Communications and policy officer jobs

Thrive’s vision is that gardening is actively encouraged as part of personal health and wellbeing management and Social & Therapeutic Horticulture (STH) services are available wherever people live.

We’re looking for a creative and skilled Content Creator to join our Communications and Marketing Team and help bring Thrive’s mission to life. This role is all about producing engaging, high-quality content that inspires, informs, and connects with our audiences. From crafting compelling stories and designing eye-catching visuals to creating videos and managing social media, you’ll play a key part in boosting awareness and engagement across all our channels.

If you’re passionate about storytelling, have a flair for digital creativity, and want to make a real impact in a purpose-driven organisation, we’d love to hear from you.

For more information, please download the information pack

The Digital Communications Officer reports to the Digital Communications Manager. The post holder plays a key supporting role in communicating the work of the Trust – including its research, policy priorities, programmes, and alumni stories – to external audiences. This is a newly created role, introduced to expand our digital communications capacity and significantly grow our digital presence.

The Digital Communications Officer will work alongside the Digital Communications Manager to create, coordinate and maintain our digital output. They will need to have flexible skills across both web and social, and a strong ability to create eye-catching visuals and produce high-quality video content. This is an exciting opportunity for a creative and proactive individual to create engaging content, ramp up production of cross-platform video content, and introduce new digital innovations as the Trust seeks to explore new avenues to grow its reach.

Main duties

Social Media

• Take a lead on content creation for the Trust’s social media, writing crisp copy and creating engaging visuals suitable for a range of audiences across LinkedIn, X, Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

• Co-lead on the production of cross-platform video content, with a particular focus on TikTok and Instagram. Work with the Digital Communications Manager, Senior Programmes Officer: Marketing and Communications, and other colleagues to generate content ideas relevant to the Trust’s key areas of activity. Take an active, hands-on role in the planning, filming, and editing of innovative video content.

• Support with the day-to-day management of various socials platforms, including monitoring user engagement and answering inbox queries.

• Alongside the Digital Communications Manager, liaise with research colleagues to convert research outputs into engaging socials content, and work with colleagues in the programmes team to create impactful socials content promoting their work.

• Monitor social media engagement and activity more broadly, ensuring team members are aware of key developments and identifying examples of best practice in the sector.

• Advise and support all colleagues as necessary with their use of social media.

Website and Digital Communications

• Support with the management of the Sutton Trust website, and associated microsites, and the COSMO website, ensuring they are updated and remain responsive to the needs of our different audiences of students, teachers, policymakers, academics, funders and media.

• Work with external web developers to drive forward improvements to the Trust’s websites, ensuring quality user experience and SEO optimisation.

• Use Google Analytics and other monitoring tools to evaluate website performance and inform improvements. Work with a digital agency to manage the Trust’s Google Ads Grant Account and shape our approach to paid search advertising.

• Support with the maintenance of a proactive and diverse programme of blog content, helping to identify potential pieces from internal and external authors.

• Develop the Trust’s regular email newsletter, including drafting high quality content.

• Support with the formatting of research outputs and the design of other digital assets (such as charts), including those related to the COSMO Study.

Other

• Work with colleagues to maintain communications and content planning grids.

• Track and assess digital engagement in detail and assist with communicating performance to team members.

• Keep abreast of digital developments, assisting the Digital Communications Manager in providing expertise to the wider organisation.

• Proactively suggest improvements to the Trust’s digital communications approach.

• Write copy as required.

• Feed into the wider work of the Research and Communications Team.

• Other duties as necessary from time to time.

Person Specification

We welcome applications from individuals who have:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• A strong understanding of using Canva (as well as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign and/or Adobe Illustrator) to design engaging and creative graphics for social media.

• Experience of creating cross-platform video content for social media (experience producing vertical video for TikTok and/or Instagram is particularly desirable). Basic videography, photography and editing skills would be advantageous.

• Experience of using various social media platforms and creating high-quality content.

• A good knowledge of and some experience in managing a website, including basic knowledge of HTML and CSS, experience of WordPress and an understanding of Google Analytics.

• An eye for detail, and the ability to work accurately to tight deadlines.

We are also looking for an individual who:

• Is sympathetic to the aims of the Trust and its mission to address educational disadvantage.

