Head of Media (Deputy Director of Communications)

NHS; City Of London; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare institution in London is looking for a Head of Media to lead media relations and social media management. This senior management role involves implementing a strategic communications strategy and overseeing the Media Team. Candidates should have a strong track record in media relations within large organizations, leadership capabilities, and the ability to manage reputational risks effectively. A full-time, fixed-term position is offered, with a salary range of £85,431 to £97,148 annually.

Qualifications

• Significant hands-on experience in media relations.
• Extensive experience in a PR/communications environment.
• Ability to work with complex medical information.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage media relations and social media.
• Develop and implement Trust’s media strategy.
• Provide strategic communications advice to the Executive Team.

Skills

Media relations management

Crisis management

Strategic thinking

Influencing senior leaders

Campaign management

Education

Graduate degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Job Summary

The Head of Media (Deputy Director of Communications) role is a senior management position, responsible for media relations and the Trust's social media accounts. The post‑holder will work closely with the Director of Communications to help implement the Trust’s communications strategy and deputise for the Director where appropriate. They will be the organisational lead and specialist responsible for media relations and social media, develop and deliver large, long‑term media projects of strategic and reputational importance (e.g., major television documentary series), monitor and evaluate all media coverage to inform future media planning, and collaborate with the hospital’s research and development team to maximise publicity opportunities in research and innovation.

Main duties of the job

• Leading the Trust’s proactive and reactive media relations function, and social media presence
• Reputation management and crisis handling
• VIP visits
• Comms emergency planning lead
• Out‑of‑hours duty rota (paid)
• Deputising for the Director of Communications
• Line management

About Us

The Trust provides a full range of local and specialist services across its five sites. The trust‑wide strategy of Strong Roots, Global Reach is our Vision to be BOLD, Brilliant people, Outstanding care, Leaders in Research, Innovation and Education, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at the heart of everything we do. By being person‑centred, digitally‑enabled, and focused on sustainability, we aim to take Team King’s to another level. We are at a pivotal point in our history and we require individuals who are ready to join a highly professional team and make a real, lasting difference to our patients and our people.

Details

Date posted: 06 November 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: Band 8c

Salary: £85,431 to £97,148 a year per annum inclusive of HCAS

Contract: Fixed term

Duration: 12 months

Working pattern: Full‑time

Reference number: 213‑CORP‑7567913‑A

Job locations: King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS

Job Responsibilities

• Deputising for the Director of Communications in their absence or as delegated
• Developing and implementing the Trust’s media and social media strategy, acting as the organisational lead and specialist responsible for media relations and social media and extending the reach of the Trust’s work to wider audiences
• Managing the Trust’s reputation both proactively and reactively, and playing a leadership role in major incidents
• Providing strategic and professional communications advice to the Executive Team
• Overseeing event management, including VIP visits
• Managing and developing the Media Team
• Maintaining and enhancing key relationships across the Trust, and with external partners
• Responsibility for day‑to‑day running of the Media Team
• Developing and delivering creative and effective communications strategies, based on audience insight
• Be a senior member of the Communications Team, supporting the leadership and strategies of the team to project and enhance the Trust’s brand, profile, and position
• Devising and championing a coordinated approach to communications across the Trust, positively raising awareness of, and managing, the Trust’s brand and reputation across diverse channels and materials
• Providing direction and leadership to build professional, skilled, and supported teams, both in the immediate and wider team
• Having oversight of the workflow of direct reports, determining priorities, ensuring continual professional development and effective team working
• Serving on Trust committees and working groups where relevant to manage the interface between communications and other areas of the Trust
• Representing the Trust at meetings of organisations and bodies of which it is an active member
• Undertaking presentations at meetings, conferences, and other public events to promote the interests of the Trust in communications
• Undertaking any other task that may reasonably be required to fulfil the primary purpose of the role.

Person Specification

Essential

• Graduate or significant hands‑on experience in media relations, with a strong track record of managing proactive and reactive media activity
• Extensive experience in a PR/communications environment in a large, complex organisation, some of which must be at senior level
• Senior level experience of reputation and crisis management
• Track record of developing and implementing effective communications strategies, including digital integration and media planning
• Proven experience of ability to brief, advise and influence senior leaders on media issues
• Track record of running high‑profile, results‑driven media campaigns
• Ability to work with complex medical information and present it in easily understood language for all audiences
• Ability to form effective and credible relationships with all levels of staff, including senior clinicians and the Executive team
• Excellent understanding of the media environment and political sensitivities
• Leadership and performance management: ability to direct, develop and delegate
• Ability to think strategically, make decisions and lead the implementation of strategy

Desirable

• Experience of DVD/video production
• Experience of exploiting the web as a communications tool

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

Employer details

King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Denmark Hill
London
SE5 9RS
Website: https://www.kch.nhs.uk/