Communications and Engagement Manager | Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Milton Keynes is seeking a passionate communications professional to lead the trust's communications and engagement. The role involves developing strategies, managing media relations, and enhancing stakeholder engagement. The ideal candidate will have a degree in communications or PR, with experience in complex project management and a track record of delivering impactful communications. Join a supportive team and contribute to our mission of innovative healthcare communication.

Benefits

Supportive work environment

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven track record in managing complex communications projects.
• Experience in aligning communications strategies with organizational objectives.
• Ability to develop integrated communications plans.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Trust’s communications and engagement.
• Advise on best practices to senior Trust figures.
• Manage proactive and reactive media relations.

Skills

Communications expertise

Media relations

Stakeholder management

Crisis communications

Branding knowledge

Project management

Education

Degree-level qualification in communications or PR

Tools

WordPress CMS

Software for communication analysis

Job description

Role Overview

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced, passionate, and enthusiastic communications professional to join our well‑established team. The postholder will:

• Serve as operational lead for the trust’s communications and engagement.
• Advise and influence senior figures in the Trust to encourage best practice.
• Build effective relationships internally and externally to promote the work of the hospital.
• Manage proactive and reactive media relations, staff and stakeholder engagement, and campaign delivery.
• Oversee communications channels and manage junior team members.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement communications and engagement strategies aligned with Trust objectives.
• Deliver high‑quality, insight‑led communications that are measurable and impactful.
• Manage media enquiries, crisis communications, and reputation management.
• Plan and execute campaigns, events, and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Ensure compliance with NHS branding and accessibility standards.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Degree‑level qualification or equivalent experience in communications, PR, or related field.
• Proven track record in managing complex communications projects.

Why Join Us?

You’ll be part of a supportive, friendly, and experienced team with opportunities to grow personally and professionally. We value creativity, collaboration, and innovation in everything we do.

Communications and Engagement

• Develop and design integrated communications plans to assist with delivery of Trust campaigns.
• Present communications on complex issues Trust‑wide.
• Ensure all communications are aligned to the Trust’s communications strategy and its objectives.
• Ensure effective timetabling of change communications for maximum impact and avoidance of confusion and duplication.
• Curate digital content, including updating the website using a WordPress Content Management System (CMS).
• Use a range of software for research, analysis, creation of reports, publications, presentations, online communications, social media, offline channels etc.

Public relations/Social Media

• Liaise with press and media, including developing media releases, hosting media briefings, and deciding how to respond to media issues on sensitive or complex issues.
• Facilitate media and VIP activity on site.
• Identify positive stories about the Trust and sell‑in to the media/share on social media.
• Proactively build relationships with journalists locally and regionally.

Stakeholder management

• Build relationships with key stakeholders and partners across the region.
• Share good news stories, best practice and encourage skill development.
• Position the Trust as a leader in healthcare communications locally.

Branding

• Oversee all briefings to in‑house creative resource, ensuring requests are managed appropriately and prioritised based on organisational need.
• Ensure all materials published are in‑line with corporate Trust brand guidelines.
• Reguarly review Trust brand guidelines to ensure they are relevant and meet the organisation’s requirements.
• Work with external suppliers to commission and deliver campaign designs and materials where appropriate.

Planning, organisational and leadership skills

• Responsible for developing and implementing project plans in line with the strategic direction, and making recommendations for changes which may improve programme outcomes.
• Prioritise workload and manage frequently changing priorities.
• Co‑ordinate the input of a variety of partners.
• Mentor members of the team to support their personal and professional development.
• Hold a delegated budget for communication projects and events as required.

Interview details

Interview date: Week commencing 12 January 2026.

This advert closes on Monday 5 January 2026.