Job summary
Join us and shape the future of healthcare in Harlow and West Essex
The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is at the heart of the vibrant and diverse community of Harlow and West Essex. Situated in a growing region with a rich history and ambitious plans for the future, we are proud to be an anchor organisation, supporting not only the health of our population but also the social and economic development of the area.
Our PAHT2030 strategy sets out a bold vision to transform healthcare delivery through innovation, digital transformation, and a state-of-the-art new hospital that will redefine the way we provide care. As we prepare to deliver this once-in-a-generation facility, we are also embracing cutting-edge digital technologies to improve patient outcomes, enhance staff experience, and modernise our services.
We are seeking a dynamic and visionary Director of Communications to help us tell this story, engage with our communities, and ensure our transformation journey is both heard and understood by stakeholders locally, regionally, and nationally.
Main duties of the job
As Director of Communications, you will:
- Develop and deliver an ambitious, integrated communications strategy that aligns with PAHT2030, positioning the Trust as an innovative, high-performing healthcare provider.
- Promote the vision for our new hospital and its role in improving care, enabling world-class facilities, and supporting our local community.
- Champion our digital transformation, highlighting how technology is revolutionising the way we deliver care, from virtual consultations to smarter workflows and data-driven insights.
- Act as a trusted advisor to the Board and executive team, providing expert advice on communications opportunities and challenges.
- Strengthen relationships with patients, people, partners, and stakeholders, building confidence and trust in our organisation.
- Amplify our role as an anchor organisation, showcasing our commitment to the health, wellbeing, and prosperity of Harlow and West Essex.
About us
This is an exciting time for the Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust. We are on a digital transformation journey leading us to our brand new hospital.
We believe that our people are our greatest asset. That's why we invest in continuous learning, career development, and personal growth. From nurses to administrators, everyone has a role to play in our success story.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To succeed in this role, you will need:
- Significant experience in senior communications leadership, preferably within the NHS, public sector, or similarly complex organisations.
- A proven track record of delivering innovative communications strategies that inspire and engage diverse audiences.
- Strong leadership skills, with the ability to manage and develop a high-performing team.
- Exceptional interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to build relationships across organisational and sector boundaries.
- A passion for public service, aligned with our values of safety, quality, and compassion.
- A strong understanding of digital transformation and its role in modernising healthcare.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To succeed in this role, you will need:
- Significant experience in senior communications leadership, preferably within the NHS, public sector, or similarly complex organisations.
- A proven track record of delivering innovative communications strategies that inspire and engage diverse audiences.
- Strong leadership skills, with the ability to manage and develop a high-performing team.
- Exceptional interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to build relationships across organisational and sector boundaries.
- A passion for public service, aligned with our values of safety, quality, and compassion.
- A strong understanding of digital transformation and its role in modernising healthcare.
Person Specification
Education and qualifications
Essential
- Professional communications, marketing or media qualification or substantial relevant experience
- Educated to Masters level in relevant subject or equivalent level of experience
Desirable
- Post graduate certificate in health communications
Experience
Essential
- Robust and comprehensive experience of leading communications, marketing or PR at a senior level of a complex organisation
- Proven and significant leadership experience across major change programmes, ideally including formal consultation
Desirable
- Extensive experience and knowledge of the NHS
Person Specification
Education and qualifications
Essential
- Professional communications, marketing or media qualification or substantial relevant experience
- Educated to Masters level in relevant subject or equivalent level of experience
Desirable
- Post graduate certificate in health communications
Experience
Essential
- Robust and comprehensive experience of leading communications, marketing or PR at a senior level of a complex organisation
- Proven and significant leadership experience across major change programmes, ideally including formal consultation
Desirable
- Extensive experience and knowledge of the NHS
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
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).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
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).
