Communications fundraising officer jobs

The role

 We are seeking an experienced Manager of Philanthropic Giving with a strong track record in securing major gifts. The ideal candidate will excel at building trusted, long-term relationships with donors and feel confident leading conversations that result in significant philanthropic support. This role will also contribute to the development and delivery of a trusts and foundations strategy, helping to grow and strengthen our portfolio.

Working closely with the CEO, senior leadership and trustees, you will develop compelling funding propositions, steward donors and funders through excellent reporting and engagement, and represent myaware at meetings, events and networking opportunities. You will also maintain accurate records through our CRM system, track performance against targets, and contribute to income planning and reporting. This is a strategic and hands-on role with real impact for people affected by myasthenia.

The Manager of Philanthropic Giving will be predominantly home based within the UK (with occasional working and meetings at Derby HQ) and will work in co-operation with the fundraising team and all myaware colleagues to deliver agreed fundraising targets and campaigns. Own transport is essential for this role as occasional travel throughout the UK will be required to attend donor meetings, events and networking opportunities, as well as the ability to travel to the Derby office. There may be the need to occasionally work during weekends and evenings and therefore there is a need to work flexibly when required.

Who We Are Looking For

We are looking for an experienced and motivated fundraising professional with a strong track record in major donor fundraising along with experience in Trusts and Foundations fundraising. You will have experience in personal communication in asking for high level funds, and experience of stewarding high net worth individuals to maintain high levels of engagement over a significant period. You will have experience of Trusts and Foundations fundraising including pipeline management and stewardship, writing compelling funding applications and impact reports.

You will be a strategic thinker with excellent interpersonal, research and organisational skills, confident managing a complex pipeline and working collaboratively across teams. You will be comfortable working independently, using CRM systems, and engaging senior stakeholders, including trustees and high-level donors. Most importantly, you will share myaware’s values, demonstrate empathy with our cause, and be committed to making a meaningful difference through philanthropy.

If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you.

Who are we?

Myaware is the only charity in the UK dedicated solely to the care and support of people affected by myasthenia. 

We are working hard to raise awareness of myasthenia, as it is a little-known condition. We provide support for people with myasthenia and their families, whilst offering advice and tips for living with the condition. 

We also fund the research that brings us closer to finding a cure as well as funding specialists nurses and advisors. 

Members of myaware have full access to a wide range of support services and events including our specialist benefits and welfare advisor. 

Myaware supports people with myasthenia and their families.  We campaign for better medical services for people with myasthenia and work to inform medical professionals. 

The myasthenias are a group of neuromuscular conditions. They are rare but also manageable and can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or nationality. Myasthenia gravis, ocular myasthenia and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome are autoimmune conditions whereas congenital myasthenic syndrome is caused by an inherited genetic fault. It is thought that there are approximately 20,000 people currently living with myasthenia in the UK. 

Benefits

• Generous holiday allowance
• Perkbox account (global benefits and rewards platform)
• Group Life Assurance after 6 months of service 
• NEST workplace pension scheme
• Free inhouse staff benefits and welfare advice 
• Investment in your personal and professional development
• Annual salary review

Application instructions

Candidates should submit their CV and tailored covering letter by: 11:30pm on Monday 25th May 2026.

Provisional interview date will be week commencing: 01.06.2026

Interviews will be held over Microsoft Teams.

Applications submitted without a tailored cover letter will not be considered.

This post, due to its nature, duties and responsibilities, will be subject to an enhanced check by the DBS. This is funded by Myaware.

This organisation supports anonymous recruitment. That means hiding your personal identifying information, removing bias from the hiring process.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.

Are you an experienced Development Executive looking to make a meaningful impact? Join the Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM) team within Development and Alumni Engagement (DAE) at the University of Oxford to make a difference within a globally renowned institution.

About the Role

This is an opportunity to join Oxford’s DAE team and to make a significant contribution in support of the mission of one of the world’s leading universities.

