Job summary
We have an exciting opportunity for an innovative, creative and enthusiastic media and communications officer to join our friendly and welcoming communications and engagement team as our press officer.
Are you a brilliant team player, with an eye for a good story and the ability to communicate complex topics in a simple and engaging way?
You will be used to liaising closely and working proactively with the media and key stakeholders, and will have an excellent standard of written work. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential too, as is the ability to work across the organisation at all levels.
We are looking for someone who can turn human interest stories into engaging press releases and social media content that grabs attention and showcases the great work of the Trust and our people.
We are a busy team so being able to manage competing deadlines and remain calm under pressure is essential.
Please note that our team follows a hybrid working model, so there is flexibility for a balance of home working, Exeter HQ office-based work and at times working out of ambulance stations across the South West.
Interviews will be held face-to-face at Trust HQ in Exeter w/c 10 June.
Main duties of the job
1. This role is based in Exeter at Trust HQ, but may include travel to other sites within the South Western Ambulance Service [SWASFT] area, and reports to the External Communications Manager.
2. This role supports the delivery of the overall Trust communications strategy, with responsibility for making sure deadlines are met, and specific projects and tasks are completed to a high standard.
3. The post holder will be involved in a range of activities to support external communications, with a particular focus on media relations.
4. Communications at SWASFT can be fast-moving with ever-changing priorities, therefore the post holder is expected to have an agile approach to work, be self-motivated, highly productive, take pride in their own work and be able to work to tight deadlines. The post holder will be supervised and supported by the External Communications Manager.
About us
Working for us is an experience like no other. We provide emergency and urgent care, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, operating across the largest ambulance region in England and responding to an average of 2,650 incidents every day.
We remain committed to ensuring that we provide the best possible care for all our patients, which is reflected in our new five-year strategy which has continually improving patient care at its very core.
The role is based in Exeter, one of the most vibrant, attractive and historically interesting cities in England, with excellent transport links and a great mix of independent shops, cafes and bars.
If you embody our values of one team, compassionate and innovative and are looking to make a real difference to peoples' lives, then we would love to hear from you.
In return we will equip you with the skills and resources you need to thrive in your role.
You will have opportunities to progress to roles across the Trust and enjoy continuous professional development.
Benefits
5. Competitive NHS salary
6. A standard working week of hours
7. Holiday entitlements of 27 days per year, plus general and public holidays, rising to 29 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years
8. Pay enhancements for out of hours, shift and overtime working
9. Generous Pension Scheme
10. Career and salary progression
11. Car leasing scheme
12. Free parking across Trust sites
13. Staff networks
14. Wide range of discounts from various organisations across the UK
Job description
Job responsibilities
For further information about this role please see the attached job description and person specification.
Person Specification
Knowledge, training and experience
Essential
15. Experience of dealing with the media or PR, or other communications or stakeholder experience
16. Experience of working in a communications/media team
17. Current driving licence
Desirable
18. Diploma or similar qualification in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing or related subject
19. Experience of working in the NHS
20. Experience in a customer-facing environment
21. Experience of print communications
22. Experience of journalism, photography or film
23. Experience of content management systems
24. Experience of digital communications and social media
25. Experience of photography and film