Head of communications and events jobs

Join Rays of Sunshine at an exciting stage of growth and help create unforgettable supporter experiences that bring joy and hope to seriously ill children.

We’re looking for an organised, proactive and people-focused Public Fundraising Executive (Community & Challenge Events) to join our ambitious Fundraising team and help support, develop and grow our Challenge Events programme, alongside delivering Community Fundraising activity.

This is a brilliant opportunity for someone who loves working with people, enjoys making things happen and wants to see the direct impact of their work.

With an initial focus on our expanded London Marathon programme, you’ll help recruit, onboard and support runners and challenge event participants, ensuring they feel motivated, informed and part of Team Sunshine throughout their fundraising journey.

You’ll also support the development and delivery of our wider Challenge Events portfolio, helping us strengthen existing events, explore new opportunities and grow participation and income across a varied programme of third-party and supporter-led events. You’ll work closely with colleagues and supporters to ensure each event is well planned, well promoted and delivers a brilliant experience from sign-up through to event day and beyond.

Alongside this, you’ll support our wider Community Fundraising programme, building relationships with individuals, wish families, schools, groups and local organisations, and helping them make the most of their fundraising.

You’ll play a hands-on role in:

• supporting, developing and growing our Challenge Events programme
• delivering outstanding supporter care and stewardship
• recruiting and supporting challenge event participants
• helping plan and deliver the London Marathon and other events
• building strong relationships with community fundraisers
• coordinating communications, materials, volunteers and event activity
• monitoring fundraising progress and helping supporters achieve their goals
• keeping supporter, event and income records accurate and up to date
• identifying opportunities for supporters to stay involved with Rays of Sunshine

We’re looking for someone with experience in fundraising, events, supporter care, community engagement, customer service or another people-focused role.

You’ll be highly organised, confident communicating with a wide range of people and comfortable managing multiple priorities. Most importantly, you’ll genuinely care about giving supporters a fantastic experience and helping them feel connected to the difference their fundraising makes.

Experience in Community or Challenge Events fundraising, particularly the London Marathon or another large-scale event, would be an advantage.

Why join Rays of Sunshine?

Rays of Sunshine exists to brighten the lives of seriously ill children and young people across the UK through our Sunshine in Hospitals programme, life-changing wishes and Wish Community.

We’re also incredibly proud to have been recognised as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026.

Our latest employee survey found:

• 100% of colleagues are proud to work for Rays of Sunshine
• 99% say they do something worthwhile through their role
• 96% overall employee engagement
• 98% would recommend Rays of Sunshine as a great place to work

You’ll be joining a supportive, positive and values-led team where kindness, connection, empowerment, integrity and joy are at the heart of everything we do.

We are looking for a dynamic, technically skilled Head of Evaluation to play a senior role in shaping and delivering Youth Futures’ evidence strategy.

You will lead a team of Evidence and Evaluation Managers and oversee a portfolio of complex evaluations, helping us generate credible, useful evidence about what works to support marginalised young people into good work.

• Reporting to the Deputy Director of Evidence and Evaluation, you will be responsible for ensuring high-quality delivery of a portfolio of complex impact evaluations.

• You will have a sound understanding of youth employment and/or skills and design evidence-generating projects in a complex field that includes partners from national and devolved government, the third sector and employers.

• You will manage a team of Evaluation Managers, supporting their development while delivering projects that inform Youth Futures’ strategic goals.

This is an opportunity to shape some of the most important evidence being generated on youth employment in England. The role suits someone who enjoys combining technical evaluation expertise with leadership, judgement and collaboration, and who wants their work to influence real decisions about how services, funders and policymakers support young people.

We currently operate a hybrid model of two-days per week in the office and three-days from home.

Please download our recruitment pack for more information on this opportunity. To apply, please visit our website.

Due to receiving high volumes of interest in our opportunities, this vacancy may close earlier than the advertised deadline. To ensure your application is considered, please submit it as soon as possible.

