Head of policy and communications jobs

The Finance team provides finance and budgeting support to staff, managers and members of PCS. The department is about to embark on a digital transformation that will modernise how the Finance department operates for the Union. We are looking for a Head of Finance that will drive and lead this project whilst maintaining continuity of service operation to the union, members and staff and, to join a progressive union that values collaboration, integrity, and social impact.

Salary and Location

• Band 5, London Spine points 21-17 or Regional Spine points 23-19
• Starting salary: London £63,279 p.a. rising to £72,098 p.a. or Regional £58,877 p.a. rising to £67,689, in annual increments (pay award pending)
• PCS Clapham or Regional office

Successful candidates for the post of Head of FInance will be able to demonstrate:

You are a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, ACMA, CIPFA) and or have an MBA with:

• 5 years proven experience of managing a successful finance team
• Proven experience in strategic financial leadership
• Strong knowledge of financial systems, compliance, and reporting
• Project management and delivery in a financial setting
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Management of internal and external audit processes
• A commitment to equality, inclusion, and the values of the trade union movement

The main duties of the Head of Finance role include:

• Strong leadership and effective management of the finance team
• Lead and manage the implementation and optimisation of a new finance system to ensure cost-efficiency through service reviews and technology adoption
• Deliver strategic financial advice to senior stakeholders
• Lead the unions financial services, focusing on complex and high-impact areas
• Support medium and long-term financial planning for the Director of Central Services and Senior Management Team
• Oversee management accounts, year-end financial reports, and budget cycles
• Ensure compliance with VAT, Corporation Tax, PAYE, and regulatory reporting (e.g., AR21)
• Provide accurate financial data and strategic insights to decision-makers
• Strengthen audit processes and investment oversight
• Ensure integrity in transaction processing and ledger management
• Maintain compliance with data protection and service level agreements
• Support supplier relationship management

Excellent people and leadership skills combined with strong analytical skills, and problem solving ability, and an understanding of up-to-date finance technology will all be essential requirements for a successful Head of Finance.

Closing date: at 12 midday on Thursday 12 March 2026

Interviews will be held in person at PCS Clapham: Wednesday 25 March 2026

About PCS

PCS is the Public and Commercial Services Union, representing many thousands of members working in the civil service and related areas.

Employer Benefits

You will have access to a generous package of staff benefits including

• flexible working (including hybrid working)
• childcare and family support
• generous maternity/paternity leave
• 32 days leave and Christmas closure
• pension scheme
• employee assistance programme

Learning and Development

The union offers a wide range of learning and development opportunities. We will work with you to support your continued professional development.

PCS Recruiting Process

We use CVMinder to manage all recruitment activities. It helps us to maintain our commitment to equality and diversity by ensuring that we are fair and compliant with our recruiting practices.

Applications must be received by the closing date and time specified.

Candidates invited for interview are required to make themselves available on the date/s specified. Interview dates cannot be changed to accommodate candidates who are unavailable to attend on the specified date.

• CVs will not be accepted. Please see the job description/person specification and follow the application process.
• PCS is working towards equal opportunities and is positive about disabled people.
• All posts can be considered on a full-time, part-time or job share basis.

Please view our guidance for applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION: HEAD OF FINANCE

Ref: 0326

Grade: Band 5, London or Region

Salary:

London Spine points 21-17

London Starting salary £63,279 p.a. rising to £72,098 p.a.

Regional Spine points 23-19

Regional Starting salary £58,877 p.a. rising to £67,689

Location: PCS Clapham (London) or PCS regional offices

Purpose of the job:

Management and leadership of the PCS Finance Team and the provison of strategic financial advice to the National Executive Committee and other bodies.

Responsible for the management of the compilation and production of all management accounts, PCS annual audit, budgets, cash-flow and financial planning reports and annual reports.

Responsible for the integrity and completeness of the accounting records, ensuring taxation compliance.

To manage the modernisation of PCS finance system and to work with our providers to introduce digital products to support PCS primary financial accounting management system.

To engage stakeholders and drive strategic change to optimise the efficiency of the financial operations and contribute towards PCS overall strategic direction of the PCS Union.

Responsible to: Director of Central Services

Responsible for: Internal Audit & Funding Manager and Finance & Budget Manager

Contacts

External:

PCS members, elected officials and potential members. Employers, Legal, pension and other advisors. TUC, Members of other trade unions and related bodies. Senior Government Officials, Ministers, MPs, pressure groups, campaigning bodies and media, Auditors, financial institutions and Investment Managers.

Internal:

PCS staff and managers across Regions and Departments

Main duties and responsibilities

1.People Management

• Manage work allocation and workflow, future planning and support for Finance Team and Director of Central Services
• Motivate and manage individuals and the team as a whole to provide a high standard of service to develop and improve the skills and efficiency of the Finance team
• Check work standards and maintain consistent quality of delegated tasks
• Seek to continuously improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the team
• Through induction, the appraisal system and one-to-ones, identify staff training and development needs, train or organise formal/informal training for the Finance Team
• Proactively promote diversity and inclusion in line with the wider PCS approach
• Apply the staff conduct policies as and when required e.g. discipline, grievance, capability, dignity at work and IT security policies
• Provide advice and deal with complex issues related to staff management including disciplinary or grievance in consultation with line manager
• Ensure that the health, safety and welfare of staff is maintained and improved, in accordance with PCS and statutory policies
• Work effectively with lay officials. Provide advice to and lead relevant committees including the preparation and presentation of reports
• Deputise for line manager when required

2.Strategy and Advice

• Ensure the provision of strategic financial advice and guidance to a wide range of stakeholders
• Provide leadership in delivering the unions Financial Services, having direct involvement in more complex or strategic areas to support the delivery of the unions objectives
• Prepare and manage delegated budgets in accordance with the Unions overall financial policies and procedures ensuring services are delivered within the agreed budgets
• Provide medium and long term financial planning support to the Director of Central Services and Senior Management team
• Oversee reviews of service prices and providers, making proposals for savings and change, seeking to exploit changing technologies and methods to reduce costs, wherever possible, in line with budgetary and policy constraints
• Oversee statistical systems to produce reports and analyse information within the Finance department
• Monitor and report on issues and initiatives as requested

3. Strategy and Advice

• Ensure the provision of strategic financial advice and guidance to a wide range of stakeholders
• Provide leadership in delivering the unions Financial Services, having direct involvement in more complex or strategic areas to support the delivery of the unions objectives
• Prepare and manage delegated budgets in accordance with the Unions overall financial policies and procedures ensuring services are delivered within the agreed budgets
• Provide medium and long term financial planning support to the Director of Central Services and Senior Management team
• Oversee reviews of service prices and providers, making proposals for savings and change, seeking to exploit changing technologies and methods to reduce costs, wherever possible, in line with budgetary and policy constraints
• Oversee statistical systems to produce reports and analyse information within the Finance department
• Monitor and report on issues and initiatives as requested

