Go back NICE – The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
Programme Director, Communications
The closing date is 25 August 2025
This role is open to both Manchester & London based applicants.
At the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), we're transforming how we deliver guidance to ensure it's more relevant, timely, and impactful. As our Programme Director, Communications, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping and sharing that story, and in delivering NICE's commitments set out in the NHS 10-year plan.
This is a unique opportunity to lead a high-performing communications function at a time of significant organisational change. You'll be responsible for setting and delivering our strategic communications direction--internally and externally--ensuring our transformation is well understood and supported by staff, stakeholders, and the public.
Reporting to the Deputy Chief Executive (pending the planned appointment of an Executive Director with direct responsibility for Communications) and working closely with the Executive Team and Board, you'll bring political acumen, strategic insight, and creative leadership to a complex and high-profile role. If you're a senior communications leader with a passion for public service and a track record of managing reputational risk, stakeholder engagement, and media relations at the highest level--this is your chance to make a national impact.
Main duties of the job
In this high-impact leadership role, you will:
Lead the development and delivery of NICE's strategic communications approach, aligned with our transformation and values.
Act as the organisation's senior advisor on communications and reputation, providing expert guidance to the Executive Team and Board.
Oversee internal and external communications, strategic communications, audience insights, marketing and brand,, digital channels, and media relations.
Manage a £3 million budget and 12 external contracts, ensuring value and impact.
Lead and develop a team of over 30 staff across multiple communications disciplines.
Shape and deliver internal engagement strategies in partnership with the Chief People Officer.
Monitor and respond to reputational risks, using data and insight to inform strategy and decision-making.
Represent NICE externally, building strong relationships with national media and key stakeholders.
About us
We're a collaborative, forward-thinking group that values creativity, integrity, and strategic thinking. Whether it's shaping national narratives, delivering high-impact campaigns, or building trusted relationships with stakeholders, we're proud of the role we play in NICE's mission.
What We Offer:
Generous NHS Pension Scheme- Secure your future with one of the most rewarding pension schemes in the UK.
Flexible Working- Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with options like remote working, compressed hours, and flexible start/finish times.
Exclusive Discounts- Save on shopping, dining, and more with a Blue Light Card.
Time to Recharge- Start with 27 days' annual leave plus Bank Holidays.
Inclusive Staff Networks- Join supportive communities like Women in NICE, Race Equality Network, Disability Advocacy, and more.
Tailored Development- Grow your career with personalised learning and development opportunities.
Job responsibilities
To be considered for this role, you should be able to particularly demonstrate the person specification criteria in the job advert in your application. However, applicants should be able to demonstrateall essential criteriathrough the entirety of the recruitment process to be considered for the job.
Please see job description attached for full list of responsibilities.
Person Specification
Experience
* Proven experience of leading strategic and operational communications at Board level Including the development and delivery of complex internal and external communications strategies in a politically sensitive environment.
Experience
* Demonstrated success in managing high-profile media engagement and reputational risk With the ability to act autonomously and advise senior leaders in high-pressure situations.
Experience
* Proven ability to influence and build relationships with senior stakeholders at national and international levels Including experience of reconciling conflicting views and leading cross-organisational initiatives.
Experience
* Substantial experience of managing large, multi-disciplinary communications teams and budgets Including oversight of external contracts, campaigns, and events
Experience
* Strong analytical and user research skills With the ability to interpret media sentiment, stakeholder feedback, and audience insights to inform strategic decisions and drive continuous improvement.
Experience
* Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in a complex and dynamic environment Managing multiple programmes and workstreams simultaneously while maintaining strategic focus.
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.
NICE – The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
Full-time,Flexible working,Compressed hours
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