Senior Communications Officer - Public Sector

VANRATH are delighted to be assisting our client, a large and well-known Public Sector Organisation with the recruitment of a Senior Communications Officer.

This is a Full-Time Monday - Friday position. 36 hours per week. Monday - Friday 9 - 5.

Salary

£44,428 per annum, plus benefits.

Responsibilities

• Supporting the Communications and Media Manager, the Public Affairs and Engagement Manager and the Head of Communications in all aspects of the planning and delivery of a Corporate Communications.
• Providing strategic advice to Directorate Management Teams and a range of senior staff in relation to complex, high profile developing issues, as well as planned proactive activities.
• Proactive monitoring of the media and the political environment and reporting on related issues to the Communications Manager, the Public Affairs and Engagement Manager, the Head of Communications, the relevant Directorate(s) and Senior Leadership Teams and Board members, as required.
• Developing, implementing and reviewing Communications plans and campaigns for major projects and initiatives, working closely with the wider team, sectoral partners, and other stakeholders, utilising a range of channels and methods including media, social media, stakeholder engagement and internal communications.
• Planning, managing and evaluating multiple communication campaigns, taking an evidence based approach to delivering outcomes. This includes all internal and external communications, digital communications and events management.
• Maintaining and enhancing the overall reputation of the organisation through the provision of an effective, open and proactive media relations function to gain coverage and positive publicity.
• Leading on media enquiries and bids in relation to complex and high profile issues, ensuring they are managed in an open, transparent and proactive way.
• Providing communications advice, support and training for schools and youth services in relation to effective communications, media relations and management of social media on both proactive and reactive issues.
• Ensuring the provision of an effective internal communications function for the organisation, enabling staff to be kept well-informed and engaged with the most important issues for them at work across a range of communications and engagement channels.
• Implementing digital plans for projects and initiatives, including a calendar of social media content and posts.
• Leading on the development of engaging content, including social media posts, infographics, videos, animations, branding etc.

Essential Criteria:

• Hold a Bachelor's degree or an equivalent or higher qualification in a Communications, Media, Public Relations or Marketing related subject and have 2 years' demonstrable direct experience in a Senior Communications role.
• OR have a minimum of 4 years' demonstrable direct experience in a Senior Communications role.
• Demonstrable experience of developing, implementing and evaluating communications strategies.
• Experience of supporting and developing staff.
• A high level of IT literacy using a range of Microsoft Office applications, social media platforms and software, and a working knowledge and understanding of the practical use of IT systems.
• A sound knowledge of the current and anticipated challenges facing the Education sector.
• A proven ability of providing strategic communications and media advice to senior staff and wider stakeholders.
• A proven ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders at a range of levels.

Desirable Criteria

• A recognised professional qualification in Communications, Media, Public Relations or Marketing.
• Membership of a Professional Communications, Public Relations or Marketing body.

For further information on this opportunity, or any other position in Belfast or wider Northern Ireland, please apply via the link or contact Conor Birch in the strictest confidence.