Media and Communications Officer - Specialist Health

Overall Job Purpose

We’re looking for a talented media and communications professional to work on an exciting new programme which aims to inspire the next generation of students into key specialist health careers. Are you keen to be part of an innovative programme, supporting the future needs of patients and students?

The Strategic Interventions in Health Education Disciplines (SIHED) Programme is a three year programme of activities funded by the Office for Students to raise the profile of, and increase recruitment to, targeted Allied Health Professions. Working closely with the Programme Manager and team of Outreach Officers, the successful candidate will lead on media relations and work across the whole marketing, comms and social media mix to increase understanding and awareness of the SIHED programme and the four health professions currently in scope.

This is a new role, initially appointed to as a six-month contract, however there is potential for this position to be extended for up to two years. 

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• To lead on SIHED media activity; responding to enquiries from journalists, developing potential media stories, press releases and comments and pitching case studies, stories and features to journalists to secure positive, accurate coverage in regional, national and specialist on/offline media.
• To act as the central point for communications activity for partners and stakeholders including the Office for Students, Health Education England and the SIHED partner network, developing an understanding of the programme and its aims and building strong relationships with partners and stakeholders.
• To plan, develop and write social media content that fits with the pogramme's tone and messaging and proactively ensure there is integration across press and social media content.
• To work with SIHED partner organisations, the appointed marketing agency and College of Podiatry team to develop and deliver communications activity and plans.
• To develop high quality, evidence-based communications materials including case studies, content, newsletters and social media engagement to raise awareness and amplify the impact of the programme and digital marketing campaign.
• To be the point of contact for key partners within the SIHED programme for all communications enquiries and ensure a high-quality communications service to partners.
• Providing periodic reports on communications activities to the SIHED programme board.