External communications lead jobs

The Communications team is responsible for informing, inspiring and engaging the public by showcasing Alzheimer’s Research UK’s work, impact and mission across all channels. We lead the charity’s media and strategic communications activity—ensuring consistent, accurate and compelling storytelling that supports research, fundraising and organisational priorities. 

The Corporate Communications Manager will be responsible for the development and delivery of clear, consistent and compelling communications that strengthens our reputation and supports the positioning of our organisational narrative and brand.

The role will provide strategic communications support to Corporate Partnerships, Brand, Fundraising and Marketing and the CEO Office. The postholder will oversee the charity’s Annual Report and strategic campaigns and manage a team of four Corporate Communications Officers.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Planning

· Act as the primary communications business partner to Corporate Partnerships, Brand and the CEO Office, providing strategic communications advice and support.

· Develop and deliver communications plans that support organisational priorities, fundraising objectives, strategic partnerships and executive profiling.

· Contribute to planning for major organisational moments, ensuring communications activity is integrated, audience-focused and aligned with ARUK priorities.

· Support the Senior Manager, Corporate & Research Communications in identifying communications opportunities, risks and emerging issues.

Delivery & Oversight

· Lead the development and maintenance of ARUK's communications messaging framework, including key messages, narrative tools and supporting communications materials.

· Oversee delivery of executive communications, including briefings, speeches,  LinkedIn content, thought-leadership materials and speaking opportunities where required.

· Manage the production of flagship publications, including the Annual Report and Dementia Attitudes Monitor, and the communications outputs to support these.

· Provide communications support for major strategic partnerships, organisational announcements and corporate campaigns.

Team Leadership & Development

• Provide effective team management, role-modelling ARUK’s leadership values.

· Line manage Corporate Communications Officers, setting goals, overseeing workloads and providing positive and constructive feedback and supporting professional development.

· Foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture that reflects ARUK's values and supports continuous improvement.

· Ensure team priorities, workflows and resources are aligned to organisational needs and strategic communications objectives.

Cross-Team & Stakeholder Collaboration

· Work closely with Brand, Strategic Marketing, Media & PR, Content, Research Communications and Fundraising teams to ensure consistent messaging and integrated communications delivery.

· Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and act as a trusted communications advisor to senior leaders and business partners.

· Identify opportunities to connect specialist communications teams into projects and campaigns to maximise impact and organisational alignment.

Governance, Risk & Quality Assurance

· Ensure communications outputs adhere to ARUK's brand, messaging, accessibility and editorial standards.

· Support the identification and management of reputational issues and communications risks.

· Work with the Metrics & Insights Manager to establish KPIs, measure performance and evaluate the effectiveness of corporate communications activity.

· Lead continuous improvement of corporate communications processes, templates and ways of working.

Knowledge, skills and experience needed:

· Significant experience in communications, corporate communications, public affairs, PR or a related communications discipline.

· Experience developing and delivering strategic communications plans that support organisational objectives and enhance reputation.

· Experience acting as a trusted communications adviser or business partner to senior stakeholders.

· Experience developing organisational messaging, narratives, thought-leadership content or executive communications.

· Experience delivering high-profile communications projects, campaigns, publications or stakeholder engagement activities.

· Experience planning and delivering complex projects, managing competing priorities, stakeholders, budgets and external suppliers.

· Experience managing, developing and motivating teams

· Excellent written, verbal and editorial communication skills.

· Strong strategic thinking skills, with the ability to translate organisational priorities into compelling communications activity.

· Ability to develop clear, persuasive and evidence-based messaging for a range of audiences.

· Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships at all levels.

· Strong project and operational management skills, with the ability to prioritise resources, and deliver multiple projects simultaneously.

· Confident decision-maker with the ability to identify and respond to risks, opportunities and changing priorities.

· Collaborative leadership style, with the ability to support, develop and motivate others.

· Proactive, solutions-focused and committed to continuous improvement.

· High levels of integrity, professionalism and personal accountability

Additional Information:

Ways of working:

As part of our Agile ways of working you will be required to work approximately 2 days a week from the office, which is subject to the requirements of the role and the business needs. Flexibility on where you work can be split between working from home and our office.

Roles that are classed as part of the Agile ways of working are not able to claim any costs for Mileage/Travel on Public Transport, Accommodation and/or Meals.  This includes when attending the office for various meetings/events.

Our Office: Our office is at 3 Riverside, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AD. 

Salary: Circa £47,000 per annum, plus benefits.

Please download the Vacancy Pack on our website for more information.

The closing date for applications is the 31st August 2026, with interviews being arrange once shortlisting has been completed. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity, as on occasion we may have to bring forward the interview date and/or the closing date based on the needs of the business. Although a possibility, this will only happen in exceptional circumstances. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential.  We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, particularly from those in the global majority, those with disabilities, men and those from the LGBTQIA+ community. Any offer of employment is however subject to you having the right to work in the UK.

As part of our commitment to being an inclusive employer and ensuring fairness and consistency in our selection process, we will handle your CV and application with the utmost confidentiality. Should you require any adjustments at either the application or interview stage, please contact us via our website.

How to apply: Please create an online account using our Online Recruitment Platform which can be accessed through our Job Vacancies page. You will be able to attach your CV to your application and track the status of your application.

About Alzheimer’s Research UK: Alzheimer's Research UK is the UK's leading dementia research charity. Our mission is to accelerate progress towards a cure.  Today 1 in 2 people will be impacted by dementia, either through caring for a loved one, developing it themselves or tragically both. But there is hope. 

