Online Community Development Manager - CONTRACT (12 MONTHS FTC)

My client, based in Hertfordshire, is urgently seeking an experienced Online Community Development professional for 12 months to manage and contribute to the continuous development of technical communities for their organisation.  The role will be a Fixed Term Contract based on an annual salary package and not a day rate.

The remit of this position will include the engagement, retention and professional development of community members as well as the development of suitable products and services to meet their needs.

The main responsibilities of the post holder will be:

1.  To manage a number of technical/professional networks (three approximately) including the related committee/volunteer structure;
2.  To oversee the online communities and monitor web based activity including discussion forums to identify future opportunities for hot topics;
3.  To take a proactive role within each network, driving development and actively engaging with community members both on and offline;
4.  To identify possible strategic partnerships with other organisations, as well as developing and maintaining them;
5.  To act as the liaison point between the communities and the event production team to suggest ideas for events/speakers;
6.  Take the lead in arranging cross department meetings and actively work with other areas of the business including publication editors, policy, business partners etc;
7.  To manage activities for the networks such as technical visits, awards, interviews etc;
8.  To be responsible for the content on the technical and professional networks web pages, and ensure a good flow of new material so that all online/printed material is produced and published in a timely fashion;
9.  To continuously review and develop the offerings for each network to meet the needs of the community, including monitoring competitor activity;
10.  To work with other departments in the development of online and complementary products;
11.  To work with other departments to identify and develop opportunities for future activities;
12.  To act as business developer to produce and implement the business plans for each community and oversee their subsequent financial management;
13.  To manage the budget for each network and provide accurate and timely forecasting.

To be successful in your application, you should be able to demonstrate the following key skills/experience:

1.  Educated to degree level with an interest in engineering/technology/business and knowledge of the current commercial/industrial world;
2.  Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence, persuade and motivate at all levels;
3.  Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
4.  Sound organisational and planning skills, with the ability to work under pressure and to deadlines;
5.  An ability to assimilate complex information quickly;
6.  An ability to act on own initiative and problem solve as well as work effectively as part of a team;
7.  High level of IT literacy.

Desirable skills for this position are:

1.  Experience of working with committees and/or volunteers;
2.  Experience of working in a publishing environment;
3.  A degree or technical knowledge in a relevant area;
4.  Project management skills;
5.  Budget management experience.

If you possess all the key attributes to be successful within this post, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me directly on 020 7539 6201 or via e-mail to ian.kirby@pts-consulting.co.uk