Head of policy and communications jobs

Independent Age is the national charity focused on improving the lives of people facing financial hardship in later life. We believe no one should face financial hardship in later life.

Our Helpline and expert advisers offer free, practical support to older people without enough money to live on. Through our grants programme, we support hundreds of local organisations working with older people across the UK. 

We use the knowledge and insight gained from our support services and partnerships to highlight the issues experienced by older people in poverty and campaign for change.

We would love to find individuals from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds to join us on this journey.

Responsibilities and Person Specification:

This role supports Independent Age’s media/ PR and social media programme, with a 50/50 split between these areas, and will help deliver our ambition to tackle poverty in later life, build the organisation’s reputation, and raise our profile across multimedia channels. 

Working closely with the Media Communications Manager and Senior Digital Content Officer, the post-holder will work on communication projects across all areas of the charity to raise awareness and understanding of Independent Age, grow our influence and drive potential supporters to our activities (including our information and advice, fundraising, volunteering and campaigning). 

You should have experience of media liaison and securing press coverage, as well as familiarity with all social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter/X, BlueSky, Instagram and LinkedIn), and ideally a foundational knowledge of the associated reporting and analytics for them. 

For full details on the role and requirements, please review the job description and person specification.  If your experience doesn’t align perfectly with all of the criteria in the person specification but you do meet most of them and are excited about the role, we encourage you to apply anyway. 

This is a full-time role, 35 hours per week, which you can choose to work over five days or a 9-day fortnight. 

What it’s like to work at Independent Age:

We celebrate diversity at Independent Age and champion the differences that make each of us unique. We actively support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets to join us and help shape what we do. We aim to attract and retain a wide range of talent and create an environment where everyone can feel safe, protected, welcome and included.

We offer great benefits including 28 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme with life assurance, and fantastic learning and development opportunities. We also offer a number of enhanced leave provisions and benefits.

We know that a good work life balance helps us perform at our best and supports wellbeing. Flexible working hours and hybrid working is standard for all (those contracted to work in the office usually attend 1 day per week). But if you need a different form of flexibility, we are always happy to talk flexible working. 

You can find out more about what it’s like to work at Independent Age on the careers page of our website.

Application Process:

To apply, please submit a CV and a Supporting Statement, detailing how your skills and experience meet the criteria within the Job Description and Person Specification, by visiting our jobs website (please do not hesitate to contact us if you have specific requirements and need support to apply in an alternative format).

To support our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion our hiring managers use anonymous shortlisting. Therefore, please do not include your name, photo, or information to indicate your gender or age in your CV and supporting statement. Please do not omit dates of employment. Please ensure the title of any uploads does not contain your name. 

Independent Age is committed to safeguarding and follows Safer Recruitment practices to ensure we are safeguarding those we work with. We therefore ask that you supply your full work history with explanations for any gaps in the application documents you submit and, if offered the post, we will require two employment references including your current or most recent employer. A Basic DBS Certificate will be required for this role.

Closing Date: 22 April 2026 at 11:59pm

Are you an exceptional Head of Youth looking for a senior leadership role in a ground-breaking charity? Come lead our work with, by and for young people aged 11–25 at the Winch.

You will oversee the design and delivery of effective and innovative programmes, secure funding to advance young peoples opportunties and build strong partnerships that support our strategic goals. As part of the senior management team, you will play a key role in driving our mission to create communities where all children and young people can thrive. You will model our core values of Joy, Care and Courage.

We have recently secured funding from Propel for the Inspiring Inclusion initiative—a seven-year, multi-agency partnership focused on transforming the school system for Black and racially minoritised students at risk of exclusion, particularly those affected by adverse childhood experiences. As Head of Youth, you will act as programme lead and external ambassador for the partnership.

Make a real impact on the people who support families across the UK. As our new Deputy Head of HR (Operations & Systems), you’ll shape high‑quality HR services and drive improvements that help our teams thrive.
This is a rare opportunity to lead a newly created function, modernise systems and processes, and strengthen our organisation for the future.

ID 1763 — Deputy Head of HR (Operations and Systems)
Human Resources | Family Action Head Office, London (N1) with hybrid or home-working
29.6 hours per week (part time)
£42,562 – £46,703 FTE (£34,050 – £37,362 based on 29.6 hours per week) per annum 
Plus £3,062 Inner London Weighting (if office-based) or £384 (if home-working)
Permanent contract

We are flexible about hours and where this role is based. You can work from our London office (N1) with hybrid working or from home. Home-based staff ideally travel to London once a month, but this is desirable rather than essential.

About Family Action & the Role’s Impact

Family Action has supported people through challenge, change and crisis for over 150 years. We protect children, support young people and adults, and offer direct, practical help to families and communities nationwide.

We see first-hand the power of family to shape lives, for better or worse, so we speak up for the importance of family in national and local policymaking, amplify family voices and represent the changing needs of families in the UK today.

As our Deputy Head of HR, you will lead our HR Operations & Systems function, ensuring the delivery of efficient, high‑quality HR services. You’ll oversee and continuously improve core HR processes, systems (including iTrent) and our Payroll relationship. This role blends hands‑on operational leadership with the strategic insight needed to strengthen governance, streamline processes and build overall effectiveness.