The Development Executive is a professional fundraiser (ordinarily with some prior experience), with responsibility for devising, implementing, and collaborating on approaches to high-level philanthropic donors, and for working with DAE and academic colleagues to articulate cases for support, develop fundraising strategy and raise funds for priorities at the Ashmolean, Bodleian, Pitt Rivers Museum, Museum of Natural History, History of Science Museum and Botanic Garden and Arboretum.

Location: University Offices, Wellington Square, Oxford OX1 2JD / GLAM sites across Oxford.

Salary: Grade 7: annual progression from £39,424 - £47779 per annum, with a possible extension to £51,983 per year, including an Oxford University Weighting of £1,730 (pro rata)

Contract: Full Time (37.5 hours), Permanent 

About Us

Spanning the historic streets of the “city of dreaming spires”, the University of Oxford has been ranked the world’s leading university for ten consecutive years. A place where centuries of tradition meet world-changing innovation, we offer you the chance to shape the future while working in an inspiring environment that promotes excellence. Here, you’ll contribute to an organisation which delivers ground-breaking research that tackles global challenges - from advancing sustainability to pioneering healthcare solutions - and join a diverse, inclusive community that champions your wellbeing, development, and aspirations. Apply now to become part of our extraordinary legacy.

What We Offer

Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as:

• 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service.

• One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave.

• A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle.

• An excellent contributory pension scheme.

• Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.

• Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.

About You

Essential Criteria (See full list in the attached Job Description)

• Prior fundraising experience and direct involvement in securing major gifts

• An ability to think both strategically and tactically about the relations between potential donors and fund-raising goals

• Excellent communication skills

• Demonstrable ability to show highly nuanced sensitive and good judgement when working with key internal and external stakeholders

• The candidate must work well in a team

Application Process

To apply, please upload:

• A covering letter/supporting statement

• Your CV

• The details of two referees

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 11 May 2026

Interviews will take place on 19 May 2026, and will be held face-to-face.

Medair is a Christian humanitarian organisation that responds to conflict, disease, and disaster so that the world’s most vulnerable and hard-to reach people can live with dignity and hope. Medair UK is an affiliate of the Swiss-based humanitarian organisation, Medair International.

About The Role

We’re seeking a dynamic individual to support Medair UK’s engagement with trusts and foundations in the United Kingdom. Over the last 5 years income from trusts and foundations has gone from strength to strength increasing by 230% and the successful candidate will be part of the small team responsible for increasing this key area of funding. You will be an integral part of this growing Christian charity. You will enable support for the life-saving work Medair delivers to some of the world’s most vulnerable people by driving forward our relationships with UK trusts and foundations.

About You 

You will be a positive and solution focused fundraiser, ready to take initiative and embrace challenging targets. Ideally you will have experience in growing income from trust and foundations from both longstanding and new potential partners, or be able to demonstrate highly relevant transferable experience. You will be capable of compiling strong fundraising proposals; produce high quality reports; partner with financial colleagues in preparing complex budgets and financial reports. A compelling written communicator, you will have a keen understanding of the humanitarian sector, and of what motivates trusts and foundations to support this work. 

Key Activity Areas  

Lead Generation  

• Be responsible for account management of caseload of mid-range Trusts & Foundations.

• Work collaboratively with the Engagement Manager, Engagement Support Officer and volunteers in the identification, approach and management of UK Trusts and Foundations.  

• Regularly research and review opportunities for building potential relationships with prospective Trusts and Foundations and progressing relationships and applications with them through compelling communications. 

• Work with existing networks and contacts to identify and approach potential trusts and foundations and develop relationships with key decision makers there 

• Identify and pursue opportunities to increase income from existing Trust and Foundation relationships 

Communications and Management  

• Work towards an agreed target each year of engaged trusts and related income, both restricted project and unrestricted funds.

