Network and volunteering communications officer jobs

About Mesothelioma UK

Mesothelioma UK is a national charity dedicated to supporting anyone affected by mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer caused primarily by asbestos exposure. Our mission is to help people live better and longer, champion equitable access to improved treatments, advance research, and amplify the voices of those living with mesothelioma. We are proud to provide specialist nursing, information, research, and advocacy services across the UK.

The Opportunity

As our founder and current CEO steps down, we are seeking a visionary and values-driven Chief Executive to lead Mesothelioma UK into its next chapter. This is a pivotal moment for the charity, offering the chance to build on our strong foundations and drive forward our ambitious strategy to improve outcomes for all those affected by mesothelioma.

About the Role

Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Chief Executive will:

• Inspire and lead a high-performing team, including our unique NHS-based nursing network.
• Develop and deliver organisational strategy and operational plans.
• Ensure robust financial management and income generation.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders including the NHS, donors, partners, and research teams.
• Act as an ambassador for the charity, raising our national and international profile.
• Uphold our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

About You

We are looking for an exceptional leader who brings:

• Proven experience at CEO, Director, or equivalent senior level in a non-profit or health sector environment.
• A track record in leadership, strategic planning, financial management, governance and fundraising.
• Strong people management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Passion for our mission and values, with high ethical standards and integrity.
• The ability to inspire, motivate, and unite staff, volunteers, and partners.

What We Offer

• Salary circa £75,000 (negotiable, dependent on experience)
• 10% employer pension contribution
• Health Cash Plan & Employee Assistance Programme
• Flexible working arrangements
• The chance to make a profound difference to people’s lives

The Volunteer Management team is responsible for embedding an organisational approach to volunteer engagement which enables volunteers to feel inspired, valued, supported, and connected to the charity, where they are a vital part of our community.

The Volunteer Coordinator plays a significant part in contributing to the success of the team in coordinating key parts of the ‘volunteer journey’ (recruiting, induction, training, supporting, and retaining volunteers). Of equal importance is influencing colleagues and providing advice and guidance whilst building collaborative working relationships with key stakeholders. The role is vital to establishing good practice in volunteer involvement, developing a culture of positive engagement and raising the profile of volunteering internally and externally.

This is a 12-month fixed term contract

Key Responsibilities:

Relationships, teamwork and collaboration

· Build strong relationships and collaborate with key stakeholders across the charity to identify and implement ways to enrich the volunteer experience, maximise the volunteer opportunities and strengthen the volunteer infrastructure.

· Work collaboratively with teams that manage volunteers to provide good practice advice and guidance on effective volunteer supervision.

· Promote a positive culture of engagement that values, embeds, and promotes the work of volunteers both internally and externally.

· Take a proactive approach to understand external events and initiatives taking place across the charity, providing advice, guidance and support on the requirements for successful volunteer involvement.

Communication, resources and training

· In conjunction with the Volunteer Manager, coordinate the review, development and implementation of robust practices and procedures associated with all aspects of the volunteer journey.

· Working collaboratively with teams that manage volunteers, support with the development and implementation of volunteer training and associated resources.

· Lead on the upkeep of volunteering information on internal communication channels, ensuring all relevant policies, reference materials and documents are made available and kept up to date.

· Contribute to the production and distribution of resources for volunteer-involving events, including, but not limited to recruitment, onboarding, and training materials.

Administration, customer service and delivery

· Provide high-level customer service throughout the volunteer journey; contributing to recruitment, induction, training, support, retention and exit of volunteers in line with our values and strategy.

· Acting as a key point of contact for the import, maintenance and integrity of volunteering data, working with colleagues to ensure accuracy, validity and reliability that reflects volunteer contribution and delivers reliable insights.

· Coordinate the administration volunteer recruitment and selection process to foster an environment that promotes equality, diversity and inclusivity and ensure a fair and consistent approach is followed.

· Act as the first port of contact for internal and external enquiries, coordinating the shared volunteer email inbox.

· Lead and support the effective delivery of volunteer involving activities at weekend events, where necessary. 

What we are looking for:

· Strong understanding of the principles and good practice of successful volunteer involvement including recruitment, selection, induction, training, support, recognition, and retention.