There has never been a more important and exciting time in dementia research. With promising new drugs in clinical trialsthat slow the progression of the diseases that cause it, and revolutionary new ways to diagnose them on the horizon, we are now at a tipping point. Working with the smartest minds globally and across the UK, with industry and academia, Alzheimer’s Research UK is uniquely placed to invest in the very best research identifying barriers to a cure and knocking them down so that there are more and better treatments for everyone with dementia. For the first time in history, we can see a future where people with dementia can get a swift and accurate diagnosis, and effective treatments that could slow or even stop their disease. We stand for everyone affected by dementia. We stand for a cure. 

ARUK really does look after its people, where you will be able to add value and make a difference. 

To view further details about working for us and the benefits we offer, please visit Alzheimer’s Research UK

Join London Legal Support Trust and use your communications skills to champion access to justice. Create engaging content, manage our website and social channels, and promote our programmes and fundraising events. We are looking for an organised, creative communicator with strong writing, digital and content management skills. This permanent, full-time hybrid role is based in Holborn and offers flexible working, generous leave and development opportunities.

We’re looking for an experienced fundraising leader who can combine strategic thinking with hands-on delivery and take the next step into a broad senior leadership role.

As Head of Income Generation and Communications, you will lead Cosmic’s fundraising, marketing and communications function, with responsibility for sustainable income growth, team leadership and strengthening our profile. You will oversee a varied portfolio spanning community and challenge fundraising, corporate partnerships, major donors, events, volunteering and supporter stewardship, while also setting the direction for our communications, brand and digital activity.

This is a role with real scope to shape our future. You will work closely with the CEO and Trustees, lead a small team and external communications support, and develop a three-to-five-year strategy that turns ambition into clear plans, targets and results.

We are looking for someone with a strong track record in fundraising and income generation, experience of managing people and performance, and the confidence to oversee communications and volunteering strategically. You do not need to be a communications specialist, but you should understand how strong storytelling, supporter engagement and volunteer involvement can help drive income and impact.

Salary: £45,000–£50,000 | Full-time | Permanent | Hybrid, primarily based near St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington

Communications & Engagement Officer

Huddersfield Mission Huddersfield, West Yorkshire 25 hours per week (Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 2:00pm) Salary: £28,968 pro rata

Help tell stories that change lives.

For over 100 years, Huddersfield Mission has been supporting people facing homelessness, poverty, poor mental health, addiction and other complex challenges. We provide practical advice, support and a welcoming community space for those who need us most.

We're now looking for a Communications & Engagement Officer to lead how we connect with supporters, donors, room hirers, café customers and the wider community.

This is a varied and rewarding role that combines communications, marketing, fundraising support, community engagement and administration. You'll have the opportunity to shape how we tell our story, showcase our impact and help generate the support that enables our work to continue.

If you're a skilled communicator who enjoys building relationships, creating engaging content and making a genuine difference, we'd love to hear from you.

What you'll do

· Lead our social media, website and digital communications activity

· Create compelling content that showcases the impact of our work

· Develop supporter and donor communications, including newsletters and campaigns

· Support fundraising activities and community events

· Help grow awareness of our advice services, café and room hire facilities

· Manage room hire enquiries, bookings and customer communications

· Produce reports and insights using our CRM and database systems

· Provide administrative support, including meeting minutes and office duties

· Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation

About You

We're looking for someone who can combine creativity with organisation and enjoys working with a wide range of people.

You'll bring:

· Experience delivering successful communications and engagement activities

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills

· Experience creating content for websites, social media and email marketing

· Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills

· Experience using CRM systems and digital platforms

· Good organisational and project management skills

· The ability to work independently and manage competing priorities

· A commitment to treating people with dignity, empathy and respect

Experience within the charity, community or voluntary sector would be beneficial but is not essential.

Why Join Huddersfield Mission?

· Be part of a respected local charity making a real difference in people's lives

· Fixed daytime working hours with no evening or weekend requirement

· Opportunity to shape and develop a newly reconfigured role

· Employee Support Scheme

· Stakeholder pension and life insurance

· Ongoing training and professional development

· Potential for additional hours in the future

Working Environment

Huddersfield Mission supports people experiencing a range of complex challenges, including homelessness, poor mental health, addiction and financial hardship. As a frontline community organisation, there may occasionally be times when people accessing our services are distressed, frustrated or upset.

We provide training, support, clear procedures and a collaborative team environment to help colleagues manage challenging situations safely, confidently and professionally. Experience in customer-facing, community-facing or support-focused environments would be advantageous.

Closing Statement

If you're passionate about using communications to create positive change and want your work to have a direct impact on people's lives, we'd love to hear from you.

Join us in helping to serve people and change lives.

Type: Fixed term contract

Duration: 2 years

Location: A mix of working remotely and in the McPin office (Bethal Green, London)

Salary: Starting from £46,637 per annum FTE (point 22)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Do you want to ensure mental health research has a real-world impact?

Can you lead strategic communications that influence researchers, policy makers and the public?

Are you an experienced, values-led communications leader who can support and inspire a busy team?

The McPin Foundation is looking for a Senior Communications Manager to lead our communications function at an exciting point in our growth. This strategic, hands-on role suits someone with excellent communications skills and strategic leadership and communications experience.

McPin is a mental health research charity working to transform how research is done by putting the expertise of people with lived experience at its heart. We believe this makes research more relevant, meaningful and likely to create real-world change. Recent work has included young people’s mental health, digital mental health and virtual reality, inequalities, data sharing and artificial intelligence.

As Senior Communications Manager, you will ensure McPin’s work reaches the right audiences and has the greatest possible impact. You will lead our communications strategy, support influencing and impact work, and help colleagues translate complex research into engaging and accessible content.

