About this role
Job summary
The Senior Communications Officer is a key role in the communications team, which provides a high-quality corporate communications service to the Health Research Authority, working closely with HRA staff and partner organisations across the health and research sector.
This varied role involves writing and producing content for all HRA channels including social media, newsletters, the HRA website, and the intranet, ensuring it adheres to brand guidelines, is accessible, and is of a high standard.
They will be able to harness their organisational skills to plan communications activity, ensuring it aligns to the strategic objectives of the organisation, and be experienced in translating complex information into accessible, engaging content.
Main duties of the job
to plan and deliver digital communications, including writing and creating content for internal and external channels to lead a wide range of communications activities and projects, working closely with subject matters experts across the HRA to evaluate digital content across our channels to support future campaign planning to support the day to day running of the communications service including monitoring social media, updating the HRA website, responding to media enquiries and providing communications advice to colleagues across the organisation
About us
Working at the HRA, we are reminded daily of how important life is. As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for you, not just us and the work we do.
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We know from experience that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger, more creative workplace that helps us to deliver the best services. We welcome applications which represent the rich diversity of our community: age, disability, gender identity and expression, ethnicity, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation and other diverse characteristics, and we have policies in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process.
When applying to work here, speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement - if it works for us, we will do our best to make it work for you.
Please note, if applying to our Manchester, Nottingham or Bristol locations, we are only able to offer the role as home based.
Job description Job responsibilities
This role sits within the Policy and Partnerships directorate which is made up of three teams: policy and engagement, communications and public involvement. We provide support and advice across the organisation on communicating with staff and external audiences, engaging with stakeholders and involving patients and the public in our work. To find out more and to understand the full duties of the role, please refer to the job description attached. In submitting your application with us, please note the following: We currently do not accept applications via recruitment agencies. We do not hold a sponsorship licence and are unable to offer employment under any sponsorship arrangement. Where applicants fail to demonstrate how they meet any one of the essential criteria of the person specification, the application will not be shortlisted. You will be considered based only on the information in your application form. CVs will not be considered. The HRA reserves the right to close this vacancy early should it receive a sufficient number of applications.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
A professional qualification in communications, public relations, marketing, or a similar field (e.g. Degree / CAM, CIM or IPR diploma), or equivalent experience
Knowledge, skills and expertise Essential
Experience of using digital communications tools to design, schedule and analyse content Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills Knowledge and understanding of best practice in communications evaluation techniques
Experience Essential
Experience of working in a busy communications team or press office Experience of managing multiple projects to competing deadlines
Desirable
Experience of working in a complex organisation in a political landscape
Analytical Essential
Ability to analyse and simplify complex information from a range of sources Excellent attention to detail
Other Essential
Commitment to inclusivity and valuing diversity
Knowledge, skills and expertise Essential
Substantial experience of writing for different channels, styles and audiences, including digital media, press releases and newsletters Excellent writing and editorial skills Experience of assessing web traffic metrics and preparing reports, ideally using Google Analytics
Desirable
Ability to think creatively and offer creative solutions to presenting information An understanding of website accessibility standards and how to make digital content accessible Experience of using graphic design tools such as Canva
Analytical Essential
Excellent attention to detail
Interpersonal skills Essential
Excellent team-working skills with a proactive approach to colleagues and work Highly self-motivated and able to prioritise work, with the ability to juggle multiple tasks and projects Excellent influencing and motivational skills with the ability to manage upwards, negotiate and compromise
Employer details Employer name Health Research Authority
Address Health Research Authority
HRA
Manchester
M1 3BN
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.hra.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)