Communication executive jobs

Help tell the stories that bring joy to seriously ill children.

Rays of Sunshine is looking for a creative, sensitive and confident Senior Communications Officer to help bring our work to life through powerful storytelling, media engagement and compelling content.

This is an exciting opportunity to join us as we launch our new five-year strategy, refreshed brand and new website. You’ll play a key role in helping us share the stories of seriously ill children, young people and their families, raising awareness of our work and inspiring more people to support Rays of Sunshine.

As our Senior Communications Officer, you’ll act as our story development lead, working directly with children, young people and families to sensitively capture the moments that demonstrate the impact of our work. You’ll develop case studies, coordinate photography and filming, create content for social media, website, press and email marketing, and help ensure our storytelling is handled with care, consent and integrity.

You’ll also support PR and media activity, build relationships with journalists, identify media opportunities, draft press releases and case studies, and help coordinate activity involving families, colleagues, ambassadors, celebrities and high-profile supporters.

Alongside this, you’ll support our Wish Ambassador programme, celebrity and influencer engagement, digital communications, social media, website content and wider communications campaigns. This is a varied, hands-on role in a small and ambitious team, with the opportunity to make a real and lasting impact.

We’re looking for someone with excellent writing and storytelling skills, strong editorial judgement and the ability to build trusted relationships with families, journalists, ambassadors, celebrities and colleagues. You’ll be warm, organised, proactive and passionate about putting children’s voices at the heart of communications.

Rays of Sunshine has recently been recognised as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026, reflecting our positive, values-led culture and commitment to supporting our people.

About the Role

We are seeking a highly organised and proactive Executive Assistant to provide confidential, high-quality support to the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This is a key role that enables senior leaders to focus on delivering the organisation's strategic priorities while ensuring the smooth running of their day-to-day activities.

In this role, you will:

• Manage complex diaries, schedules, meetings, travel arrangements, and competing priorities.
• Coordinate communications and correspondence, acting as a key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders.
• Prepare meeting papers, briefings, and other documentation, ensuring actions are tracked and followed up.
• Build effective working relationships with senior leaders, members, and external partners.
• Provide secretariat and administrative support to leadership meetings, projects, and governance activities.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes and contribute to an efficient, professional, and inclusive working environment.

About You

You will be an experienced Executive Assistant, Personal Assistant, or Administrator with a proven ability to deliver high-quality support in a busy and fast-paced environment. You must be organised, adaptable, and able to manage a varied workload while maintaining excellent attention to detail.

You will bring:

• Experience supporting senior leaders and managing multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Strong organisational, planning, and time-management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to engage with a wide range of stakeholders.
• The ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• A proactive, solution-focused approach and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams, with the ability to learn new systems quickly.

About the College

The Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCoA) is the professional body responsible for the specialty throughout the UK. We are the third largest medical royal college in the UK by membership. With a combined membership of more than 24,000 Fellows and Members, we ensure the quality of patient care by safeguarding standards in the three specialties of anaesthesia, intensive care and pain medicine.

At RCoA Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is a core part of our culture, so it is important to us that this is reflected in everything that we do. We welcome all individuals irrespective of age, race, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion or belief, disability, marital or civil partnership status, or parental and caring responsibilities to ensure we actively embrace an inclusive and representative culture that encourages, supports and celebrates our differences.

The Package

This is a full-time, permanent position with a competitive employee benefits package, which includes (but is not limited to):

• 26 days of annual leave, plus bank holiday
• 1 additional paid day of leave for the purpose of celebrating your birthday
• Healthcare support through Benenden Health
• Up to 12% pension contribution
• Hybrid and flexible working
• Wellbeing hour once a week
• Cycle to work and employee discounts schemes
• Training and development opportunities
• Access to Mental Health First Aiders and Employee Assistance Programmes

How to Apply

If you believe that you are the right person for this role, please submit your CV and Cover Letter by Sunday, 9th of August. Please note that the closing date is subject to change, depending on the success of the recruitment process.

In your covering letter (maximum 500 words), please tell us:

• Why you're interested in this role
• An example of supporting a senior leader through competing priorities
• What attracts you to working for the Royal College of Anaesthetists

Interviews for successful candidates will be held on Thursday, 20th of August in London.

Unfortunately, due to the volume of applications, we are unable to provide detailed feedback to candidates on their application. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted after the closing date.

If you have any questions or would like more information about this opportunity, please contact the Royal College of Anaesthetists.

Applicants must reside and have the right to work in the UK. No agencies please. 

York Travellers Trust (YTT) is seeking an inspiring, values-led Chief Executive to lead our organisation through its next stage of development.

We work alongside the vibrant and resourceful Gypsy and Traveller communities of York and the surrounding area. We challenge discrimination and inequality, increase opportunities and life chances, and build bridges that promote understanding and community cohesion.

As Chief Executive, you will provide strategic leadership and hold overall responsibility for YTT’s performance, financial sustainability, governance, safeguarding and organisational development.

