Research and Innovation Marketing and Comms Officer (XN06)

Job responsibilities

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Excellent planning, prioritisation and organisational skills.

Ability to plan own workload and meet deadlines.

Excellent written and verbal communications skills.

Able to work to tight timescales and deadlines whilst managing a number of different and competing priorities.

Highly developed computer skills.

Ability to interpret complex information into plain English in the development of media or communications materials.

Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.

Ability to write for multiple audiences.

Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build strong relationships and influence senior managers.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Ability to communicate sensitive issues.

Ability to think strategically and longer term; seeing the wider picture and implications for the organisation.

Awareness and sensitivity to the political environment.

Knowledge and experience of communications, PR and media handling techniques, approaches and procedures

Knowledge and experience of working with the media and handling proactive and reactive media stories, including contentious issues

Experience of developing and implementing multi-channel communications plans and leading and managing projects

Knowledge of social media channels and experience of using them corporately and identifying and writing material in the appropriate tone.

Knowledge and experience of developing and implementing internal communications channels and messages.

Experience of writing briefings for visits, events and issue management.

Knowledge and experience of developing materials for use on websites and intranet.

Experience of using content management systems

Knowledge and experience of print, production and design principals and processes

Experience of working under pressure and to tight deadlines

Experience of writing material for different audiences

An understanding of the key issues facing the NHS

THE LEEDS WAY VALUES

Our values are part of what make us different from other trusts, so we see this as a strength as well as a responsibility. They have been developed by our staff and set out what they see as important to how we work. Our five values are:

Patient-centred

Collaborative

Fair

Accountable

Empowered

All our actions and endeavours will be guided and evaluated through these values

Additionally the following are core values which relate specifically to this post:

The highest standards of honesty, integrity and transparency.

A strong commitment to public sector values.

A collaborative approach and focus on team work.

A positive attitude to relationship building at all levels within the Trust.

A commitment to continuous improvement and adopting best practice.

A can do attitude and solutions focused approach.

Cultural, social and equal access awareness.

CORE BEHAVIOURS AND SKILLS

The postholder will be expected to adopt and champion the behaviours of The Leeds Way and provide support within the team and outside. They will be a skilled and experienced communications professional able to work with and influence people at all levels, and will be sensitive to peoples communications needs.

Having robust judgement is essential and being able to work both independently and as an integral part of a team is key. The postholder will need to think logically and creatively in all aspects of problem solving to address challenges.

CORE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

The postholder will have a good knowledge of communications/PR theory and best practice and be able to apply this within a large and complex organisation. They will also understand communications techniques and their use in organisational development and change.

An understanding of what makes a good story and the workings of the media is essential as is an understanding of effective stakeholder engagement, including staff. Knowledge of web-based applications and other technology and social media will be required to ensure an efficient and effective approach and knowledge of evaluation techniques to demonstrate impact, value and to aid decision making.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Lead on a range of internal and external communications projects relating to Research and Innovation, working with colleagues from across the Trust seeking advice and support from colleagues and managers as appropriate.

Develop and deliver effective multi-channel communications plans for individual projects across the research portfolio.

Develop, implement and monitor communications plans and carry out audits to evaluate implementation and effectiveness.

Act as the lead for marketing and communications for Research and Innovation.

Develop and implement appropriate mechanisms and deliver effective internal communications across the Trust relating to Research and Innovation activities including producing newsletters, internet content, screensavers and using social media to engage and promote research and innovation across the organisation.

Research, write and produce a range of externally-facing communications materials including press releases, newsletters, corporate publications, annual reports, leaflets, posters, patient information, briefings, social media content, and website content. Briefing design and print contractors as appropriate.

Provide support for the planning, promotion and organisation of internal and external events as required.

Act as a guardian of the NHS corporate identity, and the Trust and NIHR brand guidelines.

Proactively identify opportunities to promote the work of the Trust and identify opportunities to raise awareness of its services, staff etc.

Support colleagues to ensure that communications and engagement with stakeholders is effective, proactive and co-ordinated.

Commission work with designers and other contractors ensuring it is delivered on time and to high standards within agreed budgets.

Ensure the use of all appropriate systems and processes to ensure the efficient running of the communications department and make suggestions for improvement where necessary.

Support and develop a range of digital communications including writing, editing and distributing electronic briefings, intranet content, web content and the Trusts social media channels for projects and corporate activity.

