Job Summary
The purpose of this exciting role is to provide an effective internal and external communications service to support Research and Innovation at The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust in the delivery of its vision, goals and objectives.
The post-holder will be responsible for all aspects of communication concerning Research and Innovation at the Trust, providing expert advice to staff at all levels across the organisation. The post holder will also be responsible for owning specific projects, leading communication campaigns, and managing a variety of Research and Innovation related social media channels.
They will work right across the Research and Innovation infrastructure at LTHT providing support to the central R&I team, research teams based in Clinical Service Units, and to NIHR research programmes hosted at the Trust.
The successful applicant will work as part of the Business Development and Innovation team within the Research and Innovation department, but will also be an integral part of the Trust's Communications Team. Educated to degree level, with a recognised qualification in public relations, communications, or journalism and post-graduate experience in a PR/Communications role, they will need excellent planning, prioritisation and organisational skills, and the ability to build strong relationships and influence senior managers within the organisation.
Main Duties of the Job
The post-holder will be responsible for all aspects of communication concerning Research and Innovation at the Trust, providing expert advice to staff at all levels across the organisation. This will include drafting statements and responding to media enquiries, as well as the development of marketing materials promoting the Leeds offering to external bodies. The post holder will also be responsible for leading and owning specific projects, leading communication campaigns, and managing a variety of Research and Innovation related social media channels.
Knowledge, Skills And Experience Required
* Excellent planning, prioritisation and organisational skills.
* Ability to plan own workload and meet deadlines.
* Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
* Able to work to tight timescales and deadlines whilst managing a number of different and competing priorities.
* Highly developed computer skills.
* Ability to interpret complex information into plain English in the development of media or communications materials.
* Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
* Ability to write for multiple audiences.
* Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build strong relationships and influence senior managers.
* Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
* Ability to communicate sensitive issues.
* Ability to think strategically and longer term; seeing the wider picture and implications for the organisation.
* Awareness and sensitivity to the political environment.
* Knowledge and experience of communications, PR and media handling techniques, approaches and procedures.
* Knowledge and experience of working with the media and handling proactive and reactive media stories, including contentious issues.
* Experience of developing and implementing multi-channel communications plans and leading and managing projects.
* Knowledge of social media channels and experience of using them corporately and identifying and writing material in the appropriate tone.
* Knowledge and experience of developing and implementing internal communications channels and messages.
* Experience of writing briefings for visits, events and issue management.
* Knowledge and experience of developing materials for use on websites and intranet.
* Experience of using content management systems.
* Knowledge and experience of print, production and design principles and processes.
* Experience of working under pressure and to tight deadlines.
* Experience of writing material for different audiences.
* An understanding of the key issues facing the NHS.
Core Behaviours And Skills
The postholder will be expected to adopt and champion the behaviours of The Leeds Way and provide support within the team and outside. They will be a skilled and experienced communications professional able to work with and influence people at all levels, and will be sensitive to people's communications needs.
Having robust judgement is essential and being able to work both independently and as an integral part of a team is key. The postholder will need to think logically and creatively in all aspects of problem solving to address challenges.
Principal Duties & Areas of Responsibility
* Lead on a range of internal and external communications projects relating to Research and Innovation.
* Develop and deliver effective multi-channel communications plans for individual projects across the research portfolio.
* Develop, implement and monitor communications plans and carry out audits to evaluate implementation and effectiveness.
* Act as the lead for marketing and communications for Research and Innovation.
* Develop and implement appropriate mechanisms and deliver effective internal communications across the Trust.
* Research, write and produce a range of externally-facing communications materials.
* Provide support for the planning, promotion and organisation of internal and external events as required.
* Act as a guardian of the NHS corporate identity.
* Proactively identify opportunities to promote the work of the Trust.
* Support colleagues to ensure that communications and engagement with stakeholders is effective.
* Commission work with designers and other contractors ensuring it is delivered on time and to high standards.
* Ensure the use of all appropriate systems and processes to ensure the efficient running of the communications department.
* Support and develop a range of digital communications.
* Provide advice, write guidance and support staff around all aspects of media activity.
* Contribute to the development of the Trust's website and intranet.
* Tailor and implement national and regional communications campaigns.
* Provide communications and media support as required in the event of a major incident.
* Develop and build strong working relationships internally and externally.
* Work in partnership with other health and social care organisations.
Health and Safety/Risk Management
All staff are responsible for working with their colleagues to maintain and improve the quality of services provided to our patients and other service users. This includes complying at all times with the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Policies, including Health and Safety policies.
Infection Control
The jobholder must comply at all times with the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Infection Control policies.
Equality and Diversity
The jobholder must comply with all policies and procedures designed to ensure equality of employment and that services are delivered in ways that meet the individual needs of patients and their families. #J-18808-Ljbffr