Head of Communications, Mental Health

Head of Communications, Mental Health

Salary: £94,100

Contract: Permanent

Closing date: 26th November

Wellcome is a global charitable foundation. We improve health for everyone by funding scientific research, leading policy and advocacy campaigns, and engaging people.

We are spending £16bn in the decade to 2032, funding new discoveries in life, health and wellbeing, and taking on three global health challenges: mental health, infectious disease and climate & health.

Wellcome's Corporate Affairs team is responsible for all aspects of its communications and public engagement, with a focus on building and sustaining trust, influence and reputation so that the science we support achieves its full potential to improve health for everyone.

As a result of a recent strategic review, three new Heads of Communications are to be appointed to support the Programme Directors across the areas of Climate & Health, Infectious Disease and Mental Health. Each communications lead will sit on the programme leadership team and will lead a small team to deliver a communications strategy in support of the programme's activities and ambitions.

Purpose

Reporting to the Associate Director, Communications, the Head of Communications, Mental Health will lead the development and delivery of a communications and engagement strategy that achieves the goals of the Mental Health programme, while building Wellcome's wider reputation and brand.

Responsibilities

• As a member of its senior leadership team, contribute to the overall strategic direction of the mental health programme and act on behalf of the director as required.
• Build trusted relationships with the Director of your strategic programme and its senior leadership team, as well as with the other programme communications heads and the wider corporate affairs department.
• Be responsible for setting communications and engagement objectives that advance the goals of your strategic programme, developing and nurturing the programme's relationships with all stakeholders, both internal and external.
• With a deep understanding of the vision, objectives and strategy of the Mental Health programme, lead and inspire a small team to deliver a communications strategy in support of its activities and ambitions. Convene and manage matrix teams with specialist skills as required.
• Create and deliver key communications products and initiatives yourself, including but not limited to writing key messages, speeches and content, acting as spokesperson, taking part in external events, managing grants and contracts, etc.
• As a senior member of the Corporate Affairs team, contribute to the development and delivery of a communications and engagement strategy which advances Wellcome's mission and ambitions, builds trust, and unites all activities through a strong, trustworthy and clearly-authored brand.
• Contribute to the creation and development of a diverse and inclusive culture across the organisation, encouraging people and departments to communicate and collaborate.

Core criteria

• Considerable experience of developing and implementing a multi-channel communications strategy in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.
• Proven leadership ability, and of contributing to the overall strategy of a business unit or organisation as a member of the senior leadership team.
• Excellent judgement, with the ability to take good decisions where there is ambiguity, uncertainty and incomplete information.
• Strong internal and external stakeholder management skills, able to work across different groups with varying (and sometimes conflicting) needs and expectations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills, including proven ability to draft copy for multiple mediums, strong storytelling ability, accurate use of language (including technical language), and attention to detail.

Wellcome has appointed Taylor Birchwood to support this search. To apply for this role, please email your CV and cover letter in support of your application (no more than 500 words) to . Please note that applications submitted in any other way will not be considered.

The closing date for this role is 26 November 2024.

Our Hybrid Way of Working

We understand that our colleagues have commitments and personal interests outside of work and we strive to build a flexible working environment, in which people can perform at their best.

At Wellcome we have a hybrid way of working which is 3 days in our Euston Road offices (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) with the remaining 2 days working either remotely or in the office.

Diversity and Inclusion is a priority at Wellcome. We are committed to cultivating a fair and inclusive environment, where everyone can be themselves and thrive. We are happy to discuss flexible working options for all roles. We work to ensure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible to everyone. This includes making adjustments for people who have a disability or long-term condition. Please visit our website for more information on adjustments and accessibility, or contact us at .