4.Finance Systems

• Manage the introduction, implementation and continuous monitoring of a new finance system to provide effective budget management at every level of the union
• Provide detailed financial data and reporting, including management accounts and strategic advice, to the National Executive Committee/Senior Management Team
• Provide straightforward access to budgets for all budget holders to facilitate better planning and cash flow management
• Ensure resources are optimised to enable good decision-making across each command area
• Review and update where necessary current audit processes to ensure compliance with the Trade Union Certification Officer
• Provide investment oversight, forecasting, and asset management to the Director of Central Services, and produce relevant information to support spending and investment decisions
• Ensure controls are in place and adhered to, to manage management override risks
• Maintain professional financial relationships with suppliers and customers

5.Operational Management

• Oversee and ensure the integrity of the unions transaction processing at all times
• Ensure all liabilities are recorded, payments made, receipts banked and ledgers managed in line with best practice
• Ensure all service level agreements are adhered to by the Finance department, and developed where necessary
• Ensure data protection adherence and finance systems are secure
• Assist the Director of Central Services in managing relationships with suppliers

6. Group and Branch Funding

• Oversee PCS work with Special Member Auditors to ensure the completion of union group and branch audit procedures in line with rules and Finance Committee requirements
• Provide assistance to group and branch treasurers, including training courses
• Provide reports as required for the Finance Committee
• Ensure expenses are paid in line with Service Level Agreement requirements

7. Finance Training and good practice

• Participate in the dissemination of financial knowledge across the union. Organise and participate in periodic financial training programmes for budget-holders, treasurers and members

8. Communication

• Draft complex communications including briefs, reports, business cases, for internal and external stakeholders
• Draft papers, policies and regulations in relation to financial management
• Communicate with members by producing circulars and briefings, and by addressing meetings and conferences etc
• Represent PCS where necessary and liaise with outside professional bodies such as auditors
• Provide financial information as required by other areas of the Union, in particular treasurers, or other bodies

9. Team Working

• Proactively promote team working and collaboration
• Initiate, organise, lead and participate in team meetings as appropriate
• Maintain high levels of confidentiality of sensitive issues at all times
• Provide assistance to team members
• Manage and co-ordinate staff on issues arising from new working practises, one off projects, or annual projects such as conference

10.Equality

• Contribute to PCS policies on equal opportunities by developing innovative workplace strategies to tackle inequality and discrimination

11.General

• Contribute to the strategic development of the Unions policy objectives including the PCS planning process
• At all times implement and promote the PCSs equal opportunities policy adhering to the PCS Values
• Take due and reasonable care of self and others in respect of health and safety at work
• Participate in appraisal, training and development systems
• Act in a manner that enhances the work of the PCS and its overall public image
• In all work activities, comply with data protection legislation and PCSs requirements for the protection of personal information and the privacy of individuals
• Such other duties that may reasonably be required and that are within the level of the responsibility of this post
• Willing to work outside normal office hours and location on occasion. (e.g. attendance at Annual Delegate Conference)

Person Specification: HEAD OF FINANCE

Ref: 0326

Date: January 2026

Location: London or Region

ESSENTIAL FACTORS

QUALIFICATION

• Qualification in Finance and/or Business Management (ACA,ACCA,ACMA,CIPFA,) and/or MBA with minimum of 5 years' proven management experience in finance

EXPERIENCE

• People management including induction, work allocation, appraisal and conduct
• Experience of working at strategic management level in finance
• Management accounts production and compilation of year end accounts, external reports and audit processes
• Management of payroll and pensions administration
• Project management and delivery in a financial setting

TRAINING

(including continuous professional development)

• Evidence of ongoing training and continuing professional development
• Commitment to undertake job-related training
• Commitment to participation in appraisal and development review process
• Commitment to staff development

KNOWLEDGE

• Management Accountancy
• Financial management and taxation including VAT, Corporate tax and PAYE compliance
• Contract and regulatory compliance management
• Impact and use of Financial Digital and IT applications
• An understanding of and a commitment to trade unions

SKILLS

• Ability to communicate effectively using written and oral channels, including reports and presentations, with a variety of audiences
• Ability to negotiate and form effective working relationships internally and externally
• Ability to provide strategic and policy implementation advice and guidance
• Proficient with Reporting, Data Analytics tools and performance metrics
• Ability to deliver and adapt financial training to audiences without financial knowledge/expertise

OTHER

• Commitment to the application of Equal Opportunities policies and practices at work
• Understanding of own role in maintaining legal compliances within PCS (e.g. data protection; health and safety)
• Flexible approach to work and willing to work outside of normal office hours and location on occasions

Policy Campaigns Officer

 

A permanent position has arisen as part of the continued growth of our campaigns work within our friendly Policy, Public Affairs and Campaigns department. The Policy Campaigns Officer will play a key role in helping the charity deliver high-impact campaigns that mobilise supporters, influence policy, and raise awareness of issues relating to dementia research.

In this role you will support the Campaigns Manager to deliver integrated advocacy campaigns aligned to Alzheimer's Research UK’s strategic objectives. You will contribute to the coordination, development and implementation of activity that connects public mobilisation with policy and government influencing priorities.

You will bring proven experience of working on advocacy or policy-focused campaigns, or in a closely related field where influencing decision makers and engaging the public has been central to your work. You will understand how campaigning activity contributes to political or institutional change and will be confident supporting the delivery of campaign tactics across digital and offline channels.

This role is ideal if you are looking to build on existing advocacy or influencing experience in a collaborative team, contributing to campaigns that aim to deliver measurable policy impact.

 

Key Responsibilities:

 

Campaign development and delivery

· Support the development and delivery of integrated advocacy and policy campaigns aligned to organisational priorities.

· Help design campaign plans, including objectives, audiences, tactics, timelines and evaluation measures.

· Deliver campaign activity and creative tactics across a range of channels, both digital and offline.

· Work with colleagues across the organisation to ensure campaigns are evidence-led, inclusive and aligned with organisational priorities.

· Monitor campaign performance and contribute to evaluation and learning.

· Act as a point of contact for work with external agencies and suppliers.

 

Influencing and supporter mobilisation

· Support efforts to influence decision-makers by mobilising supporters and amplifying public voices.

· Work with policy and public affairs colleagues to align public-facing campaign activity with political influencing messaging and objectives.

· Help build and maintain relationships with supporters, volunteers, partner organisations and coalitions.

· Assist with producing campaign briefings, messaging and supporter-facing materials.

 

Communications and digital campaigning

Work closely with communications and digital teams to deliver integrated campaign content.

· Support the development of email, social media and online action tools to engage supporters.

· Adapt campaign messages for different audiences, ensuring clarity, accuracy and impact.

· Contribute to content planning and delivery to maximise reach and engagement.

 

Events and engagement activity

· Support the planning and delivery of campaign-related events, both online and in-person.

· Represent the charity at relevant events, meetings and conferences as required.

