Job overview
An exciting opportunity to join the North West Ambulance Service Charity has arisen. We’re looking for a proactive motivated Digital Communications Officer to join our charity team. The NWAS Charity exists to provide life-saving equipment to communities across the North West and to ensure that our staff's health and wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do so that our heroes in green are at their best to deliver the best possible outcomes for patients.
Main duties of the job
The new Digital Communications Officer will help to raise the profile of our small but thriving charity. We are looking for someone with the creativity to develop accurate, engaging and compelling narrative to inspire supporters internally across the Trust and externally across the Northwest of England utilising all digital channels- specifically the website, intranet, social media and Enews.
You will support our NHS values; showcase our great staff and demonstrate our commitment to excellence and innovation in patient care in everything you do. You are passionate about your work and are keen to explore new and innovative techniques and approaches.
Working for our organisation
North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust provides 24 hour, 365 days a year accident and emergency services to those in need of emergency medical treatment and transport.
Our highly skilled staff provide life-saving care to patients in the community and take people to hospital or a place of care if needed.
We also provide non-emergency patient transport services for those patients who require non-emergency transport to and from hospital and who are unable to travel unaided because of their medical condition or clinical need.
Alongside the other emergency services, we also work to ensure the safety of the public and treatment of patients in the event of a major incident.
We also deliver the NHS 111 service in the North West. NHS 111 replaced NHS Direct in 2013. This service was introduced to make it easier for people to access local NHS healthcare services in England. It provides non-emergency medical help fast, and is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. Educated to degree level in Communications, Journalism, Digital, Marketing or similar field
2. A year’s current experience of working in this field, ideally in a charity setting.
3. Evidence of continuous professional development in this field.
Skills
Essential criteria
4. A passion for writing and the ability to produce excellent creative and compelling copy to tight deadlines
5. Great attention to detail and proofreading skills
6. Specific subject matter expertise
7. Solid background in online editorial
8. Demonstrate copywriting skills for a range of digital platforms, particularly website copy but also including blogs, press releases, email campaigns etc
9. An ability to co-ordinate your own work plans and manage your time effectively
10. Demonstrate excellent IT literacy and keyboard skills
11. An ability to demonstrate flexibility and be able to adapt to a changing environment
12. The ability to work within a team
13. Able to take on board constructive editorial feedback
Knowledge
Essential criteria
14. Understanding of accessibility requirements for public sector bodies
15. Proficient use of a range of IT software packages including Microsoft Office and content management systems
16. Significant experience of working in a digital publishing environment
17. Knowledge of graphic design packages including Adobe Creative Suite and Canva to create marketing assets, social media graphics and newsletter templates.
18. Experienced in working under pressure and delivering a range of work to tight deadlines.
19. Knowledge of communications, PR and marketing techniques
20. Understanding of key words and search engine optimisation
Desirable criteria
21. Experience of using WordPress as a content management system
22. Understanding of website hierarchy and technical language and systems
23. Knowledge of civil rights relating to free access to materials and copyright laws.
24. An understanding and knowledge of the workings of the NHS, the challenges it faces and the context in which the trust operates.
Personal Attributes
Essential criteria
25. Flexible and highly motivated.
26. Project a professional image.
27. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
28. Positive attitude and organisational ability.
29. Proactive team player