Head of communications jobs

Salary: £45,000 - £50,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent, Full-time
Location: Hybrid, minimum 3 days/week in Paddington
Closing date: ASAP, applications reviewed on a rolling basis
Benefits: 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays, office closure between Christmas and New Year, Employee Assistance Programme, annual professional development budget

We are delighted to be working with a small but mighty children's charity to recruit a Head of Income Generation and Communications. This is a fantastic opportunity to join the organisation's senior leadership team and play a pivotal role in shaping its future growth and impact. 

Reporting directly to the CEO, this role will lead the development and delivery of an integrated income generation and communications strategy. You will oversee a diverse fundraising portfolio including community and challenge events, corporate partnerships, major donors and supporter engagement, while also driving the charity's marketing, communications and brand activity.

This role would suit an ambitious fundraising leader who enjoys working across multiple income streams, thrives in a collaborative environment and is excited by the opportunity to make a genuine difference.

To be successful as the Head of Income Generation and Communications you will need:

• Significant experience developing and delivering successful fundraising or income generation strategies
• A strong track record of achieving and exceeding income targets across multiple fundraising streams
• Strong team leadership experience , and evidence of building a culture of high performance and collaboration
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build relationships with supporters, partners and senior leaders
• Experience using CRM systems and fundraising data to drive performance and supporter engagement

If you would like to have an informal discussion, please get in touch and ask for Heather, quoting the reference 3091HB.

Ashby Jenkins Recruitment are a specialist charity recruitment agency. We use our extensive sector knowledge and experience to match candidates to the most suitable charity jobs. We are passionate about improving equality across the sector, and you can read more about our commitment to diversity on our website.

We take a relationship-led approach to recruitment in the charity sector and partner with you throughout the recruitment process.

If enough applications are received, the charity reserves the right to close the application period earlier than advertised.

Job Title: Head of Communications: Maternity Cover

Location: London/Hybrid 2 days a week in office

Salary: £70,700.00 per annum

Weekly Hours: 35

Reference: YMC1231934

About Us

Founded in 1844, YMCA is a global movement and the world's largest youth-focused charity.  In England and Wales, YMCAs are based in over 700 communities across168 local authorities supporting young people and communities to reach their potential. The turnover of YMCA in 2025-26 was £386m. YMCA England & Wales is a £23 million organisation of more than 400 colleagues, supporting a Federation of 80 local YMCAs to deliver vital services which positively impact young lives across the country. As we enter 2027, a year of significant impact in our mission, we seek a Head of Communications for maternity cover.

The opportunity

As Head of Communications, you'll lead YMCA England & Wales' communications and reputation strategy, growing our influence, visibility and impact across England and Wales. You'll be responsible for leading the delivery of an integrated communications strategy that strengthens our reputation, supports organisational priorities, amplifies the voices and experiences of young people, and positions YMCA as a leading voice on the issues that matter most to young people and communities.

Working closely with the Senior Leadership Team, local YMCAs and external stakeholders, you'll oversee YMCA England & Wales’ media relations, collaborative public affairs and campaign communications, digital communications, content development, brand amplification, event delivery, internal communications, and crisis communications. As part of the Leadership Team, you'll work collaboratively across departments to help deliver our strategic goals.

Day to day, you'll provide expert communications counsel to senior leaders and trustees, protect and grow our brand and reputation, lead integrated campaigns that support our influencing objectives, and turn research and insight into compelling public narratives. You'll also lead our approach to crisis communications and issues management. You'll manage a high-performing communications team, alongside the budget for that team, and help strengthen communications capability across the wider YMCA Federation.

About You

You're an experienced, strategic communications leader who can operate confidently at senior and board level, translating organisational priorities into clear, compelling communications plans. You'll have a strong track record in brand awareness building, reputation management and media relations, and an instinct for storytelling that builds engagement and trust.

You're calm and decisive under pressure, with proven experience leading crisis and issues communications. You know how to lead, motivate and develop a team, manage budgets effectively, and build strong relationships across a complex, federated organisation. Above all, you're passionate about YMCA's mission and committed to championing equality, diversity, inclusion and safeguarding in everything you do.

Our recruitment process is anonymised and candidates' names are hidden. We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds. Safer recruitment is important to us and the successful applicant will be asked to provide two references. They will also be required to complete a safeguarding self-declaration, safeguarding training and undertake a DBS check.

