Communications Manager

Job description

Job responsibilities

The communications manager is a senior role in the HFEA, leading on all aspects of the organisations internal communications. You will be responsible for creating and delivering communications plans to engage patients and other stakeholders to increase understanding of the role of the HFEA and the impartial information we provide.

Key responsibilities include leading on the HFEAs internal communications, including sole responsibility for and managing all aspects of the organisations intranet, creating and editing high quality corporate publications and online content to increase understanding of the HFEAs role and priorities, and creating campaigns and plans to engage patients and the public to grow the HFEAs reach and reputation.

The role also leads on the production of clinic-facing communications including Clinic Focus, a key channel used by the HFEA to communicate with clinics and the sector, managing all content and the production process.

You will be comfortable working with senior colleagues. Reporting to the Head of Communications, you will be one of three communications managers at the HFEA and part of the six-strong communications team.

Key responsibilities

1. Leading on the production of content for all internal communication channels, including the HFEA intranet, and identifying opportunities for development

2. Leading on the production of the monthly Clinic Focus newsletter, the primary channel used for communicating with clinics and the sector. Managing all content, creating the communication on the web platform, and holding sole responsibility for delivery.

3. Sole responsibility for the HFEA hub. Developing and maintaining all aspects of the intranet, including structure and content. Working with colleagues across the organisation to create engaging content and ensuring resources are up-to-date and easily accessible.

4. Creating and delivering corporate publications to enhance the HFEAs reputation and showcase the impact of our work.

5. Leading on the production and revision of content for the new HFEA website with responsibility for ensuring the new website contains up to date, current information that is written in accordance with the HFEA style guide.

6. Working with Communications team colleagues to prepare briefings for external and stakeholder meetings for the Chair

7. Working with project managers across the organisation, particularly in Policy and Intelligence, to produce communications plans to support the projects. Ensuring the communications plans meet the needs of all stakeholders and evaluation is built in.

8. HFEA internal comms representative for cross-departmental activity, reporting to the DHSC where appropriate, and participating in ALB Head of Internal Comms meetings.

9. Overseeing the management of the PR and Communications Assistant

10. Working with Intelligence and Policy colleagues to develop reports and guidance (such as the Code of Practice), including proofing and plain English checks.

11. Creating and delivering public facing campaigns to promote the work of the HFEA and influence awareness and behaviours to support regulatory outcomes

12. Sitting as a member of Executive Licensing Panel (ELP), supporting licensing decision making.

Line management

13. To line manage the PR and Communications Assistant, providing support via regular one to one meetings, setting objectives and monitoring performance.

Other responsibilities

14. Deputising for the Head of Communications when needed

15. Leading on press enquiries and responses in place of the Senior External Communications Manager when needed

16. Providing cover (with Social Media and Digital Comms Officer) for Web Manager/Developer when needed

17. Undertaking such other duties, training, travel and/or hours of work as may be reasonably required and which are consistent with the general level of responsibility of this job

18. Maintaining personal and professional development to meet the changing demands of the job, participating in appropriate learning activities and encouraging and supporting staff in their development;

Person Specification

Managing work

Essential

• Project management skills and experience
• The ability to prioritise tasks and work to tight deadlines
• Able to deputise for colleagues in the communications team as required

Knowledge & skills

Essential

• IT skills including a good working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel

Experience

Essential

• Experience of developing communication strategies and the implementation and monitoring of communications plans.
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare high quality communication materials, written in plain English, under tight deadlines
• Experience of running and managing patient/public facing communications campaigns
• Excellent editorial and writing skills, paying attention to detail and tailoring materials for specific audiences
• An understanding of a range of communications channels, such as digital media, publications and press/PR and using these to meet organisational and specific communications objectives

Desirable

• Experience of working in a communications team in a healthcare organisation
• Experience of managing and generating digital content
• Knowledge and experience of running an internal communications function

Interpersonal skills

Essential

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the confidence to work with and communicate effectively with people at all level both inside and outside the organisation
• A good team player, willing to help others
• Good time management skills and experience in handling multiple projects

Desirable

• Basic knowledge of design principles

Qualifications

Essential

• Educated to at least degree level or equivalent experience in communications
• Relevant formal qualification and/or evidence of training in marketing, communications or events management

Employer details

Employer name

Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority

Address

2nd Floor

2 Redman Place

London

E20 1JQ

Employer's website

https://www.hfea.gov.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)