Communication Co-ordinator

Job Title / Communications Co-ordinator
Faculty/ School/Department / Service Management
Responsible to: / Deputy Director of IT
Responsible for:
Job Purpose
This post will develop the communication protocols and standards and ensure effective communications between IT and the rest of the University and within IT.
The postholder will also develop and manage appropriate communication channels and develop and maintain up-to-date content
Main activities and responsibilities
  • Take the lead on the development of the Communications strategy for IT
  • Collaborate with Faculties and other Professional Services to ensure the Communications strategy is developed and reviewed to support the business requirements
  • To share communications best practice including the use of social media
  • To co-ordinate with IT Senior Management Team and teams within IT to ensure consistency and quality of communication
  • To compose and distribute key messages across the organisation relating to IT including drafting concise and accurate briefings and preparing communications that make complex IT issues understandable
  • To provide a communications service both for operational IT activities and project related IT activities
  • To contribute to the transition planning from development to operational service
  • To encourage regular, effective practical communications within IT and those who receive services from IT
  • To help deliver all existing communications mechanisms and support the development of new online and offline channels of communication
  • To help co-ordinate internal IT communications events and promotional activities
  • To provide clear and useful advice to senior managers and staff within IT on communication channels and content and assist senior managers to develop communications plans, messages and briefings.
  • Managing iCity content and advise on the IT content published through iCity

Additional Key Requirements:
Managing People and Resources
Has some responsibility for the work of others and the allocation of resources
Communication
Required to communicate fluently orally and in writing, and to present complex technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Collaborative working
Works with and influences team and specialist peers. Influences customers at account level and works collaboratively with colleagues across the University.
Initiative, problem solving and decision making
Works under general direction within a clear framework of accountability.
Exercises substantial personal responsibility and autonomy.
Plans own work to meet given objectives and processes.
Makes decisions which influence the success of projects and team objectives.
Performs a broad range of complex technical or professional work activities, in a variety of contexts. Investigates, defines and resolves complex problems.
Work Environment
Be aware of the risks in the workplace and potential impact on own work and that of others.
Depending on area of work, conduct risk assessments, take steps to reduce hazards and take responsibility for the health and safety of self and others.
Person Specification
  • Degree or relevant professional qualification such as Business Studies.
  • Good understanding of marketing and promotion of services.
  • A commitment to a client-centred approach to service delivery.
  • Able to contribute as part of a team in a busy and pressured environment.
  • Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy
  • Able to assimilate and interpret advice from specialists – technical or otherwise.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to establish relationships and maintain contacts with people from a variety of backgrounds.
Able to demonstrate familiarity with:
  • Theuse of social media tools and other effective tools of communication.
  • Able to communicate to a range of target audiences and discern the most appropriate communication method.
  • IT skills including familiarity with Microsoft Office

Special requirements
Able to undertake duties at different premises including any University campus as required.
Travel may be necessary from time to time in order to attend conferences and events, undertake University business and effectively represent the University in key professional networks.
IT Services provides services across extended hours. A variety of shift patterns, duty management rotas and on-call arrangements will be applicable.
Expectations of all staff
Professional standards
All staff employed by Birmingham City University are expected to exhibit high professional standards which promote and demonstrate the University’s core values of Excellence, People Focused, Partnership Working, Fairness and Integrity.
Equal Opportunities
All staff are expected to understand and enact the University’s commitment to ensuring equality and diversity in all activities. This commitment is enshrined in the Equality Statement and core values.
Dignity at work
Every member of staff has a responsibility to ensure colleagues are treated with dignity and respect.
The University is committed to creating a work environment for all staff that is free from harassment, intimidation and any other forms of bullying at work, where everyone is treated with dignity, respect and professional courtesy.
Health and safety
The arrangements for meeting the University’s health and safety objectives are contained in the Birmingham City University Health and Safety Policy. This includes the responsibilities of key staff and procedures covering the main activities of the University.
All staff are expected to take reasonable care of themselves and those that may be affected by their actions.
Dress code
The University does not operate a formal dress code for its employees, other than for those who are provided with uniform and/or protective clothing. However, employees must ensure that their dress is professional, reasonably smart and appropriate for the situation in which they are working. All staff should ensure that they present a professional image and one that reflects sensitivity to customer perceptions. This may reflect their ethnicity and lifestyle, but should not be provocative or cause offence to those with whom they have contact.
Citizenship
All staff are expected to adhere to good citizenship, being generous with help and support to others, collaborating with colleagues and working for the benefit of the University as a whole. In particular working to provide a positive studentexperience and achieving excellence in all the University’s activities.
This job description indicates the expectations of staff at this level. Job descriptions are not exhaustive and you may be required to undertake other duties of a similar level and responsibility.
Birmingham City University has adopted the Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA) to describe and manage competencies required of its ICT professionals. Further detailed information about job requirements, skills and knowledge requirements and additional work activities can be found in the full SFIA profile for this role.