Communications and public affairs officer jobs

Are you an exceptional campaigner with a track record of creating, developing and implementing innovative and successful campaigns?

Age UK is recruiting for a Campaigns Officer with fantastic organisational and project management skills, along with an understanding of advocacy and campaigning with online and offline networks.

You will also have the creativity and communication skills to help us achieve real change, working with and for older people in line with our strategy and goals.

If this sounds like you, we welcome your application to join our collaborative and passionate External Affairs Team.

This role is permanent and offered on a Hybrid / London contract. There is a requirement to be in the office at least once a month and when required to support meetings and events in London. There will also be occasional travel to support at events across the country. Travel costs to the London office are the responsibility of the postholder and are not covered by the charity.

Must haves:

The below competencies will be assessed at the indicated stage of the recruitment process: Application = A, Interview = I, Test = T, Presentation = P

Experience

Good experience of writing persuasive communications to engage a range of supporters online and offline A, I, T

Extensive experience managing a complex workload and managing workflow when tight turnarounds are required A

Experience of organising events A, I

Experience of working collaboratively with others to achieve results A, I

Experience of building relationships with those with lived experience, supporters, beneficiaries or service users A, I, T

Skills and knowledge

Excellent project management skills A, I

Excellent written and oral communication skills T, I

Understanding of political processes and key decision-making environments, including the UK Parliament A

Ability to think strategically, be proactive, and to identify new opportunities I

Understanding of advocacy and campaigning tools A, I

Understanding of how to work in a politically balanced way I

Knowledge and understanding of what equal opportunities means in relation to this post and the ability to incorporate equality practices into all aspects of the work I

Personal attributes

Strong interest in creating change and passion for social justice A,I

What we offer in return

• Competitive salary, 26 days annual leave + bank holidays + annual leave purchase scheme
• Wellbeing days - 2 paid days per year (pro rata for our part-time colleagues)
• Excellent pension scheme, life assurance, Bupa health cashback plan and EAP
• Car Benefit scheme, Cycle to Work scheme
• Home & Tech - apply to buy any Home & Tech items from 'Currys' & 'IKEA', up to £1000, and spread the cost over 12 months, interest free. (subject to affordability)
• Blue Light Card scheme
• You Did It Awards - recognition awards from £100-250.

Additional Information

Supporting statements and anonymisation
Candidates are expected to provide a supporting statement that explains how they meet the competencies annotated with an 'A' in the job description, to assess suitability for the position. Age UK acknowledges and accepts that AI may be used to support the application; we do expect candidates to personalise experience, knowledge and skills and failure to do so, may result in your application being rejected.

Please submit a Word version of your CV as it will be anonymised by our recruitment system when you apply for a role. Our system is unable to anonymise supporting statements and heavily formatted CVs. Please could you remove any personal information including your name before you upload to support our inclusive recruitment process. All equalities monitoring information is also anonymised and not shared with the hiring panel. Your name and address will only be known to us if invited for interview.

Equal opportunities & Disability Confident Scheme
Age UK is an Equal Opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates, regardless of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital/civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity. Age UK is a Disability Confident Scheme employer. Due to high numbers of applications received, Age UK reserves the right to limit the overall number of interviews offered, and therefore, it may not always be practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people that meet the minimum criteria for the job.

Reasonable adjustments
Disabled job seekers can access reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. All requests for reasonable adjustments are considered on a case-by-case basis, in collaboration with the disabled job seeker to best meet their needs, by contacting the Recruitment Team. Disability disclosures will be kept confidential and only shared on a need-to-know basis to support the implementation of adjustments. Disclosures will not be used to inform hiring decisions.

Age UK is committed to safeguarding adults at risk, and children, from abuse and neglect. We expect everyone who works with us to share this commitment.

Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert at any time.

Age UK politely requests no contact from recruitment agencies or media sales. We do not accept speculative CVs from recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.

For a full list of benefits please visit our website.

Crisis is the national charity for people experiencing homelessness. We have embarked on our 10-year strategy for ending homelessness. We know it is not inevitable. We know together we can end it.

