Director of development and external affairs jobs

The Living Wage Foundation is seeking an experienced and driven Senior Media and Communications Manager to join our team for a 12-month contract. This is an exciting opportunity for a highly organised and proactive communications professional with a strong background in media relations, public messaging, and team leadership. The ideal candidate will be experienced and confident in working to tight deadlines, responding to last-minute changes, and prioritising competing demands in a high-profile environment. They will be motivated to amplify the Living Wage Foundation’s mission of tackling low pay and insecure work.

The postholder will lead all media, messaging, and external affairs work, developing and implementing a proactive media strategy that supports our mission and key campaigns, such as Living Wage Week and the annual Rates announcement. As a skilled media professional, you will oversee all communications outputs, ensuring consistency and strategic alignment, while delivering media training and refining key messaging to maximise reach and impact. 

In this role, you will be instrumental in advancing our political engagement efforts, building cross-party support and working with political leaders, mayoral teams, and other key stakeholders to promote our initiatives. You’ll manage two direct reports (Events Manager and Media Manager) who each hold line management responsibilities, and you will play a critical role within our Senior Management Team, collaborating closely with the Head of Communications to shape the overall direction of our communications work. This role will work closely with Citizens UK colleagues, including the Citizens UK communications team on cross-organisational priorities.  You will report to the Head of Communications.

As a senior leader, you will be responsible for managing and allocating part of the communications team budget, expanding team capacity, and driving the team’s effectiveness. In collaboration with other senior managers, you will help foster a culture that values creativity, innovation, and strategic impact.

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual with experience working in a policy role focused on food or related issues (climate, nutrition, health or education). You will have knowledge of the political landscape in the UK and experience working with or in government departments, academia and NGOs on a range of policy issues.

It is an exciting time in food policy, and in this role you’ll have opportunities to work across our national policy portfolio, whether its exploring the link between climate change and food prices, developing our proposition for a Good Food Bill, improving the Healthy Start scheme, or strengthening public sector procurement.

The postholder will manage a variety of high impact activities and outputs that are used to drive forward change across our national policy areas and will work will colleagues across the organisation working in national policy, local policy, communications, events and food business transformation to do this.

Due to the evolving policy landscape, there will be a chance to tailor the role to the interests and experience of the successful candidate.

Across these workstreams, you’ll get a chance to:

• contribute to the refinement of policy asks and comms messaging,
• undertake desk research to inform policy,
• coordinate activities with different stakeholders and partners working across different policy areas
• support Ambassadors on advocacy related to dietary inequalities
• support communications and campaign work related to this work

Job Description:

Management and Strategy

• Support the policy portfolio of campaigns and projects across our national policy areas, including on food prices and food inflation, our Good Food Bill campaign, Healthy Start and early years.
• Work closely with the Policy and Advocacy Manager to develop and implement project plans and deliverables across these areas
• Maintain a careful record of our policy impact according to our agreed metrics within our Monitoring Evaluation and Learning framework.
• Policy and research
• Synthesize evidence for and play a significant part in the development of position statements/briefings/reports, working closely with the wider policy team and our designer.
• Support the Public Affairs lead to develop policy products for use in parliamentary engagement.
• Working closely with our Research Lead, identify evidence gaps and policy research questions which are relevant to our policy work to support new positions and generate new ideas for research or evidence collection which help achieve our policy goals.
• Work where needed with external contractors in the delivery of specific pieces of work, setting clear expectations and holding them accountable for delivery.
• Stakeholder engagement
• Develop and maintain a strong civil society network of stakeholders, working to broaden the support base for specific policies.
• Participate in coalitions of organisations who are campaigning together on specific areas of policy change.
• Develop and maintain relationships with junior civil servants in key departments across all policy areas.
• Work with the Citizens Engagement Manager to identify opportunities to bring Adult and Young Food Ambassadors into policy activities and research.
• Represent the Food Foundation and present our work in external events and meetings with relevant audiences and the media.
• Budgets and fundraising
• Administer grants which support our projects and ensure that funders are kept well informed, receive timely reports and that budgets are kept on track.
• Maintain good relationships with funders according to their requirements and provide input to proposals and funding bids.

