Head of communications and events jobs

About the Role

As a Challenge Events Officer you will support the delivery and growth of MDUK's challenge events and community fundraising programme, helping to achieve fundraising targets through high-quality event management and exceptional supporter engagement. The role involves coordinating challenge events, driving participant recruitment and income generation, and delivering inspiring stewardship journeys that enhance the supporter experience, build long-term relationships, and encourage ongoing involvement with the charity.

Main tasks and responsibilities:

• Support the planning and delivery of challenge events, including participant recruitment, event logistics coordination, and supporter stewardship to maximise fundraising income.
• Manage participant recruitment, volunteer coordination, event logistics, and supporter communications to ensure successful event delivery and achievement of income targets.
• Coordinate recruitment, onboarding, and stewardship activities to deliver an outstanding supporter experience and strong fundraising outcomes.
• Assess event applications, identify high-potential fundraisers, and provide tailored support to help participants achieve and exceed their fundraising goals.
• Assist with participant stewardship, supporter communications, and fundraising activities to support the successful delivery of large-scale challenge events.
• Work collaboratively to increase participation opportunities and improve accessibility across the challenge events portfolio.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of supporter journeys, increasing engagement, retention, and fundraising performance through effective stewardship and automation.
• Act as a first point of contact for fundraising enquiries, providing guidance, support, and signposting to relevant colleagues when required.

Other responsibilities:

• Ensure all personal data is handled securely, ethically, and in line with the Data Protection Act.
• To represent the charity externally if required and to undertake other such tasks as required by the line manager.

Working arrangements

• Fixed Term Contract - 9 months
• Full time: Monday to Friday, 35hours/week
• Hybrid working arrangement
• All necessary equipment provided

About Us

Muscular Dystrophy UK is a charity that connects a community of more than 110,000 people living with one of over 60 muscle wasting conditions, and all the people around them. So, everyone can get the healthcare, support and treatments needed to feel good, mentally and physically.

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

We believe that by creating opportunities for all, we strengthen our impact and better support the communities we are committed to serve.

What we offer

At Muscular Dystrophy UK, you'll have the opportunity to do meaningful work that makes a real difference to the lives of people living with muscle wasting conditions. We are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive workplace where colleagues can thrive and enjoy a healthy work-life balance.

In return, we offer a competitive benefits package, including:

• 25 days' holiday (pro rata) - increasing by one day each year after five years' service, up to 30 days, plus bank holidays.
• Time off in lieu - reward colleagues who volunteer their time to support community
• Employer contribution of 5% with a minimum employee contribution of 3%.
• Life Assurance - up to 4x your annual salary
   

Health and wellbeing

• HSF Health Plan, including cashback on healthcare costs for you and your family.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) offering free, confidential advice and support.
• Health and wellbeing resources, including Healthy Living support.
• Access to osteopathic treatment through the UCO Clinic Community Partnership.
• Discounted gym memberships.
   

Lifestyle benefits

• Employee discounts at a wide range of high street and online retailers.
• Interest-free season ticket loans.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Discounts on cinema tickets, live events and much more.

How to Apply

Please complete our application and include:

• Your CV and Cover Letter (PDF or Word format).
• Responses to the application questions

Important information

• This role is open to candidates based in the UK who have the right to work in the UK.
• Applications that do not include all the requested information may not be considered.

Next Steps

Application deadline: Sunday 13 September 2026, 11:59pm

Note: We reserve the right to close this vacancy early and bring forward interviews if we identify an exceptional candidate before the advertised closing date.

Interviews: Week commencing  21 September 2026.

Expected start date: October 2026.

We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those from underrepresented groups, including people from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQ+ individuals, previous convictions and those with lived experience of the conditions we represent.

We are committed to fair and inclusive recruitment, with disclosure only requested where relevant at the appropriate stage

If you require any reasonable adjustments or additional support at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know. We will work with you to understand your needs and make the recruitment process as accessible as possible.

 

Please download the job description to see full role responsibilities

With a 110-year history, we are proud to be able to say that the WI continues to be the largest and most influential UK women’s organisation, with over 170,000 members. Our campaigns push for change on the issues that matter to women and their communities, from equal pay to climate change, mental health and violence against women. The WI has brought about real change, and this record of action shows that we are as relevant today as we were in 1915.

