PR and Public Affairs Director

We are seeking an accomplished PR Director with a wealth of experience in public relations and external communications.

As our ideal candidate, you will boast a proven track record of influencing key external stakeholders such as journalists, thought leaders, major donors, MPs, and government representatives. A natural and articulate communicator, you will be proficient in delivering compelling narratives. Extensive experience in crafting and executing press campaigns is also essential.

This pivotal role involves joining a small executive team and collaborating closely with the CEO to spearhead the elevation of Maggie’s profile across a broad audience. As PR Director, you will be responsible for advancing Maggie’s profile among people with cancer, existing and potential donors, key influencers, all Parliaments (Scottish, Welsh and Westminster), healthcare professionals (including NHS Trusts; NHS England, Wales and Scotland and ICBs) and the general public.

You will have a strong background in leading and developing teams within diverse and dispersed organisations. A profound understanding of the third sector, the UK health agenda, political landscapes, the NHS and related agencies is imperative. Exceptional empathy, leadership skills and the ability to build solid relationships with key stakeholders are prerequisites for success in this role.

Your responsibilities

• Position Maggie’s as the leading authority on cancer care and develop strong relationships with key influencers to build and deepen understanding of Maggie’s objectives.

• Lead on proactive and reactive media activity at Maggie's, including briefing and positioning key speakers such as our CEO.
  

• Identify, build, and maintain effective relationships with target media across all types (print, broadcast and digital).

• Work with the Director of Fundraising and Director of Marketing and Impact to deliver targeted PR campaigns to support key marketing activity (e.g. Christmas campaign).
  

• Anticipate and identify issues of media interest and provide insight, analysis and counsel to our Chief Executive and wider Executive team.
  

• Devise and deliver an integrated public affairs plan which includes all devolved parliaments with targeted messaging and, where necessary, fundraising proposals.
  

• Set up and deliver meetings with key parliamentarians across health and leadership and attend them with our CEO, ensuring all appropriate research is done beforehand.

• Work with external research agencies and government agencies to develop strong research to evolve Maggie’s positioning as a third-party provider of cancer care.
  

• Oversee strategic plans for engagement with NHS to build the case that Maggie’s is an expert third party provider and can ‘bid’ for NHS funding.

Benefits we offer

In addition to a highly rewarding career, we offer a range of staff benefits, including:

• a unique, experiential induction based in one of our centres 
• a structured, year-round performance review process focused on developing you in your current role and exploring opportunities for the future
• a competitive holiday entitlement
• workplace pension with the option to apply to continue NHS pension
• the option to apply for a Bike Loan, Travel Card Loan, Ride to Work scheme and much more. 

Read more about our staff benefits

How to apply

Take a look at the full job description PR Director JAN2024.pdf

Please send your CV and cover letter to recruitment@maggies.org by 31 January 2024 at 06 pm.