Last updated: / 7 March 2016

JOB DESCRIPTION

Post title: / Internal/Staff Communications Officer
Academic Unit/Service: / Communications, Professional Services
Faculty:
Career Pathway: / Management, Specialist and Administrative (MSA) / Level: / 4
*ERE category: / n/a
Posts responsible to: / Senior Internal Communications Officer
Posts responsible for:
Post base: / Office-based/Non Office-based (see job hazard analysis)
Job purpose
To work with the Senior Internal Communications Officer to develop and implement the internal communications strategy. This will include maintaining key communication channels, generating content and providing advice on internal communications best practice to corporate projects and campaigns.
Key accountabilities/primary responsibilities / % Time /
1.  / To take responsibility for developing and delivering key internal communication channels which currently include an internal news portal and digital magazine. / 30%
2.  / To provide professional advice on internal communications best practice, including implementation of the brand, to colleagues across the University and for assigned corporate projects and campaigns. / 20 %
3.  / To create rich and engaging content for our channels including conducting interviews, writing features and producing multimedia content. / 15 %
4.  / To commission collateral e.g. posters, videos and to facilitate internal events and networks e.g. workshops, round-table meetings, in support of our internal communication strategy and key corporate projects. / 10 %
5.  / In line with our omni-channel approach, to explore the use of digital channels and their applicability to internal communications and, where appropriate, to manage their introduction ahead of the sector. / 10 %
6.  / In line with our data-driven ethos, to implement measurement and evaluation of all our channels to inform their ongoing development; to provide a regular summary of metrics and to influence how we report on our activities. / 5 %
7.  / To contribute to the wider reputation management carried out by the department, handling sensitive issues, maintaining crisis communications protocols and, when required, becoming part of the crisis communications team. / 5%
8.  / To undertake any other appropriate duties as directed by the Senior Internal Communications Officer. / 5%
Internal and external relationships /
Internal Communications team
Digital team
University Senior Management team including the Vice-Chancellor and his leadership team, and Faculty Deans
Colleagues in Professional Services including HR, iSolutions, Strategy and Planning, Student Services
External suppliers including design agencies, photographers, videographers
Other university colleagues in a range of disciplines within the faculties
Other communications and marketing professionals within the department
Special Requirements /
Requirement to work unsocial hours from time to time as arranged with the Senior Internal Communications Officer.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Criteria / Essential / Desirable / How to be assessed
Qualifications, knowledge and experience / A good first degree or equivalent professional qualification.
Experience of delivering internal communications in a large organisation.
Demonstrable experience of high end, high quality, corporate writing, for a diverse range of audiences and purposes.
Experience of developing internal communications plans for corporate projects.
A good understanding of digital communication tools. / Postgraduate qualification or further professional PR or related qualification.
Experience of using digital and web tools to create content and engage audiences. / Application and interview.
Planning and organising / Highly organised, efficient and thorough, and able to take projects through from conception to completion.
Ability to contribute to a number of projects simultaneously and to respond to new and changing requirements. / Application and interview.
Problem solving and initiative / Able to provide colleagues across the University with best practice solutions that meet their internal communications requirements or challenges.
Able to prioritise own workload and work independently.
Use initiative in all tasks and actively contribute to the productivity of the team. / Application and interview.
Management and teamwork / Good interpersonal skills and a positive and supportive attitude.
Able to work across teams, and liaise confidently with colleagues at all levels.
Experience of collaborating with colleagues in other communications disciplines (e.g. media relations, digital) to ensure consistent messaging. / Application and interview.
Communicating and influencing / Excellent, versatile and highly accurate writing skills, showing a strong sense of audience and purpose, creativity and flair.
Confident facilitation and presentation skills.
Natural relationship building and networking skills. / Application and interview.
Other skills and behaviours / Well-developed IT skills, conversant with the job description.
Experience of delivering communications and providing advice in line with brand guidelines.
Confident generator of creative ideas for audience engagement. / Some familiarity with a university environment and an understanding of the market positioning of a Russell Group university. / Application and interview.
Special requirements / Willing to work unsocial hours from time to time. / Application and interview.

JOB HAZARD ANALYSIS

Is this an office-based post?

☒ Yes / If this post is an office-based job with routine office hazards (eg: use of VDU), no further information needs to be supplied. Do not complete the section below.
☐ No / If this post is not office-based or has some hazards other than routine office (eg: more than use of VDU) please complete the analysis below.
Hiring managers are asked to complete this section as accurately as possible to ensure the safety of the post-holder.

## - HR will send a full PEHQ to all applicants for this position. Please note, if full health clearance is required for a role, this will apply to all individuals, including existing members of staff.

ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES / Occasionally
(<30% of time) / Frequently
(30-60% of time) / Constantly
(> 60% of time)
Outside work
Extremes of temperature (eg: fridge/ furnace)
## Potential for exposure to body fluids
## Noise (greater than 80 dba - 8 hrs twa)
## Exposure to hazardous substances (eg: solvents, liquids, dust, fumes, biohazards). Specify below:
Frequent hand washing
Ionising radiation
EQUIPMENT/TOOLS/MACHINES USED
## Food handling
## Driving university vehicles(eg: car/van/LGV/PCV)
## Use of latex gloves (prohibited unless specific clinical necessity)
## Vibrating tools (eg: strimmers, hammer drill, lawnmowers)
PHYSICAL ABILITIES
Load manual handling
Repetitive crouching/kneeling/stooping
Repetitive pulling/pushing
Repetitive lifting
Standing for prolonged periods
Repetitive climbing (ie: steps, stools, ladders, stairs)
Fine motor grips (eg: pipetting)
Gross motor grips
Repetitive reaching below shoulder height
Repetitive reaching at shoulder height
Repetitive reaching above shoulder height
PSYCHOSOCIAL ISSUES
Face to face contact with public
Lone working
## Shift work/night work/on call duties

MSA Level 3 - Internal Communications Co-ordinator.docxMSA Level 33