· Knowledge of IT packages such as MS Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

· Significant experience of working to recruit, support, engage, and manage volunteers.

· Experience of working within the charity sector.

· Experience of working in a customer-service or people-facing environment.

· Experience of working with partners and/or external agencies.

· Experience of processing and/or handling personal (sensitive) data.

· Experience of evaluating volunteer activities and projects.

· Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships at various levels across the charity.

· Excellent communication skills, including networking and presentation skills.

· Strong negotiating, influencing and problem-solving skills.

· Developed organisational skills with a strong attention to detail.

· A conscientious approach to work and good time management skills.

· Ability to write guidance documents, which convey complex information clearly.

· Good project management skills with an ability to implement and coordinate large projects.

· Ability to work under pressure, manage conflicting priorities and changing deadlines.

· Excellent IT skills.

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. 

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

Salary: Circa £29,000 per annum, plus benefits

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

The closing date for applications is the 25th January 2026, with interviews being arranged 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, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented.  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.

We are looking for an exceptional, value-driven candidate who can hit the ground running as our Legal Education Officer, working closely with the Director and the rest of our small and dynamic Right to Remain team.

The person must be someone who understands the Right to Remain ethos and is prepared to bring their whole self to our organisation. Needless to say, the role requires an impeccable grasp of the asylum and immigration system and its operation on the ground, including how it impacts our community of people seeking asylum, refugees, migrants, their families, friends and allies. It requires an ability to help and guide our community to navigate the complex and hostile asylum and immigration system.

You will be working closely with the Director and the rest of our small and dynamic Right to Remain staff team: another Legal Education Officer based in Leeds (generally) covering the North, the Organiser based in Manchester leading our mighty These Walls Must Fall, and the Engagement Officer based in London. In particular, the post holder will be closely coordinating their work with another Legal Education Officer in Leeds. The post holder is also expected to be already embedded in the local and regional asylum and migration field, familiar with its dynamics and able to tap into their existing relationships and connections with local groups and actors. 

We are proud of Right to Remain’s unique and bold approach that really believes in collective power. We are focused on building knowledge, radical solidarity and the power of our community. We show up authentically at work and for our community, always giving our 100%. We are determined and calm amidst the crisis and chaos of the world. We know that now is not a ‘business as usual’ time, and we need to meet the moment as the anchor organisation for the migration justice movement. That comes with a lot of responsibility but we also carry it with lightness. We want our new team members to be similarly passionate, ambitious and compassionate. 

With the rest of the team, you will be responsible for maintaining, developing, and increasing usage of our highly popular and accessible resources about the asylum and immigration system, most notably the Right to Remain Toolkit. You will deliver interactive workshops on the legal system for people navigating that system as well as professionals and volunteers. You will engage with our network of community groups to ensure that we are apprised of developments on the ground and we are communicating important changes to these support groups. You will also work with the Director and other colleagues to develop and deliver specific public legal education projects, when necessary. You must have outstanding communication skills and the ability to engage with a wide range of audiences, in a manner that reflects Right to Remain’s mission and values. 

We're looking for a Supported Housing and Contracts Officer to join our dedicated team in Wembley. 

This is a permanent full time (37 hours a week) role where you'll be in the office two days a week and working remotely for the other three. 

The starting salary is circa £32,000 - £40,000 per year depending on your experience.

The Role

As a Supported Housing and Contracts Officer you will be responsible for managing a portfolio of our supported housing schemes, both leased and directly managed. 

You will be the main contact for our managing agents, ensuring that they meet their contractual obligations. You'll coordinate the completion of escalated maintenance works, planned maintenance programmes and recommend improvements and adaptations to projects.

In your directly managed properties you will be responsible for rent and housing duties and carrying our weekly fire panel inspections. 

What we'll need from you:

Our Supported Housing and Contracts Officers need a background in housing, this can be general or supported housing. You will also need to be a great communicator with experience in building relationships with both external and internal customers.

You'll be logging and monitoring enquiries and complaints as well as managing the teams databases, so will need excellent IT skills including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and have experience working with different systems. 

