Head of communications and events jobs

Martingale Postgraduate Foundation (Martingale) exists to fund and support the next generation of talented researchers. We believe that family income should not be a barrier to the pursuit of excellence, and our mission is to enable and nurture talented individuals from low-socioeconomic backgrounds to thrive within world-leading postgraduate research.

Martingale’s flagship programme is the Martingale Postgraduate Scholarship, which supports students from low-socioeconomic backgrounds to pursue and excel in postgraduate degrees, by providing:

• A fully-funded Living Wage Scholarship to pursue a one-year Masters degree or a four-year PhD.
• All tuition fees and research expenses, including a tax-free stipend for living costs.
• Tailored support to apply for Martingale courses at our partner universities.
• Access to Martingale programmes, including leadership training and connections with top academic and industry professionals.
• Membership of a pioneering community of talented researchers.

In the three years since Martingale launched, we are now supporting over 100 Scholars to undertake postgraduate degrees across our ten partner universities and have committed over £7.7m in Scholarships. We are continuing to expand our offer, bringing on new partners each year.

We are seeking an experienced, strategic and collaborative Head of Communications and External Engagement to join our Senior Leadership Team and play a pivotal role in shaping Martingale’s external profile, strategic partnerships, and policy influence.

As Head of Communications and External Engagement, you will join our growing senior management team, overseeing several critical aspects of Martingale’s work: communications and recruitment; partnerships and fundraising; and policy and advocacy. Working closely with the CEO, you will oversee all aspect of Martingale’s external communications and engagement to ensure Martingale’s success.

You will set the strategic direction of Martingale’s external positioning, working closely with the CEO on a day-to-day basis to ensure that our communications, partnerships and policy activity is aligned and meeting Martingale’s mission. You will ensure that Martingale’s messaging is consistent, with a bold brand presence and strong collaboration with various external stakeholders including funders, universities, media, and government.

We are looking for a strong communicator with extensive leadership experience including line management, partnership management and external relations. You will bring excellent organisational skills, strong attention to detail, a proactive mindset, and a strong alignment with Martingale’s mission. We welcome applicants from a range of career paths who are excited to be part of a growing, fast-paced charity delivering meaningful impact.

Martingale Foundation is incubated by Purposeful Ventures who provide operational and strategic support. The Head of Communications and External Engagement will be employed by Purposeful Ventures.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and deliver a clear, bold strategy for communications, policy, and partnerships aligned with Martingale’s vision and growth.
• Lead the development of Martingale’s voice, ensuring consistency across all external channels and stakeholder interactions.
• Act as a senior leader within the organisation, contributing to overall strategic planning.

Communications & Brand

• Oversee all external communications, campaigns and media engagement, strengthening Martingale’s profile and influence.
• Manage content strategy, digital channels, storytelling and brand evolution.
• Ensure high-quality and accessible communications across print, digital, and in-person events.

Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement

• Maintain and grow relationships with Martingale’s university, philanthropic, and other partners.
• Collaborate with the CEO on fundraising engagement strategies and impact storytelling.
• Oversee ambassador engagement and support Martingale’s national and regional events.

Policy & Advocacy

• Lead Martingale’s policy and advocacy work to shape the future of postgraduate access and equity.
• Along with the CEO, represent Martingale in external forums, responding to consultations and influencing key stakeholders in research and education policy.
• Collaborate with researchers and partners to generate evidence and drive systems change.

Team Leadership & Management

• Line manage team leads across communications and partnerships, with oversight of a team of four.
• Support the professional development of the team, ensuring alignment with Martingale’s values and goals.
• Foster a collaborative, agile, and inclusive culture within and across teams.
• The post holder will carry out any other duties as are within the scope, spirit, and purpose of the role as requested by the line manager. 

Key Requirements:

Essential Criteria

• Right to work in the UK

Experience and skills

Essential

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively communicate with diverse audiences including senior stakeholders.
• Significant senior-level experience in communications, policy, or external relations within a mission-driven organisation.
• Proven experience line managing a multi-person team, including managing people who manage others.
• Strong track record of developing and delivering high-impact external engagement strategies.
• Excellent communication skills — strategic thinking combined with hands-on content expertise.
• Experience managing and cultivating high-value partnerships or donor relationships.
• Understanding of UK education, social mobility, or research funding landscapes.
• Proven experience in account management, managing multiple external stakeholder relationships and partnerships successfully.
• Advanced IT proficiency: Spreadsheet, Word Processing, CRM or Databases, Email, Web-based applications.