Communications and campaigns

• Develop a comprehensive approach to dissemination of our policy outputs so they reach our intended audiences.
• Act as a local/regional media spokesperson, brief journalists, and respond to media queries.
• Contribute policy and evidence expertise to support campaign delivery.
• Contribute policy expertise to press releases, newsletters, web copy, podcasts and blogs.
• Support the maintenance of website pages related to project areas.
• Draft social media posts and newsletters.

Personal Profile

Technical skills:

• Knowledge and understanding of the food system, food and nutrition and/or health policy and policy levers for change.
• Strong knowledge of the mechanics of the UK policy-making landscape, including the workings of Westminster and Whitehall.
• Proven experience in synthesising evidence and using evidence to make a case for change.
• Proven experience in writing reports and briefings for different audiences, with the ability to explain complex and highly nuanced subject matter in plain English.
• Previous experience working in a policy role, refining policy asks and communicating these with different stakeholders
• Excellent analytic skills and close attention to detail.

Personal skills:

• Proven experience in budget management, project management and reporting to funders.
• Proven experience in managing multiple projects concurrently to tight deadlines and prioritising workload.
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience working collaboratively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
• Strong presentation skills and confidence in speaking to external audiences.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• Ability to problem-solve and manage risk.
• Ability to work independently and manage own time effectively.
• Ability to build strong relationships with all members of the team.
• Open to giving and receiving challenging viewpoints.
• Resilience and tenacity whilst recognising the need for self-awareness and the impact of actions on others and the organisation.
• Willingness to travel for project meetings and dissemination events.
• A confident networker who enjoys building connections and relationships with new people.

This job description is intended as an outline indicator of general areas of activity only. The Food Foundation is a small charity and as such all staff are expected to vary their duties as necessary to meet the needs of the organisation.

Please see the full job pack on our website 

About The Role

As our Global Communications Manager, you’ll lead the development and delivery of impactful global media and communications that elevate Compassion’s campaigns and strengthen our international voice. You’ll play a pivotal role in producing compelling content, securing global media coverage, and supporting colleagues worldwide to deliver clear, impactful communications. 

As our Global Communications Manager, you’ll be responsible for:

• Developing and delivering global media strategies that raise Compassion’s international profile.
• Identifying, creating and maximising media opportunities across campaigns and policy work.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with global journalists and media outlets.
• Managing our work developing relationships with international high-profile supporters
• Writing and producing press releases, feature articles, media briefings and web content.
• Building our social media presence by developing creative content and feeding into the social media strategy
• Supporting and advising Country Office communications teams to ensure aligned international messaging.
• Supervising Global Communications Officers and contributing to planning and out‑of‑hours rota duties.
• Monitoring and evaluating global media coverage and managing external media monitoring and licensing partners.
• Managing Compassion’s media assets, including imagery and broadcast materials, to ensure accurate representation.
• Providing media training, guidance and interview preparation for colleagues and spokespeople.

About You 

To succeed as our Global Communications Manager, you’ll combine strong editorial judgement with outstanding communication skills and the ability to lead global media activity under pressure. You’re strategic, adaptable, and skilled at storytelling, relationship‑building, and managing multiple projects with ease.

Skills and experience you’ll need to bring as our Global Communications Manager, you’ll be responsible for:

• Experience working in a fast‑paced press office, newsroom, or similar media environment
• Proven ability to develop and implement successful media strategies
• Experience working with international or European media outlets
• Excellent writing skills with the ability to tailor content for different audiences
• Strong ability to identify, shape and maximise media opportunities
• Ability to build and maintain strong media contacts and networks
• Experience working with high‑profile supporters or spokespeople
• Strong project management skills with exceptional attention to detail
• A collaborative, positive, and adaptable approach to working with global colleagues
• Commitment to Compassion’s mission and values.

