Communications Officer

Job responsibilities

Promoting the services, work and reputation of the NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB) for the North East and North Cumbria to internal and external stakeholders using a wide range of communications techniques and platforms.

This postholder will have a specific focus on creating content for, and managing and monitoring, the ICBs internal and external digital platforms such as social media, e-bulletins, website, podcasts and films.

As well as a key role to play in other key aspects of communications such as campaigns, media liaison and events as part of the wider communications team, as required.

Other

Essential

• Ability to travel independently to transport equipment.
• Be part of an on-call rota.
• Able to work occasional late nights and weekends when required.

Experience

Essential

• Knowledge of communications, public relations, and marketing techniques, approaches and procedures gained through practical experience working in public relations, marketing, communications or as a journalist.
• Experience of working in a similar role in a complex organisation.
• Proficient in the use of and a strong understanding of social media and online platforms (including content management systems).
• Ability to explain complex medical issues in simple language.
• Good news sense.
• Experienced at instructing external consultancies and agencies including photographers, designers and printers.
• Experienced of using, managing and creating content for digital platforms including social media.

Desirable

• Awareness of key issues affecting the NHS.
• Experience of dealing with the media
• Knowledge of local, regional and specialist media.

Personal attributes

Essential

• Able to work effectively under pressure.
• Good team player.
• Able to work unsupervised.

Qualifications

Essential

• Educated to degree level or equivalent in a relevant subject and/ or equivalent experience working in a press office or communications department.

Desirable

• Professional qualification in communications and or PR

Skills and abilities

Essential

• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Able to meet tight deadlines that may be conflicting.
• Able to prioritise own workload.
• Able to communicate and develop strong relationships with people at all levels in and outside the organisation.
• Able to identify opportunities to promote the work of the ICB, its staff and services.
• Able to co-ordinate the production of a range of publications.
• Able to advise managers, staff and committees on communications, marketing and media.
• Excellent IT skills in Microsoft Office packages.