Job Description. Part 1: JOB PROFILE

Transcription

1 Job Description Job Title: Policy, Press and Campaigns Manager Salary and Pay Band: Band F, Level 1 Hours: 35 Hours (full time) Department: Policy and Communications Directorate/National Office: MS Society Scotland Location: Ratho, Scotland Manager: Head of Policy and Communications (Scotland) Direct Reports: Communications Officer (part-time-28 hours per week) Part 1: JOB PROFILE 1 MAIN PURPOSE OF JOB; To enhance the profile of MS and the MS Society in Scotland, within the media, among decision makers and with the public at large; to help achieve the MS Society s campaign objectives; and to ensure that our communications and public affairs work in Scotland is based on the experiences of people with MS. 2 POSITION IN ORGANISATION See organogram MS Society Scotland - 1 -

2 Head of Policy and Communications Policy, Press and Campaigns Manager Events Officer Information Manager Lead for Education Communications Officer (28 hours per week) Information Development Officer Regional Programme Coordinator with additional responsibilities The post holder will work closely with the rest of the Scotland Team and report to the Head of Policy and Communications. They will also work closely with the following: Policy and Campaigns Team counterparts in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Communications Team counterparts in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Marketing Team counterparts in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Members of the Scottish Government, other local decision makers, MSPs, health and social care professionals, policy research bodies, media contacts and voluntary organisations. 3 SCOPE OF JOB: 1. To develop and tailor MS Society campaigns and PR strategies for delivery in Scotland, in conjunction with relevant teams in MS National Centre (MSNC). 2. To develop and manage MS Society Scotland s relationships with the widest possible parliamentary audiences, in conjunction with the MSNC Policy team. 3. To develop and tailor MS Society media strategies for delivery in Scotland and ensure that mechanisms are in place to deliver an overall communications strategy, in line with UK priorities. 4. Line management responsibilities. 4 DECISION MAKING: Day to day decision making in all areas of responsibility and allocation of time to tasks

3 Part 2: MAIN DUTIES & KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 1) To develop and tailor MS Society campaigns and PR strategies for delivery in Scotland, in conjunction with relevant teams in MS National Centre (MSNC) 30% To work with MSPs and MPs to ensure that MS and the MS Society has a high profile at parliamentary level in Scotland To support the work of the Policy Forum and ensure that opportunities to involve people affected by MS in its work and maximised, including the development of online policy consultation. 2) To develop and manage MS Society Scotland s relationships with the widest possible parliamentary audiences, in conjunction with the MSNC Policy team. 30% To select and respond to relevant parliamentary policy documents and consultations, in consultation with the Policy team at MSNC To compile briefings for MSPs and MPs and work with the relevant MSNC teams to advise MSPs and MPs on specific issues To work with the Head of Policy and Communications and the MSNC Policy team to develop policies for and ensure that MS Society policy positions are sensitive to the specific needs of Scotland. To facilitate opportunities for people affected by MS to contribute to the Society s policy work. 3) To develop and tailor MS Society media strategies for delivery in Scotland and ensure that mechanisms are in place to deliver an overall communications strategy, in line with UK priorities. 30% To disseminate information about MS Society PR, media and campaigning activities in Scotland amongst MS Society staff throughout the UK To develop and maintain contact with key Scotland media contacts To work closely with the Communications team in MSNC to ensure that the relevant audiences are informed on the development and progress of MS Scotland s work To represent MS Scotland through the media, when appropriate - 3 -

4 To write press releases and media briefings as appropriate for Scotland media audiences, in consultation with the Communications team at MSNC. To contribute to the maintenance of the MS Scotland website Implement the MSS communications strategy internal and external Contribute to publications as appropriate. 4) Management responsibilities 10% To line manage and review the performance and development of the Communications Officer. To be responsible for signing off relevant staff and volunteer expenses. The post holder will be working in a developing environment and he/she will therefore be expected to undertake other appropriate duties as required for the effective operation of the MS Society. Note: In every job description HR will include a statement promoting diversity and equal opportunities. Additionally, information will be included on health and safety. Other Duties The post holder will need to travel throughout NI and less frequently in other parts the UK. The post holder should be prepared to attend MS Society meetings in different parts of the country including MS National Centre. Some meetings may be during evenings or weekend 5 QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS LEVEL: Qualifications Educated to a degree level or equivalent Knowledge and Skills Uses advanced level IT skills including Excel, Word and PowerPoint Excellent written and verbal communication skills Good analytical problem solving skills Excellent copy writing skills - 4 -

5 Well organised with an ability to meet deadlines A good understanding of health and social care legislation in Scotland. Understanding of the work of the Scottish Parliament and wider political process in Scotland and the UK An understanding of equalities issues Knowledge of the voluntary sector Ability to work well as part of a team Experience Experience of supporting the development and implementation of a communications strategy Proven experience of working in a policy environment Experience of campaigning at a national level Experience of working with the media Significant experience in a policy/media relations/campaigning environment Experience of working with people with disabilities and/or long term health conditions Experience of day to day staff management Signed... (Job Holder) Date... Print Name... Signed (Manager) Date... Print Name