We are currently recruiting for an DP based in Belfast. The successful candidates will be required to start once the vetting paperwork, ANI clearance has been completed.
This vacancy is for a 6 month period to cover for shared paternity leave. The postholder’s main focus will be to continue to implement the communications and engagement strategy and provide communications and events management support to planned events during this period.
Key responsibilities of this postholder include:
1. Provide professional, strategic communications advice to Commissioner Designate and her team on a range of high-profile issues, taking into account the broader context, including the political environment. Using own initiative to determine actions required and advising the Commissioner Designate on the risks and consequences of communications options.
2. Lead on all media enquiries which are often of a complex, confidential and sensitive nature. This involves the ability to be politically astute, self-reliant, manage multiple demands and work to tight deadlines, ensuring a professional and appropriate response is provided. It involves the drafting of press releases/statements, briefing documents /FAQs /Q&As/social media content/key messages, taking into consideration the wider policy and political context, and always ensuring to enhance and protect the reputation of the Commissioner Designate and her office. This includes a risk analysis and providing advice to the Commissioner Designate on whether or not to speak on specific subjects, providing rationale and an overview of the comments of others.
3. Develop, implement, and maintain as appropriate, a comprehensive communications and engagement plan including monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on activity in support of the CVOC’s objectives and priorities.
4. Represent CVOC and to represent the Commissioner Designate on occasions by engaging with victims and other stakeholders on her behalf.
5. Responsibility for CVOC’s corporate brand and leads on developing and putting in place corporate brand guidelines and ensuring these are understood and adhered to by all staff.
6. Proactively monitor and stay abreast of political developments at a regional and national level which impact victims and witnesses and build a network of relationships with key political stakeholders at a top level.
7. Collaborate with the Commissioner Designate and her team and any external graphic design agency as required to produce quarterly stakeholder newsletters, the Annual Report and other publications as required.
8. Support procurement procedures as and when required for the delivery of the communications and engagement strategy. This includes development of the technical specification, completing and seeking approval of business cases, pre-market testing if appropriate, liaison with CPD, selection of tenderers, project initiation and monitoring and evaluation post-project delivery.
9. Act as the key point of contact between CVOC and IT Assist for the management of the website hosting and design.
10. Ensure that the external corporate image, external communications, campaigns, publications, on-line communication, media, and internal communication are maintained and implemented to CVOC’s benefit.
11. Produce effective and high-quality printed information specifically for distribution to media professionals and other stakeholders to increase awareness of victims’ issues and promote the work of CVOC.
12. Manage the content for CVOC’s website, and agreed online and digital platforms. CVOC currently have a Twitter account however may seek to develop other platforms in future.
13. Implement a social media and digital strategy to optimise and promote CVOC’s work.
14. Organise and manage the promotion of CVOC events, including content generation, delegate research and management, preparations of materials and event logistics.
15. Design and implement a high-quality public relations and communications plan for specific projects and launches.
16. Work directly and engage with a broad range of audiences and stakeholders and proactively identify related events, activities, and opportunities.
17. Maintain communication and engagement links with victims and witnesses’ organisations and stakeholders.
18. Review media monitoring clippings provided by Department of Justice, highlighting specific stories relevant to CVOC.
19. Support the management of budget allocated for communications and engagement activities, and the procurement of promotional materials and publishing, ensuring allocations are not exceeded and procurement policies are adhered to.
Other Duties
20. Undertake any other duties on behalf of CVOC as assigned by the Commissioner Designate or Chief of Staff, as appropriate to the grade.
21. Uphold the values of CVOC in terms of their commitment to promoting awareness of the interests of victims and witnesses and listening to and involving victims and witnesses in key aspects of the Commissioner Designate’s work.
Proof of 5 GCSEs including English and Maths grade C or above or the equivalent to this, 3 A-levels and a relevant Degree
Excellent IT skills, including use of Microsoft Word and Excel.
Excellent communication skills.
Proven ability to use own initiative..
1. A third level qualification in Communication, Advertising, Marketing, Public Relations, Politics or Media/Journalism or similar discipline or Post Graduate Certificate (PGC) in a relevant discipline.
AND
2. A minimum of 3 years’ experience in each of the following areas
(a) Communications management of high profile, developing issues. A proven track record in managing complex and sensitive media enquiries and interview bids, advising senior officers, formulating responses, and responding often within tight deadlines, and facilitating briefings and interviews.
(b) Leading on proactive communication strategies and campaigns, working with a broad range of stakeholders, including media, politicians, community, and voluntary sector etc.
(c) The use of software packages and media databases to create reports, evaluate activity and to present to internal and external stakeholders.
(d) The use of content management system, google analytics and online and social media as a communications channel in promoting the work of the organisation.
(e) Public affairs, stakeholder engagement with local government and legislative assembly and government departments.
OR
In the absence of a third level qualification have 5 years’ experience in each of the areas listed at 3(a) – 2(e).
3. Working knowledge of Northern Ireland’s regional and local media at a high level.
4. Knowledge of the political landscape in Northern Ireland.
5. Excellent and demonstrable interpersonal, organisational, verbal and written communication skills and the ability to influence and advise senior members of staff.
* Strong and demonstrable evidence of working in digital/social media especially in driving growth in engagement
• Strong and demonstrable evidence of using Search Engine Optimisation to improve website performance
• Strong and demonstrable evidence of experience in content creation, including the use of short-form video, carousels, infographics etc.