• Has first-class interpersonal skills.

• Is willing to take on other duties from time-to-time as needed in a busy team.

• Is eligible to work in the UK (see here for information about right to work)

Terms of Appointment

• Contract: Full-time, Permanent

• Salary: £32,000-£36,000

• Working location: Minimum of 2 office days per week

• Office location: The Sutton Trust, 9th Floor, Millbank Tower, 21-24 Millbank, London, SW1P 4QP. Our home working policy gives staff the option to work from home for up to 60% of the time, with approval from their line manager.

• Hours: The standard working hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday and may also be required to attend events / meetings outside of their normal working hours during weekday evenings and occasionally at weekends

• DBS check may be required

Interviews

Applications should reach us by midnight, 21st January 2026, with first round interviews held over Zoom on 4th February 2026, and second round interviews held at our London offices on Tuesday, 10th February 2026.

Safeguarding statement

The Sutton Trust believes that a child, young person or vulnerable adult should never experience abuse of any kind. We all have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people and to keep them safe. Therefore all posts undergo a safer recruitment process, including but not limited to, disclosure of criminal records where necessary and eligibility to work in the UK. We have procedures in place to promote safeguarding and a safe culture at the Trust.

Contextual recruitment

The Trust is committed to ensuring equality of opportunity and that all applicants receive equal consideration for employment. We strongly encourage individuals from all backgrounds, including those underrepresented at present at the Trust, to apply for this role. As such we particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities, Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ and from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds. We are committed to being an inclusive and welcoming place to work and know that greater diversity will lead to even greater results for the young people we support.

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for disabled candidates throughout our recruitment process and during employment.

We also operate contextual recruitment at the Sutton Trust. Our application process gives you the option to include information about your background, such as whether you were eligible for free school meals, whether your parents went to university, or whether you attended a state school. For more examples and information on contextual recruitment, please see our website.

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.

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). 

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

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.

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.

Job title: Head of Fundraising and Communications

Salary: £45,000

Location: Hybrid between home and our exhibition locations in London (Your attendance in the office will vary flexibly between 1-5 days per week, depending on business need. We cannot offer fixed days at home).

Contract: Permanent

Hours: 35 hours per week

Reporting to: CEO

Direct Reports: Fundraising Manager, Senior Campaigns Manager

Indirect Reports: Communications Officer

Job Description

About the role

The Head of Fundraising and Communications will lead the development and delivery of a systematic, data-driven, and project-managed approach to fundraising and communications — driving sustainable income growth and raising the charity’s profile and influence.

This role is first and foremost a fundraising leadership role. As the charity’s strategic lead for fundraising, they will shape and expand our income streams, strengthen systems and processes, and build a high-performing team to help us reach more young people with our vital work. They will also lead on external communications and storytelling, ensuring our narrative is compelling, consistent, and rooted in the powerful impact of our programmes.

While this role will oversee a team of three, the postholder will be hands-on and deeply involved in the systems and practices they implement, ensuring excellence in both strategy and delivery.

This newly created role is a key position on the Senior Leadership Team, working closely with the CEO, Deputy CEO, and Head of Programmes to deliver The Ben Kinsella Trust’s vision and strategy.

As part of a small charity making a big impact, you will play a central role in ensuring Ben’s legacy continues to educate, empower, and inspire thousands more young people across London and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

  Fundraising

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for all fundraising activity, ensuring a systematic and dependable approach to income generation.
• Develop and deliver a long-term fundraising strategy that supports sustainable growth and diversification across grants & trusts, corporate donors, major donors, individual giving and community fundraising.
• Build and manage relationships with key funders and donors, working with the CEO and Fundraising Manager to cultivate and steward major partnerships.
• Maintain oversight and final sign-off of major and high-value funding applications to grants & trusts, corporate donors and major donors, ensuring they are well-structured, hold a compelling narrative, and are of the highest quality.
• Implement systems, processes, and KPIs to monitor performance, track pipelines, and drive continuous improvement.
• Provide strategic fundraising insight and reporting to the Senior Leadership Team and Board.

