Project Communications Manager – (Hybrid & Flexi Working)

The postholder will support a digitisation project for LPS Land Registration Division, which records the land, houses and properties registered across Northern Ireland. The LPS Communications Manager will create and issue effective messaging to both internal and external stakeholders to support project and change management activities. Working closely with suppliers, this individual will validate and agree the communications strategy; planning, co-ordinating and implementing internal and external communications activities on an ongoing basis in keeping with LPS values and wider transformation programmes. They will be heavily involved in event management and delivery, and in the development of key project messages and communication products.

Activities involve daily use of Microsoft Office packages e.g. Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint and Word as well as bespoke LPS IT systems and SharePoint.

• Support the ongoing development, validation and implementation of project communication plans and engagement strategies relevant to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Support mapping exercises to identify and prioritise stakeholders, inputting into the creation of user/customer personas.
• Draft, formulate and obtain appropriate approvals for key messages that reflect the vision and case for change, ensuring content and tone is consistent with previous materials and approved lines to take.
• Create and ensure the timely delivery of a broad range of communication products, including web content, intranet articles, videos, presentations, publications, social media posts and talking points for engagement activities and events.
• Monitor a shared Project inbox, develop appropriate templates and respond to stakeholder queries regarding project activities.
• Partner with suppliers to appropriately deliver and manage local in-person and remote events for both internal staff and external user groups.
• Use data, including analytics and user feedback, to monitor and analyse the effectiveness of communication activities, channel performance and event uptake, and make recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Research new and alternative communication opportunities, both offline and online, to help promote the project.
• Build positive relationships across the project team, business area and with suppliers to understand communication needs in depth.
• Coach LPS colleagues in communication and engagement techniques to support transformation where necessary.
• Resolve communications issues, escalating to senior project colleagues where appropriate, and complete monthly reports on communication activities, tracking benefits and compiling success stories.
• Participate in working groups involved in culture development, training plans and change management activities in support of the project.
• Liaise with other communication colleagues across other LPS divisions and Press Office to ensure alignment with corporate policies, procedures and priorities.
• Ensure information is handled and issued in line with data protection, confidentiality, and information assurance requirements.
• Develop a basic understanding of the technical changes that accompany the digital transformation, to aid the production of accurate communication products at pace.
• Adhere to corporate policies and style/branding guidelines and completing mandatory compliance trainings.
• Undertake other reasonable duties commensurate with the SO grade to support project delivery.

Essential Criteria

• Applicants must have at least a degree in communications, event management, public relations, marketing, advertising, journalism or equivalent relevant subject.
• A minimum of 2 years’ post qualification practical experience within the last 10 years of developing communications products and managing events using a range of online and offline communication tools from initial brief to final delivery, including experience in at least 3 of the below:
• Developing and updating online websites/intranets;
• Developing communication products such as slides for speakers, newsletters, fliers and articles;
• Drafting content for organisational social media accounts;
• Developing and implementing marketing/communications plans;
• Using analysis to evaluate and improve communications;
• Delivering engagement activities and events;
• The post holder must possess excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to build and maintain good working relationships and engage with key internal and external stakeholders. As they will work in a small team, the post holder must be able to work on their own initiative.
• The postholder must also have experience of co-ordinating work and working towards deadlines, with effective organisational and time management skills.
• Two years’ experience, gained within the last five years, as a practitioner in an event management, communications, public relations, journalism, advertising or marketing environment.
• Experience supporting communications, marketing, PR and/or events for public sector organisations or government departments would be an advantage.
• Experience with the use of the Drupal or other publishing software and content management systems would be an advantage.