External affair manager jobs in Edinburgh
By providing finance and support, at SIB we enable charities and social enterprises to exist, grow and thrive. We have disbursed £0.8bn to thousands of organisations since 2002. Our team believes in the power of the social economy, champions the charities and social enterprises we support - and we are all working together to build stronger communities and a fairer society.
It is a hugely exciting time to join the organisation. We are growing, investing in our expert team, and building on the successes of the last few years.
Find out more about our values and what we do by visiting our website.
Our values are: People First, Curious, Bold, Collaborative, Accountable
About this role:
Reporting to the Head of Policy and Communications, the Policy and Communications Coordinator will support SIB’s track record of sector, government and media engagement, notably the high standard of publication set through its media partnerships with Tortoise and the Financial Times, its contributions to the policy landscape in the social sector, and its in-house data analysis and insight generation. This new post will contribute to SIB’s ongoing communications and public policy work and its reach and influence, building on a growing base of expertise across SIB’s three strategic priority areas: Green Transition, Infrastructure and Services.
Key responsibilities
1. Support the Head of Policy and Communications to deliver the Policy and Communications strategy for SIB.
2. Making use of media and parliamentary tracking software keep abreast of SIB’s strategic policy areas, sharing accessible updates and digests of relevant legislation and central and local government programming and media coverage.
3. Attend / watch online relevant parliamentary committees, All Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs) and Commons and Lords sessions, capturing relevant outcomes and identifying MPs and Lords that SIB should seek to work with / influence.
4. Support the Head of Policy and Communications to identify a key parliamentary contacts list. Create tailored communications for these key contacts which share relevant statistics and case studies from SIB’s portfolio, alongside policy influencing lines. This will include drafting questions and briefings where relevant, and ensuring that regular contact is maintained.
5. Support the drafting of consultation responses and press releases using SIB’s core messaging, reporting, research and data.
6. Support SIB’s annual party conference attendance with coordination and administration in advance and in person.
7. Support the Head of Policy and Communications with attendance at influencing meetings and webinars with, for example, the Association of Decentralised Energy, Community Energy England, Locality, Better Society Capital, the Access Foundation and others.
8. Draft internal and external copy for newsletters and the SIB intranet and website.
9. Monitor the press email address and support correspondence with journalists on reactive and proactive stories.
10. Attend and provide oversight to the Social Investment Forum, as part of SIB’s secretariat and hosting.
11. Write, edit and produce engaging and relevant content at pace for web, social media and e-newsletters, as well as earned and paid channels.
12. Management of external suppliers of communications and policy activities, including agencies, designers, consultants and think tanks.
13. Work with the Marketing Manager, Marketing and Events Coordinator, Business Development Manager and wider team to deliver successful external events with customers, stakeholders and partners including attendance at Party Conferences.
14. Work in line with the organisation's values, principles and processes to achieve operational excellence.
15. Adopt our continuous improvement and learning ethos
16. Support and embed equality, diversity and inclusion into day-to-day behaviours and activities within your role as well as contributing more widely across SIB’s commitment to E, D & I
17. Support and contribute to the implementation and delivery of SIB’s strategy
18. In agreement with manager to undertake other tasks and work on cross team projects that support the objectives of SIB as required
Core competencies
- Previous experience of working in a public policy, PR, marketing, external affairs or communications role
- Excellent writing skills
- Good research skills, with an ability to absorb large amounts of information at pace, including in unfamiliar policy areas and produce cogent syntheses
- Strong collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively teams across functions in an integrated way
- Good established networks through experience in a similar role, and a commitment to expanding those networks to support SIB’s strategic aims
- Experience of building effective media partnerships
- Good working knowledge of data-driven storytelling in a variety of outlets from organisation websites to mainstream media and confidence in interpreting data and understanding the key points to be drawn from it to gain traction in media and campaigning environments
- Experience of developing and delivering effective communications campaigns, including through a range of digital channels
- Strong planning skills and an ability to multi-task, work well under pressure and meet deadlines
- Strong understanding of UK political context, especially as it concerns the social economy, and parliamentary process
- An understanding of how to promote research, policy papers, data analysis and other activities of a think tank and consultancy
- Excellent IT skills and the ability to learn new programmes quickly
Desirable competencies
- Data visualisation skills
- Data storytelling
- A good aesthetic eye and ability to shape images, visuals and formatting, and to liaise confidently with designers
- Understanding of the UK charity and social enterprise sectors
Education / Professional experience
- Experience in policy, research and media
- Experience of collaborative working across teams
- In-depth digital communications expertise
Registered Charity
51 - 100
We believe in the power of the social economy to build a more equal society.