· Assist with coordinating meetings and briefings involving supporters, stakeholders and internal teams.

· Liaise with colleagues, supporters and external partners to ensure effective delivery of campaign activity.

 

Knowledge, skills and experience needed:

· Experience of delivering campaigns, advocacy initiatives, or influencing activity aimed at shaping policy.

· Experience drafting materials intended to influence or mobilise external audiences (e.g. campaign actions and briefings, supporter emails, calls to action).

· Understanding of how public mobilisation aligns with influencing objectives and contributes to policy change.

· Experience of delivering digital campaigning tactics and coordinating in-person supporter mobilisation.

· Experience of working collaboratively with colleagues across different teams.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt complex issues into clear and compelling messaging.

· Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines

· IT literate, with experience using Microsoft Office and digital tools.

· Commitment to the charity’s vision, mission and values.

· Proactive, flexible and solution-focused approach to work.

· Strong team player with the ability to use initiative.

· Willingness to learn and adapt in a fast-moving environment.

· Willingness to work outside of regular office hours during busy periods (e.g. campaign launches or events).

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 8th March 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. While we strive to anonymise your CV where possible, there are certain sections, such as the application question, that cannot be fully anonymised. We kindly ask that you remove any personal information, including your name, when answering the application question. The hiring panel will not have access to your personal details, such as your name and address, until you are invited for an interview. 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. 

Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist care and support for babies, children and young people who are life limited or life threatened. When time is short, every moment is precious. Acorns helps children and families fill the time they have together with love, fun and laughter to create lasting memories.

Palliative care for children aged 0-18 is delivered at Acorns’ hospices in Birmingham, Worcester, and Walsall, as well as in family homes or elsewhere in the community. Their holistic, tailored approach meets each child’s clinical, emotional, cultural, religious, and spiritual needs. Supporting over 750 children and nearly 1,000 families annually, Acorns is a vital lifeline for families across the West Midlands and Gloucestershire during unimaginably difficult times.

Over the past three years, Acorns’ leadership has enhanced collaboration and innovation across the charity and embedded an organisation-wide fundraising culture. Following a period of investment and structural change within Fundraising, Acorns is now seeking a Head of Donor Experience to shape and lead a centralised, donor-first function that underpins sustainable income growth.

With an integrated fundraising structure and an upcoming £5m appeal, Acorns is looking for a senior leader to review, refine and scale its end-to-end supporter experience.

The Head of Donor Experience is a senior leadership role responsible for leading a central support function covering donor journeys, supporter care, data and insight, digital fundraising and compliance, ensuring consistent, high-quality experiences across all income streams.

Reporting to the Associate Director of Fundraising, you will play an active role on the Fundraising Leadership Team, with shared accountability for strategic decision making, compliance and cross-directorate working. You will be responsible for embedding a donor-centred strategy that drives engagement, loyalty and long-term value, while championing a digital-first, data-driven approach to stewardship.

As Head of Donor Experience, you will:

• Lead and embed a cohesive donor experience strategy aligned to the wider Fundraising Strategy
• Design and implement a structured supporter journey framework, ensuring appropriate automation and personalisation across channels and income streams
• Review and refine thanking, banking, fulfilment and supporter care processes to improve efficiency and supporter satisfaction
• Oversee CRM development and optimisation, ensuring robust data governance and a clear single supporter view
• Lead insight generation and segmentation strategy to inform fundraising performance and income growth
• Drive innovation in digital stewardship, journey design and platform usage
• Establish and maintain a centralised compliance framework across fundraising activity
• Strengthen collaboration between Fundraising and Marketing to enable more coordinated, funnel-led campaigns
• Champion a data-driven, donor-centric culture across the Fundraising Directorate
• Line manage senior managers across Donor Experience, Data & Insight and Digital Fundraising, contributing as an active member of the Fundraising Senior Leadership Team

Essential skills and experience:

• Strong background in fundraising operations, supporter care, compliance or customer experience within a charity setting
• Proven track record of developing and delivering stewardship strategies that improve retention and long-term supporter value
• Experience managing and motivating teams to deliver operational excellence and performance improvement
• Experience designing and implementing strategy, annual plans and process improvements
• Strong working knowledge of CRM systems, data governance and supporter database management
• Confidence influencing senior internal stakeholders and driving cross-team collaboration
• Experience of reporting, performance analysis and using insight to inform decision-making
• Strong understanding of fundraising compliance, including GDPR and sector regulation

Employee benefits include:

• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• 5 days holiday buyback scheme starting from April 2026
• 7.5% employer pension contribution
• Life assurance scheme (2 x annual salary)
• Retail discounts (including the Blue Light card)
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounted gym membership
• Access to expert financial health and wellbeing support

The Bevan Foundation is seeking a new policy and research officer to join our team. Could you support the Bevan Foundation in its mission to end poverty in Wales?

About the Bevan Foundation

The Bevan Foundation is Wales's most influential think tank. We create insights, ideas and impact that help to end poverty and inequality. Over recent years the Foundation has helped secure real and lasting change for people across Wales, from universal free school meals for primary pupils to increases in Education Maintenance Allowance. We’ve built a reputation for trusted, evidence-based insights and ideas that influence decision-makers and improve lives.

About this role

This is new and exciting role in our policy and research team. This role will have a particular focus on poverty, with the successful candidate working on a wide range of poverty issues from child poverty to housing. You’ll gather and analyse evidence, help to develop practical proposals for change and be involved in persuading decision-makers to take action.

About you

You will have an excellent grounding in qualitative and quantitative research methods and a sound grasp of social and economic policies in Wales. You’ll be able to explain your work clearly and persuasively, with good written and oral skills. You’ll be able to engage effectively with a wide range of people, from stakeholders to people on low incomes. You’ll be well-organised and able to operate independently as well as collaboratively with a wider team.

Key terms

The role is available for 5 days per week, on a permanent basis. 

The salary for this post is £28,393 - £31,273 (Grade 5), with the appointment likely to be in the bottom half of the scale.

We work in a hybrid way, with staff expected be office-based for two to three days a week and to attend monthly in-person team meetings. The Foundation’s offices are in Merthyr Tydfil.

If you are interested and want to find out more and to find out how to apply download our application pack.

Closing Date: Wednesday 18 March 11:00 AM

Interview date: Monday 30 March 

The Bevan Foundation gratefully acknowledges the support of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation towards this programme of work. 

We have a newly created opportunity for a Head of Wales to join us at RBL to promote, advocate and champion for our vital work and connections across Wales.

It is an exciting time to join RBL as we commence work on our new 10 year strategy. Much of our work already revolves around the connections made across our communities and wider society. But with the creation of three new roles we aim to lead this work across Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and ROI, in order to better harness the power of those connections to support our communities in the most effective way possible and promote our important role in bringing people together.

This role will see you as Head of Wales, where you will be RBL’s key representative and point of contact in Wales, building and sustaining networks and connections with key stakeholders and partners, including senior military, government ministers, charity partners and senior leadership.

