Communications Officer

The Communications Officer plays a pivotal role in the delivery of the engagement programme at Velindre University NHS Trust and its divisions. Advanced Therapies Wales (ATW) is a VUNHST hosted Programme based in the Welsh Blood Service (WBS), to support the development of cell and gene advanced therapies. Wales is also part of the Midlands and Wales Advanced Therapies Treatment Centre (MWATTC) network, which is a network of treatment centres across the UK to support the delivery of cell and gene therapy clinical trials. Both programmes are hosted by VUNHST, under the direction of the deputy director both programmes align on the delivery of shared objectives.

Under the direction of the ATW programme lead/MWATTC, the Communications Officer is responsible for the planning, creation and publication of engaging communications content through a broad range of communications channels.

Using print, online, broadcast and social media to promote activity related to advanced therapies throughout Wales, the Communications Officer will take the lead in creating compelling communications content, including news releases, case studies, website stories, video content, social media graphics and other public facing collateral., The Communications Officer will have strong content creation skills to ensure all content can be repurposed for maximum impact across channels, for external and internal audiences.

The Communications Officer will develop and improve the Advanced Therapies Wales' digital offering (website, intranet and social media channels) and will enhance the Service's presence in mainstream media and hyperlocal news outlets.

The post holder will support the development of communications plans that enable the Service to engage with the stakeholders of the ATW and MW-ATTC programme in line with the Advanced Therapies for Wales Delivery Plan and be responsible for delivering key communications related themes within the plan.

The post holder will be the first point of contact for inbound media enquiries and will take the lead in managing relations with key media contacts. The post holder will support the creation and implementation of communication campaigns and events to increase public awareness of the services delivered. ATW, through promotional campaigns and events to increase public awareness of Advanced Therapies Activity across a regional and UK national level. There will be a requirement for the post holder to work across the geographical area of ATW and MW-ATTC and to work outside of normal business hours as required.

Here at Velindre University NHS Trust we are extremely proud of the specialist services we provide across the whole of Wales in our cutting-edge Velindre Cancer Centre and ouraward-winning Welsh Blood Service, as well as the expertise of our corporate functions that bring the two divisions together. We are also fortunate to host the NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership and Health Technology Wales and have developed strong partnership working with these expert services.

Formed in 1999, the Trust has a dedicated workforce that continuously strives to apply the key principles of value based healthcare through a wide array of roles. We play a vital role in the communities we support and have ambitious plans for the future to continue to improve the services we deliver. We strive to maintain our core values in everything we do by being; accountable, bold, caring and dynamic, and ensuring the best possible care for our patients and donors.

If you want to work for an organisation that prides itself on making a real difference and offers exciting career opportunities then Velindre University NHS Trust is the place for you.