Communications & Publications Officer

Role description: 

We are looking for a skilled and detail-oriented Communications & Publications Officer to lead on crafting compelling written content across Southampton Hospitals Charity’s key communication channels. You will be responsible for producing high-quality publications, case studies, and press materials that engage supporters, hospital staff, and the wider community. 

Working closely with the Campaigns and Marketing Manager and Digital Marketing and Content Officer, you will ensure stories and impact case studies are effectively shared across print and digital channels, supporting fundraising and brand awareness. 

Main Responsibilities: 

Content creation & publications 

• Research, write, and edit compelling copy for a range of publications, including impact reports, newsletters, magazines, and brochures. 

• Write engaging press releases and manage media relations. 

• Work with designers and printers to produce high-quality print materials, ensuring the Southampton Hospitals Charity brand is consistent throughout. 

• Work with photographers to ensure the charity has an extensive bank of patient and UHS staff photography to use across marketing collateral and communications. 

Fundraising & supporter engagement 

• Develop and manage case studies that showcase the impact of fundraising and donations, including taking photos of projects and interviewing staff and patients where needed. 

• Develop concepts and promotional collateral for fundraising activity and events (including responsibility for in house design). 

• Work closely with Campaigns & Marketing Manager to develop key messaging and deliver activity for large scale marketing and fundraising campaigns that help the Charity to meet financial and engagement targets. 

• Develop and manage case studies that showcase the impact of fundraising and donations. 

Internal & external communications 

• Build relationships with UHS Communications team. 

• Lead on internal communications, ensuring hospital staff are up-to-date and engaged with charitable activities. 

Stakeholder & media engagement 

• Build relationships with hospital staff to identify potential stories and case studies. 

• Liaise with journalists and media contacts to secure press coverage. 

• Work closely with the Digital Marketing and Content Officer to ensure consistency across print and digital content. 

• Where needed, help manage Digital Marketing and Content Officer responsibilities during periods of annual leave. 

Person Specification: 

Knowledge & Experience 

• Experience (or interest in) working within the Charity Sector and an understanding of the principles of the donor pipeline and donor/supporter engagement. 

• Strong experience in copywriting, editing, and storytelling. 

• Experience producing print and digital publications, including designing in-house as well as working with third-party designers and suppliers where necessary. 

• Experience writing press releases and working with the media. 

• Understanding of audience segmentation and tailored messaging. 

• Knowledge of fundraising communications and storytelling best practices. 

• Experience using content management systems (e.g. WordPress). 

• Familiarity with digital advertising and email marketing platforms (Mailchimp). 

• Experience using CRM or supporter databases (Beacon preferred). 

Skills & Attributes 

• Exceptional written communication skills. 

• Experience of using Canva and/or Adobe Suite. 

• Ability to work to brand guidelines, producing aesthetically pleasing collateral and marketing materials. 

• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects. 

• Highly organised with the ability to multi-task. 

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills. 

• Ability to translate complex information into accessible and engaging content. 

• Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills. 

• A strategic thinker who can see the bigger picture while managing day-to-day tasks. 

• A self-starter who can work independently and as part of a team.