Working closely with our Board, staff and community members, you will:

• shape and deliver YTT’s strategic direction;
• strengthen our financial sustainability and develop new income opportunities;
• ensure our services remain effective, safe and responsive;
• build influential relationships with communities, funders, partners and policymakers;
• champion the rights, needs and aspirations of Gypsy and Traveller communities; and
• embed sociocratic and democratic ways of working so that community voices genuinely shape our decisions.

We are looking for an experienced senior leader with a strong commitment to equality, social justice and community empowerment. You will have experience of leading in a charity, community organisation, public service or another values-led environment.

You will understand the strengths, needs and systemic barriers experienced by Gypsy and Traveller communities, gained through direct work with these communities or substantial experience alongside other marginalised groups.

You will combine strategic thinking with a collaborative, authentic and hands-on leadership style. You will also bring experience of managing people, working with a Board, overseeing finances, securing income and representing an organisation externally.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a trusted community organisation at an important point in its development. If you share our ambition for an inclusive, community-led and sustainable future, we would be delighted to hear from you.

In a space inundated with health misinformation, product overload, and Instagram uploads edited for ultimate glow, it’s never been more important to cut through the noise and deliver the facts. So, hi – we’re the Skin Health Alliance, and we’re looking for a Communications Executive to help us filter out the false information and establish the SHA as a one-stop-shop for skin health education.

To introduce ourselves, we’re the world’s leading independent, dermatologist-led accreditation body. We’re a not-for-profit, internationally recognised across the personal care, cosmetics and FMCG sectors. We provide trusted skin safety information and an accreditation service that empowers consumers, supports industry partners and champions dermatological research worldwide.

Speaking of champions, we’re seeking a winning Communications Executive to spread our messages of education and skin confidence across the globe. We’re excited to be growing our communications team as our authority grows amongst industry, professionals and consumers.

So, what’s the role? As Communications Executive, you will:

- Play a pivotal role in the development and delivery of cutting-edge communication campaigns, making a real difference to consumer skin confidence and contributing to our passionate not-for-profit work

- Work alongside industry-leading skin and personal care brands to communicate their SHA accreditation far and wide

- Gain experience working across multiple communications channels, including our website, social media platforms, and in the media

- Work closely with key journalists in the health, beauty and wellbeing sectors, whilst keeping on top of the news agenda and social trends to spot opportunities that keep SHA front of mind

- Have your say in shaping and implementing how our growing organisation continues to progress, making your mark on this important and exciting industry

Here’s what we’re looking for in our ideal Communications Executive:

- A confident and social-savvy communicator, who can take brand strategy and turn it into creative ideas and content

- A collaborative team-player with existing communications or content creation experience, be that working for other brands or as a hobby

- A strong writer who can translate complex information into compelling messages

- A confident spokesperson willing to represent the SHA through media relationships and at industry events

(For more information on the key responsibilities and requirements for the Communications Assistant role, please download the attached job description).

But why join the Skin Health Alliance? Well:

- We’re offering the chance to be part of a global leader in dermatological accreditation and skin education

- You’ll have the opportunity to directly influence consumer trust and industry standards through effective communications campaigns

- You’ll be working alongside internationally renowned dermatologists and high-profile global brands

- You’ll be contributing to a meaningful mission – improving skin health and funding dermatological research worldwide

Role Overview
The Talent Set are delighted to partner with an amazing community focused charity on a fantastic Communications Executive role. This is an exciting opportunity for a dedicated professional to develop and deliver impactful communication strategies that engage audiences and enhance the organisation's reputation. The successful candidate will contribute to diverse projects across various channels.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop clear and compelling content for a range of communication channels, including digital, print, and social media.
• Support the planning and execution of internal and external communication campaigns.
• Assist with the organisation of events, initiatives, and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Monitor, evaluate, and report on the effectiveness of communication activities.
• Collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders to ensure consistent messaging aligned with organisational goals.
• Manage media enquiries and support the organisation’s media relations.
• Maintain up-to-date media contacts and assist with media coverage tracking.

Person Specification

• Proven experience in communications, media, or public relations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with an ability to tailor messaging for diverse audiences.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Good judgement and interpersonal skills, with an aptitude for working collaboratively.
• Proficiency in digital platforms and social media management tools.
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing demands and work independently.

What’s on Offer
Salary: £30,000 - £35,000

How to Apply
To apply, please submit your CV demonstrating your suitability for this role by clicking the 'apply now' button (please do not apply via email). We aim to get back to all successful candidates within 48 working hours.

Commitment to Diversity
The Talent Set are committed to diverse and inclusive recruitment practices, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability, or age. We actively encourage applications from a wide range of backgrounds and are always happy to make reasonable adjustments to ensure a fair recruitment process.

The Communications Manager provides operational leadership for CLAPA's communications delivery, ensuring communications and marketing activity is effectively planned, prioritised and delivered in support of the charity's strategic objectives. 

Reporting to the Head of Communications and Marketing, the postholder is responsible for translating the communications strategy into coordinated day-to-day delivery. They will oversee the planning, scheduling and operational management of communications activity across the organisation, ensuring work is appropriately prioritised, resources are allocated effectively and projects are delivered to a consistently high standard. 

