Communications officer jobs in Harrogate, north yorkshire
Want more results?
Add job titles:
This is a senior communications and public affairs role at The British Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) at a pivotal moment for human rights in the UK. You will help shape public and political narratives about the Human Rights Act, amplify lived experience, and ensure BIHR’s expertise cuts through in national debates.
You will lead BIHR’s external communications - including media, digital content, and website oversight – and support evidence‑informed policy positioning and parliamentary engagement. Working closely with colleagues across the charity, you’ll transform insights from our programmes into powerful, accessible messaging and high‑impact advocacy.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a small but mighty team known for its expertise, credibility, and influence on human rights in everyday systems.
Please note this is not an entry‑level role.
Key Responsibilities
Please refer to the Application Pack for the full details, but below is a summary.
Communications
- Lead BIHR’s external communications strategy to ensure consistent, accessible, rights‑based messaging.
- Draft proactive and reactive press releases and media statements.
- Secure media opportunities highlighting BIHR’s work and the role of the HRA/ECHR.
- Manage the consistency and quality of website content.
- Create engaging digital content that translates complex human rights issues into clear, plain language.
- Maintain a content calendar aligned with key parliamentary, policy, and public affairs milestones.
- Track and analyse engagement data to inform strategy.
Policy Evidence, Analysis & Positioning
- Conduct policy research grounded in the HRA/ECHR framework.
- Translate lived and practitioner experience into evidence‑informed policy positions and recommendations.
- Draft high‑quality briefings, consultation responses, reports, and messaging documents.
- Horizon‑scan for risks and opportunities to protect and advance human rights.
- Maintain BIHR’s internal knowledge base on HRA/ECHR and priority policy areas.
Government & Parliamentary Engagement
- Monitor UK parliamentary activity and analyse implications for the HRA/ECHR and BIHR’s work.
- Build relationships with parliamentarians, government officials, and parliamentary offices.
- Support targeted advocacy to defend the HRA/ECHR and promote rights‑respecting law and policy.
- Represent BIHR at political and policy meetings and events.
- Ensure monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of public affairs activity.
Stakeholder Engagement & Representation
- Build and sustain partnerships with NGOs, academics, policymakers, legal professionals, civil servants, and parliamentarians.
- Represent BIHR externally and engage in sector networks.
- Communicate BIHR’s policy positions and resources clearly and effectively.
- Identify opportunities for collaboration and influence.
Other organisational requirements
- Work collaboratively as part of a small team.
- Support organisational processes and continuous improvement.
- Undertake other duties as required.
Who the Role Is Suitable For
This role is ideal for someone who brings strong communications skills, policy and advocacy experience, and a commitment to human rights as practical tools for change.
You’ll thrive if you:
- Can translate complex law and policy into accessible, compelling communications.
- Have experience engaging with parliamentarians, officials, and senior stakeholders.
- Are confident in human rights frameworks, particularly the HRA.
- Enjoy working in a small, collaborative team.
- Can manage competing priorities in a fast‑moving, politically sensitive environment.
- Live within approximately one hour of London, as regular Westminster/Whitehall meetings are expected.
Please refer to the Application Pack for a detailed Person Specification.
Applying for the role
Please click on the 'Redirect to recruiter' button (above or below) to:
- Get more information about the role, how to apply, and the selection and interview process/timing.
- Download an Application Pack and Application form (and an optional Equality & Diversity Form).
Please also note that:
- Completed application forms must be received by 10am on Wednesday 11 March 2026; we regret that late applications will not be considered.
- You should not submit a CV and cover letter instead of using the application form; such applications will also not be considered.
Thank you for your interest, and we look forward to receiving your application form.
BIHR's mission is to champion the Human Rights Act as a practical tool for everyday justice.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Communications Officer - Lost Woods of the Low Weald and Downs
The Communications Officer has a key role to play in planning and delivering communications for the Lost Woods of the Low Weald and Downs project. The Communications Officer will create and deliver the annual communications plan, working closely with partners to promote activities and events, write, edit, co-ordinate and publish content across various channels, including the website, social media, press, and print and online marketing materials. They will work with external suppliers to build and launch a new website, and plan and implement communications and marketing campaigns, while progressively improving organisational understanding of what works for different audiences. They will also look to maximise opportunities to promote NLHF’s funding and the support from National Lottery players.