Along with:

• A good understanding of contract management and compliance
• Experience of working with Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
• An understanding of the provision of support services to vulnerable tenants
• Experience of report writing
• The ability to collate and analyse data

Your own transport would be an advantage but is not essential. 

What we can offer you

As a member of the Supported Housing Team you will be part of a friendly, dedicated and supportive working environment.

We invest in our people, and you will be able to develop your skills and be part of something that makes a real difference to people's lives. This role can give you the opportunity for a career within a successful and diverse organisation.

Some of our benefits include:

• 25 Days Holiday + Bank Holidays (with an extra day every year up to 30 days)
• Chance to buy or sell holiday as part of our flexible benefits package
• 3 additional Wellbeing days and 2 paid volunteering days
• Generous matched pension scheme up to 12% and Life cover at 4x salary 
• Enhanced maternity/adoption pay 
• Enhanced paternity pay - 6 weeks full pay (after 26 weeks' service)
• Options for private medical insurance, dental insurance and critical illness cover
• Wellbeing discounts, including Gym Memberships and access to a 24/7 virtual GP service

About us

At SNG we provide over 85,000 homes to over 200,000 customers and invest in communities across London and the South of England. Our purpose is to provide good affordable homes in thriving communities that people love for generations.

We invest for the long term, in individual homes, our customers and work with partners to make a lasting difference to our neighbourhoods. Sovereign Network Group's financial strength will enable us to meet housing needs, regenerate places and build on the existing strengths in our communities.

We are committed to our Equality Diversity and Inclusion strategy and believe that you can truly be yourself at SNG. Take a look at our careers site to learn more about us and our values.

Role Purpose

The Nuclear Institute benefits from a broad and growing membership base, with our enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteers operating nine UK regional branches and more than seven Special Interest Groups (SIG).  You will be pivotal to the delivery of the activities and events of each branch and SIG, sharing best practice and developing new network initiatives. The role will strengthen volunteer engagement and help to maximise volunteering satisfaction. Nuclear Institute communities foster connection, collaboration, and professional development, helping NI become a stronger professional home for nuclear professionals.

Job Description and Job Specification

Job title: Communities Officer
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time, flexible hours with a 9-day in 10-day work pattern

Salary: £25,000 per annum
Annual leave entitlement: 25 days plus bank holidays.

Location: Wholly remote, UK based, with frequent travel
Reporting to: Events and Communities Manager

Key Tasks

Volunteer Engagement and Support

· Develop and grow the engagement in branches & SIGs and support volunteers to build new groups and networks.

· Build strong relationships with each branch and SIG community, providing administration support for their meetings and activities.

· With support, develop and deliver our annual in-person Volunteer Awards and annual in-person Volunteer Forum event.

· Work with the Communities and Events Manager to develop and deliver branch events and SIG conferences.

· Engage our volunteers with regular virtual ‘keep in touch’ meetings and other activities designed to maximise their satisfaction in their volunteer role – and share best practice across the networks.

· Create regular communications to engage and update our volunteers.

Community Development

· Support our communities with the development of their annual budgets and help them develop ideas for new, year-round activities to maximise member engagement and volunteer satisfaction.

· Identify opportunities for new communities and initiatives designed to broaden and grow our membership.

Operational Support

· Ensure our CRM is kept up to date with current volunteer details for each community.

· Work with each community to ensure their Terms of Reference are current and support their AGMs as required.

· Create volunteer resources, including a handbook to support and guide our volunteers to fulfil their roles successfully.

· Work with the Marketing and Communications Manager ensure communities have the digital branding and branded merchandise required, and access to their community email and community SharePoint areas.

Personal Specification

Essential experience

· Experience in a volunteer engagement role.

· Experience delivering events, both in person and virtual.

· Some experience using CRMs and reporting software.

Essential skills and knowledge

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong interpersonal and engagement skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders.
• Strong time management and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a small team environment.

Essential Behaviours

• Takes ownership and accountability for delivery.
• Works collaboratively across multiple volunteer communities.
• Demonstrates an inclusive approach to working.
• Comfortable engaging senior stakeholders with credibility.

Desirable experience

· Experience of working with event management systems and applications.

· Experience working in or with the nuclear, energy, engineering or infrastructure sectors.

