Communications, Marketing, Recruitment and Admissions

Transcription

1 Job Description Corporate Communications Manager School/Directorate Section Job Title Reports To Communications, Marketing, Recruitment and Admissions Communications Corporate Communications Manager Associate Director Communications, Marketing, Recruitment & Admissions Grade S&AP 1 Principal Accountabilities Responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive communication strategy internally and externally to deliver the university s communications objectives. The strategy for external requirements will enhance the visibility and positioning of the university in a competitive landscape and internally strengthen messaging to staff and students, across a range of channels. The role will act as a key interface for senior stakeholders and will be required to liaise with colleagues, students and other stakeholders externally across a wide variety of communication matters in order to support delivery of the strategic, operational and tactical priorities. The role holder will drive and advance business objectives through providing a pro-active, forward thinking, comprehensive and creative communications service for the university strengthening and supporting reputation. This will include the development and effective implementation of communications and integrated communications activity locally, regionally and nationally. With responsibility for proactively managing internal and external corporate reputation and overseeing the generation of key corporate content and messages that advance business goals via appropriate channels to clearly defined audiences. Responsible for researching, horizon scanning, monitoring developments in the media, preparing statements, writing/distributing news releases across all forms of media and engaging with a broad range of external representatives including journalists, politicians and opinion formers in order to reach target audiences and build, maintain and manage the university s reputation. The role is responsible for internal employee communication across digital/media channels and others as required, to drive forward the delivery of the university objectives strategically and operationally.

2 The Corporate Communications Manager will manage and prioritise competing demands, along with the ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines. The role holder will build and develop relationships with diplomacy at all times, providing professional expertise, capable of understanding and evaluating complex information and able to make effective decisions. Responsible for developing communications practice, tools and channels and to use this expertise and knowledge to advise on best practice and appropriate channel selection (e.g. national press coverage). Working closely with teams in the department to integrate communications and messaging across all channels according to the needs of the audiences, budget and time requirements supporting the University in achieving its strategic objectives. Campus-based in Wrexham, with visits as required to Northop and St Asaph. Key Tasks To manage the development and implementation of the University s Communication strategy and operations by aligning to associated action plans to drive and support priorities such as, student recruitment, research, industry, local authorities and other such requirements, requiring collaboration with colleagues to deliver timely, targeted and effective communications meeting defined objectives To identify, develop and implement new communication initiatives which support the university strategic, operational and tactical requirements, internally and externally across a broad range of stakeholders/audiences, including projects, content generation, providing positive positioning and dialogue opportunities. To develop and implement a proactive media/pr plan and annual PR calendar that reflect the priorities of the business, including corporate and campaigns (PR, marketing, recruitment, alumni), the development of stories, comment and content in relation to key regional, national and international messages that reflect the key priorities and positioning of the university. To manage and oversee the University s press office; to ensure the delivery of effective internal communications to feed efficient external communications, including Welsh translation services as required to the department and university. To create a clear framework to drive and support internal communications across a broad range of topics to create a share purpose that is relevant and aligned to strategic and operational action plans.

3 To maximise the potential of the University social media channels and the contribution, generation of digital and social media content, working with the Digital team as required to deliver proactive corporate communications and campaigns for a broad range of audiences. To ensure all operational and tactical activities planned have appropriate metrics and measures in place, ensuring all activities are evaluated and analysed for effectiveness and contribution towards strategic priorities with outcomes being fed into subsequent strategy and planning rounds. To advise, advocate and select the best use of online systems, techniques and media and communications tactics, advising on trends and best practice as required for the successful execution of campaigns, to monitor, evaluating the effectiveness and produce accurate reports on all outputs, across all communications activity. To provide senior management advice and ensure re-active press office handling of media issues (crisis communications) are effectively responded to as they arise, providing media counsel to senior executives, develop messaging and position statements and communications solutions and implementing training as required to support colleagues. To drive the agenda to develop a new series of relationships and use of news and other channels with external parties and agencies. To manage projects relating to internal communications and colleague engagement (acting as ditor as required), preparing plans for the design, development and delivery of content, and implementing agreed tactics in accordance with agreed budgets and deadlines. To ensure all material and key messages are published on-and offline complies with the appropriate legislation and guidelines under which the University has obligations. This shall include: awareness of IP issues, appropriate language and compliance with internal and external requirements and where relevant the Welsh Language Standards. To be responsible for checking drafts, reviewing copy, reviewing plans, making amends, proof reading and where appropriate escalating as required. Communicate campaign plans; brief team members and colleagues who will be implementing the work; communicating internally and externally as required.

