Jody Cooksley

A senior communications professional with vast experience spanning journalism, publishing, PR, and strategic communications across regulated industries, education, and public health sectors. I bring board-level strategic direction combined with hands-on delivery, leading multi-disciplinary teams whilst maintaining the energy and enthusiasm to roll up my sleeves when needed.

My career has included crisis communications, stakeholder engagement, policy influencing, and partnership development. I'm particularly skilled at translating complex information into compelling narratives that capture attention and drive action. With formal training in crisis communications and recent experience as an associate partner with a specialist crisis agency, I've successfully navigated high-stakes situations whilst maintaining organisational reputation and stakeholder trust.

As a trained journalist and award-winning novelist represented by a literary agent, I bring genuine storytelling expertise to every communications challenge. I excel at conducting stakeholder research to understand organisational DNA, then crafting communications strategies that authentically reflect values and drive strategic goals. My approach is research-led, strategically creative, and focused on measurable outcomes. I believe in leading by example, producing accurate, well-written content efficiently, and building motivated teams who share my commitment to professional ethics and excellence.

• Strategic Communications Leadership: Board-level direction and strategic planning across internal and external communications, with proven ability to align communications functions with organisational objectives and deliver measurable results.
• Crisis and Issues Management: Formally trained in crisis communications with extensive hands-on experience managing high-profile incidents. Skilled at rapid response, stakeholder coordination, media management, and reputation protection under pressure.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Influencing: Expert in conducting research audits, mapping stakeholder landscapes, and developing engagement strategies. Experienced in government liaison, policy influencing, lobbying, and building relationships with professional bodies and regulators.
• Content Creation and Storytelling: Award-winning writer with journalism background, producing compelling narratives across all formats including impact reports, white papers, media materials, thought leadership content, and digital campaigns.
• Team Leadership and Development: Proven track record building high-performing, motivated teams across communications, marketing, events, and development functions. Skilled at coaching, developing talent, and fostering collaborative working environments.
• Media and Public Relations: Comprehensive media strategy development and implementation, including press relations, media training, broadcast media, and social media strategy across multiple platforms.
• Events and Conference Management: Extensive experience designing, developing, and delivering high-profile conferences, awards programmes, and engagement events that generate attention and strengthen stakeholder relationships.

Masters in Literature, Distinction. BA(Hons) in Literature 2:1, Oxford Brookes University. NCTJ prof. Cert in Newspaper Journalism