Job summary
Communications
Manager Communications Team
Join us on a fixed term contract (14 months) as Communications
Manager at Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust based in Guildford (with some days
working remotely as appropriate).
You will act as a key member of the team, working across both internal
and external communications and line managing two members of staff.
Alongside the Head of Communications, you will be leading the teams
operational communications function, keeping staff up to date with important information
relating to the running of the Trust.
You will have overall responsibility for many of the teams internal
communications and engagement channels, including newsletters, operational
bulletins and all staff briefings.
You will also manage the teams
programme of internal strategic communications activities and campaigns as well
as leading on various communications projects.
This role also acts as press office lead, generating positive media
stories, as well as answering reactive media enquiries.
We are looking
for someone creative and organised who has an extensive experience in
communications and people management.
You will be joining a supportive and friendly team, who
work closely together with high standards. We encourage and support flexible
working and maintaining a good work / life balance.
For further details please contact Dominique Vincent, Head
of Communications at d.vincent3@nhs.net
Main duties of the job
This is a broad role involving management
of all aspects of a busy communications function. The post holder will be
expected to work as part of a team and to be comfortable performing across all
key areas of communications. In addition they will have specific areas of focus
and responsilty. These will include, but not be limited to, the following:
Internal communications
Leading the
teams operational communications function, alongside the Head of
Communications, keeping staff abreast of important information relating to the day-to-day
running of the Trust.
Having overall responsibility for
many of the teams internal communications and engagement channels, including
newsletters, operational bulletins and all staff briefings.
Manging the teams programme of
internal strategic communications activities and campaigns and leading on
various communications projects as appropriate.
External
communications
Responsible for
the press office function of the Communications Team, working with other team
members to generate positive media stories, as well as answering reactive media
enquiries.
About us
Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust is a friendly, supportive, busy but welcoming acute and community Trust that is ambitious about developing our services and your career.
Our compassionate, caring and friendly colleagues make up our Royal Surrey family and are at the heart of what we do. We all have a passion for learning, continuous improvement and excelling together through innovation, research and development. There are over 4,500 members of our Royal Surrey family.
We are clinically led and provide joined up care by bridging the gap between hospital and community services alongside regional specialist cancer care. Our main acute hospital site is in Guildford with community hospital sites at Milford, Haslemere and Cranleigh. We provide adult community health services in the community and homes across Guildford and Waverley.
We have received an overall Good rating from the CQC with Medical care (including older peoples care), End of Life Care and Maternity services being deemed Outstanding by the CQC. We are investing in our colleagues through our health and wellbeing programme and a commitment to supporting professional development as well as investing more than £45 million in our physical environment and new equipment in the next few years.
There has never been a better time to join us.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To provide specialist management and skills to the Trusts Communications, Engagement and Marketing Team across a range of channels and with both internal and external audiences. This post is a key management role within the Communications Team, managing internal and corporate communications.
The post holder will also be required to work alongside the teams other Communications Manager as required, supporting the Digital Communications function.
This is a broad role involving management of all aspects of a busy communications function. The post holder will be expected to work as part of a team and to be comfortable performing across all key areas of communications. In addition they will have specific areas of focus and responsilty. These will include, but not be limited to, the following:
Internal communications
Leading the teams operational communications function, alongside the Head of Communications, keeping staff abreast of important information relating to the day-to-day running of the Trust.
Having overall responsibility for many of the teams internal communications and engagement channels, including newsletters, operational bulletins and all staff briefings.
Manging the teams programme of internal strategic communications activities and campaigns and leading on various communications projects as appropriate.
External communications
Responsible for the press office function of the Communications Team, working with other team members to generate positive media stories, as well as answering reactive media enquiries.
KEY RESULT AREAS/MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Media and campaigns
- Create and implement effective proactive external campaigns. Manage a wide range of media enquiries, liaise with colleagues to produce media statements in response to specific issues, set up interviews with and brief appropriate staff and oversee filming on site.
- Establish good working relations with journalists to enhance the Trusts reputation, ensuring media enquiries are managed promptly and professionally, developing stories and promoting case studies to support this.
- Contribute news items to corporate publications and multi media channels working closely with colleagues in the department ensuring they are briefed as necessary on media activities and initiatives.
- Produce press releases and promote new developments to relevant media. Support events and VIP and ministerial visits, often at short notice, liaising with staff and managing any media on site.
- Develop and promote case studies of Trust projects.
- Develop networks and relationships with staff across the organisation to support them in media work to promote the Trusts aims, objectives and achievements and contribute to the successful delivery of the media strategy.
- Support the communications department Major Incident Plan and crisis media response, including internal incidents and other sensitive issues.
- Ensure that patient confidentiality is protected at all times. Provide advice and support to patients, their relatives and representatives involved in media enquiries or seeking media contact.
- Using analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of media campaigns, creating reports for senior leaders in the Trust.
Internal communications
Lead staff engagement and internal communications plans.
- Using qualatitive and quantitive data to Measure the impact of Trust internal communications.
- Make sure the Trust has robust operational communications and that the team is able to react quickly to get the right information to the right teams when needed.
- Be the teams expert on change communications, exploring ways to make sure our communications resonate with staff.
- Oversee all of the Trusts business as usual internal communications.
Management and leadership
- Play an active part in planning and delivering the work of the communications team and the line management of the Communications Officer and Communications Assistant roles.
Projects and marketing work
Lead on making sure project and marketing materials are creative and innovative, planning new channels and tactics as these emerge.
Undertake other projects and tasks that may, from time to time, be necessary and compatible with the nature and grade of this post.
