Education Authority Northern Ireland
PEACEPLUS - Senior Communications & Media Officer
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Job Description
Responsible to:
PEACEPLUS Project Manager
Responsible for:
The Senior Communications and Media Officer will be responsible for leading the direction, development, and delivery of a strategic Communications and Media plan for the PEACEPLUS Project, ensuring consistent, high-quality, professional support to Education Authority (EA) Directorates, wider sectoral organisations, media, and a wide range of stakeholders.
They will lead on the delivery of an annual programme of work, aligned to key Project and organisational priorities. They will also form part of a press and media function for EA.
Job Purpose
The PEACEPLUS Senior Communications and Media Officer will be responsible for supporting the delivery of a modern, professional, and high-quality communications and media service in line with industry best practice.
They will develop, implement, and review an overarching, evidence-based plan for the delivery of communications, campaigns, and media activity for the PEACEPLUS Project aligned to an overarching professional framework, and the Communications and Engagement Strategy.
The post-holder will play a key role in providing advice to the PEACEPLUS Project Steering Committee, Project Partners, and across other forums as required.
They will lead on an annual programme of work, including a portfolio of campaigns, projects, and initiatives, aligned to key communications and Project priorities, with clear objectives, targets, and outcomes.
Communications and Media Officers will work collaboratively as part of a team to ensure key priorities across PEACEPLUS and the wider partnership are delivered, providing cover and support as required.
They will also work in partnership with wider sectoral partners and other stakeholders on key strategic priorities, providing support and advice to a range of staff, and leading on the delivery of key communications outcomes.
A key part of the role will be working closely with schools, youth services, children, parents/carers, and wider partners to increase understanding and build confidence in the work of the EA in the delivery of the PEACEPLUS Project.
The post-holder will also build strategic relationships with the media and ensure a timely, open, transparent, and responsive approach to a wide range of high-profile and complex enquiries and bids in line with EA’s values.
They will play a key role in supporting the development of a coherent narrative for EA and will be responsible for enhancing the profile of the Education Authority with the public, with all of our stakeholders, and across all media channels to help achieve our strategic priorities and increase brand awareness both internally and externally.
They will shape and contribute to the development of an overarching Communications and Engagement Strategy and support in implementing new communications structures, contributing to service development.
Specifically, they will be responsible to the Communications and Media Manager and will work closely with the PEACEPLUS Project Manager, colleagues, and teams to maximise communications and engagement with partners and colleagues in schools and elsewhere to listen to, understand, and promote the voice of children and young people in the work of the PEACEPLUS Project, and champion the corporate vision, values, and culture in all plans and activities.
The post-holder will be expected to provide support and guidance for communications staff, including line management responsibilities as required.
Responsibilities
Strategic Communications Planning
- Supporting the PEACEPLUS Project Manager to develop a Communication Strategy for the PEACEPLUS Project in line with the requirements stipulated by the Project Funder SEUPB.
- Playing a key role in the development, implementation, and evaluation of the EA Communications and Engagement Strategy.
- Accountable and responsible to the PEACEPLUS Project Manager for the development of a Project communications plan setting out key priorities, measurable targets, and outcomes, aligned to the overarching Communication and Engagement Strategy and key Project and organisational priorities and objectives.
- Developing, implementing, and delivering an annual prioritised programme of activity, aligned to the overarching Communication and Engagement Strategy and framework.
- Establishing baselines and targets as part of the Project communications plans and reporting on outputs and outcomes on a quarterly basis to the Project Steering Group and feeding into the overall Corporate Leadership Team (CLT)/Board performance reports.
- Providing strategic advice to the Project Team and a range of senior staff in relation to complex, high-profile developing issues, as well as planned proactive activities.
- Working flexibly as part of a team across the Project boundaries as required, leading and supporting key strategic workstreams and issues as required.
- Proactive monitoring of the media and the political environment and reporting on PEACEPLUS-related issues to the Project Manager, the Head of Communications, the relevant Directorate(s), and Senior Leadership Teams and Board members, as required.
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Campaign Management and Communications Strategies
- Building, developing, and enhancing relationships with a range of key stakeholders, including schools, youth services, children and young people, our staff, parents/carers, sectoral partners (Department of Education, CCMS, CCEA, NICIE, CSSC etc) to strengthen opportunities for collaboration and enhancing the collective message.