About us

Greyhound Rescue Wales (GRW) is Wales’ leading charity dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming greyhounds and lurchers. Founded in 1993, we have spent more than three decades championing the welfare of sighthounds and working towards our vision: a Wales without greyhound racing, where every greyhound and lurcher has a home and receives the best possible care.

In April 2026, after 25 years of determined campaigning to improve welfare and regulation within the racing industry, legislation to ban greyhound racing in Wales was finally passed. This landmark achievement marks the beginning of a new chapter for GRW as we expand our reach and capacity across the UK to ensure every greyhound leaving the racing industry has a rescue space, medical support and rehabilitation on the journey towards their forever home.

To help us grow sustainably and strengthen our long‑term impact, we are now seeking to develop our fundraising team with the creation of a Head of Fundraising role. You will lead and work closely with the Trusts & Foundations Officer, Sponsorship & Individual Giving Officer and Community & Events Fundraiser to deliver an annual income target of £400K+.

Role

The Head of Fundraising is a senior leadership role with overall accountability for the strategic development, operational effectiveness and performance of all fundraising activity at Greyhound Rescue Wales (GRW).

The role will drive, lead and grow our fundraising strategy and has responsibility for developing diverse, sustainable income streams and building strong relationships with supporters, partners, and funders.

The role holds end‑to‑end accountability for income delivery across trusts and foundations, community and event fundraising, and sponsorship and individual giving.

The Head of Fundraising provides clear leadership to the fundraising team and has line management responsibility for:

• Trusts and Foundations Officer
• Community and Events Fundraising Officer
• Sponsorship & Individual Giving Officer

Please see attached the full job description and person specification

Background

The Lily Foundation is the UK's leading charity dedicated to advancing research, raising awareness, and providing support for individuals and families affected by mitochondrial disease ('mito'). Our vision is for a world in which every mitochondrial disease patient has a voice and access to treatment, support to improve their life and, ultimately, a cure.

We currently raise around £1m each year, with community fundraising, challenges and special events generating the majority of our income. With a new fundraising strategy in place, exciting plans for growth and increasing opportunities to engage supporters in different ways, we're looking for someone to bring these programmes together into a joined-up public fundraising portfolio.

This is a fantastic opportunity to help shape the future of public fundraising at The Lily Foundation, building on our strong foundations while developing new ways to inspire supporters, grow income and maximise long-term engagement.

About the role

This is an exciting new role with responsibility for leading and developing Lily's public fundraising programme, bringing together our sports events, special events, community fundraising and emerging individual giving activity.

Reporting to the COO, you'll provide leadership across the public fundraising team, ensuring our programmes work together to deliver an outstanding supporter experience and sustainable income growth. You'll line-manage three colleagues, helping them succeed in their roles while creating a joined-up approach to planning, delivery and stewardship across the portfolio.

Alongside overseeing one of Lily's largest fundraising income streams, you'll also play an important role in developing our Individual Giving, Regular Giving and legacy fundraising activity, helping turn these emerging programmes into strong and sustainable sources of future income. If you're someone who enjoys developing people, spotting opportunities and bringing different strands of fundraising together, this is a brilliant opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the delivery and ongoing development of Lily's public fundraising programme, ensuring community fundraising, sports events, special events and individual giving activity work together to maximise income and supporter engagement.
• Line-manage, support and develop the two Events Managers and the Community & Individual Giving Officer, providing clear direction, regular feedback and development opportunities, and carrying out formal performance reviews
• Work closely with the Head of Fundraising to translate Lily's fundraising strategy into practical annual plans, priorities and targets for the public fundraising portfolio.
• Oversee the performance of the public fundraising programme, monitoring income, expenditure and KPIs, identifying trends and opportunities, and taking action where required.
• Support the continued development of Lily's Individual Giving, Regular Giving and Legacy fundraising programmes, helping to test new ideas, improve supporter journeys and build long-term sustainable income.
• Ensure supporters receive an excellent experience across all public fundraising activity, developing joined-up stewardship journeys that encourage long-term support.
• Work collaboratively with Marketing colleagues to develop engaging fundraising campaigns, products and communications that inspire supporters to get involved.
• Encourage innovation and continuous improvement across the team, using insight, evaluation and supporter feedback to inform future activity.
• Ensure accurate use of the CRM system (Donorfy), promoting good data management and using reporting and insight to support decision-making.
• Prepare regular reports and updates for the Head of Fundraising and COO, highlighting progress, opportunities, risks and recommendations.
• Work collaboratively across fundraising, marketing and operations to ensure public fundraising activity is well planned, well supported and aligned with organisational priorities.