The National Federation of Women’s Institutes (the NFWI) is responsible for running the organisation and provides support and advice to members at both regional and local levels.

About the role

Leading innovation across the organisation, you will be responsible for developing and delivering a strategy to grow our movement, to increase our membership and reach whilst ensuring we continue to reflect the needs and aspirations of women. You will oversee research into women’s evolving needs and preferences, whilst testing approaches with new external audiences to maximise our relevance, diversity and inclusivity. At the same time, you will actively embed innovation into strategy and decision-making in all areas, constantly find new ways to reach underrepresented women and build a wealth of data to support your recommendations. You will lead transformation across the organisation by championing change, creativity and a forward-thinking strategy that ensures the continued growth for the WI.

Location: Hybrid, with one day per week at our London, Oxfordshire or Wales office.

About you

Highly experienced in innovation, organisational development or programme management, you will bring an impressive track record of instigating and managing successful organisational change that leads to sustainable income generation. You will be adept at designing and delivering pilot programmes, as well as commissioning research and deploying data to support action. The role requires excellent communication skills and the confidence to advise and lead at both senior leadership and Board level, as the organisation looks to you to lead fundamental organisational change. Experience within the charity or not-for-profit sector would be beneficial, as would an understanding of trends and issues affecting women across different demographics in the UK.

How to apply

For further information about this Head of Innovation role, please download the recruitment pack which includes the job description and person specification.

To apply, please submit your current CV with a covering letter clearly explaining why you would be suitable for the role to the HR department.

Closing date: 3 September 2026.

First round interview (virtual): 11 September 2026.

Second round interview (in-person): 15 September 2026.

No other media or agencies, please.

The WI is proud to be an equal opportunities employer and values diversity. Reg. Charity No. 803793.

Join Clergy Support Trust's outstanding External Relations Team as External Engagement Officer (12-month maternity cover) and play a key role in fundraising, events, and digital comms. Use your creativity and organisational skills to support historic events, engage supporters, and make a real impact for clergy families.

About the Role
The External Engagement Officer provides vital administrative and operational support across fundraising, events, and communications. This is ideal for someone in their second role, looking to develop a broad range of skills in a supportive environment. Working in a small and dynamic team, the External Engagement Officer supports and leads on projects, with a focus on communications, fundraising, events, marketing, and press. 

About the candidate:

• Highly organised and technologically adept (especially with CRM systems like Salesforce)
• Motivated, with at least 1 year of experience in communications, fundraising, or event management
• Confident, resilient, and able to coordinate complex event logistics
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Team-oriented, adaptable, and committed to the wellbeing of the clergy community

Key Responsibilities

1. Fundraising and Data Support

• Manage contacts and maintain up-to-date CRM records
• Add weekly bank donations to Salesforce and reconcile monthly income
• Lead on thanking supporters (managing emails/cards)
• Assist with legacy giving administration
• Support prospect research for fundraising
• Liaise with Finance Team on income and gift processing

2. Events – Logistics and Administration

• Manage guest lists, RSVPs, and name badges using CRM
• Act as point of contact for event bookings and assist with seating plans
• Provide on-site support at events (registration, hospitality, donor care)
• Post-event coordination including post-event feedback 

3. Communications and Digital Engagement

• Monitor and manage team inboxes
• Assist with social media management including DMs, replying to comments, and content creation
• Oversee logistics of print advertising (bookings, invoicing, transfer of creative files)

4. General / Team Support

• Maintain inventory of fundraising/event materials
• Proactively update Salesforce with missing information
• Provide general admin support and contribute creative ideas

This is a fantastic opportunity for an individual looking for a broad-scope role to development their skills in comms, engagement, events and fundraising in a high-performing team.

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

Help amplify the achievements and generosity of supporters making a difference to people affected by motor neurone disease (MND).

As a Communications Officer, you will build strong relationships, identify media opportunities and create engaging content across multiple channels to maximise income generation. You'll be confident managing a varied workload, working collaboratively with stakeholders and delivering high-quality communications that make an impact.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced communications, PR or media professional who enjoys combining creativity with strong planning and organisational skills. As Communications Officer, you'll help showcase the incredible efforts of fundraisers, donors, partners and supporters, ensuring their stories reach and engage the right audiences.

