Director of communications jobs

About Sister System 

Founded in 2018, Sister System is a charitable organisation and an Open College Network (OCN) approved centre dedicated to empowering girls and young women aged 13-24 affected by the care system.

Our approach is co-designed with care-affected young women and girls to ensure that their lived experiences continue to drive meaningful change and shape our progression. Built on proven therapeutic models, our long-term mentoring, accredited qualifications, and leadership development programmes strengthen resilience, confidence, and essential life skills.

Our model seeks to break intergenerational cycles by equipping young women with the tools to thrive and lead change. Through a strong sense of community, peer networks, and trusted adult relationships, we create clear pathways into education, employment, and socio-economic stability, supporting a life free from abuse. 

Throughout her journey with Sister System, each girl participates in weekly one-to-one and group sessions focused on self-education and personal growth. These sessions explore the social and emotional transition to womanhood while building a supportive network of “sisters” who continue to empower one another during key life transitions. Our programmes are accessible to girls and young women at any stage of educational attainment, enabling all Sis-Stars to learn, grow, and thrive. 

Our strategy 

We are one year into our 2024-2027 strategy to set Sister System on a path to scale our reach and impact. We have bold ambitions to scale across London and beyond. We have been building our organisational resilience, the quality of our programmes and robust systems to collect data and measure our impact. We are looking for a new Director of Fundraising who can bring in income from multiple sources to support our sustainable growth. 

Director of Fundraising - role details 

Benefits 

• Annual Salary: £57,000 to £62,000 (3 to 5 days per week, pro rata as relevant) 

• Leave Entitlement: 25 days and 8 bank holidays (+ your birthday off + 1 additional day per year of service up to 5 days) 

• Training and Development (CPD): £1000 per year 

• Company Pension 

• Death in Service Insurance Cover 

• Well-being and Company Events 

• Health benefits package 

Responsibilities and Duties 

• Develop and implement a comprehensive multi-year fundraising strategy that encompasses diverse income streams, working collaboratively with senior leadership to coordinate efforts and maintain an up-to-date fundraising pipeline.

• Steward high-value relationships with trusts, foundations, and corporate partners while leading grant applications and proposals for six-figure funding opportunities.

• Strategically position Sister System for statutory funding by identifying government contract opportunities and ensuring the organisation remains competitive for local authority and national funding programmes.

• Oversee critical systems and processes including financial reporting, grant management cycles, board reporting, and line management duties while serving as an external ambassador for the organisation 

• Line manage a small fundraising team 

Essential Skills, knowledge, and behaviours: 

• Proven track record of developing and delivering successful fundraising strategies at a senior level. 

• Proven track record of meeting or exceeding income targets across multiple income streams. 

• Experience managing multiple income streams, including statutory income, individual, corporate, and grant fundraising 

• Strong leadership and people management skills with experience of developing high-performing teams 

• Excellent relationship-building skills with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders 

• Financial acumen, including budgeting, reporting, and performance analysis 

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including bid writing and donor presentations 

• Strategic thinker with a proactive, innovative, and resilient approach 

Applications close 9am 17th November 2025 

Interviews will involve at least two stages; First stage interviews will be on or around 27th November; Second stage interviews will be on 10th/11th December 2025 

Poverty and crisis should never define a child’s future

At Buttle UK, we deliver life-changing grants to children and young people in crisis — and we’re stepping up our ambition to tackle the systems driving poverty itself. 

Founded in 1953, Buttle UK is a charity dedicated to supporting children and young people across the UK who face crisis situations, financial hardship, and multiple social challenges. Our mission is to enhance emotional, educational, and social outcomes through targeted interventions, primarily through our Chances for Children grants.

The Opportunity

Director of Fundraising & Communications
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £71,689 – £73,528
Location: Hybrid (London, Oval – 1 day per week)  
Hours: 35 per week full time or a job share partnership will be considered 
 

We’re looking for an inspiring and strategic leader to join our Senior Management Team as Director of Fundraising & Communications. You’ll lead a talented, committed team to grow and diversify our income, amplify our voice for change, and strengthen Buttle UK’s national profile.
 

You’ll bring a proven track record in high-value fundraising, innovative campaigns, and strategic communications alongside the creativity, empathy and drive to turn insight into influence.

This is your opportunity to use your skills and passion to help thousands of children and young people across the UK build brighter futures.
 

Why join us?

• A bold new 2025–2030 strategy focused on impact and systemic change

• A collaborative, values-led culture putting children at the heart of everything

• An inclusive, flexible workplace that supports your wellbeing and development
   

Application

Please download the job description for further information. For more information or to apply, contact Anna Ludeman at Valued Recruitment.

Closing date: Tuesday 25 November 2025

Apply now and help us ensure that poverty and crisis never define a child’s story.

