Responsibilities

• Promote the work of South Yorkshire Police through a range of channels externally and internally (via the SYP intranet).
• Develop positive and supportive relationships with all stakeholders including OPCC, NPCC, local authorities and other statutory bodies in South Yorkshire.
• Receive and manage media enquiries (international, national, regional, and local), making decisions about the appropriate response to be given in order to support South Yorkshire Police and to protect and enhance the reputation of the Force – where necessary to receive and manage these enquiries out of normal office hours.
• Provide tactical communications advice to the Force including providing media training, where needed, and acting as an advisor to prepare individuals for media interviews.
• Plan, implement and produce material for on-line publication to increase public accessibility and engagement with the Force, uploading information to the Force website and other social and digital platforms.
• In liaison with the Communications Hub Manager, plan and deliver communications strategies, policies, and procedures to ensure a corporate, consistent, ethical, and effective approach towards media engagement and news management.
• Plan and direct, on a day-to-day basis, communications activity through the media and social media which further develops the Forces interaction with communities and partners.
• Alongside departmental management, help to govern and ensure the consistent application of the Force’s image and brand across all communication platforms.

Requirements

• Degree holder/qualification holder or having proven relevant professional experience in the business area (Communications and/or Journalism).
• Extensive knowledge and experience in the use of a wide range of traditional media mechanisms and social and digital media platforms and the writing of articles, features and copy for publication on a variety of channels.
• Sound knowledge or experience of creating campaign which deliver behavioural change for both and internal and external audience.
• Sound knowledge of legislation which impacts upon media coverage and criminal justice procedures and sound knowledge of legislation which impacts upon web-based communications for a variety of audiences.
• Experience of working in a fast-paced communications and/or media environment.
• Demonstrable experience in communications or an impressive transferable skill set from another sector such as a PR agency or journalism. A willingness to learn media law is essential and support would be provided for this.

Preferred

• Experience in police communications would be beneficial

Benefits

• A highly competitive salary and access to a generous pension scheme
• Generous annual leave allowance
• A wide range of family friendly policies including enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave.
• Flexible working arrangements including flexitime and hybrid working.
• A transparent and collaborative team culture underpinned by our core values of Fairness, Integrity & Trust
• Comprehensive range of development and leadership courses to develop your career with South Yorkshire Police
• Employee Assistant Programme (accessible 24/7) offering confidential support and advice.
• Flexible lifestyle benefits such as: Blue Light Card, Company Shop, Cycle to work scheme.
• Committed to embedding sustainability: South Yorkshire Police Sustainability Strategy 2020-2025 (yhrn.police)
• Membership to the Sports and Social Club