The role directly manages CLAPA's Communications Officers, embedding effective planning, briefing and workflow processes that enable the team to deliver proactive, creative and high-quality communications.

Acting as the primary operational lead for communications delivery, the postholder will ensure colleagues across CLAPA receive responsive, well-planned communications support while maintaining clear priorities and protecting the team's capacity to deliver its best work. 

If you think you have the talent, passion and experience to help us ensure we can always meet the needs of the community we serve, we want to hear from you.

Head of Communications and Engagement
The Diocese of Winchester is seeking an exceptional communications leader to help shape how we tell the story of God's work across our Diocese. This is a strategic senior leadership role, responsible for leading our Communications & Engagement Team and developing a clear, engaging and effective communications strategy that supports our mission, vision and priorities.

Serving a population of over 1.2 million people across more than 230 parishes, the Diocese of Winchester is a diverse and vibrant community. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence how we communicate with clergy, parishes, schools, partners, media and the wider public, ensuring that people feel informed, connected and inspired by our shared mission.

About the Communications and Engagement Team
The Communications & Engagement Team supports the Diocese in sharing its vision, celebrating local stories, engaging stakeholders and managing communications across a wide range of activities. The team works collaboratively with colleagues across mission and ministry, safeguarding, schools, vocations, creation care and governance, ensuring that communications effectively support diocesan priorities and objectives.

What you’ll do

• Lead the development and delivery of the Diocese's communications and engagement strategy
• Shape and communicate key diocesan messages alongside senior leaders
• Build strong relationships with clergy, parish officers, Winchester Cathedral and external stakeholders
• Oversee media relations, press releases and crisis communications activity
• Lead communications campaigns around major church seasons, diocesan initiatives and strategic priorities
• Ensure the Diocese embraces best practice in digital communications, social media and emerging technologies, including AI
• Manage the Communications & Engagement Team, supporting and developing staff to achieve their full potential
• Build collaborative relationships with Church of England communications colleagues regionally and nationally

What we’re looking for

• Significant experience of developing and delivering communications and engagement strategies within a complex organisation
• Strong leadership and people management experience
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, media and influencing skills
• Experience of leading change and managing organisational risk
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• Experience of budget management and strategic planning
• A collaborative and resilient approach, with the confidence to challenge constructively and build strong relationships
• A practising Christian who is committed to the mission and ministry of the Church and able to support the vision of the Diocese of Winchester

CVs are not accepted.

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Friday 31st July 2026.

Initial interviews for the role will take place on the 26th August 2026. If you are successful in the first interview, you will be invited to a second interview on the 7th September 2026. Both interviews will be held at the Diocesan Offices, Old Alresford Place SO24 9DH

Communications Manager

This is a hands-on communications role at an important time for GBSS. You will help us plan, write and deliver clear, compassionate communications that make a real difference for babies and families.

Later this year, the results of the GBS3 trial are expected, with a likely UK NSC review to follow. This represents a significant opportunity to influence policy, improve care, and help prevent group B Strep infection in babies.

We are looking for an excellent communicator who can bring people and plans together, write well, keep work moving, and turn complex information into communications people can understand and use.

You do not need to arrive as a group B Strep expert. You will work with colleagues who bring expertise in policy, clinical evidence, fundraising, support services and digital content.

Key Information

Job title: Communications Manager

Reports to: CEO

Direct reports: Digital Content Specialist

Location: Hybrid (Haywards Heath) or remote within the UK

Hours: Full-time (35 hours per week)

Salary: £40,000–£45,000 depending on experience

Role Overview

The purpose of this role:

To help GBSS communicate clearly and confidently, through communications that are well planned, well written and delivered effectively.

· write and edit key communications

· hold communications plans for major campaigns and projects, working closely with the CEO and colleagues

· bring together communications across advocacy, fundraising, support services and digital

· line manage the Digital Content Specialist

· keep communications projects moving and delivered to a high standard

This role sits at the centre of a small team. It will suit someone who enjoys being hands-on and is happy to move between planning, writing, editing, coordinating and problem-solving as priorities change. The postholder will be expected to draft a significant proportion of GBSS's core communications content themselves.

Key Responsibilities

1. Communications planning and coordination

· Hold communications plans for major campaigns and projects, working closely with the CEO and colleagues to agree priorities, timings and outputs.

· Translate organisational priorities into clear communications actions and timelines, working with subject leads where needed.

· Manage communications workflows, deadlines and approvals.

· Use trustee and external advisers’ expertise as a helpful sounding board where appropriate.

2. Writing and content development

· Act as the lead writer and editor for key communications, including blogs, newsletters, supporter communications, campaign materials, website content, organisational updates, briefings and stakeholder communications.

· Edit and improve content produced by colleagues.

· Make sure communications are clear, plain English, compassionate, inclusive, accessible and accurate.

· Help translate complex clinical, policy and research information into communications that non-specialists can understand.

· Work from agreed policy positions and specialist input when drafting briefings, consultation-related materials or stakeholder communications.