Thank you!
Role outline and purpose
The Senior Policy & Public Affairs Manager will be accountable for overseeing public affairs activities, policy development and supporting influencing activity to advance the goals of the Supportive Communities programme. The role will plan and lead public affairs activities, policy development and support influencing strategy and activities, providing in-depth expertise across the programme with a specific focus on our emerging community design priorities and our work with a range of stakeholders, local/regional decision-makers and national policy-makers in the communities space.
This role is part of Trussell’s Supportive Communities programme, the goal of which is to enable local communities to become places where people at risk of needing to use a food bank are supported and are using their agency to bring about meaningful changes that prevent anybody from needing emergency food. This role is focused on the successful delivery of the overall programme outcomes, contributing to the fulfilment of our long term vision of a UK without the need for food banks.
Role responsibilities
· Lead public affairs activities linked to the Community Design portfolio within the Supportive Communities programme, including developing and delivering an effective public affairs strategy reaching key decision-makers including parliamentarians, mayors and local authority leaders.
· Work collaboratively with key internal and external stakeholders from the sector and among policymakers to shape and deliver the programme’s policy strategy.
· Lead policy development to achieve the goals of the Supportive Communities programme.
· Establish and maintain momentum in policy development across the programme, ensuring the creation of credible proposals and building a strong case for policymakers to implement asks.
- Support with wider strategic development as part of Trussell’s policy and influencing strategy, including working with colleagues to align policy development and asks within the programme across the UK, nations and regions.
· Provide advice and line management, including regular 1:1s and assessment against objectives, and identify development needs.
Person Specification
Technical skills and minimum knowledge:
· Significant experience of developing and delivering effective public affairs strategies and interventions with evidence of securing local or national policy-change
· Significant track record of successfully developing policy solutions and influencing politicians and/or key decision-makers to achieve policy change
· Strong communication skills (written and oral) with impact and for a range of audiences
· Experience of providing strategic input to support senior leadership
· Experience of line managing, including dealing with performance issues and supporting team development
· Self-sufficient use of IT, including proficiency in Work, Excel, PowerPoint, and experience in project management processes and software
Behaviours and competencies:
· Works collaboratively, managing challenges in a constructive manner
· Balances competing priorities and work to tight deadlines
· Demonstrates a dedication to the values of Trussell
· Demonstrates empathy for people from disadvantaged, marginalised or socially-excluded backgrounds
· Role models inclusive behaviour, values and leadership
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Campaigns and Communications Manager - Wales
Homeworking, with regular travel required to London, Liverpool and throughout Wales to meet the requirements of the role.
£45,000 - £47,391
Working hours: Full time (35 hours a week) - you’ll agree your working pattern with your manager
Are you looking for a role where you can make a difference? We’re looking for a new Campaigns and Communications Manager Wales at the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) to grow the profile of RCP Cymru Wales in the Senedd and in the media.
You’ll be part of the policy and campaigns team, responsible for ensuring the RCP maintains its position as a credible, influential stakeholder in the eyes of government, political stakeholders, the sector and our physician members.
You’ll be driven by growing the RCP’s voice and reputation as a leading health organisation in Wales. You’ll develop and deliver campaigns on a range of high-profile topics, including the NHS workforce, health inequalities, integrated care and clinical leadership. You’ll work with members in Wales to turn their views and experiences into campaigns and media work that effectively influence the national agenda.
You will work with the RCP Vice President for Wales and Wales Regional Advisers to develop bespoke Wales campaigns content, as well as translating RCP UK policy reports into Wales-specific campaigns and communications outputs. You will have strong experience of analysing policy developments in the external national landscape and evolving and developing campaigns and lines to take in response. You will be as comfortable speaking to government officials, journalists and Senedd members as you are drafting media comments, blogs, consultation submissions and short policy briefings and reports.
