OUR PLACEMENTS

Placement summary

Hepatitis Scotland, hosted within Scottish Drugs Forum and based in central Glasgow, are searching for a 12 month Communications Graduate to support and oversee their communication and information needs on a day-to-day basis. This project will involve managing Hepatitis Scotland's social media presence, website, and other online channels - as well as content creation for e-bulletins and public health initiatives, re-configuring and maintaining public facing information resources and plans for the future. This is a great opportunity to join a team of experts, get paid experience in the communications field, and make a real impact on the longer term development of the organisation.

If successful there may be an opportunity for a longer term placement at a higher pay scale.

Job description

Project Description

This is an exciting project that will allow the successful candidate to take real ownership in propelling our organisation forward. We are looking to maintain and develop our range of communication methods, and start utilising more 'bespoke' e-communication tools. Three key pieces of work are public activity around World Hepatitis Day, Hepatitis Scotland e-Bulletin and we are currently developing a multi-organisational harm reduction approach to MSM and drug use, which the successful applicant will be a key resource for.

This project will identify the most effective means to achieve this, and help this approach through the organisations. We are looking forward to seeing the successful candidate make this project their own, and delivering a key national resource. This will involve:

• Creating an audit of what communications are currently undertaken, their quality, and suggestions for improvement
•  Improve communication of the varied work of Hepatitis Scotland and key information outputs  of the viral Hepatitis field  and ensure its consistency and quality both internally and externally
• A similar role with regards the Play Hard, Stay Safe MSM series of events and information and the hepcscot.org website, which is a cross multi-organisational campaign website.
• Consulting with stakeholders on their needs in terms of communication needs
• Developing a plan that will deliver up-to-date, effective communication and information resources
• Liaising with partner organisations to deliver a coordinated response to MSM related needs

Placement Objectives

The placement will include improving (and encouraging/supporting other staff to improve) the usability of content – writing or commissioning new content; rewriting or reorganising existing content; and removing out of date and duplicate content. This is an excellent chance to see how an influential organisation communicates, and be part of a developing presence over this 12 month placement.

Role Description

• To publish and update content, monitor channels for errors, and fix errors that arise
• To promote awareness of the existence and functionality of different channels and, in conjunction with the Head of Hepatitis Scotland , set communications strategy and monitor its effectiveness
• To manage feedback coming in about and/or via the channels and ensure it is dealt with or referred to the appropriate team member, including troubleshooting issues identified
• To monitor, report on and improve the usage and effectiveness of the channels via feedback tools such as Google Analytics
• To develop and maintain constructive working relationships with relevant organisations where appropriate
• Monitor and refine key news and information releases within the field, including setting up and monitoring  information feeds from key sources.
• To promote the devolved publishing model and support staff via expert guidance or troubleshooting and one-to-one or group training to create appropriate content which takes full advantage of the features of the channels

Due to the nature of our work, there may be other duties which may reasonably be requested by the Head of Hepatitis Scotland.

Qualifications

Candidate with a business/communications/IT HNC, HND or degree. However, we will accept all degree disciplines if the application addresses the essential criteria.

Skills / Experience

Essential Skills

• Accepting attitude
• Expertise in the use of social media, particularly Facebook and Twitter, and web usage monitoring tools (particularly Google Analytics)
• Experience of developing or maintaining and updating websites
• General understanding of web technology and willingness and ability to keep up with developments in this area
• Understanding of good principles and practice in relation to communication and design
• Good verbal communication skills and willing to present to a variety of groups
• Good written communication skills and ability to analyse and write content effectively
• Ability to communicate potentially complex information simply
• Creative with solving problems
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to operate as a team player and communicate constructively with colleagues
• Commitment to the overall aims and ethos of Hepatitis Scotland/ SDF

Desirable Skills

• Experience of using HTML and CSS
• Knowledge of content management systems
• Experience in creating video or audio and for use on a website
• Photoshop skills or similar (e.g. InDesign) to prepare images for the web
• Report writing skills
• Driving licence

We value diversity and welcome applications from applicants from all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from sections of the community which are currently under represented at SDF, including BAME, LGBT and applicants with disabilities. Appointments are all made on merit.

Benefits

Company benefits

The successful candidate will be based at SDF’s headquarters, which are in the middle of Glasgow, right next to Central Station. Our offices are easily accessible by public transport, and next to some excellent cafes and shops for lunch! We offer staff a generous annual leave package of 26 days, with a full 15 days of public holidays on top of this. Plus, our team usually have a standard working week of 35 hours, but with a flexi-time system in place.

Placement benefits

As part of ScotGrad Graduate Placement Programme, the successful candidate will have access to a FREE 3 day business and employability skills residential course, and also benefit from ongoing support from the ScotGrad team throughout the duration of the placement. This includes networking events, advice on training, and less formal catch up drinks!

Additional information

Location: Glasgow

Planned interview date: 29th September 2015

This placement may result in a permanent employment afterwards

Preferred start date: 19th October 2015

Company information

Hepatitis Scotland are the lead national voluntary agency, hosted within Scottish Drugs forum and entirely funded by the Scottish Government, that looks at enheancing voluntary sector and partner responses to viral hepatitis

Company sector: Other

Company website: www.hepatitisscotland.org.uk