Desirable

• Experience working with or within higher education or research organisations.
• Familiarity with charity fundraising or philanthropic communications.
• Experience delivering communications in a startup or scale-up environment.
• Experience in working with governance boards and/or trustees.
• Experience delivering / overseeing ambitious recruitment campaigns.

Personal Characteristics

• Excellent interpersonal skills: able to build rapport and trusting relationships, able to work co-operatively in a multidisciplinary setting.
• A commitment to Martingale’s mission to support postgraduate students from low-socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Comfortable working in a rapidly growing and changing organisation with a degree of ambiguity – confident to create processes and ways forward where they might not yet exist.
• Creative and innovative: willing to think outside the box to maximise reach.
• Resourceful, able to act on initiative, hardworking, detail-oriented, and systematic.

Benefits:

• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays, rising to 29 days after two years of service and to 30 days after three years of service. This entitlement is pro rata for part-time employees. This entitlement excludes bank holidays.
• Full office closure between Christmas and New Year.
• A flexible approach to working with understanding and consideration for work-life balance and personal commitments.
• As a Purposeful Ventures employee, you will have the opportunity to be part of the TPT (The Pension Trust) scheme, our workplace pension scheme, where we make an 11% contribution; you are not required to contribute towards this scheme unless you choose to.
• Access to Charlie Perks, offering discounts and rewards at over 30,000 brands and retailers.

Making The Leap is an innovative societal change charity that aims to make a big difference. From direct delivery, to advocacy and leadership, we refuse to stay in our lane and believe passionately that those we exist to serve have the right to be anything they want to be. To say that this is an exciting time for the organisation would be an understatement, as our incredible funders, donors, partners and supporters have given us the chance to move to the next level, and have further influence and delivery nationally.

The ethos of the organisation is to be passionate about helping young people from less-advantaged backgrounds; build up other charities and community groups and want to partner with them or support them; want to work with businesses and organisations to get things done; and care deeply about addressing racial inequity.

The organisation has a number of strands: core Making The Leap; the UK Social Mobility Awards; the Social Mobility Podcast; The Social Mobility List and Black Charity Leaders.

*Please note that applicants with less experience may be considered for a communications officer role.

Events Officer
Working Hours:  37 hours per week
Salary: 28,050 to  31,000 per annum 
Contract: 12 months Good opportunity for role to become permanent in future.
Location: Hatfield Office/Hybrid - Candidates must have a full driving license and use of own vehicle for business purposes

Herts Young Homeless is an independent charity and has been supporting vulnerable people in Hertfordshire since 1998. We are professional, passionate, collaborative and supportive charity that provides guidance to everyone who is in need of support.

We are looking for dedicated and passionate Events Officer to join our team based in Hatfield!

How will you make a difference? 

Manage, develop and evaluate an engaging programme of events fundraising, and support the Community Fundraising Officer when delivering local events to raise a target income of £90k . Support groups and individuals organising fundraising events and activities on behalf of hyh. To support the development and delivery of the Communications Plan.

What can we offer you?

• A supportive and inclusive work environment
• 25 days annual leave per annum (in addition to Bank Holidays & Public Holidays)
• Holiday purchase scheme 
• People's Pension Plan contribution
• Group Life Insurance plan
• Opportunities for personal and career development
• Hybrid working - option to work from home to be agreed with line manager
• An additional annual leave day on your Birthday
• Monthly draws to win ‘lunch on your manager’ or ‘leave work early’
• Medicash – A healthcare cash plan offering cash back on a range of healthcare related treatments including optical, dental and complementary treatments.  Unlimited access to a 24/7 health and stress related helpline and discounted gym memberships. 

What will you be doing? 

Contribute to hyh’s overall Fundraising strategy as a member of the Fundraising Team
 

• Identify, develop and support existing and new community and events fundraising activities to increase and generate significant net income and supporter engagement
• Provide excellent donor care for all fundraising activities, to develop productive and lasting relationships with the community and convert them into loyal supporters
• Assist the Head of Fundraising & Communications  in the development and delivery of hyh’s Events and Communications Plans
• Update donor CRM databases and website

If you are open, big hearted, passionate, conscientious and take pride in doing a job well, then we would love to hear from you!