Our client, a well-known anti-poverty charity is looking to recruit a Director of Policy & Engagement on a maternity contract of up to 12 months. This great charity provides front-line advice, advocacy and campaigning and policy work on behalf of people in London beneath pension age, who are experiencing issues around benefit payments, disability and housing or who are at risk of homelessness. The services they provide have become even more essential during the current cost of living crisis.

The role:
As Director of Policy & Engagement, you will lead the organisation’s policy, public affairs, and campaigns function, shaping and delivering local and national influencing to drive change on social security and housing issues. You will ensure the voices of people with lived experience are central to all of the organisation’s work, embedding meaningful participation across the organisation, in governance, services, policy and campaigns.

You will also oversee strategic external communications to support the organisation’s influencing, brand and fundraising objectives and will direct all fundraising for your department including managing funder relationships, identifying opportunities and leading on bid writing and reporting.
 
This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for influencing policy and practice locally and nationally and representing the charity as a spokesperson in the media, with government ministers, MPs, and other senior stakeholders. 
 
You will manage a small multidisciplinary team of four, ensuring integrated effective delivery across the organisation. 
 
The role will cover strategic leadership, policy, public affairs & campaigns, stakeholder & media engagement, external communications, embedding participation, fundraising leadership, team leadership and cross-organisational Integration.

The person:
The successful candidate will be a strategic, politically astute leader with experience of leading policy, public affairs and campaigns at a senior level. They will have experience of integrating research campaigns, participation, external communications and fundraising to deliver impact locally and nationally. They will have excellent media stakeholder and political engagement skills, with experience of acting as a spokesperson for an organisation. This person will value and embed lived experience in all aspects of their work and will have a strong understanding of social security and housing policy. 

This person will also have substantial experience of leading on research for social policy influencing purposes in addition to having developed and shaped policy  for an organisation in a charity which works towards combatting poverty and other social justice issues. Having managed political and media engagement and external influencing activities in the past, this person will be an effective relationship manager both internally and externally, in addition to having provided knowledge based leadership to small teams in the charity sector. In addition to being a highly effective project manager, this person will be a very strong communicator both verbally and in writing, and will be fully committed to the aims and objectives of this anti-poverty charity.
​​​​​​​
This organisation is an equal opportunity employer. People with lived experience of poverty, from global majority backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ individuals and disabled people are strongly encouraged to apply. We welcome evidence of experience from both work and non-work settings such as volunteering and personal life. 
 

About Us

IIED is an international policy and research organisation working to build a fairer, more sustainable world, in partnership with others across the globe. We stand up: challenging the systems and structures that perpetuate economic, social and environmental injustice – acknowledging our own role in this. We speak out: calling out the big blockers that prevent progress for communities and working to amplify voices, redistribute power and strengthen rights. We innovate: developing, co-producing and supporting evidence-based ideas to drive progress towards a thriving world for all. We collaborate: building connections at local, national and international levels, to support diverse partners to tackle the climate, nature and inequality crises so that people and the planet can thrive. Come and be part of this exciting journey with us!

We are now looking for an Internal Communications & Events Manager to join us on a full-time, permanent basis, working 35 hours per week.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a seasoned events professional with experience designing internal communication strategies to join our impact-driven and globally respected organisation.

We’ll give you the platform to refine your craft at the highest level, curating thought-provoking events that bring global changemakers together, sparking dialogue that matters, and cementing your reputation as a leader in your field.

And with the freedom of hybrid working, you’ll have the scope to shape a career that fuels your best ideas, balancing focus and creativity while making an impact that reaches far beyond your desk.

So, if you want to use your creativity and strategic thinking to help an organisation that’s tackling global environmental and social challenges, read on and apply today!

The Role

As our Internal Communications & Events Manager, you will lead the delivery of our internal communications and events strategies to support engagement, collaboration, and knowledge sharing across the organisation.

Working as part of our highly skilled Communications Group, you’ll design, develop and deliver internal engagement activities, including staff events, communications tools, and content that reflect our values and goals.

Alongside this, you will play a vital role in managing our external events programme, working closely with colleagues across the organisation to deliver professional, high-quality events that amplify our impact and strengthen our influence across key audiences.

Additionally, you will:

- Develop engaging agendas, identify speakers, and prepare materials for events
- Write, review and edit event marketing content for our website and social media platforms
- Analyse event engagement metrics
- Manage the intranet and internal communications channels
- Organise and oversee internal events
- Manage budgets for both internal engagement and events

About You

To be considered as our Internal Communications & Events Manager, you will need:

- Substantial experience in internal communications and event management
- Experience in designing and delivering internal communication strategies
- Experience managing hybrid, virtual and in-person events
- Experience working with social media and online platforms such as Eventbrite
- Strong project management, co-ordination, and strategic planning skills
- Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to convey complex messages clearly
- Strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to build relationships across all levels
- Excellent knowledge of MS Office 365 and Zoom for events
- An internal communications, event, or marketing qualification or equivalent experience

The closing date for this role is 20th November 2025.

