Communication lead jobs

Job Title:                                                   Head of Policy & Campaigns

Grade and Salary:                                     Team lead - £56,000 to £60,000 (depending on experience)

Reporting To:                                             Director

Number of direct reports:                           Three (currently)

Location:                                                    Brighton/Hybrid (At least two days per week in Brighton Office)

Contract:                                                  Full time, permanent (35 hours a week)

Travel Requirements:                                The post involves some UK travel and may include occasional travel to Europe.

Background

Pesticide Action Network UK (PAN UK) is the only charity in the UK focused solely on tackling the problems caused by pesticides and promoting safe and sustainable alternatives in agriculture, urban areas, homes and gardens. It is an independent, non-profit organisation, which works nationally and internationally to eliminate the use of the most hazardous pesticides, reduce dependence on pesticides overall, and to increase the adoption of sustainable alternatives to chemical pest control.

Our Head of Policy & Campaigns leads our work in the UK which aims to better protect both the environment and human health from pesticide harms. Through policy work, lobbying, research, media and strategic communications, we aim to influence a range of decision makers, from the UK government and devolved administrations to local councils and the country’s biggest supermarkets. The role also includes working alongside PAN UK’s Director to secure funding to cover the UK team’s salaries, overheads and activities. It is an incredibly varied role, involving everything from leading on strategy development for the UK team while also being intricately involved in writing and editing publications and executing other activities such as events and mobilising the public.

The Head of Policy & Campaigns is part of PAN UK’s Senior Management Team (along with our Director, Head of Finance and Governance and Head of International Programmes) which sets the direction of the organisation and ensures it is well-managed and delivering on our mission. 

Specific responsibilities

1.       Advocacy, policy and campaigning

• Lead the UK team in developing advocacy strategies, and fully utilising opportunities to make progress towards achieving PAN UK’s mission.

• Conduct high quality research and analysis aimed at influencing decision makers. Ensure it is presented in a way which is both technically accurate and compelling.

• Develop and/or maintain expertise in pesticide policy with the aim of being able to represent PAN UK credibly in a range of external fora.

• Build relationships with a wide range of decision makers including government ministers and civil servants, parliamentarians, devolved administrations, local councils and supermarkets.

• Ensure that the organisation’s policy positions on UK pesticide issues are clear, well thought out and will lead to positive change.

• Find creative ways to involve the UK public in PAN UK’s work, including enabling members of the public to contact decision makers directly.

2.       Communications

• Secure media coverage for PAN UK outputs, including writing press releases and liaising with journalists. Provide written quotes for media outlets and give interviews for radio and TV.

• Write materials including policy reports, political briefings and public-facing communications such as blogs and supporter emails. Edit and sign off all outputs from the UK team, ensuring they are both well-written and accurate.

• Conduct public speaking at a range of events, from high-profile events in parliament to community gatherings (and everything in between!).

• Work closely with PAN UK’s Communications Manager to provide content for the organisation’s website and social media channels. Support the Communications Manager in their broader work which includes raising PAN UK’s public profile and leading on individual giving.

3.       Fundraising and financial management

(Please note that PAN UK does not employ fundraisers).

• Raise sufficient funds to cover the UK team’s salaries, activity costs and contribution to organisational overheads.

• Contribute to efforts to raise core funds, which are led by PAN UK’s Director.

• Identify and build relationships with new funders, particularly trusts and foundations, with the aim of securing funding.

• Maintain excellent relationships with existing funders, making sure to meet reporting deadlines.

• Follow PAN UK protocols to ensure that the UK team’s finances are well-managed.

 4.     Leadership and strategy

• Manage a high-performing team, leading on strategy development and implementation and ensuring that the team runs effectively.

• Line manage the staff of the UK team, running regular 121s, annual appraisals and generally making sure they are happy and productive.

5.       Contributing to the organisation

• Contribute to the effective and smooth running of the organisation through membership of the Senior Management Team.

• Report to the PAN UK Board of Trustees as and when required.

• Other duties as may reasonably be requested by the Director and commensurate with the post.

Person specification

Essential

• At least eight years’ advocacy experience, including experience of designing, developing and implementing both policy work and public campaigns.

• Experience of developing, implementing and reviewing strategies designed to create change. 

• Excellent writing and editing skills and experience of producing both technical and public-facing materials. Exceptional attention to detail and a personal commitment to accuracy.

• An understanding of the political context, actors, and processes relating to key policy areas that intersect with pesticides such as food, farming, environment and/or health.

• Experience lobbying decision makers and knowledge of how the UK political system works.

• Demonstrable experience of preparing successful funding applications and building relationships with funders.

• Experience of managing, leading and motivating staff.

• Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice.

• Proven ability to work on own initiative, meeting objectives and tight deadlines under pressure.

• The right to work in the UK.

 Desirable

• Knowledge of problems and solutions associated with pesticides and/or other chemicals. 

• Experience working in sectors related to pesticides including environment, health and/or social justice. 

• Relevant degree in a related discipline (science or social science).

• Experience of dealing with the media and acting as a spokesperson.

• Experience in managing project budgets.

• Knowledge of UK libel laws.

We are looking for a Children's Spiritual Formation Lead. In this role, you will develop and create a spiritual formation pathway for children, that fosters spiritual growth through contemplative Christian practices, with a specific focus on pioneering and developing retreat day experiences for schools as part of the pathway. This is a national role that will enable churches to support their ministry to children in schools through contemplative Christian practices. You will also, where needed, play a hands-on role in supporting churches and schools in our work.

In this role, you will:

• Write and develop a contemplative spiritual formation pathway to strengthen

  lifelong spiritual growth for school children from Early Years to Secondary.

