Band 8b - Head of External Communications, Content & Engagement

The Trust is full of amazing colleagues, moving stories and emotive issues which people care deeply about. We have a huge opportunity to bring these to life, build awareness and support for what we do, and make people feel truly proud to work for this organisation.

That's why we need a brilliant storyteller, media expert and content specialist to lead our external communications programme and help build our reputation locally, regionally and nationally.

You will lead on our external communications strategy, and deliver a creative, insights-led and data driven approach which supports our organisational goals.

You will also lead our engagement approach, ensuring we're building strong relationships with key partners, charities and politicians.

And you will ensure we're prepared for any crisis events and handle a range of issues.

You understand the power and reach of digital channels and what good looks like, so we're reaching the right audiences, at the right times with the right messages.

It's an exciting time to join us - we're a small, friendly team with big ambitions to punch well above our weight.

If you're ambitious, passionate about making a difference and know how you can help deliver real impact for our communities then we would love to hear from you.

The role can be flexible - with time both at home and in the office.

You will also join an out of hours rota for urgent calls or issues, which comes with an additional payment

Main duties of the job

Responsible for the development, implementation and evaluation of an effective, high quality media relations, digital content and external engagement strategy which will drive awareness and build support for our work with key audiences.

Provide both strategic and tactical communications and engagement advice to the senior leaders relating to key issues and priorities, and lead on responding to incoming enquiries from reporters.

Liaise effectively and build trusting relationships with journalists, stakeholders, government departments, as well as senior internal stakeholders.

You will be a content specialist and understand how to build, manage and plan high quality content across multiple channels and act as an expert and advisor within the Trust on digital communications.

You will understand and have experience of developing high performing teams.

You will play an important role as part of the senior team, including in proactive planning, line-management responsibilities and stepping in to support or cover for the Director of Comms, Deputy Director of Comms.

You will lead on a developing robust crisis communication plan to effectively respond to emergencies or sensitive issues. Leading the communication team in managing crisis situations and providing timely and accurate information to the public and media.

With a new hospital planned for Watford and work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital, this is an exciting time to join us. We are building on the success of our award-winning virtual hospital and re-imagining models of care, working ever more closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare. Staff wellbeing and development are a priority at our Trust, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience. Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive. They capture an important balance across what we must all do as individuals and to support others. We offer a variety of flexible working options as we recognise the importance of a good work life balance. www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk/flexibleworking If you have a disability or long-term health condition and should you require support or