IIED is a hybrid working organisation and you are likely to be working from home most of the time. As such, you will need a suitable place to work and a reliable, fast internet connection.

Other organisations may call this role Internal Communications Manager, Events Manager, Employee Engagement Manager, Communications & Engagement Manager, or Events Lead.

IIED is a Global organisation that serves the Global Majority. We are committed to equity of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in IIED’s workforce including members of minority groups and those with lived experience of the work we do. Even if you don't satisfy all the criteria, we still encourage you to apply, as we will offer training and development to upskill the right candidate for the role.

Susan’s Farm is an energetic organisation delivering a broad range of activities. Our charitable purpose is to transform people’s lives through learning and therapeutic experiences on an organic working livestock farm. After six years as a charity, and following a recent governance and staffing review, we are now seeking to appoint a dedicated managing director to oversee all aspects of the charity’s work. The Managing Director will join a small but committed staff team and report to enthusiastic board of trustees.

Susan’s Farm is based in Houghton, a small village 3 miles from Carlisle and delivers its educational activities on site as well as on the other half of our farm near Armathwaite and for a neighbouring farmer at Aglionby. We have a small learning centre at Houghton and also work closely with Cumbria Wildlife Trust whose Northern office is on land adjacent to our farm.

We have three main strands of delivery; primary school visits, alternative provision placements and care farmer placements and are certified by Social Farms & Gardens. We are a beef and sheep Organic and Pasture for Life certified Farm. We also have hens and geese and some horticultural activity. Our farm produce is sold direct to the customer.

Susan’s Farm is a registered charity converting from a CIC in 2019.   Before that our founder, Susan Aglionby ran educational activities on the farm over a period of more than 20 years. Over the last six years considerable effort has been devoted to professionalising the organisation and our delivery work and we are no ready for the next stage.

ROLE FOCUS: 

To support, manage and provide dynamic leadership to Susan’s Farm and its staff and services. Working with the Board of Trustees to ensure that Susan’s Farm meets its requirements, as a charity in delivering services, and to maintain its reputation as a national and local leader in working to provide services to its beneficiaries through the experience of a farm. To further develop the organisation and the services it offers promoting the charity’s principles. 

Closing Date 3rd December 2025. Interviews in the week commencing 15th December.

Application forms are available on our website.

For a conversation about the role or to arrange a visit please contact our office.

Buglife

Director of Transformation

Location: Flexible within the UK

Salary: c£78,000

Contract: 2-year fixed term

Are you a bold, strategic leader ready to drive transformational change for one of the UK’s most impactful conservation charities?

Buglife is the only organisation in Europe dedicated to the conservation of all invertebrates. As they enter a pivotal phase of growth and innovation, Buglife is seeking a Director of Transformation to co-lead their organisation into a new era of impact, influence, and operational excellence.

About the Role

In a dual-leadership model alongside the Director of Conservation, you will define and deliver a Transformational Change Programme that amplifies Buglife’s mission: securing a thriving future for invertebrates as part of nature’s recovery.

You’ll lead strategic initiatives across systems, people, and processes, shaping a roadmap for sustainable growth and innovation. From organisational design to digital transformation, you’ll be the catalyst for change — building capability, cohesion, and resilience across Buglife.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead discovery and strategic direction, assessing internal operations and external opportunities.
• Develop and deliver a transformation roadmap with measurable impact.
• Inspire and manage cross-functional teams including Finance, HR, Communications, Fundraising and Engagement.
• Champion inclusive leadership, emotional intelligence, and organisational cohesion.
• Shape Buglife’s global growth strategy and explore new funding models.
• Overhaul systems and processes to create a more agile, integrated organisation.

What You’ll Bring

• Proven expertise in transformational leadership, business model innovation, and strategic planning.
• Experience engaging Boards and senior stakeholders with clarity and influence.
• Deep understanding of change management methodologies and programme delivery.
• Commercial acumen and entrepreneurial mindset.
• Strong emotional intelligence and collaborative leadership style.

Desirable: Experience in conservation, environmental or science-led sectors; familiarity with digital transformation and international experience or perspective on scaling impact globally.

Why Buglife?

Buglife is a passionate, science-led charity making a real difference for biodiversity. You’ll be joining at a time of exciting change, with the opportunity to shape the organisation’s future and scale its impact globally. Buglife offers a collaborative culture, flexible working, and a chance to lead with purpose.

Ready to lead transformational change for nature’s smallest heroes?
Apply now and help Buglife build a future where invertebrates thrive. 

We are partnering with GatenbySanderson on this recruitment. For more information and how to apply, please click on the button below.

Closing date:  28 November 2025

GatenbySanderson Interviews:  8 – 12 December 2025

Buglife Interviews: 6 – 15 January 2026

Buglife is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We particularly welcome applications from underrepresented groups in the environmental sector, including people from global majority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ communities.