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

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

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

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

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

Key responsibilities:

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

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

The appointed candidate will have:

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

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

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

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

Closing date for applications:

1st September

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

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

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.

Salary: £50,000 - £54,500
Contract: Full Time Perm
Location: Hybrid
Closing date: ASAP
Benefits: Flexible working, free gym membership at the Peterborough office, life assurance, plus a buy/sell annual leave scheme

We have a great opportunity for a Head of Communications working for an ambitious and growing health charity dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by a serious lung condition. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, this is a fantastic opportunity to shape and lead a communications function at a key stage of organisational growth and strategic development.
As part of this exciting role, you will lead the charity's communications and engagement function, developing and delivering a strategic communications plan that supports organisational objectives and raises the charity's profile nationally. You will manage and develop a small communications team, oversee media relations, digital communications, supporter engagement and internal communications, while ensuring consistent messaging and strong brand standards. Working closely with senior leaders across fundraising, research, policy and services, you will translate complex information into compelling stories that inspire supporters, engage stakeholders and demonstrate the charity's impact. You will also play a key role in strengthening communications systems, processes and reporting to support future growth.
To be successful as the Head of Communications, you will need:

• Significant senior-level experience in communications, marketing, media, engagement or public relations, with a track record of leading multi-channel communications strategies.
• Experience of managing and developing teams, alongside strong media relations, digital communications and stakeholder engagement expertise.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to turn complex information into engaging content and provide confident strategic advice to senior stakeholders.

If you would like to discuss this role with us please email your CV or contact us and quote the reference 3057AJ.

Ashby Jenkins Recruitment are a specialist charity recruitment agency, we use our extensive sector knowledge and experience to match candidates to the most suitable charity jobs. We are passionate about improving equality across the sector, you can read more about our commitment to diversity here.
We take a relationship-led approach to recruitment in the charity sector and partner with you as the leading charity recruitment agency.
If enough applications are received the charity reserve the right to end the application period sooner.
 

VISION AND MISSION Waverley Abbey is a new spiritual home for a rising generation, based in one of England’s oldest places of Christian prayer, mission and justice. Today, we fire up believers and tool up leaders to play their part in the renewal of faith in the nation and around the world. We are a house of prayer, providing practical education, exceptional hospitality and sparking innovative enterprise. From the first Cistercian monastery in England to the global ministry of Every Day with Jesus, Waverley Abbey has been a place of Christian prayer, mission and justice for over 1,300 years. Now, in partnership with 24-7 Prayer, we are building a new kind of Abbey: a new spiritual home for the nation and a hub that awakens a generation to transform the story of our times through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

VALUES & CULTURE Our team really is something special. Our people are gold. Our people come from all different walks of life, and it’s this mix of brilliant personalities, experiences and insights that gives us that warm, open and friendly culture you can feel as soon as you meet us. But, however wonderfully different we all are, there are five things we’ve got in common, and they are the Waverley Abbey values. Our values are the key to what makes our culture so unique; they’re a reflection of who each of us is and they’re embedded in everything we do. OUR VALUES Integrity Compassion Selflessness Transformational Celebration SO WE EMPLOY AUTHENTIC, SELFLESS, COMPASSIONATE, TRANSFORMATIONAL AND FUN PEOPLE!

JOB PURPOSE This is an exciting senior leadership role with the opportunity to shape how Waverley Abbey tells its story, grows its reach and engages people with its vision. The Head of Marketing and Communications will provide strategic, creative and inspiring leadership across all aspects of marketing, communications, brand and digital engagement. Working across the breadth of Waverley Abbey — including the college, house, House of Prayer, events, hospitality, fundraising and the wider estate — the postholder will develop clear and compelling communication that strengthen our brand trust, reach new audiences and support sustainable revenue growth. This role will ensure that our communications reflect the quality, warmth and bold ambition of Waverley Abbey. You will be a talented and experienced marketing professional, an exceptional leader who mines the gold in others, and an experienced AI champion with a bold vision to play your part to see the Gospel of Jesus transform a generation.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Strategic Marketing Leadership

> Develop and lead an ambitious, integrated marketing and communications strategy to support and supercharge Waverley Abbey’s vision, organisational priorities and income objectives.