If you have significant experience leading HR Operations, Shared Services or HR Systems teams, we would love to hear from you. Your ability to optimise systems and processes, deliver through others and translate operational insight into strategic improvement will make you a strong candidate.

We Want You to Apply — Even If You Don’t Meet Every Requirement

Family Action is a supportive, inclusive employer. If you’re unsure about applying because you don’t meet every point on the Person Specification, please do apply — we value your skills, experience and values, not just checkboxes.

People‑focused, can‑do, excellence and mutual respect aren’t just words for us – they guide every decision we make. If these values inspire you too, you’ll thrive here.

Benefits:

• 30 days’ annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays
• Up to 6% matched pension contributions
• Flexible working options from day one
• Enhanced paid sick leave and paid family leave
• Eye care and flu-jab vouchers
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Ongoing professional development and high-quality training

Closing Date: Wednesday 29 April 2026 at 23:59
(We may close early if we find a strong candidate, so early applications are encouraged.)

All appointments are subject to satisfactory Safer Recruitment checks.

Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

We welcome applications from all sections of the community and will make reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process and in the workplace. We particularly welcome applications from ethnically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ candidates and candidates with disabilities as part of our commitment to increasing representation.

Candidates with a disability may apply under the Disability Confident Scheme for priority consideration if they meet the essential criteria.

We will reimburse reasonable travel costs for in‑person interviews.

Family Action typically appoints new starters at the starting point of the salary scale unless experience or exceptional circumstances justify a higher starting point.

We are ideally looking for someone who can join as soon as possible, but this is not essential — please apply regardless of your notice period.

Children and young people in London matter; their voices, experiences, and futures. They deserve every chance to make the most of their lives. But too many young people can't because they don't have the opportunities they need to thrive. That is where transformational youth work comes in offering somewhere to go, something to do, someone to trust. 

London Youth's vision is for all young Londoners to grow up healthy, able to express themselves, navigating a fulfilling career, and making a positive contribution to their communities. 

The Head of Trusts and Foundations plays a pivotal role in the delivery of this vision, leading on the significant growth of restricted and unrestricted funds through this income stream. You will line manage a Trusts & Foundations Manager and a Trusts & Foundations Officer, collaborating closely with them in order to drive success and deliver against target. You will be personally responsible for securing new high value multi-year relationships (six and seven figures) as well as stewarding a range of existing high value relationships. You will also play an important leadership role across the organisation, working with colleagues in all departments to ensure an efficient and effective approach that delivers for children and young people and youth workers and organisations across the capital. 

What you will be doing

• Lead on the development and implementation of a successful trusts and foundations strategy that achieves £2.5m of restricted and unrestricted income by the end of 2026 and delivers growth from 2027. 
• Offer inspirational leadership to the Trusts and Foundations Team, line managing a T&F manager and a T&F officer. 
• Take overall responsibility for developing and managing a robus pipeline of trusts and foundations and statutory funders that enables London Youth to hit its income targets, coordinating the distribution of responsibilities across the team, including the implementation of a quarterly mailout.
• Work in close collaboration with appropriate teams across London Youth to ensure all applications and proposals produced by the team are compelling, accurate, produced to the highest possible standards, and submitted to deadline. 
• Ensure contracts or MOUs are in place with all funders and that all conditions and reporting requirements are clear and met. 
• Ensure all information is recorded in an accurate and timely manner on Salesforce, enabling you to track progress against monthly income targets and KPIs, and expertly steward and manage all relationships with funders. 
• Lead on the development of the annual Trusts and Foundations budgets and the monthly review of management accounts for your area. 
• Produce appropriate reports and presentations for team, directorate, senior team, committee, and board meetings. 
• Prepresent the fundraising team in leadership team meetings and senior meetings as appropriate when required. 
• Contribute to wider fundraising and communications led activities such as site visits, Lunch and Learn sessions, the London Youth Awards, and external networking opportunities. 
• Ensure you and your team understands the external funding environment, spotting trends, identifying opportunities, and making informed strategic recommendations for how London Youth should be operating in such an environment. 

What you bring to the role 

Knowledge and Experience: 

• Proven ability to lead and manage a trusts and foundations team and deliver growth through this income stream. 
• Experience of successfully delivering six and seven figure funds. 
• Proven ability to lead and collaborate with delivery, finance, policy, data and learning, and senior teams to develop applications and proposals. 
• Proven project management skills. 
• First class relationship management skills. 
• Demonstrable knowledge of UK and London funders. 
• Ability to undertake rigorous prospect research and build and manage a robust pipeline.
• An analytical approach with experience of regularly recording and reporting on data, including an ability to interpret financial data. 
• Experience of acting as an organisational ambassador in a range of outward facing contexts. 
• Awareness of Fundraising Regulatory Framework. 

