Senior Communications Officer
The closing date is 28 April 2026
The University Hospitals of Liverpool Group has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Senior Communications Officer to support high‑quality internal and external communications across our Research & Innovation (R&I) portfolio. In this fixed‑term role you will work within the Research, Innovation and Communications team to deliver timely, effective communications aligned with Trust strategy. You will collaborate with colleagues at all levels, provide specialist communications and media advice, support reputation management and create engaging content across multiple channels.
This is a chance to promote groundbreaking research across all UHL Group sites and strengthen relationships with partners, patients, staff and stakeholders. Hybrid working is available, with on‑site presence expected each week.
Main duties of the job
* Deliver internal and external communications supporting UHLs Research & Innovation (R&I) activity.
* Ensure R&I communications are timely, effective and aligned with Trust strategy.
* Provide specialist communications and media advice to staff, including senior leaders.
* Support proactive and reactive media work to protect and enhance the Trusts reputation.
* Lead media events, launches and visits, including high‑profile and VIP engagements.
* Produce high‑quality content such as newsletters, campaigns, digital assets and publications.
* Build and maintain relationships with local, regional, specialist and national media.
* Support internal campaigns to boost staff engagement with research.
* Coordinate stakeholder engagement for R&I projects with the wider Comms and Marketing team.
* Contribute to planning and delivering social media and online content.
Job responsibilities
External Communications
* Deliver proactive and reactive communications promoting R&I and supporting Trust objectives.
* Identify strong media stories and enhance the Trusts reputation.
* Monitor media coverage and share insights with senior staff.
* Work with partners and agencies on joint communications.
* Produce press releases, statements, briefings and promotional content.
* Support external campaigns on research and Trust priorities.
* Represent the Trust at events when required.
Internal Communications
* Deliver internal communications and campaigns promoting R&I and Trust goals.
* Work with research teams on project‑specific campaigns.
* Produce and manage campaign materials.
* Support staff to improve internal communication flow.
* Create staff briefings, newsletters and digital content.
* Lead internal newsletters with colleagues and design/print agencies.
Stakeholder Engagement
* Coordinate stakeholder engagement for R&I.
* Align activities with the Trusts engagement plan.
* Represent the Trust as needed.
Digital & Social Media
* Support planning and creation of social and digital content.
* Assist with online campaigns promoting research.
* Ensure digital content meets Trust branding and tone.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Educated to degree level or equivalent.
* Postgraduate qualification in marketing, communications or public relations.
Experience
* Demonstrable experience in a communications/PR environment.
* Demonstrable experience of media relations management.
* Demonstrable experience of social media management.
* Experience of managing complex and sensitive issues.
* Experience in an NHS or other public sector communications/PR environment.
* Marketing experience.
Knowledge
* Detailed knowledge and understanding of the NHS including latest developments and policy initiatives.
* Understanding, knowledge and track record of managing internal and external communications in a large organisation.
* Understanding, knowledge and track record of managing media relations.
* Excellent knowledge of local and national policies and priorities.
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.
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