Communications Officer

Job overview

The main responsibilities of the post fall under the following key areas; Internal communications and engagement; External communications and stakeholder engagement; Media Relations; Social Media

Main duties of the job

• Working with the Head of Content and our team’s Communications Managers to develop high quality communications content to support Excellent Care Everywhere as well meeting day-to-day communications requests from internal colleagues and external stakeholders, including the media.
• Work with the digital team developing content for the trust website, intranet and other online communications platforms.
• Create content across a wide range of formats for all internal and external communications including events and briefings

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please note: This role does not meet the minimum criteria for visa sponsorship under the current UK immigration rules, which set specific salary and skill thresholds. As such, we are unable to provide sponsorship for this post. Applicants will therefore need to already have the right to work in the UK to be considered. We include this information at the outset to provide clarity and avoid unnecessary inconvenience for applicants.

If you do not meet the sponsorship requirements, and you are applying using a Graduate visa as your right to work, you must have a minimum of 18 months remaining on your visa at time of application.

Internal Communications and engagement:

Internal communications plays a key role in helping the approximately 20,000 staff feel connected with the organisation, receive important information and build a sense of community. The post holder will play an important role by:

Producing content for the trust’s internal communications including weekly newsletter/emails, staff social media platforms and regular internal events.

Recommending improvements and innovations to widen the reach and effectiveness of our internal communications.

Providing communications supporting the Trust five-year strategy and ambitions, including the creation of content for a range of channels.

Being a part of the team which delivers the trust’s annual STAR awards and Conference.

Create content for staff and stakeholder briefings as directed by the Head of Content.

External communications and stakeholder relations;

The CO will work to provide outstanding external communications by:

Planning and assisting with event organisation including media tours, VIP visits, and the launch/opening of new services/buildings.

Working with the HoC and team on the development and production of corporate publications, telling the UHSussex story in a lively, inclusive, informative and accessible way.

Developing materials in a range of formats for our website, intranet and social media channels.

Proactive media relations

Initiate and develop proactive media engagement, media plans and events and reporting on coverage.

Assist with media interviews, filming/photo opportunities and press conferences.

Service Delivery and Improvement

Adhere to procedures, standards and policies around events and VIP visits and ensure they are implemented consistently and appropriately

Work to develop strong relationships with all service divisions.

Demonstrate continual professional development and utilise new and innovative ideas to deliver the best support to the organisation within the communications and engagement function.

Support the development of innovative and engaging communications and consultation channels by coming up with new ideas and continually researching new and more effective ways of working.

Develop and keep under review a range of internal communications channels which promote two-way communication and engagement with colleagues.

Consistently horizon scan, model best practice and learn from success and failure to drive continuous improvement and innovation across all activities.

Develop and implement a robust audit based approach to internal communications, ensuring feedback and measures of success are evidenced and shared.

People Management and Development

To work independently within the parameters of Trust policy by interpreting such guidance accordingly. The post holder must be self-motivated and proven ability to work on own initiative; an innovative & creative thinker with a proven ability to meet tight deadlines and planned work to a high specification.

Patient Care Delivery

Incidental contact with service users in clinical settings.

Support the involvement of service users in the development of communication material when appropriate.

Be able to provide basic media relations advice and support to the organisation and partners where appropriate, handling enquiries, drafting considered and appropriate responses.

Pay particular consideration to risk management and health and safety concerns at events, maintaining a thorough understanding of all relevant guidance and legislation and make any appropriate changes and/or recommendations as and when required.

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.

Applicant requirements

This post will require a submission for Disclosure to be made to check for any unspent criminal convictions.