System maintenance
The trac.jobs system will be undergoing essential maintenance at . We expect the work to be completed by 22:00.
During this time period it will not be possible to browse jobs, sign into your account or submit job applications.
Senior Communications Officer
Closed for applications on: 2-Jan-2024 00:00
Vacancy status: Closed
Closed for applications on: 2-Jan-2024 00:00
Key details
Location
- Site
- 3rd Floor – Barlow House
- Address
- 4 Minshull Street
- Town
- Manchester
- Postcode
- M1 3DZ
- Major / Minor Region
- London
Contract type & working pattern
- Contract
- Fixed term: 12 months (Contract end date 10.03.2025)
- Hours
- Part time
- Flexible working
- Home or remote working
Salary
- Salary
- £35,392 - £42,618 per annum pro-rata
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Grade
- (NHS AfC: Band 6)
Specialty
- Main area
- Communications
The HRA is a Non Departmental Public Body with the remit to protect and promote the interests of patients and the public in health and social care research. We do this by supporting and promoting a robust and efficient regulatory and governance framework in the UK. We provide the Research Ethics Service (RES), Confidentiality Advice function, assessments and assurances on behalf of the NHS, and learning, guidance and advice for the research community. Our ambition is to make the UK a great place to do research, where more money invested in research goes into carrying out relevant, good quality research.
Our purpose is to ensure that research involving NHS patients and members of the public is approved through a proportionate and robust system, that they are provided with the information they need to help them decide whether they wish to take part, and that their opportunity to do so is maximised by simplifying the processes by which high quality research is assessed. We have already delivered significant improvements by centralising and simplifying the approval of research in the NHS in England, and are undertaking a range of significant programmes to deliver further improvements.
Job overview
The Senior Communications Officer is a key role in the communications team, which provides a high-quality corporate communications service to the Health Research Authority, working closely with HRA staff and partner organisations across the health and research sector.
This varied role involves writing and producing content for all HRA channels including social media, newsletters, the HRA website, and the Intranet, ensuring it adheres to brand guidelines, is accessible, and is of a high standard.
They will be able to harness their organisational skills to plan communications activity, ensuring it aligns to the strategic objectives of the organisation, and be experienced in translating complex information into accessible, engaging content.
Advert
- To plan and deliver digital communications, including writing and creating content for internal and external channels
- Project management of the launch of a new Intranet site, including ensuring the content strategy is implemented, and that all content is relevant, engaging and accessible
- To evaluate digital content across our channels to support future campaign planning
- To support the day to day running of the communications service including monitoring social media, updating the HRA website, responding to media enquiries and providing communications advice to colleagues across the organisation
Working for our organisation
Working at the HRA, we are reminded daily of how important life is. As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for you, not just us and the work we do. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We know from experience that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger, more creative workplace that helps us to deliver the best services. We welcome applications which represent the rich diversity of our community: age, disability, gender identity and expression, ethnicity, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation and other diverse characteristics, and we have policies in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process. When applying to work here, speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement –if it works for us, we will do our best to make it work for you.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
This role sits within the Policy and Partnerships directorate which is made up of four teams: policy and engagement, communications, public involvement and data and AI policy. We provide support and advice across the organisation on communicating with staff and external audiences, engaging with stakeholders and involving patients and the public in our work. To find out more and to understand the full duties of the role, please refer to the job description attached. In submitting your application with us, please note the following: We currently do not accept applications via recruitment agencies. We do not hold a sponsorship licence and are unable to offer employment under any sponsorship arrangement. Where applicants fail to demonstrate how they meet any one of the essential criteria of the person specification, the application will not be shortlisted. You will be considered based only on the information in your application form. CVs will not be considered. The HRA reserves the right to close this vacancy early should it receive a sufficient number of applications.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
- A professional qualification in communications, public relations, marketing, or a similar field (e.g. Degree / CAM, CIM or IPR diploma), or equivalent experience
Knowledge, Skills and Expertise
Essential criteria
- Experience of using digital communications tools to design, schedule and analyse content
- Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills
- Substantial experience of writing for different channels, styles and audiences, including digital media, press releases and newsletters
- Experience of developing and implementing communications strategies and plans across digital and traditional media
- Knowledge and understanding of best practice in communications evaluation techniques
Analytical and Judgemental Skills
Essential criteria
- Ability to analyse and simplify complex information from a range of sources
Other
Essential criteria
- Commitment to inclusivity and valuing diversity
Experience
Essential criteria
- Experience of working in a busy communications team or press office
- Experience of managing multiple projects to competing deadlines
Desirable criteria
- Experience of working in a complex organisation in a political landscape
Knowledge, Skills and Expertise
Essential criteria
- Excellent writing and editorial skills
- Experience of assessing web traffic metrics and preparing reports, ideally using Google Analytics
Desirable criteria
- Ability to think creatively and offer creative solutions to presenting information
- An understanding of website accessibility standards and how to make digital content accessible
Analytical and Judgemental Skills
Essential criteria
- Excellent attention to detail
Interpersonal Skills
Essential criteria
- Excellent team-working skills with a proactive approach to colleagues and work
- Highly self-motivated and able to prioritise work, with the ability to juggle multiple tasks and projects
- Excellent influencing and motivational skills with the ability to manage upwards, negotiate and compromise
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Becky Leddy
- Job title
- Communications Manager
- Email address
- [email protected]
No longer accepting applications
Sorry, this vacancy is no longer accepting applications.
You can search for similar jobs on the employer's job board, or visit our national jobs board Health Jobs UK.