Communications and policy officer jobs

NACE is a national education charity focused on evidence-informed school improvement and provision for more able learners, and a challenge for all approach to the wider quality of education for all learners. 

We are looking for a Chief Executive to strengthen our voice, grow our membership community, increase demand for NACE resources and services and deepen our impact across the sector.

The Opportunity

As CEO you will be the strategic lead and public face of NACE, building partnerships, amplifying our influence in national conversations, and ensuring our offer continues to deliver clear value for members. 

You’ll work closely with a skilled central team and associates, and with a supportive Executive Board, to realise an ambitious growth plan while safeguarding quality and financial sustainability.

Flexible and portfolio working will be welcomed.

What you’ll lead

Profile & influence:

Position NACE as a recognised and authoritative voice in school improvement for more able learners. Through “challenge for all” strategies in curriculum and pedagogy, by securing speaking opportunities, thought-leadership pieces and strategic policy roundtables; build trusted relationships across MATs, system leaders and sector bodies.

Membership growth:

Deliver a clear value proposition and growth strategy that increases recruitment and retention, secures long-term sustainability, and nurtures a strong sense of community among members.

Partnerships & income:

Develop productive alliances (education, charity and commercial) and responsible income streams (e.g., sponsorships, funded programmes) aligned to mission. 

Team & operations:

Lead and develop the central team and wider associate network; delegate effectively so you can focus on growth, profile and stakeholder engagement; ensure robust budgeting and prudent stewardship. 

What you’ll bring

Sector and system understanding, with credibility to engage senior decision makers and an ability to translate evidence into compelling practice.

Proven ability and track record in scaling reach, membership or audiences through clear propositions, effective marketing/ communications and partnership building.

Excellent communication skills, to include clear, accessible writing and confident presenting for diverse audiences.

Inclusive, collaborative leadership where you develop people, build cohesive teams and work well with trustees; bring sound financial judgement and understand sustainable business models. 

What success looks like in year one

Noticeable uplift in membership recruitment and retention, underpinned by a clear value proposition and data-informed improvements to the offer.

Increased national visibility and demand for resources and services through regular sector platforms, strategic partnerships and stronger recognition of NACE’s contribution to school improvement.

A confident, motivated team with clear roles and delegated operational leadership, enabling you to concentrate on external growth and influence.

Please see the full Job description attached

Our commitment to inclusion

We are committed to fair, inclusive and bias-aware recruitment. If you need adjustments at any stage, or the information in a different format, please let us know. We encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds and career paths; selection is based on evidence against the criteria in the person specification.

NACE is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. Consequently, Board members are simultaneously Trustees of the charity and directors of the company. The Memorandum and Articles of Association are the primary governing documents of the charitable company.

This is an exciting role in an influential and dynamic organisation with big ambitions. You will work to design and deliver high impact media and communications strategies to influence key audience groups and drive positive change in the food system.

This role will focus on communications for The Food Foundation’s work on school food and child health and nutrition, whilst also contributing to the charity’s overarching goal of creating a fairer food system where healthy and sustainable food is affordable and accessible for everyone. 

We are looking for a communications specialist who is confident leading on communications strategies for distinct programmes of work, but who also works well as part of a team and can contribute to wider goals of the communications team as appropriate. The responsibilities, skills and experience listed in the job pack are intended to give you an idea of what we need for this role. If you don’t meet every requirement but feel you would be able to work with us to deliver the majority of them, then it is still worth applying.

Head of Development and Communications

Job Description

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

£46,200 - £50,200 per annum FTE

The Head of Development and Communications plays a pivotal role in driving In2scienceUK’s mission to change lives by opening doors to STEM degrees and careers for young people from lower socio-economic backgrounds. 

As a senior leader, you will shape and deliver a bold, integrated development and communications strategy that brings our mission to life, tells powerful stories of change, and inspires confidence and commitment from donors, partners, and key stakeholders that unlocks new opportunities for innovation and expansion.

In this role, you will manage a small, high-performing team and oversee the creation of compelling narratives and effective engagement strategies that inspire donors, partners, alumni, and key stakeholders, supporting a resilient and diversified income portfolio.

Working closely with programme teams, you will ensure that development and communications activity amplifies the impact of existing programmes, while identifying and developing new opportunities that deliver meaningful outcomes for young people across the UK.

You will drive the development of strategic partnerships and funding relationships to expand the reach and influence of In2science’s work. Combining strategic vision with operational expertise, you will take a proactive, entrepreneurial approach to growth, shaping how the organisation connects with its audiences, builds its reputation, and communicates the impact of its work in support of long-term strategic goals.

In2scienceUK operates on a remote basis, with necessary UK-wide travel for partner and funder meetings, events, and staff co-working days. 

Direct Reports

Development Team: Development Manager, Development Officer, External Fundraising Consultancy.

Comms Team : Senior Communications Officer.

Responsibilities 

Development

• To collaborate with the senior leadership team and trustees in setting organisational strategy and building strategic partnerships to support In2science’s vision for 2026 and beyond.

• Lead on planning, implementation and delivery of segmented fundraising and stewardship campaigns across programmes and audiences with a 2026 income target of £1.5m. 

• Lead and manage a diverse fundraising portfolio, including corporate partnerships, trusts and foundations, research grants (e.g., UKRI), government funding, and individual giving.

• To lead a small but effective development team, including an external fundraising contractor to build upon our success to date to achieve funding targets and foster strategic relationships with funding and delivery partners.

• Budget and resource all aspects of development and communications, including engaging with external contractors to maximise our output and upskill our teams.

• Work closely with the Head of Operations to oversee our CRM, ensuring accurate pipeline reporting and forecasting, as well as utilising the system for tailored stewardship opportunities.

• Work closely with our programmes team to ensure that deliverables are met and in line with our mission and objectives.

