Director of Communications and Engagement

NHS

  • East London
  • £117,645-134,103 per year
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 13 days ago
Director of Communications and EngagementThis director-level post offers the opportunity to lead on communications and engagement for East London NHS Foundation Trust - an organisation that provides mental health and community health to a population of 1.8million people in Bedfordshire, Luton and East London.The post holder will provide strategic communications leadership for East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT) and lead the communications and engagement team at the Trust.Please note we are open to people who might be willing to work less than full-time.There will be an assessment centre on 16 Sept all day, and interviews on 23 Sept.Main duties of the jobAccountable for high quality, insight-led communications and engagement that is measurable, impactful and helps the organisation to succeed. The post holder will own the direction and strategy for ELFT communications and engagement, advising the Chief Executive, Chair, Board and the Trust's senior leadership. The post holder will play a critical role in managing the reputation of the Trust with internal and external stakeholders.1.About usOur mission is to make a positive difference to people's lives by improving the quality of life for all we serve. Our values are: We Care, We Respect, We are Inclusive - so we are looking for people who live and breathe these qualities when supporting service users and carers, and in their relationships with colleagues in the Trust and our partner organisations.DetailsDate posted21 August 2025Pay schemeAgenda for changeBandBand 9Salary£117,645 to £134,103 a year per annum Inc HCAsContractPermanentWorking patternFull-time, Flexible workingReference number363-CP7329661Job locationsRobert Dolan House9 Alie StreetLondonE1 8DEJob descriptionJob responsibilitiesHold accountability and responsibility for the strategic and operational development of the communications and engagement team and the effective management of the team budget. Services to be delivered include:a. Internal communications and engagementb. Media managementc. Publications and designd. Digital communications and engagement (including website and social media)e. Stakeholder communications and engagementf. Brand and reputation management Job descriptionJob responsibilitiesHold accountability and responsibility for the strategic and operational development of the communications and engagement team and the effective management of the team budget. Services to be delivered include:a. Internal communications and engagementb. Media managementc. Publications and designd. Digital communications and engagement (including website and social media)e. Stakeholder communications and engagementf. Brand and reputation managementPerson SpecificationSkillsEssential
  • Masters Degree or equivalent or commensurate experience at a senior level
  • In depth expert knowledge acquired over a significant period of time in communications and engagement in a large complex, highly scrutinised organisation covering policy, products or services.
  • Experience of successfully leading a communications and engagement team at a senior level in a complex organisation, preferably in the NHS, health or in the public sector
  • Experience of managing or supervising communications and engagement staff to ensure their optimum performance and providing support for their development
  • Substantial experience of working in a fast-paced environment, delivering against competing priorities and deadlines while also directing the work of teams/individuals.
  • Detailed understanding of varied communication channels, their impact, limitations, risks and opportunities, and detailed experience in their use
  • Experience of playing an active and leading corporate role in an organisation, either as a member of a senior management and/or executive team
  • Experience of actively engaging with stakeholders and staff to achieve desired results
  • Experience of planning and managing budgets within agreed limits
  • Expert understanding, knowledge and skill in a range of communications disciplines from the following: strategic communications, internal communications, media relations, events, behaviour change, campaigns, marketing, reputation management, change management, stakeholder engagement, project management and public affairs
  • An excellent and proven knowledge of current public affairs, policy and operational issues within the NHS
  • An excellent knowledge of best practice in communications, drawn from personal experience and awareness
  • Expert experience of working simultaneously on multiple communications and engagement activities, with excellent project management, planning and coordination across a range of communications and engagement disciplines and channels
  • Expert experience and knowledge of insight and audience research to develop communications and engagement activities and evaluate outcomes
Desirable
  • Post graduate qualification in a related area
  • Membership of relevant professional body (CIPR/ CIM/ PRCA)
  • Evidence of continued professional development
KnowledgeEssential
  • Experience of successfully leading a communications and engagement team at a senior level in a complex organisation, preferably in the NHS, health or in the public sector
Desirable
  • Evidence of continued professional development
ExperienceEssential
  • In depth expert knowledge acquired over a significant period of time in communications and engagement in a large complex, highly scrutinised organisation covering policy, products or services.
  • Experience of successfully leading a communications and engagement team at a senior level in a complex organisation, preferably in the NHS, health or in the public sector
  • Experience of managing or supervising communications and engagement staff to ensure their optimum performance and providing support for their development
  • Experience of actively engaging with stakeholders and staff to achieve desired results
Desirable
  • Evidence of continued professional development
  • Membership of relevant professional body (CIPR/ CIM/ PRCA)
Person SpecificationSkillsEssential
  • Masters Degree or equivalent or commensurate experience at a senior level
  • In depth expert knowledge acquired over a significant period of time in communications and engagement in a large complex, highly scrutinised organisation covering policy, products or services.
  • Experience of successfully leading a communications and engagement team at a senior level in a complex organisation, preferably in the NHS, health or in the public sector
  • Experience of managing or supervising communications and engagement staff to ensure their optimum performance and providing support for their development
  • Substantial experience of working in a fast-paced environment, delivering against competing priorities and deadlines while also directing the work of teams/individuals.
  • Detailed understanding of varied communication channels, their impact, limitations, risks and opportunities, and detailed experience in their use
  • Experience of playing an active and leading corporate role in an organisation, either as a member of a senior management and/or executive team
  • Experience of actively engaging with stakeholders and staff to achieve desired results
  • Experience of planning and managing budgets within agreed limits
  • Expert understanding, knowledge and skill in a range of communications disciplines from the following: strategic communications, internal communications, media relations, events, behaviour change, campaigns, marketing, reputation management, change management, stakeholder engagement, project management and public affairs
  • An excellent and proven knowledge of current public affairs, policy and operational issues within the NHS
  • An excellent knowledge of best practice in communications, drawn from personal experience and awareness
  • Expert experience of working simultaneously on multiple communications and engagement activities, with excellent project management, planning and coordination across a range of communications and engagement disciplines and channels
  • Expert experience and knowledge of insight and audience research to develop communications and engagement activities and evaluate outcomes
Desirable
  • Post graduate qualification in a related area
  • Membership of relevant professional body (CIPR/ CIM/ PRCA)
  • Evidence of continued professional development
KnowledgeEssential
  • Experience of successfully leading a communications and engagement team at a senior level in a complex organisation, preferably in the NHS, health or in the public sector
Desirable
  • Evidence of continued professional development
ExperienceEssential
  • In depth expert knowledge acquired over a significant period of time in communications and engagement in a large complex, highly scrutinised organisation covering policy, products or services.
  • Experience of successfully leading a communications and engagement team at a senior level in a complex organisation, preferably in the NHS, health or in the public sector
  • Experience of managing or supervising communications and engagement staff to ensure their optimum performance and providing support for their development
  • Experience of actively engaging with stakeholders and staff to achieve desired results
Desirable
  • Evidence of continued professional development
  • Membership of relevant professional body (CIPR/ CIM/ PRCA)

NHS