• Write compelling cases for support and proposals in order to secure grants 

• Effectively work with internal contacts throughout the global Medair organisation in the preparation of approved proposals, reports and supporting financial and impact information 

• Manage Medair’s engagement plan, initiating and delivering creative touchpoints throughout the year for all of Medair’s trust and foundation partners, as well as building relationships with trustees and representatives through video, online meetings, events and face-2-face opportunities 

Planning, monitoring and pipeline management  

• Maintain a good record of the application pipeline and CRM (salesforce), monitoring application output, income targets, fund allocations and reporting deadlines.

• Ensuring all grants from trusts and foundations are correctly allocated to Medair programmes, with the appropriate grant card on Medair’s project management platform and maintaining good contact with country programmes and finance partners throughout the lifecycle of Medair UK co-funded projects.

Internal Liaison  

• Liaise with Medair’s Heads of Country Programmes, Country Directors and Communications Officers in order to gather information and data for the purposes of applying and reporting to funders 

• Work collaboratively with finance colleagues in the preparation and approval of budgets and reports.

• Foster dynamic and mutually beneficial relationships with other fundraisers within Medair international and the affiliate offices, readily sharing proposals, reports and information.

Main Role & Responsibilities

The Director of Income Generation will lead the charity’s fundraising and income generation strategy with a particular focus on securing, managing, and growing funding linked to gambling, gaming and wider digital harm prevention, including funding overseen or commissioned via the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID).

This is a senior leadership role which sits on Ygam’s Senior Leadership Team (SLT) with responsibility for developing a diversified, sustainable income portfolio that enables the charity to deliver high-quality, UK-wide evidence-informed prevention activity aligned with national public health priorities.

The successful candidate will lead and empower a high-performing fundraising team, foster innovation, and build strong relationships with donors, funders, partners, and stakeholders across the UK. You will provide strategic direction and inspirational leadership across all income-generating activities, ensuring long-term financial resilience while upholding the charity’s values, reputation, and commitment to excellent supporter experience.

Working closely with the Chief Executive, Trustee Board, and Senior Leadership Team, you will shape organisational strategy, influence decision-making, and act as an external ambassador for the charity.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for a strategic, values-driven fundraising leader with a strong track record of delivering income growth across multiple fundraising and business development streams.

You will bring credibility in working with or alongside public bodies such as OHID, or similar national commissioners and/or major funders, and demonstrate a clear grasp of the accountability, evaluation, and assurance requirements associated with levy-funded or statutory funding.

You will be an inspiring people manager, a confident communicator, and a credible senior leader who enjoys building relationships and making things happen at pace

The successful candidate will possess both strategic insight and hands-on experience, be networked across the charitable funding sector, combining commercial thinking with a deep understanding of the UK charity and fundraising landscape.

You will be a confident senior leader who combines strategic vision with operational rigour, has excellent stakeholder management skills. A commitment to evidence, impact, evaluation and collaboration will be central to your approach.

Above all, you will be motivated by our cause and committed to ethical, inclusive, and supporter-centred fundraising and wider income generation.

Are you a creative marketer with a flair for digital campaigns and audience engagement?

Earth Trust is seeking a Marketing Officer to join our Communications and Marketing team and help amplify our mission during an exciting phase of growth.  This is a fixed term 1 year contract covering a maternity leave.

About the role 

As Earth Trust evolves into a key visitor destination in South Oxfordshire, you’ll play a major role in promoting our visitor hub, venue hire and events.

Working closely with a small, collaborative team, you’ll craft compelling content, manage multi-channel campaigns, and use data-driven insights to optimise performance.

This is a unique opportunity to use creativity with digital channel management, and connecting people with nature while supporting commercial growth.

What you’ll do 

• Plan and deliver marketing campaigns for fundraising appeals and to drive membership.
• Promote a range of events from family festivals to food and drink evenings.
• Create engaging content rooted in our special landscape at Wittenham Clumps.
• Manage digital channels (MailChimp, WordPress) and optimise SEO.
• Analyse campaign performance and manage budgets.
• Collaborate across teams to deliver impactful projects.
• Create an engaging monthly e-newsletter

What we’re looking for 

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in marketing or communications
• Strong copywriting and content creation skills
• Proficiency in digital tools (MailChimp, WordPress, Canva)
• Experience with paid media, SEO, and analytics
• Organised, creative, and passionate about connecting people with nature

Desirable: Charity sector experience, venue marketing knowledge and familiarity with Google Ads Grants.

