Education Authority
Communications and Engagement Officer
This job is now closed
Job Description
- Req#: 24004738
- To support the development, delivery and ongoing review of a strategic communications and engagement strategy for the SEND Strategic Development Programme, aligned to key objectives and milestones.
- To help build awareness and confidence in the SEND Strategic Development Programme through a wide range of communications and engagement channels.
- To develop a coherent narrative and communicate the vision of the transformation journey across teams, projects and to a wide range of key stakeholders, including schools, school leaders children and young people, parents, staff, sectoral bodies, Trade Unions, statutory and voluntary sector partners, suppliers, media, political reps and wider partners.
- To build strong partnerships and collaboration in the delivery of the project.
- To support an annual plan of activity for the overall programme, tailored to key priorities in each workstream.
- To ensure an evidence based communications approach, supporting regularly reporting on performance against key objectives, targets and expected outcomes to the SEND Strategic Development Programme Board and other key forums, including Corporate Leadership Team, EA Board and EA Committees as required.
- To provide strategic communications advice to the Programme Director, Programme Manager and senior EA staff.
- To ensure programme plans and deliverables are continuously aligned to EA and DE strategies and feed into (PfG) outcomes.
- To support the development and delivery of an overarching evidence based communications and engagement strategy with clear outcomes, milestones and targets in conjunction with the programme team, Project Managers and wider stakeholders.
- To support communications action plans for key worksteams, with clear objectives and targets for each project aligned to key programme milestones, in order to promote and build confidence in this major transformational programme.
- To deliver high quality communications materials, including (not exhaustive), press releases, top-line messaging documents, social media content, videos, animations, e-zines, publications and branding.
- To maximise opportunities for positive publicity and for building trust and confidence through effective communications planning.
- To support a robust, evidence based approach, measuring and regularly reporting on key outputs and outcomes.
- To support the development, implementation and ongoing review of a programme of engagement to ensure our key internal and external stakeholders, including schools, school leaders, children and young people, parents, sectoral bodies, staff, Trade Unions, statutory and voluntary sector partners, suppliers, media, political reps and wider partners, are fully informed and involved in shaping the transformation of SEND services.
- To provide support for senior officers ahead of giving evidence at Education Committee, Public Accounts, to include drafting briefing documents, opening statements, Q&As etc.
- To support key engagement events, surveys, workshops, focus groups etc. to capture the voice of our stakeholders and to build confidence and awareness.
- To support a programme of stakeholder briefings, including political briefings as appropriate.
- To ensure stakeholders are fully informed of key programme updates through a range of communication channels, including publications, website, social media, briefings, events etc.
- To baseline awareness and confidence levels in the programme in order to measure the impact of communications and engagement.
- To develop excellent working relationships with key media.
- To draft and issue media pitches, briefing and media releases.
- To create and manage engaging digital content.
- To support media briefings and/or media interviews/press conferences as appropriate.
- To ensure there is effective communications with school leaders, wider school communities and EA staff at each key milestone as the programme progresses.
- To identify innovative and creative opportunities to engage with staff to build confidence and awareness in the programme.
- To provide key programme updates through a range of communication channels, including publications, website, social media, briefings etc.
- Providing appropriate training and guidance for EA project staff to support the delivery of the communications and engagement strategy and plans to include media training, digital training, and the development of templates, guidelines policies etc.
- To support the development of a consistent digital brand and voice for the transformation project.
- To lead on the development of engaging digital content, including social media posts, infographics, videos, animations, branding etc.
- To support a digital plan for the programme and its constituent projects, including a calendar of social media content and posts.
- Review and analyse social media metrics to build reach and engagement.
- Ongoing maintenance of all communications information management and filing systems to ensure that all communications activity is centrally recorded.
- To line manage communications staff as required, supporting professional development, improving performance and helping staff reach their potential.
- To set clear objectives and targets and expected deliverables.
- To allocate key tasks to communications staff in line with the Communications Strategy and key plans.
- To provide professional communications support and direction to a range of staff from across the organisation, as well as key partners, in the delivery of key priorities and projects.
- To create new opportunities to broaden the communications and engagement skill base of our teams across EA Directorates, providing advice, direction and guidelines for staff as appropriate in supporting communications and engagement activities.
- To monitor and review progress against targets, objectives and outcomes.
- To liaise with the HR directorate regarding recruitment and selection processes and participate in selection panels as required.
- To ensure that any spend on communications and engagement resources is in line with budget, procurement guidelines and EA policies and procedures.
- To monitor any communications expenditure ensuring propriety, regularity and value for money within the allocated budget.
- Deputising for the Major Projects Communications and Engagement Manager as required.
- Working flexibly outside of normal working hours (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm), including taking part in an oncall rota in the evenings, weekend and Bank Holidays and attending meetings outside of working hours as required.
- Working flexibly outside of normal working hours (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm), including taking part in an oncall rota in the evenings, weekend and Bank Holidays and attending meetings outside of working hours as required.
- Comply with EA policies and procedures in relation to the duties and responsibilities of the post.
- Any such other duties that the EA may from time to time require.
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- Communications strategy
- Internal communications
- PR and media relations
- Engagement
- Digital communications
JOB DESCRIPTION
POST: Communications and Engagement Officer
RESPONSIBLE TO: Major Projects Communications and Engagement Manager
RESPONSIBLE FOR: Working with the Major Communications and Engagement Manager to support the development, implementation and review of a Communications and Engagement Strategy to support the delivery of the SEND Strategic Development Programme.
The postholder will support the delivery of a tailored programme of activities, ensuring effective communications and engagement with a wide range of stakeholders, including schools, school leaders, children and young people, parents, staff, sectoral bodies, Trade Unions, statutory and voluntary sector partners, suppliers, media, political reps and wider partners.