• Explore opportunities for partnership to launch new programmes and initiatives, working with the Data and Impact manager to use national data to ensure we deliver the greatest possible impact to those most in need.

Communications

• Oversee the organisation’s external communications, ensuring all messaging is on-brand, reflects our values, meets high standards, and effectively tells the story of our impact on young people.

• Oversee resourcing of the communications function, balancing 70% development and brand engagement with 30% programme-focused activity.

• Identify opportunities to maximise brand presence through strategic partnerships, policy engagement, and media activity.

• Work closely with the SMT and Trustees to respond to media, speaking, and event requests, ensuring consistent and impactful messaging.

• Ensure digital and web platforms effectively showcase our impact and support compelling storytelling.

• Manage the Senior Communications Officer to deliver campaigns that drive organisational growth and engagement with donors, partners, volunteers, and beneficiaries.

Governance

• To work with the SMT, CEO, and Trustees to ensure strong charity governance, including leading the Growth Subcommittee and preparing reports for quarterly board meetings.

• Identify organisation-wide opportunities to streamline and improve performance across the organisation.

• Working with SMT and trustees to ensure charity compliance. Including the charity commission, funding regulator, ICO.

• Identify and manage organisational/operational risk and ensure that all measures are in place to mitigate this.

As duties and responsibilities change, the job description will be reviewed and amended in consultation with the post holder. The postholder will carry out any other duties that are within the scope, spirit and purpose of the job as requested by the line manager. All staff must undertake all mandatory training, checks and compliance as instructed by the organisation.

Person Specification

Essential:

• A passionate advocate for social mobility in STEM.

• An inspiring leader who can inspire and collaborate across the organisation to achieve our collective goals.

• Three years experience of leading a development team to generate a seven-figure annual income from a diverse range of donors, ideally in a charitable organisation.

• Knowledge of all streams of fundraising, with direct experience in at least two of the following: corporate fundraising, trust and foundations, research grants e.g. UKRI, government grants or individual giving (incl. high-net worth donors).

• A target driven individual with a proven track record of personal six-figure income generation and achieving or exceeding personal targets.

• Excellent relationship management skills to steward existing and potential partners and donors.

• Experience of line management including developing personal development plans and setting KPIs.

• Proven experience of managing a brand, ensuring consistent and impactful communications that maximise reach amongst our target audiences.

• Superb written and verbal communication skills with the ability to persuade and influence at all levels.

• Proven experience of overseeing communication campaigns to engage new prospects across a variety of audiences.

• Evidence of efficient and accurate management of budgets and resources.

• Willingness to work flexibly and attend occasional events or meetings on evenings/weekends when required.

• Working collaboratively and supporting fostering a collegiate workplace environment.

• Upholds the values of our code of conduct and is respectful to all.

Desirable:

• Direct knowledge and/or experience of the barriers young people face in accessing STEM degrees or careers.

• Direct knowledge and/or experience of working with education organisations or STEM sector employers, incl. knowledge of current trends.

• Experience of working in collaboration with across teams to deliver new initiatives that maximise outcomes for young people and attract relevant funding.

• Evidence of delivering highly impactful events.

• Prior experience of public speaking, thought leadership and engaging with the press.

• Experience of governance in a small charitable organisation and utilising Trustees to support the organisation's goals and objectives.

Benefits: 

At In2scienceUK we practise what we preach by giving all staff opportunities to progress in their careers. You will have the opportunity to develop your career with your line manager to get you to the next level from day one. 

Although we take our career development seriously we also value work-life balance. You will have the opportunity to work flexibly from home, balancing your caring responsibilities, volunteer commitments, hobbies and anything else that makes you happy. 

You will have 28 days of annual leave per annum, plus bank holidays. 

Commitment to Safeguarding: 

In2scienceUK is committed to our responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults as outlined in Working Together to Safeguard Children. We are committed to recruiting candidates who share this commitment to safeguarding, and therefore we apply robust recruitment and selection procedures to ensure that the people selected are right for the job, and that all candidates are appropriately screened prior to appointment. 

The following pre-employment checks will be undertaken as applicable:

• References 

• DBS check and/or Overseas criminal records check where applicable

• Self-Disclosure 

• Identity check 

• Right to work in the UK 

• Evidence of qualifications applicable to the role 

• Confirmation of registration with applicable registered body where applicable 

Many of our roles involve working with children and we will therefore take up references prior to your appointment. You should provide details of referees including your current and previous employers, covering the last 5 years. Your current or previous employer will be asked about disciplinary offences relating to children, if the role involved working with children, including any in which the penalty is time expired. We will also ask if you have been the subject of any child protection concerns and if so, the outcome of any enquiry or disciplinary procedure. 

Diversity and Inclusion:

In2scienceUK is committed to being an inclusive and diverse organisation where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those who are underrepresented in STEM and the charity sector, including but not limited to people from minoritised ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

We recognise that talent and potential come in many forms, and we welcome applicants with different experiences, perspectives, and ways of thinking. We are committed to providing an inclusive recruitment process and working environment, and we will make reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. If you require any adjustments, please let us know.

Do you have experience working in a complex policy environment and delivering impactful and compelling communications that influence audiences and inspire action? Would you like to contribute to changing the dementia policy at all levels across England, Northern Ireland and Wales and making the case for dementia to be the priority it needs to be?

About the role
We are recruiting for a Campaigns Communication Officer to join on a full-time, permanent contract, working 35 hours per week.

This role is key to Alzheimer’s Society’s ambitions to drive major policy change across England, Northern Ireland and Wales. As Campaign Communications Officer you will support in the delivery of impact focussed influencing campaigns that seek to change policy at both a local and national level; making the case for dementia to be the priority it needs to be.

You will work on the development and delivery of our campaign messaging and narrative, ensuring that campaign communications are impactful, closely aligned to our organisational tone of voice and in line with Evidence, Policy and Influencing ambitions – with an aim to affect change in dementia policy at all levels across Northern Ireland, England and Wales.