Liaise with designers, printers and other external suppliers to deliver resources and other materials
Responsible for evaluation of key events and undertake post project reviews to ensure future improvements.
Financial responsibilities
- Manage budgets as directed in line with Trust Standing Financial Instructions and with efficiency and consideration of value for money.
- Negotiate with TV and film companies regarding contracts and access fees for filming and production, working closely with the Trusts security and estates teams when required.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To provide specialist management and skills to the Trusts Communications, Engagement and Marketing Team across a range of channels and with both internal and external audiences. This post is a key management role within the Communications Team, managing internal and corporate communications.
The post holder will also be required to work alongside the teams other Communications Manager as required, supporting the Digital Communications function.
This is a broad role involving management of all aspects of a busy communications function. The post holder will be expected to work as part of a team and to be comfortable performing across all key areas of communications. In addition they will have specific areas of focus and responsilty. These will include, but not be limited to, the following:
Internal communications
Leading the teams operational communications function, alongside the Head of Communications, keeping staff abreast of important information relating to the day-to-day running of the Trust.
Having overall responsibility for many of the teams internal communications and engagement channels, including newsletters, operational bulletins and all staff briefings.
Manging the teams programme of internal strategic communications activities and campaigns and leading on various communications projects as appropriate.
External communications
Responsible for the press office function of the Communications Team, working with other team members to generate positive media stories, as well as answering reactive media enquiries.
KEY RESULT AREAS/MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Media and campaigns
- Create and implement effective proactive external campaigns. Manage a wide range of media enquiries, liaise with colleagues to produce media statements in response to specific issues, set up interviews with and brief appropriate staff and oversee filming on site.
- Establish good working relations with journalists to enhance the Trusts reputation, ensuring media enquiries are managed promptly and professionally, developing stories and promoting case studies to support this.
- Contribute news items to corporate publications and multi media channels working closely with colleagues in the department ensuring they are briefed as necessary on media activities and initiatives.
- Produce press releases and promote new developments to relevant media. Support events and VIP and ministerial visits, often at short notice, liaising with staff and managing any media on site.
- Develop and promote case studies of Trust projects.
- Develop networks and relationships with staff across the organisation to support them in media work to promote the Trusts aims, objectives and achievements and contribute to the successful delivery of the media strategy.
- Support the communications department Major Incident Plan and crisis media response, including internal incidents and other sensitive issues.
- Ensure that patient confidentiality is protected at all times. Provide advice and support to patients, their relatives and representatives involved in media enquiries or seeking media contact.
- Using analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of media campaigns, creating reports for senior leaders in the Trust.
Internal communications
Lead staff engagement and internal communications plans.
- Using qualatitive and quantitive data to Measure the impact of Trust internal communications.
- Make sure the Trust has robust operational communications and that the team is able to react quickly to get the right information to the right teams when needed.
- Be the teams expert on change communications, exploring ways to make sure our communications resonate with staff.
- Oversee all of the Trusts business as usual internal communications.
Management and leadership
- Play an active part in planning and delivering the work of the communications team and the line management of the Communications Officer and Communications Assistant roles.
Projects and marketing work
Lead on making sure project and marketing materials are creative and innovative, planning new channels and tactics as these emerge.
Undertake other projects and tasks that may, from time to time, be necessary and compatible with the nature and grade of this post.
Liaise with designers, printers and other external suppliers to deliver resources and other materials
Responsible for evaluation of key events and undertake post project reviews to ensure future improvements.
Financial responsibilities
- Manage budgets as directed in line with Trust Standing Financial Instructions and with efficiency and consideration of value for money.
- Negotiate with TV and film companies regarding contracts and access fees for filming and production, working closely with the Trusts security and estates teams when required.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to Degree level
- Masters or equivalent experience
Desirable
- Communications or health care related degree
Experience
Essential
- Substantial experience of media relations and issues management
- Experience of development and implementation of media policy
- Demonstrable experience of developing story and campaign ideas
- Management experience within a large, high profile and complex organisation, including 24/7 crisis and issues management
- Significant influencing and persuasion skills
- Proven experience of creating opportunities and working collaboratively with internal and external partners
- Significant experience of managing staff
Skills
Essential
- Able to deputise for the Head of Communications
- Experience of digital communications and using content management systems
- Experience of creating content for social media channels
- Computer literate and able to use basic IT packages
- Demonstrable utilisation of all media channels - print, broadcast and digital
- Evidence of ability to deliver against targets
- Ability to think and plan strategically and to prioritise work programmes in the face of competing demands
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Ability to manage and deliver to deadlines within resources
- Excellent numerical, verbal and critical reasoning
Desirable
- Politically astute with proven track record of developing networks
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to Degree level
- Masters or equivalent experience
Desirable
- Communications or health care related degree
Experience
Essential
- Substantial experience of media relations and issues management
- Experience of development and implementation of media policy
- Demonstrable experience of developing story and campaign ideas
- Management experience within a large, high profile and complex organisation, including 24/7 crisis and issues management
- Significant influencing and persuasion skills
- Proven experience of creating opportunities and working collaboratively with internal and external partners
- Significant experience of managing staff
Skills
Essential
- Able to deputise for the Head of Communications
- Experience of digital communications and using content management systems
- Experience of creating content for social media channels
- Computer literate and able to use basic IT packages
- Demonstrable utilisation of all media channels - print, broadcast and digital
- Evidence of ability to deliver against targets
- Ability to think and plan strategically and to prioritise work programmes in the face of competing demands
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Ability to manage and deliver to deadlines within resources
- Excellent numerical, verbal and critical reasoning
Desirable
- Politically astute with proven track record of developing networks