Join an amazing charity that makes a difference for the 110,000 adults and children in the UK with a muscle-wasting condition. This is a role where you can really make a difference.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those from underrepresented groups including people from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with lived experience of conditions we represent. We believe that diversity strengthens our work and helps us better support our beneficiaries.

This is an exciting time to join Muscular Dystrophy UK. We recently launched our new 10 year strategy to transform the lives of people living with muscle wasting conditions. Our vision is clear, a world without limits for people with 
muscle wasting conditions, and we won’t stop until we achieve it.

Main purpose of role:
This is a unique opportunity to lead Muscular Dystrophy UK’s policy work to improve access to treatment and shape life science policy for people living with muscle wasting conditions.

With exciting progress in treatment development but challenges with NHS system readiness, you’ll be at the forefront of efforts to ensure everyone in the UK can access the best available therapies—quickly and equitably. 

You’ll build strong relationships with governments, regulators, charities, and industry, lead our technology appraisal work, and grow our influence in life sciences policy, particularly around clinical trials and the implementation of the UK Life Sciences plan, drawing on Muscular Dystrophy UK’s rich history in medical research.

Working collaboratively across teams—including Policy and Campaigns, Research, Marketing and Communications, and our devolved nation leads in Services and Support—you’ll help deliver key strategic objectives. 

Reporting to the Director of Policy and Campaigns and working within a matrix structure with the Director of Research and Innovation, you’ll play a vital role in driving change and improving lives.

Benefits:

We appreciate the range of skills and experience our staff have to offer. In return for your enthusiasm and commitment we commit to actively developing and supporting you. We also offer a range of benefits including pension, life assurance, cycle scheme, health cash plan, financial wellbeing and an employee assistance programme.

Cover Letter Guidance for Applicants
When submitting your application, please ensure your cover letter provides clear evidence of the following:
• Experience in research, policy, public affairs, or a closely related field
• Proven ability to influence government, decision makers, or public policy — ideally within the health, life sciences, or disability sectors
• Strong understanding of NHS structures, regulatory frameworks, and health technology assessment (HTA) policies and processes
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly to diverse audiences
•  Robust research and analytical skills, including the ability to gather, interpret, and present information persuasively

Your cover letter should demonstrate how your background aligns with these criteria, using specific examples where possible

Location: Head Office, London, SE1 (with flexibility for homeworking with regular travel to Westminster)
Closing date: Sunday 23rd November 
Interview dates Monday 1st and Tuesday 2nd December 2025

Please download the job description to see full role responsibilities​

JOB SUMMARY

More in Common is seeking a full-time Deputy Director for Research who will work closely with the UK Team across our core areas of research, communications, partnership, and client work. The Deputy Director will lead More in Common’s research team, training new recruits, setting strategic priorities, and acting as quality control for our research outputs. 

ABOUT THIS ROLE

More in Common is seeking a full-time Deputy Director for Research as we grow our team and advance our mission of building a more united and inclusive UK, where all people feel respected, better understood, and share a sense of belonging. More in Common UK is a small team with a start-up culture where everyone is expected to execute a range of responsibilities. 

The Deputy Director for Research will work closely with the UK Team across our core areas of research, communications, partnership, and client work. The Deputy Director will lead More in Common’s research team, training new recruits, setting strategic priorities, and acting as quality control for our research outputs. 

The Deputy Director for Research role involves:

• With the Deputy Director (Strategy and Development) manage More in Common UK’s work programme and oversee the activity of junior staff.

• Ensure that More in Common’s UK outputs are of the highest quality and genuinely lead to impact in line with our mission.

• Design and support the creation of new and innovative additions to More in Common’s UK research offer.

• Support the development of More in Common’s research team, including identifying skills gaps and supporting training of junior staff.

• Lead strategic communications projects across the UK team’s programme of work for both clients/partners and More in Common’s own communications activity.

• Play a leading role in More in Common’s UK business development and fundraising with a particular focus on managing the consultancy arm of our work and revenue generation – including inculcating a programme of ‘new business’ across junior staff.

• Work closely with More in Common’s communications consultants to maximise opportunities for dissemination of the UK team’s work.

• Deputise for the UK Director in meetings with clients, funders and with global colleagues along with the Deputy Director (Strategy and Development).

• With the UK Director and Deputy Director (Strategy and Development) help to design the strategy for the UK team’s work.

• Support More in Common’s programme of events and partner engagement – including More in Common’s Party Conference events.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

This role requires someone who has experience managing research teams within the polling industry. 5+ years of experience in market research, polling, or political analysis is essential for this role.  

(Anyone who lacks this experience can consider applying for the Research Associate role).

In addition, the following will be an asset for this role: 

• Track record of delivering genuinely interesting and high-quality research into public opinion in the UK. 

• Experience with and deep understanding of quantitative and quantitative research methods.

• A desire to work on both long-running years’ long research projects, whilst also responding to the news of the day and working fast to produce rapid insights for the media and clients.

