Senior Media Officer
| Posting date: | 07 August 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £38,682.00 to £46,580.00 per year |
| Additional salary information: | £38682.00 - £46580.00 a year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 21 August 2025 |
| Location: | Worthing or Brighton, BN11 2DH |
| Company: | NHS Jobs |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | C9279-25-1516 |
Summary
The primary responsibility of this post will be to lead on reactive external media management the successful candidate will take responsibility for handling the many media enquiries received by the team, in terms of liaising with (often senior) colleagues to source and agree content, liaising with journalists to ensure good relationships and smooth interaction, and liaising with other system partners to promote partnership with health and care colleagues. The role will also involve working in the following key areas, in addition to the primary task of media relations; Internal communications and engagement; External communications and stakeholder engagement; social media Working with the Head of Content to develop high quality communications content to support Patient First and organisational priorities as well meeting day-to-day communications requests from colleagues and external stakeholders, including local, national and trade media. Work with the wider team to develop content via the content management system for the trust website, and intranet, and other online communications platforms (including social media management tools such as Hootsuite). Must consider and meet the interests of a wide range of audiences from many and varied backgrounds and perspective both within and outside the organisation. Work independently, with minimal supervision and using complex and sensitive information, such as including serious incident reports, service change programmes and public health campaigns, to use judgement to make decisions regarding the creation of content across print, digital, and social media platforms, for both internal and external communications, including in support of events and briefings. This includes using software such as Adobe, Canva and systems such as Hootsuite on a daily basis. Represent the team in discussions with colleagues from the wider Trust, bringing influence to bear in decisions about appropriate and optimal communications support Take the lead on liaising with senior colleagues, and decision-making around content, for internal communications requirements during business continuity issues including industrial action, and other potential interruptions to patient care services Deputise for the Head of Content as required Provide instruction, support and guidance to Communication Officers as needed. Media relations The postholder will be the main point of contact with journalists, and will: Decide how to respond to difficult organisational situations and significant reputation threats, including sensitive content and requests from local, national and trade media. Represent the communications team in high media profile and difficult inquests. Prioritise workload to handle interruptions for urgent requests. Manage information for difficult or sensitive stories, presenting information in a clear and concise way. Undertake proactive media engagement, media plans and events and reporting on coverage. Assist with organising and briefing for media interviews, filming/photo opportunities and press conferences. Responsible for overseeing the management of the media inbox and handle reactive requests as required. Liaise with senior Trust colleagues, as appropriate, to respond to media enquiries to ensure accurate, impactful information is organised and presented in a way to promote/protect the reputation of the Trust Liaise directly with senior communications staff at key partners notably NHS England and NHS Sussex to negotiate and agree approaches and responses to high profile, challenging media requests Support briefings of colleagues both internally and externally as appropriate with regard to media coverage External communications and stakeholder relations; The postholder will support the wider work of the team in producing excellent external communications and building strong relationships with key partners, by: Creating timely, accurate and informative communications with local stakeholders including MPs, Local Authorities, NHS system partners and other NHS stakeholders. Taking responsibility for the planning and delivery of event organisation including media tours, VIP visits, and the launch/opening of new services/buildings. Working with the HoC and ADCE and team on the development and production of corporate publications, telling the UHSussex story in a lively, inclusive, informative and accessible way. Developing materials in a range of formats for our website, intranet and social media channels. Adobe and Canva will be used daily. Create high quality press releases with minimal supervision that highlight organisational priorities. Analyse and interpret complex information, such as improvement plan reports, performance dashboards and HR and clinical policies to create clear communication materials for a range of eternal audiences. Materials may include graphics, presentations and briefing documents. Internal Communications and engagement: Internal communications plays a key role in helping the approximately 20,000 staff feel connected with the organisation, receive important information and build a sense of community. Alongside the primary focus on media the postholder will play an important role in other aspects of the teams activities around internal communications, namely: Represent the communications team and offer expertise and guidance in meetings, including for staff awareness day campaigns, winter planning, infection prevention outbreaks and campaigns, service changes (temp and permanent). Take the lead on daily operational internal communication requirements relating to business continuity incidents affecting patient services. Work closely with internal stakeholders to deliver the process from planning to implementation to maximise engagement and content generation for intranet, website, newsletters, social media etc. Analyse, understand and communicate complex and sensitive information in a range of circumstances, often under significant time constraints, managing competing demands. This may include patient safety reports, service change proposals, performance reports and contentious media enquiries. Create original content for the trusts internal communications including daily and weekly newsletter/emails, staff social media platforms and regular internal events. Project manage, research and obtain the necessary approvals of content for newsletters, social media, intranet and website. Supporting recruitment and retention communications work creating written and video material for a range of audiences and communications channels. Recommending improvements and innovations to widen the reach and effectiveness of our internal communications. Providing communications support for the Patient First Improvement Programme, including the creation of content for a range of channels. Being a part of the team which delivers the trusts annual Patient First Staff Achievement Awards and Recognition event. Work independently with minimal supervision, using own initiative to create content for staff and stakeholder briefings, working to the Head of Content and the Assistant Director of Communications. Develop and lead communications plans that help create inclusive, impactful and informative campaigns. Liaise with and direct external suppliers, such as printer and AV agencies, to purchase material, services and equipment, ensuring the organisation receives value for money and stays within budget.