3. Campaign delivery

· Coordinate communications for major campaigns and projects, including GBS Awareness Week.

· Work with colleagues to agree objectives, audiences, messages, outputs and timelines.

· Work with the Fundraising Manager on supporter communications, helping with copy, timing and consistency.

· Help paid activity fit well with wider campaign messaging.

· Keep campaign delivery on track and support evaluation and learning.

4. Messaging and consistency

· Help develop and maintain clear organisational messages.

· Help communications across channels fit together.

· Support colleagues to communicate sensitive or complex issues clearly.

5. Digital content leadership and line management

· Work closely with the Digital Content Specialist to agree priorities, plan content and support high-quality delivery across digital channels.

· Line manage the role, including regular feedback, support and development.

· Look at what is working across digital channels and use that insight to improve future content.

6. Media support

This role will support media activity through practical communications planning, drafting and follow-up.

This includes:

· drafting briefing materials, background notes, key messages and approved lines

· coordinating communications around media activity

· helping make sure follow-up content is delivered across relevant channels

7. Insight and continuous improvement

· Work with information and support colleagues to understand what families and professionals are asking and where communications could be clearer.

· Use audience insight, communications data and campaign results to improve future activity.

· Identify practical ways to improve communications processes.

Person Specification

Essential

· Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills, with strong attention to detail.

· Experience creating content across multiple communications channels.

· Experience planning and delivering communications projects or campaigns.

· Ability to explain complex, technical or evidence-based information clearly and accurately.

· Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage multiple competing priorities.

· Good judgement and sensitivity when communicating about emotionally complex, potentially distressing or sensitive issues.

· Experience supporting, guiding or managing others, whether colleagues, freelancers or suppliers.

· Ability to work collaboratively in a small organisation, including with senior colleagues and subject matter experts.

Desirable

· Experience in charity, health, policy, public affairs or another setting where complex or evidence-based information needs to be communicated clearly.

· Experience communicating about maternity, newborn care, patient safety, bereavement or similarly sensitive issues.

· Experience working with websites, email marketing systems and social media platforms.

· Understanding of accessibility, plain English and inclusive communications.

What you’ll help us achieve

You’ll help GBSS communicate more clearly, plan further ahead and deliver key campaigns well.

Interviews

interviews will be held between 17 and 20 August 2026.

• First-stage interview – conducted via Microsoft Teams.

• Second-stage interview – held in person.

Head of Communications in the Parish Support Team for the Diocese of Derby, shaping communications strategy and storytelling across a region serving over one million people.

Location: Hybrid – minimum 2 days per week in Derby

The Diocese of Derby takes in the City of Derby, all of Derbyshire, and small parts of Staffordshire and South Yorkshire - with over 1.1 million people living in the area it covers. Through churches, schools, hospitals, prisons and community initiatives, the Church of England plays an important role in local life. Its ministry reaches into urban and rural communities alike, supporting everything from work on local estates to farming and environmental initiatives, as it seeks to share the good news of Jesus and serve people of all ages and backgrounds.

We're looking for a Head of Communications to help tell that story. Reporting to the Director of Strategy and Engagement, and leading a team of three (Internal Communications Officer, Media and Campaigns Officer, and Parish Communications Enabler), you'll provide strategic leadership for communications across the diocese, helping it communicate with clarity, consistency and confidence.

In this role, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Lead and inspire a talented Communications Team, providing clear direction, setting priorities and creating the conditions for colleagues to thrive.
• Shape and deliver the communications strategy, turning priorities into compelling campaigns that engage audiences and support the Church's mission.
• Champion the voice, brand and digital presence, ensuring consistent, creative and impactful communications across all channels.
• Develop and drive a proactive storytelling approach, uncovering and sharing inspiring stories of faith, ministry, growth and transformation from communities across the diocese.
• Act as a trusted adviser to bishops and senior leaders on media relations, reputation and crisis communications, while building strong partnerships to raise the profile and influence.

If you're an experienced communications professional with strong editorial instincts, excellent writing skills and a talent for building trusted relationships, we'd love to hear from you. You'll have the opportunity to work closely with bishops, archdeacons and other senior leaders, helping to communicate the vision, priorities and stories with clarity, confidence and care.

Benefits:

• Generous pension – up to 10% employer contribution
• Excellent holiday allowance – 38 days (includes bank holidays), plus the option to buy 5 more days.
• Life assurance 2x annual salary (subject to pension enrolment).
• Simply Health Cash Plan – offering 24/7. GP access, eye test vouchers plus more
• Employee Assistance Programme providing mental health support
• Additional leave options, including spiritual retreat days, volunteer days and more
• One fully funded module per year through our Deepening Discipleship Training
• Staff can borrow a free corporate pass to Chatsworth House
• Access to the Electric Vehicle Leasing Scheme

For further details please see the candidate pack.

For an informal chat to ask any questions, please contact Nick Thomas, Senior Consultant, Charisma Charity Recruitment. Please apply through the Charisma Charity Recruitment website with your CV and supporting statement.

