Communications Officer

We're hiring: Communications Officer

Part-time / £30,000 / Hybrid role 

Location - Home based and London

Hours - 3/4 days per week

Salary: £30,000

Our Communications Officer will play a pivotal role at a key moment for IVAR, with communications at the heart of our new strategy. With charities experiencing mounting pressures and complexity, this role is central to ensuring IVAR’s work is clear, accessible and has the greatest possible impact.

You will work closely with the Director of Communications to make our research engaging and usable – sparking conversations, inspiring action and strengthening movements like our Open and Trusting network. We’re looking for someone who brings creativity, energy and curiosity to how we share ideas, experiment with new tools and formats, and connect more people with IVAR’s mission.

This is a hands-on role in a small but mighty team. If you thrive on combining creativity with delivery, enjoy working collaboratively, and are motivated by strengthening the voluntary sector, we’d love to hear from you.

About us

At the Institute for Voluntary Action Research (IVAR), we work with charities, foundations and public agencies to strengthen UK communities through action research. We champion the role and contribution of the voluntary sector. Through our projects, we listen, learn and share what helps – and what gets in the way – so that funders and decision-makers can put charity voice at the heart of change.

About the role

As Communications Officer, you will help us put communications at the centre of our new strategy. You’ll work closely with the Director of Communications to make our research clear, accessible and compelling – sparking conversations, inspiring action and strengthening movements like our Open and Trusting network.

This is a hands-on role in a small, supportive team. You’ll manage our day-to-day communications, from keeping our website and LinkedIn up to date to writing, editing and proofing high-quality content across blogs, newsletters and reports. You’ll also help us translate complex research into engaging, usable outputs for busy audiences, ensuring everything we produce is accurate, inclusive and aligned with IVAR’s brand and tone of voice.

About you

We’re looking for a proactive communicator who enjoys trying new things, balancing creativity with delivery, and working collaboratively. You’ll bring:

• Excellent writing and editing skills, with strong attention to detail.

• Confidence with digital channels (especially social media – LinkedIn in particular).

• An interest in visual design and multimedia (Canva, Adobe or similar) – video and audio editing skills are a plus.

• A passion for the voluntary sector, and curiosity about how research can inform change.

In return, you’ll join a small but mighty team where you’ll be supported, encouraged to grow your skills, and work with external partners as well as colleagues.

What we offer

• £30,000 per annum (pro rata for part time)

• 0.6–0.8 FTE (3–4 days per week)

• Flexible working options 

• Hybrid working – Thursdays are a key working day in our London office (SE11)

• 30 days annual leave (pro rata for part time)

• Pension matched to 5%

• Personal and professional development opportunities

How to apply

To apply, please complete an online application by noon Sunday 26th October 2025.

Interviews will be held in person at our London office on Thursday 5th November 2025.

Please submit your CV, a cover letter (maximum two sides), and links to examples of communications work you have delivered. In your cover letter, tell us:

• Why you are applying

• How you meet the person specification

• Your availability to start

• What you would bring to IVAR

We value, welcome and respect all the differences that make us who we are, including age, cultural background, disability and mental health, ethnicity and race, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, and social background.