You will work closely with other teams across the organisation including, but not limited to, External Relations, Marketing and Brand, Fundraising and Internal Communications and Engagement to effectively translate and communicate our evidence, policy and influencing messaging for a wide variety of internal and external audiences, for both offline and online platforms.

Interviews for this role have been provisionally scheduled to take place via MS Teams on Tuesday 3rd and Wednesday 4th February.

About you
Joining us, you will have experience working in a complex policy environment alongside experience in delivering impactful communications for a wide variety of audiences, platforms and channels. You’ll be able to be dynamic in your use of tone, urgency and language, depending on the audience and communication. You’ll be able to influence and inspire action through your communication, and you’ll be comfortable building relationships and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.

Crucially, you’ll have experience in developing campaigns that are collaborative and impact-focused with the ability to translate complex policy into compelling communications and as a result, you’ll have good analytical skills and good attention to detail.

What you’ll focus on:

- Developing and refining our influencing campaign messaging and communications, in line with Evidence, Policy and Influencing’s objectives, the organisations tone of voice and approved external messaging.
- Drafting, editing and reviewing of effective copy for a wide variety of offline & online sources, designed to engage supporters and influence policy.
- Developing internal communications and messaging on behalf of the wider Evidence, Policy and Influencing team and supporting teams across the organisation to mobilise their audiences, in furtherance of policy change.
- Working collaboratively with Influencing colleagues across all nations to ensure that campaigning activity is tailored to the context and needs of the devolved nations.
- When required, representing the Society externally. This may include representing the Society in media interviews, at conferences and seminars across the UK.
- Ensuring the experience and insight of people with and affected by dementia informs our engagement, and that those we campaign with are increasingly representative of the dementia population.

About Alzheimer's Society - who are we and what’s our mission?
Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer. One in three people born in the UK today will develop dementia in their lifetime.  

At Alzheimer’s Society, we’re the UK’s leading dementia charity and the only one to tackle all aspects of dementia by giving help and hope to people living with dementia today and in the future. We give vital support to people facing the most frightening times of their lives, while also funding ground-breaking research and campaigning to make dementia the priority it should be.  

Together with our supporters, we’re working towards a world where dementia no longer devastates lives. Our values make sure that our focus is clear for the challenges and opportunities ahead and remind us of what we all stand for. 

Our commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging
We need to ensure the voices around our table better reflect and understand the communities we exist to serve. We strongly encourage individuals to apply who have a disability, impairment or health condition or individuals who identify as part of a minority ethnic background, as these groups are currently under-represented at Alzheimer's Society.     

Our hiring process
We want you to bring your whole self to the process. Applications are anonymised until interview stage, and we’re happy to support any adjustments. Share your feedback via our candidate survey when applying to help us improve. We may close early if we receive high interest (with 48 hours’ notice). Some roles may require a DBS check as part of our safer recruitment commitment. Thinking about using AI during the recruitment process? we know this can be helpful in many ways but remember to include your personal and authentic self too. Your voice and experience are what really set you apart. 

Giving back to you
At Alzheimer’s Society, we value our people and take a total reward approach to pay and benefits. You’ll enjoy a generous double-matched pension scheme, 27 days’ annual leave (plus bank holidays and wellbeing days), and access to a free Health Shield Cash Plan, 24/7 EAP, Thrive mental wellbeing support, and virtual GP services. Our Society Plus platform offers exclusive discounts, wellbeing resources, and recognition schemes, while our flexible working, family-friendly policies, and life assurance provide peace of mind and work/life balance. We also offer a free Will-writing service and long service awards to recognise your ongoing commitment.

Contract Type: Full-time, permanent, 35 hours per week

Location: Hybrid (2-3 days per week in the London office; the remainder working from home) 

Reports to: Managing Director

Salary and Benefits: £45-60k depending on experience, plus discretionary annual bonus, 35 days leave per year (inclusive of bank holidays), a 6% employer pension contribution and the right to work from any location for up to 25 working days per year.

Career Progression: We want our people to flourish and grow whilst working for us, helping to contribute towards Future Advocacy’s continued success and impact. This is why we place a big emphasis on learning and development. There are potential future pathways for the right candidate to progress into a “Head of” role and beyond.

Why join us?

Future Advocacy is a global agency, based in London, Brussels and Berlin, that puts cutting-edge advocacy, campaigning and communications tools into the hands of individuals and organisations working to create a better future. 

We are highly skilled at:

• Designing winning advocacy and strategic communications strategies 
• Mobilising targeted and powerful campaigns for change
• Securing strategically important media coverage
• Digital and creative campaigns
• Research, analysis, policy development and writing 
• Training in all aspects of strategy, government relations, campaigning, and media work

We are proud to work for some fantastic clients seeking to make the world a better place. Current and previous clients include the Jamie Oliver Group; Movember; the Elton John AIDS Foundation; Brave Movement; Centre for Democracy and Technology; ECPAT International; Which?; WaterAid; Bite Back 2030; World Food Programme; Islamic Relief; Sarah Brown’s TheirWorld charity; Wellcome Trust, and the World Wide Web Foundation. 

Our small but mighty team is made up of people from 8 countries around the world, with experience in government, politics, NGOs, foundations, and the private sector - all motivated to drive positive change. Our Founder/CEO previously was Director of the ONE campaign across Europe for seven years, responsible for all ONE’s policy, campaigns, digital, media, and advocacy work. He was a key architect of the Make Poverty History Campaign; Movement Director for the anti-slavery organisation Walk Free; and an Executive Director of the UK Labour Party. 