Please apply via the link on the vacancy found on our website submitting a cover letter  or a short video along with your CV . If you require any adjustments to support your application please let us know and we will be happy to help where we can.Closing Date 24th November 2025.

Equal Opportunities

We treat everyone with equal dignity and respect, and promote equal opportunity for all and challenge any behaviour or practice which discriminates against any person on the grounds of race, colour, sex, marital status, religion or belief, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or any other perceived difference.

hyh strives to be an equal opportunities and inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Our promise to you
Herts Young Homeless promises to act with the upmost integrity and respect when it comes to handling your data and will not share your details with any other client without 1) discussing the opportunity with you first and 2) without your verbal or written consent for us to do so.

We are seeking an inspiring and strategic leader to drive the growth of our community fundraising programme. You’ll lead a high-performing team, develop innovative fundraising initiatives, and work collaboratively across the Charity. This is a unique opportunity to make a real difference for people affected by cancer, working alongside passionate colleagues and dedicated supporters.

What you’ll be doing

• Lead and grow the Charity’s community fundraising programme, supporting world-class cancer research and care.
• Play an active role in the leadership and operational management of the Charity.
• Manage and develop a high-performing Community Fundraising team, championing our values and supporting learning and development.
• Oversee our flagship fundraising event, The Banham Marsden March, and a diverse portfolio of mass participation events.
• Support the team to build long term relationships with our community supporters, raising up to six figure sums.
• Collaborate across Public Fundraising and Philanthropy & Partnerships to optimise supporter journeys and maximise income opportunities.
• Optimise the performance of the Community Fundraising product portfolio, developing new initiatives to reach new audiences and deliver sustainable income growth.
• Ensure the team are fully informed and compliant with all existing and future changes to fundraising regulation and legislation and embed best practice processes. 

What we’re looking for

• Proven experience leading and managing high-performing Community Fundraising or Events team, driving performance and embedding change.
• Demonstrable success in developing and delivering fundraising strategies to meet or exceed ambitious financial targets.
• Extensive experience delivering a diverse range of community fundraising activities, including large-scale mass participation events.
• Experience setting and managing budgets.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organisational skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across teams and with a variety of stakeholders.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion, with the ability to embed inclusive principles across the team and supporter engagement.
• Ability to respond sensitively to emotional circumstances, including distressed or bereaved donors.

What we offer:

• Hybrid working between home and Sutton with occasional travel to Chelsea.
• Flexible working around our core hours of 10am to 4pm
• 27 days annual leave rising with length of service
• Up to 6% employer contributions subject to matched contribution from you (increasing with length of service)
• Training, support and development opportunities
• Access to the blue light discount scheme and other discounts opportunities
• Access to subsidised staff restaurants, on-site yoga and wellbeing classes, staff choir and much more
• Range of wellbeing initiatives including access to an employee assistance programme designed to save money and improve your physical, financial and mental health and wellbeing, access to free online GP appointments and free eye tests and contribution towards any glasses required for work purposes

Inclusion Matters

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and walks of life.

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, we’d love to hear from you.

Please note: To avoid disappointment, you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received. This is to ensure that we can manage application levels whilst maintaining a positive candidate experience. Unfortunately, once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications.

Purpose
This is an exciting new role supporting the delivery of the events and partnerships programme within a leading mental health charity.
We are looking for someone with a love for events and a passion for supporting people, who is excited by the prospect of raising funds that make a difference for young people’s mental health. You will be an excellent communicator, highly organised, and able to work on multiple projects concurrently. You will be committed to delivering an exceptional supporter experience for our event participants and corporate and community partners. Experience within the third sector is desirable but not a necessity.
As an Events and Partnerships Officer, your role is to support the planning, delivery and promotion of an exciting calendar of fundraising events, and support our corporate and community partners in their fundraising efforts.

