Senior Communications Officer SO in Belfast

The Senior Communications Officer will develop and deliver planned communications to support organisational policing priorities, utilising a wide range of channels appropriate to a variety of audiences including campaigns, public relations, internal communications, digital communications, traditional and social media communications. The role holder will also liaise with internal stakeholders in order to formulate appropriate responses to media enquiries. The role holder contributes to a fast-time communications service in support of operational incidents, in response to enquiries from the media and public, and assists in proactively promoting the successes of Police Service of Northern Ireland.

This is delivered across multiple communications channels including traditional media relations, online and social media, and internally to officers and staff, ensuring all stakeholders receive the information they need, by the most appropriate and timely method possible, to raise public confidence and directly contribute to operational outcomes and policing plan priorities.

Hours of Work: 37 hours per week. Normal working hours are 10 hour shifts covering seven days per week between 06.30 and 20.30. The post attracts a Shift Disturbance Allowance and an On Call Allowance in which appropriate rates will be applied. These hours and allowances are subject to ongoing review to reflect business needs. Some roles are generally Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm with a requirement to be flexible with hours of work. These roles do not attract Shift Disturbance Allowance or On Call Allowance.

Salary: £37,694 - £38,990 plus £1422 environmental allowance.

Main Activities:

• Developing and delivering proactive, intelligence-driven, outcome-focused communication strategies and initiatives using a wide range of communication channels, ensuring compliance with organisational priorities.
• Making best use of appropriate technology and good communication practices to devise innovative, effective communication solutions to deliver targeted communications and key messages.
• Providing advice and guidance to internal stakeholders on the best communications approach for a range of planned proactive and reactive issues including attending meetings and advising police officers/police staff on more complex issues which would impact on the organisations reputation or affect public confidence in policing.
• Leading, under the oversight of the Communications Manager, on specific areas of operational communications, and develop a range of external and internal communications to deliver awareness, understanding, engagement or behavioural change depending on the characteristics of the issue in question.
• Making use of direct-to-audience and digital communications ensuring projects delivered are not overly-reliant on traditional methods such as printed material or news releases.
• Delivering a horizon-scanning service so that planned communications are delivered when they can be most effective and are co-ordinated with national activity e.g. other partner agencies and UK Police Forces.
• Working as part of a team to develop research tools and techniques to identify the best tactics and implement an evaluation regime to evidence the impact of communications activity.
• Establishing and maintaining professional and positive working relationships with key stakeholders, including media organisations, partners and community-based organisations to enhance and extend the reach of police communications.
• Effectively briefing and managing external suppliers of communication services, such as design agencies and digital agencies to ensure strategic fit when they are used for projects managed by the post holder.
• Planning and organising of Police Service of Northern Ireland events and associated media coverage.
• Consulting with both internal and external stakeholders to identify emerging reputational risks and develop consequence management plans to mitigate against reputational damage including monitoring of all Freedom of Information requests.
• Contributing to Strategic Communications and Engagement Departments delivery of communications and media training in line with the Services Media Policy and guidelines.

This Job Description reflects the main duties and responsibilities associated with this position. It is not intended to be exclusive or exhaustive.

Person Specification:

Essential Qualifications: A degree or equivalent qualification plus 2 years experience working in a relevant area such as Journalism or Media Communications. OR 2 A Levels or equivalent qualification plus 3 years experience working in a relevant area such as Journalism or Media Communications.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Experience of turning complex information into clear copy, tailored for specific audiences.
• Highly developed creative skills in designing content for a variety of communication channels including print, broadcast, features and digital and social media.
• Established research and analytical skills including the ability to quickly access information from a variety of sources and to assess what is important, verified and suitable for release to the public.
• Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines whilst prioritising multiple and at times conflicting demands to ensure all critical tasks are delivered.

Essential Other: IT literate specifically in the use of the Microsoft Office suite. The successful candidate must have access to a form of transport which will enable them to fulfil the responsibilities of the job in full.

Desirable Skills and Experience: A formal qualification in a related discipline such as Journalism or Media Communications. Experience of working with relevant stakeholders to formulate responses to media requests.

Additional Information: Appointment will be dependent on the individual satisfying the vetting requirements for the post which will vary according to the work area appointed to. Please note that for all appointments there is a minimum requirement to have a three-year checkable history immediately preceding the submission of a vetting questionnaire. Shortlisting will be carried out based on the essential criteria. Please note in some instances, for example, where there are a high level of applicants, desirable criteria may be applied. Successful applicants will be retained on a merit list for future opportunities arising.

Selection Methodology: PSNI uses the Competency and Values Framework (CVF) which sets out nationally recognised behaviours and values to support all policing professionals. You will be assessed against the values and at the competencies level as indicated below. This will include both past and future focused questions. Further guidance and information about the Competency and Values Framework (CVF) is available here on our website. Please use the 2024 CVF for this role. Applicants meeting the eligibility criteria and essential qualifications, skills and experience will be required to demonstrate their experience for the following criteria: Competency and Values Based Assessment Values Public Service Competencies Level 2 We Take Ownership We Analyse Critically We Support and Inspire.