TITLE of POST:PR & Communications Manager

JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE OF POST:PR & Communications Manager

ACCOUNTABLE TO:Chief Executive

RESPONSIBLE FOR:Communications & Marketing Officer

Communications & Marketing Assistant

Volunteers

HOURS OF WORK:37.5 hours per week

JOB PURPOSE:To manage the Communications and PR functions at the Hospice

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

Develop and implement an effective PR and Communications strategy in line with our strategic plan and the organisations changing needs
Ensure Bluebell Wood staff and volunteers work to our communications policies and are well briefed on communications issues
Act as a spokesperson for the hospice in local, regional and national media
Write and issue press releases ensuring optimal press and media coverage
Develop key messages, lead on creating and maintaining appropriate and consistent language and terminology across all media
Working with the Chief Executive, respond to situations that require PR/media guidance
Manage the content and design of Bluebell Wood website
Develop and co-ordinate a proactive social and digital media strategy
Build and maintain relationships with print, broadcast and online media
Produce video content to create a greater online presence
Manage PR visits to the hospice
Manage and support key stakeholders (patrons and ambassadors) in order to increase awareness of the hospice
Keep up to date with best practice and current trends in charity communications
Prepare and manage budgets relating to PR and Communications
Monitor the media, managing and providing a daily news cutting service and making key staff aware of issues that affect our work or reputation
Manage the Communications & Marketing Officer and Communications and Marketing Assistant
To act as an ambassador for the hospice at all times, reflecting the objectives and values and working with the best interests of the charity in mind at all times
Deputise for the Marketing Manager in her absence (the Marketing Manager works two days a week)
Take a lead role in the hospice’s internal communications and chair the Internal Communications Group
Oversee the Bluebell Wood brand, internally and externally
Positively contribute to the leadership team and the effective running of the charity, attending leadership meetings and following up any actions

GENERAL

All Bluebell Wood employees are required to:

Abide by the Health & Safety at Work Act
Adhere to policy and procedures around safeguarding children and young adults
Respect confidentiality applying to all Hospice areas
Work within Hospice policies and procedures
Comply with the Hospice no smoking policy
Participate in and contribute to team meetings
Co-operate and liaise with colleagues
Behave in a professional manner at all times, reflecting and maintaining the values and ethos of Bluebell Wood

All Bluebell Wood employees are expected to:

Demonstrate a commitment to their own development, to take advantage of education and training opportunities and develop their own competence.
Support and encourage harmonious internal and external working relationships.
Make a positive contribution to fundraising and raising the profile of the Hospice.

This Job Description is not exhaustive. It will be subject to periodic review and may be amended following discussion between the post-holder and employer.

Date of issue: July 2014

Review date: July 2015

PERSON SPECIFICATION

CRITERIA / STANDARD / E or D* / MEASURED BY
Qualifications/ Training / A degree or equivalent experience in Marketing, Communications or PR / E / Application and provision of certificates
Evidence of recent and continuing professional development / E / Application
Experience / Significant experience in copywriting and publication production / E / Application, interview, references
Significant experience and understanding of PR and the media – reactive and proactive engagement / E / Application, interview, references
Experience of developing communication vehicles / E / Application, interview, references
Experience of influencing and negotiating with stakeholders / E / Application, interview, references
Experience in charity PR and Communications / E / Application, interview, references
Experience of managing staff / D / Application, interview, references
Experience of working with children and young people with life-limiting illnesses and their families / D / Application, interview, references
Working with volunteers / D / Application, interview, references
Skills/Knowledge / Print production, copywriting and proof reading skills / E / Application, interview, references
Meeting deadlines and managing all aspects of multiple campaigns that run simultaneously / E / Application, interview, references
An innovative and imaginative approach to PR & Communications / E / Application, interview, references
An up to date understanding and working knowledge of digital media / E / Application, interview, references
Awareness of equal opportunity, diversity and safeguarding in working with children, young people and their families / D / Application, interview, references
Proficient in Microsoft Office packages / E / Application, interview, references
Excellent interpersonal skills including problem solving, negotiating, team working and a firm commitment to delivering excellent customer care / E / Application, interview, references
Effective persuading, communicating and interpersonal skills to gain commitment, confidence and compliance / E / Application, interview, references
Proficient organisational and time management skills / E / Application, interview, references
A clear understanding of data protection and confidentiality / E / Interview
Personal Qualities / Confident and assertive / E / Interview
Positive attitude to all aspects of work / E / Interview
Committed to continuous professional development / E / Interview
Other / Legally entitled to work in this country / E / Documentation check pre-interview
A flexible approach to working hours including occasional weekend and evening work / E / Interview
* Essential or Desirable