Publications Officer

Working on behalf of a Local Authority, Aatom Recruitment has an opportunity for Publications Officer on a 2 month contract with a possibility of an extension.

This position will be a total of 36 hours per week, with hours from 09:00am – 17:00pm.

Job Purpose:

Contribute to the production of the council’s printed and online publications, which include Hillingdon People (residents’ magazine) team Hillingdon (staff newspaper) and other publications such as the Hillingdon People Locals, council tax booklet, arts brochures, annual reports and any other corporate publications as required.

Job Specific Accountabilities:

• Research and interview for articles and features, both internally and with external contributors such as voluntary organisations and the council’s partners
• Write articles and features for the council’s and its partner’s publications
• Provide layout and design briefs for in-house and external designers
• Work in partnership with printers, distributors and others involved with production of publications, ensuring any contractual obligations are met.
• Support the distribution of publications
• Commission and brief freelance photographers / illustrators
• Ensure the council’s objectives are reflected in publications
• Promote a positive image of the council and the London Borough of Hillingdon, through publications
• Ensure publications are of a high quality by implementing agreed proofing and checking mechanisms
• Provide professional advice to staff, managers and councillors on the production of council publications
• Adhere to the code of recommended practice on local authority publicity, raising any concerns with the Publications Editor.
• Ensure deadlines are met and any risks of slippage are brought to the attention of the Publications and Internal Communications Manager.
• Maintain knowledge of the current Team Plan and understanding of own contribution in order to ensure delivery of this plan.
• Ensure Service Level Agreements (SLA’s) are met
• Contribute towards advertising sales and income
• Demonstrate cost-consciousness and identify any cost effective changes to own way of working.

Knowledge, Qualifications and Experience:

• A relevant degree or professional qualification
• Educated to A-level and some experience in journalism, writing or editing magazines.
• Ability to attend out of hours meetings and events as required
• Ability to attend boroughwide meetings and events
• Ability to work flexibly to meet publication deadlines, and the needs of the service
• Relevant experience of working within a print, production, communications, marketing, journalism or other public relations environment
• Able to work on own initiative with minimal supervision, and be able to work as part of a wider team
• Understanding of digital communications channels and be able to use these to maximum effect
• Knowledge of print and production practices, including online information system and distribution mechanisms
• Knowledge of Desktop Publishing and current design methods
• Ability to handle sensitive issues/information in a positive and diplomatic way
• Ability to work within predetermined budgets
• Ability to support marketing campaigns to target appropriate audiences
• Able to use photographs creatively and advise on appropriate images
• Understanding and commitment to equality of opportunity and diversity issues and ability to implement these in the delivery of projects

To get more information about this role and how to apply please contact Simon.