The Role

Future Advocacy is looking for a Senior Consultant in Strategic Communications and Advocacy. This is a unique opportunity to take a leading role on high-impact projects within a small, dynamic organisation that values creativity, collaboration, and personal growth. We’re looking for a versatile and talented professional, who is excited to lead and contribute to meaningful strategic communications and advocacy initiatives for our brilliant clients.

What we’re looking for

As a Senior Consultant, you will:

• Lead and contribute to client projects
• Design and implement strategic communications strategies
• Drive forward media relations:
  • Spot news hooks and craft stories that land and secure media coverage 
  • Work on high-impact opinion pieces with our champions 
  • Secure broadcast opportunities for key spokespeople 
• Develop and execute UK and global government relations strategies, and meet with decision-makers
• Help to maintain extremely high writing quality across the organisation including on social media
• Line-manage team members, supporting their growth, development, and impact while fostering a positive, collaborative, and empowering team environment
• Oversee our monitoring platform subscriptions and support colleagues who regularly use them
• Contribute to business development, including writing proposals and budgets for new projects
• Contribute to modelling and strengthening our culture
• Undertaking additional tasks as needed

Requirements

We would love to hear from you if you meet the criteria below:

• At least 5 - 10 years of proven success in strategic communications
• A flair for storytelling, with proven excellent media relations skills and connections with UK and/or international media
• A sharp political nose and strong political literacy, with an excellent grasp of key UK political actors, power dynamics and how narratives shift.
• Exceptional writing and verbal communication skills in English
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team, in a fast-paced environment, while also being a generous and collaborative team member
• Enthusiasm, flexibility, and ability to manage competing priorities 
• Strong capability to represent the organisation to high-level individuals and clients
• Experience in line managing and nurturing team members
• Experience in effectively managing projects
• Undergraduate degree or equivalent 

Nice to Have:

• Experience in designing and delivering government relations and advocacy strategies - including engaging with decision makers
• Experience working in international development
• Experience using media monitoring tools
• Proven experience in managing client relationships, acting as a trusted point of contact and ensuring work is delivered to a consistently high standard
• Experience in, and enthusiasm for, using AI tools ethically for advocacy, campaigns, communications, and research

Our Culture

Our culture and values are very important to us, allowing us to thrive in a fast changing world. The key values that drive us at Future Advocacy are:

• Always Learning: We constantly strive to improve the work we do, as a team and as individuals.
• Impactful: We define success in terms of the impact our work has on making the world more equal, sustainable and more prosperous.
• Supportive: We are open, responsive, positive and supportive to each other and to others.

Apply for this Job

Please apply below, with a CV and cover letter.

The deadline for applications is 11.59pm on 8 February. 

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete a short online assessment, and if successful, first round interviews will be held (online) the week beginning 23rd February.

If we’re both excited to proceed, second interviews will be held in person, where we will ask you to complete a written task.

Future Advocacy is committed to equal opportunities. We welcome applications from individuals regardless of their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, age, gender, or disability.  We particularly encourage applications from members of groups that are currently under-represented in our organisation, including people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds. 

We are happy to discuss flexible working and other adjustments on a case by case basis.

Employer: Community Rail Network 

Salary: £43k-£51.5k pa, full time 

Location: Home based / flexible or Huddersfield 

We are seeking a dynamic director of policy and communications, to lead and develop our increasingly impactful external affairs activity. You’ll be sharing community insights and evidence with policy and decision-makers at national and devolved level, supporting a shift towards more inclusive and sustainable transport and mobility, while overseeing high-quality, inspiring member communications and thought-leadership, drawing on grassroots experiences.  
  

About us 

Community Rail Network is a national not-for-profit organisation supporting a growing ‘community rail’ movement, which helps communities get the most from their railways, promotes sustainable and inclusive travel, coordinates volunteering and place-making, and brings people together.

Community rail is made up of 76 community-based partnership organisations, and c.1,300 station friends volunteer groups and other community-led initiatives around Britain. Their activities range from creative projects for young people, to advising train operators on service improvements, to building travel confidence among marginalised groups, to biodiversity projects at stations, to promoting greener tourism by rail.

Our enthusiastic team of 24 works from home in different locations, but we come together regularly in person and online. We work collaboratively to support our members, provide training, events and resources, run campaigns, and champion community rail and its insights. We believe in developing our team and helping everyone reach their potential while having a good work-life balance.

About this role 

This role is crucial for us, our members and their communities, especially at the current time, with our need to seize on the opportunities of rail reform and devolution, promote wider use of sustainable transport, and bring communities together. You will spearhead our external affairs strategy and plans, building political relationships, influencing decision-making and raising awareness of community rail and its insights, while ensuring effective communications with our members and helping them to have a voice locally and regionally. You’ll be striving to put community rail at the forefront of a shift towards more inclusive and sustainable mobility.

As a member of our senior leadership team, reporting to and working closely with our chief executive, you will manage a passionate team of four, ensuring collaboration with our other teams, partners and funders, and drawing on members’ insights.

 
Main responsibilities 

• Lead the review, development and delivery of our communications, policy and insights strategy, working to position the community rail movement effectively, use its insights to influence policy change, and ensure our members are well-informed and have a voice; 

• Further strengthen our advisory and influencing work with national, devolved and regional government, transport bodies, parliamentarians and other decision-makers, especially around rail reform, transport devolution and integrated, inclusive, sustainable transport; 

• Ensure we’re engaging effectively with policy developments and opportunities, taking forward a programme of relationship-building, and identifying and engaging in relevant consultations, events and speaking opportunities, enabling community rail’s insights and experiences to be shared; 

• Collaborate with partners in rail, government and the third sector to feed in our expertise on community engagement with rail, amplify our campaigns, and build opportunities for joined-up communications and policy work;

• Continually develop and disseminate our evidence base and insights on the social, environmental and economic value community rail delivers, and opportunities to create greater benefits for communities from rail and transport; 

