Communications and Engagement Director

Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) is the professional body for dispensing opticians in the UK. Our role is to support and represent our members, enable them to develop their roles, promote awareness of their expertise, and advance the profession. ABDO is seeking to recruit an experienced and innovative Communications and Engagement Director to lead its communications, engagement, and membership functions, including driving improved member engagement and the acquisition of new members.

About the role

The Communications and Engagement Director will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer and be a member of the Senior Leadership Team. As such, the role holder will have responsibility for contributing to wider programmes and projects and the delivery of the organisation’s strategic priorities. The role involves direct responsibility for ABDO’s membership and communication departments and also responsibility for overseeing and providing strategic advice on ABDO College’s communications and stakeholder engagement activities. The holder of this new role will be focused on enhancing the member experience, developing strategies to attract and retain members, and achieving targets for growth. The successful candidate will also lead the development and delivery of ABDO’s external and internal communication strategies, ensuring that they are aligned with its strategic objectives.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior leadership to support ABDO and ABDO College’s aims and objectives and ensure compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and implement membership growth and retention strategies to increase member engagement, improve member retention and satisfaction, and advance the profession.
• Collaborate with other functions to ensure effective integration of membership programmes and services.
• Oversee the delivery of membership services to ensure that membership administration processes are efficient and effective, and members are supplied with services and benefits that provide support and value for money.
• Support the development and implementation of growth strategies for ABDO College, including through effective external stakeholder engagement.
• Grow the profile and reach of both organisations through integrated, multichannel communications activities which increase awareness of their purpose, engagement, and reputation.
• Oversee the delivery of internal communications strategies to support the organisation’s strategic goals, including people priorities.
• Oversee and contribute to the production of communications material of the highest professional standard across a range of formats, including monthly journals, online publications, social media, presentations, press releases, features, opinion pieces and advertising.
• Develop and implement stakeholder engagement strategies, including supporting events with communications team members and other colleagues.
• Work collaboratively with communications team members, ABDO and ABDO College colleagues, Regional Leads and ABDO Board members and College Trustees, and external stakeholders.
• Identify and develop partnership, marketing, and sponsorship opportunities, and own and coordinate appropriate policies across both organisations.
• Develop and maintain professional networks and relationships.

Experience, Knowledge & Skills:

• Significant experience in a senior communications and engagement role, ideally within a membership and education organisation.
• A strong understanding of healthcare and ideally the optical sector, with proven experience of working with a variety of stakeholders to oversee the delivery of content strategies, including editorial, social media, website, and advertising.
• Experience in leading, developing, and supporting a high-performing team within a busy environment and fostering a collaborative approach to support a variety of teams and meet organisational needs.
• Ability to see the bigger picture and set direction, as well as take a ‘hands-on’ approach to ensure the delivery of plans and achievement of results.
• An excellent communicator with the ability to liaise with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including policy and public affairs.
• Proven ability to write compelling and effective copy for a variety of audiences and formats, with outstanding attention to detail.
• Ability to work to deadlines and prioritise tasks effectively.
• Experience in leading projects and delivering outputs in a timely and cost-effective way.
• Experience of working with clinical and academic communities of practice (desirable).

Required Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or above, or similar experience.

Working locations

Hybrid model, working in the Godmersham office and remotely. Regular travel to Godmersham and some travel to Birmingham, UK.

How to apply

Apply for this role please (Apply online) to send a covering letter setting out how your skills and experience match the role requirements, with a copy of your CV.

ABDO appreciates and values the diversity of perspectives that people of all backgrounds, experiences, and aspirations bring to their roles and to the Professional Body sector. ABDO fully embraces diversity and inclusion, provides equal opportunity in all of its activities, and will not discriminate against applicants for any reason.