The Role:
• Field enquiries from all stakeholders including journalists, politicians, partners and the general public including management of the Lost Woods email inbox.
• Create and distribute press releases and statements as needed.
• Work with partners to plan, create, manage and update communications channels including website, social media accounts, email, press etc.
• Plan and create multi-media communications materials and campaigns including films to support projects.
• Working with partners and designers, produce, edit and distribute updates and materials for external and internal audiences.
• Provide communications support for project partners and campaigns.
• Work with partners to promote and showcase project activities and events.
• Provide creative, editorial and operational support for communications projects and report on progress.
• Ensure National Lottery Heritage Fund /National Lottery Player support is promoted through project communications and report on results.
• Ensure consistent branding is used by all partners.
• Work with partners to develop positive relationships to successfully manage project-wide communications.
• Act as a brand champion for Lost Woods amongst internal and external stakeholders and partners.
• Support with project legacy opportunities, resources and distribution of assets.
The Candidate:
• Excellent digital skills, including managing social media and website pages and experience of content management systems.
• Proven ability to plan, write and edit copy for different audiences.
• Experience working with external suppliers such as designers, film makers and web developers.
• Able to work remotely, independently and as part of a geographically dispersed team.
• Able to work collaboratively across multiple internal and external teams.
• Experience working on previous partnership projects.
• Experience of handling media enquiries and generating regional press coverage.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills including excellent attention to detail and effective time management.
• Excellent proof reading, copywriting and editing skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with different teams and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrable experience of managing a diverse workload; being able to prioritise tasks and work under pressure.
• Experience working in the not-for-profit and/or environment/conservation/heritage sectors.
• Live within the Lost Woods project area or nearby in Sussex.
• A full driving licence and ability to undertake travel across the project area to undertake site visits and meetings.
Benefits & Wellbeing: Joining our team means you'll be a big part of tackling environmental and climate issues. We take good care of our staff, offering support and training opportunities. We also offer:
• Enhanced Employer Pension
• Life Assurance
• Flexible & Hybrid Working Options
• Generous Annual Leave
• Enhanced Parental Pay
• Employee Assistance Programme
About Us: The Woodland Trust is the UK's leading woodland conservation charity and is dedicated to creating a world where trees and woods thrive for both people and nature. Our mission involves engaging and inspiring individuals to contribute toward tackling the nature and climate crisis through the protection, restoration, and creation of essential woodland habitats.
Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: To achieve our vision of a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature, we need to better reflect society and the communities we work in. All people, no matter their background, identity, ability, or circumstance, should benefit from trees.
People of colour and disabled people are currently under-represented across the environment and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we particularly encourage you to apply. Please contact us to discuss any additional support or adjustments you may need to complete your application.
Application Advice: For fairness we keep our candidates’ personal details hidden from the hiring managers, we do not ask for your CV at application stage OR so they do not see your CV until shortlisting is completed. Make sure that you answer the Application Questions to show your relevant skills and passion for the role.
Acceptable Use Policy - Artificial Intelligence (AI)
We understand that candidates may choose to use AI tools to support their job applications-for example, to help structure or edit written responses. We welcome the use of AI in this way, particularly where it helps improve accessibility, such as for neurodivergent applicants. However, we ask that any information submitted reflects your own experience, skills and understanding. During interviews, candidates are expected to respond independently without the use of AI tools.
First Stage Interviews will be held on 13/3/26 via Microsoft Teams.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Our Time Charity is seeking an experienced Communications and Social Media Officer to strengthen our digital presence and amplify the voices of children affected by parental mental illness.
This role plays a central part in delivering our communications strategy by ensuring our message reaches families, professionals, funders and partners with clarity, creativity and purpose. You will manage our social media channels, develop engaging and accessible content, support campaign rollouts, and contribute to PR and stakeholder communications that challenge stigma and raise national awareness.