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.

Job Title: Digital Communications Officer

Responsible to: Senior Communications & Engagement Manager

Salary: £29,706 – £31,908per annum 

Location: Head Office, 5 Trinity Street, London, SE1 1DB 

Hours of work: Full time - 35 hours per week (Minimum two days per week in the London office). Occasional weekend and evening work with time off in lieu (some domestic and international travel may be required) 

The package also includes: 

• 8% employer pension contribution

• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and additional discretionary leave during the Christmas period 

• Season Ticket Loan 

About USPG 

USPG is the Anglican mission agency that partners churches and communities worldwide in God’s mission to enliven faith, strengthen relationships, unlock potential and champion justice. You can find out more about our work by visiting our website.

About the Role 

Reporting to the Senior Communications & Engagement Manager as part of a highly functioning and creative team, this vital role will work across all media and channels to raise the profile of USPG and its partners and their work: 

• Oversee the day-to-day running of our website and social media channels. 

• Liaise with colleagues and partners to gather information and use it to create engaging collateral which informs, inspires, and sometimes challenges. 

• Support the digital growth of USPG through SEO and Analytics

• Monthly digital and media reporting

About You  

You are an organised and digitally aware communications professional. You can take complex subjects and communicate about them in simple and effective ways that speak to specific audiences. You understand the importance of reporting on website and social media performance to understand USPG’s audience and to adjust and improve. You are comfortable working in a small and creative team and are confident speaking to the wider organisation. You can juggle numerous projects and deadlines at one time.

You will demonstrate considerable cross-cultural awareness and an ability to communicate in a way that is sensitive and appropriate. You demonstrate an aptitude for collaborative teamwork and the ability to work independently on your initiative. It is expected that the postholder will be inspired by the work of USPG and in agreement with its Christian ethos and that they will be comfortable writing in a way which reflects this.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone looking for an exciting and varied role within charity communications or a communications/marketing professional who wants to move into the charity sector. However, if you don’t necessarily fall into these categories, but have the right skills for this role, please get in touch.

How to apply: 

Please complete the application form and equal opportunities form and email us as indicated.
 

Closing Date: Wednesday 12 August 2026 by 9am.

Interview Date: Wednesday 19 August 2026 in London.

Role Purpose

The Digital Marketing Manager will play a key role in growing Honeypot’s reach, engagement and impact through creative, insight-led and effective digital marketing.

Reporting to the Head of Marketing and Communications, the postholder will lead Honeypot’s digital marketing activity, using creativity, audience insight and data to grow awareness, strengthen supporter engagement and help achieve the charity’s strategic objectives.

This is a varied and hands-on role combining digital strategy with day-to-day delivery. As Honeypot’s Marketing function grows, the role will have the opportunity to take increasing ownership of digital growth, innovation and audience development.

At St Leonard’s Hospice, we are looking for a skilful communicator to lead our Communications team as Head of Communications. Building the charity’s brand and driving audience engagement, this roleis the strategic lead for communications at the Hospice, from clinical services to income generation.