You will manage and develop a communications team (two people), oversee consultants for specific projects, and work closely with colleagues, partners, people in our networks and external stakeholders. As part of the charity’s senior leadership, you will help shape organisational strategy, strengthen internal working practices and support other McPin colleagues to develop their own media and communications skills.

You will support delivery of McPin’s communications strategy, strengthen how we capture and demonstrate impact and grow our supporter base. You will bring strategic confidence, creativity and practical delivery skills, whilst working in a way that reflects McPin’s values.

Currently, most staff at the McPin Foundation are working remotely, although office spaces in London are open and available for use. This post will involve a mix of working remotely and working in London.

Our team is committed to transforming mental health research through collaboration, inclusion and a belief in equity and anti-oppressive behaviours. We strongly encourage applications from Black people, People of Colour, people who are LGBTQIA+, those with a disability and those who identify themselves in marginalised groups, as well as people with lived experience of mental health issues.

We offer benefits including a competitive salary, hybrid/flexible working, a NEST Pension scheme with 6% employer contribution, wellbeing support and mentoring scheme, an individual training budget and access to an Employee Assistance Programme and healthcare cash plan with Hospital Saturday Fund. Please see the full Job Description on the McPin Foundation website for more information.

The closing date for applications is Monday 21st September 2026 at 9.00 am. The first stage of Interviews will take place week commencing 28th September.

To apply please visit The McPin Foundation website to download the job description and application form. In line with our values, McPin does not use AI in its recruitment processes, all applications will be read by our team.

Queries to Vanessa Pinfold if you have any questions about the post.

Liberty is looking for a mission-focussed, bold and strategic leader with strong political instincts to step into the exciting role of Director of External Affairs.

Liberty has launched an ambitious new strategy in a rapidly changing external environment, where existential threats to human rights and civil liberties give our work a renewed sense of urgency. 

Leading our external relations directorate, you will work across policy and public affairs, communications and engagement, and legal, to deliver our strategy, shape national debate, influence decision-makers, and strengthen Liberty’s reputation as a trusted, principled and independent voice on human rights and civil liberties. You will build influential and impactful relationships with government, decision-makers, think tanks, NGOs and media partners, and explore new partnerships across other sectors to broaden our impact and reach. 

You will have the experience and skills to lead and inspire teams, embed effective cross-team systems and practice, and deliver high-impact work in a fast-paced and challenging external context. 

You will have exceptional delivery skills, as well as demonstrable experience delivering through and across external-facing functions in multi-disciplinary and complex mission-driven, values-based organisations, balancing both longer-term proactive work as well as reactive work. You will need to demonstrate exceptional political judgement and insight, a proven track record of influencing, and strong experience of managing organisational risk in a fast-paced, complex and sometimes hostile external context. You will have an excellent grasp of detail as well as the ability to communicate complex issues well to a wide variety of stakeholders, including as a leading spokesperson for Liberty. 

As a member of a small Senior Leadership Team, you will be delivering organisation-wide work for which you will need demonstrable experience of leading and delivering complex internal work, excellent communications skills, the confidence and experience to embed a values-based approach across organisational functions, and the ability to work collaboratively and in an agile way in a small leadership team. 

Liberty fully embraces flexible working and is committed to employee development.We aim to encourage people from all backgrounds to work with us and are particularly interested in hearing from people from minority backgrounds and all socio-economic sections of society.Liberty supports hybrid working, and there is a minimum office requirement of 2 days per week however, the Senior Leadership Team typically work from the office at least 3 days per week.

The deadline for applications is 9am, Monday 14 September 2026

Please be aware that we do not accept CVs for this role. All applicants must complete the application form to apply.

First round interviews will be held online on Tuesday 22 September 2026

Second round interview will be held in person on Friday 2 October 2026

Please note that due to team capacity we cannot offer alternative interview dates so please do ensure you hold these dates before you apply.

Senior External Affairs Adviser
Contract type: Permanent
Full time: 34.5 hours, we are open to a conversation about how you work these hours
Location: Hybrid to our London, Shipley or Glasgow offices (typically once a month in office)
Salary range: £43,000 - £48,000

About us

At Macmillan you'll find talented people working together to do whatever it takes to support people living with cancer. We're going all out to find even better ways to help even more people who need our support. Our values are at the heart of who we are and everything we do, inspiring our thinking and guiding our actions.

Our organisational strategy sets out how we’ll fight even harder to make every pound raised count for even more. With your help, we’ll transform cancer care for good.

About the role

Join Macmillan Cancer Support as a Senior External Affairs Adviser, where you will play a vital role in shaping and delivering impactful change and external affairs strategies across the UK. Your work will focus on delivering at-scale change for people with cancer, particularly the most marginalised groups.

The External Affairs team is central to Macmillan’s work shaping change and influencing decision makers across the UK, and a key part of your role will be building and stewarding relationships with our external stakeholders.

As a Senior External Affairs Adviser you’ll work flexibly across a whole range of influencing projects to shape the political agenda, which might be in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, at a regional level in England and in Westminster, reflecting our ambitious plans to deliver change for people with cancer across the whole of the UK.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide senior-level advice to develop external affairs strategies aligned with Macmillan’s mission.
• Lead cross-functional external affairs projects that are evidence-based and impactful.
• Develop and manage relationships with political stakeholders, policymakers, civil servants and healthcare providers.
• Provide high-quality insight and briefings to senior colleagues on the political landscape, and what the external opportunities and risks are.
• Anticipate shifts within the external environment and adapt approaches to maintain our relevance and influence.
• Collaborate with teams to ensure policy positions are strategic and evidence-based.
• Represent Macmillan at external events, advocating for improvements in cancer care.
• Coordinate campaigns to influence public policy and funding decisions.

About you

The successful candidate will have...

