Job summary
The Deputy Head of PR and Communications is a key member of the Marketing and Communications team, supporting the Head of PR and Communications to deliver the strategic and operational objectives of the Trust, Private Care and Charity.
This is a strategic and operational role requiring the communication of highly complex and often sensitive information both within the Trust and Charity, and to external stakeholders. It relies on strong working relationships with senior colleagues across the Trust and Charity, and with the CEO/Chair. The post holder will support the Head of PR and Communications to ensure the Trust, Private Care and Charity have an effective internal and external communications strategy that actively supports the corporate objectives of all areas and maintains their high-level reputations.
We are looking for an established communications professional with strong experience in a fast-paced management or leadership role and a track record for delivering strategic PR and communications plans, working with senior leaders, to enhance the reputation of an organisation. You will need political acumen and experience of working in a highly complex and sensitive environment, as well as charity experience and the ability to manage multiple strategic and high-profile projects simultaneously.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will support the Head of PR and Communications to write and develop the Trust, Private Care and Charity's public relations and communications strategies in agreement with the Director of Marketing and Communications to deliver both a proactive and reactive plan to raise the profile and understanding of the work of the Trust and to drive both the profile of and fundraising for, the Charity, enhance their respective reputations and promote awareness of their aims and achievements in ways which are appropriate for the different audiences (including patients, families, others within the health service, the public and supporters of the Charity).The post holder will also support the successful delivery of high-profile Trust and Private Care events, including those involving HRH The Prince of Wales and Kensington Palace.The Deputy Head of PR and Communications will support, as required, the delivery of the Trust's InternalCommunications Strategy, supporting the Head of PR and Communications to ensure the delivery of effective two-way communications to sustain an environment where staff feel informed, included and valued, as measured by the annual Staff Survey.
About us
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is a world-leading cancer centre. Our role is to offer our patients the best cancer care available anywhere in the world, and to continue to make a global contribution to finding better ways of diagnosing and treating cancer. We employ over 4,500 staff in a diverse range of careers including nursing, medical, science, radiography, pharmacy, occupational therapy, finance and administrative services. We have two hospitals - one in Chelsea, London, and one in Sutton, Surrey - as well as a Medical Day-care Unit in Kingston Hospital.At The Royal Marsden, we deal with cancer every day, so we understand how valuable life is. When people entrust their lives to us, they have the right to demand the very best. That's why the pursuit of excellence lies at the heart of everything we do.At the heart of the hospital is our dedicated team. We offer a stimulating and dynamic working environment, a wide range of staff benefits, learning and development opportunities and clear career pathways. There are opportunities to work flexibly across a range of areas and specialities and we welcome flexible working requests from point of hire to support employees work life balance. We are looking for employees who aspire to excellence, share our values and can play a crucial role in our on-going achievements.
Job description
Job responsibilities
For further information on this role, please see the attached detailed Job Description and Person Specification :
- To work with the Senior PR and Communications Manager to identify and exploit opportunities to promote The Royal Marsdens thought leadership agenda working with the Science Media Centre asappropriate, in order to enhance the Trusts presence in the media as a key voice on oncology and also driving a positive public image To work with the Charitys leadership team to identify and explore strategic opportunities to promote the Charitys role in funding research which makes a difference to the lives of cancer patients locally and globally To work with the Head of Marketing and Head of Digital to ensure successful development and implementation of cross-team planning, liaising with the Charity to ensure alignment, and in particular, the Chelsea Development Project, by inputting key insight to PR and Communications that support the plans delivery, including the management of internal processes and campaign evaluation To support the Head of PR and Communications to professionally manage the Trusts corporate image and to ensure it is used consistently when communicating with the public and other externalaudiences To ensure that patient confidentially is protected at all times and deal sensitively with VIP or high profile patients when required. Provide strategic advice and support to patients, their families andrepresentatives involved in media enquiries or seeking media contact Working with the Head of PR and Communications, provide support and advice on VIP visits to the Trust where there is significant national and international media interest in the event, and liaise withthe Chief Executive, Board, Charity team, senior management, clinical and ward staff to ensure the event is delivered in a co-ordinated and professional way. To help develop the PR and Communications strategy for the Charity and promote fundraising activities and major donor gifts where appropriate, in order to maximise impact through the effectiveuse of proactive PR To write a PR plan for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charitys Chelsea Appeal and to support The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity team in research, development and publication of strategic materials,including those for the Chelsea Development Project,
