Communications, Marketing, Recruitment and Admissions. PR and Communications Officer. Corporate Communications Manager

Transcription

1 Job escription PR and Communications Officer School/irectorate Section Job Title Reports To Communications, Marketing, Recruitment and Admissions Communications PR and Communications Officer Corporate Communications Manager Grade O&A 4 Principal Accountabilities JOB PURPOS The PR and communications functions are an integral part of supporting the University s internal and external communications to enable it to effectively meet the strategic and operational objectives across a broad range of audiences (including internal/external stakeholders, business, political, colleagues and student). Working closely with the Corporate Communications Manager specifically on PR, media liaison and social/digital aspects the role holder will represent the department within the University and will drive the sharing of information within the department itself. The role holder will respond to internal and external requests for PR and communications assistance in a timely and effective manner. Responsible for proactively seeking information, writing and producing content (written, video, photography, audio, graphics) for a broad range of on-and off-line channels such as the press office, University website/intranet, social/digital media and other publications/channels as required, liaising and engaging with the digital team. The role holder will be a champion for good communication, with a keen and sensitive appreciation of strategic priorities and provide an integral link between the central communications function and academic staff, working to collectively create dynamic content with an appreciation for wider marketing and recruitment targets. They will proactively capitalise on and maximise opportunities to promote departments and facilities through the relevant communications channels including digital and social media platforms. The role holder will work to ensure the reputation of the University is developed, positioned and upheld and that all aspects of the University s vibrant, dynamic and varied activities and successes are communicated effectively to stakeholder groups. Key Tasks To fulfil the job purpose and meet the expected roles and responsibilities of the post, the post-holder will:

2 stablish effective and enhanced working links with academic schools which help to ensure the overall needs and aims of the PR and communications requirements are consistently met Proactively identify opportunities operating as a roving reporter, scheduling regular contact with key academics, professional staff and students to ensure proactive stories are sourced and developed To take a key role in liaising internally and externally delivering effective PR and communications to news desk and senior staff at local, regional, national, on-and offline and sector press to discuss the use and placement of stories. To support the department teams by generating creative content for communications, supporting marketing and recruitment activity, and enabling ways for conversations to take place internally and externally To monitor media coverage/content production, using systems evaluation software to compile statistical reports, interpret data, analyse trends and developments, collating information to share with relevant colleagues in the department and producing monthly reports. To monitor on other media stories which could impact on the university, including but not limited to coverage of competitor institutions, providing information and reporting as required Actively seek out new opportunities to deliver PR and communications requirements to position the university for a broad range of audiences experiment and lead the way in digital direction and content. To make independent decisions of priorities on a day-to-day basis, in consideration of strategic and operational priorities and set deadlines, working collaboratively with manager and department as required - urgent responses to requests from vicechancellor s office and senior team will need to be managed alongside other priorities, including supporting crisis management communications Write, edit and proof read content provided for the communications across all channels and audiences to ensure that all the material across these channels is of the highest quality, easily accessible in both technical and linguistic terms and is correct and in accordance with corporate policies and compliance. To write the majority of university press releases and distribute these to press/media contacts and utilise other channels as required to ensure the university messages are positioned and amplified. Writing, producing, editing and implementing, a monthly newsletter for internal communications, other communication campaigns to support/drive business objectives and working with the department as required, particularly the digital team Be available and open to requests for information and ideas, from other teams and personnel outside the marketing team, and where required organise and conduct media training with staff including academics and the university s senior team To produce and implement communications plans supporting specific campaigns and events in conjunction with the corporate communications manager, other team leads and colleagues as required