Attributes and Behaviours: 

• Passionate and demonstrably committed to improving the lives of young people. 
• Outstanding written and oral communications skills with attention to detail. 
• Ability to think strategically. 
• Ability to adapt to working with a variety of internal and external audiences. 
• Ability to work independently and use your own initiative. 
• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities. 
• Ability to work in a changing and flexible environment. 
• Willingness to develop and learn new skills. 
• Discretion and ability to maintain confidentiality. 
• Willingness to work occasional evenings or weekends at London Youth events. 

You will be able to demonstrate our values of being: 

• Ambitious 
• Collaborative 
• Inclusive 
• Accountable 

Why work at London Youth 

• Generous holiday allowance - 39 days paid holiday each year (including bank holidays and closure days). If you work part-time, your holiday allowance will be proportional based on your working hours. 
• Employer 4% pension contribution. 
• Additional leave granted to support voluntary activity. 
• Free access for you and your family for the Employee Assistance Programme. 
• Free access to the 'Headspace' app for you and your family. 
• Free Health Care Cash Plan. 
• Free access to the Charity Mentoring Network, as a mentor or mentee. 
• You'll be working with a fantastic team of passionate colleagues across London Youth. 
• You will be making a difference to the lives of young people! 

The Talent Set are delighted to be partnering with Our Future to recruit their new Head of Communications.

UK-based, hybrid (flexible, with regular travel to London and programme locations)
Full-time, permanent (35 hours over 4 days, Mon–Thurs)
£55,000–£65,000

About Us
Our Future is a growing organisation working to put communities in control of their town’s future. We support local people to shape a shared vision, unlock long-term funding, and drive change from the ground up, while influencing national policy to better support community-led change.

Having started in Grimsby and expanded to Rochdale, we’re now building a national movement.

The Role
We’re looking for an experienced, strategic and hands-on Head of Communications to shape how Our Future is understood and grow our national profile and influence.

This is a senior leadership role combining strategy and delivery. You’ll advise the CEO and leadership team, lead our communications strategy, and oversee day-to-day output—from campaigns and media to content and digital channels.

Joining at a pivotal moment, you’ll play a central role in our growth and help build and lead a high-performing communications function.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a clear, compelling national communications strategy
• Act as a trusted adviser to senior leadership
• Develop and protect a strong organisational narrative
• Oversee brand, storytelling, media and PR activity
• Lead digital channels and improve engagement through insight
• Manage crisis and reputational communications
• Support place-based communications in our programme areas
• Commission and oversee creative, events and content
• Build systems, processes and a clear communications workplan

What You’ll Bring

• Experience leading communications in complex or mission-driven settings
• Excellent writing and editorial skills
• Strong strategic thinking with hands-on delivery experience
• Expertise across media, PR, brand and crisis communications
• Confidence advising senior stakeholders and navigating sensitive issues
• Experience managing digital channels and external partners
• Ability to juggle priorities in a fast-paced environment

Who You Are
You’re thoughtful, collaborative and grounded, with the confidence to lead and the humility to listen. You bring sound judgment, strong relationships, and a belief in the power of community-led change.

What We Offer

• 4-day working week (Mon–Thurs, 35 hours)
• 25 days’ holiday + bank holidays
• 10% employer pension contribution (3% employee)
• Flexible, values-driven working culture

How to Apply 
To apply, please submit your CV demonstrating your suitability for this role by clicking the 'apply now' button.

Closing date: 21 April 2026
First Stage Interview: w/b 27 April 2026
Second Stage Interview: wb 4 May 2026
Please Note: All speculative/ direct CVs sent will be forwarded to The Talent Set for review. 

Commitment to Diversity 
The Talent Set are committed to diverse and inclusive recruitment practices, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability, or age. We actively encourage applications from a wide range of backgrounds and are always happy to make reasonable adjustments to ensure a fair recruitment process. 

The Fawcett Society is the UK’s leading membership charity campaigning for women’s rights.

We are recruiting a Head of Campaigns & Influence to lead our public campaigning and movement-building work. This is a senior role for someone who can turn build campaigns that cut through, mobilising supporters and communities, raising awareness of the most pressing issues facing women today, and helping shape the political conditions for progress on women’s rights.

This role drives how Fawcett builds our influence & impact. It brings together campaigning, public affairs, supporter mobilisation and leadership, with a strong focus on turning evidence and policy priorities into clear, credible and compelling public asks.

About the role

The Head of Campaigns & Influence will lead the development and delivery of Fawcett’s campaigning strategy, ensuring our work is politically sharp, driven by women's experiences, and capable of building momentum over time.

You will work across campaigns, public affairs, digital and membership, helping ensure that our external work is joined up, strategic and effective. You will also play a key role in connecting our national influencing work with the energy, insight and experience of our members, supporters and communities.

This is a senior leadership role, reporting to the Chief Executive and contributing to wider organisational planning and decision-making. You will line manage campaigning capacity, help shape a collaborative and inclusive culture, and support Fawcett to grow its public impact over the coming years.

You would be joining a small but ambitious team, with the opportunity to shape both the work itself and how we work together. At the moment, the team is small, which means this role will suit someone who is comfortable leading in a hands-on way while supporting others to grow. We expect to strengthen our campaigning capacity over time, so there is real scope to help shape the next phase of that development.