· Knowledge of professional bodies, CPD frameworks or membership models.

Flexibility and accessibility

We offer flexible hours and remote working options to accommodate individual needs. This role is wholly remote and can be carried out anywhere in the UK, with frequent travel especially to London and Manchester.

Support is available for remote workers who require specific adjustments, including ergonomic equipment or assistive technologies.

Commitment to inclusion

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including those from groups underrepresented in the nuclear sector.

Our recruitment process is fair and accessible. Reasonable adjustments are available at any stage. If you require adjustments, please contact us so we can support you.

The Nuclear Institute is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to providing positive and supportive working conditions.

Are you up for a new and exciting challenge, leading one of the most effective and nimble NGOs in the transport and environment sectors in England and Wales?

Transport Action Network (TAN) is seeking a dynamic and knowledgeable CEO to lead its remote team of six.

Since it was set up in 2019, TAN has established itself as a thought leader on planning and transport matters, while providing hands-on support and advice to local communities seeking better transport solutions. It has successfully challenged government decisions and helped local communities fight off damaging road schemes. Some examples include schames that would have harmed Stonehenge World Heritage Site, South Downs National Park and Rimrose Valley Country Park in Liverpool.

TAN is currently supporting the Queensbury Tunnel Society, trying to stop the government blocking up an old railway tunnel so that it can be repurposed for a new greenway. It is also opposing the Lower Thames Crossing 'smart' motorway.

Fancy, getting involved and making a difference?

We look forward to hearing from you.

Deadline for returning completed applications is 23:59 (GMT), Sunday 1st February, 2026

First interviews: 27th February and 4/5th March

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

Macular disease is the biggest cause of sight loss in the UK, with around 300 people diagnosed every day. The Macular Society is the only charity determined to beat the fear and isolation of macular disease with world class research, and the best advice and support.

To support people affected by macular disease now, the Macular Society provides a range of support, information and services. Our research programme is focused on finding new treatments and a cure to beat macular disease forever.

We’re seeking a creative and organised individual to lead on communications and learning for our volunteer network. You’ll be responsible for developing engaging content, coordinating volunteer newsletters, and supporting the delivery of training and learning resources across a wide range of roles. This role requires excellent written and verbal communication skills, a keen eye for detail, and a collaborative approach to ensure volunteers feel informed, supported, and connected. If you feel you have the attributes above, we would love to hear from you.

In return, we provide a great working culture and offer flexible working options, 26 days annual leave, the ability to buy or sell annual leave, supportive family policies, and a 6% pension contribution.

We are an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons.

This is a UK-wide role and can be home-based from anywhere in the UK. Some travel will be required, including occasional visits to our office in Andover, Hampshire. Office-based or hybrid working is also available for those living within commuting distance of Andover.

Camcycle is a bold and influential cycle advocacy charity. Our Communications Officer is responsible for delivering clear, compelling and consistent print, digital and in-person communications to support Camcycle’s campaign work and engage with our varied audiences. They will help to secure and grow our charity’s position as a knowledgeable, trusted voice on local transport, as well as amplifying the voices of local cyclists and potential cyclists across the region.

Building on Camcycle’s 30 years of campaigning expertise and community engagement, the role holder will help to build our archive of local transport knowledge and best practice, collating resources that empower community activists to successfully achieve better walking, cycling and public spaces in their neighbourhoods. They will provide an essential link between grassroots groups and transport decision-makers, helping local people make their voices heard in public meetings and consultations. They will also ensure that cycling policies and infrastructure respond to the existing needs of Cambridgeshire’s communities while being ready for a growing region and a more sustainable, equitable future.
 

Responsibilities include:

• Planning and executing compelling communications campaigns that inspire others and enable them to take action. 

• Building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders including media outlets, creative agencies and suppliers, officers, councillors, community groups and Camcycle members.

• Leading on the redevelopment of the Camcycle website and production of online content including managing our social media channels.

• Developing Camcycle’s profile through media interviews, columns and statements, and working with the team to produce our quarterly magazine.

• Managing weekly email updates to Camcycle members and providing support for member recruitment, fundraising and occasional events.
   

