Senior Communications Officer

Job Role: Band 7 Senior Communications Officer

We are recruiting a Band 7 Senior Communications Officer for our public service client.

Our 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 the public sector.

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 our clients’ corporate communications needs.

S/he will support and work alongside the Communications Managers and Head of Communications to:

Location:- Belfast

Hours of Work:-37.5 hours per week. Mon - Fri (9:00am -5:00 pm)

Salary:£20.49 Per hour

What the role entails:

The post holder will be required to:

• Ensure the client’s policy on equality of opportunity is promoted through his/her own actions and those of any staff for whom he/she has responsibility.
• Co-operate fully with the implementation of the client’s Health and Safety arrangements, reporting any accidents/incidents/equipment defects to his/her manager, and maintaining a clean, uncluttered and safe environment for patients/clients, members of the public and staff.
• Adhere at all times to all policies/codes of conduct, including for example:

• Smoke Free policy
• IT Security Policy and Code of Conduct
• Standards of attendance, appearance and behaviour

• Contribute to ensuring the highest standards of environmental cleanliness within your designated area of work.
• Co-operate fully with regard to policies and procedures relating to infection prevention and control.
• All employees are legally responsible for all records held, created or used as part of their business within the organisation, including patients/clients, corporate and administrative records whether paper-based or electronic and also including emails. All such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information act 2000 the Environmental Information Regulations 2004, the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Employees are required to be conversant with the client’s policy and procedures on records management and to seek advice if in doubt.
• Take responsibility for his/her own ongoing learning and development, in order to maximise his/her potential and continue to meet the demands of the post.
• Represent the client’s commitment to providing the highest possible standard of service to patients/clients and members of the public, by treating all those with whom he/she comes into contact in the course of work, in a pleasant, courteous and respectful manner.

Essential Experience:

1a A University degree or recognised professional qualification in a subject such as Media, PR, Communicationsandat 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. This 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 HSCB which will permit them to carry out the duties of the post in full.