Key responsibilities and duties:

Supporting our events programme

• Supporting the overall delivery of our events programme, working closely with the Senior Events and Partnerships Manager, Head of Fundraising and voluntary fundraising committees.
• Take a lead role on the planning, delivery and evaluation of a number of events within the calendar - which may include budgeting, liaising with third-party event organisers, logistics, risk assessment, promotion, participant engagement and post-event analysis.
• Monitor online fundraising and maintain event income and supporter records in the database, working closely with the Fundraising Assistant and finance team on processing income and invoices.
• Act as a point of contact for our various voluntary fundraising committees, supporting them with their activities, and providing event guidance and administrative support to enable them to deliver successful events and reach income targets.
• Working closely with our communications team, co-ordinate the marketing and promotion of our events programme. This will include: writing copy, building emails, supporting social activity, multi-channel promotion planning and supporter engagement campaigns.
• Collaborate on the design and production of event materials, including the development of event-specific fundraising packs and downloadable resources.
• Represent the Charlie Waller Trust at events as required which will include ad-hoc evenings and weekends for which time off in lieu will be given.

Supporting our partnerships

• Co-ordinate partnerships with community and corporate supporters, building long-term relationships and ensuring that partners feel valued and partnership objectives are met.
• Steward relationships with key people within our community and corporate partners, engaging them with the cause.
• Send fundraising materials (including t-shirts, information packs, etc.) to individual supporters, corporate partners and community groups raising money for us.

General responsibilities and duties

• Ensure that systems and processes are used as expected, and that our database is being updated and utilised as the central source of information.
• Provide regular updates on progress against agreed objectives and contribute to wider departmental fundraising reports as required.Ensure compliance to data protection, safeguarding, confidentiality and relevant organisational policies and procedures.
• Other duties as may be reasonably prescribed by the trust, appropriate to the grade and responsibilities of the post.
• Liaise with a wide variety of people and organisations including supporters of the charity, trainers and funders.
• Routine call handling as part of the wider office administrative team.

To apply

If you would like an informal discussion about the role with our Head of Fundraising, this can be arranged via email to recruitment(at)charliewaller(dot)org
The deadline for applications is 12 noon on Tuesday 18th November 2025.
Please submit via your chosen job website, or send your CV and a supporting statement to recruitment(at)charliewaller(dot)org. We ask that you structure your supporting statement, by providing relevant information under person specification bullet points (combining these if multiple points are effectively responded to by one experience). Please try to keep your supporting statement to a maximum of 800 words, excluding headers. Applications will not be considered without a supporting statement.

You will hear back from us by Friday 21st November, if not before and should you be shortlisted, an interview will take place w/c 24th November and will involve a competency interview along with a short presentation.

Please see the attached job description for our person specification.

About Shooting Star Children’s Hospices

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Events Manager to join our Care Team at Shooting Star Children’s Hospices.

Shooting Star Children’s Hospices provides specialist care and support to families who have a baby, child or young person with a life-limiting condition, or whose child has died. Rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission, we support families across Surrey, north-west London and south-west London from diagnosis to end of life and throughout bereavement with a range of nursing, practical, emotional and medical care.

Our Care Events Team provide an extensive programme of groups and events for the 800 life-limited children, their families and bereaved families. There are themed family events, social groups for siblings of different ages, pamper days for mums, counselling groups, bereavement café, memorial days and many festive events such as ice-skating at Hampton Court. Taking place at our hospices and in the communities we serve, there are 5-6 events each week, offering important opportunities for families to make memories together.

About the role

The Care Events Manager is responsible for the delivery and oversight of the annual programme of events. The Care Event Manager leads the Care Events Team, including an Events Assistant, Events Management Intern, Counsellor and care events volunteers, and working with family support workers, children’s therapists and counsellors to deliver an incredible programme of creative and inclusive experiences. The Care Events Manager works alongside the Lead Therapist and Lead Counsellor to ensure that family support at Shooting Star Children’s Hospices is everything the children and families need it to be.

At a weekly meeting, the team are made aware of children and family members who are struggling and think together about where they might benefit from the opportunity to spend time with others who share similar experiences or receive group therapy. Utilising professional events management skills, each event is planned meticulously to be a safe and inviting space. Providing this opportunity for families is integral to their mental wellbeing.