Provide advice, write guidance and support staff around all aspects of media activity in particular the use of social and digital media.

Contribute to the development of the Trusts website and intranet and take a lead role in ensuring they are up-to-date and effective.

Tailor and implement national and regional communications campaigns for the Trust and local community as appropriate.

Provide communications and media support as required in the event of a major incident.

Provide a professional and customer focused communications service ensuring confidentiality of patient and staff information at all times.

Develop and build strong working relationships internally and externally.

Work in partnership with other health and social care organisation to ensure a consistent and collaborative approach to communications where appropriate.

Health and Safety/Risk Management

All staff are responsible for working with their colleagues to maintain and improve the quality of services provided to our patients and other service users. This includes complying at all times with the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Policies, including Health and Safety policies, in particular by following agreed safe working procedures, and reporting incidents using the Trust Incident Reporting system.

Infection Control

The jobholder must comply at all times with the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Infection Control policies, in particular by practising Universal Infection Control Precautions. Hand hygiene must be performed before and after contact with patients and their environment.

Equality and Diversity

The jobholder must comply with all policies and procedures designed to ensure equality of employment and that services are delivered in ways that meet the individual needs of patients and their families. No person whether they are staff, patient or visitor should receive less favourable treatment because of their gender, ethnic origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion etc.

Patient and Public Involvement

The Trust has a statutory duty to involve patients and public in evaluating and planning services. All staff have a responsibility to listen to the views of patients and to contribute to service improvements based on patient feedback.

Training and Personal Development Continuous Professional Development

The jobholder must take responsibility in agreement with his/her line manager for his/her own personal development by ensuring that Continuous Professional Development remains a priority. The jobholder will undertake all mandatory training required for the role.

Respect for Patient Confidentiality

The jobholder should respect patient confidentiality at all times and not divulge patient information unless sanctioned by the requirements of the role.

KEY RESULT AREAS

The communications strategy sets out four areas of focus.

Improving internal communications and engagement

Improving the quality and accessibility of information

Building awareness of the trust and its work

Strengthening public and stakeholder confidence.

There is a clear action plan developed each year to identify how the communications team will take forward these areas of work. The jobholder will have clear actions within this plan to deliver against.

Qualifications

Essential

• Educated to degree level
• Recognised qualification in public relations, communications, journalism or marketing.

Other criteria

Essential

• Ability to interpret complex information into plain English in the development of media or communications materials
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to write for multiple audiences.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• A can do attitude.
• Friendly, professional and outgoing manner.
• Able to contribute to the communications team on call service providing support out of normal office hours.
• Able to fulfil Occupational Health requirements for the post (with reasonable adjustments if necessary).

Skills & behaviours

Essential

• Listens to concerns or complaints
• Highly responsive to requests for help
• Constantly striving to improve services
• Helps others to resolve problems and address issues
• Invests time to understand the needs, priorities and goals of others they are working with
• Considerate of other peoples views
• Honest, respectful and professional in all interactions
• Delivers on commitments and promises
• Respects confidentiality and confidences
• Understands how their work is contributing to the wider Trust strategy
• Conveys confidence in others capabilities and promotes their success
• Confident and resilient
• Excellent planning, prioritisation and organisational skills
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills
• Able to work to tight timescales and deadlines whilst managing a number of different and competing priorities.

Experience

Essential

• Post graduate experience in a PR/Communications role.
• Commitment to on-going personal development
• Knowledge and experience of communications, PR and media handling techniques, approaches and procedures
• Knowledge and experience of working with the media and handling proactive and reactive media stories, including contentious issues
• Experience of developing and implementing multi-channel communications plans and leading and managing projects
• Knowledge of social media channels and experience of using them corporately and identifying and writing material in the appropriate tone.
• Knowledge and experience of developing and implementing internal communications channels and messages
• Experience of writing briefings for visits, events and issue management.
• Knowledge and experience of developing materials for use on websites and intranet.
• Experience of using content management systems
• Knowledge and experience of print, production and design principals and processes
• Experience of working under pressure and to tight deadlines
• Experience of writing material for different audiences
• An understanding of the key issues facing the NHS

Desirable

• Experience of working with patients and patient groups.
• Experience of working in the public sector/large and complex organisation