• Develop and project manage a national strategy for the pathway that can be

  contextualised, to encourage and equip churches to provide spaces where

  school children grow spiritually through contemplative Christian practices.

• Where helpful pilot the pathway within Oxfordshire.

• Develop, hone, pilot, and test a scalable, one-day contemplative retreat model

  for schools using Space Makers and prayer-space resources.

• Embed our one day contemplative retreats for schools as an integral component into the creation of the contemplative spiritual formation pathway.

• Expand delivery of retreats nationally with support from the CEO, by designing

  and delivering training for churches, leaders, lay volunteers, & students.

• Embed a network of volunteer adult & student Contemplative Practice Champions to sustain & refine delivery of retreats and the contemplative spiritual formation pathway.

• Where needed, support on-the-ground delivery of retreats and prayer and reflection spaces in schools.

About You

We’re looking for someone who has:

• 5–7 years of hands-on experience supporting children’s spiritual growth within a Christian-faith context.

• Proven ability to turn ambitious regional or national visions into reality.

• Skilled at building, organising, and energising dynamic volunteer teams.

• Deep passion for nurturing children’s long-term spiritual development,

  especially through the contemplative Christian tradition.

• Ready to roll up your sleeves and tackle a broad range of responsibilities with

  enthusiasm and practical expertise.

• Self-starter, able to work independently and collaboratively

Role Details

• Position: Children's Spiritual Formation Lead

• Location: Remote. Travel required for in person team days 3 - 6 times a year.

  Some travel across Oxfordshire and nationally.

• Hours of work: Part time, 4 days (FT considered for the right candidate)

• Salary: £35,000 – £40,000 (pro rata if 4 days) depending on experience.

• Start Date: As soon as possible. (flexible for the right candidate)

  This post is subject to an Occupational Requirement

  BeSpace serves and supports clients within the Christian sector, the nature of the work requires that this post holder has an active faith in Jesus under the Equality Act 2010, part 1, schedule 9.

  Why work for BeSpace?

  We are intentional about developing an excellent team culture and an environment through which you will thrive, grow and succeed in your role.

  Your benefits include:

• Generous annual leave – 25 days (pus bank holidays) per year, pro rata

• Additional time off between Christmas and New Year.

• 1 day paid a year as a personal Retreat Day, in line with our ethos that stillness

  sparks spiritual growth

Head of Communications & PR

We are seeking a Head of Communications & PR to elevate the national voice of a values-driven arts education charity as they prepare to open their new headquarters at the iconic Wigan Pier. Shape the story of their next chapter and help influence the future of cultural education in England and beyond.

Position: Head of Communications & PR
Salary: £39,837 to £43,570 (pro rata based on 35 hour week FTE)
Location: Wigan (hybrid: home working, Wigan Pier office from Summer 2026, plus travel as needed)
Hours: 25-30 (negotiable)
Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: 9.00 am on Monday 19th January 2026

Please note - This role is offered at 25-30 hours per week (FTE 35 hours), with flexibility and negotiation on your working pattern to help you to balance work and life.
 

About the Role

The Head of Communications & PR plays a pivotal role in strengthening the organisation’s national presence and ensuring that the story of arts education and the people who make it possible, is heard, understood and valued.

You will shape a clear communications and PR strategy, lead and support a small communications team, champion ethical and inclusive storytelling, and ensure all messaging reflects the organisation’s values of equity, inclusion, quality and care.

Reporting to the Director of Relationships and Marketing, you will:

• Lead proactive, strategic communications that bring the charity’s mission to life
• Manage media relationships and secure thoughtful, impactful press coverage
• Oversee all digital communications, including website and social channels
• Support colleagues to communicate their work confidently and clearly
• Shape organisational messaging around programme launches, events and key moments
• Elevate the visibility of teaching artists, cultural organisations and partners
• Uphold high-quality, accessible and ethical storytelling in all content

This is a unique opportunity to influence national conversations, shift perceptions about arts-based learning, and shine a spotlight on the people, places and practices shaping cultural education today.

About You

We’re looking for a strategic communicator, a relationship-builder and a natural storyteller, someone who loves ideas, thrives on collaboration and believes deeply in the power of the arts to help children flourish.

You will be:

• A confident communicator with excellent writing skills and an eye for accuracy
• An experienced media handler who builds strong, respectful journalist relationships
• Curious, creative and able to turn complex ideas into compelling stories
• Organised, calm under pressure and skilled at managing multiple priorities
• Inclusive and ethical in your approach to storytelling and representation
• A supportive team leader who motivates others with clarity, care and ambition

This is an exciting moment to join the team. You’ll help establish the organisation’s voice as it moves into its new home at Wigan Pier and expands its local, national and international reach.

About the Organisation

The charity’s vision is for a future where being creative and experiencing brilliant culture is a regular part of every child’s learning and life. They work strategically across Northern England, nationally and internationally to tackle unequal access to creativity and the arts for children and young people.

They value curiosity, courage, collaboration, care, conscientiousness and credibility, and are committed to anti-racist practice, ensuring diversity is at the heart of everything they do.

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Head of Communications, PR Manager, Communications Lead, Head of External Affairs, Media & Communications Manager, Senior Communications Officer, Strategic Communications Lead, Head of Marketing and Communications, Public Relations Lead, or similar.

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

Salary: £38,000 per year

Contract Type: Permanent

Location: UK (minimum 2 days per week in the London office)

Work Pattern: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week with the opportunity for flexible working hours

Reporting To: Head of Marketing and Communications 

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit an anonymised CV and covering letter (please remove any identifying details such as name, address, photos) by midnight on 18th January via the Workable link. Your covering letter should outline:

• Your motivations for applying to this role and what about our mission resonates with you 

• How this role fits into your career plans 

• Experience (professional, voluntary or lived) that makes you a great fit for this role in line with our values and the criteria outlined in this job description. 

