Job description
Job Role: Senior Communications Officer (part time)
We are recruiting a Senior Communications Officer for our public service client.
The Client is now seeking to recruit a suitably experienced and motivated communications professional to support its communications service, and work with colleagues right across the system, to ensure the public, staff and key stakeholders have a clear understanding of the key developments and challenges facing health and social care.
The post-holder will be responsible, through the Communications Managers and Head of Communications, for the planning and delivery of a range of initiatives and services to meet the client’s corporate communications needs.
S/he will support and work alongside the Communications Managers and Head of Communications:
Location - Belfast
Hours of Work -37.5 hours per week. Mon - Fri (9:00am -5:00 pm)
Salary - £19.87 per hour
What the role entails:
Participate in an on-call rota for urgent media enquiries, developing issues and the management of major incidents.
Provide professional, strategic advice to senior officers on a range of high-profile issues, taking into account the broader context, including the political environment. Using own initiative to determine actions required, advising the clients Officers on the risks and consequences of communications options.
Line manage a number of communications staff, providing leadership and developmental opportunities.
Contribute to effective, timely and robust monitoring of media, social media and political coverage and commentary. Sharing of key information with the clients directors and other senior staff.
Lead on facilitating media training for senior staff to ensure there is a strong pool of spokespersons to represent the organisation.
To undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Head of Communications.
Essential Experience:
1a A University degree or recognized professional qualification in a subject such as Media, PR, Communications and at least 3 years’ relevant experience within a Press Office, Newsroom, Media, PR or Corporate Communications function. .
OR
1b Have at least 5 years’ relevant experience within a Press Office, Newsroom, Media, PR or Corporate Communications function.
Demonstrable experience and skills in communications management of high profile, developing issues. A proven track record in managing complex and sensitive media enquiries and interview bids, advising senior officers, formulating responses and responding often within tight deadlines, and facilitating briefings and interviews.
Proven experience and skills in leading on proactive communication strategies and campaigns in relation to high profile and complex projects, working with a broad range of stakeholders, including media, politicians, community and voluntary sector etc.
Post holder should be IT competent including experience in the use of software packages and media databases to create reports, evaluate activity and to present to internal and external stakeholders. Proven experience in the use of online and social media as a communications channel in promoting the work of the organisation and for internal and external engagement.
Hold a current full driving licence which is valid for use in the UK and have access to a car on appointment. These criteria will be waived in the case of applicants whose disability prohibits driving but who have access to a form of transport approved by the client which will permit them to carry out the duties of the post in full.
If you think you meet the criteria, please submit your CV to Jamie.Winchester@mparecruitment.co.uk or call our office on 02895211111 for more information and how to register for this role.