Head of Communications and Marketing

Job overview

Closing Date: 03.06.25  (this may change dependent on response)

Shortlisting to take place after closing date:  commencing 04.06.25

Interview expected to take place in the week following shortlisting:  commencing 09.06.25

The Head of Communications and Marketing will lead Bradford Hospitals Charity's strategic communications and marketing activities during an exciting period of growth and transformation. Working as part of the Senior Management Team, you'll guide our small but dynamic team in elevating the charity's profile internally across the Trust and externally across Bradford and surrounding areas. You'll develop compelling narratives that connect supporters with opportunities to make a meaningful difference, while managing our brand reputation and analysing complex information to make strategic decisions that secure essential funding for significant initiatives.

Main duties of the job

Bradford Hospitals Charity is the official NHS charity partner of Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. We support the Trust's strategic priorities by funding additional equipment, research, training, and improvements to the patient environment that go above and beyond standard NHS provision.

At the forefront of your responsibilities is our transformative £3 million capital campaign in partnership with the Sick Children's Trust, creating a 'home from home' within our outstanding Neonatal Unit at Bradford Royal Infirmary. This vital facility will allow parents to stay close to their babies throughout their hospital journey, fundamentally enhancing experiences for patients and families.

In close collaboration with the Charity Director, you'll shape campaign strategies and lead communications efforts that showcase how our work makes a tangible difference. Your innovative approach will amplify our impact both within hospital environments and to broader external audiences, ultimately repositioning Bradford Hospitals Charity as the destination charity for our community through engaging content across all platforms. This comes at a pivotal time as the charity transitions to independence, presenting unique opportunities to establish a distinctive identity in the region.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the development and implementation of the charity's communications and marketing strategy, aligning with organisational objectives
• Provide strategic communications counsel to the Charity Director, Senior Management Team and NHS Corporate Trustee
• Build the communications team, including training and development of staff including day to day supervision
• Manage the communications and marketing budget effectively
• Implements and proposes changes to communications policies that impact beyond their own area of expertise.

Communications and Marketing

• Manage relationships with external suppliers and agencies for specialised design work and campaigns
• Oversee outsourced graphic design projects, ensuring brand consistency and quality
• Brief and coordinate with external creative agencies when required
• Develop and deliver creative, high-impact marketing campaigns that drive engagement and action
• Lead the charity's brand management and development
• Create compelling content across multiple channels for diverse audiences.  Frequent concentration required drafting publications, interruptions to respond to urgent enquiries and decision.
• Manage media relations and act as a spokesperson for the charity
• Oversee the charity's digital presence, including website and social media channels
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including NHS Trust communications team
• Plan and deliver internal communications to engage NHS staff with the charity
• Provide and receive highly complex, sensitive information where co-operation and agreement is required.
• Plan complex activities to manage campaigns
• Works within broad occupational policies, lead specialist for communications
• Holds a delegated budget.

Campaign Management

• Plan, implement and evaluate integrated marketing campaigns, including fundraising appeals
• Develop compelling case studies and impactful stories to raise awareness and drive fundraising
• Create engaging content for fundraising appeals and campaigns which entails frequent indirect exposure to distressing or emotional circumstances
• Monitor and evaluate campaign effectiveness using data-driven approaches

Digital and Social Media

• Lead the charity's digital strategy
• Oversee social media presence and engagement
• Manage e-newsletter communications
• Analyse digital metrics and adapt strategies accordingly

Brand and Reputation

• Act as brand guardian for the charity
• Manage crisis communications when required
• Protect and enhance the charity's reputation
• Ensure consistency of messaging across all channels