Working pattern: Earth Trust Centre / Hybrid (2 days per week in office)

Hours: Full time (35 hrs/week)

Contract: Fixed term 12 month (maternity leave).

Salary: £ 26,540

Deadline:  Sunday 10th May.

WHO WE ARE

We are Zarach, the children’s bed charity, and we’re on a mission to end child bed poverty, helping children get a good night's sleep, and the chance to thrive at school.

In our nearly seven years as a registered charity, we’ve captured the hearts and attention of many individuals, community groups, businesses and funders who want to support us on our mission. We’ve also been given an incredible media platform from which we have raised awareness of child bed poverty at local, regional and national levels. This support and awareness has seen us deliver over 17,000 bed bundles to children to date. 

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

As we grow, we are looking to recruit a Communications Officer to join the Communications team.

As our ideal candidate you will need to be in commuting distance to our Leeds warehouse, meaning you can travel regularly to meet with the team. This is a hybrid role based between the Leeds warehouse and home, with at least one day per week at the warehouse. Some travel to other locations may be required occasionally for events.

You will be someone who has good experience of the broad range of day-to-day communications admin and management activities that working in a small team brings and someone who enjoys the busyness and variety of this.

Alongside your Communications Officer-related skills and experience, we’ll be looking to see that you have a genuine care for our mission and, as such, are self-motivated to do a great job and be a values-led member of our team.

Ideally, you’ll have experience of engaging and growing audiences in the charity sector, due to some of the specialities that come with this, such as understanding the donor experience as opposed to commercial endeavours. But charity experience is not essential if you can demonstrate an appetite and track record for continual learning and development across your working life to date. 

WHAT WE OFFER

• Starting at £26,000 with progression up to £30,000 p/a (FTE) 

• 28 days annual leave, plus Bank Holidays (prorated for part-time work)

• Healthcare Cash Plan

• Quarterly Staff Recognition Award

• A great working environment! One of our colleagues described us as- “Zarach is a wonderful place to work with the mission at the core of all that we do” 

To decide if you’d like to bring your skills and experience to bear in the pursuit of our mission, please have a look at the job description, our website and the coverage of us across social media.

Please note that we may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. Therefore, we encourage you to submit your CV and cover letter as soon as possible.

Artsreach is seeking a highly motivated, creative and strategically minded individual to lead all marketing activity and raise the profile of our work across rural Dorset, crafting compelling stories, producing high‑quality digital and print content, managing press and social media, and developing strategies that strengthen audience engagement.

Artsreach is Dorset’s touring arts charity, presenting a programme of professional theatre, dance, music and participatory activity in rural communities of the county. Supported by Dorset Council, Artsreach is also part of Arts Council England’s National Portfolio, and celebrated its 35th Anniversary in 2025. Since the launch of its first programme in March 1990, Artsreach has been committed to working with volunteers across Dorset to overcome the barriers of rural and social isolation by providing communities with access to professional arts events, firmly believing that engagement enriches quality of life

The Marketing & Communications Officer will play a key role in raising the profile of Artsreach. By immersing yourself in our communities, our programme and the stories behind our work, you will create compelling content and build narratives that effectively communicate who we are and the impact we make to audiences, artists, funders and partners.

You will lead the planning and delivery of audience‑focused marketing and communications activity that increases awareness and strengthens engagement. This includes developing clear communications strategies, producing compelling digital and print content, and managing press, social media and other digital platforms.

A key part of the role is storytelling: gathering data, case studies and evidence of impact from across our programmes, and shaping these into accessible, persuasive communications that speak to the needs of our audience, volunteers, supporters and funders. Working closely with the team and our volunteer promoter network, you will ensure that our activity is visible, our messaging is consistent, and our unique contribution to rural communities is clearly understood.