This role is key to the Hospice achieving its aims to:

• Provide accessible services that meet the needs of our local community
• Improve public policy on, and raise awareness of, palliative and end-of-life issues
• Build partnerships that improve the quality of care and secure the Hospice’s future

The Head of Communications is intended to work collaboratively with other leadership roles across the Hospice to develop and implement an insight-based, audience-focused communications strategy to engage our three key audiences:

• Referral partners in the healthcare system
• Patients, families and carers who can benefit from Hospice services
• Members of the public who can enable our work through volunteering, donating and fundraising

To fulfil the Head of Communications role, you will need:

• Significant experience planning, delivering and evaluating communications strategy
• A proven track record of delivering impactful campaigns
• Strong leadership and management skills
• The ability to communicate complex messages sensitively and appropriately to a range of audiences

What’s in it for you:

• Flexibility for a great work/life balance
• Generous annual leave entitlement of up to 41 days
• Attractive pension schemes
• Extensive employee discounts on shops, holidays and lifestyle choices and Blue Light Card discounts
• Opportunities to grow your skills and career
• Free onsite car parking
• A supportive and friendly working environment

This is a full-time role, working 37.5 hours per week, usually Mon-Fri though occasional evening and weekend work will be required. This role supports working from home, though a regular presence on site at the Hospice is essential. The salary band for this role is £49,647 to £56,842 per annum.

The Head of Partnerships will play a key role in managing Inter Mediate's relationships with institutional donors, foundations, governments and philanthropic partners. The postholder will coordinate donor engagement across the organisation, oversee grant management and reporting, identify new funding opportunities and support the development of high-quality funding proposals. S/he also leads on our internal quality assurance, research and reporting processes, line managing the Research and Reporting Officer.

Working closely with the senior leadership, programme teams and finance colleagues, you will help ensure that Inter Mediate maintains strong partnerships with its existing funders while expanding its network of supporters. This is a collaborative, externally-facing role suited to someone with strong relationship management skills, excellent organisational ability and experience of securing and managing funding within the international development, peacebuilding or humanitarian sectors.

With at least 7 years' experience in partnerships, fundraising, business development or grant management in the international development, humanitarian or peacebuilding sectors, you will have demonstrable experience managing relationships with institutional donors, foundations and/or HNWIs, and a track record of successful funding proposals and overseeing donor reporting.

You have excellent written communication skills, strong project management skills, and superb interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with proven ability to work collaboratively across teams.

You will ideally have experience working in conflict-affected or politically sensitive contexts, be well-versed in monitoring, evaluation and learning approaches and have working knowledge of grant management systems or CRM platforms.

You are commited to the values of dialogue, conflict resolution and peacebuilding.

Head of Communications & Public Affairs 

Salary: Up to £62k depending on experience
Location: Remote, with regular planned travel nationwide, particularly to London and the South, plus attendance at monthly and quarterly team meetings
Hours: Full Time, 35 hours per week
Contract: Permanent

We're looking for an exceptional communications leader to join Help for Heroes as our Head of Communications & Public Affairs. This is a rare opportunity to shape how one of the UK's most recognised charities engages with the media, policymakers, supporters and the wider public, ensuring the voices of veterans and their families are heard where it matters most.

Leading our integrated communications, public affairs, policy and PR activity, you'll develop influential campaigns that continue to strengthen our reputation, support fundraising and drive meaningful change for the Armed Forces community. Working closely with senior leaders across the charity, you'll act as a trusted adviser, bringing insight into the political, media and stakeholder landscape while helping to navigate the opportunities and risks that affect our mission.

This is a high-profile leadership role for someone who combines strategic thinking with outstanding delivery, thrives on building influential relationships and wants to use their expertise to create lasting impact for those who have served our country.

Please see below for more information on what just might be your future role.

About the Role

As Head of Communications & Public Affairs, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping how the charity is seen, heard and understood by the public, media, policymakers and supporters. Ensuring the experiences of veterans and their families remain at the heart of national conversations and decision-making.

• Developing and delivering an integrated communications, public affairs and policy strategy that advances the charity's mission and influence.
• Leading high-profile campaigns that raise awareness, support fundraising objectives and drive systemic change for the Armed Forces community.
• Building influential relationships with media, government, political stakeholders, partner organisations and sector leaders.
• Acting as a trusted adviser to senior leaders, providing strategic counsel on reputation, stakeholder engagement, public policy and emerging issues
• Leading the charity's press office, crisis communications activity, ambassador programme and external reputation management
• Developing, inspiring and coaching a high-performing team, fostering innovation, collaboration and measurable impact.

About You

Are you a strategic communications leader who knows how to turn insight into action and ambition into results?