3 To produce creative content to support and drive key university messages and support communication requirements for marketing, recruitment and digital purposes and aligning with department/university initiatives to deliver successful engagement Identify opportunities, in partnership with colleagues in the department and wider university, to support the needs of colleagues, formulating agreed action plans with the Communications Manager and putting the respective audiences at the forefront of all communications activity and developments. Managing sign-off process to ensure subjects are satisfied with their representation in coverage while ensuring it remains as audience-focused as possible for journalists (for press releases) and the public (for video content, social media posts etc) To ensure students and staff featured in communications materials have consented to their use in this context maintaining an audit trail of permissions and to support reporting 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 To undertake such other duties and responsibilities appropriate to the grade, as may be determined, from time to time, by the Corporate Communications Manager. Adhere to Competition and Market Authority (CMA) guidelines and other compliance at all times. PRSONAL ACCOUNTABILITIS Act in a professional manner at all times and maintain confidentiality of information. Work within and promote University policies and procedures such as Appraisal and Continuing Professional evelopment. Act in support of the University's Health, Safety and nvironment Policy by working safely and following the procedures and codes of practice derived to protect you and others. The post will be largely office-based, yet with interactions with people across the University. Occasional visits may be required to other sites and working pattern should take into account travelling time to different university and external sites. The role can require some out-of-hours working to attend events etc. Occasional support for the University at relevant promotional events as required, for example at open days/evenings General uties 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

4 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. Post holders are expected to co-operate with the Staff Appraisal and evelopment 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. uties 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.

5 Person Specification PR and Communications Officer 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 To support the implementation of an operational and communications plan both internally and externally 1.2 xcellent writing, editing and proof-reading skills and an eye for detail. 1.3 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 1.4 Highly capable IT skills. 1.5 xperience with content management systems, particularly Terminal Four (T4), other social/digital channel systems and CRM 1 Skills & Abilities 1.6 xcellent communication skills, both verbal and written as well as good interpersonal and presentation skills 1.7 Ability to plan ahead, problem-solve and to work on own initiative with a can do attitude 1.8 xcellent organisational skills with the ability to manage workloads, prioritise and meet deadlines ensuring accuracy and attention to detail 1.9 Have an enthusiastic, flexible, adaptable approach and the ability to work as part of a team in a busy and demanding environment 1.10 Strong organisational and record-keeping skills 1.11 Team player with flexible approach to work and working hour, able to work collaboratively with colleagues and to establish effective working relationships 1.12 emonstrable understanding of confidentiality

6 1.13 The ability to communicate through the medium of Welsh (written and spoken). 2.1 xperience of developing and producing communications content for a wide range of on and offline channels, in line with audience requirements and guidelines 2.2 xperience of supporting and maintaining the communications profile of a business day-to-day and in crisis management 2.3 xperience and aptitude for working to deadlines, prioritising work accordingly 2 General & Specialist Knowledge xperience of supporting a press office to ensure the delivery of effective internal and external communications xperience of working on cross-departmental projects, involving high levels of interactivity and participation. 2.6 xperience of proactively identifying opportunities whilst operating as a roving reporter, to ensure proactive stories are sourced and developed 2.7 xperience of analysing data and producing reports, to inform recommendations and provide insights into university profile 2.8 xperience of developing creative content for digital/social channels, including video 3.1 ducated to undergraduate degree level and/ or proven work experience in a communications role, C 3 ducation & Training 3.2 vidence of training and continuous professional development 3.3 NCTJ qualified or similar 4.1 xperience of building professional working relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders and partners, individuals and groups. 4 Relevant xperience 4.2 xperience of proactively seeking information, writing and producing content, to support written, video, photography, audio, graphics, across on and offline channels 4.3 xperience of working within a busy and demanding office environment 4.4 xperience providing excellent customer service with a proactive and positive, client-centred approach.

7 4.5 xperience of working within compliance, processes and procedures 4.6 xperience of using new technologies and IT systems to support processes and communications 5.1 An understanding of the contributions to economic development and community development made by the higher education sector. 5.2 Ability to plan and prioritise own workload based on day to day requirements 5 Special Requirements Proven ability to work and communicate effectively within a multi-disciplinary team and wider university setting Ability and willingness to learn new information, systems and skills and disseminate where appropriate 5.5 Professional and polite manner at all times A 5.6 Ability to work occasional weekends/evening and to travel 5.7 A clean UK driving licence A ate of Revision A Application Form I Interview Key Identification Method T C P Test Copy of Certificates Presentation G Group Assessment Rank ssential esirable