Communications Adviser

Main purpose:

To develop and implement Ninja Theorys brand strategy & increase public knowledge and interest in both the current projects and Ninja Theory itself.

Act as principal communicator and facilitator between NT staff and those external to NT e.g. education, interest groups, & the game buying public; increasing participation & organising appropriate events, instigating communication platforms and exploiting full social media usage i.e. twitter, facebook, online forums etc

Take responsibility for studio public relations, working with the publisher as appropriate, & establishing strong & fruitful external relationships with the media.

Accountabilities

1. Involving appropriate senior management and with on-going inclusive communication for all staff members, build both short and long-term strategic communication plans to establish and maintain consumer interest for project titles and for the Ninja Theory studio in general. These should be wide–ranging but demographically specific to ensure focus is efficient and all potential market is reached.

2. Identify & develop relationships with external sources whether media, commercial or interest groups in order to amplify familiarity of the Ninja Theory brand. Establish self as main contact within the Studio for all communications/PR queries. Demonstrate a full understanding of Ninja Theorys culture, development strategy, policies and projects to ensure a consistent and credible media/public approach.

3. Working closely with the publisher and with the production team, manage the marketing requirements for specific projects ensuring plans are viable and schedules are managed appropriately.

4. Instigate/organise and publicise (involving appropriate staff members if applicable) all external events in order to maximise Ninja Theorys public image & corporate social responsibility (CSR). This may include (but is not limited to) media events, Education partnerships, Industry bodies, staff talks, university events & charity involvement. Encourage and enthuse staff participation.

5. Develop and maintain the Studios social media platform, utilising established and emerging media outlets such as facebook, blogs, social bookmarking tools (e.g. Digg), wikis, viral advertising & twitter. Manage the resultant community, fans and interest ensuring timely communication in line with the development schedule, and an integrated content strategy across all communication outlets. Take an active role in discussions acting as the face & voice of Ninja Theory and encouraging feedback and participation from users.

6. Manage the community on Ninja Theorys existing forums and build involvement and participation (both external and internal) to maximise activity. Champion the usage and need of the community within the studio, ensuring timely communication & involvement from staff members. Ensure the forums are populated, useful and fun using promotions/competitions designed to encourage interest.

7. Ensure that all the feedback generated from the various communications activities outlined above is given to the development team whether specific feedback on titles, media or fan rumours/discussion or recruitment opportunities. Ensure the position of Communications Adviser is a useful part of NTs development strategy and that a 360 communications focus is employed at all times.


Additional information

The role of Communications Adviser is new to Ninja Theory therefore the role holder must be enthused by the opportunity to build a communications strategy almost from the beginning yet be sensitive to the existing culture and needs of an established studio. The role holder does not need to have extensive game development experience but they must be comfortable working with social media outlets and be adept at building relationships both in person and online.

This is a role that requires the holder to work operationally and strategically this role should benefit the studio and the role holder must be able to both generate and execute their plans.

Knowledge and Skills required

Essential

Experience in a similar role in either marketing, PR or Community management in a creative industry this is likely to be at least four years experience in an established role or three years experience where they were required to build the communications strategy/role. This experience must have involved working on product as well as the brand management of an organisation itself.

Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to gain credibility quickly & effectively

Strong organisational skills, self motivated and proactive with confidence to make decisions where necessary

Familiarity and usage of social media platforms an experienced blogger/twitter user both within their work role and personally

Good presentation skills comfortable with talking to large groups of people.

Proven ability to work in a fast paced environment yet maintain a strong attention to detail and good documentation skills

Detail orientated, punctual, articulate, meticulous and numerate

Good MS office skills

Strong personal energy and an ability to enthuse and energise others

Familiarity with the media and media channels and excellent relationship management skills

Excellent customer awareness and focus

A love of games and a passion for the industry

Desirable

Experience in a similar role within the games industry

A relevant degree or degree level education