  Senior Leadership Team

• Play a full and active role as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to organisational strategy, decision-making, and culture.
• Introduce and refine systems, processes, and workflows to improve efficiency and collaboration across departments.
• Support strategic planning and financial forecasting, particularly in relation to income generation and communications activity.

  Communications and Marketing

• Develop and implement a comprehensive external communications strategy, providing strategic leadership communications and campaigns and ensuring alignment with the charity’s mission and priorities.
• Shape and oversee the charity’s external narrative, ensuring our storytelling is compelling, consistent, and rooted in impact.
• Oversee the charity’s external communications and brand, ensuring all public-facing content is high quality, consistent and strengthens the charity’s reputation.
• Lead the charity’s digital communications, including the website, social media, online campaigns and paid advertising; to grow awareness, engagement and support.
• Lead the creation of high-quality marketing materials and publications to support fundraising, advocacy, and service delivery.
• Use data and insight to evaluate effectiveness and inform future strategy.

  Finance

• Responsible for the Fundraising and Communications budget and any related contracted services budgets, and any relevant restricted funds.

Person Specification

We actively encourage people from a variety of backgrounds with different experiences, skills and stories to join us and influence and develop our working practice. We recognise the value a diverse workforce brings to a small charity, and we are especially keen for people currently underrepresented in our charity and the wider sector to apply.

This role is first and foremost a fundraising leadership role, with strategic communications as a closely linked responsibility. While we’ve set out the skills and experience we’re looking for, we know that no one will bring everything. If you have significant fundraising experience and are confident leading strategy, with experience of communications or a willingness to further develop in this area, we would really encourage you to apply. Please feel free to get in touch for a friendly conversation about the role and your application.

Experience 

• Significant experience in a senior fundraising role, with a demonstrable track record of developing and delivering successful multi-stream income generation strategies.
• Experience overseeing complex high-value fundraising applications and partnerships across a broad funder base, such as trusts and foundations, corporate sponsors, major donors and public-facing campaigns.
• Leadership and team management experience, with the ability to motivate and develop others.
• Experience managing budgets and working closely with finance colleagues on planning and forecasting.
• Experience in leading or contributing to strategic communications, engagement or PR activity within a charity, campaigning or mission-led organisation.
• Experience of working with a CEO, Senior Leadership Team and/or Board of Trustees to support organisational growth, strategic planning and decision-making.
• Experience of developing or contributing to monitoring, evaluation and reporting frameworks to assess fundraising and communications performance and impact

Skills and Knowledge

• Written communication and editing skills, with the ability to produce clear, accessible and persuasive content for fundraising applications, donor communications, campaigns and public-facing materials.
• A storyteller who can translate data and impact into emotionally compelling narratives that inspire support.
• Strategic thinking skills, with the ability to translate organisational priorities into clear, deliverable fundraising and communications plans.
• Organised, systematic, and process-oriented; with the ability to design, implement and manage effective systems for project management, pipeline tracking, KPIs and reporting.
• Project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines with a calm and methodical approach.
• Confident in the use of digital and cloud-based systems (such as CRMs, project management tools and analytics platforms) to inform decision making and continuous improvement.
• Interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships with donors, partners, colleagues and senior stakeholders.
• Familiarity with issues relating to youth violence, education, or social justice.
• An understanding of knife crime, youth violence, and other key current issues affecting young people.
• Ability to work independently, with initiative, and manage multiple priorities and projects effectively.

Key Attributes and Values

• Passionate about making a difference – committed to preventing knife crime and improving outcomes for young people
• Committed to equity and inclusion – values and actively promotes diversity, inclusion, and fairness in all aspects of work
• Reflective and open to learning – committed to personal growth, welcomes feedback, and continuously seeks to improve practice
• Strategic thinker with leadership presence – able to set direction, make informed decisions, and inspire confidence across the organisation.
• Collaborative and influential – builds effective working relationships internally and externally, fostering teamwork and partnerships.
• Resilient and adaptable – able to navigate challenges, manage multiple priorities, and maintain focus under pressure.