The role places significant emphasis on matrix working internally, building connections across Wales and will see you as RBL’s spokesperson in Wales, providing a public face for the charity, attending events and meetings, speaking to the media and engaging widely across the region.

Come and be part of the leading Armed Forces charity, making a difference to the lives of those who have served to keep us safe and protect our way of life.

Reporting to our Executive Director: Membership, key responsibilities will include:

- Working closely with the Membership Council Representative to act as the point of contact, focal point and voice for RBL as well as representing the unique needs of Wales to RBL
- Liaising regularly with the Welsh Government, MSs, Welsh MPs, the Veterans Commissioner for Wales, Wales-based Military bases, Reserve and Cadet Force Associations and Welsh charity partners
- Maintaining a good knowledge of all RBL activity in Wales, acting as reference point for Services, Fundraising, Remembrance, Public Relations, Membership and Campaigns, Policy and Research
- Promoting and advocating RBL’s strategy in a way that is responsive to the specific context of Wales and play a significant leadership role in the development and delivery of an organisation wide Wales plan
- Provide leadership and guidance on Welsh matters to the RBL Executive Board

You will be an experienced strategic leader, with excellent networking and communication skills and the ability to build strong strategic partnerships and influence at senior level. You will have a strong understanding of the political, cultural and social landscape in Wales, with experience as a spokesperson or figurehead with media skills and exposure.

This role is 28 hours per week, to be worked as required by the role, with the ability to work flexibly (including evenings and weekends). You will be expected to travel regularly in the course of your work, including regularly across Wales. You will be contracted to your home address, where you will be expected to work when not travelling.

Employee benefits include –

- 28 day’s paid holiday pro rata (plus bank holidays) increasing with service, with optional annual leave purchase scheme of up to 5 working days
- Private Healthcare
- Generous pension contributions, with Employer contributions ranging from 6% to 10%
- Range of flexible working options may be available, depending on your role
- Employee Assistance Programme providing confidential counselling, financial and legal advice
- Range of courses delivered by learning specialists to support your development goals and objectives
- Opportunities to volunteer
- Travel loans, Cycle to Work, and more!

For more detailed information about the role, please see our Vacancy Information Pack attached to our direct advert. Our shortlisting is performed on the evidence provided in your application against the Essential and Desirable criteria in the Person Specification.

RBL is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive organisation, reflecting the diversity of the armed forces community and of wider society. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and personal characteristics.

We may close this vacancy early if we believe we have enough strong applications to be able to successfully fill the role. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

If you require the job advert or job description in an alternative format, please contact 0808 802 8080.
 
If you require this advert and/or Vacancy Information Pack in the Welsh language, please see our direct advert via our Careers page.

Head of Strategic Communications and Planning

Job reference: REQ000928

£ 56,297pa + excellent benefits

Woking, Surrey GU21 4LL / Hybrid Working

Hybrid working: Minimum 40% in person collaboration per month

About the role

We’re recruiting a Head of Strategic Communications and Planning to lead WWF-UK’s external communications strategy and ensure our voice is trusted, influential and impactful to help bring our world back to life.

In this role, you’ll shape and deliver a clear, coherent communications narrative that supports WWF-UK’s mission, fundraising, advocacy and partnerships. Taking a supporter-first, insight-led approach, you’ll ensure our priority moments are planned and delivered through integrated, high-impact activity across channels and platforms.

You’ll provide senior leadership across the organisation, setting strategic direction, enabling effective ways of working and developing a high-performing team with the skills and confidence to deliver at pace. You’ll work closely with senior leaders, internal teams, agencies and partners to ensure communications activity is aligned, agile and focused on impact.

Skills and experience

You’ll bring the skills and experience needed to succeed in this role, including:

Essential

• Significant experience leading large-scale, integrated communications strategies and campaigns across multiple channels and audiences

• Strong strategic communications expertise, with a clear understanding of insight-led and supporter-focused planning

• Proven experience of leading, developing and motivating teams, including performance management and talent development

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex issues clearly and compellingly

• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with experience working at senior levels across an organisation

• Demonstrated ability to set priorities, make sound strategic decisions and manage complexity in fast-moving environments

• Experience coordinating and aligning communications activity across multiple teams, partners and agencies

• A clear commitment to WWF-UK’s mission, values and ethical standards

Desirable

• Experience working in a large, complex or purpose-led organisation

• Experience working at a communications agency

• Experience building and managing relationships with agencies and external partners in the UK and internationally

• Experience influencing organisational planning, evaluation and decision-making processes

• Strong facilitation and presentation skills

What we offer

We believe in rewarding our team with more than just a salary. Here’s what you can expect:

· Annual leave starting at 26 days a year, rising one day each year to 31 days plus bank holidays

· Flexible working options, to support your work life balance

· 7.5% employer contribution to pension, rising to 10% with employee contribution

· Learning and development opportunities to help you grow

· Regular wellbeing initiatives to support your health and happiness.

This is a UK based contract, and you are required to have the Right to Work in the UK. Unfortunately, we’re unable to offer sponsorship and any offer of employment will be subject to evidence of your Right to Work in the UK.

This role is hybrid with a minimum 40% of your contracted hours spent at our beautiful UK head office, the Living Planet Centre in Woking, Surrey, where you’ll hot desk among trees and gardens.

About WWF-UK

We’re a global conservation charity with millions of supporters and hundreds of projects around the world.

At WWF-UK, we’re bringing our world back to life. Protecting what’s left isn’t enough. We’re racing to restore nature and prevent catastrophic climate change. And it’s a race we can win with everyone’s help.

We’re courageous, passionate, and driven by science. For more than 60 years we’ve been at the forefront of global efforts to protect wildlife and the natural world. We work with integrity, collaboration and deep respect for those we partner with.

How to apply

Click the link to apply via our website.

You’ll be asked to complete an application form and upload your CV and a supporting statement that tells us why you’ll be a great addition to WWF-UK.

Application closing date : 08/03/2026

Our Diversity Promise to You

At the heart of our mission is a simple truth: the planet needs everyone. That means you - in all your uniqueness, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or how you choose to express yourself.

We don’t do stereotypes. We work together with purpose, driven by passion and enhanced by respect, courage, and integrity. We pull together from all walks of life to fight for a better future, and we want you to feel supported every step of the way.

We’re proud to be a Disability Confident employer and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels they belong. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and identities.

So, if there’s anything we can do to make your application or interview experience more comfortable or accessible, just give our Talent Acquisition Team a shout via our website.

Safeguarding Commitment

Just as we celebrate diversity in all its forms, we are equally dedicated to creating a safe environment for every person we work with or encounter.

Our commitment extends to children, adults at risk, and individuals experiencing any form of vulnerability, whether temporary or permanent.

We proudly stand behind CAPSEAH (Common Approach to Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Sexual Abuse and Sexual Harassment) and put this commitment into action through clear policies, thorough training, and recruitment checks tailored to each role, which may include external vetting.

