Head of Communication & Engagement

Responsibilities

• You will lead an integrated communications and engagement function spanning external communications, media, reputation, internal communications and strategic storytelling.
• Working closely with senior leaders, you will turn organisational priorities into a focused, insight-led strategy and make sure communications is considered early in major decisions, transformation and service development.
• You will be a trusted adviser to senior leaders, able to anticipate risk, shape complex or sensitive messages and build confidence in how we communicate.
• You will also lead and develop the Communications and Engagement team, creating clear priorities and effective ways of working across Marketing, Digital, Fundraising, Retail, Clinical Services, the People Team and Corporate Partnerships.
• Success will mean stronger awareness and trust, a more informed and connected workforce, clearer organisational narrative and communications activity that can demonstrate its impact.
• You'll be Working closely with senior leaders, the postholder will develop and deliver a comprehensive, insight-led communications and engagement strategy that strengthens reputation, supports organisational priorities and enables long-term sustainability.
• As a member of the wider leadership community, the Head of Communications plays a critical role in shaping organisational narrative, supporting transformation and championing a culture of openness, collaboration and impact.

Requirements

• Senior-level experience across communications, engagement or public relations, with evidence of delivering strategy against organisational priorities
• Sound judgement in media relations, reputation management, issues preparedness and sensitive or crisis communications
• The credibility to advise and influence senior stakeholders, including when the message or decision is difficult
• Experience leading internal and external communications across multiple audiences and channels, including organisational change or transformation
• A strong track record of leading and developing teams, establishing priorities and improving delivery
• The ability to use audience insight, feedback and performance measures to make choices and improve impact
• Excellent writing, storytelling and verbal communication, with a clear commitment to inclusive and accessible communication
• A collaborative, commercially aware approach
• You do not need to come from a hospice or charity background.

Benefits

• Company pension scheme or NHS pension scheme for eligible employees
• Up to 35 days’ annual leave inclusive of bank holidays
• On-site education support and study leave opportunities
• Option to access Bupa and cover your everyday cost of healthcare for less
• Free parking, subsidised meals and various social activities
• Corporate rate gym membership, discounts with local complementary therapies and Blue Light Card
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Death in Service