Media and Communications Manager

We have an exciting opportunity to join East Cheshire NHS Trust's Communications team as Media and Communications Manager.

If you are passionate about effective, impactful and targeted communications and used to working within a fast-paced environment, then this is a great chance to expand your knowledge whilst making a difference with your skills and drive.

You will be responsible for ensuring that our internal and external stakeholders receive timely and relevant communications.

The post-holder will line manage the busy communications team and you will need to have proven team leadership experience, advanced communications and engagement skills and a keen eye for detail.

The role will also be expected to prioritise multiple and competing communications requests and work alongside colleagues at all levels across the Trust.

This is a fixed term 6 month contract/ secondment opportunity. If you are interested then please don't hesitate to contact Rachel Wallace, Deputy Director of Communications and Engagement at Rachel.wallace11@nhs.net.

This post is for an immediate start, subject to completion of pre-employment checks.

Closing date: 22nd December 2024
Interview date: 24th December 2024 (please be available up to 1:00pm)

Main duties of the job

As Media and Communications Manager, the post holder will manage the communications and engagement team in delivering an effective and responsive service supporting leaders, managers and staff across East Cheshire NHS Trust. They will also deputise, as required, for the Deputy Director of Communications and Engagement.

The role is designed to combine subject matter expertise, technical skills and management skills to develop a strong service delivery.

The Media and Communications Manager will lead the communications team in delivering a creative and innovative communications and engagement strategy for our Trust. This strategy will respond to our business-as-usual communications requirements as well as driving momentum behind the communications and engagement campaigns for our key strategic Trust priorities. It will reflect our Trust values and ambitions of co-production, representation and partnership working.

About us

It is all about the people at East Cheshire NHS Trust. We have a real sense of community, and our values are truly embedded into everything we do, ensuring we are a great and inclusive place to work. You will be supported, developed and empowered throughout your career with us. Come and join us, where you can play your part in helping us deliver outstanding care and improving the health of all the people we serve.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please read the attached Applicant Pack prior to completing your application form to find out more information.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Degree level or Open University qualification or equivalent
• Over 5 years' experience in PR, Marketing and or Communications and holds a Press and PR or CIM/ CIPR accreditation or NCTJ qualification or equivalent
• Evidence of media and PR experience

Desirable

• PR, Marketing and/ or communications background
• Evidence of continuing development

Knowledge

Essential

• Expertise in Public affairs and Media relations
• Effective press relationships and knowledge of effective PR protocols
• Experience of effective planning and writing of reactive PR statements for press and public affairs purposes
• Wide Political knowledge of the healthcare system
• Knowledge of key stakeholder groups and Stakeholder Engagement methodology
• Wide PR and communications knowledge

Desirable

• Knowledge of the local Health and Social Care priorities
• Press relationships and knowledge of effective PR strategies
• Local knowledge
• Working knowledge of voluntary organisations
• Knowledge of the FOI Act
• Knowledge of the principles of public engagement and public consultation

Skills

Essential

• Demonstrable report writing and PR writing skills
• Competent in Microsoft Office Applications including Excel, Word and PowerPoint and email.
• Ability to gather, analyse and report upon a range of data and information
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to identify and promote positive news stories
• Analytical/ Numerical skills
• A good command of the English Language
• Demonstrable training skills
• Ability to identify new ways of working engaging key stakeholders
• Ability to prioritise, plan and focus on deadlines
• Proven ability to work with people from a range of organisations, levels and backgrounds
• Ability to interpret complex documentation and provide appropriate feedback
• Be a confident and effective team player
• Excellent negotiating skills
• Be able to work to tight and flexible time frames

Desirable

• Demonstrable presentation skills
• Be able to work within tight budgets

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working in or closely with the media at all levels
• Experience of working and communicating with a range of people at all levels
• Experience of organisational communications - internal and external

Desirable

• Experience of media training and the ability to train others

Other Role Requirements

Essential

• Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification for further details

Employer details

Employer name

East Cheshire NHS Trust

Address

Macclesfield District

General Hospital

Victoria Road, Macclesfield

SK10 3BL