You’ll need a sharp eye for detail and be able to quickly and accurately interpret and communicate complex information. You will brief the vice president for Wales, Welsh regional advisers and senior staff for media interviews and influencing meetings, as well as proactively engaging external stakeholders in the NHS and health sector yourself. You will play a critical role in ensuring RCP Cymru members are kept up to date with developments in Welsh healthcare and on RCP campaigns, including through a monthly blog and member newsletter.
Representing around 1,200 members in Wales, RCP Cymru Wales aims to educate, improve and influence for better healthcare. Our members and fellows work across over 30 medical specialties such as cardiology, neurology, infectious diseases, geriatric and respiratory and acute internal medicine, working in hospital and community settings.
You’ll join the organisation at an exciting time as it finalises its new strategy. The policy and campaigns team – which is part of the wider communications, policy and research directorate – is a fast paced, collaborative and innovative environment. You will help us shape our objectives and continuously improve how we work.
Responsibilities
- Raising the profile of RCP Cymru in the media and Senedd by developing and delivering campaigns across a range of topics within the RCP’s policy portfolio.
- Working with Westminster policy colleagues to translate UK RCP policy reports into Wales-specific campaigns outputs and with VP Wales, Regional Advisers and members to develop bespoke Welsh policy content.
- Delivering robust horizon scanning and proactively identifying key issues and opportunities to evolve our work on high-profile issues and to deliver media, campaigns or influencing activity that furthers our aims.
- Building, owning and developing relationships with journalists, government, MSs, sector stakeholders, arms-length bodies and other organisations relevant to the RCP’s campaign aims.
- Supporting senior officers and staff in stakeholder meetings, including researching and drafting briefings and yourself representing the RCP at meetings and events.
- Working flexibly and proactively without close supervision, undertaking a range of work such as writing briefings, policy positions, reports, committee papers, consultation responses and website content.
- Working strategically and proactively to identify opportunities for parliamentary engagement, using a range of tactics to grow our presence in the Senedd including briefings, meetings and events.
- Drafting media releases, comments, statements and opinion pieces to develop our voice and ensure high impact for our campaigns work.
- Owning processes to ensure RCP Wales members understand the work of RCP Cymru, including drafting and delivering a monthly blog and newsletter from the VP Wales.
- Providing lead support to the VP Wales, Regional Advisers and an RCP committee of Welsh physicians to develop and deliver policy work.
- Establishing effective and collaborative working relationships with VP Wales, Regional Advisers, members, fellows and colleagues in Wales, London and Liverpool.
- Any other duties commensurate with your post including deputising for the vice president for Wales, the head of policy and campaigns and other staff as required.
Experience
You will
- have a strong background in campaigns and communications, with a demonstrable experience of delivering campaigns that make use of integrated public affairs and media tools.
- strong experience of working with journalists and political stakeholders with a demonstrable understanding of how to influence national and/or arms-length body policy processes.
- be able to quickly develop positive and effective working relationships with a diverse range of people, including those in senior positions.
- have a thorough understanding of devolution and political structures in Wales.
- have excellent writing skills and strong experience of producing policy outputs, briefings, newsletters, press releases, media statements, consultation responses, blogs and other external communications on behalf of an organisation and senior people.
- have experience of successfully managing high profile issues, relationships and events.
- be able to quickly and accurately interpret complex information to aid understanding and decision making.
- have experience of successfully managing competing views, priorities and interests to achieve your aims.
- have experience of giving advice to senior people, including getting buy-in for your ideas and influencing opinion.
- act on your own initiative to develop new work, proposing reasonable and realistic solutions.
- understand the importance of and be committed to involving a diverse range of organisations and people in developing and delivering policy, media and campaigns work.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious individual with a commitment to our core values – collaboration, learning and taking care.
Closing date: 26 January 2026
The RCP positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, transgender status, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.
