Job summary
The post holder will be an integral part of the Communications Team, responsible for supporting the delivery of an effective internal and external communications service to support Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust in the delivery of its vision, goals and objectives.
One of the post holder's main duties will be media management, including the ability to identify positive news stories and promotional opportunities.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will be expected to conduct research and interview staff, write engaging news releases, arrange interviews and filming, and support staff taking part.
You will also be required to respond to reactive press enquiries and produce press statements in order to uphold the Trust's reputation and public confidence as far as possible. Responsibility for regular media monitoring and horizon scanning will also be given to the Communications Officer.
There will be a regular requirement to work with digital content, producing and uploading website and intranet copy, working on electronic newsletters and producing corporate emails.
The postholder will also be required to create social media content - both written and visual, to build our online presence, to respond to direct messages and moderate content as necessary.
The role will also involve supporting and promoting events including internal staff events and online briefing sessions, plus exhibition style events and the Trust's annual staff awards scheme.
The post holder will be required to engage with staff at all levels and in all departments, and to deputise for the Head of Communications where required. There will be regular interaction with patients and the public both in person and online.
About us
Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust strongly encourages new starters to have the Covid-19 vaccine. However, it is not a mandatory requirement to work for us.
HUTH has two main sites: Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill Hospital with an annual budget of approximately £800 million. The Trust employs around 11,000 staff and serves an extended population of 1.25 million, delivering a number of outpatient services from locations across the area.
The Trust's secondary care service portfolio is comprehensive, covering the major medical and surgical specialties, routine and specialist diagnostic services and other clinical support services. These services are provided primarily to a catchment population of approximately 600,000 in the Hull and East Riding of Yorkshire area.
HUTH provides specialist and tertiary services to a population of 1.25 million extending from Scarborough in North Yorkshire to Grimsby and Scunthorpe in North East and North Lincolnshire respectively.
Job description
Job responsibilities
For further details with regard to this vacancy opportunity, please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification.
Job description
Job responsibilities
For further details with regard to this vacancy opportunity, please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to degree level or equivalent in a related subject or has equivalent experience in a media, PR or communications field
Knowledge
Essential
- Understanding of writing for different audiences, in particular production of news releases and reactive statements
- Knowledge of social media platforms and experience in developing appropriate content
- Knowledge of producing briefings or reports to tight deadlines
Desirable
- Understanding of current issues affecting the NHS
- Knowledge of design packages and tools for online content production e.g. Mailchimp
- Understanding of applicable legislation e.g. Data Protection Act and Freedom of Information Act
- Knowledge of the design and print processes
Skills
Essential
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with an ability to deal appropriately with sensitive or difficult situations
- Adept in interpreting and communicating information in a clear and logical manner
- Skilled in writing clear and effective copy tailored to relevant audiences as appropriate
- Able to manage competing priorities and work to tight deadlines
- High level of accuracy and excellent attention to detail
- Computer literate with excellent IT and keyboard skills
- Confident with excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to build strong relationships
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Desirable
- Customer service skills e.g. gained in a public facing role
- Photography skills
Experience
Essential
- Experienced in a communications, media or public relations role including handling enquiries and an understanding of 'what makes a news story'
- Experienced in identifying news stories and PR opportunities and develop plans to promote these
- Experience of working on projects as part of a team and/or with multiple agencies
Desirable
- Experience of working within the NHS
- Experience of arranging events such as press conferences or VIP visits and virtual meetings e.g. through MS Teams or Zoom
- Experience of managing social media channels in a large organisation
- Online content management experience e.g. updating website or intranet content
- Experience of briefing journalists and/or teaching small groups of people
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to degree level or equivalent in a related subject or has equivalent experience in a media, PR or communications field
Knowledge
Essential
- Understanding of writing for different audiences, in particular production of news releases and reactive statements
- Knowledge of social media platforms and experience in developing appropriate content
- Knowledge of producing briefings or reports to tight deadlines
Desirable
- Understanding of current issues affecting the NHS
- Knowledge of design packages and tools for online content production e.g. Mailchimp
- Understanding of applicable legislation e.g. Data Protection Act and Freedom of Information Act
- Knowledge of the design and print processes
Skills
Essential
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with an ability to deal appropriately with sensitive or difficult situations
- Adept in interpreting and communicating information in a clear and logical manner
- Skilled in writing clear and effective copy tailored to relevant audiences as appropriate
- Able to manage competing priorities and work to tight deadlines
- High level of accuracy and excellent attention to detail
- Computer literate with excellent IT and keyboard skills
- Confident with excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to build strong relationships
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Desirable
- Customer service skills e.g. gained in a public facing role
- Photography skills
Experience
Essential
- Experienced in a communications, media or public relations role including handling enquiries and an understanding of 'what makes a news story'
- Experienced in identifying news stories and PR opportunities and develop plans to promote these
- Experience of working on projects as part of a team and/or with multiple agencies
Desirable
- Experience of working within the NHS
- Experience of arranging events such as press conferences or VIP visits and virtual meetings e.g. through MS Teams or Zoom
- Experience of managing social media channels in a large organisation
- Online content management experience e.g. updating website or intranet content
- Experience of briefing journalists and/or teaching small groups of people
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.
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).
Additional information
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).