Key dates:

• Closing date: Sunday 9th August
• Charisma vetting interviews will be completed on a rolling basis and must be completed by: Tuesday 11th August
• Interviews with Diocese of Derby:
  • 1st stage: w/c 24th August
  • 2nd stage: 8 September

This role requires an enhanced DBS and Safeguarding check.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion*, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law.

*In accordance with the Equality Act 2010, Part 1, Schedule 9, it is a genuine occupational requirement that the post holder is a practicing Christian.

Charisma is committed to inclusive and accessible recruitment processes. If you have any reasonable adjustments or wish to apply for this role under the Disability Confident Scheme, please contact our Operations Teams. Charisma will ensure all candidates who disclose that they wish to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme and that meet the minimum criteria for the role will receive an opportunity to interview with the Charisma Consultant representing the vacancy.

We're hiring: Communications Manager

The Work Rights Centre is looking for a passionate communications or press professional to lead our agenda-setting media coverage. The successful candidate will develop and deliver our comms strategy, lead on media relations to amplify our impactful work, and devise strategic systems-change campaigns.

This is an ideal opportunity for a candidate with a strong sense of justice and storytelling background, who values impact, teamwork, and the autonomy of working in a diverse and agile team. We can accommodate flexible and remote work, and offer enhanced pension, annual leave, parental leave and sick pay benefits.

• Pay: £38,000 - £42,000
• Contract length: Permanent
• Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week) or part-time
• Location: London hybrid (with possibility of remote-only for an exceptional candidate)

The role

You’ll set the strategic direction of our comms work, ensuring that it drives our strategic objectives, and lead the press office function. You’ll find the story potential in our legal and research work, and secure extensive media coverage through maintaining strong relationships with journalists from across the political spectrum.  You will create and publish high-quality and up to date content across our website, newsletter and social media channels. This is a real opportunity to lead on all aspects of the communications function in an impactful organisation, and contribute to systemic change.

About you

We seek an enthusiastic and passionate professional with minimum 3-5 years experience in a dedicated communications or press role.

You will also have:

• A track-record of securing high-quality, agenda-setting media coverage.
• Good contacts across editorial boards.
• A track-record of successful delivery against comms objectives on social media.
• Experience developing, executing, and evaluating data-driven communication strategies.
• Strong understanding of the UK political and media landscape, with a sharp eye for reactive opportunities.
• Good knowledge of website and social media content management systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Please download the job description for full responsibilities and complete person specifications.

To apply send two samples of your recently published work, along with your  CV and cover letter by the end of Sunday 9th August.

Help shape public narratives, amplify the voices and expertise of impacted communities, and support campaigns that drive systemic change in the criminal legal system.

We're looking for a Media, Communications and Campaigns Lead to join UNJUST and lead our media, internal and external communications, and campaigns activity. Working closely with the Executive Director and Research and Policy Lead, you'll develop and deliver strategic communications that support our organisational goals, increase visibility and strengthen our advocacy and campaign efforts.

This is a varied role where you'll manage media enquiries, develop relationships with journalists, create content across our digital platforms, support public campaigns and ensure our research, engagement and policy work is communicated effectively. You'll also help amplify the voices of lived experience through ethical, accessible storytelling and prepare key messaging and briefing materials for media and political engagement.

We're looking for someone with experience in media and communications, excellent written and verbal communication skills, confidence working with journalists, and a strong understanding of the role strategic communications plays in advocacy. You'll be organised, collaborative and committed to UNJUST's values, anti-racism and ethical storytelling.

UNJUST is committed to tackling systemic racism and discriminatory processes, policy and practices within the UK's criminal legal system. We work at the intersection of lived experience, research, law, advocacy and community power to expose the root causes of injustice, reimagine equitable systems and bring about transformative outcomes. Our work centres the voices of those most impacted and is guided by our values of realism, empathy, visionary thinking, activism, collaboration and trust.

Citizens UK

Citizens UK is the UK’s biggest, most diverse and most effective people-powered alliance. We bring communities and local organisations together to work on issues that matter; from campaigning for zebra crossings on dangerous roads, to reforming the immigration system, to the Living Wage campaign. We have a track record of winning change through hundreds of local and national campaigns. We know everyday people have the ability to shape the world around them. We believe that through developing local leaders, we can drive nationwide change and create community-led solutions to big and small problems.

Living Wage Foundation

The Living Wage movement began in 2001, after Citizens UK brought together communities in East London to discuss poverty and low pay. The campaign grew in momentum and soon required a mechanism to recognise employers who wanted to join the movement, which saw the establishment of the Living Wage Foundation in 2011.

Still part of Citizens UK today, the Living Wage Foundation continues to work with community organisations to make sure the voices of both workers and businesses are part of the Living Wage movement. We now work with over 16,000 employers, benefitting half a million people and winning over £3bn of better wages for people who need it most. 

Citizens UK works with a broad base of institutions across the political spectrum. At the Living Wage Foundation, we take the same deliberately broad-based approach and accredit all organisations who pay the real Living Wage to their directly and indirectly employed staff and are committed to tackling in work poverty.  As a team we work across a range of industries and sectors to achieve this mission. We seek pragmatic coalitions to progress specific campaigns, and partnership around a particular issue such as Living Wage, does not imply an endorsement of broader purpose and policies. We are a non-partisan organisation and work with partners across the political spectrum to advance our mission.