If you don’t meet every requirement but believe you could thrive in this role, we encourage you to apply.

Why Join Us

This is a unique opportunity to use your communications expertise to drive global change and give a powerful voice to animals, people, and the planet.

We offer a supportive, flexible workplace with a strong focus on wellbeing and development, including: 

• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays 
• Health Cash Back Plan and 24/7 GP access 
• Employee Assistance Programme and MHFA support 
• Premium Calm App subscription 
• Defined contribution pension scheme 
• Enhanced discretionary sick pay 
• Hybrid working model (role and location dependent) 
• Free onsite parking and office next to mainline station 
• Cycle Benefit scheme and other savings options 
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities 

How to Apply & Key Dates

If you’re ready to make a global impact, we’d love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining how you meet the Person Specification. To support a fair and unbiased recruitment process, we kindly ask that you do not include a photo in your CV. 

Please note that we may begin interviews on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged. 

Closing Date: Thursday 14 May 2026

Stage 1 (TEAMS) Interviews: Tuesday 19 May and Friday 22 May 

Stage 2 (Face to Face at HQ)  Interviews, with presentation task: Thursday 28 May 2026

“Join us in building a more compassionate future for animals, people, and the planet.”

As part of Stage 1 of our recruitment process, shortlisted candidates may receive a small set of pre-shared, values-based interview questions in advance. This is designed to support a positive candidate experience and help you prepare, so the interview can focus on a thoughtful conversation about your motivation and alignment with our mission.

If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know, we’re always happy to support candidates during the recruitment process.

About Compassion

Compassion in World Farming International is a leading global organisation working to end factory farming. Founded in 1967 by British farmer Peter Roberts, we’ve spent over 50 years driving change, successfully campaigning to ban cruel practices such as barren battery cages, veal crates, and sow stalls across the UK and Europe. 

Our work combines advocacy, campaigning, and collaboration with policymakers and businesses to promote animal welfare and sustainable food systems. We envision a future where animals are treated with compassion, and farming supports both people and the planet. To learn more about our mission, culture, and opportunities, please explore our Candidate Pack, and Careers Page. 

To comply with legal requirements in the UK and internationally, all applicants must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the country where the role is based.    

Compassion in World Farming is absolutely committed to providing equal opportunities for everyone regardless of their background.  We value diversity and live experience and acknowledge the underrepresentation of people from certain backgrounds, both within our organisation and across the sector.  We welcome applications from underrepresented groups, whether these be of ethnicity, gender, identity, religion, physical ability, sexual orientation or other. 

We are looking for a highly motivated and organised individual to maintain, develop and continuously improve our systems. The role will be an integral part of the Living Wage Operations Team, providing strategic technical support and ensure the integrity of our systems, often overseeing development projects with external partners.

The Operations and Data Manager will need to be highly numerate and have great analytical skills to support our monitoring and evaluation functions, working with the Head of Operations and Insight on financial and budgeting management, reconciliation and forecasting for the Living Wage Foundation. The suitable candidate will be detail-oriented, be able to demonstrate their ability to seek out improvements and problem solve creatively and have experience working with Salesforce or equivalent CRM systems.

Are you ready to take on a new challenge with a leading charity making a real difference in brain tumour research?

Brain Tumour Research is an exciting, innovative, and ambitious charity. We are passionate about finding a cure for brain tumours through the establishment of dedicated Brain Tumour Research Centres of Excellence around the UK.​

After a successful 2025, we’re building on our momentum and looking ahead with ambition. As our work continues to expand, so does our impact. We are now looking for passionate people to join us on the next stage of our journey!

It is a fantastic time to be joining us and we are keen to share this with likeminded and talented individuals. We currently have an opening for a Social Media Officer, to join our Marketing and Communications team.

• Do you want to make a difference in one of the most innovative and exciting medical research fundraising charities in the UK?
• Do you live in a commutable area for Milton Keynes?
• Do you have between two and four years of experience managing professional social media accounts? 