• Oversee high-quality, coherent and inspiring communications with our members and partners, promoting our work, and sharing news, opportunities, and good practice across the movement; 

• Manage production of high-quality resources, case studies and reports that our members can use to enhance their impact and which showcase community rail’s impact; 

• Lead and develop our media relations and awareness-raising PR, championing community rail and its messages on sustainable, inclusive travel and communities at national and regional level, while supporting members on local PR; 

• Develop our online presence and reach, making full use of our website, social media, our Scenic Rail Britain campaign, and partners’ channels to celebrate and position community rail and grow its reach and impact; 

• Oversee a calendar of creative and impactful campaigns that involve and empower our members, creating PR and engagement opportunities, including Community Rail Week;

• Play a key role in collective leadership, strategic focus and organisational development as a member of our senior leadership team, including through internal communications and cross-team working, annual planning, funder liaison and reporting, upholding our strategies and policies, and pursuing opportunities for continuous improvement. 

 
Skills and competencies 

1. Strong leadership and management skills, including experience managing, developing and drawing on a multi-faceted team delivering complex campaigns or projects, and budget management; 
2. Excellent communication and external leadership skills; articulate, assertive, and with the ability to work diplomatically and persuasively with stakeholders at all levels; 
3. An understanding of public affairs, ideally in relation to community development, sustainability and/or transport, and a demonstrable ability to identify influencing opportunities, deliver thought-leadership, and engage with policy-makers, including sharing community insights; 
4. Politically astute, with awareness of and commitment to social inclusion, social justice and sustainability, and a good grasp of the importance of public transport sustainable travel, and community-led action, to these agendas; 
5. Understanding of political processes and experience of engaging with policy and decision-making, ideally at national, devolved and local levels; 
6. Sound knowledge of communication and marketing methods and channels, and ability to oversee messaging and targeting of public and professional audiences, and to align content across multiple channels; 
7. A demonstrable ability to think analytically and draw on statistical and qualitative research to construct robust, evidence-based arguments; 
8. Experience of working with the media and achieving coverage at national, regional and local level; 
9. Experience working collaboratively with partners and ideally funders to deliver communications and policy activity and forming professional networks; 
10. Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines while dealing with competing priorities, and to support team members to do so; 
11. IT literate with a good working knowledge of Office, the internet and social media; 
12. Appropriate qualifications and professional development demonstrating knowledge and skills in line with the above, and a commitment to ongoing learning and development.

Other information

As you will be home-based, we are flexible about your location. However, you will be expected to travel to in-person full team meetings quarterly (usually in West Yorkshire), and you will need to bring your team together (currently all West Yorkshire based) with similar regularity in between. Attendance at in-person events and meetings is also important. We therefore welcome applications from those with decent public transport links, not too far from a railway station, to enable journeys to be made sustainably.   

This is a full-time position, 37 hours per week. We use a flexi-time system with core hours 10am-3pm, and are committed to being a flexible, supportive and understanding employer. This is a permanent position with a probationary period of six months.   

Community Rail Network is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from disabled people and Black, Asian and other minoritised groups, who meet with the skills and competencies for this role. We will provide reasonable adjustments for interviews as required.  

Would you like to join an organisation that is striving for systemic change? We believe it is not enough to reform structures and systems which are foundationally discriminatory. We are calling for a complete overhaul, and for people with lived experience to lead that change.

If that appeals to you. We are seeking a Policy and Communications Officer to play a vital role in shaping public understanding of migration and influencing policy. 

As part of our dedicated team, you will have the chance to make a real impact, engaging with diverse audiences and advocating for positive change. If you're motivated by social justice and have skills in policy engagement, digital campaigning, media, and stakeholder engagement, we want to hear from you.

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in contributing to a vision for intersectional campaigns that call for systemic change, and for those with lived experience to be instrumental in these campaigns.

As a lived experience and values-led organisation, and diverse team, we are looking for candidates with a:

• Commitment to upholding the rights of ALL migrants

• Real vision as to how this can be done in the current political, social and economic climate 

• A commitment to MRN's vision and values

The salary will be £32,414 per year. In addition, MRN contributes up to 6% of salary to pensions.

Closing date for applications: 9am, 14 January 2026

Date for candidate interviews: 22-23 January 2026

Starting salary in the range of:  £33,141 to £35,855

Working pattern: Full-time (35 hours per week) - some out of hours work may be required for events. 

Pension: USS

Annual leave: 25 days plus bank holidays, 3 well-being days per year (leave), an extended Christmas closure, and an employee benefits package.

Location: Hybrid and flexible working (core hours between 10am-3pm); split between remote working and our office based in central London with occasional UK-wide travel. There is a mandatory, in-person team day once a month in our office near Euston and expected attendance at relevant in-person events (typically up to 5 days per month).

Reports to: Director of Operations and Membership

 

Purpose:

The Events and Communications Officer will be responsible for supporting both membership events and communications activities.  The ECO will work with both the Communications Manager and the Membership and Events Manager to ensure membership data is up-to-date, to track membership engagement, to support the organising and delivery of our events, and to craft and broadcast digital content and media outputs.  This role requires a proactive, dynamic, and driven individual with excellent communication skills, an understanding of event management, confidence and experience using CRM databases and Excel, along with social media skills and an ability to spot new media opportunities. The ideal candidate will be highly organised, confident and adept with CRM systems, and enthusiastic about delivering excellent service to members whilst helping to promote the organisation's work across digital channels.

Key Responsibilities

Membership and Events Support

1. Working closely with the Membership and Events Manager to deliver  strategies for recruiting, retaining, and engaging members. 

2. Maintain and update the CRM system, ensuring accurate records and consistent data standards.

3. Support the processing of membership applications, renewals, and enquiries in a timely and professional manner. 

4. Support the organising and execution of member events, such as network and consortium meetings and other engagement activities as needed.

