Marketing and Events Assistant

Main purpose of job

To be responsible to the Marketing Officer for assisting in the delivery of effective customer-focused marketing and events for Belfast Zoo, with the aim of increasing visitor usage and income.

To perform such duties and tasks in line with corporate identity and branding guidelines, and to agreed quality, time and targets.

Summary of responsibilities and personal duties

1.          Assist in delivering a customer-focused marketing strategy with an aim to actively market and promote the range of services provided by Belfast Zoo.

2.          Assist with the development of all promotional materials, ensuring all marketing information is produced and circulated in a timely manner.

3.          Assist with the creation and editing of effective print-ready graphic designs using Adobe Illustrator software in line with brand guidelines and liaising and internal and external printers.

4.          Assist with the delivery of an annual programme of events and promotions, including maintaining and monitoring risk assessments and health and safety requirements for relevant activities.

5.          Assist with the development and delivery of digital and social media content to maximise customer engagement.

6.          Assist in the research, development and delivery of promotional and commercial opportunities for Belfast Zoo’s services.

7.          Develop, maintain and monitor effective administration of all relevant marketing activities.

8.          Develop and maintain positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders such as Corporate Communications and external media outlets.

9.          Assist with developing and evaluating customer-focused and commercial research including visitor satisfaction surveys, benchmarking projects and regular customer feedback.

10.       Assist with the management of media-focused activities including drafting press releases, coordinating media interviews and responding to media queries.

11.       Ensure high standards of service delivery and customer communications, and deal with customer queries and complaints in line with departmental and Council policies.

12.       Assist in maintaining and expanding the zoo’s marketing database including an extensive photography database.

13.       Use photographic equipment to capture suitable still and moving images for communication and promotional purposes.

14.       Effectively and appropriately use the zoo’s brand and corporate identity in line with brand and Council guidelines.

15.       Create and support an open communication culture and the sharing of knowledge within the team.

16.       Represent the post holders line manager, as required, within the postholder’s sphere of responsibility

17.       Motivate and manage any staff, that may be assigned, to the post holder to ensure effective service delivery and to be responsible for reviewing and implementing a proper staff training and development programme.

18.       Participate in all induction and in-service training provided by Belfast City Council and in the induction and support of all newly appointed staff and other human resource management policies and procedures, as appropriate, including, absence management, disciplinary and grievance procedure.

19.       Participate as directed in the Council’s recruitment and selection procedures.

20.       Act in accordance with the council and departmental policies and procedures including customer care, equal opportunities, health and safety, safeguarding and any pertinent legislation.

21.       Undertake the duties in such a way as to enhance and protect the reputation and public profile of the council.

22.       Undertake such other relevant duties as may from time to time be required.

This job description has been written at a time of significant organisational change and it will be subject to review and amendment as the demands of the role and the organisation evolve.  Therefore, the post-holder will be required to be flexible, adaptable and aware that they may be asked to perform tasks, duties and responsibilities which are not specifically detailed in the job description, but which are commensurate with the role.

Essential Criteria

Qualifications and experience

Applicants must, as at the closing date for receipt of application forms:

·       be able to demonstrate, by providing personal and specific examples on the application form, that they have at least one year’s relevant work experience in each of the following areas:

a)    assisting with the implementation of successful marketing, communication or event plans;

b)    the organisation of events, exhibitions or promotional activities;

c)     creating print-ready graphic designs using relevant IT packages including Adobe Creative Suite.

Desirable criterion

In addition to the above qualifications and, or experience, Belfast City Council reserves the right to short-list only those applicants, who, as at the closing date for receipt of applications have a third level qualification in a relevant subject such as Marketing, Communications, Advertising or can demonstrate on the application form by providing personal and specific examples of at least two years relevant experience within each of the following areas outlined above in (a-c).

Special skills and attributes

Applicants must be able to demonstrate, evidence of the following skills and attributes which may be tested at interview:

Technical knowledge: the ability to create and produce print-ready graphic design materials in line with brand guidelines, using full working knowledge of Abobe Creative Suite.

Communication skills: excellent literacy skills with the ability to produce press releases, media content, promotional materials and online content. Effective oral communication skills and the ability to convey ideas and information in a persuasive and influential manner.

Work planning and organisational skills: the ability to operate effectively under pressure and unsupervised, to forward plan and to effectively prioritize considering short- and medium-term goals, service demands and the availability of resources.

Team working skills: the ability to work in a team, across different internal departments and with multi-disciplinary, cross-organizational teams, to deliver successful results.

Political and corporate sensitivity skills: an unbiased attitude with skills to promote good public relations and ability to maintain sound relationships with a range of stakeholders on various issues including those which are highly sensitive or confidential.

Information technology skills: the ability to operate a range of standard office programmes and have a good understanding of how information technology and new technology can aid communications and increase efficiency.

Customer care skills: the ability to communicate effectively and positively with members of the public in a range of situations to promote the work of the Zoo and when dealing with customer feedback including complaints.

Health and safety knowledge: knowledge and understanding of relevant health and safety issues and legislation.

Salary: £29,572 - £31,067 per annum