If you ever have a concern, however big or small, know that there are confidential channels ready to support you at WWF-UK. We promise to respond promptly and with care, because protecting every individual is at the heart of everything we do.

We are seeking a part-time Head of Finance and Operations to play a key role in supporting the smooth and effective running of CASE Europe’s London office. Reporting to the Co-Executive Directors, with a matrix line to the global Chief Financial Officer, this role offers a rewarding opportunity to combine strategic oversight with hands-on delivery across finance, HR and office operations.

Working closely with colleagues in Europe, Washington DC and Singapore, you will oversee regional budgeting and financial management, support audits and compliance, and ensure alignment with CASE’s global systems and processes. You will also lead HR activity for the Europe team of 15, manage office operations, and line-manage a small number of staff and matrix reports.

You’ll benefit from a range of workplace benefits including flexible working, season ticket loan, professional development opportunities, and on-site social and wellbeing activities. 

This role is ideal for an experienced finance and operations professional from a charity, membership or education-related setting who enjoys working autonomously, collaborating internationally, and contributing to a mission-driven organisation.

Together we make a difference, develop and learn, and support each other. Every day with us is different, but our mission remains the same: To champion the rights, needs and ambitions of the people we support - they are at the heart of everything we do. We stand by them and we work together for change.

Alongside an incredible team of like-minded peers, you’ll be working behind-the-scenes to support our staff, volunteers, families, and supporters. You will be helping our work happen across the charity; enabling us to care for and champion the rights, needs and ambitions of the people we support.

The Role

As Interim Head of Business Development, you will provide strategic leadership and hands-on delivery to stabilise and strengthen the Trust’s business development approach. You will lead the end-to-end opportunity pipeline - from market intelligence and commissioner engagement through to bid development, governance and mobilisation handover - ensuring opportunities are aligned to strategy, deliver strong outcomes, and are financially viable.

Hours: 37.5 Hours 

Contract : 1 year fixed term contract 

Salary: £48,022.00 

Location: Cheadle, Stockport

Responsibilities include but are not exhaustive

• Provide visible interim leadership for the Trust’s business development function, setting clear priorities and ways of working, and coordinating contribution from service, operational, clinical and corporate colleagues.
• Develop and maintain a Trust-wide opportunity pipeline (tenders, frameworks, spot-purchase growth, strategic partnerships and other commissioned income routes), including qualification, prioritisation, and clear next steps.
• Lead proactive engagement with commissioners, local authorities, Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), NHS partners and other stakeholders to understand demand, shape specifications where appropriate, and position the Trust effectively.
• Own the end-to-end bid process: establish bid plans, coordinate contributors, draft and quality-assure responses, and ensure submissions are compliant, persuasive, and submitted on time.
• Work with Finance and service leads to ensure all bids and proposals are underpinned by robust costing, pricing, risk assessment and contract terms review; ensure financial viability and appropriate approvals before submission.
• Create and embed a practical bid governance approach (stage-gates, templates, timelines and sign-off), so that bidding is consistent, efficient and auditable.
• Champion the Together Trust’s vision, mission and values, and role model the Trust’s behaviours.
• Commit to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in how opportunities are developed and how the Trust works with partners.
• Maintain a visible presence across Trust services and corporate teams, balancing hybrid working with on-site engagement as needed.

About You

• Educated to degree level (or equivalent senior leadership experience).
• Evidence of continuing professional development in leadership, commissioning, commercial practice or service transformation
• Significant senior experience in commissioning, business development, service development or strategic partnership working within a public service environment (e.g. local authority, NHS, education, social care, VCFSE).
• Proven track record of developing successful proposals, business cases, tenders or commissioning documentation - including coordinating multiple contributors to deadlines.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, including experience engaging credibly with senior commissioners and partners.
  • Good understanding of public sector commissioning and procurement routes, including tendering, frameworks and contract governance.
  • Understanding of the importance of safeguarding, quality and regulatory expectations when developing and mobilising services for children, young people and adults.
• Ability to analyse complex problems, identify options and recommend proportionate solutions.
• Full UK driving license with ability to travel across Together Trust locations and to partner/commissioner meetings as required.

Benefits

• Annual Leave 27 day holiday plus 8 days bank holidays rising to 30 after 5 years, 33 days after 10 years
• Generous pension scheme and death in service benefit, up to 7% company pension contributions initially rising with length of service and up to 6 x basic salary death in service benefit.
• Occupational sick pay and family friendly policies including enhanced maternity, paternity and adoptive leave.
• Reward and Discount platform offering discounts at high street shops, travel, insurances etc.
• Eligibility to apply for Blue Light card
• Proud to be a real living wage employer
• Refer a friend scheme, be rewarded for recommending a friend to work with us
• Comprehensive training and development opportunities, including apprenticeship qualifications
• Long service awards including cash gifts and extra holiday.
• Promotion of Wellbeing across the organisation including Mental Health First Aiders offering wellbeing support from trained colleague and free weekly yoga session  in person or online
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for you and adults at your home

Find out more — watch our short video to see what it’s like to work with us:

https://youtu.be/SEnw2o00T6E

Applications are very welcome from all regardless of age, disability, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief, race, sex, sexual orientation, trans status or socio-economic background. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments for disabled people. We positively encourage applications from those with lived experience. 

If there is any part of your lived experience you want to keep confidential in some way please talk to the Recruitment or HR shared service teams and we will do what we can to support you

The Together Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the people we support and expects all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. 

Safeguarding checks will be undertaken for the successful candidate in line with our safer recruitment policy.

Communications Officer

Location: Home-based in the UK, within 90 minutes travel of Central London, with occasional national and international travel

Contract: 2 years with the possibility of extension dependent on continuation of funding.

Reporting to: Head of Communications

Salary: £30,000 to £35,000

Additional benefits: 25 days annual leave plus public holidays (annual leave increasing by 1 extra day for every year’s service up to 30 days total), life assurance and access to an employee assistance programme.

Overall purpose of role

As the WeProtect Global Alliance Communications Officer, you will:

Support the development and delivery of WeProtect Global Alliance’s communications and marketing activity, ensuring clear, consistent and engaging messaging that strengthens the Alliance’s visibility, credibility and impact globally.

Reporting to the Head of Communications, you will deliver high-quality digital, editorial and marketing outputs across multiple channels, including through our website, social media, newsletters, campaigns and events. You will also work collaboratively across the Secretariat to embed communications thinking into projects, policy work and member engagement.

A self-starter who is politically and culturally aware, you will be comfortable working in a small, remote Secretariat and across time zones. You will be highly organised, solutions-focused and detail-oriented, with a genuine commitment to child protection and to WeProtect Global Alliance’s mission and values.

 About WeProtect Global Alliance

Who we are

WeProtect Global Alliance is a global movement dedicated to ending the sexual exploitation and abuse of children online. We bring together governments, the private sector, civil society, and international organisations to create a safer digital world where every child can thrive.

