Job Title: Location: Reports to: Creative Services Manager MS National Centre, London Head of Marketing and Brand Introduction to MS Society The MS Society is the UK s leading MS charity. Since 1953, we ve been providing information and support, funding research and fighting for change. We fund research, give grants, campaign for change, provide information and support, invest in MS specialists and lend a listening ear to those who need it. The MS Society is a democratic organisation. Every one of our 38,000 members has an equal say in what we do. We are also supported by 9000 volunteers and 260 staff members. Our Mission Our mission is to enable everyone affected by MS to live life to their full potential and secure the care and support they need, until we ultimately find a cure. Our aim is to beat MS. Context of Work More than 100,000 people in the UK have MS, more than 2 million worldwide. We offer hope for the future by investing in research, and help for today through our information, support and campaigning. People with MS guide our work. Our volunteers and supporters shape our research programme through our Research Network, help us provide support locally through our branches and groups and help us write our publications. Our paid staff also provide information and support services to people affected by MS, work with scientists and healthcare professionals and raise funds in four national offices and communities across the UK. With branches in every part of the UK the Society s work has inspired thousands of volunteers, supporters and staff members to make a difference to the lives people affected by MS. Purpose To advise on the development of creative design solutions for senior managers and their teams including MSS graphic design, publications, direct marketing, campaigns, fundraising, local support and creative publication needs. To liaise with other MSS departments and lead on the creative direction for their projects. To assist the Head of Marketing in upholding the MS Society s brand and visual identity and ensuring its future development. 1
Head of Marketing and Brand Creative Services Manager Graphic Designer Graphic Designer Editorial Officer Key Relationships: Internal Internal clients in need of creative direction and production of materials which require professional design standards, specific design advice, and guidance. Chef Executive s Office, including governance team Director of Marketing and Communications Head of Communications and Campaigns, and their team Head of Digital and their team Staff members across Fundraising Directorate including Heads of Individual Giving, Communities and Events and Partnerships and members of their teams Staff in Research and Policy Directorate Heads of Local Networks and Information and the services and support Directorate including Branch volunteers and other potential internal clients who need design support External The post holder briefs, instructs and works closely with a number of high level external creative agencies and production suppliers including managing the relationship with our direct marketing agencies and other partner organisations. They will also recruit to and manage relationships with designers, printers, photographers, copywriters, editors, and consultants. Key Accountabilities: The MS Society Creative Services Manager will support delivery of the Society s Marketing and Communications strategy to deliver the MS Society s strategic goals by: 2
1. Business plan implementation 1a Developing, implementing and leading an in-house creative services function 1b Overseeing Editorial standards 1c Creative and editorial production of key MS Society Publications 1d Manage accessible formats 2. People management and Teamwork 3. Financial management 4. Monitoring and reporting on performance General Key competencies The post holder is expected to model and promote the MS Society s values and leadership behaviours: Understands and commits to the MS Society Vision: Places people affected by MS at the heart of what we do; seeks ways to improve and have a greater impact and acts as an ambassador for the MS Society. Enables others to act: Trusts, empowers and develops staff, respecting and valuing diversity, skills and contributions from others. Maintains and develops own competences and engenders trust and respect from colleagues. Inspires and motivates: Maintains motivation creates energy and momentum; is positive and solution focused; and drives excellence and improvement. Analyses and Evaluates: Analyses information from a range of sources in order to make effective decisions; weighs up risks and challenges; applies critical thinking; is outcomes focussed and measures impact. Plans and prioritises: Works efficiently and plans ahead; prioritises effectively; is mindful of fundability; and is able to balance urgent and important activity. Communicates Effectively: Influences others, flexes to suit different audiences, builds rapport and is open and approachable Demonstrates professional competence: Maintains own area of technical or professional competence, shares and distributes knowledge and expertise, balances professional competence with effective interpersonal skills. Detailed Responsibilities 1. Business plan implementation Total 75% Planning and allocating work, monitoring achievement of deadlines, and supporting staff as appropriate Focussing the work of the Creative Services Team to implement business plans and contribute to the achievement of the Society s strategic aims and priorities Ensuring a clear focus on driving improvements in quality, impact and performance 1a Developing, implementing and leading an in-house creative services function (35%) Developing close relationships with internal clients from across the MS Society, ensuring they trust, understand and use the creative services team 3
Managing a creative briefing system for the MS Society to meet internal client and business creative production requirements. Introducing and maintaining effective scheduling, reporting and monitoring strategies for all design projects ensuring deadlines are met and keeping the appropriate managers and stakeholders informed at all times. Ensuring consistent pipeline for upcoming work identifying gaps and pinch points, ensuring a smooth and efficient flow of work through the team. Meeting internal clients to discuss their creative objectives and requirements of their brief. Interpreting the client's creative business needs and developing a concept to effectively further our strategic aims and fit within the business case while suiting their purpose. Estimating the time required to complete the work and providing quotes for clients. To build supplier partnership and manage relationships with external creative agencies and individual contractors on specified projects and manage temporary designers and writers as and when necessary. Developing design and production concepts by gathering information and data through internal and external research. Leading and working within the creative services team to think creatively to produce new ideas and concepts. Using innovation to write or redefine a design brief within the constraints of cost and