Head of Communications & Engagement (Assistant Principal) - Residential Tenancies Board (RTB)

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JOB ROLE AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The successful candidate will take lead responsibility for provision of a high-performing corporate communications service to the organisation. They will have broad experience across all areas of communications, media relations & stakeholder engagement with suitable relevant recent experience working in a busy department and can expect challenging yet rewarding work providing best practice support to the organisation.  The successful candidate will have excellent communication and influencing skills, the ability to prioritise and manage a busy workload with conflicting deadlines and possess very strong attention to detail. 

The successful candidate will work across all areas of communication and engagement and will support the Communication & Engagement Team and the organisation. A key requirement of this role is to mentor the team to ensure continuous improvement and a professional and excellent service to the organisation.  There will also be line management responsibility with this role. 

This involves line management of 3-4 staff and the oversight of a portfolio of responsibilities across the full range of corporate communication, media relations, branding, digital communication. 

Leadership

• Manage the day to day running of the Communication & Engagement Team maximising the contribution of the team as a whole and fostering a positive and dynamic environment.
• Build expertise across the team by promoting learning and development opportunities.
• Lead by example by demonstrating a commitment to public service values.
• Lead the business unit team to ensure projects are delivered successfully and within specified timelines.
• Maintain up to date knowledge of key legislation and ensuring policies and procedures are kept updated.
• Make recommendations to improve and expand upon best practice approaches within their business unit.

Management and delivery of results

• Manage the development of regular, pro-active media engagement.
• Develop and support communications campaigns necessary to meet RTB strategic objectives.
• Manage content provision, event management, public-facing campaigns, stakeholder communications and emergency communications in alignment with RTB strategy. 
• Support reputational risk management and crisis communications.
• Support the RTB’s organisational transformation and change projects as related to their area of responsibility.
• Represent RTB as a spokesperson and at internal/external meetings, as required.
• Coordinate and provide comprehensive briefing as required on issues facing the RTB.
• Proactively engage with a wide variety of stakeholders to develop and maintain high quality end user services that are highly available and fit for purpose.
• Establish and participate in working groups, both internal and external as required to advance the Communication & Engagement agenda and support the ongoing evolution of the RTB’s digital services.

Demonstrate effective judgement, analysis and decision-making

• Embed evidence and research into RTB communications activities, ensuring such activities have a strong justification in terms of effective citizen engagement. Use trends and analysis to leverage data to develop engaging content for all channels.
• Provide clear, constructive and informative communication to the ELT, Communication & Engagement Team and relevant third parties to ensure that all Communications & Engagement business requirements are aligned and understood.

Demonstrate effective interpersonal and communication skills

• Present information in a confident, logical and convincing manner, verbally and in writing.
• Collaborate and contribute to cross-organisational communications activities.
• Coordinate and provide comprehensive briefing as required on issues facing the Department.
• Support the delivery of strategic internal communications.

Important Note: The functions and responsibilities assigned to this assignment may be changed from time to time based on organisational requirements. The person appointed must be flexible and be prepared to fulfil other roles and responsibilities at a similar level within the organisation.  The responsibilities outlined in this job description should not be regarded as comprehensive in scope and may be added to or altered as required, in line with the future business requirements of the RTB.

KEY COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

Eligibility Requirements

• Have at least  3 - 5  years’ relevant experience in a similar role;
• Demonstrate possession of the essential skills/competencies identified as being essential for the role (see below);
• Be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Essential Skills & Experience

Candidates must have on or before 13th April 2024:

1. Significant and demonstrable experience in the development and implementation of communication strategies, preferably in a public service organisation;
2. Significant and demonstrable experience in managing communications projects for an organisation (preferrably a public service organisation), including experience across at least three of the areas below.

3. Significant and demonstrable experience of leading multi-disciplinary teams with a demonstrated ability to deliver effective communications programmes.
4. The ability to work closely with senior management and leadership and their teams to devise, design and implement communications, media relations and press strategies /programmes.
5. Demonstrable experience of measuring activity, generating insights and using data to structure work outputs.
6. Demonstrable experience of managing day-to-day media and stakeholder enquiries.
7. Experience of managing corporate social media and digital platforms for effective public relations and media purposes.
8. A proven understanding of the RTB and its governance structures (including the RTB Board and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage).
9. The ability to network, build relationships and engage effectively with, and influence, stakeholders at all levels of seniority.
10. The ability to absorb new information quickly, understand complex concepts and relationships, and focus on important information making timely and sound decisions.
11. Proven organisational skills with the ability to deal with multiple demands and competing priorities to tight deadlines.
12. Experience of managing and developing staff together with strong research and analytical skills.
13. The ability to act as Spokesperson and to manage communications on behalf of the RTB in a professional and comprehensive way that takes cognisance of the importance of the RTB’s reputation and risk management.
14. Excellent written and verbal communications skills with experience in communicating complex issues clearly and concisely.

Desirable Attributes

In addition to the essential requirements, it is desirable that candidates have:

• A minimum level 8 qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications in a relevant discipline.
• Hold a relevant post-graduate qualification (e.g. Masters etc.);

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