Your skills and experience:

You will have several years’ experience in marketing or communications in a professional and/or voluntary capacity and an excellent understanding of what motivates people to take action. 

With excellent written and spoken communication skills, you will be able to craft compelling copy for a range of audiences and summarise complex subject matter into accessible content which drives supporter engagement and response. Whatever your existing level of experience around sustainable transport advocacy, you’ll be keen to learn and grow in your role as a confident spokesperson for the needs and benefits of cycling.

You’ll have experience using design software such as Adobe Suite or Canva to produce content for print and digital materials, and be bursting with creative ideas about how Camcycle could grow its audience on our social media channels. You’ll be confident speaking in public meetings and on the radio or TV, as well as interviewing local cyclists about their experiences and pitching ideas for organisational improvements and strategies to the staff team and board of trustees.
 

How to apply:
Please send your CV and a supporting statement to the email address on our Work With Us webpage by 11.59pm on Monday 12 January, 2026. Interviews will begin w/c Monday 26 January.

Carers First is a charity that works directly with, and for unpaid carers, providing personalised information and tailored support. We have a committed, dedicated staff team, and you could be just the person we are looking for to join us to make that valuable difference in carer’s lives. We live and work through our values in all that we achieve by being positive, collaborative and ambitious and we have clear plans to scale our reach, support and impact for carers.

About this role

As a Communications Officer, your responsibilities will include:

• Raising the profile of Carers First by creating engaging and accessible content across digital and offline channels

• Supporting increased local presence and visibility of Carers First across the areas we work

• Assisting with the development and delivery of campaigns and projects, helping to increase engagement and promote our work locally

About you

To be successful in this role you will need:

•  Some experience supporting communications and stakeholder engagement activities across a range of channels

• The ability to help deliver campaigns and contribute to the implementation and monitoring of communications plans

• Awareness of how analytics can be used to measure performance and support improvement

• Good written and verbal communication skills, with attention to detail and accuracy

• Well organised, with the ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines

• Good IT and digital skills, including use of Microsoft Office and familiarity with digital tools such as email platforms, CMS, and social media scheduling software

• Positive interpersonal skills, able to build relationships and work collaboratively as part of a team

• Motivated and reliable, able to work with some independence while seeking guidance when needed, and committed to the charity’s values

We are looking for passionate people who are committed to the overall aims and objectives of the Charity. Carers First is committed to providing a supportive, vibrant, diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.  

Carers First Can Offer You

In return for your contribution, we have an amazing package of staff benefits including 26 days annual leave entitlement which increases with length of service, flexible working options, paid carers leave, access to our work-place pension, staff discount scheme, employee assistance programme and a Benenden Healthcare package.  Whatever you are aiming to achieve in your career, we are here to encourage, help and support you grow, through our excellent training and development programmes.

How to Apply

For a full job description and to apply, click on the ‘Apply Now’ button to begin your application. Appointments are subject to Carers First receiving an appropriate disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service that we consider acceptable.

Interview Process

The closing date for applications is 5.00pm on 26 January 2026.

Each application will be assessed against the Person Specification and successful candidates will be invited to an interview via Teams on Tuesday, 03 February 2026. Time to be advised.

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.  

The Director of Communications is an exciting new leadership role with ambitious charity that is working to tackle the challenge of physical inactivity and inequalities in access to options to be active. You will be contributing to improving the health outcomes and lives of the people of Lincolnshire.

Working closely with the CEO and senior leadership team, this role will lead our strategic communications approach - shaping powerful narratives that articulate impact, influence system-level change and champion the role of physical activity in tackling inequalities across Lincolnshire.

The role has the following core purpose:

• Set and lead the organisation’s strategic communications approach, ensuring audiences are clearly defined, understood, and engaged.
• Shape and govern the organisation and sector narrative, using communications to articulate impact and create advocacy for inclusive systemic change around physical activity.
• Develop and oversee system-wide communications strategies, fostering collaboration and change at scale through cross-sector partnerships.
• Lead strategic stakeholder stewardship, building and maintaining long-term relationships that influence system-level change and galvanise system partners around a shared narrative.
• Drive monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) for communications, using data and insights to demonstrate impact and inform future direction.
• Provide inclusive leadership, inspiring and developing the communications team, being a senior leader in the organisation, embedding a values-driven, learning culture.