time. Presenting finalised ideas and concepts to internal clients for approval and feedback Creating final concepts, working to agreed deadline and budget Amending and adapting final creative outputs according to the brief, client comments and practical constraints Leading the creative services team to ensure effective proof reading and preparing designs to prior to print or publication 1b Overseeing Editorial standards 15% Support & maintain editorial standards across all key external communications Create and update the in house style guide setting out the Society s editorial standards, to include use of language, style and tone of voice Undertake a regular audit of all external facing MS Society communications to ensure compliance with Editorial guidelines Work with departments across the Society to ensure a consistent approach to editorial standards in all content Provide appropriate training and support related to maintaining editorial standards for staff and volunteers Working with colleagues to oversee the effective implementation and ongoing use of the planned Digital Asset Management System Being proactive in formulating appropriate, strategic and creative responses, including new ideas for internal clients campaigns. 4
1c Creative and editorial production of key MS Society key Publications 20% Review and implement a strategy for external facing magazines and newsletters (print and digital) to maximise our impact across all audiences Oversee regular communications audits of the Society s magazine portfolio Set standards for content/design to enhance MS branding Oversee management of reader research to ensure magazines are well targeted and continue to meet audience needs/expectations appropriately. Manage relationships with external designers to develop/update magazine layouts if appropriate Oversee the creative direction, content, layout, design and production of MS Society external publications including MS Matters Oversee the creative direction, content layout, design and production of external publications including the annual report Responsible for commissioning and managing suppliers including designers and advertising sales company. Ensure that design and artwork delivers attractive, varied, relevant and engaging publications with impeccable standards which delivers measurable engagement with target audiences Agree and establish schedules for the magazines on an ongoing basis Ensure that all suppliers meet deadlines and copy/ready to print artwork is delivered with sufficient lead times Ensure that the magazine and newsletter portfolio is meeting the Society s strategic objectives as cost efficiently as possible, including evaluating alternative production solutions and external suppliers to maintain best value. 1d Manage accessible formats 5% To manage the provision of all external publications in a variety of accessible formats Deliver large print and audio versions as required Oversee production of digital version of MS matters and maintain a presence for it on our web site. Develop new methods of accessible versions of the magazine as new technology becomes available 2. People Management 15% Managing performance and development of the Creative Services Team, through regular feedback, supervision, supporting learning and the Performance development review process Recruiting and inducting new staff. Developing and maintaining effective working relationships across the team, department, directorate and Society. 3. Budget Management 5% Accountable for the efficient management of production expenditure including supporting the Head of Marketing and Brand in effective budget preparation, planning, monitoring and review Ensure effective financial and resource management 5
Managing and signing off on budgets for creative projects including MS Matters, annual report suite and ad hoc use of consultants, photographers, designers and writers 4. Monitoring and Reporting on Performance 5% Accountable for the analysis and evaluation of the teams work performance information, monitoring and reporting against objectives, outcomes and KPIs. Ensuring action is taken in a timely manner to enable corrective action to be taken Ensuring the impact of the teams work/your work[delete as appropriate] is measured in accordance with the MS Society s outcomes framework General Compliance with MSS s governance procedures, MSS policies and guidelines. Contribute to a positive working environment in which equality and diversity are valued and staff are enabled to do their best. Acting as project manager as required and contributing to relevant programmes and projects Providing creative advice to other managers from across the organisation on matters relating to their creative, design, editorial or publication needs. Other Duties To be prepared to travel to meetings across the UK and be away from home overnight, as the job reasonably demands. The post holder should be prepared to attend MS Society meetings in different parts of the country including MS National Centre. Some meetings may be during evenings or weekends. To undertake any other works as could be expected of a Creative Services Manager Person Specification Qualifications Essential A levels/equivalent qualification or Relevant professional creative and production experience, which demonstrates equivalent academic skills Evidence of continuous professional development. Experience Essential A proven track record of success in leading and managing a team of comparable size and complexity, to deliver high quality results to deadlines Experience of developing, communicating and implementing business plans 6
Proven planning and project management experience to control effective use of resources Demonstrable experience of applying effective problem solving techniques when the situation demands Experience of financial and budgetary management Proven track record of developing and implementing editorial policy and guidelines Extensive experience of creative production - managing design and editorial processes and, ideally, advertising services Experience of commissioning audience research Experience of commissioning and contracting with external suppliers Experience of developing and producing publications across a wide range of formats, channels and to a broad range of external audiences. Desirable Experience of developing and delivering training courses and adapting training to small groups and specific teams Knowledge and skills Essential Excellent interpersonal skills, and able to influence/persuade a wide range of stakeholders Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively in a wide range of media and audiences The ability to manage change effectively The ability to focus on impact and deliver outstanding results in a team environment. Demonstrable commitment to collaborative team work. Demonstrable commitment to inclusive working, ensuring equality and valuing diversity. Excellent organisational and workload management skills. IT skills, in particular desktop editing, photo editing, CMS editing and digital asset management systems. Employment terms Grade: Band F Level 2: Salary scale: 35,151-40,073 Signed by postholder Date Signed by Executive Director Date 7