Research Communications and Engagement Manager

Research Communications and Engagement Manager

Job description

Job overview

One of our core priorities in our Above and Beyond’ strategy is to accelerate translational research and innovation to save and improve lives.

GOSH, together with the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, are world-renowned for translational research activities.

As an Intelligent Research Hospital, we want to make sure that research and innovation is fully integrated across all areas and that all of our staff, patients and their families have the opportunity to take part.







A secondment in the communications team means we have an 18-month fixed term post in the team where we can build research staff engagement into an already established communications post and test out some new approaches - if you have experience in authentic communications on the latest research, coupled with engaging staff, we want to hear from you.

We work flexibly in the team, on-site and remotely but for interview, if possible, we’d love to meet you in person.

Main duties of the job

This post will develop and lead on delivery of communication and engagement strategies for Research, including to our own staff.

Working closely with the Head of Research and Innovation Communications, this post holder will develop and lead on dynamic, relevant and engaging Research campaigns and communications activity for staff, the public, stakeholders and colleagues.

Building on successful awareness raising activity, new engagement interventions will raise participation and staff engagement in research amongst our diverse colleague base.

The post holder will build measurement into everything they do, testing and adapting as they go.

Working for our organisation

GOSH is committed to recruiting the best person for the job,





based solely on their ability and individual merit as measured against the criteria for the role;

through a process that is fair, open, consistent and free from bias and discrimination.

We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer and foster a culture where all staff are valued, respected and acknowledged.

All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, disability status or length of time spent unemployed.

We particularly welcome applications from BAME communities, people with disabilities and / or long-term health conditions and LGBT+ community members.

We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all applicants and employees are treated fairly and consistently.







We are proud to be accredited as a Disability Confident Employer, a member of Business Disability Forum and a Stonewall Diversity Champion.

We have active and Executive supported BAME, LGBT+ and Allies, Disability and Long-Term Health Conditions and Women’s staff networks.

Staff networks are employee-led groups formed around interests, issues and a common bond or background. Staff network members create a positive and inclusive work environment at Great Ormond Street Hospital by actively contributing to the Trust’s mission, values and efforts specific to inclusion.

All of our staff networks are open to any employee.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role,





and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience, and knowledge required.

For both documents please view the attachment / s below.

Person specification

GOSH Culture and Values

Essential criteria

- Our Always values
- Experience of contributing to an inclusive workplace culture.
- Knowledge and Understanding of diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Academic / Professional qualification / Training

Essential criteria

- A degree, preferably in a science discipline and / or relevant work experience
- PhD / Masters or equivalent experience in research
- Professional qualification or equivalent experience

Experience / Knowledge

Essential criteria

- Experience working in external communications / marketing team and with the media






- Experience writing engaging copy for a variety of channels, from newsletters to an intranet and website.
- Experience of staff engagement programmes and internal communications
- Experience of using a wide range of communications tools and channels, including social media, with the ability to identify the right channel for any particular audience.
- Demonstrable experience of looking for ways to improve approaches, seeking out innovation to improve outcomes for audience / s.
- Experience testing and trying new content formats and approaches, measuring and learning from the results
- Ability to work without close supervision, providing specialist advice to the organisation, working to tight and often changing timescales
- Experience of working productively in a multi-disciplinary team






- Experience of building good stakeholder relations within roles
- Managing multiple projects, leading regular reviews and making changes where necessary.
- Experience using Microsoft Office 365, incl. Teams and SharePoint
- Experience of supporting effective media, external and / or digital comms plans for initiatives or projects; with tangible examples of successful delivery.
- Experience of research communications
- Understanding of research landscape within a healthcare setting
- Understanding of professional and current issues related to the NHS, and relevant fields

Desirable criteria

- Experience working in local authority, government, NHS or voluntary organisations and health provider / s.
- Famliar with media monitoring platforms like PRGloo / Cision / Gorkana

Skills / Abilities







Essential criteria

- Excellent writing, editing and proofing skills
- Excellent verbal communication skills
- Strong analytical skills to ensure the true issues are identified and appropriate actions taken to promote positive stories, to ensure effective promotion of research and innovation, and to manage the reputation of organisations and leaders
- Ability to explain complex information clearly and concisely for a diverse range of channels and audiences
- Very organised and calm under pressure, with a track record of delivering objectives against tight deadlines
- Ability to analyse complex facts and situations quickly, and develop a range of creative and appropriate options
- Good team player - involving, listening to and respecting others
- Proactive, positive and self-motivated,





with the ability to organise time and work with minimum supervision
- Ability to deliver projects on time and on budget, dealing effectively with competing / conflicting demands
- Ability to build rapport and trust at all levels
- Confident and able to form credible and effective relationships with all levels of staff, including senior management

Desirable criteria

- Project management experience
- Familiar with Adobe Photoshop or similar

▶️ Research Communications and Engagement Manager
🖊️ Great Ormond Street Hospital
📍 London