Working within a small team can at times be highly pressurised, so we require someone who can adapt quickly and contribute positively to a supportive and collaborative working culture. This role will suit an individual with strong experience in cultural marketing, who can bring fresh ideas, confidence with digital tools, and a commitment to widening access to the arts across rural communities.

The Saint John Southworth Catholic Academy Trust is seeking an ambitious early-career professional with excellent organisational skills and a strong interest in community fundraising to join our Development Team as a Community Fundraiser Officer. This is a fantastic opportunity to build and nurture the Trust’s fundraising and engagement goals.

Location: 89 Addison Road, London, W14 8BZ, and other Trust sites across London

Contract Type: Full time, all year round

Salary: £31,980-£33,870

Start Date: 10th August 2026

About the Role

Working closely with the Development Manager and the Development Director, you will play a key role in strengthening relationships with the schools’ communities, supporting fundraising initiatives and delivering engaging communications and events that foster lifelong connections with the Trust and its schools.

Key Responsibilities

• Build meaningful relationships across school communities and alumni networks, bringing people together and inspiring them to support the Trust’s vision
• Lead creative fundraising and engagement initiatives, from community campaigns to reunions and events, helping to drive a vibrant culture of giving
• Boost the Trust’s growth and sustainability by supporting data‑driven fundraising, managing donor stewardship, maintaining accurate customer relationship management (CRM) records and contributing to strong grant proposals

What We Are Looking For

The ideal candidate will be:

• A confident communicator with excellent interpersonal and writing skills who can engage a vast range of stakeholders
• Experienced in relationship management, fundraising or engagement
• Organised, detail-oriented and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Skilled in using CRM systems and digital communication tools
• Passionate about education and community building
• A team player with a proactive and positive approach

 About the Trust

The Saint John Southworth Catholic Academy Trust is a growing family of Catholic schools (primary, secondary and post-16), a registered charity and a trading company committed to providing an outstanding education rooted in faith, aspiration and service.

Our Shared Services Team provides high-quality professional and operational support across the Trust, enabling schools to focus on teaching, learning and pastoral care.

What We Offer

• A supportive and collaborative working environment
• Opportunities for training and development to help you grow in your career
• The chance to contribute to a trust committed to delivering high-quality education and supporting staff wellbeing
• Hybrid working during school holidays
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme and generous holiday entitlement

 How to Apply

For further details on the role, please view the Job Description and Person Specification or visit our website to find out more about us.

To apply for this role, please complete the application forms available on our Vacancies webpage.

Closing Date: 5pm on 21st May 2026

Shortlisting Date: 22nd May 2026

Interviews: Week commencing 1st June 2026

The Saint John Southworth Catholic Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. All roles are subject to satisfactory vetting, including an Enhanced DBS check with Children’s Barred List.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. The amendments to the ROA 1974 (Exceptions Order 1975, (amended 2013 and 2020)) provide that when applying for certain jobs, certain spent convictions and cautions are protected and they do not need to be disclosed to employers. If they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Guidance about whether a conviction or caution should be disclosed can be found on the Ministry of Justice website and further information about filtering offences can be found in DBS filtering guide.

Join us in our mission to cultivate an educational environment that inspires growth, respect and academic achievement!

This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in how Save the Rhino tells its story to the world.

As Communications Manager, you will be responsible for two of the most important aspects of our external presence: the quality of the conservation stories we tell, and our relationships with the journalists and media outlets who help us tell them.

We are a close-knit, supportive team with a genuine sense of purpose. If you are excited by the idea of using your communications expertise to help secure a future for rhinos, we would love to hear from you.

Location: We operate a hybrid working model with a minimum of three days per week in our dog-friendly London Bridge office. Further flexibility can be discussed.

Read the full application pack and apply today. 

Who are Guts UK Charity?