They will be responsible for advising/supporting individual Project Managers in the delivery of their key project objectives.
The postholder will also work closely with the Programme Director, Programme Manager and programme team members to ensure that all communications requirements, deadlines, budgets and schedules are on track.
Job Purpose:
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Communications Business Partner’s responsibilities include:
Strategic Communications Planning
Engagement
Media
Internal Communications
Digital Communications
Systems and Processes
Leadership and Staff Management
Managing financial resources
Other
The location of this post is flexible and subject to negotiation and agreement with the Head of Communications. However, the role will require travel across EANI sites as required to attend meetings, participate in and in support of communications activity.
This job description is intended to provide a broad outline of responsibilities and is not intended to be exhaustive or exclusive. The post holder may be required to undertake various other duties as deemed necessary and commensurate with the level of responsibility of the post. The EA reserves the right to update the Job Description to reflect the changing needs of the Service in consultation with the post holder.
In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay due regard for equality legislation at all times.
To view the summary of terms and conditions for this post, click here .
PERSON SPECIFICATION
NOTES TO JOB APPLICANTS 1. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how, and to what extent you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria, where relevant.
2. You must demonstrate how you meet the criteria by the closing date for applications, unless the criteria state otherwise.
3. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is outlined in the table below.
4. Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form.
5. Please note that the Selection Panel reserves the right to shortlist only those applicants that it believes most strongly meet the criteria for the role.
6. In the event of an excessive number of applications, the Selection Panel also reserves the right to apply any desirable criteria as outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting, in which case these will be applied in the order listed. It is important therefore that you also clearly demonstrate on your application form on how you meet any desirable criteria.
Section 1 - Essential Criteria
The following are essential criteria which will initially be measured at the shortlisting stage and which may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.
Factor Essential Criteria Method of Assessment Qualifications/
ExperienceHold a bachelor’s degree (QCF Level 6) or an equivalent or higher qualification in a Communications, Media, Public Relations or Marketing related subject AND have two year’s demonstrable experience working in a professional communications role*
OR
Have a four years’ demonstrable experience working in a professional communications role.*
*A professional communications role is defined as:
Leading on and advising senior staff in relation to at least three of the five following areas:
Demonstrable experience of developing, implementing and evaluating communications strategies.
Demonstrable experience of managing complex media queries.
Demonstrable experience of developing social media strategies, content, and monitoring and evaluation.
Shortlisting by Application Form
Skills/
AbilitiesExcellent written and verbal communications skills including a proven ability to write, edit and present information for a range of audiences.
Shortlisting by Application Form
Knowledge Have a high level of IT literacy using a range of Microsoft Office applications, social media platforms and software, and a working knowledge and understanding of the practical use of IT systems. Shortlisting by Application Form
Other Be willing to be part of an on call rota in evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays (as required) and to attend meetings outside normal working hours as necessary.
The successful candidate will be required:
to have access to a suitable vehicle (appropriately maintained and insured for Education Authority business) that will enable them to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner and thus meet this essential criterion;
OR
be able to provide sufficient information on the application form that will satisfy the employer that he/she has access to an appropriate alternative form of transport that will enable them to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner and thus meet this essential criterion.
Shortlisting by Application Form
Section 2 - Essential Criteria
The following are additional essential criteria which will be measured during the interview/selection stage in line with EA’s Game Changing People Model.
Factor Essential Criteria Method of Assessment Skills/
AbilitiesIn line with EA’s Game Changing People Model we will look for evidence of:
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to challenge people and processes in a constructive manner.
A customer focused passion for creating solutions with a positive attitude to implementing improvements/change.
Excellent proven analytical & creative thinking and an informed evidence-based approach to decision-making.
A proven ability to successfully prioritise and manage a busy work programme under pressure and public scrutiny.
A proven ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders at a range of levels.
Interview
Knowledge Knowledge of the current and anticipated challenges facing the Education Authority. Including those relating to the provision of Special Educational Needs support across the NI education system.
Interview
Values Orientation
Evidence of how your experience and approach to work reflect EA’s ethos and values. You will find information about our Values here .
Interview
Section 3 - Desirable Criteria
Some or all of the desirable criteria may be applied by the Selection Panel in order to determine a manageable pool of candidates. Desirable criteria will be applied in the order listed. You should make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet the desirable criteria, as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.
Factor Desirable Criteria Method of Assessment Qualifications/
Professional MembershipHold or be working towards a recognised professional qualification in communication, media or public affairs.
Hold a recognised professional qualification in Communications, Media, Public Relations or Marketing.
Hold membership of a Professional Communications, Public Relations or Marketing body.
Shortlisting by Application Form
Knowledge Have a good understanding of the current NI SEND support system. Shortlisting by Application Form
Our Values
Through the selection process we will also seek evidence that the personal values of candidates align with those of the EA. This will include evidence of commitment to equality and excellence in service delivery. These reflect our aim which is to meet the needs of all our children and young people equally, removing barriers to learning and ensuring equality of access to excellent education services so that every child can develop to his or her full potential.DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND
The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people or in specified places as ‘regulated activity’.
In the event that you are recommended for appointed to a post that involves ‘regulated activity’, the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background. Please note that you WILL be expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate. Details of how to make payment will be sent to you at the pre-employment stage.
Further information can be accessed on www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/accessni-criminal-record-checks or www.justice-ni.gov.uk/articles/about-accessni
APPLICANT GUIDANCE NOTES
To view the applicant guidance notes, please click here .
To learn about the many great benefits of joining the Education Authority, click here .
The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer
About the company
The Education Authority is a non-departmental body sponsored by the Department of Education in Northern Ireland.