• Deep understanding of UK politics and the role research and communications play in shaping public policy outcomes. 

• An ability to write well, at pace, and for a range of audiences, and to give feedback on other team members’ writing to improve their quality. 

• A public profile presenting public opinion analysis to the media and/or on social media.

• An ability to manage projects from start to finish, handling both budget and time management, and dealing with large and complex clients. 

• An eye for a good story; an ability to design research projects that will perform well in the media and experience of writing press releases to make research understandable and interesting to the media. 

• An entrepreneurial mindset and a history of securing new business and writing funding proposals to large funders.

• A desire to help foster a collaborative, supportive, and high-performing research culture where team members are motivated and enjoy their work.

• Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop early- and mid-career researchers, especially in a small team environment where people learn quickly by doing

• A desire to experiment and try new things to improve More in Common’s work flow and continue our track record of innovations. 

DEADLINES AND HOW TO APPLY

The application deadline is Friday 21 November at 23:59.

Applications should include a short cover letter (max. one page) and a CV.

Please apply using the link on our website

We are aiming to make an appointment by w/c 15th December. 

Director of Finance & Operations

Global not-for-profit consultancy

Contract: Permanent, Full-time

Salary: circa £70,000

Location: London (every Wednesday, and ideally at least one other day per week)

A global not-for-profit consultancy is seeking a Director of Finance & Operations to lead its internal infrastructure and enable high-performing delivery across the UK, US and sub-Saharan Africa. The organisation works with mission-driven initiatives, from grassroots innovations to international movements, helping them scale their impact sustainably through practical tools, strategies and support.

This is a senior leadership role that combines strategic oversight with hands-on delivery, ensuring the organisation runs efficiently, sustainably and in alignment with its mission.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and sitting on the Senior Management Team, the Director will oversee finance, HR, governance and operational systems. They will lead a transformation of financial processes and controls, champion inclusive people practices and future-proof the organisation’s infrastructure to support growth. The role also includes oversight of compliance, risk and the integration of digital tools to enhance resilience and insight.

The successful candidate will bring: 

• Proven experience leading finance functions in international or multi-site organisations
• Strong operational expertise with a track record of improving systems and processes
• Commercial acumen and the ability to advise on pricing, margin and resource utilisation
• Experience in organisational change and future-proofing infrastructure
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to challenge constructively and build trust
• A commitment to the organisation’s mission and to building a high-performing, inclusive workplace

This is a unique opportunity to shape the operational backbone of a globally respected organisation at a time of growth and innovation.

How to Apply

Please apply by submitting an up-to-date CV and a supporting statement addressing the role requirements via the recruitment partner’s website.

Are you an organised, proactive person who enjoys helping senior leaders to work at their best? Do you thrive when managing diaries, coordinating projects and making sure everything runs smoothly?
If so, this Director’s Assistant & Business Support role could be a great fit for you.

Location: London | Hybrid - 2 days a week in the office
Contract: 12-month maternity cover

Why work here?
You’ll be joining a national charity that empowers girls and young women with confidence, friendships and life-changing experiences. As Director’s Assistant & Business Support, you’ll play a key role in helping the organisation deliver its mission by ensuring the Director and their leadership team are supported to work effectively.
You’ll also benefit from:

• Hybrid working and flexible hours
• 25 days annual leave, rising with service volunteering leave
• 10% employer pension (when you contribute 5%)
• Healthcare cash plan, wellbeing time and Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle2Work scheme and season ticket loan
• Learning and development support, including help with professional qualifications

This charity is committed to being a welcoming and inclusive place to work and encourages applications from people of all backgrounds.

About the Director’s Assistant & Business Support role

You will:

• Manage the Director’s diary, inbox, communications and meeting schedule
• Prepare agendas, briefings and presentations
• Take meeting minutes and track actions
• Work closely with the wider leadership support team to share information and align work
• Coordinate specific time-limited projects and events led by the Director
• Support finance administration including invoices, expenses and credit card reconciliations

 
About you

You will be well-suited to the Director’s Assistant & Business Support role if you:

• Have experience providing PA / Executive support
• Enjoy juggling tasks and solving problems before they arise
• Communicate clearly, professionally and confidently
• Build positive relationships with a wide range of people
• Have strong organisation and attention to detail
• Understand the importance of inclusive and respectful working practices

 
Apply Now

This is a fantastic opportunity to use your organisational skills in a meaningful role where your work truly makes a difference.

• Please don’t delay. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. We would be happy to discuss further and share a full job description. CV and supporting statement are required.    
  

 

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.

We are looking for an experienced and passionate Strategic Communications Manager to work as part of our Policy & Practice Team.

This is a 22-month fixed term contract to the end of September 2027, with potential to extend

Imagine being part of an organisation whose common purpose is to help those who are severely impacted by mental illness. We believe that everyone should be treated with respect and dignity – and that’s why equity is one of our core values. We draw on the expertise, unique perspectives and lived experience of our people – regardless of who they are or their background – to help us become inclusive and anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider that reflect the diverse communities we support as a mental health charity.