Guts UK Charity is committed to a world where digestive conditions are better understood, better treated and everyone who lives with one gets the support they need. Too many people are suffering or dying in silence or alone. They don’t know where to turn for information or support, diagnosis takes too long for many, and treatment can often come too late.​

We are the only UK charity that covers the entire digestive system. We raise vital awareness of digestive conditions, fund life-saving research, and provide patients and loved ones with expert information and support – we are informed by evidence and expertise, our community, and the patient voice.​ 

Our mission is simple: to improve the lives of millions of people affected by digestive conditions 

Overall Purpose of the Communications Manager

As Communications Manager at Guts UK, you’ll champion our charity’s work and brand. You’ll play a pivotal role in our charity, delivering our communications, awareness and public education activity and providing communications support across other key areas of our work, including information, research and fundraising.

Who we’re looking for?

You'll be experienced in delivering comprehensive communications and campaigns from start to finish with a natural flare for transforming complex messages into engaging, easy to understand content suitable for different audiences.

You are a friendly and approachable leader who enjoys working creatively and collaboratively within a small team, as well as with external stakeholders and members of our community.

You are a brave and bold communicator who values collaboration and connection, matching our values as a charity, and you have a genuine interest in digestive health or connection to our area of work.

Location

We have offices in London and Huddersfield, both of which are easily accessible by public transport or road. We support hybrid working but attendance in the chosen office is required for a minimum of 1 day per week.

Please see the attached detail job pack for further information and how to apply. 

If you have experience planning, creating and delivering email marketing campaigns and understand the importance of impact and purpose, this is a role where your work will be seen and valued.

As an Email Marketing Officer, you will shape how thousands of people connect with vital information, fundraising appeals and services through timely, accessible and relevant email communications. This is a practical, hands-on role for an Email Marketing Officer who enjoys collaboration, testing ideas and improving results through insight and learning.

You will join the Motor Neurone Disease Association, supporting people with motor neurone disease (MND) through effective digital engagement. As part of the Digital Engagement team, the Email Marketing Officer will help ensure email remains a trusted, engaging and consistent channel across the MND Association.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver targeted email campaigns with teams across the MND Association
• Manage day-to-day use of the email marketing platform, ensuring accurate and timely delivery
• Write, design and build emails that follow brand, tone of voice and best practice
• Support automated email journeys and stewardship communications
• Work with data colleagues to use audience data responsibly and in line with GDPR
• Analyse performance and produce clear reports with practical recommendations
• Test subject lines, content and send times to improve engagement
• Ensure all emails meet accessibility standards and work well across devices

About You

• Experience planning and delivering email marketing campaigns using an email service provider
• Strong knowledge of email marketing principles including segmentation, A/B testing, deliverability and GDPR
• Clear digital copywriting and editing skills with good attention to detail
• Confidence using data to evaluate performance and improve outcomes
• Understanding of digital accessibility in email content and design
• Ability to manage multiple campaigns and priorities
• Experience using design tools or working closely with designers
• Awareness of current email marketing trends and platform developments

Hybrid working expectations: office attendance one day per week

Further information about MND Association and full job description is available in the attached Candidate Pack.

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.

YHA is looking for an experienced and strategically minded Head of Communications and Engagement to lead how our story is told through a period of organisational change. This role owns our corporate narrative and shapes compelling communications that strengthen YHA’s voice and influence.

Working across the organisation and with external partners, you’ll develop and deliver integrated corporate communications that inspire engagement from staff and stakeholders, and ensure coherent and consistent messaging which amplifies YHA’s impact as a leading youth charity, social enterprise and force for good, and support income growth.

Why work for YHA?

Join our team and enjoy a range of exclusive staff benefits that support your well-being and career growth:

• 10 nights free hostel stays per year for you and up to 3 friends or family

• Access to YHA’s staff discount and cash back portal

• Free YHA Membership each year

• Access to support via our Employee Assistance Program

There are many more benefits to working for YHA so please visit our website for more information.

What will you be doing as Head of Communications and Engagement?