What you will do

• Lead and deliver an integrated campaigns strategy aligned to Fawcett’s priorities and mission.
• Turn research and policy positions into clear, compelling and politically credible campaign narratives and asks.
• Build momentum by mobilising members, supporters and people with lived experience in meaningful and effective ways.
• Lead Fawcett’s cross-party public affairs approach and represent the organisation in external meetings, coalitions and forums.
• Work closely across campaigns, communications, digital, membership and income generation to strengthen impact and visibility.
• Define success measures for campaigns and improve how we understand and evidence our impact.
• Line manage and support staff through inclusive, accountable and values-led leadership.
• Contribute to senior leadership planning, organisational development and wider strategic decision-making.

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who brings:

• Experience of leading and delivering campaigns, advocacy or movement-building work designed to achieve social, political or cultural change.
• Experience of mobilising supporters, communities and/or people with lived experience in ways that strengthen campaigns, projects or organisational work.
• Experience of influencing political, institutional or other decision-makers, including translating evidence, policy positions or strategic objectives into clear and credible public asks.
• Previous line management experience, with evidence of supporting and developing others well through inclusive, accountable and values-led leadership.
• A strong commitment to women’s rights and tackling misogyny, with a clear understanding of intersectional feminist and anti-racist practice.
• Strong strategic judgement and the ability to work effectively in politically sensitive or fast-moving contexts.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across different teams and audiences.

Encouragement to apply

We know that women and people from marginalised backgrounds are less likely to apply for roles unless they meet every single criterion listed. If this role excites you and you feel you could do it well, we strongly encourage you to apply even if you do not meet 100% of the requirements.

Description 

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Head of Fundraising to lead and further develop our fundraising activity at a pivotal time for the Cathedral. This is a strategic and hands on role, working closely with the Chief Operating Officer and Senior Management Team to secure the resources needed to sustain and grow the Cathedral’s mission, ministry and buildings. 

You will take the lead on generating fundraising income, primarily through trusts and foundations, while also developing appeals, legacy giving, regular giving and new fundraising income streams. You will build on the strong foundations already in place, bringing creativity, rigour and collaboration to everything you do. 

The role 

As Head of Fundraising, you will: 

• Lead relationships with trusts and foundations, identifying opportunities, writing compelling applications and managing reporting and compliance 

• Drive major fundraising bids to support the Cathedral’s Estates Masterplan and strategic priorities 

• Develop and deliver fundraising appeals and pilot new initiatives to diversify income 

• Grow legacy and regular giving, building a sustainable pipeline of long-term supporters 

• Lead supporter care, engagement and fundraising events 

• Oversee fundraising communications and profile raising activity 

• Work collaboratively across the Cathedral to develop fundable projects and shared ownership of fundraising 

• Manage the fundraising budget and report progress to the Senior Management Team and Finance Committee 

• Act as Line Manager for the Development Officer 

This role combines strategic thinking with practical delivery and will suit someone who enjoys working in a small, committed team where no two days are the same. 

What we're looking for 

• Proven experience in fundraising, particularly trusts and foundations 

• A strong track record of writing successful funding applications generating over £250,000pa 

• Excellent relationship building and communication skills 

• The ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, volunteers and external partners 

• Empathy with the values, mission and worshipping life of a Christian cathedral 

• A calm, organised and proactive approach, with strong attention to detail 

• A clear commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and best practice 

Experience in cathedral, church, heritage or charity settings is welcome but not essential — we are keen to hear from candidates with transferable skills from other sectors. 

Why join us? 

You will be part of a warm, committed community, working in a unique historic setting and helping ensure Portsmouth Cathedral continues to thrive for generations to come. 

 
Benefits 

• Generous annual leave allowance of 25 days per annum (FTE) plus public holidays and 2 'given' days over Christmas. Pro rata for this part-time role. 

• Employer pension contributions of 7% plus 1% employee contribution. 

• Commitment to professional development and training 

• Cash health plan 

Portsmouth Cathedral is an Equal Opportunities Employer and a member of Inclusive Church.   

Interviews in person Tuesday 5 May 2026

A fairer and greener economy for Wales means a real Living Wage for everyone and support for the local businesses that help meet our everyday needs. We have already helped over 600 Welsh organisations guarantee 170,000 employees’ access to a real Living Wage, and we have supported local businesses pioneering food, energy, housing, transport, nature and health services. We want to do more – can you help us as our new Head of Fair Economy?

You will need to be passionate about building an economy that works for everyone, with the skills and experience to lead and build programmes and teams, work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders in our areas of work, and to be proactive in identifying new opportunities for funding and impact.

You will be leading the Fair Economy team to deliver against impact targets in our annual business plan. This involves:

• Leading the Fair Economy team (30%) 
• Supporting the real Living Wage (rLW) Programme (30%) 
• Supporting the Foundational Economy (FE) Programme (40%) 

You'll play a key role in helping individuals and organisations benefit from our expertise, while growing our reach, income, and impact as a forward-thinking charity. This includes lifting individuals out of in-work poverty and supporting local businesses that provide our everyday needs.

