Job Description
JOB PURPOSE:
- As the principal writer for the IRUK website, the postholder will write the bulk of the copy for the website, applying SEO best practice and ensuring website content aligns with wider marketing plans.
- As someone with a passion for writing, as well as meticulous attention to detail and a firm grasp of grammar and plain English, the postholder will be able to adapt and tailor messages for distinct audiences – including donors by different age and behavioural segments.
- Manage all content on the website, ensuring timely content updates.
- Sub-editing and proof-reading material written by others to ensure quality control and brand consistency - and provide training and guidance to internal contributors where required.
Scope of the Role:
Reporting to the Digital Marketing and Website Manager, the Website Editor is responsible for helping to support the implementation IRUK’s digital marketing strategy with a focus on developing engaging and SEO optimised website content. The postholder will assume complete responsibility for ensuring the content on the IRUK website is completely up to date, as well as writing and editing the bulk of copy for the Islamic Relief UK website, and proofing and editing any copy submitted by colleagues. All copy for the website will be developed in line with web and SEO copy best practice. Another key part of the role is to regularly review content across the website ensuring it is kept fresh and up to date. By using data insights, the postholder will be able to identify what content is performing well, and where improvements can be made to improve the supporter experience and website traffic.
The Web Editor will need to be a creative individual with a flair for compelling writing and an engaging, adaptable voice that is capable of relating well both to a primarily Muslim audience and to a wider public. This is a role that requires not only outstanding writing ability but also planning ability, an ability to uphold high standards of editorial quality and brand consistency, and an ability to work collaboratively and supportively with a wide range of stakeholders.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
1. Digital Copywriting
- Produce marketing and fundraising inspired copy for all major campaigns, giving products and emergency appeals for the IRUK website, and when required, adapting copy for other digital mediums including donor emails and SMS, newsletters, blogs, and copy for social media channels if required
- Be the principal content writer for the Islamic Relief UK website
- Undertake other writing tasks as defined by the Digital Marketing & Website Manager
- Work closely with the Digital Marketing & Website team to ensure a coordinated and coherent approach to website content which supports digital marketing and SEO priorities
- Work closely with the Head of Marketing, Digital Marketing and Website Manager, and the Copywriter & Editor to develop a defined ‘house style’ document for Islamic Relief’s digital channels, covering key messages and brand concepts, tone of voice, writing style and linguistic conventions
- Act as Islamic Relief UK’s in-house expert on SEO and provide training and support on best practice to colleagues within IRUK, and wider Islamic Relief family as and when required
2. Website content management
- Create and manage high-quality content across the IRUK website ensuring all content is kept fresh and up to date
- Ensure regular reviewing of existing content according to pre-defined priorities
- Build relationships with internal colleagues and manage copy contributions from a number of internal stakeholders, providing troubleshooting support, advice and training where necessary
- Applying clear call to actions on content to provide supporters a seamless journey through the website
- Supervise visual layout of content; edit, proofread and suggest improvements to written content
- Regularly check and track website content for accuracy
- Lead on delivering SEO best practice
- Ensure all website content complies with copyright and UK privacy and data protection laws
- Determine and track important KPIs
- Track and analyse website traffic
- Produce and present google analytics reports
- Keep abreast with new trends in web technology
3. General Duties of Islamic Relief staff member
- To contribute to planning and strategy development for the Marketing department as a whole
- To play an integral role in the development of wider digital marketing activities
- Cover selected UK fundraising, advocacy and corporate events as a correspondent, in order to report on them for the IRUK website
- Forward plan written output in consultation with colleagues, to ensure a coherent, coordinated and effective approach
- Write sponsored articles to be published on digital publisher as and when required
- Provide cover for the Copywriter & Editor as and when required
4. General Duties of Islamic Relief staff member
- Contribute to the effective and efficient running of Islamic Relief as appropriate.
- Participate, as appropriate, in Staff forums and Meetings
- Adhere to Islamic Relief’s policies and procedures
- Represent Islamic Relief to the wider community as appropriate
- Treat all colleagues, volunteers and members of the public with dignity and work within and adhere to Islamic Relief’s equal opportunities statement and polices
- Ensure professionalism and credibility at all times
- Any other task as deemed appropriate by the line manager within the scope of the role
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Knowledge, Skills and Qualifications:
- Hands on experience of using content management systems, particularly Wordpress
- Proven writing skills and strong all-round communication skills
- Degree-level education, ideally in English, Media/Journalism or creative writing
- Knowledge of and interest in international affairs and development
- Strong research skills and interviewing ability
- Knowledge of SEO and keyword research
- A creative, conceptual thinker who is comfortable in a range of writing formats, from serious long copy to a witty one-liner
- A versatile writer who can connect with a variety of audiences within the British Muslim community and among the wider public and key stakeholders
- A strong sub-editor and proof-reader, with meticulous attention to detail and impeccable standards of grammar
- An ability to communicate complex and dry concepts in plain English and compelling copy
Experience:
- Significant professional copywriting experience, either in house or for an agency
- Proven conceptual copywriting experience, ideally gained in a multi-channel environment, across both print and digital content
- Proven ability to write original and insightful SEO copy to optimise webpages and increase visibility
- Experience of writing in a not-for-profit context and for a Muslim audience is valued
Personal Qualities:
- Strong motivation for and empathy with the aims and objectives of Islamic Relief
- A genuine passion for making a difference
- Understanding of and affinity with Islamic Relief values
- Strong organisational ability, including prioritising and planning, meeting deadlines
- Systematic and meticulous
- Willingness to travel and work outside normal office hours when necessary
- Self-starter able to work effectively on own initiative
- Collaborative team player who enjoys working with a range of creative people
Desirable:
- Qualification or training in writing for digital channels/email
- Understanding of Islam and the significance of charitable giving
- Working knowledge of Bengali, Urdu or Arabic advantageous
Closing Date: Sunday 29 May 2022