INTERVIEW STAGES

The selection process will consist of three stages (dates will be confirmed with shortlisted candidates):

• First-round interview w/c 26th January 

• Second-round interview w/c 2nd February

Candidates will be asked to prepare a presentation (10–12 minutes maximum) on a strategic partnership communications plan. Candidates should allocate no more than 3 hours to prepare this task.

• Final interview with the CEO

ABOUT THE ROLE

Mission 44 exists to drive change and build a fairer, more inclusive future for young people around the world. As our work and partnerships continue to grow, so does our ambition to tell powerful stories that shine a light on the barriers young people face, champion solutions, and inspire meaningful action. 

The Communications Manager will be central to this mission, leading high-impact communications across brand and corporate partnerships, media, and talent to amplify Mission 44’s visibility and impact. This is a unique opportunity to collaborate with global brands like Formula 1, lululemon, Hot Wheels, and HP on bold campaigns that drive real change for young people.

The role will lead and manage communications across Mission 44’s brand and corporate partnerships, acting as the primary contact and fostering long-term, trusted relationships. The role will develop and execute integrated communications plans, deliver compelling storytelling, and collaborate with internal teams and partners - including Lewis Hamilton Ventures - to amplify impact, drive engagement, and support organisational objectives.

The role also supports media relations, managing the day-to-day delivery of our media agency partnership to secure high-quality coverage, and playing a central role in talent engagement, connecting key talent to meaningful campaigns and moments that elevate Mission 44’s mission globally. 

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

BRAND & FUNDRAISING COMMUNICATIONS (70%) 

• Manage communications across Mission 44’s portfolio of brand and corporate partners, serving as the primary contact.

• Build and maintain trusted, long-term relationships with partners to strengthen engagement and impact.

• Develop and implement integrated communications plans (owned, earned, paid and shared) that support brand growth, income generation and organisational objectives.

• Identify and deliver compelling storytelling opportunities that highlight shared initiatives and drive visibility of the partnership. 

• Collaborate closely with Events, Partnerships, and Philanthropy teams to create donor-facing materials, campaign messaging, and communications support for key activities and moments.

• Work in partnership with Lewis Hamilton Ventures to maximise strategic partnership opportunities and amplify Mission 44’s impact.

MEDIA RELATIONS (20%)

• Account manage the day-to-day relationship with Mission 44’s media agency, ensuring the delivery of high quality media coverage (reactive and proactive) to meet organisational objectives.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists and key media contacts where necessary. 

• Monitor, evaluate and report on media coverage and performance, delivering regular insight and recommendations to the senior leadership team.

• Support crisis communications and reputational risk management as required.

• Work closely with the founder’s brand and communications team on joint high-profile press moments.

TALENT ENGAGEMENT (10%) 

• Support talent engagement including strategy development, recruitment and ongoing engagement.

• Work cross-teams to identify and deliver opportunities for talent involvement across communications, fundraising, campaigns and partnerships.

• Support key moments where talent can meaningfully amplify Mission 44’s mission and impact.

• Monitor, evaluate and report on talent engagement activity to inform future strategy.

ABOUT YOU: SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

ESSENTIAL 

• Experience in the non-profit, social impact, or corporate social responsibility sectors.

• Proven experience working across communication channels (owned, earned, paid, and shared).

• Experience delivering brand and corporate partnership communications and integrated plans that drive income, brand growth, and organisational objectives.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling storytelling for diverse audiences.

• Ability to build and maintain trusted, long-term relationships with corporate partners and media.

• Strong project and stakeholder management skills, managing multiple campaigns and priorities simultaneously.

• Analytical skills to evaluate communications impact, provide recommendations, and optimise strategies.

• Confident engaging with high-profile partners, media, and talent - adapting to different situations 

DESIRABLE

• Experience working with global or high-profile brands.

• Experience working with high-profile talent

• Experience supporting crisis communications and reputational risk management.

• Background in event communications, stakeholder engagement, or collaborative campaign delivery.

PERSONAL QUALITIES  

• Passionate about creating a fairer, more inclusive, more compassionate future for young people around the world 

• Strategic thinker with creative storytelling and problem-solving skills

• Highly organised and proactive in managing complex projects

• Collaborative, able to work effectively across teams and with stakeholders

• Solutions-oriented, with the confidence to propose bold ideas

• Committed to embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion in all work

• Resilient with demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Would you like to join an organisation that is striving for systemic change? We believe it is not enough to reform structures and systems which are foundationally discriminatory. We are calling for a complete overhaul, and for people with lived experience to lead that change.

If that appeals to you. We are seeking a Policy and Communications Officer to play a vital role in shaping public understanding of migration and influencing policy. 

As part of our dedicated team, you will have the chance to make a real impact, engaging with diverse audiences and advocating for positive change. If you're motivated by social justice and have skills in policy engagement, digital campaigning, media, and stakeholder engagement, we want to hear from you.

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in contributing to a vision for intersectional campaigns that call for systemic change, and for those with lived experience to be instrumental in these campaigns.

As a lived experience and values-led organisation, and diverse team, we are looking for candidates with a:

• Commitment to upholding the rights of ALL migrants

• Real vision as to how this can be done in the current political, social and economic climate 

• A commitment to MRN's vision and values

The salary will be £32,414 per year. In addition, MRN contributes up to 6% of salary to pensions.

Closing date for applications: 9am, 14 January 2026

Date for candidate interviews: 22-23 January 2026

Science Communications Officer - FTC

 

The Officer is part of the Science Communications Team, which inspires and informs the public, donors and researchers about dementia research, the progress being made, wider developments in the field and the impact of Alzheimer’s Research UK (ARUK) funding.

