Head of Communications: Sponsorship Available

Job summary

The search is on for us to find our next Head of Communications to lead a successful and high-profile communications team at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust. Our vision is to be “national and international leader in healthcare, rooted in our communities” and that’s where you step in, helping make this a reality.

Following the promotion of our last Head of Comms within the NHS, we are seeking a highly motivated, creative and inspirational leader to take on this pivotal role in taking forward our communications service. We are looking for someone naturally collaborative who can engage, strengthen and enable our communications team to deliver high quality communications.

You will already have a proven track record of providing compassionate leadership and delivering professional advice and expertise for large complex organisations.

We are a values-led organisation and are looking for someone who can build relationships at pace, internally and externally, whilst being a champion for the communications service and team. We are looking for a dynamic and effective leader with capacity as well as capability to take this role on.

If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you.

Main duties of the job

The role leads the communications team, providing professional expertise at a senior leadership level with oversight of all activities:

• Strategic planning, coordination and reporting on performance for delivery
• Collaborative team leadership, supporting professional development and improved service
• Corporate communications
• Managing reputation through media relations, stakeholder relations and supporting partnership working.
• Internal communications for 2 Hospitals and community services for 12,000 staff and >600 volunteers, working closely with all clinical and corporate services .
• Communicating to patients through awareness raising campaigns, public website , social media and using marketing to support the quality of their care experience.
• Ensuring operational activity is supported with timely communications such as response to incidents, seasonal pressures and emerging health issues (e.g. flu, pandemic), with well researched communications strategies and plans.
• Work closely with Clinical Groups, corporate services (e.g. ICT, HR, finance) and our engagement teams (patient experience, stakeholder relations and staff engagement) to bring about an integrated approach.
• Ensuring that the Trust’s communications are coordinated, effective and professional for the wide range of audiences we serve including patients, carers, staff, national and local media, MPs, volunteers and partner organisations.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• oEducated to degree level or substantial equivalent experience oTraining as a journalist, marketing or a communication professional.

Experience

Essential

• oEvidence of success in the areas of delivering effective media and stakeholder relations, corporate branding, marketing and internal communications, which are recognised for their high standards. oSubstantial relevant professional experience particularly in media relations, issues management. oExperience at developing and building teams. oEvidence of collaborative leadership and matrix working of teams. oGood understanding of different types of media including social media oSignificant I.T. Experience, using windows packages to support daily activities such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint and desk top publishing and design packages such as Illustrator and/or Indesign. oSubstantial experience of working a highly complex public sector environment or large complex organisation in senior communications management role

Knowledge

Essential

• oStrong writer with ability to write for difference audiences oUnderstanding of healthcare communications and public sector environment oKnowledge of social media and understanding of effective channel management oThorough knowledge and understanding of current communications management issues and practice and their application at strategic and operational levels. oExperience of leading successfully in a highly complex public sector organisation or large complex organisation in a senior communications management role. oUnderstanding of the law and accountability of NHS Trusts.

Skills

Essential

• oHighly developed oral and presentation skills, with the ability to develop, communicate and gain ownership for a clear vision and direction. oStrong writer with ability to write for different audiences. oGood influencing skills, ability to communicate with impact and be able to convince through personal credibility rather than managerial authority. oExcellent time management and organisational skills. oA highly effective communicator who is creative, positive and persuasive. oA strong lateral thinker with the confidence and resilience required to operate in a complex and high profile organisation. oA commitment to public sector values. oAn inspiring leader who leads by example and empowers others. oTeam player oPolitical awareness oAnalytical mind oOutgoing personality – able to face unknown settings with confidence oHave a flexible and dedicated approach to work. oWillingness to travel as appropriate. oHighly motivated and not easily discouraged. oUnderstanding of and commitment to equal opportunities in employment and service delivery. oPersonal and professional demeanour and credibility that generates trust and confidence in others. oThe highest degree of honesty, probity and integrity

Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours

Essential

• oMust be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust’s values. (As detailed in UHCW’s Values in Action document below) oApplicants applying for job roles with managerial responsibility will be required to demonstrate evidence of promoting equal opportunities through work experience

Closing Date: 31 August 2026