Communications and Marketing Officer

BSNI is working with Newry council to recruit a temporary communications and marketing officer,

Duration:  24 weeks

Hourly rate:  £20.58

Location:  Downpatrick

Communications and Marketing Officer

In light of the on-going Reform of Local Government and the establishment of the new Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, it is expected that role will evolve and transform with on-going changes. The post holder will therefore be expected to be flexible and adaptable to meet the changing needs and requirements of the organisation, and duties and responsibilities may vary without changing the purpose of the job or level of responsibility.
Main Purpose of Post/Job Summary
To assist with the provision of an effective and efficient Communications and Marketing service across the Council and the full suite of Communications and Marketing functions.
To contribute as an integral member of the Communications and Marketing Section, as well as across departments and services, to develop and deliver effective and innovative external and internal Communications and Marketing strategies which supports the Council�s vision, values and strategic direction; and supports the Corporate, Directorate and Service business plans of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
Job Description Number
COS 11-17 (49)
Grade/Salary
PO1 (SCP 33-36)

Reports to
Head of Communications and Marketing
Base Location
Based in Council offices in Newry or Downpatrick this post will work across the Council District of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.

Car user
Access NI Check
Rehabilitation of Offenders
Directorate / Section
Casual
Basic
Non Excepted
Corporate Services / Marketing and Communications

Responsible For

� Brand Management and Corporate Identity
� Internal and External Communications
� Marketing and Campaigns
� Media Relations and PR
� Website and Digital Communications

Communications and Marketing Officer
Job Description

To plan, manage and evaluate targeted Communications and Marketing campaigns to increase awareness and promote a positive image of all Council priorities, policies, services and events in the local, regional, national, professional and trade media.

Duties and Responsibilities
1. To contribute to the provision of a Communications and Marketing service across the Council to ensure the delivery against agreed corporate and service-specific Communications and Marketing objectives and targets, and continuously develop and deliver consistent and co-ordinated Communications and Marketing service improvements.

2. To support Managers and Officers across the Council, in relation to the development and implementation of effective Communications and Marketing strategies.

3. To maintain effective working relationships with other employees and directorates and lead on the management of a range of communication, marketing and engagement channels, including digital platforms, using the most appropriate and cost-effective channels and channel mixes to position the Council, its services and facilities positively to ensure that the Council reaches the wide variety of customers and stakeholders we serve.

4. To contribute to the development and implementation of emergency communications plans to provide accurate, timely and consistent information and advice to staff, elected members, service users, citizens, the general public, partner organisations and the media in a Major Incident or business disruption.

5. To contribute as required to the preparation of financial estimates and business plans for the Communications and Marketing Section and to assist with the management and control of the Communications and Marketing budget ensuring services are delivered within allocated budgets.

6. To participate in the preparation of business cases, tenders and quotations in line with financial and procurement regulations, policies and procedures and corporate timescales.

7. To undertake Communications and Marketing related project work as directed by the Head of Communications and Marketing using the principles of good project management and provide regular and ad-hoc Communications and Marketing reports for the Head of Communications and Marketing, Assistant Director, Chief Executive, Senior Management Team, Committees and Council as required.

8. To direct and signpost Managers and Officers to the appropriate source for issues outside the remit of this post. This may include carrying out duties for other posts within the Communications and Marketing Section.

9. To assist as required to the preparation of effective risk management and business continuity plans and procedures for the Communications and Marketing Section.

10. To keep under review new developments in all fields relevant to the postholders responsibilities and to make recommendations to Senior Officers as appropriate.

11. To attend Council/Committee meetings, when required, on behalf of the Head of Communications and Marketing to identify and record any communications or marketing issues that may arise during the meeting proceedings.

12. To liaise with external suppliers and manage the Council�s day to day processes for graphic design, print services and advertising as required in the successful, value for money, delivery on all aspects of integrated marketing campaigns and events.

13. To provide cover on a rotational basis for the Senior Communications and Marketing Officer, assuming certain responsibilities in their absence to ensure continuity of service to Departments and Directorates.

Brand Management and Corporate Identity

14. To assist with the management and development of the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council brand and associated sub-brands; ensuring that internal and external communications and materials are consistently produced to the highest standard.

15. To assist in the delivery of high-quality branding and marketing projects and for co-ordinating the collateral production process in a cost-effective, efficient and corporate manner.

16. To assist with providing expert advice to partners and external service providers on the use of the Council�s corporate identity and branding.
Internal and External Communications

17. In association with the Senior Communications and Marketing Officer and other Senior Officers deliver effective internal communications and activity to ensure staff are engaged at all levels.

18. To contribute to identifying new opportunities for internal communications in order to improve communication with staff.

19. To be an active member of the Council�s Editorial Team ensuring the co-ordination, production and distribution of the Council�s internal staff newsletter and citizen�s magazine and contributing to other publications as required.
Marketing and Campaigns

20. To assist in the creation, development and implementation of an effective Communications Strategy (covering both internal and external communications) and continually develop it through review.

21. To support Managers and Officers with the development and implementation of Communications and Marketing strategies to include the management of campaign branding, advertising, website and social media presence, press releases, PR and photo-opportunities, publications and media relations.

22. To ensure the creation of high quality copy and content for a broad range of corporate and service-specific printed and promotional material and for on line platforms ensuring that all articles are quality control checked and comply with the Council�s corporate standards.

