Head of Communications Band 8b

Location: Croydon
Duration: 2 Months
Start Date: ASAP
Hours: Full Time (37.5 hours per week)
Rate: £33.20 holiday pay inclusive PAYE

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced Head of Communications to provide strategic leadership of the Communications Team on an interim basis. This senior leadership role will oversee all aspects of corporate communications, media relations, internal communications, digital engagement and stakeholder management, ensuring the organisation's reputation is protected and enhanced while supporting the delivery of strategic and operational priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic planning and delivery of the organisation's communications strategy, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities and transformation programmes.
• Manage the day-to-day operations of the Communications Team, ensuring effective delivery across internal and external communications.
• Provide expert communications advice to the Executive Team, senior leaders and Board on complex, high-profile and sensitive issues.
• Deputise for the Director of Communications when required.
• Lead crisis communications, including major incident response and reputation management.
• Develop and deliver integrated communications campaigns that promote services and improve public confidence.
• Oversee proactive and reactive media relations, managing enquiries, press releases, interviews and stakeholder communications.
• Lead the digital communications strategy, including website content, intranet and social media platforms.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with local, regional and national media, NHS partners, MPs, local authorities and other stakeholders.
• Support public affairs activity, ministerial visits, VIP visits and stakeholder engagement programmes.
• Provide strategic oversight of internal communications, staff engagement initiatives and executive communications.
• Lead production of key corporate publications, including the Annual Report.
• Support patient and public engagement activities, including annual meetings and engagement events.
• Monitor communications performance, evaluate campaigns and produce reports for the Executive Team and Board.
• Manage communications budgets, contracts and external suppliers, ensuring value for money.
• Lead, coach and develop members of the Communications Team, ensuring high performance and continuous professional development.

Essential Criteria

• Educated to Master's degree level or equivalent experience in Communications, Public Relations or a related discipline.
• Significant senior communications experience within a large, complex public sector or NHS organisation.
• Extensive experience developing and delivering strategic communications and engagement plans.
• Proven leadership experience managing and developing high-performing communications teams.
• Strong media relations experience, including crisis communications and reputation management.
• Experience advising Executive Directors, Boards and senior stakeholders.
• Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills with the ability to communicate complex information clearly.
• Experience leading digital communications, social media strategy and website content management.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills across multiple organisations.
• Experience managing budgets, contracts and external suppliers.
• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities within a fast-paced environment.

Desirable Criteria

• Postgraduate qualification in Public Relations, Media or Communications.
• Membership of a relevant professional body (CIPR, CIM or CMI).
• Experience using Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop and InDesign).
• NHS communications leadership experience.
• Experience supporting charitable fundraising communications and public engagement initiatives.