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‍The organisation

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Ellwood Atfield is delighted to be partnering with the Health Foundation on the appointment of a Deputy Director of Communications.

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The Health Foundation is an independent charitable organisation committed to building a healthier UK. Through research, analysis, convening and influencing, the Foundation plays a leading role in shaping debate and driving practical change across health and care.

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At a time of significant challenge and change across the health system, the Foundation is continuing to strengthen its voice, profile and influence across Westminster, Whitehall, the media and the wider health policy landscape.

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The opportunity

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This is a significant senior leadership opportunity within one of the UK’s most respectedand influential health policy organisations.

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Reporting to the Director of Communications, the Deputy Director of Communications will play a central role in shaping and delivering integrated communications strategies across the Foundation’s major thematic programmes of work.

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The successful candidate will work closely with senior leadership across the organisation to ensure communications activity delivers impact, strengthens organisational influence and supports the Foundation’s ambition to be one of the leading voices in UK public policy.

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The remit is broad and highly strategic - spanning communications strategy, stakeholder engagement, external affairs, reputation, thought leadership and executive counsel. The role also sits on the Foundation’s Senior Leadership Team and plays an important role in the wider leadership of the Communications directorate.

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This opportunity would suit an experienced strategic communications leader with strong policy instincts, excellent leadership capability and experience operating within complex, high-profile or mission-led organisations.

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Key responsibilities

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• Lead integrated communications strategies across major thematic programmes of work.

• Develop clear, compelling and influential messaging across a broad range of policy and organisational priorities.

• Work closely with senior colleagues to identify influencing, convening and stakeholder engagement opportunities.

• Provide strategic communications advice to the Chief Executive, directors and senior colleagues across the Foundation.

• Oversee communications planning and delivery across a range of high-profile projects and programmes.

• Represent the Foundation externally with media, political and stakeholder audiences.

• Lead and develop multidisciplinary communications teams.

•  Contribute to the wider leadership and strategic direction of the Communications function and the Foundation more broadly.

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Person specification

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• Significant experience leading strategic communications functions within complex organisations.

• Strong understanding of UK politics, public policy and influencing environments.

• Demonstrable track record of developing integrated communications strategies that deliver organisational impact and influence.

• Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills.

• Strong written and verbal communication capability, including experience handling complex and sensitive issues.

• Experience advising senior leaders and operating at executive level.

• Leadership experience within fast-paced, high-profile or mission-led environments.

•  Interest in health policy, health care and improving public outcomes.

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How to apply

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For more information or if you would like an informal discussion about the roles, please contact Felicity or Josh on: felicity@ellwoodatfield.com / joshua@ellwoodatfield.com

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To access the job description, please click here.

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To apply, please submit your CV and a supporting statement outlining how you meet the essential criteria for the role via the portal.

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Closing date: Wednesday 17th June 2026

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We will only be able to consider applications submitted via the online link attached and not sent via email.

Ellwood Atfield is the leading headhunter for corporate affairs, communications, policy and advocacy. An employee-owned boutique search firm, we help organisations hire the most senior leaders and everyone who reports to them. We promise to connect talented people, smoothly and efficiently.

Our purpose is to create important and enduring relationships. We are an equal opportunities employer and promote diversity across our profession to ensure every individual has the opportunity to perform at their best. If you have not done so already, please let us know if you require any support so we can make the right adjustments and considerations should they be required.

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