Job Description

Job title:Information Content Development Officer

Reports to:Content and Engagement Manager

Direct reports:None

Location: Letchworth, Herts

Hours:35 hours per week

Salary:£28-32,000 per annum

The MS Trust’s Information and Engagement service exists to ensure that people with MS can access information that is based on the best available evidence and which drives real change by focusing on the topics that have the most impact.

Main purpose of the role

To contribute to the scoping and design of content projects which support people with MS to make the right choices for them, leading on the creation of a range of text-based information resources and the delivery of individual projects overall.

To support the delivery of the front-line Enquiry Service.

Principal tasks and accountabilities

  • In line with the overall departmental plan and working with a range of stakeholders, co-produce information resources which are relevant and effective in supporting people with MS
  • Work with a range of stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle (from inception, scoping, design, development, delivery, dissemination, evaluation and archive) to take account of a range of viewpoints
  • Using the information supplied by the Information Officer (Knowledge Base) as the starting point, undertake relevant research to inform specific topics in preparation for content projects
  • Plan, write, and develop health information for multi-channel delivery which is based on a foundation of evidence, and takes into account the perspectives of people with MS and health professionals, especially appropriate subject matter experts
  • Design and create additional online content to enhance text-based information, eg infographics
  • Work as part of the content team to disseminate information content and to determine additional content resources to enhance written materials
  • Produce additional content resources in-line with schedule determined by line manager, such as blogs, etc.
  • Be an active member of the editorial group for newsletters (printed and electronic); produce and edit information articles to support newsletters, including commissioning from external subject matter experts where appropriate
  • Publish web content in line with organisational requirements, and on behalf of other team members
  • Deliver the front-line Enquiry Service as defined by the Information Management Officer (Enquiry Service)
  • Work with the Health Professional Programme team to review the information needs of the MS Trust’s health professional audience, and support the development of the resultant resources
  • Ensure that information created for the health professional audience is in line with the MS Trust’s approach to information resources, eg tone of voice, house style, etc.
  • Oversee the MS Trust’s use of the Information Standard ensuring that the processes are effective and efficient, that they are adhered to, and that audit and review protocols are met
  • Represent the MS Trust at external events and meetings
  • Contribute to the long-term information and engagement service development plan
  • Undertake any other reasonable duties to support the work of the MS Trust

Person specification

Requirement / Level required / Essential (E) / Desirable (D)
Academic qualifications / Degree level or equivalent, preferably in a relevant discipline / Essential
Professional qualification in technical or medical communication, journalism, or equivalent experience in ahealth related environment / Desirable
Communication and interpersonal skills / Able to demonstrate a clear and concise writing style that is adaptable to the purpose of the content, eg news item, blog, web page / Essential
Ability to produce visual or graphical interpretations of complex information / Desirable
Experience of working with a range of stakeholders, taking account of different viewpoints and reaching consensus / Essential
Customer service skills / Experience of dealing with a range of service users, and able to demonstrate good customer service skills / Essential
Extensive experience of providing information in response to enquirer need, with well-developed, empathetic telephone skills / Essential
Able to balance the confidential ethos of the service with the needs of the charity to grow the database of service users and supporters
Writing and editorial skills / Ability to structure content in a user-friendly and accessible way / Essential
Experience of working with external reviewers as part of an editorial process / Essential
Experience of writing for the web, including knowledge of basic SEO principles / Essential
Effective proof reading skills / Essential
Detailed knowledge of the Information Standard / Essential
Experience of commissioning work from external experts / Desirable
IT skills / Effective user of Word and Excel to manage content development and analysis / Essential
Working knowledge of Drupal CMS / Desirable
Research and information skills / Able to absorb complex, health related information quickly and to structure it logically for presentation to a range of audiences / Essential
Background in dealing with information in a health related context / Desirable
Organisational and time management skills / Effective project management skills, demonstrating an ability to balance user needs, resources available and budget constraints to good effect / Essential
Flexibility / Ability and willingness to respond to the needs of service users, colleagues and the organization, including undertaking additional tasks not specified in this job description / Essential

vfinal 7 June 2016