Volunteer PR, Marketing, and Communications Lead

What will you be doing?

Key Responsibilities Marketing and Communications strategy

Develop and implement the marketing strategy, across all appropriate channels, which will maximise the visibility of BLSAR and its mission. The primary objective of the strategy is to enhance and support fundraising activities; the secondary objective is to attract new volunteers on a regular basis.

Marketing and Communications plan

Liaise with BLSAR department leads and other role holders to develop and maintain an annual marketing and communications plan with timed activities. Socialise with the Leadership Team to secure agreement and support for the plan. Develop and maintain an annual budget for marketing and communications. Secure the approval of the BLSAR Leadership Team for the budgeted activities. Provide regular reports on progress against budget along with outcomes and lessons learned which will influence future planning.   

External Publicity and Media Relations

Manage and maintain the BLSAR web site with current and engaging content in support of the overall BLSAR mission as well as the marketing, fundraising and recruitment objectives.  Build and maintain relationships with local and regional media outlets. Draft and distribute press releases, news articles, and feature stories to showcase BLSAR’s activities and successes. Act as a spokesperson for BLSAR where appropriate or support volunteers in media engagements.

Marketing and Fundraising Support

Create and execute marketing campaigns to promote BLSAR’s fundraising activities, events, and campaigns. Collaborate with the Fundraising Officer to develop and maintain a library of media and promotional materials. Manage and grow BLSAR’s presence on social media platforms, ensuring engaging and consistent content. Oversee the production of regular newsletters, leaflets, and other communications materials.

Brand Management

Maintain and enhance BLSAR’s brand identity, ensuring all communications reflect its values and mission. Develop guidelines for tone, style, and use of logos and branding across all materials. 

What are we looking for?

Essential Skills and Experience

Experience in public relations, marketing, or communications (voluntary or professional). Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling stories and messages. Proficiency in managing social media accounts and creating engaging content. Excellent organizational and time management skills. Proven self-starter and individual contributor. A proactive, creative, and flexible approach to problem-solving. Passion for BLSAR’s mission and the ability to work collaboratively with a volunteer team.

Desirable Skills

Familiarity with digital marketing tools and platforms. Established regional media contacts or experience in working with journalists. Graphic design skills or experience with photo and video editing.

What difference will you make?

Running a successful search and rescue operation requires a wide range of skills. While our search technicians are out in the field, we also rely on volunteers behind the scenes to handle essential tasks such as administration, public relations, and finances. In addition our support team plays a vital role in our administration function, logistics, equipment maintenance, and deploying boats and vehicles, ensuring everything runs smoothly.