About you

This role requires an individual with professional events management experience, with a proven track record of executing high-profile and bespoke events. The individual should have skills in marketing, events administration and able to create events for families from diverse backgrounds. Excellent project management skills are required to keep the fast-paced programme on track, alongside diligence in health and safety. Leadership and management expertise enable the team to thrive, so that we can provide outstanding support to families. The Care Events Manager should be a compassionate and caring individual, sensitive to the needs of families at Shooting Star, with the emotional resilience to work with families who are experiencing grief and trauma. This is a unique opportunity for an events manager to utilise their skillset to make a huge difference to the families that we support.

Once or twice a month the Care Events Manager is expected to work on a Saturday or Sunday (time is given back during the week). The Care Events Manager will be working predominantly from either of our hospice sites (Guildford and Hampton) so they’re able to interact with the wider team. There may be one day a week when the Care Events Manager is able to work from home, however this isn’t every week.

Please see the attached job description for more information about this opportunity.

What we offer

In return you will receive a competitive salary along with a range of benefits, which include:

Pension scheme

• NHS Pension Scheme (for eligible employees) or our stakeholder pension scheme, with up to 7% employer contributions

Annual leave

• 27 days plus Bank Holidays rising with length of service

• 2 weeks paid sabbatical leave after 5, 10 and 15 years’ service

Contractual benefits

• Generous sick pay scheme

• Enhanced maternity, adoption, and paternity leave pay

• Flexible working arrangements

• Death in service benefits

• Reimbursed professional membership fees

• Eye care

• Employee referral scheme

• Blue Light discount card

Health and wellbeing

• Employee Assistance Programme

• Occupational Health

• Mindfulness sessions

• Cycle to work scheme

• Mental Health First Aiders

• Nutritionally balanced meals at Christopher’s (free for employees) and free fruit at our Hampton site

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff to share this commitment. Also, we are committed to equal opportunities and consider all applicants to be in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Employment is subject to receipt of satisfactory references and a DBS check.

In addition, an enhanced disclosure will be required for this role. Our recruitment checks, induction and ongoing support and supervision reflect our commitment to safeguarding the families we support and consider all applicants in line with the Rehabilitation of Offender Act 1974.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

Shooting Star Children’s Hospice is committed to inclusion and diversity in everything we do. We know that getting things right is critical for us to live our organisation’s values: Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Diversity and Excellence.

We are always trying to improve our way of working to be more inclusive and equal. Our vision is for Shooting Star Children’s Hospice to be a place where people of all backgrounds, groups and communities feel welcomed to work and volunteer.

To apply please complete our online application and send a statement outlining how your skills and experience meets the criteria set out in the person specification.

Job Title: Communications Coordinator

Hours: 28 hours per week               

Salary Scale: £30,892 – £33,672 pro rata*

Duration: Permanent

Pension: 6% employer pension contribution

Holiday: 26 days plus bank holidays pro rata 

Reports to: Digital Communications Manager

The appointment is subject to a satisfactory DBS check 

We particularly encourage and welcome applications from people from backgrounds which are underrepresented in museums and galleries, including people from low-income backgrounds, people from Black, Asian and ethnically diverse backgrounds and disabled people.

*Appointments are made at the start of the salary scale, with annual pay progression based on satisfactory performance. In addition, the salary scale is reviewed annually in the light of cost of living and operational budgets.  

About the Role

The Communications Coordinator contributes to the planning and delivery of all communications and digital activities for the South London Gallery. Working alongside the Head of Communications and Digital Communications Manager, the Communications Coordinator supports the implementation of the SLG’s communications strategy, reaching new audiences, creating engaging digital content, and enhancing visitor experience online and on site.

The role involves the full range of communication channels including print marketing, signage, press, digital, audio-visual interpretation and social media to profile the SLG’s programme, Communities and Learning activities, bookshop and café. The Communications Coordinator also provides administrative support and assists at special events as necessary.

Our Development Team

The Donmar has an exceptional ability to raise private funds, and the vital importance of fundraising is recognised across the organisation and embedded in the overall strategy. Each year we raise around half our income through fundraising from a varied number of sources, with corporate income representing around a third of the fundraised income. The Development team is led by the Director of Strategic Development and Fundraising, and comprises 11 people.

Purpose of the role

The Development Events Manager will be responsible for the planning, administration and delivery of all development events at the Donmar Warehouse, working alongside the Head of Trusts and Events and with support from the Events Administrator.

