Communications Officer

Communications Officer

Communications Officer required for a large public sector organisation based through The Northern Ireland Housing Executive.

Location: Housing Centre, Adelaide Street Belfast

Pay Per Hour: £18.32

Full Time / Part Time: Full Time

JOB SUMMARY/MAIN PURPOSE:

To deliver a fast-time communications service across multiple communications channels, responding to enquiries from the media, proactively promoting the work and services of Northern Ireland Housing Executive and providing communication advice and support to teams, departments and colleagues throughout the Housing Executive.

To contribute to the provision of a modern, professional and responsive service to support NIHE business delivery and our vision and values

MAIN DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

Key Responsibilities

1. To provide a timely and relevant news service to the media that enhances and protects the overall reputation of the organisation through the provision of an effective media relations function

2. To proactively build professional and productive working relationships with journalists and media stakeholders and manage timely, accurate and proportionate responses to all media queries.

3. To advise and influence colleagues on the best communications approach to emerging issues and promotion of services, projects and initiatives.

4. To achieve coverage and positive publicity for the Housing Executive, including drafting news releases, statements, written briefings and arranging interviews, photography and media facilities.

5. To provide crisis communications advice and support as required.

6. To provide communications support, advice, guidance and direction for your allocated region and workstream

7. To develop and implement communications plans across a range of communication channels including digital/online/social media

8. To draft content, tailor communications and disseminate information based on specific target audiences

9. To utilise social media in all communication planning

10. To monitor and analyse media coverage - traditional, digital and social media - to identify emerging issues

11. To develop and maintain effective working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.

12. To assist the Communications Manager (News and Media) in planning, management and operational delivery of communications services which are fully aligned to business needs.

13. To work with internal teams to contribute to an annual planner of publicity for Housing Executive events, services, projects and initiatives throughout the year.

14. To assist with out of hours service provision when required.

15. To act in a representational role with stakeholders, champion the work of the Housing Executive externally and the work of Communications Services internally, and to deputise for the Communications Manager (News and Media) as required.

Note: This summary of responsibilities and personal duties is not intended to be exhaustive. This role will develop and change in line with strategic corporate programmes and projects.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

Applicants must provide evidence by the closing date for application that they meet the following essential criteria:

1. Possess a degree or equivalent level qualification (Level 6*)

It will be the responsibility of the applicant to demonstrate equivalency

*Refer to Qualifications Framework for equivalencies

1. Have at least 2 years' experience working in a communications/press office function.
2. Can demonstrate significant relevant experience in at least 3 of the following areas:

• Preparing accurate and timely responses to media enquiries, in collaboration with the relevant business area, within deadlines
• Creating and implementing communications plans across multiple communication channels to promote organisational services, projects or initiatives
• Developing strong relationships with internal colleagues/stakeholders to facilitate collaborative communications
• Creating social media content to support planned communications

1. Can demonstrate: (to be assessed at interview)

• Excellent planning and organisational skills.
• Excellent written and communications skills including the ability to write concisely, accurately and engagingly for a variety of audiences
• Ability to work accurately under pressure and to multiple deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills.
• Strong customer orientation.
• Excellent attention to detail.

Candidates may also be assessed against the leader section of the NIHE Behavioural Framework.

• Possess a current driving licence or have access to a form of transport that will permit the candidate to meet the requirements of the post in full.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

1. Experience of working in Communications/Press Office within a public sector organisation.
2. Membership of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, Public Relations and Communications Association, Chartered Institute of Marketing or equivalent.

If you are interested and available for this position, please upload your CV to the link or contact Emer McNally on [email protected]

To be shortlisted for this role all applicants must meet the essential criteria. Please note that these roles may be filled quickly but your CV will be kept on file for future similar roles. As there are so many applications, unsuccessful candidates may not be contacted.

Successful candidates may need to apply for an Access NI Certificate with Staffline regardless of if you already have a valid certificate. It will be a cost of between £16 - £32 depending on clearance level.