Senior Communications Officer

If you are the type of person who thrives working in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same, then the position of Senior Communications Officer could be perfect for you. We are seeking someone to be part of our multi-talented and forward-thinking Communications team. The successful candidates will join a dynamic team, crowned winners in the NHS Communicate Awards 2022 for Board Commitment to Communications.You will bring strategic thinking to deliver effective communications outputs for internal and external audiences, using a broad range of skills and the ability to write engaging and well-structured copy for a range of publications, possess strong interpersonal skills and be able to contribute meaningfully to communications discussions, and identify communication requirements through relationships you build with internal stakeholders at all levels in the organisation. You will be able to understand the bigger picture, clearly explain complex issues to a variety of stakeholders, be adept developing impactful key messages and have the confidence to provide constructive challenge where needed. This post will suit individuals who have great attention to detail in their work, are highly organised, flexible, and able to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
Please note that although this role is fixed term, there is a possibility it may become permanent in the future. Main duties of the jobTo oversee all internal communication channels including written communications, internal briefings, multimedia activity, and the Trust intranet.Plan, implement and measure internal and external campaigns.Respond to media enquiries, brief journalists, write press releases, internal and external material.Advise senior managers and directors on the course of action to take with the media, how to approach media interviews, and the most appropriate internal communications approach.The successful candidate will be educated to degree level in an appropriate specialist discipline or have relevant experience in public relations, journalism or within an in-house communications team setting. There may be occasional weekend and evening work. Working for our organisationChoose Well – Choose WWLWrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust are the proud providers of acute hospital and community services to the people of the Wigan Borough and surrounding areas. At WWL, we value our staff believing that ‘happy staff, makes for happy patients’. We have a recognised track record in staff engagement, and living our values ‘the WWL Way’.WWL are committed to placing the patient at the heart of everything we do, and in the provision of safe, effective care that acknowledges and ensures dignity. With this in mind we are seeking to recruit people who share our values and beliefs.On-CallPlease note that senior positions (AFC band 8A or above) may be expected to participate in an on-call rota, if the role is predominantly operational.Detailed job description and main responsibilitiesInternal and External Communications To act as first port of call for enquiries to the Trust from the media on a wide range of issues relating to the Trust. Deputise for the Head of Communications asWork with the Head of Communications and the team to manage the Trust’s media relations service, responding in a timely and accurate manner to journalist, briefing journalists on sensitive and contentious issues and providing support to the Head of Communications and assistance to other staff in responding to media requests.Make daily decisions under pressure on mediaTo maintain the public confidence of stakeholders, by responding in a timely, accurate and effective manner to negative news or events.Advise senior managers and directors on the course of action to take with the media and how to approach media interviews.Maintain the good reputation of the organisation by identifying, researching and writing regular good news stories for the local, regional, ‘trade/professional’ and nationalProvide accurate monthly media monitoring and reporting, and daily communicationsEnhance the profile of Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust for staff, patients, and the public through clear and measurable communications strategies and campaigns.Commission, write, edit, proof-read, co-ordinate and manage complex publications and channels including press releases and statements, e-communications, external and internal newsletters, stakeholder updates and other corporate materials.To oversee all internal communication channels including but not limited to WWL News, Leaders’ Forum, Townhall Event (all staff), Chief Executive updates and global emails ensuring consistency of message and quality of communication.To assist the Head of Communications or act as lead on corporate events such as official openings, stakeholder and promotional events including VIP visits.Measure, review and advise on existing internal and external communications channels and processes and develop recommendations for improvements.Support award submissions by the Trust, individual staff members andMaintain and update the Trust’s social mediaWork closely with the Patient Engagement team and Staff Engagement team to ensure effective management and synchronisation of the internal and external message.Maintain good stakeholder relationships and engagement using a variety of communications methods across the sectors locally, regionally, andBe responsible for leading on internal and external communicationsUndertake other duties, which are consistent with the post, as directed by the Head of CommunicationsIntranet, Internet and multi-media Responsible for writing content for web pages as To manage the operational delivery of the trust intranet and internet, responsible for ensuring that information is relevant, easy to access and up to date.To ensure that all staff can access the Intranet both in work and from their mobile device via the APP.Facilitate other departments to manage their intranet and internet content whilst ensuring consistent messaging, quality control and continued interest.Provides basic support to other team members with regard to photography, graphics and multimediaPerson specificationQualificationsDegree or equivalent qualification in public relations, communications marketing or journalism or equivalent relevant experienceEvidence of Continuing Professional DevelopmentExperienceMinimum three years senior professional experience in a communications or marketing environmentExperience of dealing with the media and using social media channelsAble to work under direction and/or on own initiative and prioritise accordinglyCopy writing and proof reading of material for internal and external audiences and writing press releases and response statements • Event and campaign managementProven experience of delivering to tight deadlines and working with confidential and sensitive materialExperience of dealing with staff at different levelsOver three years relevant experience working within communications or marketing, public relations or media environmentExperience of working in the NHSSkillsExcellent communication skills – both written and oral and a confident communicator with good interpersonal skillsAssertive and able to deal with colleagues, patients and stakeholders at all levels and able to establish positive relationships and mutual respect with people at all levels and deal sensitively with confidential information and to be empatheticAbility to analyse and make judgement on a range of facts and situations and to exercise initiative and work to strict/tight deadlines whilst remaining calmComputer literate with high level of IT skillsExcellent organisational skills and able to prioritise and thorough, methodical and strong attention to detail, self-motivated, resourceful, proactive and innovative with a creative approach to problem solvingKnowledgeGood working knowledge of Microsoft Office programmesKnowledge and understanding or communications and marketing terminology and requirements and press and news and social mediaKnowledge and understanding of current Government policy in healthExperience of working effectively within a complex multi-site corporate environmentKnowledge of Trust policies and proceduresAdditionalProfessional/presentable appearancePunctual with excellent timekeepingMotivated and resourcefulAbility to use own initiativeAble to work autonomously or within a team and manage own workloadThe ability to respond to regular interruptions and work well under pressureAble to maintain high standards of diplomacy and confidentialityFlexibility and ability to work outside normal working hours if requiredFull UK Driving Licence holder with access to a car/Independent travel between Trust sitesOur Trust prefers candidates to submit applications online. Please contact the Recruitment Team on 01942 244000 if you have difficulty applying online.The Trust reserves the right to close adverts earlier than the stated closing date if there is a high volume of applications.We endeavour to inform all applicants of the outcome of their application by email or SMS text message.Guidance on Completing Your ApplicationApplications are scored against the person specification, therefore we recommend that you use the supporting information section of your application form to demonstrate how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role, providing illustrative examples where possible. On-CallPlease note that some roles may require you to participate in an on-call rota, if the role is predominantly operational.WWL has signed up to the Greater Manchester Continuous Service Commitment. and will recognise your continuous or ‘unbroken’ service in any Greater Manchester local authority or NHS organisation, Transport for Greater Manchester, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service or Greater Manchester Combined Authority; giving you access to our service-related benefits.Employer certification / accreditation badgesThis post will require a submission for Disclosure to be made to check for any unspent criminal convictions.
Name
Lorraine Hesketh
Job title
Head of Communications
Email address
#####
Telephone number
07825358839
Additional information
If you have problems applying, contact
Address
Suite 7 Buckingham RowBrick Kiln LaneWiganWN1 1XX
Telephone
07786529327
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