Overview
The post of Communications Officer is an important link between the hospital charity, the local community and hospital staff. The post holder will require good knowledge of modern communication channels and considerable energy and enthusiasm that will inspire the patients, visitors and local community to choose the charity as their preferred charity to support. The post holder will work with regional/local media, staff and volunteer networks and related charities in support of the agreed Communications Strategy of the charities.
Responsibilities
* Contribute to the development of the Charities Communications strategies and plans.
* Develop relationships with community-based groups.
* Working with the Charities Fundraisers develop and maintain a schedule of charitable and fund-raising activity to drive publicity of fundraising activities.
* Attend fundraising activities to maximise communications opportunities.
* In consultation with the Communications Consultant (Charity) develop and deliver the long term and tactical communications plans and targets both internally and externally.
* Adhere to the branding for the Charity and UHSx, define the guidelines for branding usage and on-going monitor to ensure compliance.
* Work closely with UHSx Trust Communications to ensure alignment of messaging, with the highest standards met and to avoid any PR conflicts between Trust & Charity.
* Ensure the Charity is well represented across the sites to build awareness.
* Identify and cultivate case studies for use in internal / external media promotion including high profile publications eg annual report and impact report.
* Support the Fundraisers with ad hoc copy required for activities / campaigns.
* Manage external Comms providers for contract adherence, quality, deadlines etc.
* Manage and develop the photographic library including commissioning photographers as needed.
* Lead on the delivery of Donor communications, newsletters, keeping in touch e-mails as appropriate.
* Social Media: Work in collaboration to manage and maintain all social media platforms; use creativity and innovation to develop effective posts; interpret key social media analytics.
* Service Delivery and Improvement: Gather, consolidate and capture all Charity PR activity and maintain accurate records and archive systems; manage stock control for all Charity collateral across Trust sites.
* Ensure that all data is handled confidentially and with regard to the Data Protection Act 2018, including records relating to donors and volunteers.
* Lead on the monitoring of local media for reference to, or opportunities for, the Charity and respond as appropriate.
* Adhere to all Charity policies & procedures and comply with Charity Commission guidelines at all times; be mindful of Health & Safety requirements especially with regard to events; respect the customs, values and spiritual beliefs of audience in all communications.
* Partner with the Charity's Fundraisers on messaging with local media to effectively communicate events / campaigns to increase publicity.
* Accountability for all Charity pages on the UHSussex Intranet to provide access; work with the broader Charity Team to ensure the plans and projects of the Charity are presented effectively and accessible to staff and the public, including opportunities for targeted charitable giving.
* Lead on the delivery of Donor communications, newsletters, keeping in touch e-mails as appropriate.
Qualifications and Experience
(The original description does not provide a separate, explicit qualifications section. Please refer to the job posting for the specific requirements related to experience, qualifications, and competencies.)
Other activities
* Social Media and Content Management;
* Donor communications and case studies;
* Collaboration with Fundraisers, photographers, and external providers.
People Management and Development
* Identify own educational and training requirements to demonstrate ongoing continuous professional development.
* Participate in the Trust appraisal process and work towards meeting identified development opportunities or needs.
Project management
* Required to work with minimal supervision after initial induction and training.
* Required to manage own priorities in line with the demands of the charity team.
* Required to manage a range of delegated projects (sometimes working autonomously).
* Problem-solve any issues that arise during a project, taking the most appropriate course of action to ensure issues are dealt with quickly and effectively.
Learning and Development
* Attend mandatory training updates as required.
* Undertake training as necessary in line with the development of the post and as agreed with the line manager as part of the personal development process.
* Achieve and demonstrate agreed standards of personal and professional development within agreed timescales.
* Identify own learning needs and jointly plan training requirements with your line manager.
* Participate in the Trust's appraisal process to discuss how your role will help deliver the best possible care to our patients and help to deliver any changes in service.
Important information for applicants
* A Note on AI Use in Applications: We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
* Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to present your genuine self to help us better understand your potential.
* Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified. Some adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; the advert will close once the cap is reached. Submit your application as soon as possible to avoid missing out.
* Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
* DBS Checks: All new employees in eligible roles will undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check in line with policy and the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
* Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for roles that meet visa eligibility criteria. For details, visit gov.uk and verify you meet the criteria.
Additional information
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if a high volume of applications is received. At UHSussex we are committed to diversity and inclusion and strive to create a supportive environment for patients and staff. We look forward to receiving your application and starting your journey with UHSussex. Candidate Information Pack: https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/resources/candidate-information-pack
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