The postholder plays a vital role in helping tell the story and scientific narrative of ARUK to a variety of audiences, cementing the charity’s role as a leading authority on dementia research in the UK and globally. They also help to create a clear, creative, and compelling case for the need for research and the progress being made towards finding a cure. This means the postholder will be an effective and inspiring communicator, creating and landing content covering ARUK research, impact and commentary across multiple communications channels and audiences.

Key responsibilities include finding and developing stories around ARUK research and helping to create and deliver communications plans around our research initiatives. This includes: pitching stories to media, creating social media and digital content, such as blogs and website summaries and help creating content for supporter newsletters. The officer will also be part of our press operations which involves handling media calls. This includes some out of hours cover.

The postholder will also be expected to engage in broader communications and events work both within the team and beyond it. This is a challenging, creative and busy role, but one that oversees a function that is critical to ARUK and its mission.

This is a 12-month Fixed Term Contract

 

Key Responsibilities:

 

· Support in the development and implementation of communications plans for ARUK launches and major initiatives, as well as responding to other stories in the news.

· Ensure that ARUK’s research portfolio, strategy and ambition is communicated to the public through digital channels including our website, blog and social media.

· Develop and maintain a first-rate working knowledge of the dementia research field, including ARUK’s portfolio, strategy, impact and history.

· Develop and maintain high-level playbooks that make the case for research and the work of ARUK, and devise and develop innovative and creative communications products and campaigns based on this narrative.

· Work with teams across the charity, including Research, Fundraising and Marketing to find and communicate suitable projects, success stories and researcher case studies for inclusion in public and supporter-facing communications.

· Contribute to ARUK’s proactive and reactive media communications by being part of the news desk, including out-of-hours queries (organised through an on-call rota, and occasional ad hoc) and finding ARUK-related newsworthy stories to pitch to the media.

· Help monitor and showcase the impact of our media activity and contribute to media training ARUK employees.

· Help manage multiple short- and long-term projects, working with teams within the charity and key external stakeholders.

· Deliver presentations about dementia and our communications around dementia and research as part of employee and external events.

· Maintain a watching brief of the dementia research sector to identify emerging technologies and trends that might benefit ARUK’s work.

· Develop and maintain relationships with a wide network of experts from across the dementia research field, including through attending research conferences and representing ARUK.

· Ensure communications activities comply with ARUK’s tone, branding and style guide.

· Undertake any other relevant duties and projects delegated by the team manager in line with the responsibilities of the post.

 

 

What we are looking for:

 

· Educated to degree level in life sciences or demonstrable relative work experience.

· Experience in translating complex science for a lay audience.

· Experience in creating compelling content for digital channels, including web and social media.

· Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills: can work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders within and outside the organisation.

· Strong planning and organisational skills and working to tight deadlines

· Excellent organisational skills; the ability to manage a large number of tasks to multiple deadlines.

· A confident communicator and friendly manner; would feel at ease representing the charity to a range of audiences to a high level.

· Willingness and ability to travel in the UK and beyond, to work outside of regular office hours when needed.

· Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders and build strong relationships at all levels, both within and outside the charity.

· Confident in using a range of IT systems

· Ability to write compelling and engaging content

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 £34,000 per annum, plus benefits

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

The closing date for applications is the 11th January 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.

Responsible for all Continuous Professional Development (CPD) resources and activity of the Royal College of Paramedics, The primary role of the National CPD Lead will be overall responsibility for all CPD delivered by the Royal College of Paramedics, including ensuring the quality of content across the current and future range of platforms, (including video, webinars, events, podcasting). 

The National CPD Lead is responsible for the efficient and effective management of specific pre-agreed workstreams aligned with realisation of the Royal College’s strategy objectives, this will require budget awareness along with supervision and management of team members. 

As a senior member the College team – the National CPD Lead will provide a leadership presenceacross the organisation, contributing to policy and planning, staff development and membershipengagement and growth. They will be an able, confident and competent communicator, engagingeffectively at all levels, from student members to the Royal College of Paramedics Board and Council to national partners and colleagues. 

The primary role of the National CPD Lead is to provide assurance, support and leadership in the provision of face to face and virtual CPD delivered by the College of Paramedics, including: 

• Ensuring the quality of content across the current and future range of platforms (including events, video, webinars, courses, and podcasting). 

• Reviewing and developing CPD activities which meet the needs of members and the profession

As an employee, the National CPD Lead will promote the Royal College, and its aims and objectives by building effective relationships with members, other healthcare colleagues, employers and other stakeholder bodies. 

The Person: 
We are looking for an enthusiastic and highly motivated individual to work directly with the Head of Education to drive innovation and change and deliver the Continuous Professional Development and Education objectives as part of the overall College strategy. 

The National CPD Lead will act with integrity, positivity, and adaptability, using their skills to build effective relationships and work within a shared vision.

Closing date: 23:59hrs on 30.01.26 
Interviews: w/c 16.02.26 in the area of Leeds/Bradford 

Director of Communications – EMMS International (Remote, Scotland-based)

EMMS International is creating a new Director of Communications role following an organisational review, separating fundraising and communications into two Director posts. Reporting to and working closely with the CEO, the Director of Communications will lead all internal and external communications, raise the charity’s profile and influence, and provide strong strategic support to income-generating functions, especially fundraising. You will develop and deliver a multi-layered communications and external affairs strategy, lead a small Communications Team (including a new Head of Communications), and play a key role on the Executive Leadership Team.