Do you have a strong track record of leading integrated communications, public affairs, policy or campaigning activity that has built reputation, influenced decision-makers and delivered measurable impact?

Can you confidently navigate complex issues, build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders and provide clear, credible counsel?

Are you equally comfortable shaping long-term strategy, responding to fast-moving external events and spotting opportunities to raise the profile and influence of an organisation?

If you're passionate about telling powerful stories, understand the UK media and political landscape, and enjoy leading talented teams to achieve ambitious goals, we'd love to hear from you.

You'll bring significant senior-level experience across communications, public affairs or policy, alongside expertise in media relations, stakeholder engagement and reputation management.

Most importantly, you'll be motivated by the opportunity to use your skills, networks and leadership to improve outcomes for veterans and their families.

About the Team

You’ll join our ambitious Marketing, Communications and Public Affairs directorate, a team dedicated to amplifying the voices of veterans and their families and ensuring their experiences influence public understanding and decision-making.

We are a collaborative, creative, and purpose-driven team that works across the charity to tell powerful stories, build meaningful relationships and create lasting impact. Together, we’re passionate about helping the Armed Forces community get the support they deserve.

In return we can offer you:

• Belonging to a team who make a difference to our community and value equality, diversity and inclusion.
• 29 days’ annual leave plus 8 bank holidays, regardless of service — plus your birthday off to celebrate!
• Opportunity to buy and sell up to 5 days annual leave per year.
• Added to our free health scheme from day one, including discounts on dental, opticians, massages, and more - with the option to upgrade.
• 3 volunteer days per year to support the Help for Heroes community.
• A generous salary sacrifice pension scheme with an 8% employer contribution and a minimum 3% employee contribution, plus life insurance up to 4× salary as an active member.

Closing date: 23rd August 2026

Interview Process: Two stage process with an initial competency based interview and second round stage involving a task.

First round interviews to be held in person or via Teams 4th/7th/8th or 9th September.

Second Round in person 16th or 22nd September.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high number of strong applications.

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all backgrounds.

The Head of Public Fundraising is a new role at Coeliac UK leading the charity’s public fundraising function. The role focusses on driving sustainable growth across individual giving, community fundraising, events, lottery, raffle, digital fundraising and merchandise. This role is responsible for delivering Coeliac UK’s 5-year fundraising strategy to maximise return-on-investment, grow long term supporter value, and contribute to the charity’s mission. 

The Head of Public Fundraising will embed and deliver comprehensive fundraising strategies, growing Coeliac UK’s supporter base and income, building up new and under-developed income streams and communicating effectively with their audiences to expand their reach, and encourage financial and non-financial support to deliver the organisations mission.

Who are we looking for?

Key to the success of this role is a strong understanding of individual giving fundraising. This role blends the strategic oversight and leadership of a Head of role across multiple income streams, with the hands-on expertise of an IG fundraiser. Experience across other income streams and areas of fundraising delivery would be a huge benefit as the role leads community fundraising and events, will take on digital fundraising - currently led by the Chief Engagement Officer, as well as manage the data and supporter care functions, but experience in individual giving is essential as Coeliac UK has defined that as an area of priority income. To progress to a screening call with THINK Recruitment, your CV must demonstrate evidence of delivering individual giving income in a UK charity environment. 

The successful candidate for this role will be someone who has already operated at a senior level within a charity such as at Senior Manager level, or Head of in a specific income stream.

Hybrid working

The role has a hybrid expectation of a minimum of a day a week in the High Wycombe office (HP11 2QW) to build relationships and provide support to the fundraising team, and there will be flexibility required for other in person meetings and events. However, Coeliac UK are keen to secure the very best candidate, if the hybrid expectation presents challenge for you but you otherwise meet the requirements of the role, please do get in touch with THINK to discuss. 

Application notes 

Please download the Candidate Info Pack provided for further information about the role, timelines and next steps.

To progress your application, please contact THINK Recruitment to organise an informal screening call. Please note, we cannot shortlist candidates who have not had a screening call so please allow enough time to have a call before the closing date.  You will be provided with information on how to complete your full application on the call. 