Purpose

The Living Wage Foundation is seeking an experienced and driven Senior Media and Communications Manager to join our team for a 12-month contract. This is an exciting opportunity for a highly organised and proactive communications professional with a strong background in media relations, public messaging, and team leadership. The ideal candidate will be experienced and confident in working to tight deadlines, responding to last-minute changes, and prioritising competing demands in a high-profile environment. They will be motivated to amplify the Living Wage Foundation’s mission of tackling low pay and insecure work.

The postholder will lead all media, messaging, and external affairs work, developing and implementing a proactive media strategy that supports our mission and key campaigns, such as Living Wage Week and the annual Rates announcement. As a skilled media professional, you will oversee all communications outputs, ensuring consistency and strategic alignment, while delivering media training and refining key messaging to maximise reach and impact. 

In this role, you will be instrumental in advancing our political engagement efforts, building cross-party support and working with political leaders, mayoral teams, and other key stakeholders to promote our initiatives. You’ll manage two direct reports (Events Manager and Media Manager) who each hold line management responsibilities, and you will play a critical role within our Senior Management Team, collaborating closely with the Head of Communications to shape the overall direction of our communications work. This role will work closely with Citizens UK colleagues, including the Citizens UK communications team on cross-organisational priorities.  You will report to the Head of Communications.

As a senior leader, you will be responsible for managing and allocating part of the communications team budget, expanding team capacity, and driving the team’s effectiveness. In collaboration with other senior managers, you will help foster a culture that values creativity, innovation, and strategic impact.

Main Responsibilities

Contribute to CUK mission and its strategic objectives:

• Provide strategic oversight of the organisation’s media strategy, ensuring it aligns with broader organisational, communications, and campaign goals, and establish clear processes for evaluating its success.

• Work alongside other Senior Managers across Citizens UK on cross-organisational activity including through the Senior Management Group

• Support the Living Wage Foundation’s Political Engagement Strategy by building and sustaining cross-party support for the organisation’s mission and objectives.

Situational awareness and research:

• Lead regular updates on key audiences, tracking positions on issues of interest and ensuring the team is fully informed.

• Guide the team in proactive media monitoring, enabling timely responses to significant developments.

• Collaborate with the Senior Research Manager to conduct and commission impactful research, driving media campaigns that effectively reach and engage target audiences.

Strategy development:

• Work alongside other Senior Managers in the Communications Team to shape and guide the overall communications strategy.

Lead on all media and messaging outputs, including developing high-quality materials, coordinating media events, and delivering media training.

Reputational & risk management:

• Develop and manage the organisation’s risk register, offering strategic oversight and serving as a primary contact for crisis communications.

• Manage and respond to reactive media enquiries promptly, ensuring alignment with the organisation’s values and objectives.

• Draft key messages and FAQs for media interviews and public responses, and advise senior leadership on sensitive media or reputational issues.

• Represent the Living Wage Foundation effectively in senior stakeholder interactions and participate in out-of-hours press duties when needed.

Materials development and dissemination:

• Oversee the Media Team in producing engaging press releases, blogs, opinion pieces, and media briefings to elevate the Living Wage Foundation’s profile and the voices of workers and employers within the Living Wage movement.

• Ensure media outputs and communications reflect the organisation’s values and uphold a consistent voice.

• Create and refine key messaging for public communications, including FAQs and response guides.

Social media and website

• Ensure consistency in messaging and alignment across all media and digital platforms in collaboration with the wider communications team.

External relationships (including media and press)

• Lead employer case study development, identifying and preparing Living Wage employers to speak to media and champion a real Living Wage.

• Drive stakeholder engagement efforts, cultivating valuable relationships with Living Wage employers, campaign partners, and media contacts.

• Build and maintain relationships with journalists across print, digital, and broadcast media to secure quality coverage.

• Collaborate with the Public Engagement Team to draft emails, speeches, speaker notes, briefings, and press notices for political engagements.

• Strengthen and maintain broad cross-party support for the Living Wage agenda.

Campaign & events management

• Provide a link between Events team and Senior Leadership Team to ensure efficient decision-making around key events.

• Lead on media and messaging elements of agreed comms-led campaigns.

Internal comms & knowledge management

• Oversee the development and maintenance of a comprehensive press database, mapping key media contacts and publications in line with the Living Wage Foundation’s objectives.

Internal relationships

• Work closely with the Senior Digital and Communications Manager to guide and oversee team initiatives.

• Provide line management and development support to the Media Manager and Events Manager.

Learning, expertise & DEI

• Lead media training sessions for LWF staff and Living Wage employers, enhancing their confidence and effectiveness in media engagements.

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the LWF and Citizens UK, including communications and DEI teams, to develop and implement ethical storytelling practices, ensuring lived experience is represented responsibly, inclusively, and in line with organisational guidance.