> Translate organisational strategy into clear annual marketing plans, campaigns, priorities and measurable outcomes, and deliver those plans on time every time.

> Work closely with leaders across the college, House of Prayer, house and estate, hospitality, events, fundraising and other areas to understand their audiences and develop effective marketing responses.

> Significantly grow market share by connecting and building brand trust with new audiences, markets and opportunities to extend Waverley Abbey’s reach and influence.

> Champion and implement AI effectively and wisely to at least 10x our marketing output.

> Ensure marketing activity is focused, coordinated and capable of delivering both immediate results and long-term brand growth. Brand Leadership and Storytelling

> Deliver daily brand and individual stories above the line to build Waverley Abbey awareness, authority and trust. Champion excellent storytelling that communicates the impact of Waverley Abbey through the lives, experiences and communities impacted by our work.

> Lead and be principle guardian of the Waverley Abbey brand and sub-brands.

> Develop a clear, compelling and consistent brand story that captures the heritage, vision, breadth and future direction of Waverley Abbey.

> Ensure the brand is expressed consistently across all communications, campaigns, publications, digital platforms, signage and visitor touchpoints.

> Oversee the development and implementation of brand guidelines and support colleagues to apply them consistently and confidently.

> Protect and strengthen the reputation of Waverley Abbey; identifying, proactively managing and responding appropriately to potential risks. Campaigns, Audience Growth and Engagement

> Lead integrated fundraising campaigns that increase awareness, engagement, participation and income from core and new audiences.

> Develop targeted approaches for student recruitment that increase our HE student enrolments year on year on year, and provide a significantly growing ‘front door’ of non-HE students and trainees via a ‘digital university’.

> Significantly grow house, event and retreat guests to maximum capacity.

> Ensure campaigns are creative, audience-focused, aspirational and informed by meaningful data.

> Establish a clear annual marketing and communications plan aligned with organisational priorities — and deliver on time, every time.

> Strengthen the organisation’s ability to acquire new audiences while deepening engagement with existing supporters, students, guests, customers and partners. Digital Marketing and Content >Deliver the effective and wise use of AI to 10x our marketing output.

> Provide leadership for Waverley Abbey’s websites, social media channels, email communications and wider digital presence.

> Effectively be able to spin-up world class UX websites and apps in short timescales.

>Develop a digital-first approach that makes maximum use of content, video, photography, social media, search, email and emerging platforms.

>Oversee the planning and production of high-quality content that is engaging, market-leading and consistent with the Waverley Abbey voice.

> Ensure the best UX on all websites and that digital platforms are accurate, accessible, engaging, easy to navigate and optimised for search.

>Use analytics and audience insight to improve campaigns and tactics.

>Always be exploring new digital opportunities that could significantly increase Waverley Abbey’s reach and impact. Communications and Public Relations

> Lead Waverley Abbey’s external communications, media relations and public relations activity.

>Develop proactive opportunities to raise the profile of Waverley Abbey locally, nationally and within relevant Christian, educational and hospitality networks.

>Oversee press releases, media statements, articles, briefing materials and external announcements.

>Build strong and constructive relationships with journalists, media partners, influencers and other key stakeholders.

> Lead communications planning during sensitive or high-profile situations, working closely with the CEO and relevant senior leaders.

> Ensure Waverley Abbey communicates with clarity, confidence and integrity. Fundraising and Partnership Communications

> Work in close partnership with fundraising colleagues to develop compelling cases for support, campaigns and supporter communications.

> Ensure fundraising materials communicate Waverley Abbey’s vision, need and impact with clarity.

> Support the development of strategic partnerships that increase the organisation’s profile, influence and reach.

> Create high-quality communications resources for funders, donors, partners, churches and other key stakeholders. Team Leadership and Development

> Lead, inspire and develop a high-performing Marketing and Communications team in collaboration with the Senior Marketing Manager.

> Create a collaborative, creative and supportive culture in which team members are trusted, equipped and accountable.

> Set clear objectives and priorities for the team, ensuring workloads and resources are managed effectively.

> Provide regular one-to-ones, feedback, coaching, development conversations and performance reviews.

> Support the personal and professional development of direct reports, identifying opportunities for growth and increased responsibility.

> Commission and manage freelancers, agencies and specialist suppliers where appropriate.