If you're a proactive Communications Officer who thrives on building connections, developing meaningful content and delivering communications that drive engagement, we'd love to hear from you.

Main Responsibilities

• Develop strong relationships with Income Generation colleagues to support effective communications planning
• Create and deliver communications plans for fundraising campaigns and events across multiple channels
• Identify opportunities to share stories from fundraisers, donors, partners and supporters
• Support large fundraising events with end-to-end communications activity
• Promote supporter stories through regional and national media opportunities
• Provide communications advice and support to internal teams, partners, trusts and donors
• Work with colleagues to develop engaging written, audio and video content
• Identify spokespeople in the Income Generation team and support with training and briefing to represent the Association's work.
• Collaborate with internal communications teams to keep staff informed of fundraising activity

About You

• Experience working in communications, public relations or media
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience managing and prioritising multiple tasks to meet deadlines
• Ability to build effective relationships and work collaboratively
• Confidence communicating with a range of internal and external stakeholders
• Creative thinking and the ability to identify engaging storytelling opportunities
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• A positive and supportive team-focused approach

Hybrid working Expectations: 1 day per week office attendance in Northampton

Further information about working for the MND Association and full job description is available in the attached 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.

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

About Us

Motor Neurone Disease moves fast. It takes away time, it takes away independence and it has no cure. Every day we support people affected by MND.We fund ground-breaking research. We campaign for better care. We’re here for everyone who needs us. Because with MND, every day matters. 

The Events and Visitor Engagement Coordinator will correlate the planning and delivery of events, support visitor engagement activities to generate income, and help develop opportunities that increase participation, accessibility, and community involvement. The postholder will work closely with the Head of Events, Volunteers & Visitor Engagement, Cathedral staff, ministry team, volunteers, partners, and external organisations to ensure high-quality experiences for all who visit the Cathedral.

I’m looking to hire a new Head of Policy, with strong communications expertise, to shape, lead and work with others, to deliver a membership organisation’s policy agenda and priorities as part of an innovative team environment.

This role delivers policy activity that must be visible to members and non-members, including publications, events, media engagement and expert convening, while building the relationships and credibility that enable the organisation to influence decision-makers (government, Parliament, Parliamentarians, public stakeholders and industry) on issues of strategic importance.

As Head of Policy you will be the expert within the organisation, you’ll manage a small team and own the policy and communications strategy. You’ll benefit from working closely with internal stakeholders and the CEO, as you help integrate policy into the wider organisation. You will see the importance of both engaging with government, and communicating this impact too.

Your experience:

• Significant experience of developing and delivering policy positions, briefings, recommendations, reports or campaigns that influence external audiences.
• Excellent understanding of UK Government, Parliament and policymaking processes, including how to engage effectively with decision-makers.
• Significant experience of developing and overseeing multi-channel communications plans that raise profile, demonstrate impact and support organisational reputation.
• Experience of building, managing and strengthening strategic relationships with senior external stakeholders
• Experience of working with technical experts, members, committees, special interest groups or professional communities to gather evidence and develop credible policy outputs.

Please apply today to receive the Job Description, and more information on the application process.  

• Full-time, permanent opportunity
• Salary- £51,000- £57,000 (dependent on experience) plus benefits which includes an excellent pension scheme and 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays).
• Location- Hybrid working in the London office (Farringdon), and working from home. Also, every other Tuesday you will meet as a team in Rugby (expenses covered).
• Closing date- Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with a firm closing date of Sunday 13th September 

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

You will play a key role in organising and delivering a range hospice-led events, helping to maximise income, recruit participants and provide excellent supporter experiences. You will combine strong event organisation and project management with a clear focus on fundraising, ensuring our events are delivered safely, professionally and cost-effectively whilst providing excellent stewardship to event participants to develop a stronger relationship with Southern Hospice Group.

 In this role, the Digital Communications Officer will help AMOSSHE communicate clearly, consistently and creatively with its members, partners and sector stakeholders. The role will plan and deliver engaging content across digital channels primarily through the integrated management system (including website/CMS, CRM and event management), our weekly newsletter, email campaigns and social media. The role will support member engagement, events and campaigns, using insight and creativity to grow our audience, support member growth and increase the impact of AMOSSHE’s communications.