Location: South Wales Skylight to work hybrid in line with Crisis’ Hybrid Working Policy, with an expectation to work a minimum of one day a week from the Skylight more as per business requirements

Contract: Permanent

About the role

The Senior Policy and Public Affairs Wales role at Crisis is an exciting opportunity to make a big difference in our mission to end homelessness. Through collaborating with colleagues, our frontline services, our members with lived experience of homelessness, key partners, civil servants and Members of the Senedd, you will help to develop and push for impactful policy change in Wales.

With the next Senedd term fast approaching and new homelessness legislation expected, you will be joining the team at a critical time in our calls for bold action to end homelessness in Wales. The postholder will be passionate about achieving fairness and equity, advocating for others, and achieving social justice through policy change.

About you

· Excellent knowledge of national and local government structures across Wales, with a proven track record for  effectively influencing policy

· Ability to communicate complex policy issues clearly and concisely to a range of audiences

· Dedication to seeking effective policy change to help end homelessness, valuing the importance of lived experience in policy development

· Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team, collaborating with colleagues and building a network across key partners

· Experienced in working in a busy environment, prioritising workloads and working to deadline

· While not essential for the role, the ability to speak Welsh is desirable

Please see the full Job Pack linked below, for a full list of requirements for this role. We realise that long lists of criteria can be daunting, and you may not want to apply for a role unless you feel 100% qualified. However, if you feel you have relevant examples to answer the screening questions, we encourage you to apply.

We believe diversity is a strength, and our aim is to make sure that Crisis truly reflects the communities we serve. We are actively working towards our organisation being a place where everyone can thrive and make their best contribution to our mission of ending homelessness for good. We know that the more perspectives, voices, and experiences we can bring to this work, the better. We particularly welcome applications from people who have lived experience of homelessness, and people from all marginalised groups, communities, and backgrounds. 

Working at Crisis 

Our values, Bold, Impactful, Collaborative and Equitable, are at the heart of everything we do as we continue in our mission to end homelessness.

Our staff, members and volunteers are vital to getting the right government policies in place, providing breakthrough services, and building a supportive community. We’ll lead by example to nurture a positive and ambitious workplace guided by ending homelessness.  

As a member of the team, you will have access to a wide range of employee benefits including: 

· A competitive salary. Please note our salaries are fixed to counter inequity and we do not negotiate at offer stage.

• Interest free loans for travel season ticket, cycle to work, and deposit to secure a tenancy. 
• Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 8.5% 
• 28 days’ annual leave (pro rata) which increases with service to 31 days and the option to purchase up to 10 additional days leave. 
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, and adoption pay.
• Flexible working around the core hours 10am-4pm 
• Wellbeing Leave to be used flexibly 
• And more! (Full list of benefits available on website) 

Alongside our excellent staff benefits, we will support your ongoing development to build your skills, experience, and career. 

When you join us, you will have the opportunity to join our staff diversity networks, which aim to champion issues across the organisation, enable staff to be their authentic and best selves and contribute to making Crisis a truly diverse organisation.

How do I apply?

Please click on the 'Apply for Job' button below. Our shortlisting process is anonymised as part of our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We do not ask for CVs, instead we ask you complete the work history section and answer the screening questions for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively. At least two members of staff score all applications.

Closing date: Sunday 18th January 2026 23:59

Interview process: Competency-based interview and a written task

Interview date and location: Friday 6th February 2026 (in-person) at Crisis Skylight, South Wales, 163 St Helens Road, Swansea, SA1 4DQ

AI in Job Applications

We understand some candidates use AI tools when applying. Whilst we welcome the use of technology to support clear communication and structure, we want to learn more about you, so please ensure that your application reflects your own skills, knowledge and experiences

Accessibility 

We want our recruitment process to be as accessible as possible. If you need us to make an adjustment or provide additional support as you apply for a role, please email our Talent Acquisition team will contact you to discuss how we can help. 

For more information about our work please visit

Registered Charity Numbers: E&W1082947, SC040094 

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.  

Overview

We have an exciting opportunity to drive ARMA’s engagement with political and health sector stakeholders and lead our communications. Working closely with the CEO, you'll help raise the profile of the Alliance, influence policy outcomes, and support members to collaborate to effect change.

Over 20 million people live with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions in the UK.

ARMA brings together patient charities, professional bodies, research organisations and industry partners to work together for better MSK treatment, care and support.

You can help us to make MSK health a higher national priority and thereby improve the lives of millions of people.  You can also make a wide ranging contribution to us developing as a charity and Alliance.  This role will offer lots of opportunity for personal and professional development.

