Senior Communications Manager
The closing date is 28 September 2025
The post holder will work with the Communications Director and wider communications team to develop and sustain an effective communications service for Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT).
Overview
Main duties of the job
* Day-to-day management including planning and allocation of resources and tasks.
* Lead in the development, implementation and evaluation of a range of communications campaigns, including managing budgets and schedules, and external contractors and suppliers as required.
* Commission, write and edit complex internal and external communications materials including reports, articles, media releases, statements and information products.
* Develop and maintain knowledge of all the Trust's communication systems and platforms, including social media, continuously measuring and monitoring the effectiveness of those channels.
* Work in partnership with colleagues from teams across the Trust, and where appropriate external partner organisations, to deliver communication plans and projects to deadline.
About us
* EPUT are looking for motivated staff who shares our Trust values of Care, Learn and Empower. In return, EPUT can offer you a range of benefits and development including:
* Season Ticket Loans
* NHS discounts for staff
* Excellent Training facilities and opportunities
* Buying and Selling annual leave scheme
* The opportunity to work bank shifts and expand knowledge and experience in other areas
* Salary Sacrifice schemes including lease cars and Cycle to Work
* Day One Flexible Employer
* The Trust supports and actively encourages flexible working for all employees. We offer many options and you are encouraged to ask the recruiting manager what is possible for this role. If appointed, you will have the opportunity to apply for a flexible working request from the first day of your employment
* Join our Staff bank
Job responsibilities
* Key responsibilities: Day-to-day management including planning and allocation of resources and tasks.
* Lead in the development, implementation and evaluation of a range of communications campaigns, including managing budgets and schedules, and external contractors and suppliers as required.
* Commission, write and edit complex internal and external communications materials including reports, articles, media releases, statements and information products.
* Develop and maintain knowledge of all the Trusts communication systems and platforms, including social media, continuously measuring and monitoring the effectiveness of those channels.
* Work in partnership with colleagues from teams across the Trust, and where appropriate external partner organisations, to deliver communication plans and projects to deadline.
* Ensure consistency in use of the Trusts corporate image and style, in line with NHS branding guidelines.
* Provide advice and support to staff including directors, senior managers and clinical colleagues across the Trust, and other organisations, on specific communications issues.
* Train colleagues in use of communications tools and channels including systems.
* Participate in the out-of-hours on call communications function for the Trust, as needed.
* Provide support across the wider Communications Team as required, including dealing with reactive media enquiries and contributing to Trust wide communications channels, tactics and collateral.
Financial management
* To monitor the budget for the functions within portfolio and to ensure expenditure is contained within budget limits
* To authorise use of credit card for agreed areas of spend
* To act as an Authorised Signatory for financial payments
* To maintain financial commitment and spending records in line with audit requirements.
Communication and working relationships
* The post holder will be required to develop successful working relationships at all levels of the organisation and with key external contacts such as other members of relevant networks, colleagues in commissioning and regulatory organisations and journalists.
* The post holder will act as communications lead during times of difficult organisational change and complex situations.
* The post holder will be required to convey sensitive and complex information relating to all areas of the organisations operations and strategy.
Information and systems
* To ensure team input in an appropriate, timely and precise manner to e-roster and other staff record systems.
* To ensure data held within communications management systems and databases is accurate and handled in line with relevant legislation and policies.
Additional duties
* In addition to the above duties you will also be expected to perform the below key activities in line with your job role:
* Complete mandatory training in line with Trust policy and procedures
* To keep yourself updated on all matters relating to Trust policy
* To provide management supervision where appropriate
Person Specification
Skills
* Devising and executing successful communication strategies and plans through understanding of internal communications and effective methods
* Experience of media relations, copywriting for a variety of media including press releases, newsletters and websites
Knowledge
* Extensive management within a communications department
Experience
* Experience of working in the NHS, public sector or a membership organisation
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.
Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
£47,810 to £54,710 a year, per annum, pro rata
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