Communications and External Affairs Manager

About us

Hastoe owns and manages more than 7,500 homes across the south of England from Devon to Norfolk. We are a social housing landlord and England’s leading rural housing specialist. We deliver small housing developments in partnership with local communities although for historic reasons, we also own some housing in urban areas.

We’re passionate about providing a first-class service for our customers and our colleagues. If you are enthusiastic, pro-active and passionate about making a difference to people’s lives then we want to hear from you.

About the role

This role is split between home working and either our office in Hampton Wick, Surrey, or in Dorchester, Dorset.

Working as part of our Communications and External Affairs team, we are looking for someone who can support the diverse needs of our residents, colleagues and our head of service.

Your main duties will include:

• Managing day-to-day internal and external communications and public affairs activities
• Providing communications advice, support and training to Hastoe colleagues
• Editing and leading on the management of our print and digital publications
• Organising corporate events
• Managing and supporting our Communications Officer.

About you

You will be someone who has a good understanding of the importance of strategic communications as well as have:

• Experience of commissioning and managing communications projects
• Excellent writing and editing skills

• Experience of developing communications campaigns
• Specialist knowledge or training of communication issues
• Experience of organising events.

It goes without saying you’ll also need to have excellent people skills, be highly-organised and have an eye for detail. You’ll also need to be a self-starter, possess energy and have a passion for helping people.

Benefits provided

We’re all about being flexible and believe work is a thing you do, not a place you go.

Annual Leave:Starting at 25 days, excluding UK Public/Bank Holiday plus 1.5 days complimentary leave, along with the option to purchase additional leave.

Enhanced Pension: Hastoe's employer contributions start at 5% and are based on matching of your own contribution level plus 2%, up to a maximum of 8%.

Other benefits include:

• Flexible working opportunities.
• Annual leave increasing with length of service up to a maximum of 28 days (pro rata for part time employees).
• Discounts for local shops, restaurants and gym membership.
• Cycle and Car Leasing Scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – confidential phone and online support and resources service with 24/7 access.
• Health Cash Plan (a type of health insurance).
• A supportive working environment with ongoing learning and development opportunities.
• Long Service awards.

A personal note from Gavin Jones, your hiring manager:

“You’ll be joining a small but professional, friendly and supportive team. We offer excellent opportunities to add to your skills and develop your career. We expect high standards but you will enjoy working at the heart of an award-winning housing association that makes a real difference to people’s lives.”

How to apply

Please send your CV by midnight on Sunday 19 May 2024.

First stage interviews are expected to take place on 23 and 24 May.

This post is subject to background checks.