Senior Communications and Engagement Lead

Job overview

We are seeking a very experienced Senior Communications and Engagement Manager to lead on media and external relations for the Trust and coordinating our response to high profile issues.   You will have exceptional judgment, political nous and analytical skills to cut through the detail to help us communicate well to patients, the public and our staff.  For those wishing to refresh their crisis and strategic PR experience, this opportunity may be for you?

UHCW works closely with all national media outlets and we are looking for top talent in media, stakeholder relations as well as ability to oversee and align patient communications with that activity.  As a highly skilled communicator you will have a proven track record of providing professional advice and expertise, ideally in a healthcare or similar setting, whilst delivering highly effective communication and engagement strategies which have impact.  The role will be supported and report directly to the Director of Marketing and Communications, Lynda Scott.

We are a values-led organisation and are looking for someone who naturally leads and works collaboratively as the role will often have to coordinate across teams and departments to achieve results.  This is a 6 month secondment opportunity  for NHS Trust colleagues or a 6 month Fixed Term Contract, both with potential for extension.

Main duties of the job

• Leading and coordinating communications for reputational issues .
• Lead and coordinate the media relations team
• Coordinated oversight to stakeholder relations activity for reputational issues e.g. MPs, regulators.
• Working to Director of Comms and Deputy Chief Medical Officer for ongoing clinical issues/programme.
• Media training support for EPPR on call executive (July -Sept).

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Communications and Relationships:

• Reporting directly to the Director of Marketing and Communications and working alongside the interim Head of Communications.
• Provide media relations and reputation management advice support to Trust’s Leadership Team, Director of Communications and Marketing and Deputy Chief Medical Officer as well as other senior managers;

• Act as communications link between organisation and stakeholders including NHS England/Department of Health and Social Care, arms-length bodies, healthcare partners, professional bodies, regulators (CQC) and patients.
• Coordinate media and stakeholder relations for reputational issues.

• Stakeholder and partnership relations – working with strategic relationship manager, supporting effective relationships with wide range of stakeholders and partners.
• Support senior colleagues in the management of complex situations which pose a risk to the organisation’s reputation, recommending communication and stakeholder management strategies which may themselves involve balancing risks.
• Support speaking opportunities for senior colleagues with speech writing, presentations and training.
• Understanding of legal environment for issues within the NHS and support appropriate responses, working closely with Trust and NHS Resolution teams.

Proactive opportunities – oversight of corporate comms planner, horizon scanning and making connections to help navigate reputational impact of local, regional and national issues.

Knowledge Training and Experience:

Planning and Organisational Skills:

• Oversight, development, monitoring and delivery of strategic and communications plans for reputational issues, often involving changing situations and environmental factors

• Partnership Liaison - Act as a senior communications link between organisations and stakeholders including professional bodies, patient organisations, local and national government.
• Evaluating and reporting on metrics that demonstrate the value the communications function delivers and identify areas and plans for improvement.

For further details of the role please see the attached job description.

Secondment will be considered for internal candidates – If you are successful after interview, you must obtain approval from your current line manager to accept the offer.