Communications Manager

Are you keen to be part of an evolving organisation at the leading edge of regulation, where the intellectual challenge is high and the potential to make a difference is immeasurable?The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) is the UKs independent regulator of clinics providing fertility treatment and research involving human embryos.An exciting and unique opportunity has arisen for a talented Communications Manager to lead on all aspects of our internal communications as well as clinic-facing communications. Your work will increase understanding of the HFEA''s role and priorities.This is a maternity cover, 9 - 12 month fixed term contract. Interviews are expected to take place 7/8 October. Start date would be mid November to allow for handover with the current post-holder.Responsibilities

You will be comfortable having sole responsibility for managing all aspects of our intranet. You’ll work closely with colleagues in our Policy and Intelligence teams to develop reports and guidance, bringing your first-class writing and editing skills to showcase the impact of our work. You’ll also produce communications plans to support projects, ensuring they meet our audiences needs and that evaluation is builtin.Reporting to the Head of Communications, you will be the internal comms representative for cross-departmental activity, participating in cross-government internal communications meetings.You will lead on producing the monthly Clinic Focus e-newsletter, which is our primary channel to communicate with clinics and the sector.You’ll also have excellent interpersonal skills, be able to work effectively with colleagues at all levels of the organisation, and the ability to work to tight deadlines.The successful candidate will also sit as a member of the HFEA’s Executive Licensing Panel (ELP), supporting licensing decision making.About us

The HFEA isthe UK''s independent regulator overseeing safe and appropriate practice infertility treatment and embryo research. We license and monitor clinics carrying out IVF, donor insemination, and human embryo research.This post is offered as either office based (in which case you will need to attend the office at least one day per week) or home based (in which case office attendance will be specified by your line manager based on business need). Our office is in Stratford, east London, in attractive new premises on the edge of the Olympic Park, alongside several other health Arms Length Bodies. In addition to flexibility and hybrid working we offer generous annual leave and pension arrangements.The HFEA is a member of the Community Race and Work Charter and the Disability Confident Charter. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and supportive working environment that is free from any form of discrimination. We recognise that there are real benefits of having a diverse community of staff and aim for our workforce to be truly representative of all sections of society. Additionally, we adopt a culture that hopes to attract and retain talented individuals that want to work with us.In November 2024, the HFEA was awarded People Insight''s Outstanding Workplace Award 2024.Job responsibilities

The communications manager is a senior role in the HFEA, leading on all aspects of the organisation’s internal communications. You will be responsible for creating and delivering communications plans to engage patients and other stakeholders to increase understanding of the role of the HFEA and the impartial information we provide.Key responsibilities include leading on the HFEA’s internal communications, including sole responsibility for and managing all aspects of the organisation’s intranet, creating and editing high quality corporate publications and online content to increase understanding of the HFEA’s role and priorities, and creating campaigns and plans to engage patients and the public to grow the HFEA’s reach and reputation.The role also leads on the production of clinic-facing communications including Clinic Focus, a key channel used by the HFEA to communicate with clinics and the sector, managing all content and the production process.You will be comfortable working with senior colleagues. Reporting to the Head of Communications, you will be one of three communications managers at the HFEA and part of the six-strong communications team.Key responsibilitiesLeading on the production of content for all internal communication channels, including the HFEA intranet, and identifying opportunities for developmentLeading on the production of the monthly Clinic Focus newsletter, the primary channel used for communicating with clinics and the sector. Managing all content, creating the communication on the web platform, and holding sole responsibility for delivery.Sole responsibility for the HFEA hub. Developing and maintaining all aspects of the intranet, including structure and content. Working with colleagues across the organisation to create engaging content and ensuring resources are up-to-date and easily accessible.Creating and delivering corporate publications to enhance the HFEA’s reputation and showcase the impact of our work.Leading on the production and revision of content for the new HFEA website with responsibility for ensuring the new website contains up to date, current information that is written in accordance with the HFEA style guide.Working with Communications team colleagues to prepare briefings for external and stakeholder meetings for the ChairWorking with project managers across the organisation, particularly in Policy and Intelligence, to produce communications plans to support the projects. Ensuring the communications plans meet the needs of all stakeholders and evaluation is built in.HFEA internal comms representative for cross-departmental activity, reporting to the DHSC where appropriate, and participating in ALB Head of Internal Comms meetings.Overseeing the management of the PR and Communications AssistantWorking with Intelligence and Policy colleagues to develop reports and guidance (such as the Code of Practice), including proofing and plain English checks.Creating and delivering public facing campaigns to promote the work of the HFEA and influence awareness and behaviours to support regulatory outcomesSitting as a member of Executive Licensing Panel (ELP), supporting licensing decision making.Line managementTo line manage the PR and Communications Assistant, providing support via regular one to one meetings, setting objectives and monitoring performance.Deputising for the Head of Communications when neededLeading on press enquiries and responses in place of the Senior External Communications Manager when neededProviding cover (with Social Media and Digital Comms Officer) for Web Manager/Developer when neededUndertaking such other duties, training, travel and/or hours of work as may be reasonably required and which are consistent with the general level of responsibility of this jobMaintaining personal and professional development to meet the changing demands of the job, participating in appropriate learning activities and encouraging and supporting staff in their development;Person Specification

Project management skills and experienceThe ability to prioritise tasks and work to tight deadlinesAble to deputise for colleagues in the communications team as requiredIT skills including a good working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and ExcelExperience

Experience of developing communication strategies and the implementation and monitoring of communications plans.Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare high quality communication materials, written in plain English, under tight deadlinesExperience of running and managing patient/public facing communications campaignsExcellent editorial and writing skills, paying attention to detail and tailoring materials for specific audiencesAn understanding of a range of communications channels, such as digital media, publications and press/PR and using these to meet organisational and specific communications objectivesExperience of working in a communications team in a healthcare organisationExperience of managing and generating digital contentKnowledge and experience of running an internal communications functionInterpersonal skills

Excellent interpersonal skills and the confidence to work with and communicate effectively with people at all level both inside and outside the organisationA good team player, willing to help othersGood time management skills and experience in handling multiple projectsBasic knowledge of design principlesQualifications

Educated to at least degree level or equivalent experience in communicationsRelevant formal qualification and/or evidence of training in marketing, communications or events ..... full job details .....