Working closely with the Communications Lead and the wider team, you’ll help shape and share stories that reflect lived experience, ensuring children feel seen, understood, and less alone, and that the wider system better understands the impact of parental mental health difficulties.
This role is ideal for someone with experience in communications, social media, or digital marketing within a charity or purpose-driven organisation who enjoys combining strategy with hands-on delivery, translating complex topics into compelling content, and using insights to grow reach and engagement.
To learn more about the role, responsibilities and how to apply, please download the full recruitment pack.
Our mission is for every child in the UK, who has a parent with a mental illness, will find the support they need, as early as possible.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Location: York/ hybrid (in office once or twice a week)
Contract: Two-year fixed term, 35 hours a week
Salary: £46,063
Reports to: Head of communications
Closing date: Friday, February 20, 2026, at 9am
Main purpose and scope of the job
The communications officer is responsible for clear, consistent, and engaging internal and external communications that convey JRCT’s mission and values and support the work of the people and organisations we fund.
About us
JRCT – a grant-making organisation working for a more peaceful and just society - is recruiting for a communications officer.
JRCT is a funder supporting more than 300 individuals and organisations doing charitable work. We fund those addressing the root causes of conflict and injustice, with a focus on long‑term, systemic impact.
Effective communication is essential to our work at JRCT. We’re committed to sharing clear, consistent information, building strong and meaningful engagement with stakeholders, and amplifying the voices, insights, and impact of the people and organisations we support.
We are seeking a skilled and motivated communications officer who can think strategically to deliver communications that clearly articulate our purpose and activities, and centre the people and organisations we support.
Your role will engage internal and external audiences, ensuring our messaging is clear, consistent, and compelling across all channels.
You will have excellent written skills and strong analytical and interpersonal skills. You will have a good awareness of current affairs and a genuine care for, and interest in, the work we support.
You will enjoy a mix of independent working - completing the day-to-day administrative tasks that keep our communications running smoothly - while also contributing thoughtfully to projects within our agreed priorities.
It is an exciting time to join JRCT as we undertake a strategic review that will shape the future direction of our charitable work and further strengthen our communications approach.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About Friends of Ibba Girls School (FIGS)
Friends of Ibba Girls School, South Sudan (FIGS), is a registered UK Charity (114620) set up in 2011, at the request of local community leaders to help build and develop a girls’ boarding school in South Sudan. Ibba Girls Boarding School now educates over 320 primary and secondary school girls from across Western Equatoria State and employs around 40 staff.
The school provides high-quality education in a context where most girls leave school before completing primary education and very few reach secondary level. FIGS is a relatively small UK-based charity with a strong national reputation and a substantial impact, demonstrating what high-quality girls’ education can achieve in South Sudan. FIGS works closely with Windle Trust International, which provides technical, financial and organisational support to the school in South Sudan.
FIGS raises approximately £500,000 each year to meet the running and development costs of IGBS and FIGS. Fundraising and effective communications are therefore central to our mission. We are a small team and are looking for someone who will thrive in a varied role, is proactive, organised, and capable of handling multiple demands, with a readiness to learn and take on additional responsibilities.
The Role
This role involves supporting both fundraising and communications activities, alongside essential administrative functions. The Fundraising and Communications Officer will play a key role in implementing FIGS’ fundraising and communications plans, supporting donor engagement, campaigns, events, and day-to-day operational administration. You will be working closely with our Head of Fundraising and Communications, ensuring that FIGS has the resources to continue to support the education and boarding of over 320 marginalised girls in South Sudan.
The role is home-based but requires the ability and willingness to travel to fundraising and supporter events across the UK, including occasional evenings and weekends.
FIGS is a trustee-led charity, with an active and engaged Board that plays a hands-on role in governance, strategy, fundraising and ambassadorial work. Trustees bring a wide range of experience, including diplomacy, international development, education, finance and communications, and work closely with staff to ensure the charity is well-run, accountable and effective.
While Trustees retain strategic oversight and are closely involved in key decisions, FIGS also has a small paid staff team responsible for day-to-day operations, fundraising delivery and communications. The culture is collaborative and supportive, with regular interaction between Trustees and staff, and a shared commitment to the success of Ibba Girls Boarding School.
