Corporate Communications Officer

Tourism continues to be one of Northern Irelands most recognisable good news stories. Tourism NI is responsible for the development of tourism product and experiences across Northern Ireland as well as marketing to visitors within Northern Ireland and from the Republic of Ireland. Tourism is an industry that makes a real difference to the economy and job creation, accounting for 70,000 jobs, 9% of all jobs in Northern Ireland. In 2023 overnight visitors to Northern Ireland spent £1.2 billion, demonstrating tourisms importance to the Northern Ireland economy. Tourism NIs consumer brand Embrace a Giant Spirit has been widely adopted and is playing an important role in creating stand out for Northern Ireland as a destination. The brand encapsulates the spirit of the people, warmth of the welcome and the authenticity of the visitor experience in Northern Ireland. Brand campaigns are encouraging more visitors from key markets to experience a trip to Northern Ireland with particular success in attracting more visitors across the border. In 2023 there was an unprecedented number of visitors from the Republic to Northern Ireland, with over 1.3 million trips accounting for almost one quarter of all trips made in Northern Ireland. Overseas visitor accounted for over one third of all trips in Northern Ireland in 2023, while increasingly more Northern Ireland product is being added to tour operators itineraries from international markets. Tourism NI works closely with Tourism Ireland to win a bigger share of visitors to the island of Ireland. In 2024, Tourism Ireland set the target to grow regional, off-peak overseas tourism revenue by an average +6.5% year on year to 2030. Current investment includes a multi-million-pound refurbishment programme at Titanic Belfast, new hotels in Belfast, Derry~Londonderry, and the North Coast and an expanding screen tourism product. Tourism NI is currently part of the bidding process to attract a number of major international events to Northern Ireland over the next five years, while planning is already underway to make the most of the opportunities in 2025 when The Open will return to Royal Portrush. Tourism NI is also closely involved in the tourism elements of the City and Growth Deal Programmes which will be crucial in helping to secure more spend from international visitors to the island. The Belfast Stories attraction, a maritime visitor attraction for Derry, the extension to The Gobbins, the Mourne Gateway Project and the regeneration of Hillsborough will add to our portfolio and complement the better known attractions. With a significant investment by both Tourism NI and the Department for the Economy in supporting the industry through recent challenges, the focus is now firmly on full recovery and a return to growth. CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER GENERAL RESPONSIBILITY The overall purpose of this role is to support the Corporate Communications Manager in the development and execution of Tourism Northern Irelands (Tourism NIs) corporate communications strategy across all platforms and assist in the management of Tourism NIs public image and communications of the organisation. This role will involve engagement with a range of stakeholders including the media, Government departments, agencies and the tourism industry, to develop joint consumer and corporate PR opportunities and ensure that Tourism NIs internal and external communications are aligned. The Corporate Communications Officer will also support Tourism NIs corporate and business objectives, promoting consistency, and partnering with stakeholders across the organisation and externally as part of a co-ordinated approach. The nature of the role requires an excellent knowledge of the communications and media landscape. MAIN DUTIES The post holder will be responsible for the following areas of activity: Stakeholder Engagement Work with the Corporate Communications Manager and Tourism NIs Executive and Senior Management Teams to develop a programme of engagement with key stakeholders to include meetings, briefings and visits to new and high-priority tourism projects and experiences. Assist the Corporate Communications Manager in developing tailored corporate stakeholder communications materials. Nurture, develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders/partners (both internal and external) to work collaboratively and to support the delivery of communications and PR activity. Assist the Corporate Communications Manager and key stakeholders in delivering key projects as well as further enabling Tourism NI to grow its organisational presence and reputation. Work alongside the Unit Manager, to proactively engage with internal and external stakeholders to remain abreast of issues, developments, and opportunities which may impact upon, or provide a benefit to, the organisation. Represent Tourism NI at conferences, events, PR opportunities, meetings and working groups etc. Work collaboratively across all Tourism NI teams to ensure that the work programme is informed by organisational need, meets expectations and there is strong alignment in delivery of cross functional activity. Media Relations and PR Provide a proactive internal news gathering service to the organisation and develop/create high quality content across print, broadcast, online, social and digital channels such as X (previously known as Twitter) and LinkedIn etc. Assist the Unit Manager in developing key messages, managing media, press office, media briefings and press releases. Work alongside the Unit Manager, to prepare and issue press releases, media kits, and other PR material in collaboration with teams across Tourism NI. Work alongside the Unit Manager, to co-ordinate and manage responses to media inquiries and interview requests in a timely and professional manner. Develop existing and new media contacts and regularly review for relevance and currency. Maintain PR press lists for regular mail outs. Liaise closely with Tourism NIs ROI based team and partner agencies such as Tourism Ireland and Failte Ireland to share content, co-ordinate planning and ensure consistency of messaging. Develop corporate communications presentations for use with various stakeholders. Work with key stakeholders (both internal and external) to organise and manage photocalls. Liaise with the Department for the Economys Press Office on all Ministerial/Permanent Secretary events and provide speaking notes, press releases and quotes. Liaise with internal Tourism NI teams and external agencies to draft and edit speaking notes for the Chief Executive, Chairman and Board Members and Minister/Permanent Secretary. Develop, implement, and