Communications Manager (Deputy Principal) in Belfast

The Communications Manager is part of the Information and Communications Unit, supporting the Head of Communications in the development and provision of integrated strategic and operational communications for the Office of the Police Ombudsman. A senior and experienced professional whose role is to ensure the delivery of a high-quality communications service, the Communications Manager will work under the supervision of the Head of Communications and have line management responsibility for two members of staff (Communications Officer and Administrative Officer).

Key Responsibilities

• To develop, implement and evaluate internal and external communications plans and campaigns which support the achievement of the Office's strategic priorities.
• To ensure communications activity, content and messaging is consistent, coherent, coordinated and audience-aligned across all channels.
• To provide authoritative, strategic communications advice to the Police Ombudsman, Executive Leadership Team and senior managers as required, identifying emerging issues and demonstrating sound judgement, political awareness and sensitivity.
• To develop and maintain effective relationships with the news media and other external stakeholders, including political representatives and those within the wider justice, community and voluntary sectors.
• To manage media relations, acting as a main point of contact for journalists, researching and contextualising media enquiries to identify appropriate corporate responses, and briefing journalists as required.
• To prepare written communications, including news releases, media statements, briefing materials, reports, internal articles, speeches and remarks.
• To contribute to the development and delivery of internal and external stakeholder engagement activity.
• To manage digital channels, including the Office's intranet, website and social media.
• To provide occasional on call media cover, as and when required, for critical incidents.
• To fulfil line management responsibilities for the Unit's Communications Officer and Administrative Officer.
• To assist with the integrity of Office Security, GDPR, DPA and ICO codes of practice.
• To have due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity between various groups.
• To commit to the values, ethics and service standards that underpin the work of the Office.
• Any other relevant duties appropriate to the grade, as may be required, including participation in the interchange of duties within the Directorate.

Essential Criteria

• A degree level qualification and a minimum of three years experience gained in a public information/communications or journalism/news environment. OR In the absence of the educational qualification a minimum of five years experience gained in a public information/communications or journalism/news environment.
• Have experience of handling complex and sensitive communication issues, providing clear advice to senior managers.
• Have experience of managing, maintaining and building good working relationships with key organisational stakeholders.
• Have experience of responding to media enquiries, including briefing journalists and managing relationships with the media.
• Have experience of providing high-quality written communications tailored to diverse audiences and for news, digital and social channels.
• Have experience of working independently and as part of a team under time pressure, demonstrating sound judgment and with a high degree of accuracy.