• Contract type: Permanent, full-time (37 hours a week), with the option of a 30-hour contract spread over five days.
• Location: Hybrid. Two days (Tuesday and Wednesday) in the office, central London (requirement of the role).
• Salary range: £30,000 to £33,000, with a starting salary of up to £31,000.
• Application deadline: 10:00 (BST) on Monday 21 September 2026.

About us

AMOSSHE The Student Services Organisation is a not-for-profit professional membership association for Student Services leaders in higher education. Our mission is to support, inform and empower our community of Student Services leaders to enhance the higher education student experience and help students fulfil their potential. We do this through collaboration and networking, sharing good practice, enhancing professional development and influencing policy and investment. Find out more about our organisation here.

We’re committed to championing equality, diversity, and inclusion, and aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace. We strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join AMOSSHE. Find out more about our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion here.

Job Title:  Head of Finance

Reports to:                        Chief Executive

Direct Reports:                 Finance and Business Administrator

Location: Remote – With some travel to attend meetings and events (mainly  in London but also other project areas elsewhere in the UK)

Salary: £46,542 Pro Rata

Hours: 3-4 Days per week

 About Alexandra Rose Charity 

We should all be able to eat healthy food. But right now, healthy options cost more than twice as much as junk food. It’s getting harder and harder for people to put good food on the table. In fact, the poorest fifth of UK households would need to spend 50% of their disposable income to eat the UK Government’s recommended healthy diet. Access to a choice of high quality, culturally appropriate fruit & veg is an essential building block for our mental and physical health. We need to put this right. 

We’re on a mission to give people access to their choice of fresh fruit & veg, in the heart of their community. At Alexandra Rose, we are proud to deliver a mix of practical, place-based projects and national advocacy to shape a fairer future, where everyone can afford and enjoy fresh fruit & veg with dignity. 

If this aligns with how you see the world, and you want to use your skills and experience to help us build towards it, you’ll feel at home here. 

About the role  

We are looking for an experienced Head of Finance to help deliver our mission and support the growth and consolidation of the charity. As a member of our Senior Management Team, you will play a key role in implementing our new strategy as well as managing risk.

You will take overall responsibility for the organisation’s financial management, working closely with the Chief Executive and the Treasurer.

You will provide effective finance partner support to other functions within the charity to support its fundraising, operations and development.

You will also be responsible for the line management of the Finance & Business Administrator, working with the Chief Executive to both oversee and support the governance and compliance services function of the charity.

We want our organisation to reflect the diversity of the communities we work in, and we welcome applications from people from all backgrounds.

Interview Process: The selection process may include two interviews:

Special Events Manager (Maternity Cover)

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 Special Events Manager, to join our Income Generation and Development team.

• Do you want to make a difference in one of the most innovative and exciting medical research fundraising charities in the UK?
• Are you able to create strong relationships with donors, sponsors, volunteers and team memeber? 
• Can you think outside the box and develop unique event concepts and fundraising ideas?
• Do you have 3-5 years experience in event planning, fundraising or a related field?

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 below. 

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!

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.

Closing Date: 11th September 2026 

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.

Events Officer

Full time - 35 hours per week

Location – Hybrid Working with a minimum of one day a week working from Head Office in London

Join our friendly team

We have an exciting opportunity for an Events Officer to join our Fundraising team. This is a fantastic role for someone who is passionate about creating memorable fundraising events and building strong supporter relationships that help families stay together during some of the most difficult times of their lives.

Our charity

The Sick Children's Trust is the charity that provides a welcoming 'Home from Home' where families with a sick child in hospital can stay. But we're more than bricks and mortar, our friendly, caring staff are there to support families when they really need it.

Hospital can be a lonely and scary place for anyone, but especially a child. Providing around 3,200 families a year with somewhere to stay together just minutes from the hospital means that they can be by their sick child's side and have one less thing to worry about.

The Role

This is a varied and rewarding events fundraising role, focused on delivering exceptional fundraising events and challenge activities that generate income and raise awareness of the charity.

You will help deliver key events including our Carol Service, Supper Club and Golf Day, while also supporting participants taking part in challenge events such as the London Marathon, Great North Run, London Landmarks Half Marathon and Royal Parks Half Marathon.

You'll build strong relationships with supporters, participants, volunteers, suppliers and partners, providing excellent stewardship and ensuring they have a positive experience with the charity. You will also work closely with colleagues across Fundraising, Communications and Marketing to maximise the success and reach of our events programme.

