Head of hub jobs in Newcastle
How's your job search on our site?
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
This is an exciting opportunity to shape engaging campaigns and storytelling across digital, social media, email, PR and community channels. Working as part of our Fundraising and Communications team, you’ll create compelling and accessible communications that inspire action, strengthen our community, support fundraising and help people live full and healthy lives with MS.
Working closely with colleagues, ambassadors and people living with MS, you’ll help amplify authentic lived experience, develop impactful campaigns and use insight and digital best practice to grow engagement and reach.
We’re looking for someone with strong writing and storytelling skills, experience delivering communications, marketing or digital campaigns, and a good understanding of digital engagement, social media and email marketing. Most importantly, we’re looking for someone who is collaborative, proactive and motivated by making a meaningful difference.
About Overcoming MS
Overcoming MS is the world’s leading MS healthy lifestyle charity. We help people live full and healthy lives with MS through evidence-based information, practical tools and a supportive global community.
Since 2012, we have supported people affected by MS to make informed lifestyle choices alongside medical treatment, helping people feel more empowered, informed and hopeful about living with MS.
Our vision is a world where everyone with MS has the information, confidence and support they need to live well.
Job summary
The Communications and Marketing Manager plays a central role in helping Overcoming MS reach and support more people living with multiple sclerosis worldwide. The role leads the creation of compelling, evidence-based, and emotionally engaging communications that strengthen connections with our community, raise awareness of the Overcoming MS approach, support fundraising, engagement, and behaviour change, and showcase our services and offerings.
Working across communications channels, campaigns, storytelling and community engagement, the postholder will enable our audiences to feel they have the appropriate level of information and confidence to make lifestyle changes, through the support we offer to live a full and healthy life with MS.
Key responsibilities and duties:
The role comprises the following key areas of responsibility:
Communication and campaign creation
-
Craft engaging, accessible and audience-focused communications which inspire action, deepen engagement and build trust.
-
Plan and execute integrated marketing and communications campaigns across digital channels, print, PR and Community channels in alignment with our Fundraising and Communications Strategy.
-
Support the Head of Communications, Marketing & Digital with campaign planning, aligning Communications objectives to organisational and income generation objectives.
-
Support the Services team with the promotion of our services, including the dissemination of insights and data, to grow our awareness and engagement
-
Support colleagues and audiences. Working with stakeholders to ensure communications are planned and delivered at the right time to meet their needs.
-
Ability to communicate complex or sensitive information in a clear, accessible and empathetic way.
-
Understanding of inclusive and accessible communications best practice.
Using results to drive change
-
Use audience insight, analytics and user behaviour to shape campaigns and improve engagement.
-
Test, learn and optimise marcomms communications through experimentation, AB testing and evaluation.
-
Contribute to Marcomms evaluation on performance and impact.
Storytelling and Community voices
-
Build trusted relationships with people living with MS and the wider Overcoming MS community to develop authentic and inspiring stories.
-
Support contributors sensitively and ethically, ensuring appropriate consent and safeguarding processes are followed.
-
Identify opportunities to amplify community voices across campaigns, fundraising and communications.
-
Ensure storytelling reflects the diversity and inclusivity of the Overcoming MS community.
Social media and content creation
-
Lead on building our impact and engagement on social media with our audiences, in line with our objectives, including supporting awareness and engagement campaigns and fundraising.
-
Ensure that we are using the best tools and techniques by staying up to date with trends.
-
Monitor social media, ensuring prompt and accurate responses to enquiries.
-
Use analytics to constantly optimise our social media impact.
-
Ensure content is accessible, audience-led and aligned with best practice in health communication.
-
Support content development across both digital and print communications where required.
-
Working closely with the services team, lead the content creation and maintenance of our website to maximise our impact with audiences.
-
Build and nurture relationships with celebrity ambassadors, influencers and public supporters.
Email marketing
-
Develop content for email marketing, including for fundraising and events campaigns.
-
Optimise email by A/B testing content to maximise performance through design and content improvements, and creating triggered email sequences to build our message.
-
Use audience segmentation and personalisation to support campaigns.