5. Support with the preparation of regular reports on membership numbers, trends and engagement activities. 

6. Work  closely with the Communications Manager and Membership and Events Manager to design, distribute, and collate the annual member survey.

7. Input membership invoices and payments into Xero or relevant systems.

Communications Support

1. Support a comprehensive media strategy set out by the Comms Manager to promote the organisation's mission and activities.

2. Manage planned activities on all social media platforms, including content creation and community engagement.

3. Proofread and distribute press releases, newsletters, and other communication materials.

4. Maintain and update the organisation's website with relevant news and content.

5. Managing the press inbox.

6. Monitor media coverage and help prepare reports on media performance.

7. Create engaging content for various platforms.

The postholder will also be expected to:

1. Actively support the delivery of the GuildHE strategy.

2. To contribute positively to a small, professional team focused on delivering excellence in their members’ interests.

3. Support GuildHE events and communication activities as appropriate - including campaigns, writing articles, blogs and press releases.

4. Build strong relationships with key stakeholders at HE institutions, including senior leaders, academics, and professional services staff.

5. Gather feedback from HE institutions and use this to inform the continuous improvement of our services.

6. Demonstrate a proactive approach to embedding EDI principles within all policy development and advocacy efforts.

7. Represent GuildHE externally on a range of HE sector groups and projects where appropriate. 

8. Deputise for the Membership and Events manager, and the Communications manager as appropriate.

9. Undertake any other reasonable duties as may be required.

Person Specification

Core Skills:

• Strong written and verbal communication.

• Excellent organisational and time management.

• Proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Office, CRM systems, and graphic design tools (such as Canva or Adobe Creative Suite). 

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Ability to coordinate multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

• An ability to build relationships within our team, with members and with media contacts.

• Understanding of current media trends and best practices.

Core Attributes

• Able to meet deadlines, to prioritise work and to anticipate issues and problems with strong attention to detail

• Be self-motivated and communicative with colleagues, with the ability to support the wider team when required in a flexible and dynamic working environment.

• An individual who shares our values of equity and inclusion and can translate these values into day to day work and impactful outcomes.

Ideal Education: Bachelor's degree/ relevant experience and training in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Business Administration, or a related field.

Ideal Experience:

• At least one (1) year’s experience in membership support, communications, or an administrative role. 

• Proven experience in social media management and content creation.

• Experience with CRM software and email marketing platforms.

• Experience in the tertiary or higher education sector.

• Experience with invoicing/ payment systems (e.g. Xero, QuickBooks, and the like). 

Camcycle is a bold and influential cycle advocacy charity. Our Communications Officer is responsible for delivering clear, compelling and consistent print, digital and in-person communications to support Camcycle’s campaign work and engage with our varied audiences. They will help to secure and grow our charity’s position as a knowledgeable, trusted voice on local transport, as well as amplifying the voices of local cyclists and potential cyclists across the region.

Building on Camcycle’s 30 years of campaigning expertise and community engagement, the role holder will help to build our archive of local transport knowledge and best practice, collating resources that empower community activists to successfully achieve better walking, cycling and public spaces in their neighbourhoods. They will provide an essential link between grassroots groups and transport decision-makers, helping local people make their voices heard in public meetings and consultations. They will also ensure that cycling policies and infrastructure respond to the existing needs of Cambridgeshire’s communities while being ready for a growing region and a more sustainable, equitable future.
 

Responsibilities include:

• Planning and executing compelling communications campaigns that inspire others and enable them to take action. 

• Building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders including media outlets, creative agencies and suppliers, officers, councillors, community groups and Camcycle members.

• Leading on the redevelopment of the Camcycle website and production of online content including managing our social media channels.

• Developing Camcycle’s profile through media interviews, columns and statements, and working with the team to produce our quarterly magazine.

• Managing weekly email updates to Camcycle members and providing support for member recruitment, fundraising and occasional events.
   

Your skills and experience:

You will have several years’ experience in marketing or communications in a professional and/or voluntary capacity and an excellent understanding of what motivates people to take action. 

With excellent written and spoken communication skills, you will be able to craft compelling copy for a range of audiences and summarise complex subject matter into accessible content which drives supporter engagement and response. Whatever your existing level of experience around sustainable transport advocacy, you’ll be keen to learn and grow in your role as a confident spokesperson for the needs and benefits of cycling.

You’ll have experience using design software such as Adobe Suite or Canva to produce content for print and digital materials, and be bursting with creative ideas about how Camcycle could grow its audience on our social media channels. You’ll be confident speaking in public meetings and on the radio or TV, as well as interviewing local cyclists about their experiences and pitching ideas for organisational improvements and strategies to the staff team and board of trustees.
 

How to apply:
Please send your CV and a supporting statement to the email address on our Work With Us webpage by 11.59pm on Monday 12 January, 2026. Interviews will begin w/c Monday 26 January.

Carers First is a charity that works directly with, and for unpaid carers, providing personalised information and tailored support. We have a committed, dedicated staff team, and you could be just the person we are looking for to join us to make that valuable difference in carer’s lives. We live and work through our values in all that we achieve by being positive, collaborative and ambitious and we have clear plans to scale our reach, support and impact for carers.

About this role

As a Communications Officer, your responsibilities will include:

• Raising the profile of Carers First by creating engaging and accessible content across digital and offline channels

• Supporting increased local presence and visibility of Carers First across the areas we work

• Assisting with the development and delivery of campaigns and projects, helping to increase engagement and promote our work locally

About you

To be successful in this role you will need:

•  Some experience supporting communications and stakeholder engagement activities across a range of channels

• The ability to help deliver campaigns and contribute to the implementation and monitoring of communications plans

• Awareness of how analytics can be used to measure performance and support improvement

• Good written and verbal communication skills, with attention to detail and accuracy

• Well organised, with the ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines

• Good IT and digital skills, including use of Microsoft Office and familiarity with digital tools such as email platforms, CMS, and social media scheduling software

• Positive interpersonal skills, able to build relationships and work collaboratively as part of a team

• Motivated and reliable, able to work with some independence while seeking guidance when needed, and committed to the charity’s values

We are looking for passionate people who are committed to the overall aims and objectives of the Charity. Carers First is committed to providing a supportive, vibrant, diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.  