The RCP is all about our people – our members, staff, volunteers and leaders. We educate, influence and collaborate to improve health and healthcare for everyone and know we can only do this by being inclusive, encouraging and celebrating diverse perspectives. Welcoming into our community people who represent the 21st-century medical workforce and the diverse population of patients we serve is a priority for us.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
A new and exciting opportunity has arisen for a Digital Marketing Officer (0.6 FTE / 22.5hrs per week) with strong digital marketing skills and passion for engaging content.
You’ll be joining the only independent charity in the UK dedicated to improving the nation’s numeracy. It’s a fantastic opportunity within a small but ambitious and dynamic organisation making a real difference to people’s lives and livelihoods.
Working closely with the External Relations team on our award-winning campaigns, communications, content and marketing, you will deliver paid and organic social media campaigns - creating strategies, planning execution, optimisation, and reporting. You will also collaborate on SEO, web content and email marketing.
We are looking for someone with solid marketing and copywriting skills, a focus on using data to find out ‘what works’, bags of enthusiasm and the ability to work with initiative and attention to detail. Previous experience in the charity sector is not necessary.
National Numeracy is based in Brighton, and while office-based work is available, we also offer remote, hybrid and flexible working. This role will include occasional UK travel.
Registered Charity
21 - 50
Empowering people to thrive by using numeracy to open up opportunities and access brighter futures.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Can you build strong relationships and help others achieve their fundraising goals?
At the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association, we are looking for a Relationship Fundraiser to join our team on a 12-month Fixed Term Contract. This is a fantastic opportunity where you will help strengthen connections with individuals, local businesses, and our branches and groups face-to-face across the region. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference by supporting fundraisers, delivering events, and ensuring every supporter feels valued.
This is a home-based role with travel requirements across: North and East Yorkshire. Applicants need to be based in or close to the designated region.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and deliver community and local business fundraising events in your region
- Provide a tailored supporter journey through a range quality communications including meetings, calls and emails
- Support our branches and groups to grow income from local events, trusts, and corporates
- Build strong relationships to maximise fundraising potential and engagement
- Ensure funds are processed accurately and on time
- Collaborate with the wider community team to maintain consistent processes and accurate CRM records
- Represent the Association at events, presentations, and local media opportunities
- Ensure all fundraising activities comply with law, best practice, and internal policies
About You:
- Experience in community fundraising or relationship management
- Experience coaching and motivating people
- Confident using CRM databases with knowledge of GDPR
- Inclusive and respectful of diverse backgrounds and perspectives
- Passionate about inspiring supporters to reach their fundraising goals
- Strong communication skills with tact and diplomacy
- Excellent attention to detail across written and verbal communication
- Track record of working to income targets
- Ability to work evenings and weekends when required
- Full clean driving licence
About Us:
Our vision is a world free from MND. Our mission is to improve care and support for people with MND, their families and carers. We fund and promote research that leads to new understanding and treatments and brings us closer to a cure for MND. The Association also campaigns and raises awareness so the needs of people with MND, and everyone who cares for them, are recognised, and addressed by wider society.
What We Offer:
- 28 days holiday, increasing to 33 days after 5 years, plus Bank Holidays.
- Access to UK Healthcare, including dental, eyecare, health screenings, and therapies.
- 24/7 GP access via phone and video.
- Life assurance and confidential counselling helplines.
- Salary sacrifice schemes (Cycle to Work, Buy/Sell Annual Leave).
- Access to Benefit Hub for discounts on everyday shopping.
- Enhanced pension scheme.
- Opportunities for training and personal development.
- Hybrid working.
The full job description and further information about working for the MND Association is available in the candidate pack.
We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We work to remove barriers for everyone affected by MND, employees, volunteers, and stakeholders.
As part of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee interviews for disabled applicants who meet the role's requirements.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
5Rights is seeking to recruit an outstanding professional Senior Public Relations Adviser to support our world-leading NGO at a time of exceptional visibility and opportunity to scale our impact. This is a remote role and can be based either in the UK or Belgium.