-
Use analytics to identify ways to constantly optimise our email impact.
Community Engagement
-
Support our digital community through different discussion groups and platforms (social media, hubs, etc). Including liaising with internal teams and promoting best practice.
-
Support online events and drive positive engagement opportunities.
Brand communication
-
Ensuring all activity aligns with brand priorities.
-
Championing on-brand messaging. Acting as a trusted expert on brand tone of voice.
-
Ensuring all media and communications guidelines/policies are followed and kept updated.
-
Sharing best practice with the wider organisation and continuing professional development.
Creative skills
-
Generate and develop creative and innovative ideas with a good eye for brand, design, film and photography.
-
Develop clear briefs and oversee production of high-quality digital and printed communications materials.
-
Create engaging collateral through design software.
-
Edit small amounts of audio or video (desirable).
-
Support content development across both digital and print communications where required.
PR and Media
-
Support the Head of Communications, Marketing and Digital with media relations through press releases and statements.
-
Support with securing regional, national and international media coverage, sourcing case studies and creating campaign assets and messaging for media partners.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
-
Self-motivated and adaptable/proactive, with strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively
-
A keen eye for detail with a consistently high quality of work output.
-
Highly organised, able to manage a content schedule, and plan and deliver digital campaigns. Able to prioritise work across multiple projects to meet deadlines.
-
Demonstrable experience in developing, leading and executing high-quality, effective communications and engagement strategies that achieve desired results.
-
Excellent writing, editing and communication skills for social media, web, email and PR.
-
An understanding of how communications affect and engage audiences.
-
An ability to communicate in an inclusive way with diverse audiences.
-
Experience in managing and optimising website content, with strong on-page SEO skills.
-
Confident using email marketing and social scheduling
-
Familiarity with Google tools (Analytics, Adwords, Search Console, etc) and digital monitoring tools.
-
Skills in creative content development, such as audio, video and photo editing.
-
Interest in wellbeing
-
Experience managing external suppliers, freelancers or creative agencies (desirable)
-
Experience working in the charity, health or wellbeing sector. (desirable)
-
Able to flex hours and work outside normal hours where needed to cover events (time off in lieu will be provided).
This job description outlines the main responsibilities of the role, but is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Duties may evolve over time, and the post-holder may be required to undertake other reasonable tasks consistent with the level of the role.
How to apply: Please click on the Apply Now button, submit your CV, and please answer the three questions we have prepared for you. Please use the Cover Letter space to tell us your motivation for working at Overcoming MS.
Application timeline:
Close date: until 9am Monday 15th June
First round interviews: 18th and 19th June, online via Microsoft Teams
Second round interviews: 23rd June on Teams/in person TBC, and it will include a short task and presentation
Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: We want Overcoming MS to be a welcoming, inclusive and supportive place to work, where people feel valued and able to thrive. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and communities, particularly those currently underrepresented in the charity sector.
We know that people sometimes hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement listed. If this role feels like a good fit for you, we’d still encourage you to apply.
If you need reasonable adjustments or information in a different format during the recruitment process, please contact us.
Registered Charity
11 - 20
We're here for everyone with MS who wants to take control of their health and wellbeing.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
The Head of Services and Partnerships - North of England role is for a bold and ambitious leader who can move at pace, think with precision, and deliver with intent. You will bring proven experience of leading complex health and social care services, driving transformation, and making key decisions with clarity and confidence.
As Head of Services and Partnerships, you will balance urgency with attention to detail, using insight, data, and strong judgement to shape high-quality, coordinated services. You will be accountable for shaping and delivering a high-impact regional plan that improves support, and outcomes for people living with and affected by MND.