Key responsibilities

· Develop and implement ARMA's influencing and political engagement plans.

· Build relationships with key stakeholders, including politicians, government departments, and advisers.

· Monitor research, policy and legislative developments affecting MSK health.

· Draft briefings, consultation responses, letters, and parliamentary correspondence.

· Represent ARMA at meetings, roundtables, and political events.

· Chair and manage meetings and webinars comprising the policy and communications leads of member organisations.

· Lead and co-ordinate the annual Bone and Joint Week campaign activity and the combined efforts of member organisations.

· Develop and manage campaigns and external communications that promote the work of ARMA and our members, including social media channels, our monthly newsletter and website.

· Assist the CEO in policy and public affairs work and support the wider delivery of our strategy and operational plan, as required.

About you

We're looking for someone who brings:

· Experience working in a public affairs, parliamentary, or policy role either in-house, in an agency, or in a political setting.

· Excellent political awareness and understanding of UK policymaking.

· First rate written and verbal communication skills.

· A proactive and collaborative approach, with the ability to build relationships at all levels.

· An interest in health policy.

· Alignment with our vision and values.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a respected and important charity at the heart of a growing Alliance of organisations. You'll have autonomy, visibility, and the chance to make a meaningful impact whilst working with high profile members and stakeholders.

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.

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.

Contract: Permanent, full time

Hours: 35 hours per week

Salary: £49,000 - £52,000 per annum

Location: Anchored to the Cardiff office. Minimum expectation of being present at least one day a week in the office.

The Head of External Affairs is a key role within the Carers Trust Wales team responsible for developing and delivering a dynamic external affairs strategy to ensure the issues impacting on unpaid carers and the services they rely on are a priority for Welsh Government, the Senedd and other key statutory partners.

A high-profile role, our Head of External Affairs is a credible spokesperson for the organisation working alongside the media, third sector and other key stakeholders to raise awareness of, and generate support for, the issues impacting unpaid carers and the services they rely on.

Through this role you will be central to advancing our mission by increasing the profile and influence of the Carers Trust Network in Wales, campaigning to make carers' rights a reality through the delivery of Wales-based and UK wide campaigns, and the production of high-quality content for a range of audiences.

To find out more about the role and Carers Trust, download the documents attached. 

Contract: Parhaol, amser llawn

Oriau: 35 awr yr wythnos

Cyflog: £49,000 - £52,000 y flwyddyn

Lleoliad: Wedi'i angori i swyddfa Caerdydd. Bydd disgwyl i chi fod yn bresennol yn y swyddfa o leiaf un diwrnod yr wythnos.

Mae'r Pennaeth Materion Allanol yn rôl allweddol yn nhîm Ymddiriedolaeth Gofalwyr Cymru sy'n gyfrifol am ddatblygu a chyflawni strategaeth materion allanol ddeinamig i sicrhau bod y materion sy'n effeithio ar ofalwyr di-dâl a'r gwasanaethau maen nhw'n dibynnu arnyn nhw yn flaenoriaeth i Lywodraeth Cymru, y Senedd a phartneriaid statudol allweddol eraill.

Mae ein Pennaeth Materion Allanol yn swydd uchel ei phroffil ac yn llefarydd effeithiol ar ran y sefydliad. Mae'n gweithio ochr yn ochr â'r cyfryngau, y trydydd sector a rhanddeiliaid allweddol eraill i godi ymwybyddiaeth o'r materion sy'n effeithio ar ofalwyr di-dâl a'r gwasanaethau maen nhw'n dibynnu arnyn nhw, ac i ennyn cefnogaeth ar eu cyfer.

Drwy'r rôl hon, byddwch yn ganolog i ddatblygu ein cenhadaeth drwy godi proffil a dylanwad y Rhwydwaith Ymddiriedolaeth Gofalwyr yng Nghymru, ymgyrchu i wireddu hawliau gofalwyr drwy ddarparu ymgyrchoedd yng Nghymru ac ar draws y DU, a llunio cynnwys o ansawdd uchel ar gyfer amrywiaeth o gynulleidfaoedd.

I gael rhagor o wybodaeth am y rôl ac am Ymddiriedolaeth y Gofalwyr, llwythwch y dogfennau sydd wedi'u hatodi i lawr. 

