Head of Communications for Research Delivery & Industry

NHS; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An opportunity with NHS for a Head of Communications within Health and Care Research Wales. This role involves developing marketing strategies, enhancing communications for research, and engaging with stakeholders to position Wales as a leader in health research. The ideal candidate will have a Master's degree and extensive media experience.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent experience in relevant fields.
• Extensive experience in media communications and public relations.
• Leadership experience in complex environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop a strategic marketing plan for health and care research.
• Lead on communications to support national research studies.
• Collaborate with stakeholders for project visibility.

Skills

Media handling

Stakeholder engagement

Marketing strategy development

Crisis communication

Project management

Education

Master's Degree in Journalism, Communication, PR, or Marketing

Tools

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Desktop Publishing Software

Job description

Head of Communications for Research Delivery & Industry

THIS POST IS FIXED TERM/SECONDMENT FOR 2 YEARS DUE TO FUNDING.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN APPLYING FOR THE SECONDMENT POSITION, YOU MUST OBTAIN PERMISSION FROM YOUR CURRENT LINE MANAGER PRIOR TO APPLYING FOR THIS POST.

A unique and exciting opportunity has arisen for an exceptional individual to be appointed as Head of Research Delivery and Industry Communications at Health and Care Research Wales.

This senior leadership role will be part of the wider Communications, Engagement and Involvement service and drive the development and delivery of a strategic marketing plan toshowcase Wales's research excellence and build closer relationships with global commercial partners. The post holder will also lead on communications for research delivery in Wales.

The post holder will require excellent communication skills, have a positive and flexible approach to the needs of the service, be motivated, ready for the next challenge and enjoy working as part of a very busy team.

The post may close early if sufficient applications are received.

Main duties of the job

Develop a proactive and creative marketing strategy to showcase Wales as a leading nation in health and care research delivery

Work with project partners to build a coherent and high-quality narrative about the Welsh offer for delivering commercial clinical research in Wales

Maximise opportunities for increased visibility at national and international industry events to market Wales as a nation to undertake research, producing marketing material and written briefs for attendees

Lead on all Health and Care Research Wales communications to support national research studies.

Collaborate with multiple stakeholders across the NHS, government and industry to showcase research strengths and identify brand ambassadors for research in Wales

Develop and lead on media opportunities, briefing senior spokespeople and agreeing messaging with media outlets

About us

This is a Health and Care Research Wales post, hosted by Powys Teaching Health Board.

Health and Care Research Wales is a networked organisation, supported by Welsh Government, which brings together a wide range of partners across the NHS in Wales, local authorities, universities, research institutions, third sector and others.

Health and Care Research Wales works in support of Welsh Government's overarching goal which is to ensure that today's research makes a difference to tomorrow's care.

Its mission is to promote, support and provide collective oversight of health and social care research in Wales, ensuring it is of the highest international scientific quality, is relevant to the needs and challenges of health and social care in Wales and makes a difference to policy and practice in ways that improve the lives of patients, people, and communities in Wales.

Job responsibilities

You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click Apply now to view in Trac.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply

Person Specification

Qualifications and Knowledge

• Master's Degree Level in Journalism, Communication, PR, Marketing or other relevant field, or demonstrable equivalent level of experience, skills, training and knowledge.
• Extensive knowledge of media communications, public relations, and social marketing communications techniques, approaches and procedures.
• Extensive knowledge of the health and social care research delivery landscape in Wales, in the NHS as well as wider health policy drivers in Wales and the UK
• Knowledge of the structure and operation of national, local and industry-related media
• Knowledge and understanding of equality and diversity legislation and good practice relating to information produced for relevant audiences
• Awareness of and sensitivity to external political environment, both Wales and UK level
• Knowledge, skills and experience in analysing and presenting data, using a variety of software programmes (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet, desktop Publishing).

Experience

• Leadership role in communications and stakeholder engagement in a highly complex environment.
• Extensive experience of media handling, briefing and tailoring content to targeted outlets
• Experience of using a range of communication methods to reach a target audience.
• Experience of handling communications during times of difficulty or crisis.
• Experience of budget management and financial reporting.
• Experience of procuring and managing agency briefs and overseeing deliverables
• Familiarity with and ability to exploit new information technology including digital media channels.

Skills and Attributes

• Ability to produce written communications of the highest level
• Ability to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders to develop and implement a strategy
• Skillful operator with the media, identifying content and liaising with a variety of outlets to achieve relevant coverage
• Excellent planning, prioritizing and project management skills with experience of developing systems and processes to meet deadlines
• Ability to adapt and respond to a rapidly changing agenda and to work under pressure while managing competing priorities.
• Ability to use own initiative, organise own work, set targets, prioritise, make decisions, delegate appropriately and ensure deadlines are met.
• Ability to condense highly complex information into accessible formats and present to a variety of audiences
• Ability to interpret highly complex policy and facts and identify appropriate communication solutions
• Ability to lead and manage people by providing direction, reviewing performance, motivating others, and promoting equality and diversity.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

National Head of Comms, Engagement & Involvement