DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS, MARKETING AND ENGAGEMENT

Job summary

South Central Ambulance Service is seeking a highly professional, knowledgeable and experienced senior communications professional to be operationally responsible and accountable for the Communications, Marketing and Engagement team, under the leadership of the Director of Communications, Marketing and Engagement.

The postholder must be very experienced in working effectively with local, regional and national media, both for proactive and reactive media. Must have a track record in managing highly contentious issues and high-profile crises and have proven ability in placing stories and attracting coverage in national, specialist and other media outlets.

Communications knowledge and experience must also include managing the breadth of internal, external, digital, social media, marketing and engagement - both public and stakeholder.

Considerable experience in managing teams is crucial, as is the ability to continuously evaluate and reprioritise communications activities to support the Trust strategy, vision and values.

An unending passion for continuous improvement through the development of responsive communications strategies are essential.

The post holder must have considerable resilience, drive and determination, must be committed to the team.

Flexibility in working hours and involvement in the out-of-hours on call communications rota are essential.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will:

• Be responsible for drafting the Communications, Marketing and Engagement strategy and for the operational delivery of it, working closely with the Director of Communications, Marketing and Engagement
• Monitor performance of all areas within the Communications, Marketing and Engagement function against the planned objectives and provide feedback to the Director of Communications, using appropriate metrics
• Be responsible for producing the content of operational reports of Communications team activities to inform Board reports and other such corporate briefings
• Directly manage individuals in the Communications, Marketing and Engagement team, ensuring that the team deliver to the highest standards and fully achieve their individual and team responsibilities
• Oversee the provision of an effective press office function which gives accurate and timely responses to media enquiries and monitor media coverage to identify weak areas and develop and maintain strong areas
• Be accountable through the Director of Communications for the development of responsive communications, marketing and engagement strategies that reflect SCAS as a credible and professional provider in its commercial activities and to actively support attainment of new business

Full Duties detailed in job description.

About us

Benefits we offer:

• Full training and support when you join and ongoing throughout your employment with us.
• Holiday entitlement is 27 days rising to 29 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years, plus 8 bank holidays (pro rata for part time).
• Enrolment into the NHS Pension Scheme.
• Access to continual professional development and opportunities within SCAS and the NHS.
• Occupational Health support along with an Employee Assistance Programme.
• NHS Discounts in over 200+ stores including Holidays, Days out, Car insurance, Restaurants and Clothing.
• Staff networking and support groups.

About Us

South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust provides a range of emergency, urgent care and non-emergency healthcare services, along with commercial logistics services.

The Trust delivers most of these services to the populations of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire and Oxfordshire as well as non-emergency patient transport services in Surrey and Sussex.

We serve a population of over 7 million and answer over 500,000 urgent calls a year. We employ 4,551 staff who, together with over 1,100 volunteers, enable us to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

In SCAS, we know that colleagues who are cared for and valued are enabled to provide the right care, first time, every time. That is why we strive to foster a culture that balances fairness, compassion, learning and accountability; a 'just and learning culture'.