JOB TITLE: External Communications Manager
RESPONSIBLE TO: Head of Communications
JOB GRADE: C2
LOCATION: Home-based/Remote working
DURATION: Fixed-term (3-year contract)
WORKING HOURS: Full-time (37.5 hours per week)
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BACKGROUND
United Bible Societies (UBS) is a global fellowship of 155 Bible Societies working in over 240 countries and territories. Our mission is simple and compelling: to make the Bible accessible to everyone, in a language and format they can understand and afford.
Together, we are building an integrated global movement—rooted in local contexts but united by a shared vision—that spans Bible translation, production, distribution, and engagement.
To support this mission, the Global Mission Team (GMT) equips and strengthens our worldwide network of Bible Societies through strategic leadership and operational support. As we launch an ambitious five-year growth plan, we are expanding our communications capacity to amplify the UBS story globally and we are looking for passionate, creative individuals to join us on this journey.
JOB SUMMARY
The External Communication Officer at the United Bible Societies (UBS) will assist with initiatives to enhance the organization’s global reputation, advance its mission, and foster meaningful connections with external stakeholders. This role involves crafting compelling stories that amplify UBS’s impact in Bible translation, print, distribution and engagement. The ideal candidate will develop and implement external communication strategies, manage media relationships, curate UBS’s online presence, and ensure all communications align with UBS’s mission of making the Bible accessible to everyone. As part of a dynamic communications team, you will contribute to the development and execution of strategic communication initiatives, fostering meaningful connections and amplifying UBS’s impact worldwide.
APPOINTED BY: Head of Communications
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Communication Strategy:
- Implement and support external communication plans to effectively share UBS’s mission, projects, and global impact with diverse audiences.
- Ensure consistent, clear messaging across all external communication channels, fully aligned with UBS’s values and mission.
- Collaborate with Bible Societies to deliver the UBS Global Narrative Strategy, ensuring global cohesion and local relevance.
- Work closely with Bible Societies to source and amplify impactful stories.
- Media Relations:
- Build and maintain strong relationships with global media outlets, journalists, and faith-based influencers.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries, managing press interactions to ensure positive and accurate representation of UBS.
- Draft and distribute press releases, feature articles, and media kits to increase visibility and awareness of UBS’s initiatives and successes.
- Support member Bible Societies in designing and executing media campaigns that are locally rooted but resonate globally.
- Storytelling and Content Creation:
- Create and curate compelling stories that highlight UBS’s global impact in Bible translation, distribution, and engagement.
- Develop engaging and audience-focused content for newsletters, reports, blogs, social media, and other campaigns.
- Collaborate with regional Bible Societies to identify and share inspiring stories from across the globe, fostering a unified narrative.
- Digital & Online Presence
- Maintain a consistent and cohesive UBS presence across digital platforms and public websites.
- Cultivate and sustain a distinct, authentic and engaging public voice for UBS online.
- Monitor and analyze public perceptions, media coverage, and digital engagement, providing actionable insights to improve communication strategies.
- Event and Campaign Management:
- Partner with global events, campaigns, and faith-based conferences that raise awareness of UBS’s ministry.
- Work closely with partners and stakeholders to amplify the reach and impact of UBS’s campaigns and initiatives.
- Brand and Mission Alignment:
- Safeguard UBS’s brand identity by ensuring that all external communication reflects its mission to make the Bible accessible and meaningful.
- Monitor public media outlets and public perception of UBS.
- Implement innovative strategies to strengthen UBS’s reputation as a trusted faith-based organization.
- Newsletter Management:
- Lead the launch of the “Friends of UBS” newsletter, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
- Oversee the editorial process, from content development to final approval, ensuring timely and high-quality distribution.
- Manage newsletter outreach to foster engagement and maintain strong connections with UBS supporters.
- Measurement and Reporting:
- Analyze and report on the effectiveness of external communication efforts.
- Provide actionable insights and recommendations to enhance future strategies and campaigns.
PERSONAL QUALITIES AND COMPETENCIES
The successful candidate will have the following qualities and skills. In some cases, follow-up training will be offered by UBS, and the candidate is expected to be prepared to attend workshops or other learning events.
Personal Qualities
- Comfortable working in a Christian organisation with sensitivity to the breadth of church support that UBS enjoys.
- A self-motivated professional with a passion for effective communication and storytelling.
- A strong listener with the ability to work collaboratively and across cultures and to explain complex matters simply.
- A good understanding of how to communicate with culturally-diverse audiences.
- Ability to work collaboratively and across cultures, good listener, and ability to explain complex matters simply.
- Self-motivated, with enough personal confidence to be open to continuous learning and development.
Essential Experiences and Skills:
- Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field such as Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related discipline.
- Storytelling Expertise: Proven ability to craft clear, compelling, and inspiring narratives, with a strong understanding of how and why effective storytelling works.
- Exceptional Communication Skills: Outstanding written and verbal communication abilities, with the capacity to tailor messages for diverse audiences and platforms.
- Collaborative Approach: A strong team player with experience working across cross-functional and cross-cultural teams.
- Adaptability and Agility: Flexible and responsive to shifting communication needs, emerging trends, and tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Mentorship and Training: Capable of training and mentoring partners in storytelling techniques and safeguarding practices in communications.
- Linguistic Proficiency: Fluent in English, with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly and effectively.
- Technical Aptitude: Proficient in leveraging modern communication tools and platforms for storytelling and engagement.
- Global Perspective: Work collaboratively in a global, multicultural setting.
- Travel Availability: Willingness to travel occasionally.
- Digital Competence: Access to excellent internet connectivity and excellent digital skills and experience using the latest digital technologies and platforms.
Desirable Experiences and Skills:
- Language Proficiency: Knowledge of French, Spanish or other global languages.
- Relevant Experience: Demonstrated experience in nonprofit, faith-based, or international communication roles.
- Cultural and Contextual Sensitivity: Deep awareness of global contexts, cultural diversity, and denominational sensitivities in faith-based communication.
How to Apply
To apply for one of these exciting opportunities, please submit the following three documents by email to [email protected] by the closing date given below. Please enter JOB TITLE as the email subject (if you wish to apply for multiple roles please send separate emails):
- Your up-to-date CV.
- A cover letter outlining your suitability for this role.
- A document outlining three key achievements (max 600 words total)
Applications Closing Date: 25 May 2025 (All applications must be received by midnight GMT)
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
At UBSA we value diversity and treat all candidates equally, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all employees feel engaged, supported and know their work makes an important contribution. All applications are screened based on organization needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without any regard to origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, geographical location or citizenship.