Who We Are Looking For

The successful candidate will have demonstrable experience of leading, managing and delivering events and strong project management skills. They will have excellent organisational and communication skills and the ability to proactively work on their own initiative as well as in a team, with very strong attention to detail. They will be used to working in a fast-paced environment and to leading multiple events simultaneously.

TERMS

Permanent, Full Time

Salary: £33,000 per annum

Working Hours: Due to the nature of the role you will be required to work some weekday evenings on a regular basis and very occasionally on the weekend. A TOIL system is in operation.

Applications Close at 10am on Monday 24 November

Round One Interviews: Week Commencing 1 December

Round Two Interviews: Week Commencing 8 December

We particularly encourage applications from those who are currently under-represented both at the Donmar and more widely in the industry, and specifically from D/deaf or disabled, or neurodivergent applicants and applicants who experience barriers and inequity due to ethnicity, gender reassignment and/or socio-economic background.

Tom's Trust is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to providing psychological support to children and young people with brain and central nervous system tumours and their families. By supporting the whole family, we will help them to create their brightest possible future beyond diagnosis.

As Communications & Marketing Manager, you will lead a small, talented team to deliver impactful campaigns, engaging content, and powerful storytelling that drives fundraising and awareness.

Working closely with the Head of Fundraising & Comms, you’ll shape and deliver our communications strategy, manage PR and digital activity, and ensure brand consistency across all channels. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced communicator who thrives on collaboration and wants to make a meaningful difference to children and families facing the challenges of brain tumours.

You will work closely with and be managed by the Head of Fundraising & Comms and have line management experience of a f/t Digital Marketing & Comms Officer and p/t PR & Comms Officer. 

Head of Individual Giving

We’re looking for an experienced and creative Head of Individual Giving to lead and grow our individual giving programme.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, you’ll shape and deliver our individual giving strategy, overseeing the recruitment, retention and development of individual supporters. You’ll lead on our major appeals, including an annual national campaign to Catholic parishes across the UK.

You’ll also play a key role in developing new fundraising products, optimising donor journeys, and ensuring our CRM and data systems support excellent stewardship and insight-driven decision making. This is a senior position with significant scope to shape the programme and make your mark.

About You

We’re looking for a confident and strategic fundraiser with a strong grasp of individual giving and a collaborative approach. You’ll bring:

• Proven experience delivering successful individual giving or direct marketing campaigns in the charity sector
• Strong skills in supporter stewardship and donor retention
• Experience of managing budgets, teams and external suppliers
• A creative, data-driven approach to growing income
• Excellent communication skills

This is a senior leadership position focused on developing and delivering a diocesan Generosity Strategy. You will work closely with clergy, lay leaders, and diocesan staff to foster long-term relationships, increase pledged income, and embed generosity as a core value across the diocese.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of generosity in the Diocese of Lincoln. You’ll be part of a supportive team, working in a role that blends strategy, community engagement, and faith-based leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a diocesan Generosity Strategy
• Promote the Parish Giving Scheme and contactless giving
• Build relationships with parishes, treasurers, and deanery partnerships
• Lead and manage the generosity team, including professional development
• Serve as a key liaison between parishes and the bishop
• Deliver regular reports to diocesan committees and parishes
• Implement and oversee donor management systems and CRM tools
• Collaborate with the National Giving Team and generosity professionals

The British Cardiovascular Society (BCS) is seeking a motivated and dynamic Communications Manager to lead initiatives that support the development of the Society’s leadership voice, profile and influencing function across the UK. 

Working with the Chief Executive, President, Vice-Presidents and the wider Board, the Communications Manager will promote BCS work to members, relevant decision-makers within the NHS and strategic partners.

The Communications Manager will be responsible for the development and delivery of the Society’s communications strategy (in support of BCS strategic objectives) and tailored communications that underpin the strategic plan

Location: Reading, Hybrid 
Hours: 37 per week 
Salary: £66,000
Contract Type: Permanent
Campaign Closes: 11th November 2025

First Stage Interviews: 17th & 19th November 2025

Second Stage Interviews: 24th November 2025

Make-A-Wish UK is entering a bold new chapter. With an ambitious five-year strategy to scale the number of wishes we grant and reach every eligible child, we’re looking for a visionary leader to help us tell our story like never before.