Our Alliance connects over 300 members from across the globe, uniting diverse expertise and resources to protect children from harm, no matter where they are.

WeProtect Global Alliance is supported by a small, high-performing Secretariat of remote working staff based in the UK/Ireland and is overseen by an influential Global Policy Board drawn from our membership.

Our vision

A digital world free of child sexual exploitation and abuse

Our mission

To work together to build, engage and support a diverse, child-centred global network with the commitment, knowledge and skills to tackle technology-facilitated child sexual abuse and exploitation.

What we do

We focus on driving policy change, fostering international collaboration, and promoting cutting-edge research to combat online child abuse.

Through shared data, insights, and best practices, we empower our members to develop more effective solutions and inspire a coordinated global response.

With a steadfast commitment to child safety, WeProtect Global Alliance stands as a catalyst for change, advocating for a world in which technology empowers and protects children, not endangers them.

Together, we’re creating lasting impact and building a future where every child is safe online.

 Job description

Key responsibilities

Communications planning & delivery

· Support the Head of Communications to implement the Alliance’s communications strategy.

· Contribute to communications planning and communications calendar for organisational priorities, including policy outputs, research, events and member initiatives.

· Ensure a consistent pipeline of integrated communications activities

· Ensure consistent messaging aligned with WeProtect Global Alliance’s brand, values and strategic objectives.

Digital channels & content management

· Maintain and update the Alliance’s website, ensuring content is accurate, accessible and up to date, including member resources and publications.

· Manage the Alliance’s social media channels, monitoring activity and working with the Members Team to ensure a steady stream of high-quality content.

· Draft, edit and publish blogs, news items and digital content for diverse global audiences.

Marketing, campaigns & engagement

· Support the delivery of digital marketing campaigns to promote Alliance initiatives, outputs and events.

· Develop project-specific communications plans in collaboration with colleagues to embed engagement and visibility.

· Promote Alliance members’ activities and successes, highlighting collaboration and collective impact.

Analytics, insight & reporting

· Track and analyse communications performance across channels, including website, social media and email.

· Use data to refine messaging, targeting and channel mix.

Media & external communications

· Support engagement with media and press, including drafting press materials and coordinating dissemination of Alliance outputs.

· Support the promotion of policy recommendations and research through owned and earned channels.

Member communications & collaboration

· Work with the Head of Members to integrate external communications with member engagement activity.

· Support delivery of member newsletters and targeted communications.

· Contribute content to member-only platforms and encourage discussion and participation.

Systems, data & process improvement

· Utilise communications tools such as content calendars, analytics dashboards and shared drives.

· Ensure GDPR-compliant data handling and document management.

· Support continuous improvement of communications processes and ways of working.

Governance & internal collaboration

· Prepare or contribute to briefings, summaries and communications materials for senior leaders and governance bodies.

· Contribute to annual planning, KPIs and impact measurement related to communications and engagement.

 

Expectations

Cross-Functional Operational Collaboration

Contribute to WPGA operational processes and systems, working collaboratively with colleagues to deliver cross-functional projects that strengthen the reach and impact of the Secretariat.

Building an inclusive culture

Play a proactive role in ensuring equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is embedded in everything we do.

Embrace diversity and recognise different perspectives within collaborative working to create a more impactful and effective organisation.

Commit to ensuring all employees are treated fairly and equitably at work, feel like they belong and promote equality in physical and mental health for all.

Other

· To attend and contribute to meetings, training and other events as required.

· To actively participate in our supervision and appraisal process.

· To ensure that all responsibilities and activities within this post are delivered in accordance with WeProtect Global Alliance core values and relevant corporate, organisational, financial and compliance policies.

· To travel to meetings which may require the need to work unsociable hours, for example attending evening or weekend meetings.

· To adhere to relevant legal and statutory requirements including the Data Protection Act and the Health and Safety at Work Act.

· To use WeProtect Global Alliance resources responsibly.

 

Person specification

Essential criteria

Experience

· Significant professional experience in communications, marketing or digital engagement.

· Proven experience producing content for different audiences and across multiple channels.

· Experience managing websites (WordPress) and social media platforms in a professional context.

· Experience tracking, analysing and reporting on communications performance.

· Experience working autonomously in a fast-paced environment to deliver a broad range of communications activities.

Skills

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong editorial judgement.

· Outstanding organisation and time management, with the ability to manage competing deadlines.

· Digital confidence, including familiarity with content management systems and analytics tools.

· Commitment to safeguarding, child protection, EDI and ethical communications practice.

Knowledge

· Understanding of digital communications best practice.

· Familiarity with data protection (GDPR) and information governance in a communications context.

Other

· A willingness to travel and work unsocial hours (time in lieu can be claimed).

· Commitment to your own continuing professional and personal development.

· To uphold high standards of work, conduct and behaviour in line with WeProtect Global Alliance values.

Desirable criteria

· Experience using WordPress or other website content management systems.

· Experience creating or commissioning digital visual assets.

·  Experience working for or with a membership organisation.

Diversity, inclusion and equity

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those of different ages, genders, ethnicities, sexual orientations, abilities and lived experiences. We particularly encourage applications from individuals who are part of communities that are under-represented in our sector, including Black, Asian and other ethnic minorities, disabled people and LGBTQ+ individuals.

 

We have a newly created opportunity for a Head of Scotland to join us to promote, advocate and champion for our vital work and connections across Scotland.

It is an exciting time to join us as we commence work on delivering our new 10 year strategy. Much of our work already revolves around the connections made across our communities and wider society. With the creation of this new role, we want to better harness the power of those connections to support our communities in the most effective way possible and promote our important role in bringing people together.

This role will see you as Head of Scotland, where you will be our key representative and point of contact in Scotland, building and sustaining networks and connections with key stakeholders and partners, including senior military, government ministers, charity partners and senior leadership.

The role places significant emphasis on matrix working internally, building connections across Scotland and will see you as our spokesperson in Scotland, providing a public face for the charity under the brand ‘Poppyscotland’, attending events and meetings, speaking to the media and engaging widely across the region.

Reporting to our Executive Director: Membership, key responsibilities will include:

- Acting as the point of contact, focal point and voice as well as representing the unique needs of Scotland
- Liaising regularly with the Scottish Government, MSPs, Scottish MPs, Scotland-based Military bases, as well as liaison with Scottish charity partners including Legion Scotland, SSAFA Scotland, OA Scotland and Erskine.
- Maintaining a good knowledge of all RBL activity, branded Poppyscotland, in Scotland, acting as reference point for Services, Fundraising, Remembrance, Public Relations and Campaigns, Policy and Research
- Promoting and advocating our strategy in a way that is responsive to the specific context of Scotland and play a significant leadership role in the development and delivery of an organisation wide Scotland plan
- Provide leadership and guidance on Scottish matters to the our Executive Board

You will be an experienced strategic leader, with excellent networking and communication skills and the ability to build strong strategic partnerships and influence at senior level. You will have a strong understanding of the political, cultural and social landscape in Scotland, with experience as a spokesperson or figurehead with media skills and exposure.

