Job summary
Would you like to lead one of the best communications teams in the NHS and build the reputation of one of the newest, biggest and most ambitious hospital trusts in England? And work in one of the most beautiful and vibrant parts of the country too?
University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust is looking for an experienced communications professional to take on the new role of Assistant Director of Communications and Engagement.
UHSussex was created to improve experiences and outcomes for patients and offer new opportunities to our people. The work of the communications and engagement team is central to the trust's ambitious programme of work to deliver that ambition - whether it's keeping staff, stakeholders and our community informed or building support for our plans and the thinking behind them.
In our new Assistant Director of Communications and Engagement, we're looking for someone to help make sure we do that well. The successful candidate will have broad leadership experience in both internal and external communications and engagement, excellent stakeholder management and interpersonal skills and a proven track record of team management and supporting colleagues' professional development.
Main duties of the job
As well as managing the team and deputising for the communications director, you'll also work closely with the Board and senior leaders to develop the trust's communications strategy and our approach to stakeholder engagement with a focus on building our brand, reputation and influence. This is a varied and busy role and you'll also need to build and maintain relationships with a broad range of stakeholders and creative suppliers.
About us
Join us at UHSussex, every day is different, you can be the change, better never stops
At UHSussex we're proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK's largest acute Trusts, we're a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.
Improving lives: We are a vibrant and inclusive organisation, with hardworking, talented and dedicated individuals, who work together towards a common goal, to always put our Patient First. Our mission is summed up by our 'where better never stops' motto and no matter the role at UHSussex, you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex. We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our wellbeing programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
Build a career with us: As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Assistant Director of Communications and Engagement (ADCE) is a key role within the Communications and Engagement team supporting the further enhancement of the reputation of University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust.
The ADCE will be responsible for the operational leadership of the communications and engagement team, support the creation and implementation of innovative strategic communications and engagement programmes, as well as to provide specialist advice to the board, and colleagues across the organisation. The ADCEwill deputise for the DCE.The strategy and tactics will be aimed at building the trusts relationships with patients, employees, stakeholders and communities including regulators and commissioners as well as local and national stakeholders, the media, policy makers, opinion-formers and the general public.
Please see the attached job description for further information.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Assistant Director of Communications and Engagement (ADCE) is a key role within the Communications and Engagement team supporting the further enhancement of the reputation of University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust.
The ADCE will be responsible for the operational leadership of the communications and engagement team, support the creation and implementation of innovative strategic communications and engagement programmes, as well as to provide specialist advice to the board, and colleagues across the organisation. The ADCEwill deputise for the DCE.The strategy and tactics will be aimed at building the trusts relationships with patients, employees, stakeholders and communities including regulators and commissioners as well as local and national stakeholders, the media, policy makers, opinion-formers and the general public.
Please see the attached job description for further information.
Person Specification
Experience/ Qualifications
Essential
- Advanced in-depth specialist knowledge in area of own specialism acquired through training and relevant experience
- Significant and proven knowledge and proven practical experience of implementing medium to large communication and engagement initiatives definition, design, delivery and evaluation
- Proven ability to liaise and work cohesively and effectively with Chief Executive and Chairman, Trust Board, Executive and senior management teams
Skills
Essential
- Proven experience to lead the development, implementation and evaluation of a five-year organisational communications strategy that supports improvements in patient experience
- Written and verbal presentation skills in relation to highly complex information.
People Management and Development
Essential
- Proven experience in successfully leading a Communications Team.
Specific requirements
Essential
- An awareness and understanding in the latest in communication initiatives and methodologies
Freedom to Act
Essential
- Ability to manage own work objectives make decisions.
Person Specification
Experience/ Qualifications
Essential
- Advanced in-depth specialist knowledge in area of own specialism acquired through training and relevant experience
- Significant and proven knowledge and proven practical experience of implementing medium to large communication and engagement initiatives definition, design, delivery and evaluation
- Proven ability to liaise and work cohesively and effectively with Chief Executive and Chairman, Trust Board, Executive and senior management teams
Skills
Essential
- Proven experience to lead the development, implementation and evaluation of a five-year organisational communications strategy that supports improvements in patient experience
- Written and verbal presentation skills in relation to highly complex information.
People Management and Development
Essential
- Proven experience in successfully leading a Communications Team.
Specific requirements
Essential
- An awareness and understanding in the latest in communication initiatives and methodologies
Freedom to Act
Essential
- Ability to manage own work objectives make decisions.
Additional information
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