As our Head of Brand, Communications & Entertainment, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping how the nation sees, hears, and connects with Make-A-Wish UK. You’ll lead a talented team of creatives, communicators, and digital experts to build a brand that inspires action, deepens engagement, and drives transformational impact.

This is more than a communications role, it’s a chance to lead a movement. You’ll develop and deliver a powerful brand and communications strategy, forge high-impact partnerships with media and entertainment leaders, and ensure our message resonates across every channel and audience. From internal culture to national campaigns, your leadership will help us reach more children, faster.

We’re looking for someone who brings strategic vision, creative flair, and an understanding of how to lead change and embed new delivery models. If you’re passionate about storytelling, brand building, and making a real difference in children’s lives, we’d love to hear from you.

Core Purpose

This leadership role is part of the Make-A-Wish UK Extended Leadership Team (ExLT) and is responsible for shaping and driving Make-A-Wish UK’s brand, communications and entertainment strategy. Ensuring the charity is powerfully positioned in the hearts and minds of the public as an organisation to support and donate to.
 
Leading a team of expert communications, content and digital specialists, the role will champion a strategic and scalable approach to brand, content, and communications. It will ensure our messaging cuts through across all internal and external touchpoints, consistently reflecting our mission to grant a wish for every eligible child.
 
The Head of Brand, Communications and Entertainment will also oversee the strategic development of key entertainment relationships, including celebrity talent, influencers, media partners, and broadcasters, to amplify our brand presence and support wider organisational objectives.
As a key member of the ExLT, this role will collaborate across departments to strengthen Make-A-Wish UK’s profile, build meaningful connections with stakeholders, and inspire audiences to engage with and support our cause.

Essential Criteria 

• Proven experience (5+ years) within senior level brand role including Head of Department or communications/strategy roles, ideally within the charity or not for profit sector.
• Demonstrated success in developing and delivering integrated communications strategies that drive awareness, engagement, and support. 
• Proven experience leading organisations through change and successfully embedding new delivery models to improve impact, efficiency, or engagement
• Knowledge of how to develop a consistent brand voice and style. 
• Ability to conduct market research, competitive analyses and research on potential target audiences.
• Strong understanding of digital communications, including social media, email marketing, and website content strategy.
• Experience managing crisis communications and safeguarding organisational reputation.
• Understanding of how marketing strategies relate to charity and income targets.
• Expertise in project management and ensuring teams meet timeline and budget objectives 
• Demonstrable experience of leading and managing high-performing teams. 
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to inspire, coach, and develop others.
• Ability to pivot between project details and big-picture goals.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate insights and data into actionable plans
• Collaborative mentality and openness to work with different stakeholders, internally & externally.
• Analytical mindset well-versed in quickly spotting trends 
• Exceptional stakeholder management experience and proven track record of working strategically with media, influencers, and entertainment partners to amplify brand messaging.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment, demonstrating flexibility and resilience. 
• Strong understanding of the charity sector and Make-A-Wish’s mission. 
• Proficiency in analytics and data-driven decision making. 
• Excellent networking and relationship building skills to meet strategic objectives

Key Responsibilities

Brand Leadership

• Lead the development and implementation of Make-A-Wish UK’s brand strategy, ensuring it reflects our mission, values, and commitment to children and families.
• Act as brand guardian, maintaining consistency and integrity across all communications and channels, and ensuring alignment with Make-A-Wish International guidelines.
• Use audience insights and market trends to evolve brand positioning, ensuring it remains relevant, compelling, and inclusive.
• Champion brand understanding across the organisation, enabling teams, volunteers, and partners to represent Make-A-Wish UK authentically and effectively.
• Identify and cultivate strategic relationships with media and brand partners, that amplify brand visibility and engagement. Leverage these collaborations to enhance brand equity, reach new audiences, and support long-term brand development goals.

