Skip to main content

This site is independent of the NHS and the Department of Health.

Please wait, loading

Job summary

Main area
Organisational Development, Participation & Corporate Affairs
Grade
Band 6
Contract
Permanent
Hours
  • Full time
  • Flexible working
37.5 hours per week
Job ref
152-S030.24B
Employer
Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Sentinel House
Town
Poole
Salary
£35,392 - £42,618 p.a.
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
28/07/2024 23:59

Employer heading

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust logo

Senior Communications Officer (Digital)

Band 6

 

 

The 5 July 2023 marked 75 years of the National Health Service. The founding principles remain as relevant, and valued, today as they were 75 years ago. Why not join us and make a difference to be Better Every Day.

 

 

Job overview

Are you a digital comms whizz brimming with clever ideas on how the NHS can communicate better in a multi-media age?

As NHS services continue to evolve after the pandemic, engaging effectively with staff, patients, the public and all our stakeholders across the channels they prefer is more important than ever.

The Senior Communications Officer (Digital) will lead on a range of exciting projects, from revamping our intranet and public-facing website to developing focussed, engaging e-newsletters and making the most of social media opportunities.

The role will work closely with the wider team to make the very best use of digital channels and opportunities to help us work closely with everyone who has an interest in our organisation.

You’ll be experienced in and passionate about digital communications and engagement and itching to get stuck into a challenging and exciting role. You’ll bring a range of skills and experience of the digital world, including audio-visual tools, web content management systems, SEO, blogging and analytics.

You’ll know your tech, but primarily you’ll be an excellent communicator, able to craft interesting, engaging content for a range of audiences and measure how effective it is. And you’ll be great at building relationships with a whole range of people across a large organisation and outside it.

If you’d like to join a team that’s bubbling with enthusiasm and creativity as, this is the job for you.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will manage internal and external communications channels, with a predominant focus on digital but also including audio visual formats.

The post holder will provide communications advice and
support to all staff members and stakeholders.

The post holder will be responsible for content management
through planning, production and management of content
across multiple channels, matching channels, styles and
messages to audiences as appropriate, internally and
externally.

The post holder will contribute to the strategic direction of
Communications Department. The post holder will contribute to the delivery of the directorate strategic plans and contribute to the development and delivery of key communications campaigns and initiatives.

You could be supporting services to publicise their good work or working to keep our 7,000+ staff engaged and informed so they can do the best possible job to improve the health and wellbeing of Dorset people.

You’ll need to be able to make friends and allies from all walks of life – we have a diverse workforce carrying out a fascinating variety of roles. You’ll be curious and compassionate in helping them to tell their stories to demonstrate the great work Dorset HealthCare does.

For an informal chat about the role please email Jonathan Slater, Communications Manager, on [email protected] to arrange a call.

Working for our organisation

At Dorset HealthCare we’re on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We’re a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people.

We do things differently here – it’s one of the reasons the CQC rated us ‘outstanding’ in 2019. It’s also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you’re looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.

Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We’re an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.

Working with us you’ll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don’t know. And you’ll be working towards our vision to be better every day through excellence, compassion and expertise in all we do.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification.  When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare is working in partnership with The Prince’s Trust to support people getting into work, as part of this partnership, we are offering an employability service to support individuals between 16-30 years old with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support please do contact [email protected]

Person specification

Information Technology

Essential criteria
  • Advanced experience of using Microsoft Office software in the workplace
  • Experience of web content management systems and understanding of basic HTML /coding.

Knowledge, skills and training

Essential criteria
  • Educated to degree level or equivalent level of training/experience of working at a similar level in a specialist area
  • Experience of managing projects and delivering change and realisation of benefits
  • Skills for communicating complex, sometimes distressing information and administrative matters, requiring developed interpersonal and oral and written communication skills for a diverse audience
  • Ability to compile comprehensive business cases, reports, datasets and letters
  • Experience with systems used to manage communications activity, eg. media/social media management systems, websites, campaign management tools etc
  • Experience with podcast and video production (including interviews, recording and editing)
  • Experience in communications & stakeholder management
Desirable criteria
  • Qualification in communications
  • Experience and/or qualification in project management

Personal qualities & attributes

Essential criteria
  • High level of drive, self-motivation and energy to see tasks and projects through to conclusion. Able to manage complex activities and events.
  • Ability to motivate and influence others and manage resistance to change
  • Ability to gain confidence and credibility from a wide range of professionals
  • Proven ability to achieve results both autonomously and as part of a team with the confidence to take initiative within boundaries
  • Proven ability to remain calm and efficient under pressure, managing tight and often changing timescales.
  • Is self‐aware, which includes awareness of impact on others

Employer certification / accreditation badges

National Interim Quality MarkNHS Pastoral Care Quality AwardModern Slavery ActApprenticeships logoNo smoking policyAge positiveInvestors in PeopleImproving working livesArmed Forces Covenant (Silver Award)Mindful employer.  Being positive about mental health.Disability confident employerCare quality commission - OutstandingPrince's Trust - Proud to support the Prince's trust - Youth can do itStep into healthNHS 75th BirthdayHappy to Talk Flexible WorkingArmed Forces Covenant

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Jonathan Slater
Job title
Communications Manager
Email address
[email protected]
Apply online nowAlert me to similar vacancies