4 To research, write and edit content, principally for online publications and press, according to and acting as and advising as a brand guardian in line with best practice, tone of voice guidelines, as required. To be responsible for ensuring content and messages are published on the university website, editing the website as required and working with academic and operational colleagues as needed. To work closely with colleagues in the department and the ITS technical services team to ensure the development, management and maintenance of the website, intranet, digital and other channels in use by the university. To act as a supervisor for a network of student contributors and staff communications advocates, ensuring the positive amplification of the student voice and positioning of the university to across all audiences. To network and liaise with internal colleagues, external stakeholders/bodies as required to ensure that all information is up-to-date, accurate and consistent and complies with the University s vision, mission, corporate values and policies. To represent the University at relevant events e.g. open days/evenings, professorial & public lectures/seminars and other events/activities as required to support the on-going positive communications. To drive participation and engagement both within the University (providing training as required e.g. social channels), and among external audiences, through internal communications, press activity, social media, online and other channels as needed. To manage PR, communications, other contacts and associated data and utilising the CRM or other third party systems to support operational requirements and conforms with use of the system in regards to maintaining data, producing reports and providing benchmark data to utilise for forward planning and budgetary considerations PRSONAL ACCOUNTABILITIS In delivering the above, the post-holder will: Take responsibility to promote high levels of customer care within their own areas of work. To act in a professional manner at all times and maintain confidentiality of information Take responsibility to engage with the University s commitment to delivering value for money services

5 that optimise the use of resources and consider this when undertaking all duties and aspects of their role. Participate in the Appraisal process, engaging in the setting of objectives in order to assist in the monitoring of performance and the development of the individual. You will assess the training and development needs of each member of staff under your control to ensure they are adequately supported in relation to their work and responsibilities. Take responsibility for applying the University s qual Opportunities Policy in your own area of responsibility and in their general conduct. Be required to undertake a specific Health & Safety role, commensurate with their grade, to support the University in meeting its statutory Health & Safety obligations. This could include acting as a DS Assessor, First Aider, Fire Marshall or Departmental Safety Co-ordinator. The allocation of such roles will be subject to the provision of appropriate training and assessment of competence. You will ensure that appropriate management systems and procedures are in place to meet your health and safety duties and responsibilities contained within the University s health and safety policy. In particular you will ensure that appropriate risk assessments are carried out in respect of significant hazards and that safety inspections are undertaken on at least an annual cycle in each workplace under your control. With reasonable notice, be required to work at any of the University sites. Take responsibility to engage with the University s commitment to nvironmental Sustainability in order to reduce its waste, energy consumption and carbon footprint. Undertake other relevant duties commensurate with the grade of the post as may be assigned by the Manager in agreement with the post holder. Such agreement should not be unreasonably withheld. To deputise as required General Duties You will ensure that appropriate management systems and procedures are in place to meet your health and safety duties and responsibilities contained within the University s health and safety policy. In particular you will ensure that appropriate risk assessments are carried out in respect of significant hazards and that safety inspections are undertaken on at least an annual cycle in each workplace under your control. It is the responsibility of employees to apply the University s qual Opportunities Policy in their own area of responsibility and in their general conduct. All staff have a responsibility for promoting high levels of customer care within their own areas of responsibility.

6 Post holders are expected to co-operate with the Staff Appraisal and Development process, engaging in the setting of objectives in order to assist in the monitoring of performance and the development of the individual. You will assess the training and development needs of each member of staff under your control to ensure they are adequately supported in relation to their work responsibilities. Such other relevant duties commensurate with the grade of the post as may be assigned by the Manager in agreement with the post holder. Such agreement should not be unreasonably withheld. The key responsibilities contained in this job description are indicative not exhaustive. Duties and responsibilities may be altered in discussion with the post holder. Review This is a description of the job at the time of issue. It is the University s practice periodically to review and update job descriptions to ensure that they accurately reflect the current nature of the job and requirements of the University and to incorporate reasonable changes where required, in consultation with the job holder.

