Deputy Director of Communications and Engagement

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NHS
Birmingham
GBP 40,000 - 60,000
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Job description

Job Summary

We are looking for an ambitious, brave and compassionate senior leader who will support delivery of our vision to be the best place to be cared for and the best place to work.

Exceptional communications experience and expertise are required as well as proven ability to build effective relationships across the UK's only Women's and Children's healthcare provider - with senior leads as well as colleagues from all levels and professions, as well as with external partners.

The successful candidate will need to influence, advise and set strategy, leading the team to deliver effective communications and engagement activity within and outside the organisation.

This is a perfect role for someone who is passionate about making a difference to patients and families, with the skills to deliver against strategic objectives balancing the day-to-day requirements of a busy communications and engagement function.

Main Duties of the Job

This Deputy Director of Communications and Engagement position is required to bring strong leadership, management, communications and marketing expertise to the Trust and to build, protect and maximise the Trust's reputation.

The Deputy Director will do this by taking a strategic approach, which is fully aligned with the Trust's priorities and values. They will be responsible for developing a comprehensive communications strategy that addresses the immediate needs whilst also recognising the medium-term requirements and longer-term ambitions.

The Deputy Director will provide strategic leadership to ensure operational day-to-day delivery of key internal, external and digital communications priorities along with staff engagement programmes.

The Deputy Director will work closely with the Chief Executive, Executive Team and Board, other internal leaders including clinical and operational leads and staff networks. They will also have relationships with leaders outside the organisation including Trust stakeholders, partner organisations and community groups.

Job Responsibilities

  • Development and implementation of a communications strategy, accompanying work plan and targets that reflects the needs and challenges faced by the Trust, including:
  • Evaluation of communications activities
  • Development of the communications and engagement team to support the delivery of the strategy
  • Develop and implement an internal communications and engagement strategy including having lead responsibility for the national staff survey and other staff feedback systems.
  • Manage the continued development of the brand/corporate identity of the Trust.
  • Develop the communication strategy and public engagement process for future configuration of services and hospital developments.
  • Manage potentially difficult/complex emotional situations with staff and stakeholders within change programmes for successful outcomes.
  • Ensure that clear plans are in place for responding to major incidents and day-to-day business continuity.
  • Responsible for departmental budget, ensuring adherence to it through ongoing monitoring of expenditure, supported by appropriate documentation available for scrutiny. Constantly strive for best value and greater efficiency in the use of this budget.
  • Designing and implementing monitoring systems to ensure effectiveness of different methods of communications across the hospitals, local communities and key stakeholders, evaluating its impact and formulating strategy for handling arising issues.
  • Embed systems for monitoring and reporting of communications performance.
  • Hold responsibility for key policies, ensuring they are implemented effectively and kept up to date including for use of social media, film, photography and visits.
  • Develop and implement an income generation strategy.
  • Carry out any other relevant duties that may be delegated by the Chief Executive or Executive Management Team.

Person Specification

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

  • Training to relevant degree level or equivalent plus training and/or experience in communications field to master's level equivalent.
  • Substantial experience in communications / public relations in complex organisation at senior management level including at head of department level.
  • Experience as a line manager in a communications environment.
  • Proven track record of achievement in a relevant field.
  • Proven track record of delivering against set objectives.
  • Substantial experience of developing and implementing complex policies and strategies across large, highly complex organisations.
  • Experience working with a complex and diverse range of clients.
  • Proven track record of reputation management.

Desirable

  • Member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations.
  • Communications or Marketing qualification or equivalent experience.
  • Postgraduate qualification in communications, public relations or marketing.
  • NHS communications/ public relations experience at senior management level.
  • Experience of developing and implementing marketing strategies.
  • Marketing experience.
  • Experience working at Executive or Board level.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.

Employer Details

Employer Name: Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust

Address: Birmingham Children's Hospital, Birmingham, B4 6NH

Employer's Website: https://bwc.nhs.uk/

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