We are a lively and progressive charity at an important stage in our development. If our mission resonates with you and you share our aims, we would love to hear from you.

Pennaeth Economi Deg

Mae Economi decach a gwyrddach i Gymru yn golygu Cyflog Byw Gwirioneddol i bawb a chefnogaeth i’r busnesau lleol sy’n ein helpu i fodloni ein hanghenion bob dydd. Rydym ni eisoes wedi helpu 600 a mwy o sefydliadau yng Nghymru i sicrhau bod 170,000 o weithwyr yn cael Cyflog Byw Gwirioneddol, ac rydym ni wedi cefnogi busnesau lleol sy’n arloesi ym maes bwyd, ynni, tai, trafnidiaeth, natur a gwasanaethau iechyd. Ond rydym ni eisiau gwneud mwy - allwch chi ein helpu ni fel Pennaeth newydd yr Economi Deg?

Bydd angen i chi fod yn frwd dros greu economi sy’n gweithio i bawb, a meddu ar y sgiliau a’r profiad i arwain ac adeiladu rhaglenni a thimau, gweithio mewn partneriaeth ag amrywiaeth eang o randdeiliaid yn ein meysydd gwaith, a bod yn rhagweithiol wrth fynd ati i ganfod cyfleoedd cyllido ac effaith newydd.

Byddwch yn arwain tîm yr Economi Deg wrth iddynt gyflawni targedau effaith ein cynllun busnes blynyddol. Bydd hyn yn golygu: 

• Arwain Tîm yr Economi Deg (30%) 
• Cefnogi’r Rhaglen Cyflog Byw Gwirioneddol (30%) 
• Cefnogi Rhaglen yr Economi Sylfaenol (40%) 

Byddwch yn chwarae rhan allweddol yn y gwaith o helpu unigolion a sefydliadau i elwa o'n harbenigedd — ar yr un pryd â chynyddu ein cyrhaeddiad, ein hincwm a'n heffaith fel elusen flaengar. Mae hyn yn cynnwys helpu unigolion allan o dlodi mewn gwaith, a chefnogi’r busnesau lleol sy’n bodloni ein hanghenion bob dydd.

Rydym ni’n elusen fywiog a blaengar ac rydym ni mewn cyfnod pwysig yn ein datblygiad ar hyn o bryd. Os yw ein cenhadaeth yn taro tant a’ch bod chi’n rhannu’r un nodau â ni, byddem wrth ein bodd yn clywed gennych chi. 

Details

Position:Head of Community Support and Operations

Location:Barnsley, South Yorkshire

Hours:30 hours to be taken flexibly over Monday – Friday; 1 day wfh allowance

Salary:                                £50,562 FTE (£40,996 pro rata)

Contract type:Permanent

Reportable to: CEO

Direct reports: Volunteer Development Co-ordinator, Charity Advisor and Partnership Coordinator and any relevant roles that develop

Job Purpose

The Head of Community Support and Operations is a pivotal new role being introduced to the executive team at Barnsley CVS.  This person will be a key role in the growth and development of the executive team.  You will play an exciting part in the delivery and development of the recently developed 4-year strategy and theory of change. Your role will drive intention and focus on developing our support to the sector in a meaningful way to high standards, whilst ensuring our own internal operations reflect best practice.  You will need a strong knowledge of charity set up, management and governance along with a passion for what the VCSE sector does.  You will be confident in people management and development; have the ability to work inclusively with a wide range of people and backgrounds and the skill to see gaps and opportunities for service development.

You will work closely with the Head of Strategic Partnerships to identify gaps and opportunities to develop our offer of support to the sector whether through direct services, training, brokerage agreements or membership offers.  As you identify these opportunities, you will work collaboratively with the Head of Business Development to explore commercial income options that are also in line with our mission and vision.

Using your excellent people skills, you will act as the first point of contact for HR matters within the charity, overseeing the general management of our online HR system, policies and procedures.  You will work in collaboration with the CEO in any areas that need significant development or management.

You will keep up to date with new initiatives and ideas in the wider infrastructure sector, relevant legislation and modern thinking in relation to charity management best practice.

Benefits:

- 33 days annual leave increasing with years of service + annual leave given between Christmas and New Year that doesn't count against your annual leave

- Sick leave entitlement increases with years of service

- 5% pension contribution

- Paid leave to complete voluntary activity for up to 5 days pro rata

- Discount on local gym membership

- Flexible working with TOIL given for any additional hours worked

At Humanists UK, our dream is of a tolerant world where rational thinking and kindness prevail. Our dedicated staff of 35 and hundreds of volunteers work hard to achieve this aim and we now have a vacancy for a Head of Communications & Marketing.

Is this the right position for you?

We’re looking for a Head of Communications & Marketing to advance greater public understanding of humanism by reaching new and growing audiences. The role also comes with strategic responsibility for improving brand awareness and driving sales for key products and brands, including Humanist Ceremonies (non-religious weddings, funerals, and naming ceremonies), the award-winning New Humanist magazine (est. 1885), podcasts, books, and a nationwide programme of prestige events and festivals.

