Communications Officer - News and External Affairs
Job Description
Job summary
Public Health Wales is seeking a Communications Officer to join the News and External Affairs team on a fixed-term contract until January 2027. You will develop and deliver communications campaigns, identify and promote news stories, respond to media enquiries, and support public communications during health incidents and outbreaks. The role involves writing and editing press releases, articles, publications, and digital content, while providing communications advice to colleagues and stakeholders. You will work closely with media, local government, third-sector organisations, and communities across Wales. Applicants should have a degree or equivalent experience, excellent communication skills, media knowledge, and experience delivering communications campaigns. Flexible working arrangements are welcomed. Occasional travel across Wales is required.
Main duties of the job
This is Fixed Term Contract until 28 January 2027 with a possibility of extension until 31st March 2027 due to the needs of the service.
The post holder will be responsible for identifying, prioritising and developing news content for dissemination to media contacts and for publication through Public Health Wales digital channels.
The role will be responsible for promoting our evidence and research, communicating information to the public relating to incidents and outbreaks of communicable diseases, and responding to reactive media enquiries across a broad range of public health areas.
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.
About us
We are Public Health Wales - the national public health agency in Wales. Our purpose is 'Working together for a healthier Wales'. We exist to help everyone in Wales live longer, healthier, happier lives. Together with our partners, we work to increase healthy life expectancy, improve health and well-being, and reduce inequalities for everyone in Wales, now and for future generations.
Our teams work to prevent disease, protect health, and provide leadership, specialist services and public health expertise. We are the leading source of public health information, research and innovation in Wales. In a world facing complex health challenges, our work has never been so important.
We are guided by our Values, 'Working together, with trust and respect, to make a difference'. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace that values equality and diversity. We welcome applications which represent the rich diversity of the communities we serve and are supportive of flexible working arrangements, including part time roles and job sharing.
To find out more about working for us and the benefits we offer please visit
https://phw.nhs.wales/careers/
For guidance on the application process, please visit
https://phw.nhs.wales/working-for-us/applicant-information-and-guidance/
Job responsibilities
You will be responsible forsupporting the development and delivery ofpublic health communications strategies and communications plans in Public Health Wales.
The main duties of this job are:
- Respond to media enquiries, brief and pitch stories to journalists; manage events, press conferences, photo calls and visits; and respond to communications enquiries from agencies and key external and internal stakeholders.
- Commission, write, edit, proof read, co-ordinate complex internal and external publications, patient/client leaflets and advice documents; write press releases, articles; oversee print and distribution.
- Develop, implement and evaluate communications projects.
- Provide communications and marketing communications advice to managers, staff, committees.
- Engage with local government, the third sector, the public and other stakeholders in relation to public health.
Candidates will be assessed on skills, behaviours, knowledge and attitude relevant to the role.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences and welcome applicants who wish to work on a flexible basis.
You will be able to find a full Job Description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click Apply now to view in Trac.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Knowledge
Essential
- Degree or equivalent
- Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of traditional and digital media
- Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of NHS systems and structures
- Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the role and functions of health organisations in Wales
Desirable
- A qualification recognized by CIPR, PRCA, CIM, or IOIC in Public Relations/social media/marketing/internal communications.
- Knowledge of public health issues and structures
- Knowledge of Welsh public sector
- Knowledge of Welsh media
- Knowledge of Welsh government and political structures
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working on the development and delivery of internal and external media campaigns
Desirable
- Experience of working in a health communications.
- Experience of journalism and crisis communications
- Worked in an in-house or agency marketing or PR environment
- Experience of working in public affairs
Skills and Attributes
Essential
- Develop, implement and evaluate communications campaigns
- Commission, write, edit, proofread, co-ordinate complex internal and external publications, patient/client leaflets and advice documents; write press releases, articles; oversee print and distribution
- Respond to media enquiries, brief journalists; manage events, press conferences, photo calls and visits; and respond to communications enquiries from agencies and key external and internal stakeholders.
- Provide communications and marketing communications advice to managers, staff, committees.
- Engage with local government, the third sector, the public and other stakeholders in relation to public health
- Ability to meet tight and rigid deadlines
- Ability to work on multiple tasks
- Ability to think quickly and clearly when faced with unexpected and complex challenges requiring an immediate response
- Ability to work on own initiative
- Commission, write, edit, proofread, co-ordinate complex internal and external publications, patient/client leaflets and advice documents; write press releases, articles; oversee print and distribution
Desirable
- Welsh language skills.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details
Employer name
Public Health Wales
Address
2 Capital Quarter
Tyndall Street
Cardiff
CF10 4BZ
United Kingdom