• Proven ability to manage complex and sensitive external contexts, making sound judgements on tone and messaging.
• Strong understanding of operating within a four-nations context and engaging with diverse stakeholders, including senior politicians and civil servants.
• Expertise in analysing complex policy issues and developing impactful, evidence-based policy positions.
• Strong organisational skills and flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and emerging issues.
• Excellent communication skills which are adaptable for external and internal audiences.
• Experience of working in multi-disciplinary teams or on multi-disciplinary projects.

Recruitment process

Application deadline: 23:59 on Monday 31st August
1st stage interview dates: Virtual interviews will be held on the week commencing 7th September
2nd stage interview dates: Virtual interviews will be held on the weeks commencing 14th or 21st September

To ensure fairness and consistency to select the best candidate for this role, all our applications are anonymised up until an interview has been confirmed.

So we can support you to be your best during the application or interview process, please contact Macmillan TA Team for advice and reasonable adjustments.

We welcome applications from everyone who meet the criteria and strongly encourage individuals to apply who have a disability, impairment or health condition or individuals who identify as Black, Asian or from another minority ethnic background, as these groups are currently under-represented at Macmillan. Our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy along with our internal employee representation body, ‘Our Voice’ and 8 Employee Network groups help us promote fairness and belonging, becoming an engaged and inclusive organisation for all our people.

This is a very exciting opportunity as this is a brand new role within Kids and they are looking for someone who is able to lead a multidisciplinary team.

Kids is a national charity that supports disabled children, young people and their families, helping them to thrive and reach their full potential. Through a wide range of services, advice and advocacy, Kids empowers children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to access opportunities, have their voices heard, and overcome barriers to inclusion.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Strategy, Partnerships and Advocacy, you will lead and develop a multidisciplinary team spanning communications, policy and influencing, and youth voice. You will be responsible for shaping and delivering an ambitious communications and external affairs strategy that raises the profile of Kids, strengthens stakeholder relationships, and supports the charity's mission to create a world where all kinds of kids have all kinds of opportunities.

This role offers a unique opportunity to combine strategic communications leadership with public affairs, media engagement, campaigning and programme oversight. You will work closely with senior leaders across the organisation, providing expert advice on communications, reputation management and external engagement.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and deliver an integrated communications and external affairs strategy aligned with organisational goals.
• Enhance the charity's profile with government decision makers, stakeholders and partners.
• Lead brand positioning and ensure consistent, compelling messaging across all channels.
• Oversee digital communications, including website, social media, email marketing and campaigns
• Provide leadership and oversight for youth participation and digital inclusion programmes.
   

We're looking for an experienced communications leader who can combine strategic thinking with hands-on delivery and who is passionate about creating positive change for disabled children and young people.

The appointed candidate will have:

• Significant experience leading multi-channel communications within a charity or values-led organisation.

• The ability to influence and advise senior stakeholders with confidence.
• A strong understanding of public affairs, policy, influencing and campaigning.

• Expertise across digital communications, brand management and content development.

• Line and team management with the ability to coach and develop

Closing date for applications:

1st September

TPP Recruitment is acting as the exclusive recruitment partner for Kids and will be managing all applications for this role.

TPP and Kids are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We particularly encourage applications from candidates with lived experience and those with protected characteristics that are currently underrepresented within our workforce.

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.

Communications and Engagement Manager
Contract: Fixed term Maternity cover for up to 12 months
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £47,150.00 per annum
Location: Hybrid working – Norwich or Cambridge Office

About East Anglian Air Ambulance

East Anglian Air Ambulance is a lifesaving regional charity delivering critical emergency care across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and beyond.

With two state-of-the-art helicopters and a fleet of critical care vehicles, our expert teams of doctors and paramedics bring advanced pre‑hospital emergency medical care directly to people when they need it most.

About the role

East Anglian Air Ambulance is powered by supporter donations and by people who understand what we do, and that understanding starts with powerful storytelling. As Communications and Engagement Manager, you'll shape how the whole region sees, hears and feels the impact of this charity: from the campaigns that win new supporters, the events that bring communities face to face with our crews and volunteers, and the internal messages that keep our own people proud of the work they do.

You'll lead a small, talented team within the Brand and Marketing Communications Team, and work hand-in-hand with the Fundraising and Supporters Team to deliver exceptional communications at every touchpoint. This is a cross-charity role: your storytelling underpins the income that keeps helicopters fuelled, crews trained and lives saved.

Every take-off is a story in progress: a patient, a crew, a community responding. Your job is to help the region connect with that story.

Key responsibilities include:

• Shaping and leading integrated internal and external communications strategies that build East Anglian Air Ambulance's profile and drive support across the region.
• Designing face-to-face, digital and offline campaigns and events that win new supporters, and supporting the Fundraising and Supporters Team to turn one-off donors into lifelong advocates.
• Setting the yearly charity-wide campaign plan alongside Fundraising and Marketing leads, with clear KPIs that prove the impact of every story you tell.
• Leading from the front at key events and campaigns.
• Line managing and developing the Events and Engagement Lead and PR and Content Lead, acting as the go-to expert on communications and engagement across the charity.
• Advising on media opportunities, reputation and crisis communications, and helping shape the messages that carry East Anglian Air Ambulance's name.
• Managing budgets and supplier relationships, including our PR agency and event partners, to make every pound work as hard as possible.

You’ll bring:

• A genuine love of the craft of communication, who gets a thrill from finding the story inside the strategy, and who can write copy that stops people scrolling and makes them care. You thrive on teamwork, because nothing here happens alone: every campaign is built in collaboration with fundraising, clinical, aviation, volunteering and other teams across the charity.
• Experience in the charity sector delivering marketing communications and events, with a track record of developing both internal and external messaging.
• A history of building cohesive brand and marketing campaigns, and of managing media and crisis communications with confidence.
• Experience leading and developing a team, with the empathy to bring the best out of the people you manage.
• A talent for setting strategic objectives and hitting KPIs, and for using the results to make the next campaign even better.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, and empathy for volunteers, supporters and the communities we serve.
• A collaborative, can-do attitude. You'll build strong relationships with colleagues and partners inside and outside the charity.