7 Person Specification Corporate Communications Manager In order to be shortlisted you must demonstrate that you meet all the essential criteria and as many of the desirable criteria as possible. Where we have a large number of applications that meet all of the essential criteria, we will then use the desirable criteria to produce the shortlist. Selection Criteria Attributes Item Relevant Criteria Identification Method Rank 1.1 xperience of developing and supporting the implementation of an operational plan and/or strategy for both external and internal communications requirements/objectives 1.2 xperience of driving the development, and effective implementation of communications and integrated communications activity locally, regionally and nationally, raising the profile and reputation of the university 1.3 ffective decision making skills 1 Skills & Abilities xperience or strong aptitude for managing team members; preferably within a marketing/communications function e.g. press officers and/media communicators. xcellent writing, editing and proof-reading skills and an eye for detail. 1.6 xperience of developing and producing content (online and offline) that ensures messaging, branding and tone of voice is appropriate for intended formats and audiences, in accordance with guidelines and compliance requirements 1.7 Highly capable IT skills. 1.8 xperience with content management systems, particularly Terminal Four (T4) and other social/digital channel systems 1.9 xcellent communication skills, both verbal and written as well as good interpersonal and presentation skills

8 1.10 Ability to horizon scan, monitor the media, plan ahead, problem-solve and to work on own initiative with a can do attitude 1.11 xcellent organisational skills with the ability to manage workloads, prioritise and meet deadlines ensuring accuracy and attention to detail Have an enthusiastic, flexible, adaptable approach and the ability to work as part of a team in a busy and demanding environment Strong organisational and record-keeping skills 1.14 Able to work collaboratively with colleagues and to establish effective working relationships 1.15 Demonstrable understanding of confidentiality 2.1 xperience of leading and managing the development and implementation of a proactive media/pr plan to drive business reputation and positioning in a market sector 2.2 xperience of managing the communications profile of a business day-to-day and in crisis management, including evaluating complex information, writing statements and making effective decisions 2 General & Specialist Knowledge 2.3 xperience of utilising online tools, techniques and media and communications tactics, advising on trends and best practice as required for the successful execution of campaigns, to monitor, evaluating the effectiveness and produce accurate reports on all outputs, across all communications activity 2.4 xperience and aptitude for working to deadlines, prioritising work accordingly and inspiring positive and professional practice within teams. 2.5 xperience and ability to integrate and handle a full range of marketing communications (offline and online) as part of multi-channel campaigns that meet strategic needs; achieving high levels of client satisfaction for projects and ongoing activity through effective setting of targets, scheduling, budget handling, reporting and delivery against targets.

9 2.6 xperience of managing and overseeing a press office to ensure the delivery of effective internal and external communications 2.7 xperience of working on cross-departmental projects, involving high levels of interactivity and participation. D 2.8 xperience of analysing data and producing reports, to inform recommendations and provide insights into university profile 3 ducation & Training ducated to undergraduate degree level and/ or proven work experience in a communications role vidence of training and continuous professional development, C D 3.3 NCTJ qualified or similar A D 4.1 xperience of building professional working relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders and partners, individuals and groups. 4 Relevant xperience 4.2 Highly capable of working on own initiative, working proactively and demonstrating a high level of responsibility for media communications projects, and their success. A track record of recognizing opportunities, putting campaigns into practice using a variety of tools and tactics. 4.3 xperience in media relations and/or journalism. 5.1 The ability to communicate through the medium of Welsh (written and spoken). D 5.2 An understanding of the contributions to economic development and community development made by the higher education sector. 5 Special Requirements Ability to work occasional weekends/evening and to travel Ability to plan and prioritise own workload based on day to day requirements A, C A,I 5.5 Proven ability to work and communicate effectively within a multi-disciplinary team and wider university setting 5.6 Ability and willingness to learn new information, systems and skills and disseminate where appropriate

10 5.7 Professional and polite manner at all times A 5.8 A clean UK driving licence A Date of Revision A Application Form I Interview Key Identification Method T C P Test Copy of Certificates Presentation G Group Assessment Rank D ssential Desirable