The organisation
The Royal College of Nursing is the world’s largest nursing union and professional body. It represents more than half a million registered nurses, midwives, nursing students and nursing support workers in the UK and internationally.
As a member-led organisation employing over 1,000 staff, the RCN works collaboratively with its members to:
• influence governments and other bodies
• improve working conditions
• campaign on issues to raise the profile of the nursing community.
The opportunity
Reporting to the Chief of Staff, the Director of Communications will have strategic responsibility for communications across the RCN Group and operational management of the RCN UK communications department. A key requirement is to provide strategic communications advice to the Chief of Staff and the Chief Executive and General Secretary.
The role leads on the strategic development and implementation of campaigns, media profile and political responsiveness, member and staff communications and support organisational change. It is in a leadership team alongside experts in public policy, commercial and corporate partnerships and technology and digital products.
The post holder will contribute widely to the success of the directorate’s aims and delivery of the corporate strategy.
Main responsibilities
• As the lead for RCN UK communications, contribute to the corporate strategy and lead the development of the RCN’s corporate objectives.
• Provide strategic communications advice on RCN issues, including media handling and key messages to members and staff, as well as to the Chief of Staff, the Chief Executive and General Secretary and other senior roles.
• Ensure the RCN represents member’s interests in the media and social media, prompting the understanding and appreciation of nursing as a profession, responding to current debates on nursing and wider health and social care issues
• Lead and manage the RCN UK communications department, communicating organisational objectives, outcomes and priorities, agreeing team objectives, facilitating team development and managing ongoing organisational development.
• Lead the strategy for the development, management and evaluation of the RCN’s member communications activity across the UK working closely with member groups and relevant directors and staff teams across the organisation.
• Lead the development of key messages for high profile events such as RCN Congress and the Annual General Meeting working effectively with all relevant stakeholders.
• Support the strategic development, management and evaluation of our digital transformation, working closely with member and staff teams across the organisation.
• Oversee strategy for the development, management and evaluation of the RCN’s internal communications activity working closely with staff groups and relevant managers across the RCN Group.
Requirement
• Experience of leading strategic communications for a high-profile organisation and operating at a senior level with leaders and Board members.
• Experience operating at pace in managing tactical communications, media relations, and campaigns, with a proven track record of leading large functions that include internal and digital engagement, ideally in a health or social care setting.
• Either well established health and social care networks or a passion to develop them with existing deep media management experience and political relationships.
• Ability to apply the qualities and processes of excellent people management.
• Practices compassionate, inclusive and collective leadership of people and teams.
• Ability to influence at all levels within and outside the organisation.
• Ability to handle complex and political issues sensitively.
This strategically important, senior level position will perform a crucial role in helping to shape a better future for the UK’s nursing profession, and in doing so positively affect the lives of millions of people throughout the country.
How to apply:
To apply, please submit the form below and include your CV and supporting statement (please merge these into one document). For more information, please see the candidate pack.
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