This role will be worked a minimum of 3 days a week from our Norwich or Cambridge office and up to 2 days a week from home. The exact days worked in the office will be agreed with the successful candidate, but you must live within a commutable distance of Norwich or Cambridge.

Closing Date: Monday 7th September (9am)
First Stage Interview Date: Monday 14th September (to be held in person at Helimed House, Norwich)
Second Stage Interview Date: Monday 21st September (to be held in person at Helimed House, Norwich)

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website where you can complete your application for this position.

No agencies please.

For nearly 20 years, Lively Minds has been proving that parents are the sleeping giants of early childhood development. With strong evidence and a national scale proof point in Ghana, we have shown that parent powered approaches delivered through government systems can transform children's lives at scale.

We are now at a pivotal moment. We have the evidence, the model and the momentum, and we need the funding, profile and influence to match our ambition. This is a rare opportunity to lead income generation and external voice for an award winning NGO entering an exciting new phase of growth. You will lead our fundraising strategy and direct engagement with Funders ensuring that we maximise all funding opportunities as we continue our strategic evolution. You will also shape a compelling external narrative that will help position Lively Minds as the definitive partner for governments strengthening their early childhood development systems.

If you are an exceptional fundraiser and communicator who is equally comfortable in a strategic conversation and writing a winning proposal, we would love to hear from you.

Read the full advert and apply below. Closing date: 3rd September 2026.

About Lively Minds

Lively Minds is an award-winning NGO with nearly 20 years of experience designing, testing and scaling early childhood development (ECD) solutions across the Global South. Our core idea is simple but radical: parents are the sleeping giants of ECD. Governments and donors have long overlooked parents, assuming that poverty and low literacy make them unable or unwilling to support their childrenʼs development. We have spent two decades proving otherwise. With RCT-backed evidence and a national-scale proof point in Ghana, we have demonstrated that parent-powered approaches, delivered through government systems, can achieve meaningful child development outcomes at scale.

Our 2026–2028 strategy marks a pivotal shift. Having demonstrated what is possible, we are now helping pioneer an innovative model of country-led sustainable scale. Rather than delivering programmes ourselves, we provide lean, time-limited technical advisory support to governments to help them integrate parent-powered ECD into their own systems, budgets and institutions. We are currently working with the governments of Ghana, Uganda, Oromia state (Ethiopia) and The Gambia in 2026, growing to six or more country engagements by 2028. Our ambition is to catalyse a sector-wide shift, positioning Lively Minds as the definitive partner for governments seeking to strengthen their ECD systems.

Our scale strategy rests on three interdependent pillars: fixed-term Technical Advisory partnerships with governments; the development of a modular radio model simple and affordable enough for governments to adopt and fund independently; and an advocacy and sector influence agenda designed to make parent-powered ECD the norm globally.

Purpose of the Role

Lively Minds is at a critical inflection point. We have the evidence, the model and the momentum. We now need the funding, profile and sector influence to match our ambition. The Director of Fundraising and Communications is a priority hire, created to provide the dedicated, experienced leadership that this moment demands.

The Director will own and drive Lively Mindsʼ income generation, building new funder relationships, managing and deepening existing ones, and ensuring the organisation has the pipeline, discipline and quality of engagement to meet and exceed its fundraising targets. Working in close partnership with the Founding CEO, who retains ownership of a small number of long-standing strategic relationships, the Director will take primary responsibility for securing the funding that makes the 2026–2028 strategy deliverable, and that opens the door to greater scale beyond it. We need to raise approximately £3.4m over the next 3 years to deliver our strategy. But our ambition is to exceed that target so we can support additional governments.

Alongside fundraising, the Director will provide strategic leadership to Lively Mindsʼ communications and advocacy work, ensuring that the organisationʼs external voice is compelling and that we are building credibility in the spaces where funding decisions are made. The Director will lead and provide strategic coherence to a small but outward-facing team, including Head of Partnerships and Advocacy Lead who are active on the international stage. Lively Minds is committed to thought-leadership and active external engagement, but equally committed to ensuring that communications resource is deployed with discipline and rigour. The Director will set a clear strategic filter for where the organisation shows up, what it publishes and who it engages: prioritising focus and quality over volume, and always asking whether external activity is building the relationships and reputation that ultimately drive income and/or systems change.

Lively Minds is a dispersed, remote organisation. The Directorʼs team the Advocacy Lead, Development Manager and Communications Officer - are internationally distributed. The ability to lead, develop and maintain high standards across a dispersed team is essential. The role requires regular travel to international conferences and events.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy & Income Generation

• Own and deliver the multi-year fundraising strategy with clear priorities, targets, income streams and a disciplined pipeline to support the 2026–2028 strategy and future scale
• Steward existing funder relationships, turning strong partnerships into long-term supporters, advocates and connectors to new funding opportunities.
• Lead the shift towards Big Bet and catalytic funding, personally cultivating and negotiating high-value, multi-year partnerships and positioning Lively Minds for system-level scale
• Maintain a high standard of fundraising quality, pipeline management and forecasting, while coaching the team to produce compelling, sophisticated fundraising materials
•  Build and continuously strengthen a diverse funding pipeline, identifying emerging opportunities, new funding markets and strategic partnerships that reduce concentration risk and support long-term financial sustainability

