Senior Communications and Engagement Officer in Torquay

The purpose of the senior communications and engagement officer is to support the development and delivery of our engagement and communications strategy through the media and PR, external affairs, stakeholder engagement, social media and internal communications. You will work closely with colleagues to implement our communications and engagement strategy in support of our aims and objectives, promoting the purpose of the organisation, engaging effectively with our staff and volunteers and maintaining our professional corporate image and reputation with external stakeholders. Handling a large and constantly evolving workload in a busy environment to respond to national and local issues.

Main duties of the job include:

• To support the Head of Communications and Engagement to deliver our engagement and communications strategy.
• Develop compelling, integrated content to best achieve the aims and objectives in their assigned projects and workplans while contributing to forward planning.
• Deliver communications and engagement activity for their assigned area(s), developing a good understanding of how they align to organisational objectives, strategy and operating plan.
• Produce a broad range of written communications to the highest standard, using expertise and experience to identify the right channels and styles for specific audiences.
• Work on own initiative yet recognise when an issue warrants escalation.
• Contribute and participate in the development of professional capacity and expertise.
• Build strong relationships within their assigned area(s).
• Spot communications opportunities and risks and work with partner, regional and national communications teams to manage as appropriate.
• Support involvement and consultation where required.
• Ensure adherence to in-house approval processes and gain sign-off at the appropriate level.
• Deputise for line manager as appropriate.
• Support value for money and best use of resources.

We are strategic communications. We are an expert resource for our colleagues and partners and provide specialist advice on communications and engagement. We are custodians of our organisation’s reputation. We are the branding guardians. We set a standard.

Our team values are important to us. We are inclusive. We are kind. We are passionate.

Criteria for the person specification include:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent, or equivalent knowledge gained through relevant experience.
• Demonstrable evidence of continuing professional development.
• Demonstrable experience of developing story and campaign ideas.
• Experience of media relations and working with digital and social media platforms and content management systems.
• Proven experience of creating opportunities and working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills for delivering key messages to a range of stakeholders both internal and external (including outside the NHS) at all levels.
• Strong presentational skills for conveying concepts to diverse audiences.
• Ability to recognise the limits of own authority within the role and seeks and uses professional support appropriately.
• Ability to identify current costs and cost saving opportunities as part of working activities.
• Ability to undertake analysis of communications and engagement reach, impact and return on investment using quantitative and qualitative methods to inform future approaches and reporting.
• Ability to plan and organise complex activities.
• Good knowledge of graphics and video editing software, including Adobe Creative Suite.
• Post degree experience of two years or more in public relations, digital communications or equivalent experience.
• Membership of a recognised professional communications, IT, or marketing institution/body.
• Experience of working in the NHS or a related organisation.
• Experience of working in a politically sensitive environment.
• Experience of working simultaneously on multiple communications and engagement activities, with excellent project management, planning and co-ordination across a range of disciplines and channels.
• Knowledge of working within relevant legislation (eg Freedom of Information, Data Protection).
• Ability to ‘spot the story’ in the detail of policy.
• Good knowledge of film recording, editing techniques, conversion and storage for broadcast.
• Ability to influence, motivate and persuade stakeholders using effective communications and engagement.
• Ability to negotiate and influence colleagues, including senior figures, on appropriate communications and engagement approaches for projects and campaigns.

You will be joining the organisation at an exciting time. As the first fully integrated care organisation in England, we are working to improve the way we deliver safe, high-quality health and social care. We have a positive and vibrant working atmosphere, we are proud of our investment in our staff both in terms of developing potential career skills and valuing people.

If you provide support to a family member or friend with health or care needs, we aim to be a Carer-friendly employer. We have a ‘Staff Carers’ policy which includes flexible working where possible and a Carer’s Passport scheme that links you into support and discounts.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: We reserve the right to close vacancies early if we receive a high volume of applications. Therefore, we encourage you to apply promptly. Please read the job description carefully and tailor your application to reflect the requirements of the role.