Job description
Job responsibilities
For further information on this role, please see the attached detailed Job Description and Person Specification :
- To work with the Senior PR and Communications Manager to identify and exploit opportunities to promote The Royal Marsdens thought leadership agenda working with the Science Media Centre asappropriate, in order to enhance the Trusts presence in the media as a key voice on oncology and also driving a positive public image To work with the Charitys leadership team to identify and explore strategic opportunities to promote the Charitys role in funding research which makes a difference to the lives of cancer patients locally and globally To work with the Head of Marketing and Head of Digital to ensure successful development and implementation of cross-team planning, liaising with the Charity to ensure alignment, and in particular, the Chelsea Development Project, by inputting key insight to PR and Communications that support the plans delivery, including the management of internal processes and campaign evaluation To support the Head of PR and Communications to professionally manage the Trusts corporate image and to ensure it is used consistently when communicating with the public and other externalaudiences To ensure that patient confidentially is protected at all times and deal sensitively with VIP or high profile patients when required. Provide strategic advice and support to patients, their families andrepresentatives involved in media enquiries or seeking media contact Working with the Head of PR and Communications, provide support and advice on VIP visits to the Trust where there is significant national and international media interest in the event, and liaise withthe Chief Executive, Board, Charity team, senior management, clinical and ward staff to ensure the event is delivered in a co-ordinated and professional way. To help develop the PR and Communications strategy for the Charity and promote fundraising activities and major donor gifts where appropriate, in order to maximise impact through the effectiveuse of proactive PR To write a PR plan for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charitys Chelsea Appeal and to support The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity team in research, development and publication of strategic materials,including those for the Chelsea Development Project,
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Relevant degree or equivalent
Desirable
- Evidence of continual learning and professional qualifications e.g. journalism, IPR, CAM
Skills
Essential
- Strong communications skills both verbal and written - including editing, proofing, copy writing and interview techniques
- Good influencing and persuasion skills with the ability to command the confidence of colleagues and able to deal positively with organisational politics
- Ability to think and plan strategically and to prioritise work in the face of competing demands
Experience
Essential
- Good PR and communications experience at a senior level -former substantial employment with a leading NHS Trust/or blue-chip company. Charity experience essential.
- Strong experience in a fast-paced management or leadership role, including experience in managing and - developing a large team in a cross-matrix organisation
- Political acumen and experience of working in a highly complex and sensitive environment
- Experience of working with Board colleagues, senior
- leadership teams, and Managing Directors
- Experience across all PR and Communications channels-print, broadcast, social media and digital as well as internal communications
- Experience in magazine publication, working with agencies to deliver a portfolio of items from initial brief to printed delivery
- Experience of working with outside agencies, including senior representatives and being able to articulate a strategic agenda to deliver successful outcomes
- Experience in managing brand and reputation of an organisation ensuring negative coverage and impact is negated or minimised
- Experience with VIP and/or celebrities/visits and events
- Experience of working in a dynamic, high-profile organisation that is a leader in its field with a strong brand and reputation
Desirable
- Understanding of healthcare and/or third sector
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Relevant degree or equivalent
Desirable
- Evidence of continual learning and professional qualifications e.g. journalism, IPR, CAM
Skills
Essential
- Strong communications skills both verbal and written - including editing, proofing, copy writing and interview techniques
- Good influencing and persuasion skills with the ability to command the confidence of colleagues and able to deal positively with organisational politics
- Ability to think and plan strategically and to prioritise work in the face of competing demands
Experience
Essential
- Good PR and communications experience at a senior level -former substantial employment with a leading NHS Trust/or blue-chip company. Charity experience essential.
- Strong experience in a fast-paced management or leadership role, including experience in managing and - developing a large team in a cross-matrix organisation
- Political acumen and experience of working in a highly complex and sensitive environment
- Experience of working with Board colleagues, senior
- leadership teams, and Managing Directors
- Experience across all PR and Communications channels-print, broadcast, social media and digital as well as internal communications
- Experience in magazine publication, working with agencies to deliver a portfolio of items from initial brief to printed delivery
- Experience of working with outside agencies, including senior representatives and being able to articulate a strategic agenda to deliver successful outcomes
- Experience in managing brand and reputation of an organisation ensuring negative coverage and impact is negated or minimised
- Experience with VIP and/or celebrities/visits and events
- Experience of working in a dynamic, high-profile organisation that is a leader in its field with a strong brand and reputation
Desirable
- Understanding of healthcare and/or third sector
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.
