Communications & Media Officer

NHS

  • Barnsley, South Yorkshire
  • £31,049-37,796 per year
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 6 days ago
Interview Date: TBCThis position is subject to Job Evaluation.Were looking for a talented and enthusiasticCommunications and Media Officerto join our fast-paced and collaborative Communications Team at Barnsley Hospital.As Communications and Media Officer, you will work as part of our dynamic Communications Team to develop and deliver a wide range of communications plans and activities.This is an opportunity to get involved in an exciting and varied communications function. Our small team strategically leads the Trusts internal and external communications, helping to build and maintain public awareness and confidence in the service it provides, at a time of change and ambition for the NHS, as well as keen media interest and public scrutiny.The post holder will take the lead on working with multiple stakeholders to create high quality, clear and accessible content and campaigns designed to engage our audiences, which include our large and diverse workforce, partners, patients and the public. You will work with managers and colleagues, including senior directors and clinicians throughout the organisation, to support business priorities strategically, via a range of communications practices. The role is pivotal to clearly communicating and showcasing our whole hospital service.Main duties of the jobThe roles includes:Seek out, draft and obtain approval for weekly stories, creating versions for external and internal communications channels, including web, social media, traditional print and broadcast media, intranet, apps, email bulletins, and a weekly online staff magazine.Handle complex media enquiries and support reputation managementCollaborate with internal teams and external local, regional and national partners to deliver integrated communications and ensure joined up workingAttend project meetings and develop strategic communications plansSupport event management, VIP visits, and campaignsPromote patient-centred care, NHS and Trust values, and inclusivity in all communicationsDeliver work that improves patient outcomes and experience of the NHS, supports staff morale, showcases Barnsley Hospital as a great place to work, and clearly informs the public we serve about our services as they evolve to meet the needs of our populationWere looking for someone with significant experience producing high quality written and digital, external and internal content. The post-holder will be well organised, adaptable and able to organise and manage competing priorities, often at short notice, in a complex, politically sensitive environment, with experience of handling media enquiries, relationship-building, and a good knowledge of professional and appropriate communications practice in the public sector.About usWe reserve the right to close positions earlyBarnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is a high performing Trust, currently rated Good by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and achieving significant progress in the delivery of our strategic objectives, including our ambition to be the best Place to WorkWe scored best in the country in the most recent NHS Staff Survey for teamwork, compassionate leadership, and supporting work/life balance. In 2024's survey, the Trust also scored above average in every theme of the NHS People Promise the promise NHS colleagues make to each other to improve the experience of working in the NHS for everyoneWe are proud of the commitment of our colleagues to ensuring a strong and sustainable future and our organisation is highly valued by our local communitiesThere has never been a better time to join Barnsley Hospital. It is moving at pace and a we can do this attitude is evident right through the organisationBarnsley Hospital NHS FT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity and fair treatment to all applicantsFor individuals who may require sponsorship under the skilled worker or health & care visa route please use the link on the right hand side of the advert to check your eligibility, please note that band 2 and 3 entry roles are no longer eligible for sponsorshipThe cost of the DBS (criminal records check) for Band 6 and above roles will only be met by the successful candidate(s) through salary deductionDetailsDate posted29 August 2025Pay schemeAgenda for changeBandBand 5Salary£31,049 to £37,796 a year pro/rata. Subject to Job EvaluationContractPermanentWorking patternFull-time, Flexible workingReference numberC9163-1074E-08-25Job locationsPogmoor RoadBarnsleySouth YorkshireS75 2EPJob descriptionJob responsibilitiesJob Description for Communications & Media OfficerPlease refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification for full details of the role and responsibilities.Supporting DocumentsPlease refer to the values-based recruitment guidance and associated documentation.Job descriptionJob responsibilitiesJob Description for Communications & Media OfficerPlease refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification for full details of the role and responsibilities.Supporting DocumentsPlease refer to the values-based recruitment guidance and associated documentation.Person SpecificationExperienceEssential
  • Significant experience in producing written content for a range of communications channels, including traditional print media, web, social media, and for internal communications
  • Experience in producing other rich media content such as video
  • Experience of successfully operating in a politically sensitive environment
  • Experience in handling media enquiries
  • Evidence of continued professional development
  • Demonstrated experience of co-ordinating projects in complex and challenging environments
