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Job requirements
Essential
19 listedRequirements the employer expects applicants to meet.
- Qualifications
Educated to master’s degree level (postgraduate studies) or equivalent level of experience of working at a senior level in specialist area.
- Knowledge, Experience
Previous experience of managing the communications for a change programme or during a time of significant change.
- Knowledge, Experience
Extensive knowledge of specialist area/s, acquired through post graduate diploma or equivalent experience or training, plus further specialist knowledge or experience to master’s level equivalent.
- Knowledge, Experience
Evidence of continuing professional development.
- Knowledge, Experience
A good understanding of the relationship between the Department of Health and Social Care, NHS England, Integrated Care Systems (including Integrated Care Boards), and individual provider organisations.
- Knowledge, Experience
Experience of interpreting national policy and experience of researching best practice (globally, private and public sector), interpreting its relevance and processes/ practices which could be implemented successfully to achieve system reform (e.g. advising on policy implementation).
- Knowledge, Experience
Experience of managing and motivating a team, including managing performance of individuals and team.
- Knowledge, Experience
Experience of working with, and building and developing successful professional relationships with, a range of stakeholders (internal and external).
- Knowledge, Experience
Experience of budget responsibility, involvement in budget setting and working knowledge of financial processes.
- Knowledge, Experience
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel etc.) with intermediate keyboard skills.
- Skills, Capabilities, Attributes
Ability to provide and receive highly complex, sensitive or contentious information, negotiate with senior stakeholders on difficult and controversial issues (e.g. performance and change).
- Skills, Capabilities, Attributes
Able to use initiative to decide relevant actions and make recommendations to sponsor/manager, with the aim of improving deliverables and compliance to policies.
- Skills, Capabilities, Attributes
Able to make decisions autonomously when required, on difficult and contentious issues where there may be a number of courses of action, working to tight and often changing timescales.
- Skills, Capabilities, Attributes
Able to present complex and sensitive information to large and influential groups.
- Skills, Capabilities, Attributes
Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands.
- Skills, Capabilities, Attributes
Able to analyse complex facts and situations and develop a range of options.
- Skills, Capabilities, Attributes
Strategic thinking – ability to anticipate and resolve problems before they arise.
- Skills, Capabilities, Attributes
Demonstrable ability to plan over short, medium and long-term timeframes and adjust plans and resource requirements accordingly.
- Skills, Capabilities, Attributes
Able to prioritise own work effectively and be able to direct activities of others.
Desirable
Not listed in the available specification.
Job overview
We are seeking a highly skilled and effective Senior Communications and Engagement Manager to support the OPIC Programme Director and executive leads to drive the Office of the Pan-ICB Commissioning (OPIC) and Change programme across NHS England and the 4 South-East ICBs. This role offers the chance to work at the heart of the NHS reform agenda, ensuring our regional OPIC draws on the collective commissioning expertise and strengths of the ICBs and the specialist teams transferring from NHS England to OPIC. The SE OPIC will create a critical mass of expert commissioning knowledge and capability necessary for the effective and efficient commissioning of highly specialised and complex areas of service provision, and play a vital role in facilitating multi-ICB collaboration and decision-making, ensuring strong patient and public involvement in the design and delivery of services, and building strong relationships.
For an informal discussion with Alison Edgington, OPIC Programme Director about the role: Please contact Nicky Pink, EA to the OPIC Programme via nicky.pink@nhs.net
6 Month Secondment Opportunity Fixed Term until 31st March 2027
Main duties of the job
As the Senior Communications and Engagement Manager, you will lead the delivery of high-quality change communications and engagement activity across the partnership, ensuring it is aligned to strategic priorities and delivers measurable impact during a time of change.
This role is ideal for an experienced Senior Communications and Engagement Manager, with experience of change communications, who are interested in a fixed term opportunity to support the change programme.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Lead the planning, development and delivery of communications and engagement activity to support the development of Office of Pan ICB Commissioning (OPIC) across the South East, including internal communications and staff engagement as well as external stakeholder management.
Lead the development and delivery of high-quality, accessible content across multiple channels, including publications and stakeholder communications, ensuring consistency of brand, tone and messaging for both internal and external stakeholders.
Advise on, contribute to and support the implementation of the communications and engagement strategy, ensuring communications is embedded in strategic planning and decision-making.
Lead and deliver proactive and reactive communications ensuring high impact and positive outcomes across a range of channels.
Provide expert advice and guidance to senior leaders and managers on communications, engagement and reputational management, including messaging, use of channels and stakeholder approaches.
Act as a key lead for media handling and issues management, working with partners to manage sensitive, complex or high-profile issues and protect the organisation’s reputation.
Brief senior leaders, Executive team members and partners on communications issues, risks and media interest, including preparing high-quality briefing papers and responses to stakeholder correspondence (e.g. MPs, councillors, NHSE).
Build and maintain effective working relationships with internal teams, system partners, and wider stakeholders, acting as a key communications link across organisations.
Manage day-to-day stakeholder relationships and support meaningful engagement ensuring a range of views inform decision-making.
Lead the development and delivery of high-quality, accessible content across multiple channels, including digital, campaigns, publications and stakeholder communications, ensuring consistency of brand, tone and messaging.
Lead the day-to-day management and continuous improvement of digital communications channels (including website, intranet and social media), using insight and analytics to maximise reach and impact.
Ensure all communications and engagement activity is inclusive, accessible and compliant with relevant legislation (including GDPR), equality requirements and organisational standards.
Use data, feedback and research to inform communications activity and improve understanding of needs of various stakeholder groups.
Oversee and deliver engagement activity, including events, forums and involvement mechanisms, ensuring they are effective, well-managed and aligned to best practice.
Manage and deliver a portfolio of communications and engagement projects, ensuring activity is prioritised, delivered on time and within available resources.
Monitor delivery across areas of responsibility, identifying risks and working with senior colleagues to manage competing priorities.
Contribute.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of communications and engagement best practice, including digital innovation, and contribute to continuous improvement across the team.
Comply with organisational policies and take responsibility for ongoing professional development.
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for OPIC Senior Communications and Engagement Manager with NHS Thames Valley Integrated Care Board in Oxford, England. It is listed as a Band 8 Communications manager role. The advertised salary is £57528.00 to £64750.00. The contract type is Secondment: 6 months. The application deadline is 04 Nov 2026.
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