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Have you answered Yes to these questions?

Does this sound like the opportunity to really take the next step in your career?

​Excited to learn more about this position? Then please take a read through our recruitment pack which is included within this advert.​

If you have the skills and ambition that we are looking for we are excited to receive your application.  We are really looking forward to welcoming a new member to our team!

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We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process.  Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.​

​We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.​

​We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.

Citizens UK

Citizens UK is the UK’s biggest, most diverse and most effective people-powered alliance. We bring communities and local organisations together to work on issues that matter; from campaigning for zebra crossings on dangerous roads, to reforming the immigration system, to the Living Wage campaign. We have a track record of winning change through hundreds of local and national campaigns. We know everyday people have the ability to shape the world around them. We believe that through developing local leaders, we can drive nationwide change and create community-led solutions to big and small problems.

Peterborough Citizens is part of Citizens UK, a nationwide alliance that brings together local groups to campaign for social justice and community improvement. In Peterborough, it works with schools, faith groups, and community organisations to address issues like housing, safety, and opportunity. We’ve been active for five years, building local leadership and creating positive change through collective action.

This role will focus on delivering the Pride in Place: Listening to Leadership programme across Peterborough. The Community Organiser will support the delivery of a 12-month programme that moves from listening → action → leadership, building long-term community power and neighbourhood governance.  The role combines core community organising practice with structured delivery of engagement, analysis, and leadership development.

Community Organising

Through our theory of social change, called community organising, we train thousands of everyday people to lead change in their communities, equipping them with the skills to hold politicians and other powerholders to account. We are made up of 500+ member organisations in powerful alliances throughout the UK. Our members include schools, universities, faith groups, parents’ groups, health practices, charities, trade unions and other civil society organisations.

Purpose

At Citizens UK, our organisers and project staff work within communities to develop leaders, strengthen organisations, campaign for change and organise across difference. There are various project roles and operational, communication, finance and HR roles that support the organisation and project staff and organisers to deliver on this mission and work. This work is rewarding and can be challenging; it requires a personal commitment to inclusion, a willingness to listen and disagree respectfully, and an interest in working in an organisation where our staff, member institutions and leaders will come from a diversity of backgrounds and often hold views that may be very different from our own. More information about how we operate within this context and build trusted relationships across difference can be found on our website and is covered in induction. Onboarding and navigating this relational culture, and type of work, is supported by line managers and further training.

Main Responsibilities

As a Pride in Place Community Organiser with Peterborough Citizens, you will use the Citizens UK method to build relationships across civic institutions—such as schools, faith groups, and community organisations—to develop local leaders and strengthen their collective power. You will lead a broad listening campaign to surface shared concerns, support communities to identify priorities, and co-create strategies that turn those issues into winnable campaigns, including engaging decision-makers and organising public actions. Grounded in the belief that local people can shape their neighbourhoods, you will help deliver tangible “you said, we did” outcomes, build sustainable structures for resident voice and accountability, and contribute to the wider Pride in Place initiative by embedding long-term community leadership and change.

We are looking for a highly motivated and organised individual with the ability to manage teams, build strategic relationships with employers to grow the Living Wage network, and develop projects that will grow our accreditations schemes and proactively influence change across a broad range of stakeholders in public life.

• Develop and deliver strategies, working collaboratively across the organisation.

• Direct a team and line manage multiple staff and freelancers, supporting them to deliver projects and contribute to the LWF business plan.

• Monitor and evaluate the impact of our work to refine our strategy, deliver projects effectively and demonstrate the value of the real Living Wage.

• Clearly communicate the evidence for positive change to grow the Living Wage movement. Encourage employers and key stakeholders to become champions of the Living Wage movement.

• Oversee accreditation processes, identify and implement improvements to make our work more efficient.

• Build and manage relationships with key stakeholders, policy makers and employers to support them to pay the real Living Wage and seek accreditation.

• Create, develop and employ the tools and knowledge available to inform and advise employers on implementing the Living Wage throughout their organisation.