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External Communications Specialist

Reference Number
GRO1023

External Communications Specialist

Closing date for applications
10 July 2014
Country
United Kingdom
City
Reading
Function/Discipline
Policy & Corporate Affairs
Employment Category
This is a contract role
Supplying Organisation Conditions *Contract only*
Working Hours
40
Full/Part-Time
Full Time
Number of Roles Available
1
Salary
Competitive

Position Summary

  What is the purpose of this position? Why does it exist?
·         This newly created role will be an important member of the external communications team. While focussed on media relations the jobholder will work across the entire team, this will include crisis communications, digital communications and social media to brand. This is a good opportunity for an external communications professional to develop a broad range of external communications and media relations skills and experience in a global organisation.
·         The jobholder will be responsible for the day to day running of the crisis communications plan, media monitoring (both print and online/social) and running the Group’s media and crisis communications training programme.
·         The jobholder will also create and publish content and editorial pieces for print and online (including the BG Group website and social media channels) and develop media briefing materials, FAQs and fact sheets.  They will also undertake day-to-day media relations activity and under direction act as a media spokesperson for BG Group. They will work with the global BG Group communications community, providing communications advice and support on key communications projects and events.

Key Accountabilities

 What are the core accountabilities? For example, what decisions can the jobholder make? What decisions does the jobholder go to their manager for?
·         Under the direction of External Communications Manager, develop and manage an effective set core controls for the external communications discipline. This will include the ongoing review of all core controls and the identification of improved ways of working and management. It will also include managing the production and updating of the Black Book
·         The development and publishing of content online to the BG Group website (via Content Management System), approved social media channels and the London Stock Exchange
·         Manage external media monitoring suppliers
·         Provide design and visual identity support as needed and manage the digital content library
·         The post holder will be expected to escalate significant reputational issues or media queries to the External Communications Manager
·         Liaise with external technical and brand agencies/suppliers as required
 
What authority or influence does the jobholder have over people, money, systems, budgets, expertise? N.B. For some areas, the jobholder’s expertise is the main resource.
·         This role is responsible for the delivery and ongoing effectiveness of a number of key core controls, proposing enhancements and better ways of working.
·         Under direction, they may need to act as a spokesperson or media responder for BG Group, which could include providing on-record comment and background guidance on a wide range of issues
 
What can the job holder actually change? What changes can they initiate?
·         The post holder will have the scope to recommend enhancements to the core controls, media monitoring and how the Group uses social media for media engagement.
 
Who is the natural work team internally? Who in the external world does the jobholder have to influence?
The post holder will be required to work closely with the rest of the external communications team, in particular the Digital Communications Manager and the Head of External Communications. They will also work closely with Group HSSE on the delivery of Crisis Communications training.
Externally, the post holder will need to have good working relationships with external service providers and peers in the PR industry.

What behind impact can the role make on BG? What is the ‘legacy’ he/she wants to leave? Over what timeframe can performance be judged?
This is a significant role which should lead to improved delivery of our external communication processes and core controls and an enhanced online media presence. Their performance should be judged over a 6 – 18 month time period.

Unique Knowledge, Skills, Experience and Attribute

 What are the critical experiences that are needed to successfully perform this job? (Never describe experience in terms of number of years required).
·         Press office experience, preferably gained within a UK plc environment, combined with an understanding of media and investment community dynamics
·         Detailed understanding of best practice in digital media and experience of delivering content on social media channels and Content Management Systems
·         Managing similar core control processes
·         The successful applicant should also have some prior experience of working internationally in a global organisation
 
What is the critical knowledge, academic background and skills that are needed to successfully perform this job? What personal attributes and behaviours are required e.g. self motivation, resilience?
Critical appointment factors include:
·         excellent written and oral communication skills
·         the ability to actively contribute to communication planning
·         good presentation skills and the ability to influence
·         an understanding of newsroom dynamics and the UK and international media environment, with the ability to develop positive working media relationships
·         experience in other corporate communications disciplines, especially online communications and social media, reputation management and crisis communications
·         the ability to manage third party suppliers and ensure value for money
·         a willingness to work across a range of time zones and to provide advice, guidance and support outside normal working hours on a regular basis

Additional Information for External Candidates

BG Group values diversity and is committed to equal opportunities; applications are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates.
 
Please note that after the closing date you will no longer be able to apply for the vacancy. The specific time of closing is midnight UK time on the date displayed. BG Group also reserves the right to close vacancies before the advertised closing date without prior notice.