UNIVERSITY OF LINCOLN JOB DESCRIPTION. PR and Internal Communications Manager

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "UNIVERSITY OF LINCOLN JOB DESCRIPTION. PR and Internal Communications Manager"

Transcription

1 JOB TITLE DEPARTMENT LOCATION UNIVERSITY OF LINCOLN JOB DESCRIPTION PR and Internal Communications Assistant Communications, Development & Marketing Brayford Pool JOB NUMBER CDM0052 GRADE 4 DATE August 2018 REPORTS TO PR and Internal Communications Manager CONTEXT The PR and Internal Communications Assistant is part of a team within the University s Communications, Development & Marketing Department which oversees media relations (Press Office) and staff/student communications (Internal Communications) activity. The post holder will be expected to act as a member of the wider Communications, development and Marketing team and provide cover across the team where necessary. The team take a College-facing Business Partner approach to communications so each of the four University Colleges is aligned to one of the Communications Officers who develops a specialism for either Business, Science, Social Science or the Arts. The PR and Internal Communications Assistant will support the team s delivery of its functions. JOB PURPOSE Reporting to the PR and Internal Communications Manager, this post supports the development and delivery of a proactive and exciting PR strategy for the University of Lincoln. The post holder will support the PR and Internal Communications team in: Delivery of the objectives of the Press Office, which are to manage engagement with our publics, including government and media locally, nationally and internationally. Support the broader objectives of the University which include increasing recruitment, profile raising and building the reputation of the institution in the UK and overseas across our portfolio. Delivery of internal communications activity within the University community (staff and students), including on significant issues and campaigns. Supporting other marketing communications activities, such as sponsorship, events and content creation for online channels and publications. Page 1 of 6

2 KEY RESPONSIBILITIES The post holder will: Planning and Organisation Support the PR and internal communications team in content creation for delivery of the University s internal and external communication strategies. Undertake record-keeping, archiving and other administrative functions for PR, internal communications and sponsorship activities, as directed. Support the PR team to develop and maintain the University s database of academic experts. Support the PR team to develop and maintain appropriate contact lists using a media contacts database. Contribute to the University s database of student and graduate achievement, working in conjunction with other university areas including Alumni Office and Careers & Employability Service. Undertake daily media monitoring and analysis of media coverage and produce regular and bespoke reports as required. Administer daily internal communications activities, including producing, editing and publishing content on staff and student news sites. Support provision of media training for University staff. Keep up to-date on news stories and current affairs affecting the University of Lincoln and the wider higher education sector. Liaison and Networking Represent the University appropriately at all times in interactions with journalists and editors from local, national and international media. Work closely with Social Media staff to monitor news and trending stories on line and keep the team informed of risks and opportunities. Work closely with the content team to share stories and information. Work closely with University colleagues to respond effectively to media enquiries. Work closely with University colleagues to deliver effective internal communications for staff and students. Represent the CDM Department appropriately in meetings with colleagues from academic Colleges and Professional Services as required. Page 2 of 6

3 Creativity and problem solving Produce high quality written and multi-media content for a variety of audiences, working to agreed protocols (eg. sign-off). Provide copy-writing expertise for PR and internal communications activity and campaigns, including production of press releases, media statements, case studies and briefings, as directed. Use the appropriate style, tone of voice and key messages in communications to help promote the University s profile externally. Take photographs/create video as and when required, in line with University priorities. Work closely with the Web and Digital Teams to produce engaging and appropriate digital content for use on web and social media channels. Support other PR and internal communications events and activity as requested. Support the wider Marketing function as required. Decision making Support the Press Office to effectively handle incoming media enquiries, including answering enquiries, information gathering and preparing statements or interviews as directed to maximise promotional opportunities and minimise reputational risk Monitor media and social media coverage for emerging issues, trends and opportunities and liaise with senior colleagues from the PR Team to respond appropriately. Support the PR Team to develop media distribution lists and target media lists for effective placement of stories in local, national and international media. The post holder will apply knowledge and judgement to determine the best approach from a number of identifiable solutions in order to resolve problems. Other Duties Cover day-to-day elements of the PR and internal Communications Officer roles in their absence, as directed. Undertake any staff development deemed necessary for the effective performance of duties assigned to the post. Adhere to financial procedures of the University. In addition to the above, undertake such duties as may reasonably be requested and that are commensurate with the nature and grade of the post. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Page 3 of 6

4 Scope and dimensions of the role Reporting to the PR and Internal Communications Manager within the Communications Development and Marketing Department, the PR and Internal Communications Assistant will: Support colleagues within the PR and Internal Communications team to deliver the functions of the Press Office and staff/student communications activity. Undertake ad hoc projects and work as directed by the PR and Internal Communications Manager. Support the wider Marketing team as required. Work outside normal working hours when required. Key working relationships/networks Internal External Communications, Development & Journalists and media planners Marketing Department colleagues Agencies (PR, media monitoring, College academic and professional distribution) services staff Other communications professionals in Estates colleagues partner organisations HR colleagues Alumni. ICT colleagues. Page 4 of 6

5 UNIVERSITY OF LINCOLN PERSON SPECIFICATION JOB TITLE PR and Internal Communications Assistant JOB NUMBER CDM0052 Selection Criteria Essential (E) or Desirable (D) Where Evidenced Application (A) Interview (I) Presentation (P) References (R) Qualifications: Educated to A level standard or equivalent qualification or equivalent work experience E Experience: Previous PR experience in a press office or agency setting D Keen news sense and track record in PR or communications D Direct experience of preparing press releases, media D briefings and other items for external communications and internal communications Direct experience of writing, editing and proofreading D publications Direct experience of producing quality multimedia content for D web and social media platforms Skills and Knowledge: High level of interpersonal skills E High level of communication skills (verbal and written) E Excellent time management and prioritisation skills E Multimedia content creation skills (eg. graphic design, photo or video) D Competencies and Personal Attributes: Excellent written and spoken English E Commitment E Pro-active approach E Creative and innovative E Attention to detail E Diplomatic E Able to work within a team and on own initative E Able to stay calm under pressure E Positive, enthusiastic team player, will to turn their hand to anything E Business Requirements: The University is committed to ensuring a positive work life balance for all staff and it is within this context that you will be expected to work flexibly and efficiently which, dependent upon the needs of the service and the requirements for the performance of the post, will include evenings and weekends. E Page 5 of 6

6 Essential Requirements are those, without which, a candidate would not be able to do the job. Desirable Requirements are those which would be useful for the post holder to possess and will be considered when more than one applicant meets the essential requirements. Author ES HRBP JE Page 6 of 6