This is a senior role with real scope. You will lead our communications team across print, digital, events, and marketing, and make sure what we put out is clear, compelling, consistent, and rooted in our purpose. As well as marketing, this role has responsibility for content, including for our website and social media channels, making sure these are updated with high-quality, accessible, engaging, and well-optimised educational and brand-building materials pitched at a range of target audiences.

This role is about leadership as much as delivery. You’ll be responsible for maintaining a clear organisational communications grid, and for working closely with colleagues across the organisation, particularly the Head of Press & Campaign Communications and the Head of Fundraising, to make sure our messaging, brand, and tone are joined up and effective.

You will be at your best when working to ambitious but achievable KPIs and making strategic decisions on the basis of evidence, including open and clickthrough rates, A/B testing, site behaviour and visit numbers, sales conversions, surveys, and feedback.

If you are ready to take a step up in your career this role could be a perfect opportunity. If you don't have experience at this level already you will need to be able to showcase to us – both at interview, and in your application – that you have significant experience of decision-making for communications or marketing in a complex organisation. You’ll also need to convince us of your ability to balance leading on strategy with hands-on problem-solving. You’ll be comfortable setting priorities, making judgement calls, and giving clear direction to your direct reports, while also collaborating well across departments and supporting less experienced staff to do their best work. We’re looking for someone who can think long-term, but who also cares about the details and the day-to-day reality of getting communications right.

Head to our website and apply there. Applications must be submitted by 17:00 14 April, 2026.

Shortlisting and interviews

Candidates short-listed for interview will be notified by 17:00 on 22 April 2026. Interviews for shortlisted candidates will be held during the week of 27 April 2026 at our offices at 3 Waterhouse Square, London, EC1N 2SW.

If you have any questions about the post, please feel free to contact the hiring manager, Liam Whitton, by email - he will be very happy to talk more about the role with you.

If there is anything that would help you bring your best self to the interview, please let us know.

Contract: 12 month fixed term, full-time

Annual leave: 33 days (plus eight bank holidays)

Benefits:

• enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave, and shared parental pay
• family-friendly policies
• 8% employer pension contribution (Aviva)
• life assurance cover at 3 x annual salary
• health cashback plan (Medicash): employee cover plus up to four dependent children
• 24/7 virtual GP access (UK registered), plus access to Best Doctors
• confidential employee assistance programme (Medicash)
• access to a wellbeing app
• flexible working options including hybrid working, flexible working patterns such as part-time, compressed hours, and more*
• learning and development opportunities including bespoke training and access to LinkedIn Learning)
• commitment to employee health and wellbeing. We have a Menopause Friendly accreditation and are a Disability Confident employer

At Dementia UK, we make sure families affected by dementia don’t face it alone. Through our specialist Admiral Nurses, we provide expert advice and support when it’s needed most. Alongside this, our policy and campaigns work helps drive the change needed so that every family can access the support they deserve.

We are looking for an experienced Head of Campaigns to join us on a 12 month fixed term contract to cover maternity leave. This is a key leadership role at an important time for the charity, offering the opportunity to shape and deliver high-impact policy change campaigning that supports real change across the UK.

Leading our campaigns team, you will drive a clear and effective approach to public mobilisation, ensuring the voices of people affected by dementia are heard and influence decision-making. You will work closely with colleagues across policy, communications and digital, building strong partnerships internally and externally to strengthen our reach and impact.

This role requires someone who can step in with confidence and operate at pace. You will bring strong experience of leading campaigns and influencing activity, with the ability to negotiate, influence and drive coalitions and hold your own in senior discussions. You will be comfortable representing the organisation externally, including with partners, senior stakeholders and in the media.

You will also lead and support a small team, creating a collaborative and focused environment while ensuring delivery of high-quality, inclusive campaigning. Alongside this, you will use your political judgement and strategic thinking to identify opportunities, manage risks and ensure our work is grounded in evidence and lived experience.

We are looking for someone with a strong track record in campaigns or public affairs, who understands how to influence change within the UK health and social care landscape. Experience of partnership working and bringing organisations together to achieve shared goals would be particularly valuable.

Above all, you will be motivated by purpose and committed to helping Dementia UK strengthen its voice and influence, so that more families get the support they need.

Our culture

In addition to offering a competitive salary and a generous benefits package, we truly value our people. It’s important for us to create a workplace culture that looks after our people to support them in achieving their full potential. You will become part of a diverse and dedicated team who are supported to use and develop their skills. We recognise and value the key role you will play in delivering our strategic plans for the benefit of those living with dementia.  

Our staff have a voice. Representatives from different roles and levels across the organisation lead and positively contribute to our working groups around health and wellbeing, menopause, and equity, diversity and inclusion.  

Our supportive and nurturing workplace culture has recently earnt us recognition as the Sunday Times Best Place to Work in the non-profit and charities sector 2025 (big organisation).  

Dementia UK is proud to welcome everyone. We aim for a truly inclusive culture with talented, diverse teams that represent a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills. We celebrate differences and individuality and encourage everyone to feel comfortable being themselves at work.

Dementia UK is a Disability Confident employer.

