Communications Support Officer

Job description

Job responsibilities

Key Result Areas

1. Manage the administration of the press office ensuring that all media enquiries are logged, answered or referred on.
2. Participate in developing content for internal and external media.
3. Support the team in developing and implementing a strategy for off-line and online communications at the Trust.
4. To be responsible for using content management systems and social networks to update internal and external messages and information in a timely manner.
5. Ensure the timely production and distribution of all corporate communications, including internal and external publications, media responses and social media replies
6. Ensure the timely production and distribution of all communications reports, including monitoring analysis and evaluations.
7. Ensure the quality and format of the Trusts online content, ensuring consistency across pages, all working links and a continuous review and development of all online sites.
8. Maintain and update an accurate and contemporary database of contacts for all stakeholders and Trust photo library
9. Support event coordination.

Functional Responsibilities

1. First point of contact for media enquiries, including on sensitive, confidential issues; answers or refers as appropriate. Establish a network of contacts in national, regional, local and specialist trade media and maintain media relations databases.
   1. Issue press releases proactively promoting achievements and new developments within the NEAS
   2. Support coverage in national, regional, local, specialist and trade press, TV and radio.
2. Support co-ordination of events to promote NEAS internally and externally such as staff awards, patient reunions and press events.
3. Monitor, maintain and support the development of written and graphic content and navigation of internal and external media such as Trust website, intranet and social media platforms
4. Ensure corporate content reflects the core image and values of the organisation and ensures communications platforms and content are accurate, up to date and responsive.
5. Maintain photo library and departmental databases.
6. Monitor press coverage and audience engagement on digital platforms.
7. Develop and sustain constructive working relationships with staff across the Trust to maximise opportunities to promote good practice and disseminate key messages.
8. Implement and maintain high standards of accessibility and usability on the Trusts digital platforms.
9. Use content management systems in place, implement new designs and templates for the look, feel and structure of digital platforms
10. Plan, organise and arrange events, meetings, presentations and briefings.
11. Act as a point of contact for corporate communications enquiries from a range of internal and external stakeholders.

Person Specification

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

Essential

• Experience to degree level or equivalent

KNOWLEDGE

Essential

• Knowledge of communications, public relations and marketing communication techniques, approaches and procedures
• Knowledge and understanding of content management systems and other digital communications systems and social networks
• Knowledge of visual storytelling tools, such as Canva

EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Experience of writing (e.g. press releases, news articles, social media schedules and other communications / publicity materials) for a range of different media.
• Experience of tailoring copy for different audience using the most appropriate tone and language.
• Experience of managing collaborative working, including competing agendas to facilitate partnership, ranging from front line staff, clinical or social work professionals, to directors
• Experience of organising and facilitating meetings, events, PR activities/campaigns.
• Experience of delivering communication related projects

KEY SKILLS

Essential

• Literate and articulate; understanding of electronic media; good editorial and proof-reading skills. Ability to analyse complex issues and translate them into clear communications
• IT literate including use of Microsoft Office and Apple packages and DTP/ media editing skills and use of digital hardware and software such as content management systems, databases and media analytics.
• Ability to prioritise and manage own and others workload to deliver required outcomes and to contribute to the overall improvement of services
• Good database management skills.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

Essential

• A flexible attitude which demonstrates both a commitment to team working and to working unsupervised, when required
• Capable of working under some pressure
• Good presence/gravitas to deliver a good quality customer service approach
• A self-starter, enthusiastic, motivated and has a `can do' attitude
• Confident, articulate and presentable
• Personable with an ability to build good relationship with peers, colleagues, partners and stakeholders of all levels

OTHER

Essential

• Must be able and willing to occasionally attend meetings outside of normal working hours.
• Must be willing to travel across the North East for meetings.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Employer name

North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Bernicia House

Goldcrest Way

Newcastle upon Tyne

NE15 8NY

Employer's website

https://www.neas.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)