White Ribbon is the leading organisation in the UK working to engage men and boys in ending violence against women and girls. Our mission is to prevent men’s violence against women through addressing its root causes, gender inequality and harmful gender norms and stereotypes. We do this by working with individual men and boys, organisations, and the community, helping them to understand the scale of the problem, and how they can be part of the solution.

This is an exciting time to join White Ribbon as our work and profile has grown significantly over recent years as the importance of engaging men in ending violence has become more apparent. We have an increasing public presence, through campaigning activities, policy influence, in the media and online.

Location: This post can be fully remote or hybrid working at our offices in Hebden Bridge, but you must be willing and able to travel to meet with colleagues and attend events and meetings throughout England and Wales.

You will be working closely with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team to develop and implement an Engagement Strategy, developing our brand, updating our website and growing our social media channels.  You will be helping to deliver our flagship campaign White Ribbon Day and the following 16 days of activism.

About the Role

Reporting to the Head of Communications, you’ll join a small, creative, and supportive team working to make a real impact for Scotland’s seas. This is a maternity cover position, offering an exciting opportunity to step into a dynamic role where you can quickly make a difference.

You’ll help craft engaging digital content and drive public campaigns that raise awareness of seafood sustainability and marine protection — inspiring both people and policymakers to take action.

A key part of your work will be supporting collaborative external campaigns and finding imaginative ways to grow Open Seas’ reach and influence. From storytelling through film and design to building our online presence, your creativity will help showcase Scotland’s incredible marine life — and the urgent need to protect it.

You’ll contribute across a range of activities, from managing social media and improving SEO, to developing new website content and visual communications.

We’re looking for someone who’s agile, proactive, and comfortable working in a fast-moving environment. You’ll be a positive self-starter and a collaborative team player who enjoys bringing fresh ideas to life and adapting as priorities evolve.

This maternity cover role is a fantastic opportunity to use your digital and creative skills for good — contributing to progressive, solutions-focused campaigns that help shape the future of Scotland’s seas.

About Open Seas

Open Seas is a small environmental charity working in Scotland and beyond to promote environmental recovery in our seas and champion sustainable seafood. Established in 2016, we conduct environmental and policy research to inform consumers, markets and decision-makers as well as generate campaigns to drive positive change for the environmental health of Scotland’s seas. 

Director of Communications – EMMS International (Remote, Scotland-based)

EMMS International is creating a new Director of Communications role following an organisational review, separating fundraising and communications into two Director posts. Reporting to and working closely with the CEO, the Director of Communications will lead all internal and external communications, raise the charity’s profile and influence, and provide strong strategic support to income-generating functions, especially fundraising. You will develop and deliver a multi-layered communications and external affairs strategy, lead a small Communications Team (including a new Head of Communications), and play a key role on the Executive Leadership Team.

Key responsibilities include:

• Designing and implementing an organisational communications and external affairs strategy

• Leading EMMS’ rebrand in partnership with an external agency

• Growing and engaging core and new audiences across multiple channels

• Supporting fundraising colleagues with compelling campaigns

• Managing a small team, setting objectives/KPIs and overseeing performance and development

• Budget planning and financial oversight for the Communications function

• Representing EMMS at senior level, including Board meetings and sector bodies such as SIDA

What they’re looking for:
An experienced communications leader with a strong track record in strategic comms, audience growth, media engagement and campaign delivery. You’ll bring creative thinking, excellent written and verbal skills, experience managing and developing teams, and confidence operating at both strategic and hands-on levels. Familiarity with the Scottish charity, political and social landscape is essential, as is the ability to communicate effectively with both Christian and secular audiences in line with EMMS’ faith-based origins and healthcare mission. Degree-level education or equivalent professional experience is required.

Terms and benefits:

• Salary: £63,313 – £70,347 (depending on experience), with annual inflationary rise

• Remote role with monthly meetings in central Edinburgh (more frequent in first three months)

• 25–30 days annual leave depending on length of service + 10 public holidays

• 8% employer pension contribution (with salary sacrifice)

• Salary sacrifice scheme for electric vehicle lease

• Flexible working, travel expenses to office, access to Edinburgh office, some international travel

• Life assurance (three times annual salary) and Aviva Digi-Care app

Application:
Apply by CV and covering letter (each up to 2 pages) by Monday 12 January 2026. Interviews will be held in Edinburgh, with two stages. You must live in Scotland and have the right to work in the UK.

