Job description

Purpose

Twenty-five years since we were founded, IVAR is at an exciting point in its journey, with a growing team, a new strategy, and an upcoming brand and narrative refresh.

The Communications Officer will play a vital role in bringing this to life. You will make our research clear, accessible and compelling - ensuring it reaches and inspires the people who can use it. You'll embed a new visual and narrative style, exploring new tools and formats to expand our reach and connect more people with IVAR's mission.

You'll work closely with the Director of Communications, taking strategic direction while also exercising your own judgement and creativity. This is a hands-on role within a smart and welcoming team of 13 members of staff, plus associates. We're looking for someone who will bring creativity, dedication, warmth, ideas and commitment - a proactive communicator who enjoys trying new things, managing the day-to-day essentials, and contributing to a supportive, flexible and collaborative environment.

Position in Organisation

• Reports to Director of Communications.

Key Responsibilities

Key responsibilities

• Content and storytelling

  • Write, edit and proof high-quality content across reports, blogs, newsletters and social media.
  • Translate complex research into engaging, accessible outputs for diverse audiences.
  • Ensure all communications are accurate, consistent, inclusive and aligned with IVAR's brand and tone of voice.

• Digital and design

  • Manage IVAR's LinkedIn channel: plan, create and schedule posts; support colleagues to engage; monitor reach and engagement.
  • Manage and update IVAR's website (WordPress), ensuring content is accurate, engaging and accessible.
  • Produce and send newsletters, manage subscriber lists and monitor performance.
  • Create and support visual assets (graphics, presentations, short videos).
  • Support implementation of IVAR's upcoming brand refresh.

• Systems and analytics

  • Manage and maintain IVAR's CRM (Beacon), ensuring data is accurate, segmented and used effectively for communications.
  • Track and analyse performance across LinkedIn, newsletters, website and CRM; report insights and make recommendations.
  • Monitor mentions of IVAR in external channels, flagging opportunities or risks.

• Collaboration and coordination

  • Coordinate with the wider staff team to plan content and capture learning and stories.
  • Support colleagues to communicate about their projects and share findings effectively.
  • Liaise with external partners, agencies or freelancers (e.g. designers, video editors) as needed.
  • Support internal communications (e.g. internal newsletter, updates, team events).
  • Contribute actively to team meetings, content planning and

cross-organisational discussions.

• Events and campaigns

  • Support IVAR events, including promotion, communications materials and follow-up content.
  • Assist in developing and delivering communications campaigns linked to Open and Trusting and other initiatives.

• Learning and development

  • Bring fresh ideas by testing new tools, formats and approaches for engaging audiences.
  • Undertake training and development relevant to the role.

Person specification

Interest

• A commitment to IVAR's approach and ways of working - including a commitment to continuous learning.
• An interest in IVAR's research and how it can be used to inform/influence changes to practice.
• Passion for the voluntary sector, and commitment to improving the conditions that enable charities to do their best work - particularly more equitable

grant-making

Experience, skills and attributes

• Excellent communicator - strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to adapt tone and style for different audiences, while keeping content clear and accessible.
• Attention to detail - confident in proofing and copy editing, ensuring accuracy, consistency and inclusivity across all outputs.
• Digital know-how - experience managing organisational social media (ideally LinkedIn) using website CMS and producing newsletters.
• Analytical mindset - comfortable using analytics tools (e.g. Google, LinkedIn) and CRM systems (e.g. Beacon) to track performance, segment audiences, and share insights.
• Creative and resourceful - brings ideas and energy, willing to test new formats and approaches to engage different audiences.
• Visual storyteller - strong design skills (e.g. Canva, Adobe, PowerPoint) and video/audio editing, with an eye for clear and engaging visuals.
• Collaborative team player - enjoys working with colleagues and external partners, offering support and encouragement, and contributing to a positive, inclusive team culture.
• Organised and adaptable - able to juggle multiple priorities, manage deadlines, and stay calm and flexible when plans change.
• Values-driven - shares IVAR's passion for the voluntary and funding sectors, and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of communications.