The role will involve monitoring event budgets, maintaining accurate records, securing auction prizes and pro bono support, and helping to identify new opportunities to grow income and engagement.

This role requires a proactive and organised approach, excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while delivering outstanding supporter experiences.

About you

 We're looking for someone who is enthusiastic about events fundraising and motivated by creating engaging experiences that inspire people to support our work.

You will have strong interpersonal and communication skills and enjoy building relationships with a wide range of people. You will be equally comfortable supporting a marathon runner with their fundraising, liaising with suppliers, or welcoming guests to one of our special events.

You will have excellent organisational skills and be confident managing competing priorities and deadlines. You'll enjoy working as part of a collaborative team while also being able to take ownership of your own projects and responsibilities.

Ultimately, this is a great role for someone who loves events, enjoys working in a fast-paced environment and understands that no two days are the same.

The recruitment pack will provide you with more information about the role. If this role sounds like something you will excel in, we'd love to hear from you.

To apply please submit your CV with a covering letter demonstrating how you meet the criteria set out in the job description and person specification.

Closing date: 28 August 2026

The Talent Set is delighted to be partnering with Back Up to recruit a new Head of Partnerships. As Back Up celebrates its 40th anniversary, this is an exciting opportunity to join an ambitious and growing charity at a pivotal stage of its development. 

Head of Partnerships
Salary: £50,000-£55,000 dependent on experience
Location: Hybrid, 2dpw in Wandsworth

Back Up supports people affected by spinal cord injury and their families to rebuild independence, confidence and a sense of purpose after injury. Through services delivered in spinal injury centres, hospitals, communities and through innovative digital platforms, the charity helps people to live the life they choose after spinal cord injury.

As the organisation continues to deliver its ambitious strategy, Limitless Ambition, they have invested significantly in the charity’s infrastructure, leadership and systems, creating the foundations for long-term growth while maintaining the strong culture, values and lived experience that underpin its work.

The current strategy focuses on three key ambitions:

• Living confidently
• Everyone thriving
• Meaningful connections

Alongside continued service development, the organisation is investing in regional expansion across the UK, digital transformation and the development of strategic partnerships that will help increase both impact and income. With organisational income currently standing at approximately £3.2m, Back Up has ambitious plans to grow income to £5m by 2030, with this role playing a key part in these plans. 

Reporting into the senior leadership team, the Head of Partnerships will lead a team of five colleagues across Trusts & Foundations, Corporate Partnerships and Special Events. The charity benefits from a well-established trusts programme, an engaged Development Board, strong existing relationships and a healthy fundraising pipeline. The opportunity now is to build on these solid foundations and unlock the significant growth potential that exists across the entire partnerships portfolio.

The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping the next phase of fundraising growth, strengthening existing relationships, developing compelling partnership propositions and creating a more joined-up approach across trusts, corporates, special events and wider fundraising activity.

This is a highly visible leadership role requiring someone who can think strategically whilst remaining actively involved in relationship management, opportunity development and fundraising delivery. The successful candidate will be comfortable moving between development board-level discussions, team leadership and hands-on fundraising activity.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, develop and inspire the Partnerships team across Trusts & Foundations, Corporate Partnerships and Special Events.
• Develop and deliver ambitious fundraising plans that contribute to Back Up's target of growing income to £5m by 2030.
• Build and steward high-value relationships with trusts, foundations, statutory funders, corporate partners and senior stakeholders.
• Develop compelling funding propositions aligned to organisational priorities, service development and strategic objectives.
• Drive the growth of strategic partnerships and identify new opportunities for sustainable income generation.
• Work closely with colleagues across fundraising, communications and service delivery to maximise opportunities and strengthen collaboration.
• Engage effectively with Back Up's Development Board, leveraging networks and connections to unlock new relationships and opportunities.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate:

• A strong track record of delivering growth within high-value fundraising, with significant experience in either Trusts & Foundations or Corporate Partnerships fundraising.
• Experience of leading, developing and motivating successful teams.
• Exceptional relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• The ability to identify and develop strategic fundraising opportunities.
• Strong proposition development skills and the ability to translate organisational priorities into compelling cases for support.
• Experience of working with senior stakeholders, volunteers, board members or corporate leaders.
• The ability to operate confidently at both strategic and operational levels.
• Experience of Special Events fundraising would be advantageous but is not essential.

