Senior Communications OfficerinWolverhamptoninWolverhamptonPUBLISHED TUE 19 NOV 2024

The Senior Communications Officer will play a critical role in supporting the operational delivery of communications across the organisation. They will ensure communication channels are accurate, up to date, and effectively promote the right content to the right audience. The role includes a focus on reputation building, external communications, managing video and photography production, and overseeing processes and communication requests. The post holder will also manage and develop the Assistant Communications Officer.

Reporting to the Communications Manager, the Senior Communications Officer will lead on internal and external communications strategies, producing high-quality materials tailored for diverse audiences. They will engage effectively with patients, staff, stakeholders, and the wider public, supporting the organisation's objectives and values. This role also involves managing projects, supporting process improvements, and delivering evidence-based communications that align with Trust priorities.

This is an opportunity for an experienced and adaptable professional who understands healthcare or public sector challenges and can deliver impactful messaging to internal and external audiences.

This role offers a hybrid working arrangement, with two days per week spent at Trust locations across the Black Country region (locations may vary) and three days working from home"

The Senior Communications Officer supports digital communications, including managing the website, staff app, screensavers, and social media platforms. They handle media enquiries, prepare press releases, and contribute to public relations strategies. The role involves leading internal communications by developing staff channels and ensuring employees are informed and engaged. They plan, deliver, and evaluate communication campaigns and organise events such as VIP visits and staff engagement activities. A key focus is on identifying and promoting human interest stories that highlight the organisation's work and values. The officer oversees the communications email inbox, ensuring timely responses and providing guidance to colleagues. They create and edit engaging content for press releases, newsletters, internal updates, and social media, while also managing and supporting junior staff, including the Assistant Communications Officer. Additionally, they contribute to process improvements by developing tools and systems to enhance communication delivery.

About us

Main Duties/Responsibilities

1. Report to the Communications Manager and deputise for this post when necessary.

1. Support digital communications, including maintaining and updating the website, staff app, screensavers, and social media channels. Work to ensure these platforms are consistently engaging, up-to-date, and aligned with the Trusts objectives.

1. Support media enquiries, including responding promptly, preparing press statements, and organising media interviews. Provide input into communication plans and campaigns to strengthen public relations.

1. Plan and deliver events, including VIP visits, service openings, and staff engagement activities, ensuring they are well-organised and align with the Trusts communication objectives.

1. Oversee the communications email inbox, ensuring enquiries are handled promptly and appropriately. Provide guidance to colleagues and escalate issues where necessary.

1. Focus on human interest stories, identifying and promoting compelling stories from across the Trust. Share these through press releases, social media, and other internal and external communication channels to build engagement and reputation.

1. Plan and manage key campaigns, including preparing, managing, and evaluating plans with project teams to meet their objectives. Coordinate campaign delivery and ensure projects remain within budget.

1. Oversee internal communications, including managing staff communication channels such as newsletters, updates, and briefings to keep staff informed and engaged.

1. Design, implement, and evaluate communication and engagement strategies to support the Trusts overall goals and communication plans.

1. Provide advice and guidance to staff and managers on communication issues. Write clear and effective copy on their behalf when required.

1. Lead and support communications colleagues, motivating and advising them to deliver high-quality outputs. Manage the Assistant Communications Officer and oversee their development and contributions.

1. Collaborate with stakeholders and partners, building and maintaining effective working relationships to support integrated communications and shared goals.

1. Conduct research and evaluation to inform communication priorities, monitor effectiveness, and improve strategies in line with evidence-based practices.

1. Produce and implement comprehensive communications plans, introducing new communication initiatives aligned with best practice and legislation as required.

1. Identify and promote good news stories internally and externally to enhance the Trusts reputation. Share these through a variety of communication platforms.

1. Write engaging and effective content for press releases, newsletters, staff communications, and social media campaigns tailored to diverse audiences.

1. Coordinate and promote staff and manager briefings and other engagement initiatives to improve communication and collaboration within the Trust.

1. Manage video and photography production, ensuring high-quality outputs that align with communication goals and Trust standards.

1. Respond to communication queries received by the team from internal colleagues and external partners, providing timely and helpful support.

General duties:

1. Support the team in the production and distribution of high quality print/online publications. This may include sourcing copy and images, writing copy, proof reading, liaising with external suppliers and distributing materials.

2. Contribute to monitoring the Communications and Engagements team email inbox and telephone line, helping to progress enquiries efficiently and professionally.

3. Represent the Communications and Engagement team at internal and external meetings.

4. Undertake general administration tasks such as raising purchase orders and updating databases.

5. To undertake any other duties of a similar nature consistent with the responsibilities of this post in order to provide a quality communications and engagement service.