By applying to join Dementia UK, you acknowledge that in the event you are successful for the role, any offer and your ongoing employment will be conditional on you having or obtaining the right to work in the UK. 

*Please note that any decision on flexible working is based on business needs 

An exciting oppourtunity to lead compassionate, community-driven perinatal services that make a real difference to families every day. Shape how frontline support is delivered across our Baby Bank, Community Doula service, infant feeding support, and volunteer programmes in Birmingham. Ensuring safe, trauma-informed care reaches those who need it most.

As Head of Service at Elayos, you’ll turn strategy into meaningful action. You will lead staff and volunteers, strengthen safeguarding practice, embed reflective learning, and champion lived experience at the heart of everything we do. This is a rare opportunity to combine operational leadership with purpose, impact, and values-led service development in a growing organisation supporting mothers and birthing people, who find themselves disadvantaged, during pregnancy, birth and early parenthood.

Role overview 

This newly created senior role strengthens The Young Foundation’s strategic business development function and supports income growth across the full range of our programmes and partnerships. The post will provide expertise in fundraising and procurement processes including approaches to philanthropic funders and investor circles as well as formal tendering, dealing with a range of funding modalities from research grants to commercial consultancy and trusts and foundations. 

Key responsibilities 

Business development and income growth

• Lead high‑value income generation processes, including building consortia, securing philanthropic funding, and delivering high quality formal tenders, coordinating inputs from across our delivery teams.

• Oversee the preparation of costed proposals and pitches for a diverse range of funders, including research councils, local authorities, commercial consultancy, and philanthropic trusts. 

• Support the continued growth and impact of The Young Foundation’s external-facing activity, aligning business development with communications and policy work. 

• Manage a robust pipeline, tracking opportunities and ensuring strategic alignment with organisational priorities.

• Develop budgets, pricing models, and partnership structures for commissioned work.

• Identify new funding and commissioning opportunities through horizon scanning, network engagement, and proactive outreach.

• Collaborate with senior colleagues to refine and grow thematic and programme areas.

• Support and advise colleagues across the organisation on approaches to business development including opportunity identification, competitive analysis, structuring meetings, building consortia and financial models. 

Partnerships, networks and relationship management

• In collaboration with programme delivery leads, build and steward relationships with funders, commissioners, consortium partners and strategic collaborators.

• Lead account management for key partners to support long‑term growth and mutual value creation.

BD leadership, systems and strategy

• Create, improve and maintain appropriate BD systems, processes and tools, including pipelines, trackers and lessons‑learned approaches.

• Contribute to organisational strategy and planning and, in particular, to fundraising strategy and external affairs.

• Create and monitor BD metrics, reporting on feedback and recommending appropriate courses of action.

• Manage a repository of BD data and information, including track record, capacity statements, boilerplate bid sections, etc.

• Champion The Young Foundation’s values, ensuring inclusive, ethical and community‑centred practice. 

Person specification  

Prior experience – essential  

• Substantial experience of leading/managing business development and income generation for a think tank or similar research/innovation led organisation. 

• Track record of securing income across a range of relevant funders through both competitive tenders and proactive approaches.

• Strong commercial acumen.

• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills.

• Understanding of UK government and non-government sectoral funding landscapes.

• Strong network in the UK community and/or social innovation sector.

• Commitment to equity and social justice.

• Demonstrated collaborative approach to team-working – able to work effectively with colleagues with a range of specialisms and to operate effectively in a remote-first organisation. 

Prior experience - desirable 

• Experience with the introduction of CRM software.

• Familiarity with creating and reporting on BD metrics at Senior Leadership Team and/or Board level.

• Experience of/interest in exploring the impact of AI in business development and fundraising. 

• Familiarity and/or previous experience with The Young Foundation’s thematic areas (eg, community engagement, just transition, social innovation, young people, etc.). 

How to apply

Please apply directly via CharityJob, ensuring you complete the application form.

As part of your application, please include a cover letter addressing the following questions:

• Where do you see the greatest business development opportunities for The Young Foundation over the next 24 months? 

• In an increasingly competitive market, how would you seek to position The Young Foundation for opportunities, in light of the charity’s mission, purpose, vision and expertise? 

• What is your approach to building and strengthening positive relationships to drive income growth? 

The closing date for applications is 12pm on 20 April 2026 

The selection process will involve an interview and a presentation task.

Interviews are expected to take place w/c 4 May 2026 

The Head of External Communications is a senior strategic leadership role responsible for shaping, delivering, and protecting IAPB’s global communications work. This role leads the organisation’s external communications function, overseeing global media strategy, press outreach, stakeholder visibility, thought leadership, and crisis and reputation management. The postholder ensures IAPB’s voice is influential across global health, policy, and development sectors supporting the organisation’s 2030 In Sight strategy and positioning IAPB as a leading authority on vision and eye health.

Role and Responsibilities

1. External Communications & Media Strategy

• Develop and deliver a bold, high impact‑ external communications strategy aligned to IAPB’s mission and the 2030 In Sight strategy.
• Lead strategic planning across all external comms channels, ensuring integrated messaging across media, digital, publications, and partnerships.
• Use insight, data, and evaluation tools to monitor performance, influence future communications activity, and drive continuous improvement.