Above all, we are looking for someone who shares Back Up's values and commitment to creating opportunities for people affected by spinal cord injury to thrive.

How to Apply
The deadline for this role is Wednesday 9th September, with 1st stage interviews to take place on 22nd September. To express an initial interest, please submit your CV demonstrating your suitability for this role by clicking the 'apply now' button (please do not apply via email). We aim to get back to all successful candidates within 48 working hours.

Commitment to Diversity
The Talent Set is committed to inclusive recruitment practices and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. We actively encourage applications from people with diverse experiences and are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments required throughout the recruitment process.

Hybrid - London WC1H - we operate hybrid, flexible working practices with 20% of your time per month being office based

Join the ACU as Head of Communications and Engagement and use your expertise and experience to help us in our mission to be the voice of Commonwealth universities, supporting them to collaborate and to advance their contribution to sustainable development.

Working at the intersection of higher education and international development, The ACU offers a unique opportunity to make a real difference. We are one of the largest, most diverse international university networks, bringing together over 400 members in more than 40 countries, and our official role within the Commonwealth and United Nations affords an impactful platform for advocacy and strategic partnerships.

The role
The Head of Communications and Engagement leads ACU's external voice and its member engagement function, ensuring that our member universities experience ACU as a present, credible and valuable partner. This role is the primary custodian of how ACU communicates with the world and how relationships with members, stakeholders and partners are built, maintained and deepened.

You will develop and lead an integrated communications and engagement strategy, ensuring all activity is strategically aligned, well-coordinated and delivered with maximum impact.

Working closely with the Director, you will provide leadership in shaping the external affairs of the ACU, finding new and creative ways to communicate ACU's work and impact, strengthen our position with key audiences and platform our advocacy messages within the sector and with key decisions makers including at major multilateral forums. You will oversee marketing efforts to drive participation with our member opportunities and for our managed programmes and will be responsible for contract fulfilment for a range of external clients. You will also lead on internal communications in support of our people and culture agenda. 

Working with the Head of Membership and Events and Head of Policy and Research, you will be jointly responsible for the membership strategy, leading an international engagement team to ensure that our offer is visible to members, and our diverse and geographically dispersed network feel engaged and see the value of membership.

Who are we looking for?
We are looking for an experienced senior leader who can bring a strategic and an integrated approach to communications and engagement, enjoys working in a collaborative international environment and who will foster creativity and innovation to deliver maximum impact.

You will:

• Bring a track record of leading integrated communications strategies in complex contexts, alongside experience of membership engagement or institutional relationship management at a senior level.
• Have worked at senior level in marketing or communications, be skilled in devising and implementing successful communication strategies and plans, audience segmentation, content creation, delivery and the use of the various channels for effectiveness
• Be comfortable holding the strategic and the relational in equal measure, and understand that in a membership organisation, communications and engagement are two sides of the same endeavour.
• Be a strategic thinker, know how to use data and insight to direct a team's activity, and understand how to design an engagement model that utilises personalised account management and varied communications channels to reach diverse audience segments with targeted messages 
• Be comfortable leading a small, dispersed team- including a network of regional engagement leads across ACU's core geographies - setting strategic direction and supporting consistent standards and autonomous delivery 
• Be energised rather than daunted by breadth: moving between brand strategy and member retention, hands-on delivery and team leadership

What to expect
We see equity, diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our mission and we value the many different perspectives that people from all backgrounds bring to our collective performance (you can find more about our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and safeguarding on our website by clicking here). We believe in investing in all our people and creating cultures in which everyone can thrive.

We offer a fantastic package of benefits including:

• 27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays (pro rata - part-time employees) and 4 Christmas closure days
• Generous pension scheme – 5% employee contribution, 10% employer contribution 
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and shared parental leave
• Significant investment into your personal and professional development
• Regular social activities
• Health and wellbeing programmes
• Give as you earn charitable donations scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Interest-free travel season ticket loan

How to apply
Apply via the apply button which will redirect you to our recruitment portal.

Closing date: 27th August 2026 at 23.45 pm.

Interviews will take place on 7th September 2026.

First stage interviews will take place virtually. A second stage will be conducted in-person at our London office in the week commencing 14/09/2026.