Head of Communications (62K)

VANRATH are delighted to be partnering with our client, a large and well-known Public Sector Organisation, in their recruitment of a Head of communications to join their well-established team. This role is initially on a 6-month temporary basis, with possible further extension. Salary on offer is £62,549-£64,446.

Responsibilities

The Communications Office business area in the Organisation is responsible for providing information to the media, the public, government departments and other stakeholders through various means including media relations, broadcasting services and digital channels. Information communicated covers the Speaker's office, plenary and committee business, the commission and public engagement activities.

The Head of Communications leads, manages and develops a range of multi-disciplinary teams responsible for developing and delivering communications services to raise awareness and understanding of the work of the organisation and to facilitate engagement with it.

A key focus for the Head of Communications in 2023 is oversight and governance of the refresh of the broadcasting equipment, including the upgrade of the committee rooms.

Key Responsibilities

The main duties and responsibilities of the post will include, but are not limited to, the following:

Project Management

• Lead a cyclical replacement programme of business-critical broadcasting and infrastructure projects to ensure broadcasting and engineering equipment and facilities are fit for purpose and meet the needs of the Organisation.

Strategic

• To develop, deliver and monitor the External and Internal Communications Strategies which deliver the relevant objectives of the Corporate Strategy, create awareness and understanding of the organisations work, and support the development of an engaged, motivated and responsive Commission.

• Lead the provision of strategic and authoritative communications and media-related advice and support to the Speaker, Commission, Clerk/Chief Executive, Senior Management Group, Committees, and internal customers in order to manage and mitigate risk and protect the corporate reputation.

• Develop proposals and papers to drive continuous improvement in service delivery and present proposals to the Senior Management Group, Commission and Committees.

PR and Media Relations

• Manage the interface between the organisation and the media by leading the provision of a professional and efficient press office function providing routine, proactive and crisis response across all print, broadcast and social media.
• Manage media relations and develop contacts with relevant media personnel, outlets and influencers to raise awareness of and increase positive media coverage of the organisation and its work.

Web and Digital

• Manage the ongoing development of the organisation's website and social media channels and to increase reach and engagement with internal and external customers.

Corporate

• Develop and manage the Communications Office financial, staffing and other resources, in compliance with Commission policies, to support the delivery of the Corporate Strategy and maintain continuous improvement of service levels and standards.

Candidate

Essential Experience

Applicants must, by the closing date for applications have:

1. At least a degree (preferably in a communications, public relations, or marketing discipline)

AND

2. At least 3 years' experience in each of the following:

1. experience of providing advice, guidance, press statements and lines to take at a strategic level on media issues to a Chief Executive or Board and to other internal stakeholders across an organisation in a political/sensitive and pressurised environment;
2. experience of providing and managing the interface between the media and an organisation with a substantial public profile; *
3. experience of successfully leading the development of internal and external communications and engagement strategies;
4. demonstrable experience of effective written and oral internal and external communication, interpersonal, negotiating and influencing skills under conditions of considerable pressure;
5. practical experience of website content and social media management and working with content management systems; and
6. applying strong analytical and interpretive skills and the ability to produce well-judged decisions/solutions within deadlines.

Remuneration

• An excellent opportunity to join a very well-established Public Sector Organisation in Northern Ireland.
• Highly competitive salary ranging from £62,549 - £64,446.
• Immediate start on offer.

For further information on this vacancy, or any other Public or Third Sector job in Belfast or wider Northern Ireland, please apply via the link below or contact Jamie Gault in the strictest confidence.