GLPC Job Description Non-Manager
/ Job Title / Communications OfficerDepartment / Chief Operating Officer’s Department
Section / Communications Unit
Grade / PO2
Reports to / Senior Communications Officer
Staffing Responsibility / No direct reports although there is a requirement to brief freelance photographers as and when necessary.
Organisation / Attached
Job Purpose:
To work as directed by the Senior Communications Officer in the continuous development, improvement, efficiency and success of the Communications Unit as a whole. Work will involve delivering cross-cutting, audience-led communications plans which support the objectives in the Borough and Corporate Plan.
Principal Accountabilities and Responsibilities:
1. Work closely with the Senior Communications Officer to devise cross-cutting, audience-led communications plans that support the objectives in the Borough and Corporate Plans.
2. To develop and deliver, under the supervision of the Senior Communications Officer, innovative, external and internal communications work which is effective and demonstrates value for money, positive behaviour change or drives increases in residents’ satisfaction.
3. Undertake a wide range of creative work across various audience led subject areas using the full suite of communications techniques including (but not exclusively): traditional and social media, printed materials, events, internal briefings and communications, advertising, marketing techniques, infographics, video and digital communications.
4. To promote and defend the reputation of Brent Council through local, regional, national and specialist and broadcast media, including briefing journalists, effectively managing media enquiries, identifying proactive media opportunities, writing news releases, issuing statements and placing features.
5. To liaise with the editors of council controlled channels such as TBM (the council magazine) and ‘Your Brent’ (the council’s e-newsletter) to supply content within deadline.
6. To act as media spokesperson for services aimed at particular audiences, providing authoritative and persuasive public statements on council policy. Advising relevant Cabinet Members or senior officers on issues relating to this target audience.
7. To maintain an awareness of local and national issues relating to the remit of this role and ‘piggy-back’ on media opportunities to spread key messages further.
8. To maintain excellent relations with politicians and senior staff and monitor media opportunities and coverage and report to relevant directors and cabinet members on proposed actions arising.
9. To advise colleagues in relevant service areas to ensure that all materials produced are in compliance with the 1988 Local Government Act on publicity.
10. Through regular evaluation of communications outcomes, contribute towards the use of effective, low cost communications channels and help minimise the use of expensive or ineffective methods of communication.
11. To monitor coverage of the service areas which you are leading on traditional and social media and suggest appropriate actions as required.
12. To support the One Council programme with appropriate communication strategies that engage with staff and deliver the outcomes required.
13. To suggest ideas for making the team more efficient and cost effective.
14. Logging media requests and ensuring they are owned and responded to within appropriate deadlines.
15. Regular (at least weekly) input into the Communications forward planner (Annual forward look) and weekly updates into the Weekly Communications Grid (weekly tactical grid).
16. Take photos and log and code them in the communications photo library.
17. Ensure the council’s overall vision, values and ethos are central to any communication approach taken.
18. Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and all employees are required to act in such a way that at all times safeguards the health and well being of children and vulnerable adults.
19. Carry out duties with due regard to the Council’s Customer Care, Equal Opportunities, Information Governance, Data Protection and Health and Safety policies and procedures.
20. Undertake any other duties commensurate with the general level of responsibility of this post.
DBS Status / No check required
Politically Restricted / Yes
Person Specification
Job Knowledge, Skills & Experience:
Specify the qualifications, experience, skills and abilities required.
All criteria are essential
Knowledge and Qualifications:
· Relevant professional qualification.
· A proven track record of working successfully in journalism, communications or public relations.
· Knowledge and a good understanding of the law as it applies to local government communication.
· An understanding of issues relating to communication within local government.
· An understanding of the issues involved in communicating via the internet, intranet and social media.
· A thorough understanding of the dynamics of working as an officer in a political environment.
Experience:
· A proven track record of developing and implementing successful audience led communication strategies.
· Substantial and demonstrable understanding and experience of external and internal communication techniques, practices and current thinking.
· Experience of developing and delivering widespread media coverage and communications campaigns which can drive residents’ satisfaction and positive behaviour change.
Skills and Abilities:
· Understanding of political sensitivity and the ability to form productive, professional working relationships with staff at all levels, senior politicians and members of the media
· Highly developed oral and written skills with the ability to prepare high quality, effective publicity materials to tight deadlines.
· Ability to identify and manage confidential and sensitive information and to operate with professionalism and integrity.
· Ability to work on proactive and reactive media relations with guidance as necessary from Team Leader or principal officers.
Date of Job Evaluation 15/07/2015 / Page 1 of 5