As our new Director of Communications and Engagement, you will be joining an Executive Team that is passionate and focused on delivering our ambitious strategy. We will rely on your professional communication, media and public relations skills to help us to take forward our strategy and ensure we have the reputation we need to continue to attract donors and provide high quality services to our patients and donor families. This is a rare national leadership role that requires both the ability to engage and connect to our people across our organisation and to drive engagement externally, alongside developing our partnerships to support our vision of every patient receiving the donation they need. In doing this you will have an amazing opportunity to influence the lives of millions of people. If you are looking for an opportunity to apply your experience on the Board of a purpose driven organisation at the heart of the NHS, look no further. Main duties of the job As executive lead for Communication and Engagement you will be able to work with and influence people across the organisation and a diverse set of external partners and stakeholders. The post holder will be a member of the Executive and attendee at Board. The key purpose of the Director of Communication and Engagement are: To lead and manage a transformation in internal and key stakeholder relationships to support delivery of NHSBT Strategy and Objectives. To provide and manage an effective and professional communication, media, public relations and reputational management function. To develop and maintain a set of strategic partnerships in service of our vision of every patient receiving the donation they need. To grow and lead NHSBTs charity in line with our strategic objectives About us At NHS Blood and Transplant, were incredibly proud of the many talented people who come together every day to make our organisation the very best it can be. We have clearly defined values that are centred around offering exceptional care to our donors and their families. We take care of each other too and we focus on building our expertise so we can change lives, provide quality support and offer fulfilling careers. Its an opportunity to contribute to a unique team as part of a service that saves lives 365 days a year. We offer brilliant benefits including 27 days of holiday (plus bank holidays), a comprehensive induction and training programme, and competitive pension scheme. We are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace and aim to reflect the diverse communities we work with and positively encourage applications from all sectors of the community. Three small words, one big difference - Caring, Expert and Quality. Together well save and improve more lives than ever As an essential part of the NHS, NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) work to make the most of every donation – from blood and organs to tissues and stem cells. We employ over 6,400 people across the UK, with a total revenue of over £600 million, delivering blood, and blood-based therapies across England; Diagnostic and Therapeutic services globally; and organ donation and supply services for the whole of the UK. Our mission has always been to save and improve lives. As we look to the future, our ambition is to save and improve even more lives, building a world where every patient receives the donation they need. To deliver this vision, we have five priorities: growing and diversifying our donor base; modernising our operations; driving innovation into practice; collaborating with partners; and investing in people and culture. The Opportunity As our new Director of Communications and Engagement, you will be joining an Executive Team that is passionate and focused on delivering our ambitious strategy. We will rely on your professional communication, media and public relations skills to help us to take forward our strategy and ensure we have the reputation we need to continue to attract donors and provide high quality services to our patients and donor families. This is a rare national leadership role that requires both the ability to engage and connect to our people across our organisation and to drive engagement externally, alongside developing our partnerships to support our vision of every patient receiving the donation they need. In doing this you will have an amazing opportunity to influence the lives of millions of people. If you are looking for an opportunity to apply your experience on the Board of a purpose driven organisation at the heart of the NHS, look no further. We welcome applications irrespective of peoples age, disability, sex, gender identity and gender expression, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, neuro-diversity or other personal circumstances. We are committed to policies and procedures that ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including the consideration of reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability. Qualifications Essential • Educated to degree level or equivalent significant experience. • Provide evidence of continuing professional and personal learning and development Experience Essential • Board level experience of setting and driving communication and engagement strategies • Knowledge and understanding of national Health policies and the future potential of the Healthcare environment in the UK • Extensive political reputation management and stakeholder engagement experience • Recent and relevant experience of working in the Health Sector environment • Can lead, motivate and inspire others • Is credible to external and internal stakeholders • Has strong analytical skills and critical reasoning skills capable of effective problem solving • Ability to translate strategic goals into effective and achievable operational plans • Highly developed communication skills verbal and oral • Able to make sense of conflicting priorities and reach effective and speedy solutions • Ability to assess risks, anticipate difficulties and successfully resolve them • Politically astute with knowledge of national and regional decision-making and influencing bodies