• Own YHA’s corporate narrative, tone of voice and organisation‑wide communications strategy

• Lead integrated internal and external communications that strengthen brand, impact and income growth through a period of strategic transformation.

• Develop and deliver strategic messaging to support YHA’s organisational transformation and long‑term objectives

• Champion communications best practice across the organisation, working closely with the marketing team, digital team and senior leaders

• Plan, coordinate and oversee corporate content, publications and communications scheduling across all channels

• Line manage the Internal Communications Manager

• Lead on media relations and press engagement, including external agency support and spokespeople

• Strengthen YHA’s external presence, reputation and profile as a national youth charity and social enterprise

• Lead stakeholder engagement, partnerships, policy influence and horizon scanning for emerging risks and opportunities

• Manage crisis communications strategy and process

• Steward and leverage YHA’s heritage and archives to support impactful storytelling ahead of the 100‑year anniversary

What Skills and Experience do you need?

• Experience in communications, with a proven track record of developing and delivering strategic, organisation‑wide communications in a complex national organisation

• Strong ability to shape and communicate clear, compelling messages for diverse audiences across multiple internal and external channels

• Demonstrable experience of leading media relations, PR campaigns, stakeholder engagement and reputation management, including crisis communications

• High‑level writing, editing and content‑planning skills, with a creative and audience‑focused approach

• Ability to interpret complex organisational information and translate it into engaging, accessible and inspiring communications

• Experience influencing and advising senior leaders, bringing authority, constructive challenge and a cross‑organisational perspective

• Proven ability to identify reputational risks, anticipate emerging issues and recommend strategic communications responses

• Experience building productive partnerships and relationships with senior stakeholders, partner organisations, public bodies and agencies

• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, work to deadlines and find solutions under pressure

• Demonstration of our HEART values – they’re part of everything we do, and we look for people who bring them to life in their everyday work

For more information about the role and the skills and experience required, please refer to the job description.

At YHA, we understand the richness of life experiences, and we place just as much importance on lived experiences as we do on skills and knowledge. We provide a robust induction, ongoing training, and opportunities for personal growth. While certain roles may require specific skills, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. For more information about how we are creating an inclusive workplace please visit our jobs website.

Who are YHA?

YHA is a social enterprise with a mission to enrich the lives of all, especially young people. YHA does this by providing brilliant hostel stays and experiences that improve physical health, mental wellbeing and life skills.

If you would like to find out more about YHA the charity, the culture, the heritage and so much more please visit our jobs website.

How do you apply?

Submit your CV and complete the application form. For more information about our recruitment process, visit the job website.

Once the hiring manager has reviewed your application we will contact shortlisted candidates. We aim to get in touch within a reasonable amount of time after the closing date. You can also check on the progress of your application if you have signed up to Connect - our online candidate portal

PLEASE NOTE All relevant checks are in place to ensure safeguarding and legal requirements of safer recruitment are adhered to. We do reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

The Communications Department inspires, informs and engages the public by showcasing Alzheimer’s Research UK’s mission, impact and scientific progress across all channels. We lead the charity’s media and strategic communications activity, ensuring clear, accurate and compelling storytelling that supports research, fundraising and organisational priorities. The Strategic Communications Officer will be part of the Corporate Communications team – one of several specialist teams in the wider Department.

The Strategic Communications Officer will play an important role in delivering high‑quality campaign and communications activity that supports ARUK’s strategic goals. Reporting to the Corporate Communications Manager, this individual will mainly work collaboratively with colleagues across Brand and Strategic Marketing on our big impact campaigns, as well as supporting the corporate communications team when capacity requires – this could be working with the CEO office, Fundraising or filling a need from the wider team.

The role holder will help to coordinate campaign workflows, gather accurate information, and support the delivery of integrated communications activity. The Strategic Communications Officer will contribute to the smooth running of campaigns by maintaining organised processes, supporting planning and reporting, and helping to produce content that strengthens understanding of dementia and the urgent need for research. The postholder will also help to create engaging, accessible content for cross‑channel campaigns and ensure that messaging is consistent, evidence‑based and aligned with organisational priorities.