Policy and Practice work towards our corporate strategy objectives by elevating the voices of lived experience and diverse communities to influence system change and ensuring it is then delivered on the ground for people severely affected by mental illness.

How you will make a difference

The Strategic Communications Manager will shape and deliver the communications strategy for a landmark, mental health partnership. The partnership, funded by the Wellcome Trust, brings together over 20 leading mental health organisations in a coordinated effort to push mental health up the political agenda and drive transformational change in UK mental health care. The role will support the Influencing Partnership Strategic Lead, hosted at Rethink Mental Illness, and comms colleagues across the sector to deliver this.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion 

Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer.  We recognise and support staff networks and support groups for our ethnically diverse and LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter. 

We aim for our workforce to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve; for those who work for us to feel heard, valued and feel they belong; and for our work to help tackle wider mental health inequalities. We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience of mental illness, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual and any other gender identity not expressed here (LGBTQIA+); people who are neurodiverse, have a health condition, or a disability or hidden disability and people from an ethnically diverse background - regardless of your age, religious or spiritual belief, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, political view or socio-economic status.

Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation 

We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrates our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation. You can read more about our progress here. 

Starting Salary: £54,269 - £59,422 (including LW)  

Contract: Permanent  

Location: Romero House, London - Hybrid working with a minimum of 40% of your time in the London head Office

Job Profile

CAFOD has an ambition to be digital first in our marketing and communications, to stay ahead of emerging trends and make the most of what digital technology can offer to strengthen our relationships with our supporters and in our ways of working across the organisation. Digital technology has already transformed our communications and will continue to do so. This senior communications and marketing role will be responsible for steering the ongoing digital transformation of CAFODs work, primarily in the supporter programme and also across the wider organisation.

This role encompasses overall responsibility for the brand, digital marketing, messaging, proactive and reactive media relations, with a core focus on digital transformation across all platforms. This post will play a key role in guiding our digital shop fronts and marketing efforts, evolving supporter journeys, steering our email programme and leading on the digital infrastructure to enable delivery of our supporter programme. It will ensure that digital engagement and conversion is embedded and an integral part of our communications planning. 

This role will drive innovation and data-informed insight across the full spectrum of communications and wider organisation functions. It will embed a digital-first approach across teams and guide and accompany the wider organisation on harnessing opportunities of new technologies, making digital engagement integral to communications planning. 

This role will drive brand awareness, brand advocacy and action across our programmes to ensure CAFOD is top of mind amongst the Catholic Community of England and Wales, helping to grow support from our constituency. You will bring proven senior-level experience in digital communications and marketing, ideally within the charity sector. With a strong understanding of communications at a senior level with expert knowledge of digital channels, audience engagement, and online conversion, you also have a strategic grasp of how digital integrates into broader communications and supporter strategies. Your leadership style is collaborative and visionary, and you have the gravitas and expertise to set the digital marketing direction for a large organisation, while bringing all teams along with your vision.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic development, direction setting and delivery of an ambitious, insight-led digital-first communications strategy that enhances supporter journeys, increases engagement and drives measurable growth in support of our supporter programme, especially our parishioner-first fundraising strategy. 

• Act as CAFODs senior expert on communications, advising the Executive team, across departments and influencing strategic decision-making, including on digital direction and development, at the highest level. 

• Lead complex cross-organisational projects that improve our digital supporter experience, from acquisition to long-term engagement and conversion, ensuring timeliness and consistency with supporter programme priorities, especially the parishioner-first fundraising strategy and approach. 

• Provide leadership and overall oversight of external communications and messaging, including brand consistency and press/media engagement, ensuring consistency between our fundraising efforts, our campaigning work and profiling our international work to supporters and key stakeholders.

• Lead and oversee the digital teams - email marketing programme, social media engagement, digital developments, campaigns and the website, to ensure user experience is optimised and platforms support our supporter programme and broader organisational strategic objectives and ambitions. 

• Lead the media team to explore and encourage new approaches including how we further maximise the digital media landscape.

• Line manage senior specialists across digital marketing, website, and media and PR, ensuring high performance and professional growth. 

• Work closely with IT, data and external agencies to ensure agile, secure and effective digital delivery across platforms. 

• Represent the organisation externally where appropriate, with a focus on digital thought leadership. 
• Develop and manage the communications budget effectively, aligning resources to priority areas and demonstrating clear impact. Agree and ensure accountability for objectives and KPIs as part of the wider supporter strategy, fostering a culture of ongoing learning, adaptation and improvement.  

Safeguarding 

All CAFOD staff share responsibility to promote and maintain a strong safeguarding culture, including identifying the key actions they should take given their role and responsibilities.

