Director of Communications and Engagement

NHS

  • Leatherhead, Surrey
  • £111,377-127,835 per year
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 2 days ago
We are seeking a highly motivated, creative and inspirational Director of Communications and Engagement to take a pivotal role in delivering our strategic ambitions for the people and communities we serve.An excellent story-teller and highly skilled communicator you will have a proven track record of providing strategic leadership and professional advice and expertise, whilst delivering highly effective communication and engagement strategies which are purposeful, data driven and accessible. Through building and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders, internally and externally, you will be the guardian and guide of our organisational voice in line with our values.The Trust's expectation is that colleagues are expected to be in person at their place of work during their working hours in order to optimise team effectiveness, with flexible working policies guiding any variation to this which takes into account team and individual circumstances. Colleagues within the Communications and Engagement team are expected to be present at their base in Leatherhead a minimum of 3 days a week.Main duties of the jobReporting to the Chief Corporate Affairs Officer you will be a creative and compassionate leader of our Communications and Engagement team, cultivating a culture of high performance, collaboration and innovation to optimise their talent and central role in our work.This is an exciting opportunity to take forward our recently approved Communications Strategy, working directly with senior leaders and colleagues across our Trust and partnerships to champion our work, serve our communities and inspire our colleagues, current and future.Please read through the job description for more details on the requirements and duties of this role.Candidates who are shortlisted will be invited to undertake an assessment centre the outcome of which will inform which candidates are invited to interviewAbout usSurrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is the leading provider of mental health, learning disability, neurodevelopmental and drug and alcohol services in Surrey and North East Hampshire. We support people of all ages and are passionate about providing high quality care that is delivered at the right time as close to home as possible to help people recover and stay well.We are one of the top 10 mental Health, Learning Disability and Community Trust to work for nationwide. Our Trust is an inclusive and supportive employer that offers a wide range of staff networks, flexible working, free parking and excellent health and wellbeing support. We also provide a wide range of opportunities to help staff develop and progress.Surrey is a beautiful county lying just 30 minutes away from Central London and from the South Coast. Our historic market towns and bustling districts are enveloped in wonderful countryside, and our excellent road and rail networks bring the rest of the country within easy reach. For international travel, both Gatwick and Heathrow airports are nearby.Please note that we reserve the right to close posts as soon as sufficient applications are received.Regrettably, due to UK Home Office requirements we cannot offer sponsorship for all our job roles. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK for the duration of the role.We look forward to receiving your application!DetailsDate posted01 September 2025Pay schemeAgenda for changeBandBand 9Salary£111,377 to £127,835 a year per annum including fringe HCASContractPermanentWorking patternFull-timeReference number325-7428472-CORPJob locationsLeatherhead Hub18 Mole Business ParkLeatherheadKT22 7ADJob descriptionJob responsibilitiesPlease check the job description & person specification document for more information on the requirements for this job. Job descriptionJob responsibilitiesPlease check the job description & person specification document for more information on the requirements for this job.Person SpecificationQualificationsEssential
  • Educated to Masters level or equivalent experience
  • Post graduate or professional qualification in communications or marketing / engagement
  • Evidence of continued professional development
ExperienceEssential
  • Extensive experience in leading strategic communications, public relations and marketing or engagement function(s) within a complex, diverse service-led organisation.
  • Track record of working successfully in or alongside the public sector at senior level in a communications, media or journalist role.
  • Demonstrable experience of developing and successfully delivering high impact purposeful internal and external communications and engagement strategies driven by data and insight, to optimise impact and value
  • Tangible expertise in translating information into powerful, actionable messaging and activity, including data visualisation, to make them accessible to target audiences including those with disabilities
  • Extensive experience of digital, mobile and social media channels, and using new technology and media for marketing, communication and engagement purposes
  • Demonstrable understanding of reputation, brand management and customer experience to help shape engagement with the Trust and the development and communication of its culture.
  • Experience of successfully managing diverse stakeholders within complex and political environments
  • Experience of leading, managing and developing teams to cultivate collaboration and effective team working to optimise talent, enable others to succeed, amplify results, and drive innovation to deliver strategic objectives
Desirable
  • NHS experience in a similar role
Person SpecificationQualificationsEssential
  • Educated to Masters level or equivalent experience
  • Post graduate or professional qualification in communications or marketing / engagement
  • Evidence of continued professional development
ExperienceEssential
  • Extensive experience in leading strategic communications, public relations and marketing or engagement function(s) within a complex, diverse service-led organisation.
  • Track record of working successfully in or alongside the public sector at senior level in a communications, media or journalist role.
  • Demonstrable experience of developing and successfully delivering high impact purposeful internal and external communications and engagement strategies driven by data and insight, to optimise impact and value
  • Tangible expertise in translating information into powerful, actionable messaging and activity, including data visualisation, to make them accessible to target audiences including those with disabilities
  • Extensive experience of digital, mobile and social media channels, and using new technology and media for marketing, communication and engagement purposes
  • Demonstrable understanding of reputation, brand management and customer experience to help shape engagement with the Trust and the development and communication of its culture.
  • Experience of successfully managing diverse stakeholders within complex and political environments
  • Experience of leading, managing and developing teams to cultivate collaboration and effective team working to optimise talent, enable others to succeed, amplify results, and drive innovation to deliver strategic objectives
Desirable
  • NHS experience in a similar role

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