Benefits

• Flexible working opportunities where possible
• 27 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays (rising to 30 days and 33 days after 5 and 10 years’ service, respectively)
• Enhanced sick policy
• Contributory pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme with the Green Commute Initiative
• Personal development opportunities

Role Summary

Job title: Communications Lead
Contract: Part-time (80% FTE), permanent position 
Location: Hybrid working: office base is at Somerset House, London: we are flexible on approach, within a hybrid model of in-person & virtual. This can be discussed at interview (*) 
Salary: £44k p.a. (pro rata)
Reporting to: Director of Julie’s Bicycle
Start date: Ideally beginning of March 2026 - depending on candidate’s notice period 
Hours: Working hours are 9.30am - 5.30pm, Monday to Friday
(requests for flexible working hours will be considered) 

Other:

• Annual leave is 25 days per year (pro rata) plus standard bank holidays
• Cultural entitlement of £250 per annum (pro rata) to spend on arts/cultural events & activities
• All employees are able to claim 1 hour a week for personal wellbeing
• Pension scheme enrolment and 6% employer contributions (reviewed annually)

(*) Access to office space in London is always available to staff who can't or don't want to work from home. 

If you would like this application pack in a different format (e.g. large print or audio file), please contact us (information in the link provided).

About Julie’s Bicycle (JB)

JB is a leading non-profit putting climate action at the heart of culture. We believe that creativity is a powerful catalyst for change — and that the arts and cultural sector has a vital role to play in building a just, regenerative future.

For over 15 years, we’ve worked with artists, cultural institutions, funders, and policymakers to mobilise creative climate leadership and action through advocacy, research, policy influence, training, path-finding projects and community building. We champion climate justice, centre equity, and believe that environmental solutions must be driven by cultural shifts as well as systems change. For more information on all our programmes, please visit our website.

The Role

We’re seeking a visionary and collaborative Communications Lead to lead the next phase of our communications strategy. This role is about more than messaging — it’s about shaping a compelling and inspiring public voice for creative climate action.

You will be responsible for our brand, storytelling, content strategy, and creative outputs—ensuring that everything we do reflects our values, amplifies our impact, and deepens our reach across the cultural and climate landscape. You’ll also play a key role in supporting our impact including welcoming new cultural organisations, creative practitioners, environmental partners, and funders into our network.

This is a digital-first communications role, with a strong focus on content development, storytelling, and designing varied communication campaigns. You’ll oversee our editorial voice across blogs, email, social media, and digital content. Alongside our Marketing Lead, you will ensure our insights, tools, and narratives are warm, purpose-focused, clear, accessible, and optimised for reach and engagement. You will be someone who thrives on the combination of ambitious strategic thinking and delivering content and projects on the ground.

You will collaborate with partner organisations to co-create communications, support joint campaigns, and ensure our voice is visible and aligned in the broader climate and culture movement. And while press/media remains part of the role, your primary focus will be digital content, brand positioning, and reaching new audiences.

You will be part of a small Marketing and Communications team and work closely with the rest of JB’s 20-person, supportive and mission-driven team.

We encourage people from any background to apply for this post. We are committed to creating a workforce which is representative of our society, and to bringing together those with a variety of skills and experiences to help shape what we do and how we work. We are particularly keen to hear from people of colour and those who self-identify as disabled.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and deliver an inclusive, digital-first communications strategy that positions Julie’s Bicycle as a cultural leader in climate action.
• Work with senior leadership to drive communications that support organisational growth, impact and fundraising, helping to expand our network and deepen engagement with the arts and cultural sector and the climate and environmental movement.
• Embed climate justice and equity throughout our communications, ensuring our language, images, and stories reflect a diverse, accessible, and fair transition.
• Champion our core narrative: putting climate action at the heart of culture.

Brand, Creative & Campaigns

• Lead on brand implementation, ensuring coherence of messaging and tone across all channels and materials.
• Deliver innovative and values-led communications campaigns in collaboration with partners and internal teams. Lead on key messaging, ensuring we are consistent and confident across all our channels.
• Take a data-led approach to maximise impact of our communications.
• Oversee design and creative production for campaigns, reports and digital content, (working alongside our Marketing Lead and with support from external designers/freelancers).
• Ensure communications projects are managed on time and on budget.
• Develop and implement communications for newer target audiences in particular leaders and change-makers across the environmental sector.
• Collaborate with our Marketing Lead to co-develop mar/comms strategies for individual programmes and projects, working closely with our programme leads.