This role demands resilience, credibility, and the ability to influence at senior levels while keeping a sharp focus on outcomes. We are looking for an experienced leader who brings ambition to deliver at this level and will ensure MND Association services are coordinated, high quality, equitable, personalised, and have lasting impact. This is an opportunity to make a long-lasting difference.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the effective delivery of a high-impact regional plan as Head of Services and Partnerships
- Embed the Integrated Support Model across services, enhancing the coordination of national and regional services
- Build strong partnerships with health, social care, and voluntary sectors
- Lead, support, and develop a high-performing regional team
- Build and maintain effective relationships with volunteers, health and social care, and sector partners
- Responsible for an annual regional budget of £750,000
- Drive service improvement using insight, data, and feedback
- Act as Designated Safeguarding Manager for the region
- Contribute to national strategy and leadership priorities
About You
- Excellent understanding of UK health and social care systems
- Significant experience leading service transformation and programme delivery
- Proven leadership including remote teams
- Experience building, influencing and managing senior stakeholder relationships
- Strong financial and operational management skills
- Knowledge of safeguarding, governance, and quality assurance
- Ability to design person-centred services using insight
- Experience of integrated service delivery models
- Experience influencing system-wide change
Further information about working for the MND Association and full job description is available in the attached Candidate Pack.
This is a home-based role with frequent travel requirements across the North of Engaland. Minimum 1 day per week and regular across region and travel to Northampton at least once a month. A lease car is available as part of benefits with this role.
We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We work to remove barriers for everyone affected by MND, employees, volunteers, and stakeholders.
As part of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee interviews for disabled applicants who meet the role's requirements.
What We Offer
- 28 days holiday, increasing to 33 days after 5 years, plus Bank Holidays
- Access to UK Healthcare, including dental, eyecare, health screenings, and therapies
- 24/7 GP access via phone and video
- Life assurance and confidential counselling helplines
- Salary sacrifice schemes (Cycle to Work, Buy/Sell Annual Leave)
- Access to Benefit Hub for discounts on everyday shopping
- Enhanced pension scheme
- Opportunities for training and personal development
- Hybrid working
About Us
Motor Neurone Disease moves fast. It takes away time, it takes away independence and it has no cure. Every day we support people affected by MND. We fund ground-breaking research. We campaign for better care. We’re here for everyone who needs us. Because with MND, every day matters.
Registered Charity
101 - 500
We support people affected by Motor Neurone Disease, campaign for better care and fund ground-breaking research. Because with MND, every day matters.
Thank you!
We are seeking an Assistant Director – Digital and Innovation to play a central role in shaping how Villiers Park delivers and develops its programmes at a pivotal point in the implementation of our 2025-30 strategy. This role represents an exciting opportunity to lead on the development of our digital education offer and innovation work, ensuring it enhances both the reach and depth of our programmes for young people across the UK.
Villiers Park is a national social mobility charity with a strong track record of delivering impactful programmes that support young people from under-represented backgrounds to fulfil their potential. As we continue to grow, digital provision and innovation are increasingly important in enabling us to reach more students, and to do so in engaging and inclusive ways.
Digital learning and programme innovation will be critical to the next phase in our strategy, building on the foundations we have already established, including the development of our learning platform and programme model. Alongside this, Leadership Challenge continues to expand as a key national outreach and social action programme, and this role will be instrumental in ensuring its quality and impact.
Our work is possible because of a brilliant team of staff, trustees and volunteers and committed funders and partners who believe in what we do and want to make the greatest possible difference. The Assistant Director – Digital and Innovation will work closely with colleagues across programmes, partnerships, communications and fundraising, as well as external partners, to ensure our digital and programme offer is coherent, forward-thinking and aligned with our mission.
This is a unique opportunity to combine strategic leadership with practical delivery, helping to translate ambition into impact for the young people we serve.
Sarah Chick
Head of Programmes
Job purpose
The Assistant Director - Digital and Innovation leads the development, implementation and ongoing improvement of Villiers Park’s digital education provision. This includes the design and delivery of online learning experiences, the development of digital and physical resources for use across programmes, and ensuring that digital delivery is accessible, safeguarded and aligned with the organisation’s mission.
The role also provides strategic and operational leadership for Leadership Challenge, Villiers Park’s national student outreach and social action programme. This includes programme design, partner engagement, monitoring and evaluation, and ensuring the programme is effectively resourced and financially sustainable.
Working closely with the Head of Programmes, Senior Leadership Team (SLT), Communications and Fundraising teams, and external partners, the postholder supports the development of digital innovation, programme resourcing and Leadership Challenge activity to enhance reach, impact and quality.
