Vanrath are delighted to be recruiting for a Communications Officer on behalf of a large public sector body in Belfast on a temporary basis. What's in it for you? Full time Temporary (long term) £25.69ph Hybrid (3 days on site) Overview The Senior Communications and Media Officer will be responsible for leading the direction, development and delivery of a strategic Communications and Media plan for their assigned Directorate/Programme (including support for the Controlled Schools Unit), ensuring consistent, high quality, professional support to Directorates, wider sectoral organisations, media and a wide range of stakeholders. They will lead on the delivery of an annual programme of work, aligned to key Directorate and organisational priorities. They will also form part of a press and media function. What you'll do The Senior Communications and Media Officer will be responsible for supporting the delivery of a modern, professional and high-quality communications and media service in line with industry best practice. They will develop, implement and review an overarching, evidence-based plan for the delivery of communications, campaigns and media activity for their assigned Directorate/Programme aligned to the overall Communications Strategy. The postholder will play a key role in providing communications support and advice to schools, senior officers and projects teams, leading on events, communications training and workshops as required. They will lead on an annual programme of work, aligned to key communications and Directorate priorities, with clear objectives, targets, and outcomes, including providing support for the Controlled Support Unit. Communications and Media Officers will work collaboratively as part of a team to ensure key priorities across Directorates and the wider organisation are delivered, providing cover and support as required. They will also work in partnership with wider sectoral partners and other stakeholders on key strategic priorities, providing support and advice to a range of staff, leading to the delivery of key outcomes. A key part of the role will be working closely with schools, youth services, children, parents/carers and wider partners to deliver communications support and also increase understanding and build confidence. The postholder will also build strategic relationships with the media and ensure a timely, open, transparent and responsive approach to a wide range of high profile and complex enquiries and bids in line with the stated values. They will play a key role in supporting the development of a coherent narrative and will be responsible for enhancing the profile with the public, with all of our stakeholders and across all media channels to help achieve our strategic priorities and increase brand awareness both internally and externally. They will help implement the Communications Strategy and support in implementing new communications structures, contributing to service development. Specifically, they will work closely with Directors and Assistant Directors, colleagues and teams to maximise communications and engagement with partners and colleagues in schools and elsewhere to listen to, understand and promote the voice of children and young people in the work of the body, and champion the corporate vision, values and culture in all plans and activities. The postholder will be expected to provide support and guidance for communications staff, including line management responsibilities as required. Responsibilities include: Strategic Communications Planning Campaign Management and Communications Strategies Media Relations Support for Schools/Youth Services Internal Communications Digital Communications Leadership and Staff Management Managing financial resources (Get in touch to discuss a full breakdown of what each of the responsibilities include) About you Hold a bachelor's degree (QCF Level 6) or an equivalent or higher qualification in a Communications, Media, Public Relations or Marketing related subject and have two year's demonstrable direct experience in a senior communications role. OR Have a minimum of five years' demonstrable direct experience in a senior communications role. A senior communications role is defined as: - Leading on and advising senior staff in relation to at least three of the five following areas: o Communications strategy o Internal communications o PR and media relations o Engagement o Digital communications IND04 To apply today contact Leanne Garrett in the strictest confidence. Skills: Communications