> Build positive and productive relationships across the organisation, enabling the Marketing and Communications team to operate as a trusted strategic partner. Planning, Budgets and Performance

> Manage the Marketing and Communications budget responsibly, ensuring effective use of resources and demonstrable value — always within budget.

> Establish clear measures of success across brand awareness, audience growth, engagement, recruitment, conversion and income.

> Provide regular performance reports, insight and recommendations to the CEO and Executive Team.

> Use data, audience research and market insight to inform decisions and continually improve performance.

> Manage multiple projects and priorities effectively, ensuring high quality work is delivered on time and within budget. Data and Compliance

> Ensure marketing communications comply with UK GDPR, data protection, consent and privacy requirements.

> Maintain professional, ethical and legally compliant standards across all communications activity. Leadership and Organisational Contribution As a senior Executive member at Waverley Abbey, the postholder will:

> Contribute actively to organisational strategy, planning and decision-making.

> Build strong relationships across all areas of Waverley Abbey and work generously across organisational boundaries.

> Model leadership that is clear, courageous, compassionate and accountable.

> Champion a culture of excellence, collaboration and continuous improvement.

> Embody Waverley Abbey’s values of Integrity, Compassion, Selflessness, Transformation and Celebration.

> Act as an ambassador for Waverley Abbey, representing the organisation externally and internally confidently and professionally.

> Undertake other reasonable duties consistent with the seniority and purpose of the role.

PERSON SPECIFICATION Experience — Essential

> Significant senior-level experience in marketing, communications or brand.

> A strong track record of developing and delivering successful marketing and communications strategies.

> Experience of leading integrated campaigns across digital and traditional channels.

> Demonstrable success in growing audiences, increasing engagement and delivering measurable organisational outcomes.

> Experience of leading, managing and developing a marketing or communications team.

> Strong experience of AI, digital marketing, content strategy, social media, websites, email marketing and audience analytics.

> Experience of working effectively with senior leaders and providing trusted strategic advice.

> Experience of managing budgets, agencies, suppliers and multiple projects.

> Experience of using data insight to evaluate performance and make decisions.

Experience — Desirable

> Experience within a complex, multi-product environment — charity, Christian organisation, education provider or hospitality organisation.

> Experience of student recruitment, fundraising communications, events marketing or customer acquisition.

> Experience of working across an organisation with several distinct audiences, services or brands.

Knowledge and Skills — Essential

> Excellent strategic thinking, with the ability to translate vision into focused and achievable plans.

> Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

> Strong creative judgement and the ability to recognise and develop compelling stories.

> A sophisticated understanding of brand, audience development and customer journeys.

> Excellent leadership and people-management skills.

> Strong project-management and organisational skills, with the ability to balance strategic leadership and practical delivery. > Commercial awareness and an understanding of how marketing supports organisational growth and income generation.

> Confidence in analysing data, measuring impact and presenting clear recommendations.

Knowledge and Skills — Desirable

> A relevant degree or professional marketing qualification.

> Membership of the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

> Working knowledge of content management systems, customer relationship management systems, email marketing tools and creative software.

> Understanding of the UK higher education landscape.

Personal Qualities The successful candidate will be:

> An imaginative and ambitious leader who is excited by the opportunity to build something significant.

> A gifted storyteller who communicates with clarity, warmth and authenticity.

> Strategic and creative, while also able to bring structure, focus and delivery.

> Collaborative, generous and able to work effectively with colleagues holding different responsibilities and perspectives.

> Emotionally intelligent and confident in navigating complexity.

> Proactive, resourceful and comfortable taking appropriate initiative.

> Committed to excellence without losing warmth, humanity or perspective.

> Resilient, adaptable and able to respond positively to change.

> Personally aligned with the Christian vision and values of Waverley Abbey. Occupational Requirement There is an occupational requirement for the postholder to be a practising Christian. The successful candidate will be expected to affirm Waverley Abbey’s Statement of Faith, participate in the prayer life of the organisation and conduct themselves in a way that is consistent with its Christian ethos and values. This requirement is applied in accordance with Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010. Additional Requirements

> Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends in support of significant events, campaigns or organisational activity. > Willingness to travel occasionally for meetings, events and partnership activity.

> This job description reflects the current requirements of the role. It may be reviewed as Waverley Abbey develops, following consultation with the postholder.