About 5Rights
5Rights Foundation exists to ensure a digital world that will serve children and young people today and for future generations. We are a small team of senior professionals and experts delivering change in how the digital world works. We have shifted the narrative and the agenda through provocative comms campaigns (e.g. Twisted Toys), pioneering research (e.g. Pathways) and award-winning tools (e.g. Child Online Safety Toolkit). We continue to drive real-life change thanks to an outstanding track-record of delivering legislation (e.g. Californian Age Appropriate Design Code), policy and regulatory frameworks (e.g. UNCRC General comment No.25), and industry standards (e.g. IEEE 2089).
Role Purpose
The Senior Public Relations Advisor leads 5Rights' external public relations and media strategy, positioning 5Rights as a global authority on children’s rights in the digital environment. The role shapes the public narrative around our mission, ensuring 5Rights’ work achieves maximum visibility, credibility and impact with policymakers, the media, industry and the public.
This is a senior, strategic role requiring exceptional judgement, political awareness and strong relationships across media and stakeholder landscapes.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver a comprehensive public relations strategy aligned with 5Rights’ mission and policy objectives.
- Position 5Rights as a leading voice on children’s rights in the digital environment in UK, EU and international media.
- Anticipate emerging issues and shape proactive public relations strategies around key policy moments, research releases and advocacy campaigns.
- Protect and enhance the organisation’s reputation, including crisis communications and risk management.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with senior journalists, editors and broadcasters across national and international media.
- Secure high-profile coverage in print, broadcast and digital media.
- Act as principal media advisor to the Executive Director and senior leadership team.
- Support and coach senior spokespeople and youth representatives for media engagements.
- Lead public relation planning for major campaigns, policy launches and advocacy initiatives.
- Advise on strategic partnerships and external engagement from a public relations perspective.
- Represent 5Rights at events, conferences and high-level meetings as required.
- Contribute to strengthening 5Rights’ overall public relations impact by bringing senior PR expertise, networks, and strategic media insight to the team.
Person specification
This is a highly challenging and rewarding position for a professional with the following attributes:
Essential skills and attributes:
- Extensive senior-level experience in public relations, communications, journalism or public affairs, ideally within policy, advocacy, human rights, technology, or social impact sectors.
- Proven track record of shaping national and international media coverage and securing high-profile placements across print, broadcast and digital platforms.
- Demonstrated experience leading public relations and media strategy, including reputation management, at organisational or campaign level.
- Experience advising senior leaders and acting as a trusted public relation expert in high-stakes and politically sensitive environments.
- Exceptional writing and editorial skills, with the ability to translate complex policy, technical and research content into compelling public narratives.
- Deep understanding of media landscapes, political processes and public policy dynamics, particularly in the UK, the EU and internationally.
- Experience of crisis communications and issue management.
- Outstanding judgement and political awareness.
- Strong strategic thinking combined with hands-on delivery.
- Highly developed interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and build relationships at senior level.
- Confident, authoritative and credible spokesperson when required.
- Excellent project management and organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple high-profile priorities simultaneously.
- Ability to work under pressure and respond rapidly to fast-moving external developments.
- Strong collaboration skills and ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
- High standards of professionalism, discretion and integrity.
- Deep commitment to the mission and values of 5Rights Foundation.
- Resilient, adaptable and solutions-focused.
- Proactive, self-motivated and comfortable working with a high degree of autonomy.
Desirable skills and attributes:
- Experience working on children’s rights, digital rights, technology policy or online safety.
- Experience of international advocacy and global communications.
Practical details
- Location: Remote position in either the UK or Brussels. Some international travel required.
- Salary: €80,000 / £70,000 per annum including all benefits.The final offer will depend on skills and experience.
- One-year contract, renewable dependent on impact.
- Working hours: Full time (38h week), with occasional accommodation necessary for work across time-zones.
- Statutory pension contribution.
- 25 days annual leave per annum.
- Work equipment including a laptop will be provided.
- Starting data: ASAP, depending on notice period.
- Reporting line: Leadership team
5Rights values diversity and we strongly encourage people from under-represented groups to apply for this role. We aim for our recruitment to be inclusive and equitable, and we strive to constantly learn and improve in this regard.
How to apply
Please send your CV and a brief cover letter by 31st January 2026 via our website.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.