Project and Communications Coordinator
Job details | DEADLINE: 22/04/2025 9:00 am
We are looking for new Project and Communications Coordinator to join the Innovation Unit team, to keep transforming systems and reducing inequalities
The successful candidate will be based in Manchester and you must be genuinely interested and committed to working across the City /Region. The role will support the delivery of communications across the organisation, as well as on flagship projects. They should have a passion for comms, and with support from the current comms team they will learn to lead on organisational comms across Innovation Unit. While primary focus of this role is Comms, the successful candidate will also support a range of client facing innovation projects as well as internal projects such as team learning events and business development, playing a role of project coordination.
The successful candidate will be offered a range of development opportunities including attendance at the Innovation Unit Academy, mentorship, one-to-one coaching and chances to learn from colleagues across the organisation and a range of different sectors.
You will be working on a range of different projects. Tasks may include but are not limited to:
Communications Coordination
- Planning, coordinating and delivering an organisation-wide Communications Strategy.
- Maintaining and growing our website using our Content Management System, with support and training as needed.
- Draft, proofread and share social media and newsletter copy promoting work across Innovation Unit’s portfolio – with support and training as needed.
- Working with the Innovation Unit Team, to support and empower others to engage in communications.
- Spot and develop communications opportunities, regularly meeting with project teams.
- Support the tracking of Key Performance Indicators (through analytics) and reporting of insights.
- Support senior colleagues through event planning and coordinating external event attendance.
- Develop ideas for boosting Innovation Unit’s public profile based on live projects and priorities.
Project Coordination and Delivery
- Support Project Leads to plan and coordinate projects including tasks such as: drafting delivery updates for clients; recording minutes; scheduling meetings; and understanding/raising any risks.
- Support the delivery of client-facing projects through tasks such as: leading on event logistics (online and in person) and at times co-designing and co-facilitating workshops; analysing complex information; drafting and designing event documents; and, developing communication materials such as slides and web content.
- Collaborate with your project team to share learning with the wider organisation.
Business Development
- Support staff across the IU team to pursue business development opportunities and develop proposals.
Deadline for applications: 22/04/2025 9:00 am
Contract details
LOCATION
We are seeking to recruit colleagues to our office in Manchester.
We only accept applications from people with the right to work in the UK and are UK based.
HYBRID WORKING
Our team splits their time between home, on client sites and office, with moments to come to the office for project work, away days and socials. Schedules vary depending on client projects and the requirements of your role.
There is also an expectation to deliver project work around the UK when required (expenses covered).
SALARY
£28,000 – £30,000 p.a. depending on experience
HOURS
37.5 per week
HOLIDAY
27 days holiday plus bank holidays. In addition, we close the office for three days between Christmas and New Year.
BENEFITS
4% pension contribution
Pension salary exchange scheme
Life cover
Childcare voucher scheme
Flexible working
SmartHelp access
REPORT TO
Stacey Hemphill Head of Practice
How to apply
OUR RECRUITMENT PROCESS
At Innovation Unit we use Applied for our recruitment. The Applied platform has been designed to reduce bias in recruitment. Instead of using your CV alone, we’ll be asking you to answer questions to test skills needed for the role. The responses are then reviewed in a random order by members of our team.
The Applied platform also asks some demographic questions before you start your application. We at Innovation Unit never see the responses to these demographic questions with your application. We only see summary statistics to help us check if our candidate pool is balanced and if everyone has an equal chance to get hired irrespective of their background.
USING AI
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are becoming increasingly embedded in our lives. Tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot and Claude are changing the way people work by saving them time and improving accessibility. We understand that applicants will be keen to find ways to use these tools in their own work. Our position on the use of AI tools is:
You can use AI tools to help write your job application. We will not reject an application just because AI was used.
Use AI with caution: AI can provide a useful starting point but often what it produces for you is not as strong as it might appear. AI supported applications do not tell your unique story. Being too generic in content may disadvantage your application.
DEADLINE
The deadline for receipt of applications is 09:00 Tuesday 22nd April 2025
INTERVIEWS
First round interviews will take place between 6th – 9th May 2025 over video call. The second round will be a test and an in-person interview 14th and 15th May 2025 in either Manchester or London. Final screening interviews with the CEO will be on Monday 19th May 2025 online.
All candidates will receive an email confirming that their application has been received. After this, we will only contact the applicants that have been selected for interview. Feedback on your application will be given through the Applied system.
Due to the nature of our work with children and vulnerable adults, Innovation Unit operates a Safer Recruitment policy. All offers of employment will be made on the condition of a DBS check being carried out and we will ask for two references.