Senior Communications Officer | University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust

Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; Bournemouth; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A healthcare charity is seeking a Senior Communications Officer to lead the development and implementation of marketing and PR strategies. This role supports the fundraising strategy and involves managing a communication team as well as producing various written communications. Ideal candidates will have experience in marcomms, excellent interpersonal skills, and a proactive approach to media relations. This position is vital for increasing donations and engaging with supporters across multiple channels.

Qualifications

• Experience in communications, marketing, or PR.
• Ability to produce a broad range of written communications.
• Experience in managing teams within a charity context.

Responsibilities

• Lead marketing and PR plans for the charity's fundraising strategy.
• Produce written communications for various audiences.
• Manage communication officer and assistant.
• Nurture key relationships and maintain networks with stakeholders.
• Oversee writing and issuing press releases.

Skills

Passion for marcomms

Excellent interpersonal skills

Ability to influence and collaborate

Initiative and decision-making

Proactive media relations

Job description

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity exists to enhance patient care and provide items above and beyond what NHS core funding provides.

We are looking for someone who is passionate about marcomms and the NHS to join our charity management team.

This is a job share of 16.5 hours per week.

The purpose of this role is to lead on the development and implementation of a marketing and PR plan for University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity, in line with the charity’s fundraising strategy, to support the increase of donations and grants.

The senior comms officer will provide specialist, quality communications, marketing and PR support to the charity team.

They will jointly manage the communication officer and assistant ensuring the use of a wide range of communication and marketing techniques are employed to develop supporter engagement and donations.

It is an exciting time to join our team and we need someone with drive and determination to help us deliver on our aims and ambitions.

Closing Date: 15th December 2025

Shortlisting Date: 17th December 2025

Interview Date: 30th December 2025

Base Location: Royal Bournemouth Hospital

Responsibilities and Requirements

• Work closely with the Head of Charity and Senior Charity managers to ensure the necessary marcomms support for delivery of the fundraising strategy.
• Produce a broad range of written communications for different audiences including the charity annual report, case studies for campaigns and fundraising appeals, impact reports, press releases, etc.
• Develop, produce and lead the implementation of the University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity marketing and PR strategies; work closely with the Head of Charity to ensure the strategies are implemented effectively.
• Work with the communications team to ensure the Trust website is up to date with charity news and events.
• Work autonomously, within defined parameters, using own initiative to make decisions relating to marketing and PR activity for the Charity.
• Act as a role model, representing the vision and values of the Trust at all times.
• Attend local fundraising activities and events as part of the wider charity team to encourage donations and develop greater volunteer support.
• Ensure that all PR and Marketing activities are reported and seek necessary support when greater resources are required.
• Share and propose new ideas for potential improvement or opportunities with the wider team to support the overall fundraising strategy.
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to influence, inform and collaborate with governors, partner organisations and other stakeholders.
• Handle highly sensitive and complex information and data on fundraising and charity spend, including responsibility for production of the charity annual report and accounts.
• Maintain regular contact with senior staff within the hospital, including medical staff, directors and members of the public.
• Nurture key relationships and maintain networks internally and externally, dealing effectively and appropriately with people at all levels from a broad range of organisations.
• Protect and enhance the charity’s public image through proactive media relations, working closely with the Trust’s communications department as necessary.
• Oversee the writing and issuing of press releases and case studies to appropriate media.
• Read the full job description and person specification documents attached to the advert to understand the role in more detail.

Our values define who we are as #TeamUHD. They underpin everything we do now and in the future and define how we treat our patients, visitors, and each other – our valued team mates and colleagues.

Our charity team is based across both Poole and Royal Bournemouth Hospitals; expectations for team members to be flexible in working across these offices. However, this post will be based primarily at RBH.

This advert closes on Monday 15 Dec 2025.