• Contribute to a positive and inclusive team culture.

• Ensure accessibility is embedded across communications and events, working with relevant teams to implement best practice and organisational guidance.

Person Specification

(D) Desirable, (E) Essential

Experience

· Proven experience and a strong understanding of the UK media landscape, with experience building relationships with journalists and securing high-quality media coverage. (E)

· Experience in line managing and leading a team. (E)

· Demonstrated experience in managing sensitive reputational issues, including risk assessment and crisis communications. (E)

· Skilled in leveraging real-life stories and case studies to drive engagement, including experience in leading media training for spokespeople. (E)

· Strong track record in designing and executing high-impact communications strategies that achieve measurable results. (E)

· Experience of working collaboratively across teams and influencing senior stakeholders to achieve shared objectives. (E)

· Experience of working with a range of voices and perspectives, including community, worker or lived experience storytelling. (D)

Key skills and knowledge

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce and edit clear, engaging content suitable for media, digital and public audiences. (E)

• Competence in using social media platforms to engage audiences effectively, understanding their role in broader media strategies. (D)

• Proficiency in evaluating campaigns and media outputs, with the ability to derive insights that inform future strategies. (E)

• Strong interpersonal skills for building effective relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders, including political audiences. (E)

• Solid understanding of the political landscape and public affairs, with experience engaging cross-party stakeholders (E).

Personal qualities & values

• An enthusiasm for media and communications, coupled with a strong commitment to the mission of the Living Wage Foundation. (E)

• Ability to lead, support and develop high-performing teams, fostering a collaborative and inclusive working environment. (E)

• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, with an understanding of how to communicate responsibly and ethically about lived experience. (E)

About the application process

We work within diverse communities bringing people together. In line with our Inclusion value, we would love to see applications from LGBTQIA+ people, people from racialised communities, people living with disabilities and people of faith, all to better represent the communities we work in. We want our employees to have the working conditions that allows them to fully participate, be able to be their best authentic selves and thrive doing so, and we have employee networks to support staff. Even if you don’t quite meet all the required criteria still consider applying, as we invest in our employees and support them to develop the skills and knowledge required to deliver their role.

For questions and reasonable adjustments regarding your application including information in a different format, or our recruitment process, please email us.

Interviews will be held 17th and 18th August.

Job Title: Head of Communication and External Affairs

Reporting To: Director of Marketing and Communications

Salary Range: £55,000 to £60,000

Contract Type: Permanent

Location: London

Hours/Days per week: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

Requirements: Felix can only employ applicants who currently have the right to work in the UK. As part of our safer recruitment policy, we do ask questions regarding unspent criminal records.

We are Felix

We bring people together to rescue, repurpose, and share surplus food that would otherwise go to waste, turning an environmental problem into a social opportunity.

Together with 16 other independent charities, 18,000 volunteers, and thousands of partners, we are the UK’s food rescue network, supporting 1.5 million people across the country.

We‘re about fuller plates, fuller communities, and fuller lives.

Purpose of the Job 

The Head of Comms and External Affairs will lead our narrative and steward our reputation at critical moment, following the merger of FareShare and The Felix Project to form the new Felix brand. The role will set the strategy and operating rhythm for a team of seven across media relations, internal communications and public affairs, ensuring Felix speaks with one clear, trusted and influential voice.

Reporting to the Director of Marketing and Communications and working alongside the Head of Brand Marketing who leads brand marketing and digital communication, the postholder will protect and build Felix's reputation, shape national and sector conversations on food redistribution, food waste and food insecurity, and help position Felix as a leading partner in the national endeavour to triple food redistribution in the UK.

The role will provide senior counsel to the CEO, Executive Team, trustees and senior leaders; lead high-quality media, stakeholder and parliamentary engagement; and ensure internal communications support colleagues, volunteers and partners through integration, change and growth.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Set and lead an integrated external affairs strategy for Felix, aligned to organisational strategy, the post-merger integration plan, the refreshed brand and the national programme to expand food redistribution.
• Lead, develop and empower a multidisciplinary team of seven across media relations, internal communications and public affairs, directly managing three discipline leads and building clear priorities, standards and ways of working.
• Lead Felix's media relations and reputation management, securing proactive national, regional and sector coverage, overseeing reactive press office activity, preparing spokespeople, managing issues and crisis communications and working closely with the digital marketing team.
• Working closely with the CEO and policy colleagues, leading public affairs and influencing activity, building trusted relationships with government, parliament, food industry partners, redistribution networks, funders and sector coalitions to advance Felix's mission and policy objectives.
• Set the strategic direction for internal communications, ensuring staff, volunteers, network partners and other internal audiences understand the charity's vision, values, priorities and change journey.
• Develop clear narratives, messages, evidence and thought leadership that explain Felix's mission, impact and role in creating a fairer and more sustainable food system.
• Provide expert advice to the Executive Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications, CEO, Executive Team, trustees and senior leaders on reputation, stakeholder positioning, media risk, political context and communications opportunities.
• Work closely with the Head of Brand Marketing to ensure external affairs, brand marketing, fundraising, digital communication and operational communications are integrated, consistent and mutually reinforcing.
• Embed professional standards, risk management, evaluation and compliance across the function, including political impartiality, charity law, safeguarding, data protection, media protocols and inclusive communications.
• Bring innovation and experimentation to the development of content and wider communications offer.
• Your normal duties and responsibilities will be set out in your job description. However, the charity may require you to perform other duties from time to time. 

