As a Communications Officer, you will create essential content - including written pieces, graphics, photography, and video - for both internal and external audiences. Your responsibilities include supporting the communications team and wider Trust; writing and publishing stories across multiple channels; designing and producing artwork for various materials and campaigns; filming and editing video and audio content; managing updates to websites, social media, and the intranet; and helping prepare and distribute communications to key stakeholders.
Right to Work in the UK This position is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must already hold the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application, as the organisation is unable to support sponsorship for this post.
Main duties of the job
The Communications Officer will support the delivery of effective communications by gathering and developing news stories, producing engaging written copy, and creating a range of supporting materials such as social media graphics, photography and video for Trust campaigns, projects and events. The role will often involve being out and about across the Trust, capturing stories, meeting staff and gathering content that showcases our services and people.
The role includes updating and maintaining the Trusts staff intranet and website, creating and editing accessible content that meets NHS guidelines and supports clear internal communication across the organisation.
The post holder will assist with the management of the Trusts social media channels, including scheduling content and responding to enquiries. They will also contribute to the coordination of internal communications by helping draft key messages, supporting information flows to staff, and monitoring the central Communications inbox to ensure queries are handled promptly and appropriately. The Communications Officer will provide flexible support to the wider Communications Team to contribute to day-to-day communications activity.
Job responsibilities
* Producing videos explaining key Trust services, processes and celebrating the Trust
* Supporting with the development of patient/service user education videos and training videos
* Developing patient/service user and staff case studies
* Working with patients/service users to develop guides (video and text) to explain what happens when you come for an appointment and providing reassurance
* Taking high quality photography around the Trust to showcase our facilities and our staff, for use in public relations and marketing materials
* Developing content which can be used in a variety of mediums, such as on the Trust website, email, social media, recruitment adverts, promotional stands and posters
* Developing professional looking materials to further develop the Trust brand
* Helping staff develop materials for conferences and presentations
* Gathering initial information to support award applications
* Supporting staff with internal communications projects, such as increasing take-up of flu vaccinations and promoting the staff survey
* Producing regular staff updates to support Trust staff in their daily work
* Responding to social media comments and queries
* Supporting with staff engagement activity
* Developing targeted mailing lists, to increase the relevance of information for each audience
* Monitoring the main communications inbox and ensuring appropriate filtering of information to other team members
* Hosting visits to the Trust
* Providing other support as required for the work of the Communications Team
Please see attached Job Description file for a full list of duties and responsibilities.
Education and Qualifications
* Diploma or equivalent qualification / experience in journalism, media or communications related subject
* CIPR qualification and membership
Experience
* Producing written information for a variety of different audiences and for a variety of channels, for example print, web, social media
* Communications for a complex organisation, ideally within the NHS
* Supporting and advising on communication issues related to major corporate projects and events
* Providing advice and support to a range of staff and senior managers
* Event organisation
* Effective use of social media in a professional environment
Knowledge and Skills
* Excellent oral and written communication skills and experience of writing for a varied audience, to deadline
* Ability to interview patients, family and staff in a manner that is sensitive and effective
* Ability to comprehend complex issues and break them down into simple, understandable steps
* Ability to plan work, including setting clear objectives and measures of success
* Proficient in the use of PC applications to create text documents and presentations
* Proficient in the use of Photoshop and Adobe Premier
* High quality and engaging digital photography
* Experience of managing and creating content on media platforms including websites, intranets and social media channels
* Understanding of how the media works
* Understanding of additional communications needs, such as visual impairments, learning disabilities or literacy difficulties
* Understanding of public relations as a core strategic function
* Knowledge of other communications related fields, including marketing
Personal attributes
* Empathy for individuals who have experienced mental health problems and ability to cope with behaviour which may be challenging at times
* Highly developed organisational skills and attention to detail
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer name
Director of Corporate Development & Communications
J-18808-Ljbffr