ACTION MEDICAL RESEARCH

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job title: Publications Editor

Working base: Communications Department, Head Office,

Horsham

Reporting to: Director of Communications

Working relationships:

Close working relationships with members of the communications team,

the research department, and with fundraising staff and volunteers. Also
medical researchers; freelance writers and photographers; design, print
and mailing fulfilment suppliers; advertising and media agencies.

Job purpose

1. To write and edit the charity’s supporter magazines (Touching Lives

and Fundraising in Action), the annual Research Review and other
smaller publications and leaflets, and to manage their design,
production and distribution.

2. To write and edit the charity’s bi-monthly e-newsletter and other

supporter
e-communication, as well as proofing and editing copy for the
website and writing corporate website copy.

3. To maintain a strategic overview of all supporter communications,

both print and online, to ensure the charity communicates effectively
to motivate and retain the support of its donors and volunteers.

Principal tasks and responsibilities

1. To edit and produce the charity’s Touching Lives magazine and the
Fundraising in Action newsletter, both published twice a year, in
conjunction with the research and fundraising departments. This
includes budgeting, scheduling, editorial planning, writing and
sourcing copy, organising photo shoots, compiling design briefs, and
liaising with graphic designers, printers and mailing houses as
necessary.

2. To edit and produce the charity’s annual Research Review, in

conjunction with the research and fundraising departments, the
Director of Communications, Communications Manager and the Chief
Executive.
3. To compile and produce various Action Medical Research publicity
leaflets and posters, including an annual update of the charity’s
general and appeal leaflets.

4. To write and edit the charity’s bi-monthly e-newsletter to supporters,

and other ‘Action Alert’ e-communications, in conjunction with
relevant staff.

5. To manage the charity’s ongoing relationship with media owner Clear

Channel, including the design, printing, storage and distribution of
posters and to maximise the opportunities for pro bono advertising.

6. To write corporate content and to proof, edit and quality control

website content, in conjunction with relevant staff.

7. To manage the ongoing development and maintenance of the online

photographic library.

8. To copy edit and proof-read fundraising publicity materials, when

time allows.

9. To provide general editorial and administrative help for

communications team projects when needed.

10. To contribute fully to departmental planning activities including to

team meetings and away days.

11. To manage the Touching Lives news library – both hardcopy and
electronic database.

12. To post copy from publications, leaflets and newsletters on the

website.

Other responsibilities

1. Maintain an interest in the activities of the communications

department and charity by reading relevant materials
produced and attending events from time to time.

2. Be prepared to work flexible hours, including occasional

evenings and weekends, to attend charity events and
complete required tasks. This will include travel across the UK
as required.

3. Keep the Director of Communications fully briefed on all

activities undertaken, and to provide plans, reports and work
evaluations as required.

4. Undertake other duties of a compatible nature as may be

required from time to time.
 5. This Job Description is a statement of requirements at the time
of writing. It should not be seen as precluding future
changes.

Person Specification

Graduate or equivalent professional qualification, with experience of

editing and producing consumer publications, preferably in the health
and/or charity sector

Exceptional writing and editing skills, and with proven ability to write
about complex issues clearly and effectively

Experienced proof reader with good attention to detail

Good knowledge of graphic design and print production, as well as online

publishing and websites. Experience of working with graphic designers,
printers, web developers, freelance writers and photographers

A confident self-starter, able to work independently, and who relishes the

freedom and responsibility of producing the charity’s flagship supporter
publications

Enthusiasm, determination, commitment to the charity’s objectives, good

sense of humour and real desire to strive for excellence

Highly organised, with excellent planning and time management skills,

with the ability to prioritise competing tasks, manage a busy work load
and deliver to timetable and budget

Able to work quickly and accurately, with the resilience needed to work
well under pressure of deadlines

Good team player with strong verbal communication skills, able to build
working relationships with a wide range of people

Possess sensitivity and tact when dealing with children and babies
suffering health problems and their families

Competent IT skills including Microsoft Office applications, and preferably

Acrobat and Photoshop

Interest in medical and public health issues, with ability to quickly

understand scientific terminology and research findings.

October 2009