Communications officer jobs in Harrogate, north yorkshire

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 intterview 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.

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