Job Description

Salary: 159,500
Closing date: Wednesday 23rd July
Contract type: Fixed term until end November 2026



Wellcome has appointed Taylor Birchwood to support this search. To apply for this role, please email your CV to wellcome@taylorbirchwood.com. Please note that applications submitted in any other way will not be considered.
Wellcome is a global charitable foundation. We improve health for everyone by funding scientific research, leading policy and advocacy campaigns, and engaging people.
We are spending 16bn in the decade to 2032, funding new discoveries in life, health and wellbeing, and taking on three global health challenges: mental health, infectious disease and climate & health.
Wellcome's Corporate Affairs team is responsible for all aspects of its communications and public engagement, with a focus on building and sustaining trust, influence and reputation so that the science we support achieves its full potential to improve health for everyone.
We are now looking for an interim Associate Director, Communications. This is a pivotal role at Wellcome, as the single point of accountability for all key decisions about Wellcome's external communications, brand and reputation. It is an adviser to the executive leadership team; a decision-maker about how best to invest people, financial resources, and brand and reputational capital to advance our mission; and the inspirational leader and manager of a team of circa 55.
Purpose
To build trust and influence with key stakeholders to advance Wellcome's vision and ambitions by managing and shaping the organisation's reputation and brand through earned, paid and owned media and other communications channels.
ResponsibilitiesIdentify and manage reputational risks and other issues across all aspects of Wellcome including Investments and Wellcome Collection. Build, manage, lead and motivate an inclusive team, ensuring that people with the right range of skills and experience are recruited and retained, and that their skills and professional capabilities are maximised. Oversee media relations in the UK and internationally, shaping Wellcome's reputation through earned media and expanding the profile of the organisation, its activities and its staff. Oversee digital and social media content across owned and paid channels, using tactics that best reach and influence audiences who can help us to deliver agreed campaign, reputation and brand objectives, and improve user experience. Stewardship and development of Wellcome's brand and external profile, to ensure it is appropriately reflected in all Wellcome's internal and external activity and that opportunities to grow our global profile are maximised. Lead communications with key corporate stakeholders, especially researchers and investment audiences, to ensure they understand our strategy and have a smooth experience of working with Wellcome. Produce corporate content, including production of an annual report that gives a clear and reflective account of what we have done to deliver our strategy.
Core criteriaExperience of leadership and management of a corporate affairs or communications department or function Experience of implementing corporate affairs or communications strategies and operating plans Experience of reputation, issues and crisis management, including navigating challenging media and social media environments. Strong written and verbal skills, including ability to use and champion plain English Experience of people management, either line management or within a matrix environment
You can view the full job description on our website
Our benefits can be used on our the Wellcome Trust website.
Our Hybrid Way of Working
We understand that our colleagues have commitments and personal interests outside of work and we strive to build a flexible working environment, in which people can perform at their best.
At Wellcome we have a hybrid way of working which is 3 days in our Euston Road offices (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) with the remaining 2 days working either remotely or in the office.
Diversity and Inclusion is a priority at Wellcome. We are committed to cultivating a fair and inclusive environment, where everyone can be themselves and thrive. We are happy to discuss flexible working options for all roles. We work to ensure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible to everyone. This includes making adjustments for people who have a disability or long-term condition. Please visit our website for more information on adjustments and accessibility, or contact us at jobs@wellcome.org.