2. Team Leadership, Management & Press Office Leadership

• Lead and inspire a high performing‑ external communications team across media, content, and digital functions.
• Set clear goals, KPIs, outputs, and outcomes for team members and external partners.
• Where needed manage recruitment, onboarding, development, and performance.
• Promote collaborative, cross organisational‑ ways of working and ensure seamless coordination across departments and time zones.
• Lead IAPB’s global press outreach, ensuring fast, coordinated, and proactive communication with international media.
• Oversee creation of media materials including press releases, statements, briefings, Q&As, and reactive press responses.
• Ensure consistent messaging and brand voice across all external statements and spokesperson engagements.
• Managing third party agencies who support with media and campaign elements for IAPB.

3. Media Relations

• Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, broadcast producers, and influential commentators in global health, policy, and mainstream media.
• Secure high impact‑ coverage in global business, health, and policy publications (e.g., BBC, Financial Times, The Economist).
• Identify opportunities for proactive media moments, narrative shaping, and agenda setting‑.
• Serve as a senior spokesperson where required.

4. Thought leadership, Storytelling & Content Development

• Develop and deliver a global thought leadership‑ strategy, positioning IAPB leaders and experts as authoritative voices on eye health.
• Oversee publication of articles, op-eds, insights pieces, and leadership content across IAPB’s channels.
• Manage third party‑ engagement including panels, conferences, media partnerships, and editorial collaborations.
• Build and promote a pipeline of owned thought leadership platforms and sector‑ leading‑ commentary.
• Oversee global storytelling that humanises eye health and elevates lived experience from communities worldwide.
• Lead the Every Story Counts initiative and develop multimedia content that strengthens global understanding of eye health challenges.
• Provide tools, assets, and support for IAPB members to extend campaign reach within their local and regional markets.
• Ensure content reflects diverse voices and demonstrates the global Value of Vision.

5. Stakeholder Visibility

• Elevate IAPB’s profile among policymakers, global health institutions, donors, private sector partners, and high level‑ influencers.
• Work closely with advocacy, knowledge and membership teams to coordinate messaging and strengthen IAPB’s influence across global forums.
• Drive visibility for key initiatives including Love Your Eyes, Every Story Counts, and the Value of Vision platform.

6. Crisis Communications & Reputation Management

• Lead IAPB’s crisis communications planning, preparedness, and response.
• Advise senior leadership on reputational risks, ensuring robust processes for monitoring, escalation, and mitigation.
• Draft and manage crisis statements, holding lines, and rapid response‑ communications.
• Protect IAPB’s reputation and confident organisational voice during high pressure situations.

Education, Skills & Experience Required

Required

• Proven track record leading external communications, media relations, and press office functions across global or multi country environments.
• Significant experience delivering high profile media campaigns with measurable impact.
• Strong understanding of crisis communications, reputation management, and risk mitigation.
• Demonstrable experience influencing senior stakeholders and representing organisations at international events.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft clear, compelling stories for varied audiences.
• Strong interpersonal and cross team‑ collaboration skills.
• Deep knowledge of global media landscapes, emerging platforms, and audience engagement strategies.

Desirable

• Experience in public health, international development, eye health, or adjacent sectors.
• Experience working with federated or membership based global organisations.

General

• Demonstrate IAPB organisational behaviours—Ambitious, Collaborative, Inclusive, and Strategic.
• Respect the diverse cultures, experiences, and working patterns of colleagues and partners.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role.
• This role profile outlines key responsibilities but is not exhaustive; duties may evolve as required by the organisation.

About us

The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) is the overarching alliance for the global eye health sector dedicated to eliminating the global vision crisis. A global network spread across 100+ countries, of the most brilliant and committed non-profits, philanthropists, public and private organisations.

There are 1.1 billion people living with sight loss because they don't have access to eye care services. We are making the case loudly and repeatedly that access to eye health services are vital to everything, for everyone.

IAPB, on behalf of its network, holds trusted relationships with the United Nations and the World Health Organization. No one else is operating under this same model with the same reach. We are a growing and successful international organisation registered as a charity in the UK with a dedicated staff team located around the world.

We are seeking someone to be a part of our journey and help us achieve our goals. We are a small charity with a supportive can-do attitude. We are informal but professional and work flexibly. This role offers a real opportunity for someone to contribute our development and progress towards our goals.

Other Information

• Benefits include 30 days annual leave (plus statutory bank holidays)
• Pension scheme – 10% Employer contribution, no minimum employee contribution
• Group life assurance
• Hybrid working - minimum 2 days per week in the London office
• Flexible working
• Employee Assistance Provider
• Various family friendly policies
• We are only accepting applicants with a right to work in the UK; we are unable to sponsor people requiring a work visa.

 Closing date Friday 10th April 2026. IAPB reserves the right to close the vacancy before the closing date.

1st stage interviews will be held via Teams w/c 20 and 27 April 2026. 

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to respond to everyone. If you have not heard from us within 28 days of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.  We request no contact from agencies.