Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead communications strategy for a groundbreaking health study focused on youth wellbeing.
- Company: Join the Adolescent Health Study, a pioneering UKRI-funded initiative transforming adolescent health research.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible remote work options and travel opportunities across the UK.
- Why this job: Shape public narratives and engage with diverse stakeholders in a mission-driven environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in senior communications roles, especially in health research or non-profit sectors.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team committed to inclusivity and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 ÂŁ per year.
Head of Communications
Post: Head of Communications, Adolescent Health Study
Location: Flexible working – remote or hybrid. Must be willing and able to travel to London, Edinburgh and elsewhere across the UK to support business need.
Salary: cÂŁ75,000 per annum
Duration: Permanent
Reporting to: AHS Executive
About Adolescent Health Study
The Adolescent Health Study (AHS) is an ambitious new UKRI-funded initiative to establish a prospective, longitudinal population study that will generate a globally leading open science data platform and research resource. AHS aims to recruit at least 100,000 young people aged eight to 18 years from across the UK and to follow their mental and physical health and wellbeing over at least 10 years. It plans to collect data through questions and measures; to obtain bio-samples for a wide range of genomic and other high-throughput assays; and to capture linked data relevant to health and wellbeing from participants’ health, education and other administrative records. Recruitment will take place mainly through schools. There will be a strong emphasis on engaging with and involving young people, schools, parents and other relevant stakeholders in the design and delivery of the study, as well as on including young people that represent as wide as possible a range of backgrounds, experiences and characteristics. AHS will focus on enabling a wide range of research, including studies of the critical biological and social developments that occur during the transition from childhood to adulthood and the determinants of both mental and physical health and wellbeing in adolescents and young adults.
Purpose of the post
The Head of Communications will be responsible for developing and implementing an effective communications strategy that enhances AHS’s cohesiveness, reach and reputation and supports its mission.
Reporting to the AHS Executive team, the postholder will lead efforts to ensure effective, transparent and supportive internal communications across our geographically distributed staff base, together with clear, consistent and compelling external communications via the different platforms and outlets relevant for engaging our broad and expanding range of key stakeholders. These include young people; schools; teachers; parents/guardians; expert scientific, operational, legal, ethical, policy and other advisers and delivery partners; researchers from different types of research organisations and from biomedical, social science, population health, policy and other backgrounds; government departments (especially health and education). This role is key to strengthening the organisation’s visibility and influence across the health research community, and it represents a unique opportunity for an experienced communications professional to shape AHS’s public narrative.
Main responsibilities
Strategic communications
- Develop and execute a comprehensive internal and external communications strategy aligned with organisational objectives.
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies and campaigns, adapting as needed.
Content Development and Management
- Oversee the creation and dissemination of high-quality content, including press releases, reports, newsletters, and digital media.
- Ensure consistency in branding, tone, and messaging across all communication channels.
Media and Public Relations
- Build and maintain relationships with media outlets, journalists, and other key external stakeholders.
- Act as the primary point of contact for media enquiries and coordinate press events.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Develop and manage relationships with a broad range of key stakeholders.
- Provide leadership and coordination of community and stakeholder events.
- Collaborate with internal teams to support communication needs for specific projects or initiatives.
Digital and Social Media
- Lead the development and management of the organisation’s digital presence, including website content and social media platforms.
- Use digital tools and analytics to monitor, understand and enhance audience engagement and outreach.
Knowledge, skills and experience
Essential criteria
- Proven experience in a senior communications role, ideally within the health research, data, academic or non-profit sector.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling, yet scientifically accurate, narratives.
- Strong understanding of broad range of digital and conventional media communication channels and landscapes.
- Demonstrable ability to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines.
- Proficiency in using communication tools and platforms, including content management systems and social media analytics.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence diverse stakeholders.
- Experience developing and delivering communication strategies for scientific or research-based organisations.
- Planning and delivery of small and large scale corporate and academic events.
- Clear understanding and experience of crisis communication and reputation management.
Desirable criteria
- Knowledge of health research data platforms and resources, or related fields.
- Familiarity with grant-funded project communications and reporting requirements.
- Experience in graphic design or multimedia content creation.
Dimensions
- This is a full-time role.
- Flexible working across several geographical locations in the UK. Travel may be required to AHS locations and partner organisations.
- AHS is a national organisation, and our activities take place across the UK.
Application Process
Please apply to with a CV and a covering letter (of no more than two pages) explaining what you can bring to this role, and including your current salary.
The closing date for this position is midnight on Sunday 30th March 2025.
Interviews are currently expected to be held during the week commencing 21st April 2025.
Equal Opportunities Policy Statement
AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. It is our policy to provide employment equality to all, irrespective of:
- Gender, including gender reassignment
- Marital or civil partnership status
- Having or not having dependants
- Religion or belief
- Race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins)
- Disability
- Sexual orientation
- Age
We are opposed to all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination. All job applicants and employees who work for us will be treated fairly and will not be unfairly discriminated against on any of the above grounds. Decisions about recruitment and selection, promotion, training or any other benefit will be made objectively and without unlawful discrimination.
Values
It is an exciting time for the Adolescent Health Study (AHS) as we establish our senior leadership team in 2025. As the senior executive team evolves, the AHS values will be grounded in inclusivity, integrity, accountability, and collaboration.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Communications employer: Adolescent Health Study (AHS)
Contact Detail:
Adolescent Health Study (AHS) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Communications
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the Adolescent Health Study's mission and objectives. Understanding their focus on engaging young people and stakeholders will help you tailor your approach during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the health research and communications sectors. Attend relevant events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and stakeholders, which can provide insights into the role and organization.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience in managing diverse communication strategies. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully engaged various stakeholders, especially in a health or research context.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends in digital communication and media relations. Highlight your proficiency in using digital tools and analytics to enhance audience engagement, as this is crucial for the Head of Communications role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Communications
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Head of Communications position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with their needs.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, clearly articulate what you can bring to the role. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills in strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, and media relations.
Highlight Relevant Experience: When detailing your CV, focus on your proven experience in senior communications roles, especially within health research or related sectors. Emphasize your ability to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential for this role, ensure that your application is well-written, free of errors, and reflects your ability to craft compelling narratives. Consider including samples of your previous work if relevant.
How to prepare for a job interview at Adolescent Health Study (AHS)
✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision
As the Head of Communications, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in creating successful communication plans and how they aligned with organizational objectives.
✨Highlight Your Content Creation Skills
This role requires overseeing high-quality content development. Bring examples of your past work, such as press releases or digital media, and explain how you ensured consistency in branding and messaging across various channels.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Engagement Experience
Engaging with diverse stakeholders is crucial for this position. Prepare to share specific instances where you've successfully built relationships with key stakeholders, and how you managed community events or collaborations.
✨Familiarize Yourself with Crisis Communication
Understanding crisis communication and reputation management is essential. Be ready to discuss any past experiences where you had to navigate challenging situations and how you maintained transparency and trust during those times.
