Communications Officer

Job OverviewCNWL is looking for an exceptional Communications Officer to join its busy team.The successful postholder will work closely with the Communications Manager for Media and Campaigns and have experience of delivering successful communications activities and be able to support the team’s wider portfolio of internal and external communications. This includes producing communications plans for clinical services, developing creative campaigns and promotional materials to support the reputation management of the organisation and more.To be successful in this role you must have excellent copywriting skills and attention to detail.Main duties of the jobEducated to degree level or equivalent Minimum of one years experience in a press, communications or marketing office Ability to manage a number of projects simultaneously Experience of writing press releases and managing campaigns Wide knowledge and understanding of communication principles and techniques Working for our organisationCNWL provides NHS services throughout a person’s life, in physical and mental health and everything in between, at GPs and hospitals to the community and in their own home.The majority of our services are provided in the community, which means treating people in their homes or from clinics close to home. In this sense we are a very modern part of the NHS, something the new Long Term Plan wants to see more of, with better integration and coordination of care, delivered as close to home as possibleWhere community care is not possible we offer a number of facilities to treat people in hospital or residential environments. We also provide healthcare in prisons in London and the surrounding areas.Partnerships are central to what we do here – with patients and their families, with staff and with other organisations, especially commissioners and providers but also with local authorities, GPs, universities and the voluntary sector. We envisage more in the years to come.We are committed to providing services that meet the needs of the people who use them, and we actively encourage involvement from local people who can help make a differenceAs a member of the Trust Communications Team you will be part of a working environment and open culture which fosters high morale and commitment among all staff and promotes wellbeing, professional and personal development. Detailed Job Description And Main ResponsibilitiesJob purpose:To provide comprehensive support to the wider communications team and work closely with the Communications Manager (Media and Campaigns) to ensure effective two way communications both internally with staff and externally with stakeholders, service users and the public.This role has a broad remit including writing content for the Trust’s publications, the intranet and public website; organising events; producing patient information, devising promotional campaigns and monitoring effectiveness.Main responsibilities:To support the Communications Manager and Head of Communications in producing effective communications campaigns, working closely with the Trust’s services. To support with a portfolio of work by being a point of contact in the Communications Team for one of the Trust’s divisions To produce patient information, working closely with services to ensure appropriate messages and images are used. To ensure patient information material is produced in plain English and key community languages, such as posters and leaflets, liaising with designers, printers and photographers as necessary. To support with the corporate communications strategy, as well as working with service lines to devise and implement their plans. To champion consistent use of the Trust logo and corporate brand to ensure the integrity of the brand is maintained, advising and monitoring use of the CNWL brand as appropriate. To assist in the organisation of events at different sites across the Trust, such as official openings or ministerial visits, including overseeing publicity, marketing material, and photography. To produce and lead on the weekly production of the all staff bulletin. To support with digital communications; writing content for, and regularly updating, the Trust’s public website including the creation of micro-sites and intranet pages to showcase specific services as required. To manage communication issues related to local and national initiatives and develop communications activities to support a calendar of related health promotion events e.g. World Aids Day, mental health awareness week. To be involved in media relations activities such as writing and issuing press announcements and press releases. To support the Press Office by liaising with local and national media to respond appropriately to media enquiries. Other dutiesTo undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade as requested. Person specificationEducation And QualificationsEssential criteriaEducated to degree level or equivalent in a communications fieldDesirable criteriaRecognised communications/marketing or public relations qualificationExperienceEssential criteriaExperience of working in a press, communications or marketing officeExperience of writing and issuing press releasesAbility to handle media enquiries appropriatelyExperience in writing for a variety of media including newsletters, websites and intranetPrint production experienceDesirable criteriaExperience of working in the NHS in a related capacityExperience of working in an engagement/Patient and Public Involvement roleExperience of working in a membership organisationSkills and knowledgeEssential criteriaExcellent communications skills, both verbal and writtenAbility to manage a number of projects simultaneouslyAble to deal with people at all levels in a professional mannerFast and accurate word processing and other office package skillsKnowledge of/interest in website content management and developmentProof reading skills and a keen eye for detailDesirable criteriaExtensive knowledge of NHSKnowledge and understanding of the news agendaAptitdude, attitude and personal characteristicsEssential criteriaAble to grasp ideas and information quicklyAble to work independently and proactively