Carers First Can Offer You

In return for your contribution, we have an amazing package of staff benefits including 26 days annual leave entitlement which increases with length of service, flexible working options, paid carers leave, access to our work-place pension, staff discount scheme, employee assistance programme and a Benenden Healthcare package.  Whatever you are aiming to achieve in your career, we are here to encourage, help and support you grow, through our excellent training and development programmes.

How to Apply

For a full job description and to apply, click on the ‘Apply Now’ button to begin your application. Appointments are subject to Carers First receiving an appropriate disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service that we consider acceptable.

Interview Process

The closing date for applications is 5.00pm on 26 January 2026.

Each application will be assessed against the Person Specification and successful candidates will be invited to an interview via Teams on Tuesday, 03 February 2026. Time to be advised.

Would you like to join an organisation that is striving for systemic change? We believe it is not enough to reform structures and systems which are foundationally discriminatory. We are calling for a complete overhaul, and for people with lived experience to lead that change.

Migration is one of the most hotly debated political topics with rapid policy changes shaping the lives of millions. We’re looking for a proactive and inspiring leader to join us as Interim Head of Policy and Communications.

In this vital role, you will champion our mission to create a just society for all migrants, ensuring those with lived experience are at the centre of our work and heard by policymakers and supporters alike. You will influence national policies, engage diverse stakeholders, from policymakers to grassroots groups, and build impactful communication campaigns.

Working closely with our CEO and as part of the Senior Leadership Team, you will help shape the strategic direction of our policy and communication efforts during this critical time.

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in contributing to a vision for intersectional campaigns that call for systemic change, and for those with lived experience to lead the changes we need.

If you’re passionate about social justice, experienced in policy and advocacy, and a skilled communicator, we want to hear from you! 

As a lived experience and values-led organisation, and diverse team, we are looking for candidates with a:

• Commitment to upholding the rights of ALL migrants

• Real vision as to how this can be done in the current political, social and economic climate 

• A commitment to MRN's vision and values

The salary will be £43,817 per annum, pro-rata. In addition, MRN contributes up to 6% of salary to pensions. We are keen to have someone start in the role immediately.

Closing date for applications: 9am, 14 January 2026

Date for candidate interviews: 26 January 2026

Company Description

Marie Curie is the UK’s leading end-of-life charity. We are the largest non-NHS provider of end of life care in the UK, the only provider across all 4 nations, delivering community nursing and hospice care across the country, while providing information and support on all aspects of dying, death, and bereavement. Our leading research pushes the boundaries of what we know about good end of life, and our campaigns fight for a world where everyone gets to have the best possible quality of life while living with an illness, they’re likely to die from.

Job Description

The Senior Strategic Communications Manager will shape how the charity tells its story to the world. This person ensures our messages, campaigns, and content aligns with our mission and resonates with the audiences we serve. You’ll work across the organisation to turn complex priorities into compelling narratives, guiding teams to communicate with clarity, consistency, and purpose. It’s a role for someone who thrives at the intersection of strategy and storytelling - translating organisational goals into communications that inspire and influence.

This is an exciting, newly created role that offers the opportunity to shape our strategic communications approach from the ground up. You’ll play a key role in ensuring our external communications are cohesive, impactful, and aligned with our organisational strategy - strengthening Marie Curie’s public image and brand. If you're looking for a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference and leave your mark, we’d love to hear from you!

You will be responsible for: 

• Working closely with the Director and Head of Communications to develop, manage and optimise Marie Curie’s external communication strategy.
• Leading strategic communications planning, translating organisational goals into actionable, audience-led communications plans. 
• Developing and overseeing key messaging frameworks and thematic narratives based on insight and research. 
• Evaluate performance, generate insights, and ensure continuous improvement.
• Advising and working closely with senior management, internal communications, teams across our income and innovation directorate and external agencies.
• Ensuring team, channel, campaign and product strategies are aligned and support the departmental, directorate and organisational strategy.
• Line managing the Strategic Communications Manager and leading matrix teams on key projects.

Key Criteria:

• Extensive experience in a senior external communications role, with a strong track record of delivering integrated, high-impact strategic communication campaigns from start to finish.
• Experience translating organisational strategy into compelling structured key messages for our audiences.
• Experience advising and influencing leadership and stakeholders at all organisational levels. 
• Proven track record of leading projects across teams and managing agency partnerships.  
• Confident and persuasive communicator with excellent writing, planning, and leadership skills.
• Highly capable of prioritising tasks and managing multiple projects and campaigns to meet deadlines. 
• Experience managing agencies and overseeing high-profile campaigns.
• Confident working in changing environments.
• Passion for purposeful communication that makes a measurable difference.
• Experience working in a charity, not-for-profit, or health-related organisation (desirable).

Please see the full job description. [LINK]

Additional Information

Application & Interview Process

• As part of your online application, you will be asked for a CV and supplementary details. Please review both the advert and job description and outline your most relevant skills, experience and knowledge for the role.
• Close date for applications: 9 Jan 2026.

Salary: £45,000-50,000 & £3,500 London weighting allowance where applicable.

Contract: Permanent, full-time

Based: Fully remote (work from home) or hybrid working (Embassy Gardens office in London).