Content & Digital

• Develop engaging, inclusive content across web, blogs, newsletters and social media.
• Shape and oversee editorial calendars that reflect our programmes, partnerships, research, and events.
• Lead on our content management and storytelling strategy.
• Ensure all content is optimised for audience growth, accessibility, and search (SEO), working closely with our Marketing Lead who leads on our overall web and SEO strategy.
• Support on the production of public reports and external briefing materials, ensuring appropriate tone and key messages.
• Manage internal and freelance team members producing social media content.

Partnerships & Profile

• Collaborate with cultural, environmental, and funding partners to co-create shared messaging, campaigns, and communications assets.
• Ensure JB’s story, voice, and impact are clearly represented in all collaborations and public-facing materials.
• Support JB’s role in coalitions and networks by developing communications that reflect collective aims and shared values.
• Work with the JB CEO and programme leads to create and implement a strategy for public-facing thought leadership.

Media & External Relations

• Maintain relationships with relevant journalists and media outlets, responding to media opportunities that align with our strategy.
• Support the Director and other team members with media briefings and public communications as needed.
• When funded opportunities arise, lead liaison with external PR and media consultants.

Team & Collaboration

• Line manage / support the management of the Marketing and Communications Coordinator.
• Work closely with all internal teams — partnership, consultancy, research, advocacy, programmes — to align messaging and amplify impact.
• Contribute to organisational learning, planning, and shared values.
• Support the implementation and day to day running of JB’s new CRM.
• With the Marketing Lead, strengthen internal editorial and brand sign off processes for publications, media releases and key content.
• Support impact measurement and communication of impact.

Person Specification

Essential

• Substantial experience in a senior communications role, ideally within the cultural, environmental, or non-profit sectors.
• Significant experience in designing and delivering successful communications strategies.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with a track record of developing clear, creative, and inclusive content.
• Strong experience in campaign development, brand implementation, visual storytelling, and communications project management.
• Knowledge of content strategy, SEO, and audience engagement across digital platforms.
• Demonstrable ability to embed equity, diversity, and commitment to climate justice into communications practice.
• Collaborative and confident communicator with experience working across teams and with external partners.
• Strategic thinker with a commitment to Julie’s Bicycle’s mission and values.
• Strong design aesthetic and use of design skills (e.g. Adobe Creative Cloud suite and Canva).
• Strong project management skills: the ability to meet deadlines and work flexibly across priorities in a fast-changing environment.
• Attention to detail and excellent proof reading.

Desirable

• Familiarity with climate and/or cultural policy environments.
• Experience working with funders, public bodies, or large-scale cultural partnerships.
• PR and media relations experience and contacts across digital and print channels
• Design, photography, or multimedia experience (or managing those with those skills).
• Experience contributing to organisational growth and development through communications.

Why Join Us?

At Julie’s Bicycle, you’ll join a passionate team working at the intersection of creativity and climate action. We offer a collaborative, inclusive, and flexible working culture — where your voice will shape how the cultural sector responds to one of the greatest challenges of our time. 

How to Apply

If you’d like to apply, please complete the application form and equal opportunities monitoring form on our website and submit these by 11.59pm on Sunday 18th Jan 2026.

We are committed to being an Equal Opportunities Employer; we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, gender, disability, culture, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.

Please note, this post is open to people who already have the right to live and work in the UK, as Julie’s Bicycle is not currently in a position to sponsor a work visa.

A note on AI

While we understand that some people may use AI tools for accessibility (and recognise and support that many assistive technologies may use elements of AI), we ask candidates to consider what tools are most appropriate during the application process. For example, we recognise the value for many people of machine learning language tools like Grammarly. On the other hand we would discourage the use of generative AI tools in writing your application, as we'd like to understand your personal interest in working for Julie's Bicycle, and be able to understand your non-AI-assisted communication skills just as they are. We also recognise that for many of the people and creative communities we work with, the rise of generative AI poses a threat to their livelihoods, while the environmental impacts of AI are only set to grow: this means we also have a responsibility as Julie's Bicycle to consider where and when (and if) we use AI in our work. 

Thank you for your interest in working at Julie’s Bicycle.

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.