Associate Director of Communications and Engagement

Job summary

This is a crucial leadership role in the Trust. We have a new strategy, ambitious plans tointegrate our services with primary care, council and other Place colleagues and a new Peopleand Culture Strategy to build on our existing strong staff survey results.

Communications and engagement both external to and inside the organisation are absolutely vital to the successful delivery of these changes to improve patient care and colleague experience.

Please see Candidate Pack for further information on the role and about our organisation: Associate Director of Communications & Engagement Candidate Pack

Main duties of the job

The postholder will report directly to the Chief Executive, be a member of the ExecutiveManagement Committee and Senior Leadership Forum in the organisation and work at thecentre of the Trust's day to day running and strategic delivery.

They will be an influential advisor across the Trust and wider place system building trusting relationships with a wide range of colleagues to further the aims of our patients and wider Buckinghamshire community.

Please see Candidate Pack for further information on the role and about our organisation: Associate Director of Communications & Engagement Candidate Pack

About us

Why colleagues think we are "a great place to work!"

What does Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust offer you?

As part of our BHT family, you'll benefit from learning and development opportunities to support your career progression.

Alongside NHS benefits of generous annual leave entitlement and pension scheme, you'll have access to NHS discount schemes.

We provide a range of health and wellbeing services to promote a healthy, happy workforce.

What do we stand for?

Our vision is to provide outstanding care, support healthy communities and be a great place to work.

Our mission is to provide personal and compassionate care every time.

We are working hard to increase diversity at all levels within the trust. We believe a diverse workforce can have a positive effect on both staff wellbeing and patient outcomes.

We welcome applications from black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates, candidates with disabilities and care-experienced candidates.

We are proud to achieve the Gold award for the Armed Forces Covenant and support applications from the Armed Forces Community. Please contact [email protected] (our Armed Forces Covenant Lead) if you would like guidance or assistance with your application.

We make employment decisions by matching our service needs with the skills and experience of candidates, regardless of age, disability, gender, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.

Job responsibilities

Please see Job Description, Person Specification and Candidate Pack for further information on the role and about our organisation: Associate Director of Communications & Engagement Candidate Pack

Person specification

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING

Essential

• Experience in senior communications leadership roles.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.

EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Experience of developing and implementing multi-modal communications strategies including a significant focus on digital communications.
• Experience of managing crisis communications including reputation management and external stakeholder engagement.
• Experience of working confidently with journalists, influencing and placing stories.

SKILLS, ABILITIES & KNOWLEDGE

Essential

• Strategic and creative thinker with the ability to forward plan.
• Strong understanding of the news agenda.
• Ability to communicate sensitive issues.