Media and Campaigns Officer

NHS Business Services Authority; Newcastle upon Tyne; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking effective communicators to join their dynamic media and campaigns team. This role involves managing multiple priorities, creating engaging content, and developing media strategies that support service objectives. You'll collaborate with senior management and build relationships with various stakeholders to ensure effective communication. With a focus on flexibility and career development, this position offers a chance to make a significant impact in public health communications while enjoying a supportive work environment.

Benefits

27 days leave plus 8 bank holidays

Flexible working options

Career development opportunities

Excellent pension scheme

NHS Car lease scheme

Access to high street discounts

Qualifications

• Significant experience in media strategies and stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to manage complex communication challenges effectively.

Responsibilities

• Develop relationships with journalists and NHSBSA managers.
• Manage media relations and write press releases.
• Monitor media performance and manage crisis communications.

Skills

Media handling skills

Relationship-building

Strategic advising

Knowledge of social media

Excellent communication skills

Education

Degree in relevant field

Postgraduate qualification

Job description

Job Summary

This is a fantastic opportunity for effective communicators to join a fast-paced, creative, and supportive media and campaigns team that aims to make a difference with our communications. You will manage multiple priorities to meet deadlines, create thoughtful and engaging content, and have significant experience in carrying out communications plans and working with the media. The roles are full-time, with two permanent and one temporary vacancy. The post holders will be part of a team of media and campaigns officers, working on everything from audience insight to media relations and campaign execution.

What do we offer?

• 27 days leave (increasing with length of service) plus 8 bank holidays
• Flexible working options such as compressed or reduced hours
• Flexi time and hybrid working model (largely remote currently)
• Career development opportunities
• Active wellbeing and inclusion networks
• Excellent pension scheme
• NHS Car lease scheme
• Access to a wide range of benefits and high street discounts

Main duties of the job

Working collaboratively with senior management, you will provide expert advice and deliver media relations, campaigns, and communication activities supporting service objectives and the NHSBSA's strategy. A key part of your role will be building a rapid response social media capability to address disinformation and promote fact-based debate. You will develop relationships with media organizations and stakeholders, monitor media and campaign performance, and coordinate responses on social media channels. You will work with the wider team to ensure coordinated and effective communication efforts using various techniques including media relations, engagement, events, and digital content.

About Us

The NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) manages vital NHS services such as the NHS Pension scheme and prescription payments. We are committed to designing customer-centered services, empowering our staff, and fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion. We offer a flexible working environment, competitive salary, and comprehensive benefits. Join us in delivering excellence to the NHS and helping people live healthier lives.

Job Description

Job responsibilities

• Develop and maintain relationships with the Department of Health and Social Care, journalists, and senior NHSBSA managers.
• Act as a business partner to service areas, understanding their communication challenges and developing solutions.
• Collaborate with the Freedom of Information team to provide context in responses.
• Proactively manage media relations, briefing journalists on NHSBSA initiatives.
• Write press releases, media responses, and content for external publications.
• Monitor media and campaign performance, producing reports for the team.
• Handle complex and sensitive information, influencing senior managers' communication strategies.
• Manage crisis communications and ensure consistent messaging internally and externally.
• Design and evaluate external campaigns using the Government Communication Service OASIS model to influence behavior and increase service awareness.
• Use data and insights to understand customer needs and evaluate communication effectiveness.
• Develop a forward plan for communication activities in collaboration with the team.
• Build relationships across NHSBSA and other government departments, acting as a key communication link.

Additional responsibilities

1. Undertake duties aligned with your role and as directed by your manager.
2. Demonstrate NHSBSA values and promote safety, wellbeing, diversity, and inclusion.
3. Follow organizational policies and procedures.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Essential: Degree in relevant field or equivalent experience.
• Desirable: Postgraduate qualification and membership of a professional body.

Experience

• Significant experience working with senior managers on various communication activities.
• Experience in media strategies, campaigns, and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience in behavior change campaigns, data evaluation, and working with suppliers.
• Experience in resource planning and applying national policies locally.

Skills and Personal Qualities

• Media handling skills, especially with high-profile issues.
• Ability to operate under change, prioritize, and work collaboratively.
• Strong relationship-building and strategic advising skills.
• Knowledge of social media, new technologies, and media law.
• Creative, proactive, and enthusiastic with excellent communication skills.
• Self-motivated, flexible, and capable of managing multiple priorities.