This role is 28 hours per week, to be worked as required by the role, with the ability to work flexibly (including evenings and weekends). You will be expected to travel regularly in the course of your work, including regularly across Scotland. You will be contracted to your home address, where you will be expected to work when not travelling.

Employee benefits include –

- 28 day’s paid holiday pro rata (plus bank holidays) increasing with service, with optional annual leave purchase scheme of up to 5 working days
- Private Healthcare
- Generous pension contributions, with Employer contributions ranging from 6% to 10%
- Range of flexible working options may be available, depending on your role
- Employee Assistance Programme providing confidential counselling, financial and legal advice
- Range of courses delivered by learning specialists to support your development goals and objectives
- Opportunities to volunteer
- Travel loans, Cycle to Work, and more!

For more detailed information about the role, please see our Vacancy Information Pack attached to our direct advert. Our shortlisting is performed on the evidence provided in your application against the Essential and Desirable criteria in the Person Specification.

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive organisation, reflecting the diversity of the armed forces community and of wider society. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and personal characteristics.

We may close this vacancy early if we believe we have enough strong applications to be able to successfully fill the role. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

If you require the job advert or job description in an alternative format, please contact 0808 802 8080.

Communications Manager

Part-time: 18.75 hours per week (0.5 FTE)

Contract duration: Fixed term until 30 June 2026, with strong likelihood of extension

Line managed by: Head of Policy & Engagement

Location: Remote within the UK (with occasional travel as needed)

Salary: £40,000 FTE (£20,000 pro rata)

About GISF and Protect Aid Workers (PAW)

The Global Interagency Security Forum (GISF) is a member-led NGO network working to strengthen security risk management across the humanitarian and development sectors. With over 150 member organisations, GISF provides resources, convening spaces, and expertise to help keep aid workers safe.

Protect Aid Workers (PAW) is a multi-partner mechanism that supports humanitarian personnel who have experienced serious security incidents while carrying out their work. PAW provides financial assistance and access to legal support to aid workers and their families following critical incidents, including detention, serious injury, kidnapping, or death. The mechanism aims to fill gaps in protection and support where organisational or national systems are insufficient. PAW is delivered through a consortium of partners, including GISF, Legal Action Worldwide, and Protect Humanitarians, and funded by the European Commission.

About the role

GISF is seeking a Communications Manager (0.5 FTE) to lead a high-quality, high-impact communications for the Protect Aid Workers (PAW) initiative, ensuring strong, consistent, and compelling public-facing outputs that amplify the programme’s impact and visibility across partner and audiences. The role will be embedded within the PAW programme, while reporting into the GISF Secretariat under the line management of the Head of Policy and Engagement.

Key responsibilities

Lead on priority PAW communications deliverables, including:

Human stories and case-based communications

• Work closely with PAW case managers to identify suitable stories of aid workers who received support from the PAW mechanism following an incident
• Develop and produce compelling written and visual human stories with consideration of sensitivities
• Translate case learnings into accessible comms products

Design and visual communications

• Develop and maintain PAW graphic templates and visual assets
• Produce partner comms kits, social media assets and visual toolkits
• Ensure consistent branding across all PAW outputs, including materials produced by partners

Events and external engagement

• Support the events team with communications needs for key programmatic events
• Develop event-specific comms plans, materials, and live outputs
• Coordinate with PAW partners to align messaging

Other

• Provide additional communications support as needed

Person specifications

• Demonstrable experience leading communications for complex programmes, partnerships, or campaigns
• Experience developing human stories end-to-end, from identifying suitable cases to final presentation
• Competence in graphic design tools, particularly InDesign and Canva
• Proven experience producing high-quality visual materials, including templates, toolkits, or brand assets
• Ability to turn ideas into clear, visually engaging products (infographics, reports, slide decks etc)
• Strong writing skills for different audiences
• Experience leading communications for events

Attributes

• Strong judgment and sensitivity when handling difficult subject matters
• Ability to build trust with partners and beneficiaries
• Commitment to high-quality delivery and collaborative working style

Looking for an experienced Communications Manager who can help enhance how we communicate with residents during a challenging and emotional time - someone who brings empathy, clarity, and confidence in crisis communications. Reporting to the Head of External Communications, you will lead the delivery of transparent and engaging communications across digital, print and community channels. You'll work closely with operational and building safety teams to maintain clear, accurate updates for residents, while also supporting wider engagement activity. This is a hands-on, fast-paced role where your work will directly impact residents' experiences and the organisation's reputation.

What you'll be doing

• Delivering a multi-channel resident communications strategy for relocated households.
• Producing weekly written updates and monitoring engagement and feedback.
• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date FAQs on our dedicated microsite.
• Organising and delivering resident engagement events, ensuring senior leaders are fully briefed.
• Creating and distributing communications materials - including digital content, print resources, video and social media assets.
• Ensuring communications reflect the diversity and varying needs of different resident groups.
• Working collaboratively across the organisation to ensure joined-up messaging.
• Supporting resident involvement, policy consultations and community engagement.
• Proactively protecting and promoting our reputation through all communication, internal and external.

The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate: -

• A strong track record in customer/resident communications, ideally in complex or regulated environments.
• Experience leading incident or crisis communications in a public-facing setting.
• Excellent written, verbal and visual communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex or technical issues for diverse audiences.
• Confidence engaging senior stakeholders, as well as political or community figures (e.g., MPs, councillors).
• Proven ability to deliver effective engagement events.
• High attention to detail, accuracy and consistency.
• Ability to anticipate and manage reputational risks.
• Collaborative, organised, and motivated by making a meaningful difference.
• Digitally savvy, resilient and comfortable working in a fast-moving, high-profile environment.
• Experience of managing press, media and journalists
• You will have experience of working in a communications role in public services.
• Experience in housing is not essential - what matters is your ability to learn quickly and apply insights confidently.

If this role is of interest, please apply ASAP with a word version of your CV highlighting all your relevant experience. Do feel free to get in touch for more information.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk

The Head of Operations is responsible for the effective and efficient delivery of all operational functions of the Foundation to enable achievement of its global mission and strategic objectives.  The Head of Operations ensures that systems, people, processes and resources are aligned to support programmes across multiple countries while maintiaing high standardds of governance, risk management and financial stewardship.

This is a senior leadership role, working closely with the CEO and Members of the Foundation around the world, acting as the key bridge between strategy and delivery.

Job Profile

Reporting to the Managing Director, you will lead on the recruitment, retention, and value growth of Afghanaid’s supporter base by directing and implementing communications, fundraising and engagement strategies, aligned with broader organisation goals. Designing and managing a tight budget, you will direct the Communication and Giving unit to maximise their success.

