Head of Communications

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 Jobs@gravitateHR.co.uk 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 30^th 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.