Parkinsons Disease Society (pds) Job Description Research Communications Manager 1.

PARKINSONS DISEASE SOCIETY (PDS) JOB DESCRIPTION RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER 1.

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB The role has two principal aspects: Inbound - To elicit ideas from the members and from the research community regarding priorities in Parkinson’s disease Research and Development (R&D) and their information needs. Outbound - To communicate the results of Parkinson's Disease Society (PDS)sponsored (and other) research into Parkinson’s, to the members, researchers, healthcare professionals, donors and groups whom the PDS may wish to influence.

2.

POSITION IN ORGANISATION Research and Development Director Reports to Responsible for Main relationships

3.

4.

Research Communications Officer External - Researchers, potential researchers and recipients of Parkinson’s Research Information.

Internal: • Members, especially those with an interest in research,, • Communications – provision of expert information in research-related matters • Colleagues in R&D • Fundraising BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DIRECTORATE The Research Directorate is responsible for: • the design and implementation of the PDS Research Strategy; • monitoring the main issues that require research and funding which form the basis of the Research Agenda; • the operation of the grant-making process; • the identification of new research workers and provide mentorship when they need help in developing applications; • the identification of the communication aspects of the Society’s Research and Development in collaboration with the other relevant Directorates. SCOPE OF THE JOB

A.

Responsible for contributing the R&D elements to general Society communications (e.g. The Parkinson)

B.

Responsible for the R&D component of the PDS Internet site, including use of the site as a means of communicating research findings, updates and current news

Job Description

C.

Responsible for the provision of information in response to research enquiries

D.

Responsible for the provision of information on the PDS research achievements

E.

Line manage the activities and development of Research Communications Officer

5.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITITES Responsible for contributing the Research & Development elements to specific Society communications • Take responsibility for producing research specific publications, including the “Progress” research magazine • Work with PDS members and other Directorates to ensure that the publication meets the needs of the evolving organisation • Direct research composition of the general Society publications (e.g. “The Parkinson”) • Timely preparation of lay summaries of recently awarded grants for use in PDS publications and by other PDS directorates Responsible for the R&D component of the PDS Internet site, including use of the site as a means of communicating research findings, updates and current news • Work with the Web Manager and Research Communications Officer to develop and maintain the R&D section of the PDS website • Develop a strategy for the future development of the research component of the website • Ensure the website is updated to reflect the wide variety of the research funded by the Society • Identify key current topics that may be appropriate for highlighting on the main page Responsible for the provision of information in response to research enquiries • Work with the Research Communications Officer to provide information to answer questions that may be received via the research email address • Assist the helpline team with any research associated enquiries • Provide details of appropriate external experts to deal with specific enquiries • Signpost specific enquiries to appropriate information sources Responsible for the provision of information on the PDS research achievements

A

B

C

D

Job Description

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E

6.

Proactively work with the members of the Society to increase their knowledge of PDS funded research • Give oral presentations on the PDS funded and other Parkinson’s research to members of the PDS and other lay groups • Provide appropriate information on the results of PDS funded research (research outcomes) to a variety of stakeholders • Correlation of “end of grant” information and its dissemination in PDS publications, on the web page and in other formats such as fact sheets. • Identify mechanisms by which annual and final grant summaries and reports of site visits can be used to increase awareness of PDS funded research Line manage the activities and development of the Research Communications Officer • Manage, supervise and develop the Research Communications Officer including annual reviews, to ensure high quality service and achievement of annual objectives. • Provide regular supervision and one to one support in a learning environment. • Conduct monthly supervision meetings in which achievements and challenges are discussed and objectives set. • Promote team building, open and clear communications, co-operation and appropriate networks of support for staff. • Ensure the Research Communications Officer is aware of relevant legislation and is kept up-to-date with developments at the PDS as well as policy and procedural changes. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

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• • 7.

Contribute positively to the Directorate and team meetings, team working and implementing organisational priorities Be flexible within the broad remit of the post and be prepared to work some evenings and weekends Take direction on projects and priorities, which may vary from time to time Abide by organisational policies and practices, including the equal opportunities policy Be self-servicing and able to act on own initiative where necessary

DIMENSIONS AND LIMITS OF AUTHORITY

Disciplinary Action:

None

Budgetary Limits:

N/A

Authorises expenditure within a budget to a limit of:

£5,000

Signs contracts and contractual matters on behalf of PDS:

N/A

This job description does not form part of your contract of employment. The duties laid down in this job description may change from time to time following a review and in consultation between post holder and line manager / Director. Updated

Job Description

November 2009

Signed by post holder:

Date:

Agreed Correct and signed by Line Manager:

Date:

Agreed Correct and Signed by Director:

Date: PARKINSONS DISEASE SOCIETY (PDS)

Experience

Job Description

PERSON SPECIFICATION RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Essential Experience in working with healthcare  professionals Experience in working with research  workers and an appreciation of the ‘research process’ in the UK Interaction with “customers” of research –  e.g. people suffering from a specific condition, government or NHS managers responsible for clinical or prioritisation decisions Experience in ensuring a high quality in  some aspect of the work (e.g. judging projects, reviewing manuscripts, examining)

Desirable

Skills and Abilities

Job Description

Experience of working as part of a small team of professionals, contributing mutual support and encouragement Experience of line managing staff Good communication skills, with a trackrecord of success in the following (a) Presentations to professional and/or lay audiences (b) Acting as a “link person” between (i) professional and/or lay audiences and (ii) an organisation (c) Use of research findings (e.g. in papers, journal articles, magazines, verbal communication) Ability to communicate with a range of people including senior clinicians, fundraisers and people with Parkinson’s Mentorship and development of potential communicators (verbal and/or written) An understanding of the importance of R&D to the PDS, and a commitment and enthusiasm to investigate innovative ways of using the findings of PDS sponsored research projects Administrative efficiency, and commitment to tracking progress against objectives Staff line management Setting and monitoring of budgets and financial forecasts

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Knowledge

Education/ Training

Other Requirements

Job Description

Knowledge of the scientific process and/or generic research grant application processes A commitment to developing knowledge at a level sufficient to discuss the use of research findings Knowledge of one or more aspects of Parkinson’s Educated to at least primary degree level in the life sciences Computer literate Commitment and enthusiasm for the Parkinson’s Disease Society and to be able to act as its ambassador

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