enhanced maternity leave Flexitime Health & wellbeing programme Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Edinburgh EH8 8DL

Application deadline: 20/05/2025
Reference ID: MCA0425