Benefits you’ll LOVE:

• Flexible working. We’re happy to discuss flexible working at the interview stage.
• 25 days annual leave (exclusive of Bank Holidays)
• Marie Curie Group Personal Pension Scheme (we will match your contribution up to 7.5%)
• Loan schemes for bikes; computers and season tickets
• Continuous professional development opportunities.
• Industry-leading training programmes
• Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programmes
• Enhanced bereavement, family friendly and sickness benefits
• Access to Blue Light Card membership
• Subsidised Eye Care

Marie Curie is committed to its values, which underpin our work.  We take stringent steps to ensure that the people who join our organisation through employment or volunteering, are suitable for their roles and are committed to safeguarding all our people from harm. This includes our staff, volunteers and all those who use or come into contact with our services. We are dedicated to creating not just a safe place to work but also a supportive and rewarding one.

We are committed to a world where everyone can thrive and fulfil their potential. We are devoted to the social justice imperatives and organisational benefits of full diversity, inclusion and equity in the workplace, and are a Stonewall champion. We actively encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, perspectives and lived experiences.

We're happy to accommodate any requests for reasonable adjustments. Please email any requests to

Marie Curie is committed to its values, which underpin our work. We take stringent steps to ensure that the people who join our organisation through employment or volunteering, are suitable for their roles and are committed to safeguarding all our people from harm. This includes our staff, volunteers and all those who use or come into contact with our services. We are dedicated to creating not just a safe place to work but also a supportive and rewarding one.

We are committed to a world where everyone can thrive and fulfil their potential. We are devoted to the social justice imperatives and organisational benefits of full diversity, inclusion and equity in the workplace, and are a Stonewall champion. We actively encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, perspectives and lived experiences.

The Director of Communications is an exciting new leadership role with ambitious charity that is working to tackle the challenge of physical inactivity and inequalities in access to options to be active. You will be contributing to improving the health outcomes and lives of the people of Lincolnshire.

Working closely with the CEO and senior leadership team, this role will lead our strategic communications approach - shaping powerful narratives that articulate impact, influence system-level change and champion the role of physical activity in tackling inequalities across Lincolnshire.

The role has the following core purpose:

• Set and lead the organisation’s strategic communications approach, ensuring audiences are clearly defined, understood, and engaged.
• Shape and govern the organisation and sector narrative, using communications to articulate impact and create advocacy for inclusive systemic change around physical activity.
• Develop and oversee system-wide communications strategies, fostering collaboration and change at scale through cross-sector partnerships.
• Lead strategic stakeholder stewardship, building and maintaining long-term relationships that influence system-level change and galvanise system partners around a shared narrative.
• Drive monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) for communications, using data and insights to demonstrate impact and inform future direction.
• Provide inclusive leadership, inspiring and developing the communications team, being a senior leader in the organisation, embedding a values-driven, learning culture.

The role will enhance the positioning of the organisation and the wider impact of physical activity, through clear and compelling messages and storytelling.

You will need an exceptional ability to translate complex insight into clear strategic messaging, identify opportunities for influence, and create system-wide approaches to communications that drive meaningful change. You will be proactive, innovative and able to respond quickly and appropriately in a shifting environment.

You will bring extensive experience in senior level stakeholder engagement and stewardship, nurturing and developing relationships that enable Active Lincolnshire to further influence opportunities to shift the system and make a difference in tackling the inequalities that exist.

You will have the ability to influence and advocate. Using your excellent communication skills, combined with insight you will create deep and meaningful narratives championing the physical activity sector, the benefits of being active and the contribution it makes to wider community and economic opportunities and to promote the options to be active in the county.

An outcome focused approach is key, ensuring there are robust measures in place to understand and evaluate the impact of our work.

Reward Package:

• Circa. £50,000 per annum depending on experience
• 25 days annual leave, plus all bank holidays and 3 days during the Christmas week (Total c.36 days per annum).
• ‘Celebration day’; additional day for an occasion / birthday / event (subject to annual review)
• Westfield Health private healthcare
• Cycle to work scheme
• Flexible working approach
• Time to be active in the working week
• Team away days
• Personal development and training opportunities
• Time in the working week to volunteer
• Employer contribution pension scheme
• Employee wellbeing policy
• Contribution to making a difference to the lives of people in Lincolnshire

Deadline for applications is Sunday 18 January 2026
Interviews will be held at the Active Lincolnshire office in Lincoln the week commencing Monday 26 January.

The postholder will play a key role in advancing the communications, campaigns and public affairs work of Southall Black Sisters (SBS), strengthening the organisation’s public profile and amplifying its mission to end violence against women and girls (VAWG), particularly as it affects Black, minoritised and migrant women.

The role will support the development and delivery of strategic communications and campaigns that promote SBS’s services, policy priorities and advocacy work, with particular attention to immigration and no recourse to public funds (NRPF). Working collaboratively with SBS colleagues, project partners and, where appropriate, victim-survivors, the postholder will help ensure SBS’s communications are impactful, ethical and grounded in lived experience.

Through creative and strategic use of digital, media and public-facing platforms, the postholder will contribute to raising awareness, influencing public discourse and strengthening protections and rights for Black, minoritised and migrant victim-survivors.

Why work with Southall Black Sisters?

Southall Black Sisters is committed to providing a supportive working environment, where team members feel valued, empowered and safe. To that end, we provide an excellent package of employee benefits including:

• Generous annual leave entitlement 
• Hybrid working 
• Enhanced pension contribution
• Enhanced sick pay
• Subsidised public transport season ticket
• A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, including access to confidential support from MBACP therapists 
• Clinical supervision with an MBACP therapist to explore issues arising from casework
• A focus on continued learning and development through accredited training delivered by experts in their field
• Organisation-wide away days
• Career development pathways and support
• The opportunity to learn and grow within an organisation renowned for inspiring political activism and campaigning successes
• Employer eye care scheme

To Apply

Submit a completed application form along with the optional equal opportunities monitoring form by the application deadline. Please do not send us your CV as this will not be considered.

Please note, incomplete applications will not be considered.