Senior Communications Project Manager (Obesity Health Alliance)

Job Introduction

Public perceptions about the causes and solutions to child obesity are at odds with what the evidence tells us. This disconnect can mean that public policies and environmental changes are likely to get less support and have less chance of being successfully implemented.  We need to transform how the public, politicians and others understand childhood obesity and how our environments shape children’s opportunities to be healthy. We need a communications expert to lead this work.

This new strategic project manager role, working within the Obesity Health Alliance (hosted by Diabetes UK) involves leading a programme of work to mobilise health charities and organisations to re-frame their communications about obesity. Working closely with the Frameworks Institute, and Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity the role will support OHA members and other health stakeholders to use a toolkit based on their Framework’s research and adopt a powerful new narrative in the their communications.

Interview Date: TBC

Role Responsibility

• To plan, set up and lead an initial one-year comprehensive programme of work to embed the communications toolkit with OHA members (including leading health charities and medical royal colleges) and other relevant stakeholders (including Department of Health and Social Care, Public Health England and NHS England) and bring about significant change in their communications practices and outputs.
• To build strong working relationships with our stakeholders to identify and understand the facilitators and barriers to re-framing their communications, securing the support of senior staff within external organisations and holding one-to-one meetings plus staff briefings and workshops on the project. 
• To use feedback from stakeholders and external environment scanning to produce compelling communications content to support and disseminate messages including press releases, online content, briefing documents.

The Ideal Candidate

You will have significant experience working in a strategic communications or public affairs role preferably in a health focused organisation or agency.

• Strong strategic thinker and expert communicator with ability to influence a wide range of senior stakeholders.
• Excellent copy writing skills with the ability to flex style for range of media and ability to produce engaging presentations, news releases, articles, statements and briefings
• Substantial experience in planning, delivering and evaluating complex communication strategies that bring about change.

Package Description

What we can offer you: 

• Generous annual leave starting at 25 days plus bank holidays 
• A Cash Healthcare Plan (giving you up to £1,500 towards a range of out of pocket health expenses like new glasses, dentist, chiropractor or osteopath appointments) 
• Early finish Friday and flexible working as part of our approach to activity based working
• Discounts on gym membership
• Employee assistance programme to give you support on any issues that come up in life  
• Annual season ticket loan (on completion of your probation period)
• Very active social scene including sport teams, gardening and other activities 
• Generous pension provision, life assurance and income protection insurance
• Cycle to work scheme (eligible for scheme if contract is permanent or longer than 12 months)

*Some benefits aren't available until you've passed your probation period and are dependent on the length of contract.

About the Company

Diabetes is the most devastating and fastest growing health crisis of our time.  There are currently 3.8 million people in the UK diagnosed with diabetes, and 1 million more with undiagnosed Type 2.

We are working to make sure that those affected by diabetes get the best care and support they need to live well with their condition and avoid life-changing complications.  We're leading the way by funding critical research, improving healthcare and treatment so we can reach our vision of a world where diabetes can do no harm.

Diabetes UK staff are motivated and experienced and extremely passionate about helping people affected by diabetes.  We have been fighting for people with diabetes for more than 80 years and changed millions of lives thanks to the new treatments, technology and policy changes we've been behind.

But there's more to do.  And you can be part of it.

We're a diverse bunch and as a charity we recognise and respect the value of everyone.

We've recently been awarded a One Star Accreditation status by Best Companies.  And this year we were named 65th in the top 100 not-for-profit organisations in the Sunday Times Best Companies to Work For list. 

We're committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and expect all staff and volunteers to actively support this commitment.

We have a vision of a world where diabetes can do no harm.  If you’d like to be part of that, why not join us? 

To learn more about the work we do - Click here

Diabetes UK