Employer: The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust
Employer type: NHS
Site: Princess Alexandra Hospital
Town: Harlow
Salary: £107,507 - £123,393 per annum
Salary period: Yearly
Closing: 05/01/2025 23:59
Director of Communications and Engagement
NHS AfC: Band 9
The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) provides a full range of general acute, outpatient and diagnostic services at The Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, the Herts and Essex Hospital in Bishop’s Stortford, and St Margaret’s Hospital in Epping.
Our values
Patient at heart – Always holding the patient and their wellbeing at the centre of our thoughts and efforts.
Everyday excellence – Sharing and celebrating our successes, being honest when we get it wrong, giving us the ability to learn from both.
Creative collaboration – Knowing strength comes from diversity, we combine our experiences, skills and talents, working together to find new and better ways to care.
Job overview
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.
Working for our organisation
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.
Detailed job description and main 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
* Professional communications, marketing or media qualification or substantial relevant experience
* Educated to Masters level in relevant subject or equivalent level of experience
Experience
* 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
* Extensive experience and knowledge of the NHS
What we can offer you:
* Full induction and onboarding process in our organisation
* Free car parking for our staff
* Structured pay scheme, including additional living supplement to your basic salary
* Minimum 27 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time staff)
* Access to our Alex Lounge, our staff only rest area with free tea and coffee
* Access to NHS Pension scheme
* Flexible working options available, in line with our flexible working policy
* Onsite creche facilities
* Annual appraisals with career pathways
* In-house training courses
* Discounted hospital restaurant
* Staff health and wellbeing health services and complimentary health provision
Employer certification / accreditation badges
The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Name: Thom Lafferty
Job title: Chief Executive Officer
Email address: n.howard2@nhs.net
Additional information: Natalie Howard, Executive Assistant to CEO
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