Person Specification 

• Extensive experience in a senior digital communications and marketing leadership role, with demonstrable success in developing and delivering integrated and audience-led multi-channel communications and marketing strategies. 
• Strong experience of overseeing development of supporter journeys and objectives, website development, CRM integration and email engagement and conversion. 
• Passionate about digital innovation and technologies, with deep knowledge of platforms, formats, and trends. 
• Committed to insight-led and data-driven approaches with skills to use digital tools, platforms and analytics to shape decisions and measure impact. 
• Excellent leadership, inter-personal and team management skills, with the ability to develop and motivate multi-disciplinary teams. 
• Strong cross-functional project management ability, with experience leading organisational change in digital capability. 
• Understanding of broader communications and marketing disciplines, with the ability to ensure alignment and brand consistency and also oversee media and PR work, including reputational risk and crisis communications. 
• Understanding of the Catholic church in England and Wales and knowledge of Catholic Social Teaching. 
• A track record of strong written and spoken communication skills. 
• Highly organised, able to manage a busy workload and consistently meet deadlines. 

Safeguarding for Children and Vulnerable Adults 

CAFOD recognises the personal dignity and rights of children and vulnerable adults, towards whom it has a special responsibility and a duty of care and respect.  CAFOD, and all its staff and volunteers, undertake to do all in our power to create a safe environment for children, young people and vulnerable adults and to prevent their physical, sexual or emotional abuse.  CAFOD is committed to acting at all times in the best interests of children and vulnerable adults, seeing these interests as paramount.  Any candidate offered a job with CAFOD will be expected to adhere to CAFOD’s Safeguarding policy and sign CAFOD’s Code of Conduct as an appendix to their contract of employment and agree to conduct themselves in accordance with the provisions of these documents.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references, and appropriate screening checks can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. CAFOD also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of, and consent to, these recruitment procedures. 

About us

Genetic Alliance UK is the national charity working to improve the lives of the 3.5 million people in the UK affected by genetic, rare and undiagnosed conditions. We are an alliance of over 220 charities and support groups, uniting patient voices to campaign for timely diagnosis, better care, and improved access to treatments.

We host Rare Disease UK (the national campaign for implementation of the UK Rare Diseases Framework) and SWAN UK (the only dedicated support network for families of children with undiagnosed genetic conditions) and we run the annual Rare Disease Day campaign. 

About the role

This is a creative and purpose-driven role at the heart of our charity’s communications. As Senior Communications Officer, you’ll help us tell powerful stories, share our impact, and build connections with our members, supporters and partners.

You’ll lead on producing engaging digital content, managing our social media and newsletters, and keeping our website fresh and accessible. You’ll also support light-touch fundraising campaigns, helping us grow our income and supporter base.

This is an ideal role for someone who enjoys combining creativity with strategy, you’ll use your writing, design and digital skills to make our work visible and compelling, while ensuring the voices of those living with rare conditions remain at the centre of everything we do.

You’ll work closely with the Head of Membership and Communications and our new Director of Engagement and Impact, contributing ideas that strengthen how we engage all our audiences.

About you

We’re looking for someone who is:

• A strong communicator with at least two years’ experience in a communications role.

• Skilled in producing visual and written content for websites, social media and newsletters.

• Confident using digital tools (e.g. Canva, Adobe suite, Wordpress/Drupal).

• Organised, creative, and comfortable working both independently and collaboratively.

• Motivated by making a difference for people affected by genetic, rare and undiagnosed conditions.

Experience in the health, social care or charity sector would be an advantage, but curiosity and empathy matter just as much as direct experience.

What we offer

• Generous pension (5% employer, 3% employee)

• 25 days annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays

• Full office closure over Christmas and New Year

• Flexible, home-based working with supportive team culture

Location: Home-based (UK) – occasional travel required

Salary: £29,705 (pro rata £23,764 for 0.8 FTE)
Contract: Permanent, 28 hours per week (0.8 FTE)
Closing date: 27 November 2025

 

About Animal Defenders International
London–Los Angeles–Bogota–South Africa. Animal Defenders International (ADI) is a UK non-profit; with reg. charity Animal Defenders International Foundation & Lord Dowding Fund for Humane Research; Animal Defenders International Inc.US (nonprofit), and Animal Defenders International South Africa, PBO (charity). ADI works for replacement of animals in research and testing; legal protection to end use of animals in entertainment; wildlife trade; farming; protection of our shared environment. When governments ban the use of all, or wild animals in entertainment, or wildlife pets, ADI provides support to remove and relocate the animals, emptying all circus cages in Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Guatemala. The ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, South Africa, is home to over 30 rescued big cats from circuses, illegal pet trade, zoos. 

Job Title: Director of Fundraising

Organisation: Animal Defenders International (ADI)

Location: London, Vauxhall SE11 (hybrid, remote and office)

Terms: Salary: £60-70,000/year, (commensurate with experience/qualifications). Permanent, full time. Benefits: Annual leave 20 days/year/national holidays/5 days office closure Christmas–New Year/Stakeholder pension.

