Head of Communications and Marketing

Preston, Lancashire, UK (Hybrid)

£52K/yr – £57K/yrSenior LevelFull time

Posted 5 weeks ago

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Job Summary

Own communications and brand leadership for a children\'s hospice, shaping strategy, media relations, crisis comms, and data-driven impact across fundraising and services.

  • Growth of audience and engagement across digital and traditional channels; media relationships and partnerships.
  • Strategic communications leadership across brand, reputation, storytelling, and crisis management; drive evaluation and performance insight.
  • Campaigns supporting fundraising, retail, and care services with measurable impact.

Job Description

Responsibilities

  • Developing and delivering compelling communications and marketing strategy aligned to organisational goals.
  • Leading the hospice's brand, reputation, and public profile.
  • Driving audience growth and engagement across digital and traditional channels.
  • Supporting fundraising, retail, and service teams through impactful marketing campaigns.
  • Building strong relationships with media, partners, ambassadors, and stakeholders.
  • Leading crisis communications where required.
  • Using data, insight, and evaluation to maximise performance and impact.

Requirements

  • - Significant experience in communications, marketing, public relations, or brand leadership.
  • - A proven track record of developing successful integrated communications strategies.
  • - Exceptional storytelling, content, and media engagement skills.
  • - Experience leading digital communications and audience engagement.
  • - Leadership and people management experience.
  • - Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
  • - The ability to work with sensitivity and professionalism when communicating complex or emotional stories.
  • - A genuine commitment to improving the lives of children and families facing extraordinary challenges.

Preferred

Benefits

  • We offer 33 days holidays per year, (including bank holidays), increasing with length of service
  • The option to join the Derian House Contributory Pension Scheme
  • Retail discounts through Blue Light card and Benefits platform
  • Free onsite parking
  • Subsidised meals in our diner
  • A supportive and inclusive working environment
  • Flexible working opportunities
  • Professional development opportunities.
Derian House Children's Hospice logo

Derian House Children's Hospice

Derian House Children's Hospice - caring for children & young people who have life-limiting conditions, as well as supporting their families, helping them to 'make the most of every moment'. Charting a child’s progress through life is one of the pleasures of parenthood, a joy to be expected rather than denied. But, for the parents of a child diagnosed with a serious illness or medical condition, their children’s future is counted in smaller terms, sometimes months or weeks, rather than years, in taking each day as it comes. For them, Derian House becomes an intrinsic part of that future.In spite of, or some would say, because of its role as a children’s hospice and the full implication of what that means, Derian House is a place where life is for living, for making the most of every moment. Indeed, there is a sense of purpose in the undaunted spirit of these children who allow us into their lives, often for all too short a time. Anyone who visits the hospice will find a very welcoming atmosphere which owes its being to the children, parents and staff alike.We have much to be proud of in what we have achieved since the hospice opened its doors in 1993 – In the fundraisers whom we are proud to work alongside, in the families we are privileged to call our friends, in the children for whom caring is at once both a sadness for their future, and a delight for their courage.However, with little statutory funding we are faced with the daunting prospect of raising ever increasing amounts from voluntary donations alone if we are to continue to provide the very specialised care these children need.It will doubtless be an ongoing battle to raise these funds, and in looking back at what has been achieved so far, we must also look forward and prepare for the future. With your help, we know can succeed – with your help, a secure future will be a reality...please don’t let us face it alone.

Founded in 1993
Chorley, England, GBR
88 employees (6 in marketing)