Recruitment timeline 

We reserve the right to close advertisements early and we might assess candidates and arranging interview as applications come in, so please apply as soon as possible, to avoid missing out on this opportunity.  

Due to the anticipated large number of applicants, if you do not hear from us within four weeks of your application, we regret to inform you that your application has been unsuccessful. Consequently, will not be able to provide feedback.

About the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

For over 50 years, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust has been at the forefront of wildlife conservation in Kenya. Founded on the extraordinary work of Dame Daphne Sheldrick, we are best known for our orphaned elephant rescue and rehabilitation programme – the most successful of its kind in the world. Our work has grown to encompass anti-poaching, habitat protection, community conservation and long-term field programmes across East Africa.

We have a global community of passionate supporters, a powerful brand, and a cause that genuinely moves people. Our UK charity facilitates the global elephant adoption programme, leads on UK fundraising, and connects supporters everywhere with the animals and landscapes they love.

The Opportunity

This is a new and significant appointment for SWT UK. We are looking for a Director of Development to develop and lead our UK fundraising strategy – taking ownership of income generation across all streams, donor communications and supporter stewardship, and managing a team of three talented fundraising professionals.

Our individual supporter base is large globally – growing in UK – loyal and deeply engaged: many give through our elephant adoption programme, which connects them directly with named animals in our care. We are now ready to build on this engaged supporter base and develop it into a structured individual giving programme – with mid-level giving pathways, major donor cultivation, systematic stewardship and deeper philanthropic relationships. That is the central challenge and opportunity of this role.

We also have active corporate and trust relationships, a legacy programme in development, and real potential to grow income from European and international funders. The Director of Development will take ownership of all of this – hands on and strategic in equal measure.

What You Will Do

• Develop and implement a new UK fundraising strategy, establishing clear priorities, income targets and programmes that will drive growth through to 2030 and beyond
• Develop and implement a UK individual giving programme – building on our adoption base to create structured giving journeys, mid-level and major donor cultivation, and meaningful stewardship
• Manage the UK fundraising budget, set and monitor income targets across all streams, and report regularly to the Executive Director on performance and ROI
• Take day-to-day ownership of corporate and trust relationships, writing reports, proposals and partner communications
• Build a major donor programme from the ground up, identifying and cultivating high-value individual prospects
• Develop legacy marketing activity, working alongside our existing legacy administrator and Freewill partnership
• Manage and inspire a team of three: Communications and Fundraising Manager, Retail Manager and Supporter Care Officer, and Fundraising Support Officer
• Oversee the donor database (Donorfy), ensuring data quality and insight-driven decision making
• Explore opportunities to grow income from European and international donors
• Contribute to the global income picture, including through improved donor stewardship and deeper supporter engagement
• Support the growth of SWT's profile and visibility in the UK through press opportunities, social media, and other channels.

About You

We are looking for a fundraiser who loves the craft – someone who is energised by building relationships, writing a compelling proposal, developing a giving programme from scratch, and ensuring every supporter feels genuinely valued. This is a hands-on role as much as a leadership one, and the right person will be comfortable doing both.

• Proven track record in fundraising, with demonstrable success securing income from individuals, trusts or corporates – including five-figure gifts and above
• Experience developing individual giving programmes, including mid-level or major donor cultivation
• A hands-on practitioner – comfortable writing proposals, reports and donor communications yourself
• Experience managing a small fundraising team with warmth, clarity and accountability
• Strong relationship management and stewardship skills
• Experience working with a donor CRM and using data to inform fundraising decisions
• Comfortable in a building role – excited by developing programmes that don't yet exist
• Experience managing fundraising budgets and producing income forecasts and performance reports.
• Genuine passion for wildlife conservation – this role is for someone who cares about the cause
• Committed to in-person working – we believe day-to-day presence and collaboration produces better outcomes for our donors and our team, and ask for a minimum of three days per week at our Billingshurst office

Why Join Us

• A mission that genuinely matters – 50 years of life-changing conservation work and a cause that moves people around the world
• A large, loyal and warm supporter base with significant untapped potential
• Real scope to build something – this is a new role with genuine influence from day one
• A small, close-knit team with shared purpose and a genuine commitment to each other's wellbeing
• Direct line to the Executive Director and member of senior leadership team
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (33 days total)
• Salary exchange pension with 5% employer contribution
• Salary of £55,000 – £60,000 depending on experience

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a covering letter of no more than two pages – telling us why you are interested in this role and how your experience meets the person specification – by 16th August 2026.

We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and may appoint before the closing date, so early application is encouraged.

All applicants must have the right to work in the United Kingdom. We are unable to sponsor visa applications for this role.