evaluate a pro-active Public Relations Campaign aimed at improving awareness of the Northern Ireland tourism product among the domestic market and related work of Tourism NI. Assist with management of the Public Relations Agency and support the development of a creative PR plan. Generate a programme of media events and briefings and liaise closely with the Marketing Division. Internal Communications Work closely with the Executive Support Team to ensure that internal and external messaging is aligned. Provide support where necessary to the Chief Executive and Executive Support Team on internal communications. Employee Management Support the Unit Manager in recruiting, managing, motivating, and developing the team to ensure that all activities are managed in line with Tourism NIs policies, procedures, values and behaviours. Provide effective Line Management responsibilities for employee development within the team ensuring motivation, providing coaching, and ensuring efficient and effective use of people and their skills. Ensure that employee learning and development plans are in place and performance reviews are undertaken within the required timescales. Additional Duties Produce and/or quality review a variety of correspondence including, business cases, FOI responses, reports, provide oral briefing and draft submissions on areas researched and/or investigated. Ensure that key activities are undertaken professionally in an efficient and effective manner. Assist in the delivery of project work within the team and across Tourism NI including representation at working groups and meetings. Contribute to the development of the Unit Plan, the achievement of tourism targets and promote corporate values and behaviours within the team and across the organisation. Provide cover for management within the Division to include decision making and attending meetings in the absence of colleagues. Attend training as and when required and keep abreast of current developments in your area of work. Provide briefing material and draft responses / correspondence as and when required by Tourism NIs Executive Leadership Team, Board, Department for the Economy, the NI Assembly, members of the tourism industry and the general public within the specified timelines and in an appropriate format. Maintain, store, and dispose of records in accordance with Tourism NIs information governance policy including the use of record management systems including Microsoft Teams and SharePoint. Support communication of the Tourism NI corporate brand. Any other duties commensurate with the grade as required by Tourism NI. This Job Description has been written at a time of organisational change and it will be subject to review and amendment as the demands of the role and the organisation evolve. Therefore, the Job Holder will be required to be flexible, adaptable and aware that they may be asked to perform tasks, duties and responsibilities which are not specifically detailed in the Job Description, but which are commensurate with the role. PERSON SPECIFICATION ESSENTIAL CRITERIA EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE Option 1 A 3rd level qualification in communications, marketing, public relations or journalism as detailed in the qualification framework overleaf. AND A minimum of 2 years experience in a Communications, Public Relations, Marketing or Media environment. AND A minimum of 2 years experience in managing resources, including employees and budgets within the public and/or private sector. OR Option 2 A minimum of 4 years experience in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing or media environment. AND A minimum of 4 years experience in managing resources, including employees and budgets within the public and/or private sector. ESSENTIAL CRITERIA Personal Effectiveness The Job Holder will also possess a high standard of: Excellent organisation and planning skills including the ability to prioritise, plan and manage tasks in order to produce high quality content within strict/tight deadlines and budgets to ensure that customer expectations are met. Excellent negotiation, influencing communication and creative writing skills oral and written. Ability to network and build strong relationships with key partners and stakeholders, both internal and external towards a common goal. Ability to work within a team environment, on own initiative and take the lead where necessary to achieve organisational objectives. Ability to be creative, innovative, and flexible in approach. Proven ability to deliver on set objectives and implement strategies leading to improved business performance. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION This is not an exhaustive list of duties and requirements. The nature of the organisation is such that it must respond to the dynamic environment in which it operates and the nature of duties, tasks, knowledge and skills required for this post will evolve and change in time. The Job Holder is expected to adapt to these changes and develop the role as a result. Applicants must also possess a current driving licence and use of a car for business purposes or have access to a form of transport which will permit the applicant to meet the requirements of the post in full. EQUALITY STATEMENT Tourism NI is committed to equality and will comply with the Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998) statutory duties which requires designated public authorities to have due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity in relation to the nine equality categories and to have regard to the desirability of promoting good relations between persons of different religious belief; political opinion; and racial group. The Disability Discrimination Act (1995) Section 49A requires designated public authorities to have due regard to the need to promote positive attitudes towards disabled persons, and to the need to encourage participation by disabled persons in public life. QUALIFICATION FRAMEWORK Some roles within Tourism Northern Ireland require a specific or minimum level of education which will be stipulated in the essential criteria for the role. When stating a particular qualification level, Tourism Northern Ireland will accept those at, or equivalent to, recognised list of Qualification Levels. FOR FULL APPLICATION PACK PLEASE VISIT our website by clicking Apply. COMPLETING APPLICATIONS Those wishing to apply should submit a completed application no later than Monday 16th December at 12 noon. CVs will not be accepted as a substitute/supplement to the application form. TOURISM NI IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER

Location: Belfast, GB

Posted Date: 11/29/2024