Head of Communications & PR

We are seeking a Head of Communications & PR to elevate the national voice of a values-driven arts education charity as they prepare to open their new headquarters at the iconic Wigan Pier. Shape the story of their next chapter and help influence the future of cultural education in England and beyond.

Position: Head of Communications & PR
Salary: £39,837 to £43,570 (pro rata based on 35 hour week FTE)
Location: Wigan (hybrid: home working, Wigan Pier office from Summer 2026, plus travel as needed)
Hours: 25-30 (negotiable)
Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: 9.00 am on Monday 19th January 2026

Please note - This role is offered at 25-30 hours per week (FTE 35 hours), with flexibility and negotiation on your working pattern to help you to balance work and life.
 

About the Role

The Head of Communications & PR plays a pivotal role in strengthening the organisation’s national presence and ensuring that the story of arts education and the people who make it possible, is heard, understood and valued.

You will shape a clear communications and PR strategy, lead and support a small communications team, champion ethical and inclusive storytelling, and ensure all messaging reflects the organisation’s values of equity, inclusion, quality and care.

Reporting to the Director of Relationships and Marketing, you will:

• Lead proactive, strategic communications that bring the charity’s mission to life
• Manage media relationships and secure thoughtful, impactful press coverage
• Oversee all digital communications, including website and social channels
• Support colleagues to communicate their work confidently and clearly
• Shape organisational messaging around programme launches, events and key moments
• Elevate the visibility of teaching artists, cultural organisations and partners
• Uphold high-quality, accessible and ethical storytelling in all content

This is a unique opportunity to influence national conversations, shift perceptions about arts-based learning, and shine a spotlight on the people, places and practices shaping cultural education today.

About You

We’re looking for a strategic communicator, a relationship-builder and a natural storyteller, someone who loves ideas, thrives on collaboration and believes deeply in the power of the arts to help children flourish.

You will be:

• A confident communicator with excellent writing skills and an eye for accuracy
• An experienced media handler who builds strong, respectful journalist relationships
• Curious, creative and able to turn complex ideas into compelling stories
• Organised, calm under pressure and skilled at managing multiple priorities
• Inclusive and ethical in your approach to storytelling and representation
• A supportive team leader who motivates others with clarity, care and ambition

This is an exciting moment to join the team. You’ll help establish the organisation’s voice as it moves into its new home at Wigan Pier and expands its local, national and international reach.

About the Organisation

The charity’s vision is for a future where being creative and experiencing brilliant culture is a regular part of every child’s learning and life. They work strategically across Northern England, nationally and internationally to tackle unequal access to creativity and the arts for children and young people.

They value curiosity, courage, collaboration, care, conscientiousness and credibility, and are committed to anti-racist practice, ensuring diversity is at the heart of everything they do.

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Head of Communications, PR Manager, Communications Lead, Head of External Affairs, Media & Communications Manager, Senior Communications Officer, Strategic Communications Lead, Head of Marketing and Communications, Public Relations Lead, or similar.

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

We are a charity representing and advocating for people living with dyslexia. Our mission is simple but powerful: to influence government and institutions so that society becomes truly dyslexia-friendly – enabling individuals of all ages to reach their full potential.

This is a key role leading our parliamentary engagement and policy development, ensuring that dyslexic children, young people, families, and adults have a strong voice in Westminster, Whitehall, and across the UK. Working closely with senior leaders, campaigns and media colleagues, and external partners, you’ll help shape policy and drive change in education, health, and employment.

Your work will make sure policymakers understand the barriers dyslexic people face - and the evidence-based solutions we champion. You’ll ensure our positions are grounded in lived experience, research, and best practice, and that our engagement is proactive, impactful, and aligned with our mission.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and deliver a parliamentary engagement strategy to advance our policy priorities.
• Build and maintain relationships with MPs, Peers, Ministers, advisers, and civil servants.
• Provide timely briefings and strategic advice to senior leaders.
• Monitor political developments and identify opportunities for early influence.
• Lead policy research and produce clear, evidence-informed recommendations.
• Represent the charity at events, roundtables, and forums.
• Work collaboratively across teams to ensure policy insights inform campaigns and communications.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven, up-to-date experience in public affairs, parliamentary engagement, or a related policy-influencing role, with a  strong track record of delivering impact.
• Strong understanding of UK parliamentary and governmental processes.
• Excellent communication skills—able to translate complex issues into clear, compelling messages.
• Political awareness, strategic thinking, and confident networking ability.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and a passion for improving outcomes for dyslexic people.

