Grade: Grade VI

Department: Communications

Report to: The Executive management team

FACTOR

ESSENTIAL

DESIRABLE

Education & Qualifications

• Third level qualification in Communications, or related field.

• ECDL or equivalent qualification in computer applications and/or significant demonstrable experience and ability in the use of such systems (5+ years).

Experience

(duration & type)

• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in Communications or a related field.

• Advanced computer skills to include MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint).

• Experience in a busy office environment, handling multiple projects and deadlines.

• Strong written/oral communications, research and proof reading skills.

• Experience in dealing with the general public.

• Experience in liaising with staff at all levels within the organisation and giving presentations.

• Previous experience of working in a clinical/healthcare environment.

• Knowledge of desktop publishing software (InDesign/Photoshop).

Skills/Abilities

• Excellent communications skills, across both traditional and digital channels.

• Excellent organisation, administration and planning skills.

• Commitment to working with and fostering a strong team environment, with the ability to assume a leadership role.

• Ability to work well under pressure and to prioritise workload to meet specific targets and deadlines.

• Ability to deal with media queries and respond to journalists.

• Ability to source content for good media stories through knowledge of activities and people within the hospital.

• Highly motivated, displaying energy and enthusiasm with proven information gathering and good listening skills.

• An excellent capacity to exercise personal initiative.

• Ability to establish, maintain and develop relationships with key stakeholders and excellent interpersonal skills.

• Strong knowledge and understanding of current trends in digital media/social media.

• Strong knowledge of media operating in this area, or demonstrable capacity to develop same.

• Demonstrates a passion for innovation and change.

Knowledge & Understanding

• Knowledge and understanding of relevant legislation and hospital policies and procedures, e.g. Patient Charter, Freedom of Information, Data Protection, GDPR, Healthcare Records and Confidentiality.

• Must be a confident communicator and presenter.

• Must possess caring and empathetic qualities and demonstrate these attributes in the course of employment.

• Must have an excellent knowledge of the pr landscape and established media contacts.

• Clear understanding of relevant quality assurance and quality system procedures and management of same.

J O B D E S C R I P T I O N

Job Title: Communications Officer

Grade: Grade VI

Department: Communications

Report to: The executive management team

Overall Job Role:

The Communications Officer will create, implement and oversee communication programmes that effectively describe and promote the National Maternity Hospital, its staff and services.

Responsibilities & Accountabilities (in no particular order of priority)

• Developing and executing a busy calendar of communications campaigns and activities.

• Providing strategic and operational communications support to all areas of the organisation, ensuring their communications needs are fully met and that all information is accurate and disseminated in a timely manner.

• Writing for traditional and digital media in-line with the hospital’s key messaging.

• Updating the Ireland East Hospital Group App on current NMH Hospital news stories

• Ensuring brand consistency across all NMH materials.

• Developing and circulating the staff newsletter on a monthly basis.

• Building relationships with key media and liaising with outlets on upcoming activities, press releases, announcements and photo-calls.

• Liaising with key stakeholders including patient families, corporate partners, hospital staff, the HSE communications team etc.

• Managing logistics of media opportunities and photo-calls in the hospital.

• Securing and documenting informed consent from patient families for promotional activities.

• Working with third-party suppliers and contractors including agencies, photographers, videographers etc.

• Updating and developing content for the hospital’s Internet and Intranet site.

• Assisting in the development of new imagery and multi-media content to support the strategic aims of the hospital.

• Co-chairing the hospital’s Communication’s Group meetings.

• Representing NMH in a professional and competent manner both internally and externally.

• Liaise with managers in relation to future planning, audit and implementation of communication systems for the Hospital.

• Liaising with HR on recruitment campaigns and various ways of attracting staff to the organisation.

• Introducing and developing an Alumni office.

• Any other duties deemed appropriate to the post. Please note that the duties of this post may change over time.