- Developing, implementing, and reviewing Communications plans and campaigns for PEACEPLUS Project workstreams, working closely with the wider team, sectoral partners, and other stakeholders, utilising a range of channels and methods including media, social media, stakeholder engagement, and internal communications.
- Planning, managing, and evaluating multiple communication campaigns, taking an evidence-based approach to delivering outcomes. This includes all internal and external communications, digital communications, and events management.
- Delivery of PEACEPLUS annual publicity planner activities.
- Drafting and editing content for a range of stakeholder communications.
- Reviewing and updating content on the staff intranet, the EA website, and other web-based communications.
- Maximising opportunities for positive national and local media coverage.
Media Relations
- Maintaining and enhancing the overall reputation of the organisation through the provision of an effective, open, and proactive media relations function to gain coverage and positive publicity.
- Leading on media enquiries and bids in relation to complex and high-profile issues within the PEACEPLUS Project, ensuring they are managed in an open, transparent, and proactive way.
- Drafting news releases, statements, organising briefings, facilitating media interviews, and monitoring and analysing coverage.
- Providing advice, guidance, and support for senior staff in relation to the management of a high volume of potentially complex, high-profile, and sensitive media issues, including drafting key messaging, Q&As, and facilitating media training.
- Development and delivery of EA’s programme of media training for key staff.
Support for Schools/Youth Services
- Providing communications advice, support, and training for schools and youth services in relation to effective communications, media relations, and management of social media on both proactive and reactive issues.
- Building strategic partnerships with schools and youth services to develop engagement and reach with school and youth service staff, parents/carers, and children and young people. This will include developing resources for schools and youth services, including guides and training.
- Providing relevant training for teachers, principals, governors, and youth services.
- Supporting schools and youth services to deliver PEACEPLUS’ planned programme.
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Communications Development
- Contributing to the delivery of a range of communications-related projects to help develop regional communications policies and processes for PEACEPLUS – for example (not exhaustive):
- PEACEPLUS Media Policy
- PEACEPLUS Media monitoring arrangements
- PEACEPLUS Partenrship identity
- PEACEPLUS Social media policies and procedures
- EA website and Intranet
Internal Communications
- Ensuring the provision of an effective internal communications function for the organisation, enabling staff to be kept well-informed and engaged with the most important issues for them at work across a range of communications and engagement channels.
- Supporting the delivery of strategic, informative, and impactful internal and external publications.
Digital Communications
- Implementing digital plans for PEACEPLUS, including a calendar of social media content and posts.
- Leading on the development of engaging content, including social media posts, infographics, videos, animations, branding, etc.
- Reviewing and analysing social media metrics to build reach and engagement.
- Contributing to the development of an overarching Social Media Strategy and associated policies.
Systems and Processes
- Ongoing maintenance of all communications information management and filing systems to ensure that all communications activity is centrally recorded.
Leadership and Staff Management
- To line manage communications staff as required, supporting professional development, improving performance, and helping staff reach their potential.
- To set clear objectives, targets, and expected deliverables.
- To allocate key tasks to communications staff in line with the PEACEPLUS Communications Strategy and key plans.
- To provide professional communications support and direction to a range of staff from across the Project, as well as key partners, in the delivery of key priorities and projects.
- To create new opportunities to broaden the communications and engagement skill base of our teams across EA Directorates, providing advice, direction, and guidelines for staff as appropriate in supporting communications and engagement activities.
- To monitor and review progress against Project targets, objectives, and outcomes.
Managing Financial Resources
- To ensure that any spend on communications and engagement resources is in line with budget, procurement guidelines, and PEACEPLUS - SEUPB policies and procedures.
- To monitor any communications expenditure ensuring propriety, regularity, and value for money within the allocated budget.
Other
- Deputising for the Project Manager and Project Team as and when appropriate.
- Work flexibly outside of post holder’s normal working hours to meet the PEACEPLUS Project requirements.
- Comply with SEUPB & EA policies and procedures in relation to the duties and responsibilities of the post.
- Any such other duties that the EA may from time to time require.
This job description is intended to provide a broad outline of responsibilities and is not intended to be exhaustive or exclusive. The post holder may be required to undertake various other duties as deemed necessary and commensurate with the level of responsibility of the post. The EA reserves the right to update the Job Description to reflect the changing needs of the Service in consultation with the post holder.
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