3 Advocate jobs in Oxford, Oxfordshire

Director of Communications, Advocacy and Networks 

Join the Environmental Law Foundation (ELF) at an exciting moment in our development and help drive lasting change in environmental law, policy and practice across the UK. 

We're seeking an ambitious and strategic leader to join our Senior Leadership Team and build a new department dedicated to communications, advocacy and network engagement, translating the evidence and insights generated through our casework into meaningful change in policy, practice and public debate. 

About ELF 

The Environmental Law Foundation (ELF) is a national charity working to ensure that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can access environmental justice. 

For 35 years, we have supported communities across the UK facing environmental harm, helping them understand their rights, navigate complex legal and regulatory systems, and take action to protect the places where they live. 

Through our free legal advice service, delivered by our in-house legal team and Professional Pro Bono Membership Network, we provide communities with the legal support they need to challenge environmental harm. Our work spans a wide range of issues, from water pollution and industrial development to biodiversity loss, planning decisions and the protection of local green spaces. 

Alongside our legal support, we work to build a stronger environmental justice sector and address the wider systemic barriers that prevent communities from challenging environmental harm. By drawing on the evidence and insights generated through our casework, we seek to influence policy, strengthen environmental protections and ensure that the experiences of grassroots communities inform the decisions that affect them. 

About the Role 

This is a newly created role at an important moment in ELF's evolution. As we embark on the delivery of our renewed organisational strategy, we are establishing an entirely new department dedicated to strengthening our external influence and driving systemic change. 

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to build and shape this function from the ground up, developing the strategies, partnerships and ways of working that will help ELF deliver greater impact at local and national level. 

The role brings together these closely connected areas of work: 

Policy Advocacy 

• Lead ELF’s policy, advocacy and campaigning strategy, identifying opportunities to influence environmental law, policy and practice. 

• Work closely with the Legal Team and Director of Education and Research to draw on casework evidence, research and emerging trends to identify systemic environmental justice issues and develop policy positions. 

• Lead the development of policy briefings, consultation responses, advocacy materials and thought leadership, drawing on research and legal expertise from across ELF. 

• Develop and lead campaigns that raise awareness, mobilise support and influence decision-makers. 

• Build relationships with policymakers, regulators, government departments and sector partners. 

• Work with the Legal Team to ensure ELF’s advocacy reflects the experiences of the communities we support. 

Communications 

• Lead ELF’s communications strategy, strengthening the organisation’s public profile, visibility and reach. 

• Provide strategic oversight of ELF’s communications channels, including the website, social media, newsletters, publications and digital content, which are managed day-to-day by the Communications & Development Coordinator. 

• Lead media engagement, building relationships with journalists and securing coverage of ELF’s work. 

• Work with the Legal Team and Director of Education and Research to translate casework developments, research and organisational achievements into compelling and accessible communications. 

• Oversee ELF’s annual programme of public-facing events. 

• Line manage the Communications & Development Coordinator, providing strategic direction, oversight and professional development.

Professional Membership and Networks 

• Lead ELF’s Professional Membership strategy, increasing membership numbers, engagement and participation. 

• Build and maintain relationships with law firms, barristers’ chambers, consultants and other environmental professionals. 

• Mobilise members to contribute their expertise to policy development, advocacy, campaigns and thought leadership. 

• Work closely with the Legal Team to ensure the Professional Membership Network continues to support the delivery of high-quality pro bono legal assistance to communities. 

• Oversee membership recruitment, retention and communications, working with the Communications & Development Coordinator to deliver membership engagement activities. 

Strategic and Organisational Leadership 

• Contribute to organisational strategy and planning as a member of the Senior Leadership Team. 

• Develop annual workplans, objectives and impact measures for the department. 

• Contribute to fundraising and grant reporting. 

• Represent ELF externally and develop strategic partnerships that advance our mission. 

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to ensure the department’s activities support ELF’s wider strategic objectives.

Working closely with ELF's Legal Director and Director of Education and Research, you will ensure that the evidence, research and insights generated through our work are translated into compelling communications, public campaigns and opportunities to influence decision-makers. 

About You 

We're looking for someone with: 

• Significant experience in a senior communications, policy, advocacy, public affairs or external engagement role. 

• Experience developing and delivering strategies that influence public policy, decision-makers or wider public debate. 

• A strong track record of building partnerships and engaging senior stakeholders. 

• Experience managing teams and supporting professional development. 

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills. 

• A strong commitment to environmental justice and ELF's mission. 

Contract Details 

• Salary: £52,000-£60,000 per annum, depending on experience 

• Contract: Full-time (0.8 or 0.9 FTE considered) 

• Location: Home-based, with regular travel to London and occasional travel across the UK 

• Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer 

• Direct Report: Communications and Development Coordinator

• Target start date: January 2027 

How to Apply 

Please view the Job Specification for details on how to apply.