Key responsibilities include:

• Designing and implementing an organisational communications and external affairs strategy

• Leading EMMS’ rebrand in partnership with an external agency

• Growing and engaging core and new audiences across multiple channels

• Supporting fundraising colleagues with compelling campaigns

• Managing a small team, setting objectives/KPIs and overseeing performance and development

• Budget planning and financial oversight for the Communications function

• Representing EMMS at senior level, including Board meetings and sector bodies such as SIDA

What they’re looking for:
An experienced communications leader with a strong track record in strategic comms, audience growth, media engagement and campaign delivery. You’ll bring creative thinking, excellent written and verbal skills, experience managing and developing teams, and confidence operating at both strategic and hands-on levels. Familiarity with the Scottish charity, political and social landscape is essential, as is the ability to communicate effectively with both Christian and secular audiences in line with EMMS’ faith-based origins and healthcare mission. Degree-level education or equivalent professional experience is required.

Terms and benefits:

• Salary: £63,313 – £70,347 (depending on experience), with annual inflationary rise

• Remote role with monthly meetings in central Edinburgh (more frequent in first three months)

• 25–30 days annual leave depending on length of service + 10 public holidays

• 8% employer pension contribution (with salary sacrifice)

• Salary sacrifice scheme for electric vehicle lease

• Flexible working, travel expenses to office, access to Edinburgh office, some international travel

• Life assurance (three times annual salary) and Aviva Digi-Care app

Application:
Apply by CV and covering letter (each up to 2 pages) by Monday 12 January 2026. Interviews will be held in Edinburgh, with two stages. You must live in Scotland and have the right to work in the UK.

Employer: Community Rail Network 

Salary: £43k-£51.5k pa, full time 

Location: Home based / flexible or Huddersfield 

We are seeking a dynamic director of policy and communications, to lead and develop our increasingly impactful external affairs activity. You’ll be sharing community insights and evidence with policy and decision-makers at national and devolved level, supporting a shift towards more inclusive and sustainable transport and mobility, while overseeing high-quality, inspiring member communications and thought-leadership, drawing on grassroots experiences.  
  

About us 

Community Rail Network is a national not-for-profit organisation supporting a growing ‘community rail’ movement, which helps communities get the most from their railways, promotes sustainable and inclusive travel, coordinates volunteering and place-making, and brings people together.

Community rail is made up of 76 community-based partnership organisations, and c.1,300 station friends volunteer groups and other community-led initiatives around Britain. Their activities range from creative projects for young people, to advising train operators on service improvements, to building travel confidence among marginalised groups, to biodiversity projects at stations, to promoting greener tourism by rail.

Our enthusiastic team of 24 works from home in different locations, but we come together regularly in person and online. We work collaboratively to support our members, provide training, events and resources, run campaigns, and champion community rail and its insights. We believe in developing our team and helping everyone reach their potential while having a good work-life balance.

About this role 

This role is crucial for us, our members and their communities, especially at the current time, with our need to seize on the opportunities of rail reform and devolution, promote wider use of sustainable transport, and bring communities together. You will spearhead our external affairs strategy and plans, building political relationships, influencing decision-making and raising awareness of community rail and its insights, while ensuring effective communications with our members and helping them to have a voice locally and regionally. You’ll be striving to put community rail at the forefront of a shift towards more inclusive and sustainable mobility.

As a member of our senior leadership team, reporting to and working closely with our chief executive, you will manage a passionate team of four, ensuring collaboration with our other teams, partners and funders, and drawing on members’ insights.

 
Main responsibilities 

• Lead the review, development and delivery of our communications, policy and insights strategy, working to position the community rail movement effectively, use its insights to influence policy change, and ensure our members are well-informed and have a voice; 

• Further strengthen our advisory and influencing work with national, devolved and regional government, transport bodies, parliamentarians and other decision-makers, especially around rail reform, transport devolution and integrated, inclusive, sustainable transport; 

• Ensure we’re engaging effectively with policy developments and opportunities, taking forward a programme of relationship-building, and identifying and engaging in relevant consultations, events and speaking opportunities, enabling community rail’s insights and experiences to be shared; 

• Collaborate with partners in rail, government and the third sector to feed in our expertise on community engagement with rail, amplify our campaigns, and build opportunities for joined-up communications and policy work;

• Continually develop and disseminate our evidence base and insights on the social, environmental and economic value community rail delivers, and opportunities to create greater benefits for communities from rail and transport; 

• Oversee high-quality, coherent and inspiring communications with our members and partners, promoting our work, and sharing news, opportunities, and good practice across the movement; 

• Manage production of high-quality resources, case studies and reports that our members can use to enhance their impact and which showcase community rail’s impact; 

• Lead and develop our media relations and awareness-raising PR, championing community rail and its messages on sustainable, inclusive travel and communities at national and regional level, while supporting members on local PR; 

• Develop our online presence and reach, making full use of our website, social media, our Scenic Rail Britain campaign, and partners’ channels to celebrate and position community rail and grow its reach and impact; 

• Oversee a calendar of creative and impactful campaigns that involve and empower our members, creating PR and engagement opportunities, including Community Rail Week;

• Play a key role in collective leadership, strategic focus and organisational development as a member of our senior leadership team, including through internal communications and cross-team working, annual planning, funder liaison and reporting, upholding our strategies and policies, and pursuing opportunities for continuous improvement. 