If you need assistance with downloading the pack or any reasonable adjustments to ensure you can engage with the selection process, please contact THINK Recruitment and our team will support you.

Closing date for expressions of interest: Midday Friday 21st August

Closing date for full applications: Midnight Sunday 23rd August

Head of Fundraising – Oasis Hub Waterloo

Salary: £46,403–£52,420 per annum
Location: Waterloo, London SE1
Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)
Contract: Permanent

Oasis Hub Waterloo is looking for an experienced and ambitious fundraiser to lead the next chapter of our fundraising journey.

For over 20 years we’ve been serving our local community through an integrated model that brings together education, community services and church. Every week we support children, young people and families through our schools, Foodbank, debt, welfare, housing and immigration advice, youth work, mentoring, community spaces and much more. Our vision is for community: where everyone is included, making a contribution and reaching their God-given potential.

As our new Head of Fundraising, you’ll play a key role in making that vision possible.

You’ll develop and deliver a sustainable fundraising strategy, building income across trusts and foundations, major donors, corporate partnerships, statutory funding, community fundraising and individual giving. You’ll also lead and develop a small fundraising team and work closely with colleagues across the organisation to maximise opportunities for support.

You'll be joining us at a pivotal moment in the organisation, as we seek to embed a sustainable income generation strategy, ensuring we can sustainably meet and grow our £1.3 million budget. This is a strategic leadership role with plenty of hands-on fundraising.

We’re looking for someone who has:

· A successful track record in senior fundraising, particularly securing significant trust and foundation funding.

· Experience developing and delivering fundraising strategies that achieve sustainable income growth.

· Excellent relationship-building and communication skills.

· Experience managing staff.

· A passion for community transformation and social justice.

In return, you’ll join a values-driven organisation genuinely working to transform our community every day.

As part of the package, Oasis offers:

· A pension scheme, offering 7% employer contribution.

· A generous holiday allowance, starting at 25 days per year (plus 8 Bank Holidays).

· Policies which promote wellbeing and are family friendly.

To apply: Please send a CV, alongside the completed application questions by email  - incomplete applications will not be considered. Please visit the Oasis Charity Jobs website for further information.

Closing date:  9am  Wednesday 2 September

Interview date: Thursday 10 September, in-person, at Oasis Waterloo

We appreciate you may wish to use AI to support elements of your application but we strongly encourage all candidates to submit applications that genuinely reflect their own skills, achievements and lived experiences. It's what makes your application stand out!

We actively encourage applications from people of all ethnic backgrounds and minority and underrepresented groups. If you require any assistance to overcome potential barriers, please let us know.

Oasis is committed to making a difference to the lives of the communities it works in, and as such you must show a willingness to demonstrate commitment to the values and behaviours which flow from Oasis' Christ-centered ethos.

Oasis is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. The successful candidate will be subject to appropriate safeguarding checks.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce.

The successful candidates must have the right to work in the UK.  Oasis cannot assist with sponsorship or visas.

Oasis supports Equal Opportunities.  Registered Charity No. 1163889

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.

The Communications Manager provides operational leadership for CLAPA's communications delivery, ensuring communications and marketing activity is effectively planned, prioritised and delivered in support of the charity's strategic objectives. 

Reporting to the Head of Communications and Marketing, the postholder is responsible for translating the communications strategy into coordinated day-to-day delivery. They will oversee the planning, scheduling and operational management of communications activity across the organisation, ensuring work is appropriately prioritised, resources are allocated effectively and projects are delivered to a consistently high standard. 

The role directly manages CLAPA's Communications Officers, embedding effective planning, briefing and workflow processes that enable the team to deliver proactive, creative and high-quality communications.

Acting as the primary operational lead for communications delivery, the postholder will ensure colleagues across CLAPA receive responsive, well-planned communications support while maintaining clear priorities and protecting the team's capacity to deliver its best work. 

If you think you have the talent, passion and experience to help us ensure we can always meet the needs of the community we serve, we want to hear from you.