23. To monitor and evaluate marketing campaigns; and advise on market research, methods, monitoring and evaluation of marketing campaigns, and provide reports when necessary for Senior and Corporate Management Teams, Committee and Council, as required.

24. To support the Senior Communications and Marketing Officer in ensuring the Council adopts a co-ordinated approach to Communications and Marketing across all services.
Media Relations and PR

25. To develop effective, pro-active PR plans for all Council departments to ensure frequent, timely and positive media coverage which enhances the Council�s profile and protects its reputation.

26. To build and maintain effective, close-working relationships with local, regional and national media.

27. To ensure the provision of a day to day press office service; assisting with media issues, dealing confidently with controversial and sensitive issues.

28. To provide out of hours PR/Media service in the evenings and at weekend on a rota basis, if required.

29. To ensure external independent media monitoring, analysis and evaluation is completed and actions arising agreed.

30. To assist elections by co-ordinating the communications activity.

Website and Digital Communications

31. To compile information for and contribute to an effective Council website ensuring that the information on the website is accurate, relevant and up-to-date, working closely with other departments to improve, develop and update the Council�s website.

32. To contribute to the development of the Council�s intranet and to monitor content on the intranet to ensure it is informative, relevant and up-to-date at all times.

33. To ensure the Council�s online communications presence, using social media to communicate and enhance key messages regularly updating and posting to the Council�s corporate social media sites when required.

34. To contribute to the development and management of a digital asset library, to include video content, images and other rich media which is accessible and easily searchable by other Officers in the Communications and Marketing Section and available for use by the Council.

35. To promote the Council�s digital communications channels to improve residents, visitors and businesses� access to services and information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

36. To assist with the implementation of the Council�s digital communications strategy.
Service Delivery and Performance
Be accountable to the Head of Communications and Marketing for all aspects of service delivery within the section; ensuring the provision and delivery of high quality and cost effective services.
Governance, Standards and Diversity

1. Authorise the purchase of goods and/or services in accordance with the Council�s procurement policy.
2. At all times act with integrity and total professionalism.
3. Ensure functions under the control of the post holder are operated in accordance with the Council�s risk management and governance processes, and that the appropriate documentation is completed and signed off as necessary.
4. Assist the Head of Communications and Marketing in ensuring the Council meets all statutory obligations and ensure that the highest standards of probity and good conduct are maintained at all times.
5. Adhere to and comply with all Council policies and procedures relevant to this role, including arrangements for risk management.
6. Postholder must work with the Head of Communications and Marketing to establish the needs of the customers and strive to ensure that these are met.
7. Postholder must treat all individuals with respect, respond sensitively to differences and encourage others to do likewise, ensuring equality of opportunity for all.
Performance Improvement
8. Keep up-to-date with changes and amendments to relevant and allied legislation including areas of best practice relating to the postholders service area.
9. Participate in employee training and development activities to ensure that knowledge, skills and competence required to fulfil the role in full are up to date.
10. Participate in the formulation, implementation and evaluation of the Department Business Plan.
Communication and Relationships
11. Contribute to Corporate, Departmental and Regional working groups as required.
12. Actively participate in employee relations matters including undertaking investigations and chairing hearings relating to employment matters as required (e.g. discipline, grievance & harassment) and make decisions regarding appropriate outcomes with support from HR and in compliance with the relevant legislation.
13. Participate in the Council�s Recruitment and Selection processes as a panel member, including assisting the panel with development of person specification, identifying selection methods and adhering to advice given regarding current employment legislation and codes of practice.
14. Promote and ensure equality of opportunity, good relations and diversity in service delivery and employment by adhering to the Council�s Equal Opportunities in Employment policies and procedures and avoiding all forms of discrimination both as an employer and a service provider.
General
15. Uphold the Core Values of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Council and work to achieve the wider organisational objectives as detailed in the Corporate Plan.
16. Participate in the Council�s Performance and Development Review process as detailed in the published scheme.
17. Contribute to Newry, Mourne and Down District Council in fulfilling all of its commitments in relation to anti-discrimination practices, its Equality Scheme and under the Northern Ireland Act 1998 and the Human Rights Act 1998.
18. Carry out duties in compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Order 1978 (as amended); Acts of Parliament; Statutory Instruments and Regulations and other legal requirements; and all Council Policies and Procedures including Dignity at Work, Health and Safety, Attendance and all relevant Codes of Conduct.
19. Undertake the duties in such a way as to enhance and promote the positive reputation of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
20. Lead by example by behaving at all times in accordance with the Council�s values and promote same within the organisation and externally.
21. Undertake all aspects of work respecting confidentiality and ensure that personal and/or sensitive information under the control or access of the postholder is used, stored and maintained in accordance with relevant data protection legislation.
22. Where applicable act as Designated Safeguarding Officer, First Aider, Fire Warden depending on service requirements in accordance with relevant legislation and Council Policy and Procedure.
23. Where applicable act as a keyholder and respond to emergency call-outs as required.
24. When required, assist in the execution of the Council�s Emergency and Business Continuity Plans.
The list of duties / responsibilities must not be considered comprehensive nor exhaustive. They are simply a summary of the main duties / responsibilities that the post holder will be required to undertake.

No Job Description can cover every issue that may arise within the post at various times and the post holder is expected to carry out other duties from time to time which are broadly consistent with those in this Job Description.

BSNI is acting as a recruitment agency