 
Skills and competencies 

1. Strong leadership and management skills, including experience managing, developing and drawing on a multi-faceted team delivering complex campaigns or projects, and budget management; 
2. Excellent communication and external leadership skills; articulate, assertive, and with the ability to work diplomatically and persuasively with stakeholders at all levels; 
3. An understanding of public affairs, ideally in relation to community development, sustainability and/or transport, and a demonstrable ability to identify influencing opportunities, deliver thought-leadership, and engage with policy-makers, including sharing community insights; 
4. Politically astute, with awareness of and commitment to social inclusion, social justice and sustainability, and a good grasp of the importance of public transport sustainable travel, and community-led action, to these agendas; 
5. Understanding of political processes and experience of engaging with policy and decision-making, ideally at national, devolved and local levels; 
6. Sound knowledge of communication and marketing methods and channels, and ability to oversee messaging and targeting of public and professional audiences, and to align content across multiple channels; 
7. A demonstrable ability to think analytically and draw on statistical and qualitative research to construct robust, evidence-based arguments; 
8. Experience of working with the media and achieving coverage at national, regional and local level; 
9. Experience working collaboratively with partners and ideally funders to deliver communications and policy activity and forming professional networks; 
10. Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines while dealing with competing priorities, and to support team members to do so; 
11. IT literate with a good working knowledge of Office, the internet and social media; 
12. Appropriate qualifications and professional development demonstrating knowledge and skills in line with the above, and a commitment to ongoing learning and development.

Other information

As you will be home-based, we are flexible about your location. However, you will be expected to travel to in-person full team meetings quarterly (usually in West Yorkshire), and you will need to bring your team together (currently all West Yorkshire based) with similar regularity in between. Attendance at in-person events and meetings is also important. We therefore welcome applications from those with decent public transport links, not too far from a railway station, to enable journeys to be made sustainably.   

This is a full-time position, 37 hours per week. We use a flexi-time system with core hours 10am-3pm, and are committed to being a flexible, supportive and understanding employer. This is a permanent position with a probationary period of six months.   

Community Rail Network is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from disabled people and Black, Asian and other minoritised groups, who meet with the skills and competencies for this role. We will provide reasonable adjustments for interviews as required.  

Head of Development and Communications

Job Description

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

£46,200 - £50,200 per annum FTE

The Head of Development and Communications plays a pivotal role in driving In2scienceUK’s mission to change lives by opening doors to STEM degrees and careers for young people from lower socio-economic backgrounds. 

As a senior leader, you will shape and deliver a bold, integrated development and communications strategy that brings our mission to life, tells powerful stories of change, and inspires confidence and commitment from donors, partners, and key stakeholders that unlocks new opportunities for innovation and expansion.

In this role, you will manage a small, high-performing team and oversee the creation of compelling narratives and effective engagement strategies that inspire donors, partners, alumni, and key stakeholders, supporting a resilient and diversified income portfolio.

Working closely with programme teams, you will ensure that development and communications activity amplifies the impact of existing programmes, while identifying and developing new opportunities that deliver meaningful outcomes for young people across the UK.

You will drive the development of strategic partnerships and funding relationships to expand the reach and influence of In2science’s work. Combining strategic vision with operational expertise, you will take a proactive, entrepreneurial approach to growth, shaping how the organisation connects with its audiences, builds its reputation, and communicates the impact of its work in support of long-term strategic goals.

The position allocates approxiamtely 80% of time to development and fundraisng activities and 20% to oversight of the organisations communications function.

In2scienceUK operates on a remote basis, with necessary UK-wide travel for partner and funder meetings, events, and staff co-working days. 

Direct Reports

Development Team: Development Manager, Development Officer, External Fundraising Consultancy.

Comms Team : Senior Communications Officer.

Responsibilities 

Development

Approxaimately 80% of the role will be dedicated to development and fundraising activities.

• To collaborate with the senior leadership team and trustees in setting organisational strategy and building strategic partnerships to support In2science’s vision for 2026 and beyond.

• Lead on planning, implementation and delivery of segmented fundraising and stewardship campaigns across programmes and audiences with a 2026 income target of £1.5m. 

• Lead and manage a diverse fundraising portfolio, including corporate partnerships, trusts and foundations, research grants (e.g., UKRI), government funding, and individual giving.

• To lead a small but effective development team, including an external fundraising contractor to build upon our success to date to achieve funding targets and foster strategic relationships with funding and delivery partners.

• Budget and resource all aspects of development and communications, including engaging with external contractors to maximise our output and upskill our teams.

• Work closely with the Head of Operations to oversee our CRM, ensuring accurate pipeline reporting and forecasting, as well as utilising the system for tailored stewardship opportunities.

• Work closely with our programmes team to ensure that deliverables are met and in line with our mission and objectives.

• Explore opportunities for partnership to launch new programmes and initiatives, working with the Data and Impact manager to use national data to ensure we deliver the greatest possible impact to those most in need.

Communications

Approximately 20% of your role will be committed to oversight of our communication function.

• Oversee the organisation’s external communications, ensuring all messaging is on-brand, reflects our values, meets high standards, and effectively tells the story of our impact on young people.

• Oversee resourcing of the communications function, balancing 70% development and brand engagement with 30% programme-focused activity.

• Identify opportunities to maximise brand presence through strategic partnerships, policy engagement, and media activity.

• Work closely with the SMT and Trustees to respond to media, speaking, and event requests, ensuring consistent and impactful messaging.

• Ensure digital and web platforms effectively showcase our impact and support compelling storytelling.

• Manage the Senior Communications Officer to deliver campaigns that drive organisational growth and engagement with donors, partners, volunteers, and beneficiaries.

Governance

• To work with the SMT, CEO, and Trustees to ensure strong charity governance, including leading the Growth Subcommittee and preparing reports for quarterly board meetings.

• Identify organisation-wide opportunities to streamline and improve performance across the organisation.

• Working with SMT and trustees to ensure charity compliance. Including the charity commission, funding regulator, ICO.

• Identify and manage organisational/operational risk and ensure that all measures are in place to mitigate this.

As duties and responsibilities change, the job description will be reviewed and amended in consultation with the post holder. The postholder will carry out any other duties that are within the scope, spirit and purpose of the job as requested by the line manager. All staff must undertake all mandatory training, checks and compliance as instructed by the organisation.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Three years experience of leading a development team to generate a seven-figure annual income from a diverse range of donors, ideally in a charitable organisation.

