Senior Communications Officers

Porthosp; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 60,000 - GBP 80,000; Full time

Job description

Job Summary

NHS Band 6: £38,682- £46,580 pro rata, per annum
Hours: 37.5 hrs per week
Contract Type: 2 X permanent positions available

We are looking for two experienced communications professionals to join our Communications and Engagement Team as Senior Communications Officers with a digital focus. These roles offer an exciting opportunity to play a key part in shaping how we communicate with our staff, patients, communities and stakeholders across digital platforms. Working in a fast-paced environment, you will provide expert communications advice, create engaging content and support the delivery of strategic communications priorities.

You will be an excellent communicator with experience of using digital channels to deliver effective communications. You will be confident working with complex or sensitive information, managing competing priorities and building strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. Experience in social media or website/intranet development is essential for the relevant role.

Key Responsibilities

• Communication and Working Relationships: The post holder will be providing and receiving complex, sensitive or contentious information, where persuasive, motivational, negotiating, training, empathic or reassurance skills are required.
• Analytical and Judgement: Judgements involving complex facts or situations, which require the analysis, interpretation, and comparison of a range of options.
• Planning and Organising: Planning and organisation of a number of complex activities or programmes, which require the formulation and adjustment of plans.
• Physical Skills: The post requires physical skills which are normally obtained through practice over a period of time or during practical training (e.g. standard driving or keyboard skills, use of some tools and types of equipment).
• Patient Client Care: Assists patients, clients and relatives during incidental contacts.

Job Purpose

Working as part of the Communications Team you will provide communications expertise and advice across the Group. You will be responsible for planning, creating and delivering content across multiple channels. This will include digital communications and marketing (websites, intranet and social media). You will also produce creative content such as design, videography and photography. You will match channels, styles and messages to audiences as appropriate, internally and externally.

You will be able to establish positive working relationships quickly at all levels of the organisation and manage a busy workload, responding to conflicting priorities as required. The work will involve regular contact and engagement with members of the public, patients and their relatives to gather information and stories to promote the Trust and its services.

Due to the nature of communications work, some out‑of‑hours working, including evenings and weekends, will be expected as and when necessary. Please note that you will be required to be based at our sites for a minimum of three days per week.

Person Specification

Essential

• Qualifications: Educated to degree level or equivalent experience in a communications role.
• Experience:
  • Experience of using a wide range of communications tools and channels including digital – with the ability to identify the right channel for specific audiences.
  • Excellent communicator who is able to communicate sensitive information in a variety of methods to meet the needs of the target audience and focus on detail.
  • High levels of numeracy and accuracy with a meticulous approach.
  • Aptitude for managing processes and communication platforms as this will be a key contribution to the success of the team.
• Additional Criteria:
  • Computer literate, competent in Word, Excel and entering data into a financial ledger system.
  • Able to work under pressure frequently on own initiative with proven skill at organisation of own workload to meet deadlines.
  • Well‑organised with the ability to prioritise.
  • Some out‑of‑hours working may be required due to the nature of communications activity.

Desirable

• A commitment to continual personal development in a relevant discipline.
• The post holder will be required to be based on site for a minimum of three days per week.

Employer Details

Employer name: Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust

Address: Queen Alexandra Hospital, Southwick Hill Road, Cosham, Portsmouth, PO6 3LY

Website: https://www.porthosp.nhs.uk/work-for-us/