The staff team currently consists of:
-
Head of Fundraising and Communications, responsible for overall fundraising strategy, communications, donor relationships and line management
-
Fundraising and Communications Officer (this role), supporting the delivery of fundraising and communications activity, donor engagement and essential administrative functions
Staff work remotely within the UK and collaborate closely online, with regular team meetings and clear priorities. In South Sudan, Windle Trust International acts as FIGS’ managing agent, providing professional management and operational oversight of Ibba Girls Boarding School.
This role sits at the heart of FIGS’ fundraising and communications work. You will work closely with the Head of Fundraising and Communications, interact regularly with Trustees (particularly around campaigns, events and reporting), and help ensure that systems, supporter engagement and communications run smoothly and professionally.
The role is well-suited to someone who enjoys working in a small, mission-driven organisation, is comfortable with a degree of trustee involvement, and values collaboration, clarity and shared responsibility.
Key Responsibilities
Fundraising and Communications
-
Support fundraising plan delivery: Assist in achieving income targets and KPIs, including helping to draft grant applications and end-of-project reports.
-
Campaign and appeal support: Assist with planning and delivery of fundraising campaigns and appeals (digital and postal).
-
Donor communications: Draft and support newsletters, blogs, appeals, event invitations, and other donor communications
-
Relationship-building: Support engagement with individual donors, community groups, churches, schools, and other supporters
-
Events support: Assist with organisation, promotion, and delivery of webinars and in-person fundraising/supporter events.
-
Online presence: Help maintain and develop FIGS website, email marketing, social media content, and video content.
-
Donor stewardship: Ensure supporters are thanked promptly and follow-up actions are completed in line with policy.
-
Ambassadorship: Represent FIGS positively in communications and at events.
Administration and Fundraising Support
-
Database and record maintenance: Update CRM and administrative records.
-
Administrative support for campaigns and events: Help coordinate fundraising activities and materials.
-
Communications materials coordination: Maintain photo/video archive, collateral, and documentation.
-
Administrative support for smooth running: Ad hoc tasks as agreed with Head of Fundraising and Communications.
-
Trustee and volunteer support: Practical arrangements for events and supporter engagement.
-
Support Head of Fundraising and Communications with monthly fundraising and communications reports
-
Gift Aid and basic financial support (future): Assist with processing if needed.
-
Team meetings: Prepare for and attend weekly online meetings.
And other duties from time to time as set out by the line manager.
Person Specification
Essential
-
Experience in fundraising, communications, charity administration or a closely related role.
-
Experience of fundraising from Trusts and Foundations, digital fundraising, email fundraising, or demonstrable transferable skills.
-
Strong written communication skills, with the ability to write clearly and engagingly for different audiences.
-
Excellent organisational and administrative skills, with strong attention to detail.
-
Confidence in using databases/CRMs, email marketing platforms and standard office software.
-
Understanding of, or willingness to learn, GDPR and good practice in supporter data management.
-
Ability to work independently from home and manage competing priorities.
-
UK-based, with the ability and willingness to travel to events across the UK.
-
Commitment to FIGS’ values and to the importance of girls’ education.
Desirable
-
Experience supporting or delivering digital fundraising campaigns.
-
Experience of fundraising in a small charity environment.
-
Experience of video editing for communications purposes.
-
Experience supporting events (online or in-person).
-
Experience managing or contributing to websites and social media for an organisation.
-
Familiarity with Gift Aid processes.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
FIGS is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and identities.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit:
-
A CV
-
A supporting statement (up to 500 words) explaining your suitability for the role and how you would contribute to FIGS’ fundraising and communications work.
Please also include details of two referees.
Applications should be submitted via Charity Jobs. Interviews will be held remotely.
-
Application Deadline: February 23rd
-
First round interviews: WC March 2nd
-
Second round of interviews: WC March 9th
Friends of Ibba Girls School, South Sudan aims to improve the opportunity and quality of primary and secondary schooling for marginalised girls.