Job overview
As Communications Officer for the NIHR South West Central Regional Research Delivery Network (SWC RRDN), you will support the provision of a high quality, professional and proactive communications service to the NIHR Research Delivery Network (RDN) regionally and nationally. The role will support the delivery of a corporate communication strategy and associated communication activities, engagement events and marketing initiatives to enable the RDN to showcase impact and deliver on its strategic objectives.
Main duties of the job
* Organise and manage communication campaigns, including national initiatives to engage the public and health and care professionals in research (e.g., Be Part of Research and Join Dementia Research).
* Plan and organise engagement events regionally and nationally.
* Enhance the strategic development of the RDN through all forms of media and appropriate channels, both traditional and digital, including social media.
* Provide communications, marketing and media handling advice for managers, staff and committees.
Qualifications and experience
* Relevant postgraduate-level or demonstrable experience in public relations, communications, marketing and/or journalism, including social/web-based media.
* Demonstrable experience in a large, complex organisation and in inter‑agency working with multiple partners.
* Experience managing a customer‑focused service and a wide range of complex duties.
* Experience of working at a similar level in the NHS or another healthcare environment.
* Good understanding of the health and care research environment.
* Degree level education and/or equivalent qualification (e.g., Health, Media, Journalism, Web publishing).
* European Computer Driving Licence.
* Resilient, calm under pressure, adaptable to change and politically aware.
Skills and abilities
* Ability to work autonomously, exercise initiative, creativity, drive and flexibility.
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
* Proficiency in preparing communication materials (e.g., website copy, newsletter articles) and their distribution.
* Excellent organisational skills, interpersonal skills and the ability to operate at all organisational levels.
* Ability to write concise and clear reports, SOPs, and deliver high‑quality presentations.
* Project management skills: plan, manage and deliver projects and activities with multiple agencies to tight deadlines.
* Strong problem‑solving, staff training and IT literacy (Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Adobe InDesign, Canva).
* Ability to manage challenging and stressful situations and communicate complex information to diverse audiences.
Person specification
* Relevant experience in communications, public relations, marketing or journalism, postgraduate level or equivalent.
* Experience in a complex organisation and inter‑agency collaboration.
* Experience managing a customer‑focused, multi‑agency service.
* Knowledge of the NHS or healthcare environment and the research sector.
* Excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills.
* Ability to work autonomously, with initiative and resilience.
Equal opportunities and diversity
We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, as they are under‑represented within the Trust. As an equal opportunities employer actively working towards a diverse workforce, we aim to recruit and retain staff who represent the rich diversity of the local population at all levels and are committed to designing services around patient needs.
Benefits and support
The Trust is committed to investing in and caring for all staff. We will support you in maintaining and improving your health and well‑being, and in your career development through management and training support, developing exceptional people for exceptional careers. UHBW is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
Legal and immigration
To comply with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016, all applicants must speak fluent English to an appropriate standard, which will be assessed at interview. If you require sponsorship for a visa to work in the UK, please confirm eligibility under the UKVI points‑based system.
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