You will provide strategic and supervisory oversight of fundraising income from individual giving, regular giving, major donors, trusts and foundations, corporates, community and student fundraising and events, managing annual fundraising appeals and driving organisational unrestricted income growth. 

You will lead on communications for Afghanaid, overseeing print, digital, and paid marketing activities and the growth of communications channels. You will execute Afghanaid’s organisational brand strategy which ensures the integrity of the brand and maximises awareness. You will manage all public relations including crisis communications, as well as the growth of strategic media placements and high profile relationships. You will drive the success of organisational impact storytelling and communications for both internal and external stakeholders. As a member of the executive department, you will collaborate and synergise with other departments to promote organisational success.

Key Responsibilities:

• Drive organisational strategy, culture and cross-department collaboration to advance Afghanaid’s mission and objectives.

• Lead development and delivery of Communications, Engagement and Fundraising strategies and work plans.

• Line manage and develop a high-performing team, including staff, volunteers and interns.

• Build and maintain relationships with consultants, agencies and pro bono partners.

• Oversee budgets, reporting and data-driven performance management to ensure efficiency and impact.

• Promote a positive and cohesive London team environment, coordinating hybrid working, inductions and HR support.

• Oversee public fundraising strategy across multiple income streams.

• Lead design and delivery of internal and external appeals, campaigns and donor stewardship.

• Identify new funding opportunities, partnerships and innovation in engagement.

• Oversee the full range of Afghanaid’s event portfolio, and attend relevant events to represent Afghanaid;

• Ensure effective CRM management, data integrity and financial reconciliation.

• Serve as brand guardian, ensuring consistency and evolution of Afghanaid’s identity.

• Oversee creation and execution of integrated communications and marketing plans.

• Direct production of engaging digital and print content, including newsletters, social media, and fundraising collateral.

• Manage website optimisation, SEO and analytics to drive engagement and conversions.

• Lead innovation in digital marketing, email campaigns and supporter journeys.

• Advise leadership on reputation management and crisis communications.

• Develop media policies and act as spokesperson when required.

• Manage proactive and reactive media relations, building relationships with journalists, influencers and advocates.

• Promote Afghanaid’s thought leadership through strategic storytelling and public commentary.

• Commission and direct multimedia content to strengthen organisational storytelling.

• Lead content planning, production and performance analysis.

• Champion participatory storytelling approaches and creative innovation.

Undertake any other duties as and when required by the line director.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

You will be an experienced and dynamic communicator with significant demonstrable experience in fundraising and/or communications at a senior level, coupled with an awareness and up to date knowledge and experience of the tools that would maximise the success of our communications and fundraising activities. In addition, you will have excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to confidently build and maintain strong relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders. Possessing strong management skills, you will have experience of managing small multi-disciplinary teams, providing direction and leadership to enable development and high performance, and the ability to role-model a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion.

Education/ Training

Master’s Degree in communications, marketing, public fundraising or another relevant field (or at least 5-years’ experience).

Work Experience

• At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, supporter engagement or communications, with at least 2 years’ experience directly managing staff.

• Experience developing and leading integrated multi-channel and multi-stakeholder communications, engagement and/or fundraising strategies.

• Experience in growing audiences, engagement and/or income streams.

• Experience communicating about and/or fundraising for and/or maintaining engagement with Afghanistan or a similar context.

• Experience using KPIs and data to make data-driven decisions to improve efficacy and efficiency.

• Experience managing and monitoring a tight budget.

• Experience conceptualising, producing and commissioning multimedia content, from marketing and fundraising collateral to audiovisual content.

• Experience running full-funnel, multi-channel marketing strategies including paid advertising.

• Understanding of risks associated with communications, public fundraising, and NGO operating contexts, and experience in mitigating those risks.

• Experience supervising, organising, motivating and developing staff.

• In depth knowledge of trends in storytelling, brand, PR, marketing and fundraising.

Professional Skills, Competencies, Values and Attitudes

Afghanaid’s core values are creativity, fairness and honesty. Our staff is passionate about and proud of Afghanaid. Teamwork is fundamental to our standards and demonstrated by taking initiative, assisting others and taking on additional responsibilities and tasks if necessary. We are results driven, committed and motivated to achieve targets and take accountability for our own actions.

Specifically, the holder of this position should also demonstrate the following:

Essential

• Fluent in spoken and written English. 

• Track record of increasing audiences, fundraising totals and engagement metrics from multiple different sources, with a strong business development mindset.

• Experience securing five or six figure gifts from funders;

• Solutions and results orientated; energised by thinking outside the box, and by finding and pursuing novel or innovative approaches and solutions.

• Experience using Salesforce CRM and Marketing Cloud

• Skilled at spotting and prioritising opportunities and synergies, and effective in securing wide-ranging forms of engagement and partnership.

• Excellent listening, speaking and writing skills; strong capabilities of persuasion and a proven track record of uniting people around a common goal.

• Multimedia skills, with knowledge, experience and enthusiasm in driving digital innovation.

• Highly organised with strong leadership and project management skills, able to collaboratively manage competing priorities with senior and junior colleagues.

• Demonstrably skilled brand custodian, able to mitigate risks, anticipate and capitalise upon opportunities, and strengthen reputation.

• Capable of working independently as well as collaboratively, both in leading a team and as part of the team.

• Passionate about driving change, and inspiring individuals and groups to support a cause to deliver that change.

Desirable

• Experience working within an international development or humanitarian context, particularly with causes related to Afghanistan

• Strategic understanding of UK and global fundraising landscapes and emerging giving trends.

• Proven ability to represent an organisation publicly with confidence, professionalism and credibility.

• Experience guiding senior leaders or trustees on media, communications and reputational matters.

• Skilled in crisis communications and reputation management.

• Understanding of inclusive and ethical storytelling practices, with sensitivity to safeguarding considerations.

• Experience developing high-value corporate or media partnerships.

• Comfortable working in a fast-moving, resource-limited environment and adapting to changing external circumstances.

The Organisation

Afghanaid is a British humanitarian and development organisation. For over forty years, our dedicated personnel have worked with millions of families in some of the poorest and most remote communities in Afghanistan. We build basic services, improve livelihoods, strengthen the rights of women and children, help communities protect against natural disasters and adapt to climate change, and respond to humanitarian emergencies. We are headquartered in Kabul, and operate provincial and district offices across Afghanistan, as well as a Marketing and Fundraising office in London. We employ around 500 personnel, 97% of whom are Afghans.

Other Information

Afghanaid’s core values are creativity, fairness and honesty. Our staff are passionate about and proud to work at Afghanaid. Teamwork is fundamental to our standards and demonstrated by taking initiative, assisting others and taking on additional responsibilities and tasks if necessary. We are results driven, committed and motivated to achieve targets and take accountability for our own actions.

Our remuneration and benefits package is competitive with other similar organisations. 

This position presents an excellent opportunity for someone who has the ambition and determination to move up in their career.