  • Experience of drafting briefing papers and correspondence
  • Experience in communications and stakeholder management
  • Used to working in a busy environment
Desirable
  • Previous experience in similar role in public sector
Skills and AbilitiesEssential
  • Good relationship management skills
  • Clear communicator with excellent writing, report writing and presentation skills; capable of constructing and delivering clear ideas and concepts concisely and accurately for diverse audiences.
  • Evidence of success in effective project and programme management.
  • Skills to communicate on complex matters and difficult situations, requiring persuasion and influence.
  • Skills for nurturing key relationships and maintaining networks.
  • Ability to analyse and interpret information, pre-empt and evaluate issues, and recommend and appropriate course of action to address the issues.
  • Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands.
  • Strategic thinking ability to anticipate.
  • Attention to detail combined with the ability to extract key messages from complex analysis.
  • Independent thinker with demonstrated good judgement, problem solving and analytical skills.
  • Professional calm and efficient manner
Desirable
  • Takes decisions on difficult and contentious issues where there may be a number of courses of action.
Trust ValuesEssential
  • In around 100 words please describe what Equality & Diversity means to you and why they are important.
  • In around 100 words please describe what motivates you to do a good job.
QualificationsEssential
  • A marketing or communications qualification or equivalent experience of working within a marketing or communications role.
Desirable
  • Experience in project management or supporting change management processes.
  • Educated to degree level in relevant subject or equivalent level of experience of working at a similar level in specialist area.
Knowledge & AwarenessEssential
  • Demonstrates good knowledge of professional and appropriate communication practice
  • Strong understanding of the expectation on public sector communications to be open, honest and non-political
  • Commitment to continuing professional development
  • Effective organiser
  • Demonstrate a strong desire to improve performance and make a difference by focusing on goals
Desirable
  • Comprehensive knowledge of project management and/or health information systems development
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Project
  • A good understanding of the health and social care environment and roles and responsibilities within it.
Person SpecificationExperienceEssential
  • Significant experience in producing written content for a range of communications channels, including traditional print media, web, social media, and for internal communications
  • Experience in producing other rich media content such as video
  • Experience of successfully operating in a politically sensitive environment
  • Experience in handling media enquiries
  • Evidence of continued professional development
  • Demonstrated experience of co-ordinating projects in complex and challenging environments
  • Experience of drafting briefing papers and correspondence
  • Experience in communications and stakeholder management
  • Used to working in a busy environment
Desirable
  • Previous experience in similar role in public sector
Skills and AbilitiesEssential
  • Good relationship management skills
  • Clear communicator with excellent writing, report writing and presentation skills; capable of constructing and delivering clear ideas and concepts concisely and accurately for diverse audiences.
  • Evidence of success in effective project and programme management.
  • Skills to communicate on complex matters and difficult situations, requiring persuasion and influence.
  • Skills for nurturing key relationships and maintaining networks.
  • Ability to analyse and interpret information, pre-empt and evaluate issues, and recommend and appropriate course of action to address the issues.
  • Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands.
  • Strategic thinking ability to anticipate.
  • Attention to detail combined with the ability to extract key messages from complex analysis.
  • Independent thinker with demonstrated good judgement, problem solving and analytical skills.
  • Professional calm and efficient manner
Desirable
  • Takes decisions on difficult and contentious issues where there may be a number of courses of action.
Trust ValuesEssential
  • In around 100 words please describe what Equality & Diversity means to you and why they are important.
  • In around 100 words please describe what motivates you to do a good job.
QualificationsEssential
  • A marketing or communications qualification or equivalent experience of working within a marketing or communications role.
Desirable
  • Experience in project management or supporting change management processes.
  • Educated to degree level in relevant subject or equivalent level of experience of working at a similar level in specialist area.
Knowledge & AwarenessEssential
  • Demonstrates good knowledge of professional and appropriate communication practice
  • Strong understanding of the expectation on public sector communications to be open, honest and non-political
  • Commitment to continuing professional development
  • Effective organiser
  • Demonstrate a strong desire to improve performance and make a difference by focusing on goals
Desirable
  • Comprehensive knowledge of project management and/or health information systems development
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Project
  • A good understanding of the health and social care environment and roles and responsibilities within it.

NHS