The Head of Communications will provide tactical leadership to the Trust's communications function, driving trust-wide campaigns that enhance our reputation, engage internal stakeholders, and support our mission to deliver exceptional integrated care. Reporting to the Executive Director of Communications (EDC), you will lead a multidisciplinary team to deliver impactful, cohesive messaging across hospital and community services that serves to support the trust values and workplace culture. This role demands a forward-thinking leader who grasps the wider impact that the communications function has in shaping the environment as a ‘great place to work’. You will have proven expertise in managing complex campaigns, fostering team development, and ensuring structured, efficient operations in a fast-paced NHS environment. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the Trust's narrative, collaborating with clinical, operational, and executive teams to amplify our successes and navigate challenges. This role requires a high level of on-site presence to build relationships and respond to operational needs, with an expectation of approximately 80% of working time based at Trust sites (primarily Hastings and Eastbourne with travel to community locations as required). Hybrid working may be available for the remaining 20%, subject to business needs and agreement. This role is a job share, split equally between two postholders (one already in post). The post holder will demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in communications, applying them to lead service delivery, manage risks, and drive continuous improvement. Key responsibilities include: Ensure high quality communications: Maintain appropriate standards across the whole suite of internal communications. This includes ensuring communications support is tactically adept, and extends to overseeing the quality of presentation and content that is produced in the team’s name. Campaigns Leadership: Lead the development and delivery of high-profile, trust-wide communications campaigns that promote integrated hospital and community services, enhance patient and staff engagement, and support organisational priorities such as quality improvement and public health initiatives. Team Leadership and development: Provide inspirational leadership to a team of communications professionals, fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture. Demonstrate a strong track record of building and motivating diverse teams, with a focus on talent development, performance management, and succession planning to deliver consistent excellence. Open and proactive communication with the EDC role, ensuring that escalation is structured, solution-focused and proportionate to the scale of the issues at hand. Line management responsibility for the Communications team – Communications Officer and Communication Support Officers which includes managing performance, absence and undertaking appraisals. A wide range of staff benefits are available to our staff including staff development, enrolment in the NHS pension scheme, auto-enrolment to our Temporary Workforce Service, access to onsite nurseries. staff restaurants and accommodation. In addition to an internal Occupational Health department, all staff also have access to free psychological support through our confidential Employee Assistance Programme. Onsite parking is available from only £50 a year. There has never been a better time to join East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, submit your application today. Statement on the Use of AI We value the individuality that each candidate brings to the application process. While we understand that AI tools are widely available, we strongly discourage applicants from using AI-generated content when applying for jobs with us. We believe that your application should reflect your true skills, experiences, and motivations, which are best conveyed through your own words and unique perspective. Using AI for your application may not accurately represent your knowledge, skills, and experience and may result in a disconnect between your qualifications and our assessment of your application. We encourage applicants to take the time to thoughtfully complete their applications; by doing so, you allow us to better understand your true potential and ensure a fair and transparent evaluation of your application. Over reliance on AI-generated content may diminish your chance of success. Please see the attached job description. For any further questions or queries, please contact the appointed manager of the vacancy. This advert closes on Wednesday 13 May 2026 Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme Disability Confident About Disability Confident A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident .