Job Details
This is a Grade 8 role
Hours per week 37
This is a hybrid role working from County Hall, Preston
We are looking for a web content specialist with excellent writing skills, a strong understanding of creating accessible digital content, and experience with a content management system such as Umbraco. As part of our project to develop Lancashire County Council’s website, you will work directly with a range of services across the authority to provide professional expertise and support, ensuring delivery of effective communications for the authority. As an experienced practitioner and technical specialist you will work within a team of professionals, deploying the full range of digital tactics and activities to a high standard. You will be responsible for reviewing and updating content to meet the high standards we expect from our digital presence before publishing the updates using our Umbraco CMS. Scope of the work The post holder will need to apply judgment and analysis to identify solutions to a variety of web projects. They will work with colleagues to deliver a range of projects and will act as the web representative on various matrix groups that are brought together by the service area they are supporting. The role will also involve working with more senior members of staff and as the lead contact on specific projects. They will work directly with a range of services across the authority to provide professional expertise and support, ensuring delivery of effective communications for the authority via a range of web channels. They will use their initiative to proactively question and challenge decisions and identify potential problems where appropriate. They will be responsible for briefing staff at all levels and councillors on project activity. The post holder will support the development of the corporate website and intranet to assist in delivering services and messages to relevant audiences. They will work as a technical specialist and experienced practitioner within a team of professionals, deploying the full range of digital tactics and activities to a high standard.
Accountabilities/Responsibilities ?
Project manage, plan, deliver and evaluate identified digital communication projects to meet service requirements and to ensure the best outcomes for both customers and the council. ?
Assist in managing the reputation of the council through generating digital solutions across web channels. ?
Undertake specialised technical and analytical support activities to assist colleagues in delivering more complex digital solutions. ?
Manage and support web communication channels, developing digital content for use across multiple channels. ?
Work with communications managers to ensure all web communications, where feasible, have a clear outcome, can be measured, and assist in achieving the overall project targets and objectives. ?
Work with senior colleagues to develop and improve content, content management systems, user experience, user insight, search optimisation and information architecture. ?
Suggest improvements to current working methods to contribute to improvements in communications and wider communications service delivery. ? Represent the communications service at key meetings with services. ?
Engage online with external and internal users to achieve communication objectives and help manage the online reputation of the authority. ?
Resolve routine issues to ensure the effective delivery of audience appropriate communications. ? Identify cost saving opportunities or improved ways of doing things to save the council money. ?
Advise digital communication solutions to operational problems and processes. ?
Collate and analyse technical data from a variety of sources and interpret findings for review by more senior colleagues, putting forward recommendations where possible. May include producing ad hoc reports or project work. ?
Contribute to performance monitoring within the communications team by collating monthly performance measures. ?
Provide information, advice and guidance to services by interpreting established procedures, using technical experience, and by applying best practice within the field. ?
Provide on the job training, mentoring and guidance to less experienced members of staff/colleagues to ensure they develop the necessary skills to deliver in their role. ?
Work with others to develop communications in line with the Lancashire County Council brand ensuring messages and processes are straightforward, communications have a call to action, and emphasising the quality services we offer to customers. ?
Keep up to date with changes in policy/legislation/contractual requirements and advise on accessibility and quality standards. ?
Any other duties that are commensurate with the grade of the post. Skills, Knowledge and Experience All the following requirements are essential unless otherwise indicated by * ?
Recognised vocational or professional qualification plus broad experience in the area of expertise. May be working towards a professional qualification or be of graduate entry level with sound practical experience. ?
Up to date detailed knowledge of the practical application of specialised web communication processes, techniques, working systems, equipment and IT software, plus an awareness of council policies and services related to the role. ?
Detailed knowledge and experience of website/intranet usability, user experience, and user insight. ?
Continuous learning and improvement in web and digital skills/techniques. ?
Knowledge of the accessibility, usability and indexing of templates. ?
Knowledge of managing the information architecture process. ?
Have the ability to influence the behaviour of others through effective relationship building and technical or professional expertise. ?
Be self-motivated and delivery focused, with a track record of getting things done and achieving communications impact. ?
Have excellent judgement skills and be confident in dealing with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. ?
Knowledge of web and digital best practice, emerging technologies and standards. ?
Organisation and project management skills. ?
Excellent writing skills – including editing, copy writing and proofing. ?
Analytical skills and problem-solving capability. ?
Ability to informally train and mentor less experienced staff. ?
Ability to build and maintain effective networks and relationships. ?
Experience of working independently with relevant specialised systems, equipment and IT software (e.g. content management systems). ?
Ability to clearly explain technical issues to non-technical users. ?
Up to date knowledge of relevant policy, technical, regulatory or professional framework. ?
Understanding of usability and accessibility of web products. ?
Understanding of working within a political environment. ?
Be team oriented, with a ‘can do’ and ‘hands on’ approach to helping out the wider communications team. Other ?
The 24-hour nature of communications may require working outside office hours in emergency situations either remotely or at an office location. Given the unknown nature of an emergency situation and subsequent inability to plan, it is accepted that colleagues may have location issues or caring responsibilities that mean they would be unable to support at short notice.