Reports to: Senior directors (ADI President and Vice President)

 

About the Role and Objectives:

Developing and growing relations with supporters, donors, public, foundations, and corporate friends. Passionate and well organized, you will change the world for animals by ensuring every department’s work is fully funded – as well as the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, South Africa, home to our rescued lions and tigers. Duties:

• Production of annual fundraising and marketing plan: growing supporter base, increasing engagement and retention; sustained giving; digital and postal direct response; increasing donor engagement and retention; planned giving; special events/calendar dates; major gifts; foundation grants; corporate support; legacies, trusts, estates; new income research. Targets for annual, quarterly, income.
• Manages fundraising calendar, mailings, events, targets, tracking.
• Grant Applications, foundations, corporate: Identify, plan, approach, draft grant applications/letters of inquiry and collateral for foundations, trusts, corporate partnerships and gifts, major donor gifts, and other potential sources of income (collaboration with senior directors).
• Regular liaison with high donors, foundations, estates, corporate donors, sponsors.
• Reporting: income tracking, recommendations for new approaches, supervise production of data for quarterly reports. Weekly liaison with senior directors.

Publications, Social, Websites, Online & Print

• Drafting copy, editing, production; collaborates with public relations/senior directors
• Oversees production of print and online publications – liaison with external graphic designers (collaboration with public relations director)
• Websites – contribute content. New website project with public relations director
• Advertising, marketing, ADI YouTube channel – develop fundraising, marketing opportunities.
• Social media posts – contribute copy, graphics
• E-News alerts to supporters (collaboration with public relations director)
• Contributes development section to Annual Report
• Contributes development article for Rescuer (quarterly)
• Other contributions to publications as needed

Management, oversight, reporting:

• Management of UK Supporter Engagement Team.
• Oversight of Raiser’s Edge NXT, Engaging Networks, interface with financial database and records; liaison with Chief Financial Officer.
• Monitor, manage, daily: data entry, gifts, acknowledgements, income tracking, donor communications; distribution of newsletters; calls to action; appeals. Reporting.
• Monitor, manage: reconciliations, data manipulation, data-integrity projects, audits, segmentation, quarterly and other reports.
• Oversee planning, mailings, responses, data management.
• Monthly and quarterly reports: income, mailings, gifts, trusts, estates, corporate, other.

Who should apply:

You have the necessary skills and experience, with at least 4 years’ experience in fundraising planning and management for charities, including:

• Educated to degree level in a related field (or equivalent experience) (required).
• A successful track record in direct response campaign fundraising and marketing.
•  Excellent written English, you can demonstrate impactful and persuasive content for high donors, foundations, corporate support, supporters, social media, marketing and legacy promotion (required).
• You can plan and deliver programs for regular and planned giving, major gifts, estates, support from foundations, corporate support (required).
• Strong technical skills, data management, manipulation; MS Office suite, Excel/Google, other; competent with digital research (NB: ChatGPT not permitted for writing ADI product) (required).
• Strong Raiser’s Edge NXT and Engaging Networks skills (or similar); segmentation, creating lists and reports, data hygiene, audits (required).
• Some knowledge of social media tools, e.g. Canva, Photoshop, or other.
• Management of external vendors for direct response campaigns, production of merchandise catalogue and other sales, marketing, collateral.
• Ensures compliance with ADI’s language, policies, communications style guidelines, editing and publications authorization process (required).
• Skilled at organization and multitasking, you can successfully handle competing priorities and deadlines (required).
• Supporter Engagement culture: strong verbal and written communication skills, you can create a friendly, welcoming approach, for supporters with their donations and advocacy.
• Oversight and Management of staff and supporter relations (required):

o Create friendly, positive, service-oriented approach to help supporters donate and advocate for animals.

o Diligent processing/handling of donations, acknowledgements, correspondence, phone calls.

o Integrity and confidentiality in the handling of sensitive and confidential information

o Integrity of financial records with finance database; liaison with Chief Financial Officer.

• You are reliable, able to work both independently and collaboratively.

About Us:

ADI is Great Nonprofits Top-rated; Charity Navigator 4-star. Operating from London, Los Angeles, Bogota and South Africa. Exposes animal suffering and works for legal protection; replacement of animals used in research; ending the suffering of animals in entertainment; movies, advertising, circuses, sport. Wildlife trade, environment. Once animal circuses are banned ADI helps governments with implementation and relocation of the survivors to ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, South Africa: ADI has featured in CBS 60 Minutes, Animal Planet Discovery features and made award-winning documentary, Lion Ark (broadcast in over 40 countries).

ADI internal policy:

ADI is dedicated to ending the suffering of animals and works for their legal protection. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment, and a plant-based lifestyle is preferred. ADI is also committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all, regardless of background, age, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, physical ability or other.