Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Communications Manager (XN06)

The closing date is 24 March 2026

Job summary

A rare opportunity to shape communications at one of the UKs largest NHS teaching hospitals.

Were looking for a talented communications professional to join our fast paced corporate communications team. This is an exciting chance to play a central role in how our Trust communicates with colleagues, patients, families, partners and the wider public at a time of significant and meaningful change.

Youll play an important role in a team where no two days are the same, leading communications for the Trusts programme to improve maternity and neonatal services and helping us share progress, listen to families and staff, and build confidence in the work were doing. Youll also work closely with colleagues on communications linked to the upcoming independent maternity inquiry, ensuring our approach is open, clear and compassionate.

Main duties of the job

Managing a wide range of media enquiries with confidence, clarity and sound judgement.

Leading internal communications and engagement activity that helps colleagues feel informed, valued and heard.

Creating compelling content for our social media channels, helping us reach and engage diverse audiences.

Maintaining and developing our corporate website so it remains accurate, accessible and user friendly.

Keeping stakeholders updated on key developments in a timely and effective way.

Turning complex information into clear, accessible and engaging content for colleagues, patients, families and partners.

Additional qualities we are keen to see:

Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.

Strong interpersonal skills and the confidence to work with senior leaders.

A calm, solutions focused approach when working under pressure.

Creativity, curiosity and a commitment to continuous improvement.

About us

Leeds Teaching Hospitals is committed to our process of redeploying 'at risk' members of our existing workforce to new roles. As such, all our job adverts are subject to this policy and we reserve the right to close, delay or remove adverts while this process is completed. If you do experience a delay in the shortlisting stage of the recruitment cycle, please bear with us while this process is completed, and contact the named contact if you have any questions.

Date posted

04 March 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£38,682 to £46,580 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9298-TEX-0092

Job locations

St. James's University Hospital

Beckett Street

Leeds

LS9 7TF

Job description

Job responsibilities

The post holder will be an integral part of the communications team responsible for providing an effective internal and external communications service to support The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust in the delivery of its vision, goals and objectives.

The post covers the whole range of communications functions providing the opportunity to be involved in all aspects of work and use their wide-ranging expertise.

The post holder will be responsible for all aspects of communication concerning both internal and external provision. Providing expert advice to staff at all levels across the organisation, this includes drafting statements and responding to media enquiries both within and out of hours (as part of an on-call rota).

The post holder will be responsible for leading and owning specific projects e.g. the Independent Inquiry for maternity services, Annual General Meeting, writing corporate documents, leading communication campaigns and agreeing these with the appropriate Clinical Support Units (CSUs). They will also be the named individual for a CSU acting as key contact/account manager to ensure communication opportunities are identified appropriately and that the CSU is advised appropriately on all aspects of communications and media handling.

The Trust operates across a number of hospital sites and regular travel between sites should be expected.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Lead on a range of internal and external communications projects working with colleagues from across the Trust seeking advice and support from colleagues and managers as appropriate.

Develop and deliver effective multi-channel communications plans for individual projects across the Trust.

Develop, implement and monitor communications plans and carry out audits to evaluate implementation and effectiveness.

Act as a lead for specific areas of communications activity and oversee this activity across the Team.

Develop and implement appropriate mechanisms and deliver effective internal communications across the Trust including producing electronic bulletins, newsletters, internet content, screensavers, organising and managing staff events and using social media to engage and promote our staff.

Research, write and produce a range of communications materials including press releases, newsletters, corporate publications, annual reports, leaflets, posters, patient information, briefings, social media content, and website content. Briefing design and print contractors as appropriate.

Support the delivery of an effective proactive and reactive media handling service across the Trust.

Plan, promote and organise internal and external events including VIP/ministerial visits, staff events, awards events and corporate events such as AGM etc.

Act as a guardian of the NHS corporate identity and the Trust brand guidelines.

Proactively identify opportunities to promote the work of the Trust and identify opportunities to raise awareness of its services, staff etc.

Support colleagues to ensure that communications and engagement with stakeholders is effective, proactive and co-ordinated.

Commission work with designers and other contractors ensuring it is delivered on time and to high standards within agreed budgets.

Ensure the use of all appropriate systems and processes to ensure the efficient running of the communications department and make suggestions for improvement where necessary.

Support and develop a range of digital communications including writing, editing and distributing electronic briefings, intranet content, web content and the Trusts social media channels for projects and corporate activity.

Provide advice, write guidance and support staff around all aspects of media activity in particular the use of social and digital media.

Contribute to the development of the Trusts website and intranet and take a lead role in ensuring they are up-to-date and effective.

Tailor and implement national and regional communications campaigns for the Trust and local community as appropriate.

Provide communications and media support as required in the event of a major incident.

Provide a professional and customer focused communications service ensuring confidentiality of patient and staff information at all times.

Develop and build strong working relationships internally and externally.

Work in partnership with other health and social care organisation to ensure a consistent and collaborative approach to communications where appropriate.

Participate in the Trusts communications out of hours on call service providing communications advice outside of working hours. This may involve attending any of the Trusts hospitals sites at short notice.

The communications strategy sets out four areas of focus.

Improving internal communications and engagement

Improving the quality and accessibility of information

Building awareness of the trust and its work

Strengthening public and stakeholder confidence.

There is a clear action plan developed each year to identify how the communications team will take forward these areas of work. The jobholder will have clear actions within this plan to deliver against. These form part of the annual objectives setting and appraisal agreement.