CharityComms

So, what do you actually do?
Handle all communications for the Papworth Trust and manage a team of four people.

How did you get into it?

I was working for RDA as a marketing executive on a contract and saw this position advertised.

What does your typical day involve?
Managing the team and their workload.  Advising colleagues on communications issues.  Writing and proof reading copy.  Marketing strategy.

What skills and experience do you need to do your job?
People management and communication skills.  Budgetary and negotiation skills.

What kind of personality is best suited to working in a job like yours? Confident and outgoing.  Not afraid to challenge or question.

What’s been your biggest achievement in this job?
Managing the media with regards to the Minister for Disability visiting the organisation.

What’s been your biggest challenge?
Responding to a request from Newsnight and getting a director and a client in a taxi down to London in time for an interview.

What are the best things about your job?
Seeing the difference I make to people's lives.

And the worst?
Communicating to the whole Trust that it is going to feature on a news item only to have that item pulled at the last minute due to another news story. I have been more cautious about promoting internally as a result.

Any top tips for someone wanting to get into this work?
Know your audience and your team members.  Understand that what makes you tick isn't the same for everyone.

Where do you see your career heading in the future?
Remaining in the sector and hopefully progressing to director level.