Newsletter Co-ordinator

VOLUNTEER ROLE DESCRIPTION

Role title

NEWSLETTER COORDINATOR

Organisation and who benefits

The Harpenden Trust provides a variety of support for families, individuals, and other local charitable organisations, all within the AL5 postcode. Over 500 volunteers are involved in a wide range of projects, from financial support and outings to wellbeing and befriending. All of our work is carried out with our Trust values uppermost in our minds: with care and kindness, with community spirit and with creativity and commitment.

The Role

The HT Newsletter serves as our principal printed communication channel, is produced twice yearly and is widely available throughout Harpenden. 

Through compelling storytelling and thoughtful reporting, the Newsletter showcases the Trust's impact, celebrates our volunteers' dedication, and illustrates how local support transforms lives in our community. This traditional yet essential medium helps maintain strong connections with both long-standing supporters, those new to the Trust's work and existing volunteers. Working with the Director of External Affairs, the Coordinator will play a key role in bringing together content from across the Trust and ensuring smooth production and distribution of the Newsletter.

Main tasks

Working closely with the Director of External Communications, the Coordinator will:

•       Coordinate stories and images from various departments across the Trust

•       Maintain a schedule of content submissions and follow up with departments to ensure timely delivery

•       Assist the Director of External Communications in collating and organising all submitted content

•       Liaise with story writers when amendments or additional information is required

•       Help track the progress of articles through the editing process

•       Coordinate with the volunteer designer/typesetter and Trust Administrator regarding printing requirements

•       Coordinate newsletter distribution, working with our small team of volunteer distributors

•       Maintain an up-to-date list of distribution points

•       Ensure effective coverage across Harpenden by monitoring which areas receive newsletters

•       Support the Director in maintaining editorial standards and consistency

Skills, experience and qualities needed

Good organisational and communication skills. Good attention to detail. 

A friendly and personable approach when coordinating with team members

Basic computer literacy with ability to use Microsoft Word and email. 

Ability to follow established processes and timelines 

A willingness to learn and develop new skills with the necessary support. 

No previous newsletter or publishing experience required - full training will be provided.

When

Approximately 2-3 hours per week, with busier periods in the weeks leading up to publication dates (late June and late November). The External Affairs Team meets quarterly, usually in early evening. Flexibility around the coordinator's availability.

Where

Home based and Trust premises. Most coordination can be done remotely.

Reporting to

Director of External Communications.

What can volunteers get out of it

An excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop their organisational, communication and project management skills. 

Satisfaction in contributing to an important community communication that helps the Trust maintain high visibility and continue its vital work supporting those most in need. 

Other information

Application form and 2 references required. Full training and ongoing support provided by the Director of External Communications.