Functional Responsibilities

• To develop and deliver communications plans, campaigns and other related activity.
• To be part of a reactive 24/7, 365-day press office service, including out of hours reactive emergency cover, on a rota basis. This will include involvement in emergency planning and providing media handling advice.
• To demonstrate appropriate levels of confidentiality.

Core Responsibilities and Deliverables

Financial Management

• To deliver Communications services within budget.
• To comply with the Client's financial policies and requirements.
• To identify and propose opportunities for innovation, commercialisation, cost savings, cost recovery or income generation.

Customer Relationships

• To build and sustain excellent collaborative working relationships with senior managers, Members, partners and other stakeholders.
• To monitor and act upon customer feedback to improve customer experiences and to meet or exceed customer satisfaction.
• To design and deliver communications plans and campaigns for the Client's and with partner organisations and public bodies.
• To ensure communications are based on customer insight and are provided in ways which meet the needs of diverse audiences.

Operational Effectiveness and Compliance

• To undertake continuous improvement to improve the effectiveness of communications activity and services.
• To adhere to all Client's policies and procedures including those relating to HR, Health and Safety and Information Governance.
• To escalate risks and issues which may impact any aspect of performance or the Client's reputation.

Deliver an effective Communications Service and taking responsibility for performance

• The effective management of personal workload.
• Ensure that records are maintained and reports are completed to a high standard and within the specified timeframe.
• To maintain the corporate brand and identity to ensure consistency and a professional and positive Client's image.

Organisational Capability

• To participate in and to use the appraisal and performance contract process to develop personal contribution and develop capability.
• To take responsibility for personal development including any continuous Professional Development.
• To contribute to multidisciplinary teams and other working groups in accordance with the Client's performance management approach.

Person Specification

• A degree, professional qualification or equivalent relevant experience.
• At least 3 years’ experience working in a communications role.
• Proven experience handling media enquiries and building effective relationships with the media.
• Experience developing and delivering employee and/or customer-focused communications and engagement strategies, campaigns, programmes and projects.
• A strong track record of delivering communications that achieve practical outcomes and value for money/return on investment.
• The ability to develop innovative, effective and cost-efficient communications approaches.
• Excellent digital communication skills, including experience with email marketing, social media and web content creation.
• Knowledge of current communications and media management best practice, trends and opportunities, particularly within large organisations.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt your communication style to different audiences.
• Strong presentation skills and the ability to communicate complex information clearly and effectively.
• An understanding of local government and the wider public sector, including its challenges and opportunities.
• Proven experience developing strong working relationships with colleagues, partners and stakeholders, using influencing and negotiating skills to achieve shared objectives.
• The confidence and ability to provide professional communications advice and guidance to senior decision-makers, including within a complex political environment.
• Excellent IT skills, including experience using MS Office, digital platforms, applications and self-service systems.
• A good understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion and how these considerations should be reflected in communications.

Desirable

• CIM or CIPR qualification/certificate.
• Experience in video production and editing.

Core Behaviours

• Takes personal accountability and holds others to account.
• Takes responsibility for own development.
• Listens to and respects the opinions of others.
• Asks for, reflects upon and acts on feedback.
• Works collaboratively with others to deliver the best outcomes.
• Actively seeks opportunities for improvement in organisational processes and activity.
• Builds understanding and commitment to transformational change.
• Sets standards for customer service.
• Builds relationships of trust and alliances with customers groups.

Additional Requirements

• The duties and responsibilities highlighted in this job description may vary over time. Postholders are expected to undertake other duties and responsibilities relevant to the nature, scope and grading of the post.
• The post holder must have the ability to understand the needs of a multi-racial society and be prepared to implement the Client's Equality Policy at a level appropriate to the job and must at all times carry out his/her responsibilities with due regard to the Client's Equal Equality Policy.
• The post holder is required to be familiar with the Directorate's Health and Safety Policy and be aware of and observe any part of the policy related specifically to the duties and responsibilities of the post.

If shortlisted

A recruiter from the team will contact you within 24–48 hours for an initial discussion. The call will come from a Manchester number (either 0161 or +44 161).