Projects to own and drive forward include World Alzheimer’s Month, the Christmas campaign, and other key organisational priorities.

Key Responsibilities:

Delivery & Production

· Support the research and production of campaigns and projects, including the World Alzheimer’s Month, Christmas campaigns and other Brand activity.

· Support on development of communication plans and materials for supporter‑facing activities and campaigns. 

· Write, edit and proof content for campaigns and projects ensuring accuracy and narrative alignment.

· Prepare, write, pitch and issue media stories to generate coverage for our initiatives and campaigns.

Research & Information Support

· Monitor external trends and sector‑relevant topics to inform content and news planning.

Cross‑Team Support & Collaboration

· Work collaboratively with the Brand team, as well as the wider communications teams on shared projects.

· Support internal communications and the social media team for priority campaigns and strategic projects.

· Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders to understand content needs.

· Work closely with teams to ensure their content embodies Alzheimer’s Research UK tone of voice.

Administration, Planning & Coordination

· Provide project coordination support for major cross‑channel campaigns and key organisation publications.

· Maintain clear documentation ensuring campaign materials and project assets are well organised.

· Contribute to content calendars for news and campaigns.

· Manage external freelance support in peak periods.

Quality, Accuracy & Compliance

· Support continuous improvement by sharing campaign insights and recommending enhancements, including introducing repeatable process and templates.

· Champion equity, diversity and inclusion in all communications.

· Ensure clear, accurate and consistent messaging across all outputs.

What This Role Delivers

· Engaging, accessible cross‑channel campaign content that strengthens ARUK’s strategic communications.

· Improved coordination of major brand activity and strategic communications projects.

Knowledge, skills and experience needed:

· Experience in communications, campaigns, marketing or digital content roles.
Strong writing, editing and proofing skills with attention to detail.

· Experience producing content across multiple channels.
Ability to adapt complex topics into engaging communications.

· Experience supporting cross‑team partnerships or agencies.

· Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines and projects.

· Creative thinker with proactive, solutions‑focused approach.

· Collaborative, confident working across teams.

· Able to work independently with strong attention to detail.

· Confidence using digital tools, CMS platforms and MS Office.

· Enthusiastic about learning and communications best practice

Additional Information:

Ways of working:

As part of our Agile ways of working, you will be required to work approximately 2 days a week from the office, which is subject to the requirements of the role and the business needs. Flexibility on where you work can be split between working from home and our office.

Roles that are classed as part of the Agile ways of working are not able to claim any costs for Mileage/Travel on Public Transport, Accommodation and/or Meals.  This includes when attending the office for various meetings/events.

Our Office: Our office is at 3 Riverside, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AD. 

Salary: Circa £30,000 per annum, plus benefits.

Please download the Vacancy Pack on our website for more information.

The closing date for applications is the 10th May 2026, with interviews being arrange once shortlisting has been completed. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity, as on occasion we may have to bring forward the interview date and/or the closing date based on the needs of the business. Although a possibility, this will only happen in exceptional circumstances. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential.  We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, particularly from those in the global majority, those with disabilities, men and those from the LGBTQIA+ community. Any offer of employment is however subject to you having the right to work in the UK.

As part of our commitment to being an inclusive employer and ensuring fairness and consistency in our selection process, we will handle your CV and application with the utmost confidentiality. Should you require any adjustments at either the application or interview stage, please contact us via our website. 

How to apply: Please create an online account using our Online Recruitment Platform which can be accessed through our Job Vacancies page. You will be able to attach your CV to your application and track the status of your application.

About Alzheimer’s Research UK: Alzheimer's Research UK is the UK's leading dementia research charity. Our mission is to accelerate progress towards a cure.  Today 1 in 2 people will be impacted by dementia, either through caring for a loved one, developing it themselves or tragically both. But there is hope.