Communications, Brand & Advocacy

• Own and deliver Lively Mindsʼ communications and marketing strategy, balancing visibility and sector influence with the need to strengthen fundraising and systems-change objectives
• Partner closely with the CEO to shape and steward a coherent external narrative, brand and messaging framework across all audiences and channels
• Oversee high-quality core communications and fundraising materials, including cases for support, pitch decks, website content, proposals and donor reports
• Provide strategic communications expertise to Advocacy, Partnerships and MEL, ensuring evidence and learning are translated into compelling narratives and consistent external messaging
• Lead efforts to strengthen Lively Mindsʼ profile and thought leadership in the ECD sector, identifying opportunities for strategic media, events, publications and external platforms that reinforce its positioning and influence

Organizational Leadership&TeamDevelopment

• Contribute actively to SMT and organisational strategy, bringing funder intelligence, external perspective and communications expertise to strategic decision-making.
• Work closely with Finance and MEL to align fundraising targets, forecasting, budgets and evidence, ensuring proposals are credible, accurately costed and evidence-led
• Act as the organisationʼs communications subject matter expert, providing guidance and challenge to ensure high-quality, consistent external communications
• Lead and develop the Advocacy Lead, Development Manager and Communications Officer, fostering a team culture of quality, accountability, strategic clarity and continuous improvement
• Build strong cross-organisational collaboration, ensuring teams understand how fundraising, communications, advocacy and evidence work together to advance Lively Mindsʼ strategic priorities

Person Specification

Essential Experience & Skills

• 10+ years of significant senior-level fundraising experience within international development, education, philanthropy or a comparable sector
• Proven track record of securing major grants from foundations, institutional donors and high-net-worth individuals, alongside demonstrated experience securing or meaningfully progressing large-scale, catalytic funding from Big Bet philanthropy programmes such as the Audacious Project, Skoll Foundation or comparable funders. A strong understanding of what these funders look for and how to position an organisation compellingly within their processes is essential
• Exceptional fundraising writing skills, with the ability to personally develop compelling cases for support, funding proposals, award applications and pitch decks tailored to sophisticated impact funders. This is a hands-on role requiring both strong writing capability and the ability to coach others to consistently produce high-quality fundraising content
• Experienced in developing and owning a marketing and communications strategy, with a strong understanding of how to balance organisational visibility, thought leadership and sector influence with coherence, strategic focus and income generation
• Demonstrated ability to work closely with a Founding CEO to shape and steward the organisationʼs external narrative and brand. Comfortable working in a founder-led environment, providing expertise and constructive challenge while ensuring the organisation maintains a clear, consistent and coherent external voice

Desirable Experience

• Experienced fundraising for a technical advisory, systems change or government-facing organisation
• Knowledge of the ECD, education or early childhood sector and its funding landscape
• Familiarity with the Big Bang Philanthropy network or equivalent impact-focused funder communities
• Experience working alongside advocacy and partnerships teams, providing communications expertise and strategic coherence to their external activity
• Familiarity with the funding landscape for organisations operating in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Experience working remotely across multiple countries and effectively collaborating with cross-cultural teams

Behaviours & Ways of Working

• A doer, equally comfortable in strategic conversations and writing a funding proposal
• Sets a high bar for quality and clarity in all external communications and holds it consistently
• Builds a strong, trust-based partnership with the Founding CEO, provides honest challenge and operates effectively within a founder-led dynamic without losing their own voice or judgement
• Collaborative and cross-organisational. Invests in strong relationships with programme, MEL and finance colleagues, understanding that the best fundraising is grounded in organisational reality
• Calm and focused under pressure - able to manage competing priorities and maintain quality when the stakes are high

What We Offer

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• 25 days annual leave
• Health insurance
• Pension contribution
• Generous learning and development budget
• Flexible, remote working

Application Instruction

Interested candidates are encouraged to read the Job Description carefully before applying to ensure they understand the role and meet the required criteria.

To apply, please complete the pre-screening questions and submit your updated CV

PLEASE NOTE - Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Timeline

Closing Date: 3rd September 2026

Our Stance

Lively Minds operates a strict Safeguarding Policy and is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of children and vulnerable people. As part of our recruitment process, the suitability of successful candidates will be verified through appropriate background checks including professional references and police checks.

Lively Minds is fully committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and to providing equal opportunities throughout our recruitment process. We want this commitment to be reflected in the diversity of the people who work for us, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, experiences and perspectives.

We are committed to ensuring that recruitment decisions are based on merit, skills, experience and suitability for the role, and that all candidates are treated fairly and with respect throughout the recruitment process.

Global Communications Lead

Contract type: 12 months Fixed term, Full time, 35 hours per week.

Location: This role may be based in one of our WaterAid member offices, London, United Kingdom or Stockholm, Sweden, subject to right to work eligibility in the respective countries. 
 
If UK-based, a minimum of 40% of working time is spent face-to-face (London office, external meetings or travel). 60/40 hybrid working at WaterAid means roughly three days wherever you work best and two days together in person 

Salary and Benefits: Salaries and benefits will vary by country, depending on the successful candidate's location and experience. See further details below: 

UK: GBP £61,645 per annum with excellent benefits* 
Sweden: SEK 49,000 – 60,000 per annum with excellent benefits. 

*We offer competitive, market-aligned salaries based on the grade and scope of each role. Roles are offered at the advertised starting salary, with any exceptions considered only in exceptional circumstances. 

Change starts with water. Change starts with you.

Every day, millions of people live without clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid exists to change that – for everyone, everywhere. Join us, and your energy will help unlock people’s potential and create a fairer future.

About WaterAid

We’re a global federation driven by one vision: a world where everyone, everywhere has clean water, sanitation and hygiene by 2030. Powered by our values of Respect, Accountability, Courage, Collaboration, Integrity and Innovation, we work alongside communities, partners and supporters to make change happen.