• A passionate advocate for social mobility in STEM.

• An inspiring leader who can inspire and collaborate across the organisation to achieve our collective goals.

• Knowledge of all streams of fundraising, with direct experience in at least two of the following: corporate fundraising, trust and foundations, research grants e.g. UKRI, government grants or individual giving (incl. high-net worth donors).

• A target driven individual with a proven track record of personal six-figure income generation and achieving or exceeding personal targets.

• Excellent relationship management skills to steward existing and potential partners and donors.

• Experience of line management including developing personal development plans and setting KPIs.

• Proven experience of managing a brand, ensuring consistent and impactful communications that maximise reach amongst our target audiences.

• Superb written and verbal communication skills with the ability to persuade and influence at all levels.

• Proven experience of overseeing communication campaigns to engage new prospects across a variety of audiences.

• Evidence of efficient and accurate management of budgets and resources.

• Willingness to work flexibly and attend occasional events or meetings on evenings/weekends when required.

• Working collaboratively and supporting fostering a collegiate workplace environment.

• Upholds the values of our code of conduct and is respectful to all.

Desirable:

• Direct knowledge and/or experience of the barriers young people face in accessing STEM degrees or careers.

• Direct knowledge and/or experience of working with education organisations or STEM sector employers, incl. knowledge of current trends.

• Experience of working in collaboration with across teams to deliver new initiatives that maximise outcomes for young people and attract relevant funding.

• Evidence of delivering highly impactful events.

• Prior experience of public speaking, thought leadership and engaging with the press.

• Experience of governance in a small charitable organisation and utilising Trustees to support the organisation's goals and objectives.

Benefits: 

At In2scienceUK we practise what we preach by giving all staff opportunities to progress in their careers. You will have the opportunity to develop your career with your line manager to get you to the next level from day one. 

Although we take our career development seriously we also value work-life balance. You will have the opportunity to work flexibly from home, balancing your caring responsibilities, volunteer commitments, hobbies and anything else that makes you happy. 

You will have 28 days of annual leave per annum, plus bank holidays. 

Commitment to Safeguarding: 

In2scienceUK is committed to our responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults as outlined in Working Together to Safeguard Children. We are committed to recruiting candidates who share this commitment to safeguarding, and therefore we apply robust recruitment and selection procedures to ensure that the people selected are right for the job, and that all candidates are appropriately screened prior to appointment. 

The following pre-employment checks will be undertaken as applicable:

• References 

• DBS check and/or Overseas criminal records check where applicable

• Self-Disclosure 

• Identity check 

• Right to work in the UK 

• Evidence of qualifications applicable to the role 

• Confirmation of registration with applicable registered body where applicable 

Many of our roles involve working with children and we will therefore take up references prior to your appointment. You should provide details of referees including your current and previous employers, covering the last 5 years. Your current or previous employer will be asked about disciplinary offences relating to children, if the role involved working with children, including any in which the penalty is time expired. We will also ask if you have been the subject of any child protection concerns and if so, the outcome of any enquiry or disciplinary procedure. 

Diversity and Inclusion:

In2scienceUK is committed to being an inclusive and diverse organisation where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those who are underrepresented in STEM and the charity sector, including but not limited to people from minoritised ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

We recognise that talent and potential come in many forms, and we welcome applicants with different experiences, perspectives, and ways of thinking. We are committed to providing an inclusive recruitment process and working environment, and we will make reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. If you require any adjustments, please let us know.

Help tell stories that change lives.

At YMCA Milton Keynes & Northamptonshire, young people are at the heart of everything we do. We exist to ensure young people have a safe place they can call home, people they can trust, and the support they need to fulfil their potential.

We’re excited to be creating a new Digital Communications Officer role. A brilliant opportunity for a creative, organised and values-driven communicator who wants to use digital skills to make a genuine difference.

About the role

This is a hands-on digital communications role where you’ll help shape how we show up online and how our impact is shared with the world.

You’ll work as part of our Communications and Campaigns team to raise awareness of YMCA Milton Keynes and YMCA Northamptonshire, as well as our social enterprises, including our conference facilities and Home Ground Café.

You’ll be responsible for creating engaging, timely content across our digital channels and helping ensure our communications are consistent, inclusive and impactful.

Your work will include:

• Running our social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn)

• Planning and creating engaging content using tools such as Canva

• Managing bi-weekly email communications to supporters and alumni

• Supporting digital communications for residents and the wider community

• Writing, filming and promoting case studies that bring our work to life

• Supporting campaigns, events and offline activity with strong digital content

• Monitoring performance, analysing engagement and using insight to improve

You’ll collaborate closely with colleagues across the organisation to understand what’s happening on the ground and share it in a way that connects with different audiences.

Who we’re looking for

This role would suit someone who is creative, organised and enthusiastic about digital communications, and who enjoys working in a fast-paced, purpose-led environment.

You don’t need to have worked in the charity sector before — we’re more interested in your attitude, potential and values.

You’ll bring:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Experience using social media and digital channels

• Confidence using design tools such as Canva (and others a bonus)

• Good planning skills and the ability to manage a varied workload

• A keen eye for detail and pride in producing high-quality work

• Curiosity, creativity and a willingness to learn

Most importantly, you’ll be someone who enjoys working with people and wants to use communications to support positive change for young people.

Why work with us?

At YMCA Milton Keynes & Northamptonshire, our values guide everything we do: Belong, Contribute and Thrive.

We offer:

• A supportive, inclusive and values-led workplace

• The chance to help shape a brand new role

• Opportunities to learn, develop and grow your digital skills

• Work that has real social impact

• A collaborative culture where your ideas are welcomed

Some evening or occasional event work may be required, but we work flexibly and supportively to make this manageable.

