NIHR Director of Communications

Job title:

NIHR Director of Communications

Company

University of Leeds

Job description

Do you have extensive experience in a senior communications leadership role within a large, multifaceted organisation and a strong understanding of national systems and processes for supporting clinical research in NHS and non-NHS settings? Have you worked on a national scale to translate strategic vision into reality, lead large-scale transformation programmes and drive organisational change?The University of Leeds has been chosen by the UK government to lead the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Research Delivery Network Coordinating Centre (RDNCC), and will be joined by 12 new Regional Research Delivery Networks (RRDNs), hosted by NHS organisations across the country to form the NIHR Research Delivery Network (RDN). The new NIHR RDN will operate as one unified organisation across England, balancing regional context, expertise and leadership with national coordination and strategy involving government policymakers.As part of the NIHR Strategy Board and Chair of the NIHR Communications Programme Board, this high profile, national role will shape and lead the NIHR corporate communications function across the largest funder of health research in the UK, providing visible and dynamic strategic leadership, direction and oversight.You will have responsibility for NIHR’s brand and reputation and, as part of the NIHR executive leadership team, will lead new ways of working and foster a shared vision across England, and develop innovative communications strategies to increase recognition and understanding of the NIHR and its purpose and role.You will lead and mentor your senior team, develop and deliver comprehensive annual communications plans, and lead internal communications, digital channels, press office, and campaigns, ensuring NIHR’s communications strategies embrace innovation and trends. Additionally, you will develop and implement a comprehensive media strategy, including proactive news campaigns and media relations, oversee incident media preparations and response, and act as a potential media spokesperson.You will act as an ambassador for NIHR, maintaining relationships with key stakeholders across the public, charity, commercial, and academic sectors, and collaborate closely with the NIHR Centres Executive Board and senior officers of the Department of Health and Social Care.You will be politically astute and have highly developed negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence and resilience.This role requires substantial national travel. This role will be based at the RDNCC Leeds and London offices with scope for it to be undertaken in a hybrid manner. We are also open to discussing flexible working arrangements.What we offer in return

• 26 days holiday plus approx. 16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!

• Generous pension scheme plus life assurance– the University contributes 14.5% of salary

• Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.

• Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.

• Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

And much more!Applications for this role should be made online (more guidance can be found on our ‘How to Apply’ information page) and submitted by 23.59 (UK time) on the advertised closing date.Your application should include:

• A statement addressing how you believe your existing knowledge, skills and experience equip you to carry out the requirements of the role;

• Your curriculum vitae giving full details of qualifications and experience.

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:Sue Hayley, PA to Professor Andrew Ustianowski, Interim RDN Executive Director

Expected salary

Location

London – Leeds

Job date

Fri, 16 Aug 2024 23:47:56 GMT

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