About the team

This role sits at the heart of WaterAid's global communications and fundraising collaboration, connecting colleagues across the federation rather than belonging to a single team. Working with communications, fundraising and advocacy colleagues across WaterAid's members, regional hubs, country programmes and International Secretariat, the role helps strengthen alignment to support fundraising growth, audience engagement and brand visibility across markets.

About the role

As our Global Communications Lead, you will lead the development and delivery of the global communications plan in support of the global fundraising strategy, working closely with communications, fundraising, advocacy, policy, programme and federation colleagues to drive sustainable change. 

In this role, you will:

• Lead the development and delivery of a joined-up global communications plan that supports fundraising growth, audience engagement and brand visibility across the federation.
• Develop and maintain a rolling 12-month global communications opportunities calendar, helping markets maximise the impact of campaigns, fundraising moments and media opportunities.
• Develop shared communications assets, toolkits, narratives and planning resources that reduce duplication and support more effective delivery across markets.
• Coordinate communications engagement across the federation, including shaping input into the Global Communications and Fundraising Executive and improving information flow between relevant global forums.
• Champion WaterAid’s commitment to equity, inclusion and safeguarding.

To be successful, you will need:

• Demonstrable experience working in global communications in the not-for-profit sector, with the ability to align stakeholders across cultures, locations and backgrounds to build trust and momentum.
• Experience developing integrated global communications strategies and turning them into clear, deliverable plans with monitoring and reporting.
• Strong insight-led decision making, using data, performance metrics and trend analysis to shape narratives, drive continuous improvement and make sound calls.
• Excellent planning, prioritisation and project leadership skills across multiple workstreams, deadlines and dependencies in a matrix or complex environment, with an agile, solution-focused approach.

Although not essential, we’d prefer you to have:

• Ability to flex working hours to ease time zone challenges.
• Experience working on global marketing
• Understanding of emerging AI tools and their application in communications.

Closing date: Applications close 12:00 PM UK time on Monday 7th September 2026 Interviews are expected to take place the week commencing 14th September.

How to apply: Click Apply to upload your CV only and Cover Letter.

Can I use Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in my application?

At WaterAid, we strongly advise against using AI technology at any stage of the recruitment process. Our goal is to ensure a fair and transparent process that provides every applicant with an equal opportunity to succeed. We value hearing about your unique experiences and perspectives in your application, and, if shortlisted, during the interview as well.

Pre‑employment screening

To apply for this role, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the respective country. All pre-employment checks will be carried out according to local law and WaterAid’s Safer Recruitment policy. All UK based roles require a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Our benefits

As a global organisation, WaterAid is committed to creating an environment where you can thrive and be yourself at your very best. Alongside our inspiring mission and meaningful work, we offer a range of benefits tailored to each country’s context and policies. These will be shared during the process (or you may choose to insert your specific country’s benefits here) 

Our People Promise 

We will work with passion and focus to make sure everyone everywhere has clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid is a place of purpose – where people have a real commitment and shared responsibility for the impact we have. We are a global community with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, motivated by inspiring, stimulating work. We are determined to be a place where people feel safe and able to contribute their voice and truly live our values. 

Equal Opportunities 

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, customs, traditions, ways of life and status. This includes, but is not limited to, race, ethnicity, caste, colour, gender, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, disability status, neurodiversity, age, marital and family status, sexual orientation and gender identity, health status, place of residence, economic and social situation. 

Safeguarding 

We are committed to protecting everyone we come into contact with. We have a zero- tolerance approach to abuse of power, privilege or trust across our global work, and to any form of inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, abuse, bullying, harassment, or exploitation. Safeguarding the people and communities we work with, our staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf is our top priority, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks (which can include counterterrorism, safeguarding and criminal records checks). 

Together, we’ll change the world through water.

Join us and be part of the change!

Join the award-winning Independent Society of Musicians
Central London – Senior Communications Officer Full time – £35k to £40k DOE

The ISM is now looking for an experienced and talented Senior Communications Officer to join our team, reporting to the Head of Sales & Marketing. This is an exciting opportunity for an outstanding writer and communications professional to help raise the profile of the ISM, promote the value of membership and engage professional musicians through high-quality content and campaigns.
You will lead on the planning, writing, editing and publication of content across a wide range of channels, including the ISM website, newsletters, publications, marketing materials and external media. You will be responsible for developing compelling and persuasive content that supports membership growth, strengthens the ISM brand and communicates the organisation's work effectively to members and the wider music sector.
You will also play a key role in managing the ISM's content strategy and SEO activity, working closely with the Website and Marketing Manager to improve content performance, increase visibility and attract new audiences through search. This will include content planning, keyword research, link-building activity and reporting on performance and engagement.
Working collaboratively across the organisation, you will identify opportunities to showcase the work of the ISM Group, including its campaigns, events, resources, legal services and thought leadership. You will also work closely with the Chief Executive on the production of Music Journal, secure profile-raising opportunities for senior representatives and support the development of speeches, presentations and briefing materials.
You will have significant experience in a communications, content, copywriting or marketing role and be able to demonstrate exceptional writing, editing and proofreading skills. You will have experience of producing engaging content for a variety of audiences and channels, alongside a strong understanding of content marketing, brand management and SEO best practice. If possible, you should have a music background. 
You will be joining a professional and committed staff team based in Bayswater, London. This is an excellent opportunity for a creative and proactive communications professional who wants to make a real impact in a leading organisation supporting musicians across the UK.

For a full job description for this role please visit our website. 