How to apply

If you’re excited about using digital communications to amplify young voices and support life-changing work, we’d love to hear from you.

The Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing (“The QICN”)  is looking for a dynamic, hands-on and inspirational professional to join our outstanding staff team to lead the communications and policy function.

The successful candidate will be collaborative and lead by example, working closely with the Chief Executive and the Senior Leadership Team to achieve the charity’s ambitious strategic aims.  It will be crucial to have the seniority, credibility and experience to steward all aspects of the QICN brand, building on strong existing foundations to drive awareness across the UK. The ability to thrive in a fast-paced and changing environment is also crucial.

The QICN is the oldest professional nursing charity in the world and is a leading voice for nurses working in the community.  Our values of excellence, inclusivity, partnership, independence, advocacy, legacy and integrity underpin the charity’s strategic plan 2026-2030, which is included in the Job Pack.

Do you have experience working in a complex policy environment and delivering impactful and compelling communications that influence audiences and inspire action? Would you like to contribute to changing the dementia policy at all levels across England, Northern Ireland and Wales and making the case for dementia to be the priority it needs to be?

About the role
We are recruiting for a Campaigns Communication Officer to join on a full-time, permanent contract, working 35 hours per week.

This role is key to Alzheimer’s Society’s ambitions to drive major policy change across England, Northern Ireland and Wales. As Campaign Communications Officer you will support in the delivery of impact focussed influencing campaigns that seek to change policy at both a local and national level; making the case for dementia to be the priority it needs to be.

You will work on the development and delivery of our campaign messaging and narrative, ensuring that campaign communications are impactful, closely aligned to our organisational tone of voice and in line with Evidence, Policy and Influencing ambitions – with an aim to affect change in dementia policy at all levels across Northern Ireland, England and Wales.

You will work closely with other teams across the organisation including, but not limited to, External Relations, Marketing and Brand, Fundraising and Internal Communications and Engagement to effectively translate and communicate our evidence, policy and influencing messaging for a wide variety of internal and external audiences, for both offline and online platforms.

Interviews for this role have been provisionally scheduled to take place via MS Teams on Tuesday 3rd and Wednesday 4th February.

About you
Joining us, you will have experience working in a complex policy environment alongside experience in delivering impactful communications for a wide variety of audiences, platforms and channels. You’ll be able to be dynamic in your use of tone, urgency and language, depending on the audience and communication. You’ll be able to influence and inspire action through your communication, and you’ll be comfortable building relationships and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.

Crucially, you’ll have experience in developing campaigns that are collaborative and impact-focused with the ability to translate complex policy into compelling communications and as a result, you’ll have good analytical skills and good attention to detail.

What you’ll focus on:

- Developing and refining our influencing campaign messaging and communications, in line with Evidence, Policy and Influencing’s objectives, the organisations tone of voice and approved external messaging.
- Drafting, editing and reviewing of effective copy for a wide variety of offline & online sources, designed to engage supporters and influence policy.
- Developing internal communications and messaging on behalf of the wider Evidence, Policy and Influencing team and supporting teams across the organisation to mobilise their audiences, in furtherance of policy change.
- Working collaboratively with Influencing colleagues across all nations to ensure that campaigning activity is tailored to the context and needs of the devolved nations.
- When required, representing the Society externally. This may include representing the Society in media interviews, at conferences and seminars across the UK.
- Ensuring the experience and insight of people with and affected by dementia informs our engagement, and that those we campaign with are increasingly representative of the dementia population.

About Alzheimer's Society - who are we and what’s our mission?
Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer. One in three people born in the UK today will develop dementia in their lifetime.  

At Alzheimer’s Society, we’re the UK’s leading dementia charity and the only one to tackle all aspects of dementia by giving help and hope to people living with dementia today and in the future. We give vital support to people facing the most frightening times of their lives, while also funding ground-breaking research and campaigning to make dementia the priority it should be.  

Together with our supporters, we’re working towards a world where dementia no longer devastates lives. Our values make sure that our focus is clear for the challenges and opportunities ahead and remind us of what we all stand for. 

Our commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging
We need to ensure the voices around our table better reflect and understand the communities we exist to serve. We strongly encourage individuals to apply who have a disability, impairment or health condition or individuals who identify as part of a minority ethnic background, as these groups are currently under-represented at Alzheimer's Society.     

Our hiring process
We want you to bring your whole self to the process. Applications are anonymised until interview stage, and we’re happy to support any adjustments. Share your feedback via our candidate survey when applying to help us improve. We may close early if we receive high interest (with 48 hours’ notice). Some roles may require a DBS check as part of our safer recruitment commitment. Thinking about using AI during the recruitment process? we know this can be helpful in many ways but remember to include your personal and authentic self too. Your voice and experience are what really set you apart. 

Giving back to you
At Alzheimer’s Society, we value our people and take a total reward approach to pay and benefits. You’ll enjoy a generous double-matched pension scheme, 27 days’ annual leave (plus bank holidays and wellbeing days), and access to a free Health Shield Cash Plan, 24/7 EAP, Thrive mental wellbeing support, and virtual GP services. Our Society Plus platform offers exclusive discounts, wellbeing resources, and recognition schemes, while our flexible working, family-friendly policies, and life assurance provide peace of mind and work/life balance. We also offer a free Will-writing service and long service awards to recognise your ongoing commitment.

We are looking for a Communications and Campaigns Officer to join the Birth Companions Institute staff team. The Communications and Campaigns Officer will play a key role in raising awareness of our work and the issues we are seeking to address; influencing policy and public opinion; and amplifying the voices of the women we support. They will help shape public narratives around inequity and disadvantage, and contribute to Birth Companions’ mission to lead systemic change.