Please review the full job description for complete details about the role, responsibilities, and person specification before applying.

Why Join Us?

This is your chance to make a real difference – shaping policy, influencing decision-makers, and helping create a society where dyslexic people can thrive. You’ll work in a collaborative, supportive environment with colleagues who share your passion for positive change.

Closing date: 14 January 2026 (5pm). We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received, so we encourage you to apply early.

Use of AI in Applications
We value the unique experience and perspective each candidate brings. While we understand that AI tools can be helpful in drafting applications, they can sometimes result in responses that feel generic or impersonal. This makes it harder for us to get a true sense of you.

To help your application stand out, we encourage you to write your responses in your own words. If you do use AI tools to support your writing, please treat the generated content as a starting point rather than a final answer. Make sure your application genuinely reflects your experience and voice.

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

Nacro is seeking an experienced and dynamic Head of Policy & Public Affairs to lead our strategic policy development and influencing work with Government, officials, and other key decision-makers. This pivotal role will shape and deliver a high-impact policy and public affairs strategy that improves the lives of the people we support—those affected by the criminal justice system, housing insecurity, and barriers to education.

You will be Nacro’s senior voice in government spaces, the media, and across the public affairs landscape. You will ensure our policy positions are evidence-based, rooted in lived experience, and influential at the highest levels.

 

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Policy & Public Affairs

• Lead Nacro’s strategic policy and public affairs activity with Government, parliamentarians, officials, and other stakeholders.
• Develop and implement a compelling public affairs strategy that drives meaningful change.
• Build and maintain strong, productive relationships with senior policymakers.
• Represent Nacro externally, including with senior stakeholders and in the media.
• Oversee the development of evidence-based policy positions and research projects that support Nacro’s strategic objectives.
• Ensure service user experience informs all policy and influencing work.
• Produce and oversee high-quality policy outputs including consultation responses, briefings, reports, blogs, and media commentary.
• Safeguard Nacro’s reputation as a trusted and authoritative source of insight and expertise.
• Provide strategic political intelligence and advice to the Director of Engagement & Impact and the Chief Executive.

People Leadership

• Lead, motivate, and support a high-performing team, setting clear direction and expectations.
• Model Nacro’s values and behaviours, enabling a positive, inclusive, and accountable culture.
• Manage communication channels effectively, ensuring key organisational messages are understood and cascaded.
• Set objectives, monitor performance, and hold regular one-to-one meetings.
• Support professional development and wellbeing across the team while driving innovation and high standards.
• Take responsibility for all aspects of people management, including recruitment, conduct, performance, and attendance.
• Recognise, reward, and encourage excellent performance.
   

Leadership Across the Organisation

• Play an active role in the Senior Leadership Team, helping to drive organisational strategy.
• Operate both strategically and operationally, identifying opportunities and risks for Nacro.
   

Professional Expertise

• Significant senior-level experience in policy and public affairs.
• Strong track record of leading policy campaigns that delivered real impact.
• Excellent political awareness, judgement, and communication skills—both written and verbal.
• Knowledge of criminal justice, education, young people’s policy, or housing policy (desirable).

Performance & Compliance

• Set and deliver directorate performance targets, ensuring effective management of budgets and resources.
• Oversee health & safety responsibilities in your area.
• Contribute to business development and bid work in partnership with relevant teams.
• Ensure accurate and timely record-keeping and reporting.
• Promote and uphold Nacro’s values, safeguarding, data protection, and equality and diversity policies.
• Represent Nacro positively, building strong internal and external relationships.

Why Join Nacro?

We believe that everyone deserves a good education, a safe and secure place to live, the right to be heard, and the chance to start again, with support from someone on their side.

That’s why our housing, education, justice, and health and wellbeing services work alongside people to give them the support and skills they need to succeed. And it’s why we fight for their voices to be heard and campaign together to create lasting change.

We see your future, whatever the past.

If you are a strategic thinker, an influential communicator, and passionate about social justice—we want to hear from you.

 Apply now to lead change where it matters most