Communications Assistant inStafford inStafford PUBLISHED
MON 21 OCT 2024
The ideal candidate will be organized, resourceful, and possess strong communication skills, adept at using Microsoft Office and social media platforms. The role requires discretion in handling inquiries and prioritizing tasks independently while supporting a positive team environment. This is a desk-based position focused on delivering high-quality communication support to promote the Trust's services within local communities.
We are looking for someone whose passion for communications is matched by their ability to be well organised and resourceful to join Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust's Communications team.
As Communications Assistant you will play an important role in supporting the delivery of the Trust's new Communications Strategy. Alongside being the first point of contact for the team, you will help to ensure its administrative tasks and processes are delivered efficiently.
As well as producing internal and external communications activities, such as the weekly staff bulletin, duties will include handing the team's email inbox, maintaining databases, handling media enquiries and providing theadministrative function for Trust/team meetings and events; e.g. staff awards. In addition, you will support with the creation of digital and traditional communications and marketing content.
Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust's communications team is responsible for internal and external communications. The team manages a wide range of communications channels including the Trust's website, intranet, mobile app and a variety of social media channels. In addition, the team are responsible for wider public affairs and media relation activity. Working closely with internal and external partners, the communications team work to promote the organisation and the services it provides to local communities.
As Communications Assistant, the post holder will work as part of a busy team in supporting with administrative tasks, and internal and external communications activities, in line with the Trust's Communications Strategy. This will include:
Production and distribution of the weekly staff bulletin
Handling the team's email inbox
Maintaining photo library and contact databases
Providing the administrative function for Trust/team meetings and events; e.g. staff awards
Handling media enquiries, drafting press releases and responses, and maintaining an accurate record of enquiries
Supporting with digital content generation; e.g. video, design for use in social media/marketing etc
Contribute to graphic design, creation of marketing products and development of specialist communication products
About us
Main duties and responsibilities
1. Act as the first point of contact for the communications team via email, phone, MS Teams. Answer and deal with general enquires independently and draft correspondence. Handle media enquiries and sensitive issues as appropriate; liaising with colleagues when a strategic input/ sign off is required. Monitor press coverage as requested.
2. Arrange and co-ordinate meetings, events and campaigns in line with team/Trust priorities.
3. Produce communications for internal use, such as the weekly staff bulletin, case studies, presentations etc.
4. Produce communications documents for external audiences, including publications, presentations, press releases and other documents using appropriate IT systems and software.
5. Contribute to graphic design, creation of marketing products and development of specialist communication products.
6. Maintain stakeholder databases and video/photo libraries.
7. Publish information on the Trust intranet, public-facing website and social media channels as appropriate.
8. Monitor and manage office resources and stocks, including raising purchase orders.
9. Undertake evaluation as necessary for own work, and wider teams work; e.g. evaluation of events.
10. To be familiar with and work within all MPFT/Inclusion policies.
11. Contribute to a positive working environment, focussing on high performance and delivery of results.
12. Work as part of the wider communications team to support and meet Trust priorities/objectives.
Systems and equipment
1. Competent using Microsoft software, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams.
2. Equipment and training will be provided where highly specialist, such as graphic design/project management/social media etc.
3. Advanced keyboard use to produce publications, presentations and processing of appropriate communication documents
4. Experienced in using social media channels such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
5. Ability and desire to learn new skills, such as video content development/ production.
Decisions and judgements
1. The post holder will be required to work without direct supervision in relation to administrative processes, exercising discretion when responding to enquiries, prioritisation of own workload and using initiative to make suggestions for improvements to working practices.
2. Ability to deliver high quality communication support, including website and accessibility advice, and produce a broad range of content as required.
3. Ability to develop and embed quality control processes.
4. Ability to provide constructive feedback in relation to website content submissions.
Communication and relationships
1. The post holder will be required to communicate with staff, stakeholder, patients, service users, carers and visitors.
2. The post holder must be able to communicate professionally both verbally and in writing.
Physical demands of the job
1. The role is a desk-based job, requiring prolonged periods of sitting.
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