To apply please send a CV and covering letter saying why you are right the person for the job 

Closing date is Tuesday 1st September at 8.30am. First interviews will take place face-to-face on Tuesday 8th September. Applications generated by AI will not be considered.

Join our charity at a pivotal moment. We are looking for a talented communications professional who can work with our small remote team to keep migrant homelessness and destitution high on the public agenda and tell powerful, compelling stories of the work of our members and the experiences of the people in the asylum and immigration system.

You will lead our comms work, managing our digital presence, driving engagement through our social media channels, being the first point of contact for journalists and, alongside the External Affairs Lead, developing and driving our organisational communications strategy. You will have plenty of creative ideas of how to get our campaigns noticed and ensure NACCOM’s voice is heard in the public debate.

You will understand how to work with people in vulnerable or precarious situations, empowering them to tell their own stories and giving them a voice.

A strong knowledge of the media landscape and using social media to achieve change is essential. Experience of managing websites and an understanding of brand is also key.

This role is for a creative, collaborative individual who is passionate about ending migrant and refugee homelessness and destitution and who knows the power of a good story. If this sounds like you, we’d love to welcome you to NACCOM.

Hours:   Part time at 21 hours per week (which is 0.6 FTE, full time is 35 hpw)

Salary: £23,620 for 0.6 FTE  (full time / 35 hpw salary would be £39,367pa). Plus £4,000 pro rata London Weighting if applicable.

Leave: 25 days pro rata plus bank holidays (Eng and Wales) plus additional concessionary days off between Christmas and New Year

Pension:NACCOM will contribute 6% of your gross salary

Additional benefits:Flexible working hours, wellbeing time, wellbeing practice

Contract:  Fixed term initially of 12 months. Continuing depending on funding

Location:   Home-based plus occasional travel in the UK. Opportunity to work part-time in a members’ office or a co-working space.

Responsible to:   External Affairs Lead

About NACCOM:

NACCOM (No Accommodation Network) is a registered charity, and we provide a service to our (135) members who are frontline organisations based across the UK working together to end destitution amongst people seeking asylum, refugees and migrants with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF).

The NACCOM membership network is made up of ‘full’ members who provide accommodation to people seeking asylum who have been refused and ‘associate’ members who are organisations that are in support of the aims of NACCOM.

NACCOM brings members together to network, collaborate and share good practice, and also provides resources, support and training to enable members to increase their capacity and empower as many people as possible out of destitution. NACCOM also campaigns for a fair, just and humane asylum and immigration system that doesn’t leave people destitute.

Read more about NACCOM including our vision, mission, values and current strategy on our website. You can also view our current campaigning priorities.

Job purpose:

The Communications Co-ordinator will be responsible for the delivery of NACCOM’s communications strategy. The postholder will co-ordinate all media relations, both proactive and reactive, maintaining excellent relationships with journalists and ensuring high level visibility of key projects and the issue of migrant homelessness and destitution more broadly. This post leads and manages NACCOM’s social media presence, ensuring strong engagement and building NACCOM visibility across its social media platforms, and will play a pivotal role int the development and delivery of a new website. Empowering people with lived experience of the asylum system and destitution to be able to tell their stories in a variety of contexts is integral to the role, as well as a good understanding of delivering a communications function for a network organisation.

Duties and Responsibilities:

· Work with the External Affairs Lead to develop and implement a communications strategy.

· Manage NACCOM’s digital presence including the delivery of a new website.

· Ensure the delivery of a monthly email newsletter to supporters.

· Manage the design and publication process for NACCOM reports including our annual impact report, working with a freelance designer.

· Develop a social media strategy that drives engagement with NACCOM’s work with our key audiences and ensure regular, compelling social media posts and updates.

· Work with the Community Research Co-ordinator to build the capacity of our Community Researchers and Community Ambassadors to engage with communications projects and act as spokespeople in the media.

· Manage NACCOM’s media relations, providing a press office function and leading media strategy for discrete projects.

· Ensure brand and tone of voice consistency across all NACCOM communications outputs.

· Provide comms support with NACCOM events to the wider team.

Personal Specification/Key Competencies:

Essential skills:

· A commitment to and understanding of NACCOM’s beneficiaries and mission.

· Experience of developing and implementing communications strategy across multiple platforms.

· Good knowledge of the media landscape and experience of working with journalists.

· Good knowledge of social media platforms and the latest digital trends.

· Experience of managing websites and using content management systems.

· Creative and enthusiastic with excellent storytelling skills.

· Excellent interpersonal and presentation (oral and written) skills.

· Self-motivated and able to work alone using own initiative.

· Ability to work with marginalised groups and an understanding of the sensitivities involved.

· Proven ability to be flexible and meet tight deadlines.

· Confident using Microsoft Office and a range of online platforms.

· Willingness and capacity to travel within the UK.

For more info / apply for the role:

Please click the Redirect to Recruiter button where you can download the full job description and application form from our website.

Deadline to apply: Tuesday 1st Sept 2026 at 9am

Interviews: week commencing 14th Sept 2026

The Communications Manager is the sole communications role at LEF and holds a central position within the organisation and for engagement with our partners. As Communications Manager, you will lead on external communications and branding across all LEF’s work and programmes, working with colleagues across the organisation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Planning, developing and delivering a broad range of communications content.
• Leading on core communications outputs, including blog posts and newsletters.
• Managing LEF’s website, including planning, updating and producing content.
• Leading on brand implementation, ensuring LEF’s brand is consistently embedded across all the organisation’s work and outputs.
• Supporting colleagues to ensure that LEF’s communications are in line with our values and work on PCI.
• Working with the Grants and Operations teams to ensure grant application guidelines and processes are clear and accessible to applicants.

We are looking for someone whose experience includes communicating about social justice issues and working in a communications role in the charity sector.