Key responsibilities:
- Provide strategic leadership for the development, implementation and continuous improvement of Villiers Park’s digital education provision, ensuring alignment with our Theory of Change, priorities and values
- Lead the design and evolution of high-quality digital learning experiences, content and pathways for students, schools, parents/carers and volunteers
- Oversee the adoption and integration of digital platforms and tools, ensuring accessibility, safeguarding, GDPR compliance and scalability
- Drive innovation in digital delivery by monitoring sector trends and embedding relevant approaches to enhance reach and impact
- Ensure digital provision complements and strengthens face-to-face delivery across programmes, working closely with the Head of Programmes and Assistant Directors
- Provide strategic oversight of the use of AI within programmes, ensuring its application enhances learning experiences while maintaining safeguarding and ethical standards
- Provide strategic oversight of the development and ongoing review of physical resources, ensuring consistency, quality and alignment across programmes
- Ensure all resources are inclusive, engaging, curriculum-aligned and reflect organisational standards and brand expectations
- Maintain a coherent approach to resource development, ensuring materials support programme delivery and learning outcomes effectively
- Lead the strategic and operational development of the Leadership Challenge programme, ensuring it is high-quality, sustainable and aligned with organisational priorities
- In collaboration with the Senior Leadership Team, develop and strengthen partnerships with charities, corporates and universities to support programme growth and delivery
- Oversee the development of an appropriate recognition or award framework for participants
- Establish and oversee robust quality assurance and evaluation processes for digital and physical content and delivery
- As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, contribute to strategic planning, budgeting and risk management, and provide quarterly updates to the Board of Trustees.
- Work collaboratively with Fundraising and Communications teams to support income generation, bid development and programme promotion
This list is not exhaustive, and the post-holder will be required to undertake other tasks relevant to the role and within their capability.
Skills and experience:
- Significant leadership experience in education, youth or social mobility sectors
- Knowledge of school and college curricula and the needs of learners aged 13–19
- Proven experience in designing and/or delivering digital learning
- Strong understanding of safeguarding, digital accessibility standards and inclusive design
- Experience developing high‑quality educational resources (digital and physical)
- Ability to lead programmes, manage projects and deliver to deadlines
- Ability to build relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders to further organisational aims and fundraising objectives
Personal attributes:
- A genuine commitment to and care for social mobility and young people’s futures
- Organised and proactive, effectively, prioritising workload and delivering outcomes independently
- Strategic and forward-thinking, with an ability to see the bigger picture
- Collaborative and able to work effectively with colleagues, partners and stakeholders across different functions
- Willingness to learn and develop your own practice and experience
Additional Information:
- The postholder will be required to travel regularly to schools, events and partner organisations
- An enhanced DBS check will be required
- The postholder will hold responsibility to be one of the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads
- The postholder will require a full UK driving licence
- Evening work and overnight stays may be required
- Hybrid – location local to our Cambridge office or near to one of our Regional Hubs
Employee Benefits
- 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rated) and additional leave over Christmas.
- A dedicated wellbeing day for you to take at any time and three days (pro-rated) paid leave for volunteering or study each year.
- Training and professional development, including termly staff development days.
- Support from our wellbeing working group and access to an employee assistance programme.
- Opportunity to join working groups with other colleagues from across the organisation as well as wider networks such as the Fair Education Alliance.
- Flexibility in working hours.
- Additional sick pay and compassionate leave policies.
Safeguarding
Villiers Park Educational Trust is committed to safeguarding and to providing a safe and supportive environment, which secures the well-being and best outcomes for the young people with whom we work.
Safeguarding is embedded in all aspects of Villiers Park's work and integral to the commitment we make to our schools, partners and the young people and communities we serve and work with. All employees and volunteers are expected to share this commitment by adhering to our organisational safeguarding procedures, attending regular in-house training and keeping up to date with developments in policies and legislation.
All employees and volunteers will also agree to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Services check and successfully complete our mandatory online training courses including NSPCC Safeguarding in Schools and PREVENT training.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.