Communications Strategy

• Develop and deliver a communications strategy that builds public awareness, deepens understanding of our mission, and inspires support.
• Lead the creation of impactful campaigns and storytelling that highlight the transformative power of a wish and the voices of children, families, and supporters.
• Lead on providing expert guidance to teams on integrated communications planning and execution, ensuring alignment across all public-facing activity.
• Manage crisis communications, safeguarding the charity’s reputation and ensuring clear, compassionate responses.
• Lead the development of a scalable and strategic framework for the delivery of organisational campaigns including service delivery, volunteering, fundraising and internal communications.
• Lead the development and implementation of a cohesive internal communications strategy and framework that fosters alignment, engagement, and a strong organisational culture

Entertainment & Talent Engagement

• Strategically manage relationships with entertainment partners, influencers, and public figures to amplify our message and support wish granting, fundraising, and events.
• Oversee entertainment-related activity, working with the team to develop consistent processes and high standards of engagement.
• Support the Talent Manager to cultivate new strategic partnerships with agencies and representatives to expand opportunities and increase visibility, ensuring alignment with our values and goals.

Digital & Media Engagement

• Lead the charity’s digital communications strategy, ensuring a vibrant, engaging presence across all platforms.
• Oversee the integration of digital marketing to support fundraising, awareness, and community building,
• Build and maintain relationships with media outlets, influencers, and partners to maximise positive exposure and advocacy.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Provide inspiring leadership and development for the Brand, Communications & Entertainment team, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing culture.
• Support and role-model cross-functional collaboration, ensuring communications activity aligns with organisational priorities and supports other teams effectively.
• Represent Brand, Communication and Entertainment at the Extended Leadership Team (ExLT), contributing to cross-charity strategy, insight sharing and project delivery.
• Represent Make-A-Wish UK and nurture key relationships as required.

Measurement & Insight

• Work with the Head of Insights and Innovation to develop and apply insights to inform strategic planning.
• Define and track key performance indicators to assess the effectiveness of brand and communications activity, presenting to the senior Leadership Team and Board as required. 
• Capture and report on data and learnings, embedding continuous improvement and sharing best practice across the organisation.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Office of Development and Alumni Relations team at the University of Southampton, creating and delivering a range of strategic communications for our alumni and supporter community.  

You’ll be responsible for planning and delivering a whole plethora of communication tools to support our fundraising and engagement, with a particular focus on our upcoming Campaign for Southampton. Due to launch in 2027, this will be our biggest fundraising campaign ever, with a target of £100m. One of our key fundraising focusses will be the Institute for Medical Innovation; we will raise £50m to build this groundbreaking facility, which will address the world’s most pressing healthcare challenges through interdisciplinary research. You have the chance to make a real difference. 

We are looking for an experienced communications professional to support us with creating engaging communications. You will be responsible for activities such as: 

• Developing compelling propositions
• Delivering the communications to support major gift prospect fundraising events, from creating invitations and shaping the themes, through to developing event materials and briefing speakers 
• Creating and editing a wide range of communications pieces for our major gift prospect audience, from written case studies through to web content and video 
• Managing the development and execution of new creative for the Campaign for Southampton
• Sourcing new stories and gathering information through interviews and desk research
• Supporting the team where needed on both fundraising and alumni engagement communications

This is a part-time role, working four days a week (but will consider 3.5 days), on a fixed-term contract for 24 months. Like many organisations we’re currently working hybrid, with a minimum of two days per week in the office. There is the opportunity to work more days in the office as desired. The successful applicant should be available to work on campus as and when there is a requirement. 

About us 

The University of Southampton is among the top 100 universities in the world and is a founding member of the prestigious Russell Group. Our diverse global staff and student community are helping to change the world for the better. 

In the Office of Development and Alumni Relations, our mission is to engage and grow our alumni and supporter community through philanthropy, giving time/expertise and reputation raising to help achieve the University’s strategic objectives. It’s such an exciting time to join us, as we embark on our first University-wide fundraising and engagement campaign!  

About you 

First and foremost, you’ll have a strong understanding of communications and marketing. You’ll have a number of years of marketing communications experience, ideally gained in a charity, education or agency environment. We are looking for someone who can hit the ground running and has the expertise and experience to take ownership of projects.  

You'll thrive in a busy environment, have robust project management and organisation skills, and be adept at collaborating with a wide range of different stakeholders.  

You'll be a strong copywriter with a passion for language, and the ability to write different types of copy.

To be considered, the successful candidate must be able to commence this role no later than 19th January 2026.