The role will enhance the positioning of the organisation and the wider impact of physical activity, through clear and compelling messages and storytelling.

You will need an exceptional ability to translate complex insight into clear strategic messaging, identify opportunities for influence, and create system-wide approaches to communications that drive meaningful change. You will be proactive, innovative and able to respond quickly and appropriately in a shifting environment.

You will bring extensive experience in senior level stakeholder engagement and stewardship, nurturing and developing relationships that enable Active Lincolnshire to further influence opportunities to shift the system and make a difference in tackling the inequalities that exist.

You will have the ability to influence and advocate. Using your excellent communication skills, combined with insight you will create deep and meaningful narratives championing the physical activity sector, the benefits of being active and the contribution it makes to wider community and economic opportunities and to promote the options to be active in the county.

An outcome focused approach is key, ensuring there are robust measures in place to understand and evaluate the impact of our work.

Reward Package:

• Circa. £50,000 per annum depending on experience
• 25 days annual leave, plus all bank holidays and 3 days during the Christmas week (Total c.36 days per annum).
• ‘Celebration day’; additional day for an occasion / birthday / event (subject to annual review)
• Westfield Health private healthcare
• Cycle to work scheme
• Flexible working approach
• Time to be active in the working week
• Team away days
• Personal development and training opportunities
• Time in the working week to volunteer
• Employer contribution pension scheme
• Employee wellbeing policy
• Contribution to making a difference to the lives of people in Lincolnshire

Deadline for applications is Sunday 18 January 2026
Interviews will be held at the Active Lincolnshire office in Lincoln the week commencing Monday 26 January.

Action in rural Sussex is seeking a customer-focused, friendly Project Support & Communications Officer to join our expanding community buildings team. 

Action in rural Sussex (AirS) supports rural communities across Sussex to be vibrant and diverse places in which to live and work. Community spaces play an important role in these local communities. They build community cohesion and resilience, support the health and wellbeing of residents, help overcome social isolation. contribute to the creation of vibrant local economies, and reduce carbon emissions by providing services and activities locally, and reducing their own carbon footprint.

Most community buildings are charitable, run mainly by volunteers who need a wide range of skills and knowledge to run a successful and sustainable community space. Our Community Buildings Service supports volunteers and hall managers by providing networking opportunities, training, newsletters, an online forum, and bespoke individual advice and support.

This is an exciting time for the service as we look to expand its reach and further develop our offer. The Project Support and Communications Officer will work closely with our Senior Community Buildings Adviser to support the delivery and development of the service across Sussex. You will be the first point of contact for enquirers, helping subscribers to the service to access our platforms. You will help to plan our training and events programme and provide administrative and logistical support. You will also manage communications and marketing for the service, including monthly newsletters, website updates, email communications and social media, and take the lead on updating and developing our CRM.

We welcome applications from individuals with strong organisational and IT skills, the ability to write lively, readable newsletters, web and social media content, experience of using CRMs to manage contacts and report to funders, and a strong focus on ensuring we provide an excellent service to community buildings.

If you share our vision of active, thriving rural communities, full of choice and opportunities for everyone, regardless of their circumstances., then we would love to hear from you. 

How to apply  

Applications must be via our application form which can be found on our website using the links provided. CVs will not be accepted. 

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.

Migration is one of the most hotly debated political topics with rapid policy changes shaping the lives of millions. We’re looking for a proactive and inspiring leader to join us as Interim Head of Policy and Communications.

In this vital role, you will champion our mission to create a just society for all migrants, ensuring those with lived experience are at the centre of our work and heard by policymakers and supporters alike. You will influence national policies, engage diverse stakeholders, from policymakers to grassroots groups, and build impactful communication campaigns.

Working closely with our CEO and as part of the Senior Leadership Team, you will help shape the strategic direction of our policy and communication efforts during this critical time.

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 lead the changes we need.

If you’re passionate about social justice, experienced in policy and advocacy, and a skilled communicator, we want to hear from you! 

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 £43,817 per annum, pro-rata. In addition, MRN contributes up to 6% of salary to pensions. We are keen to have someone start in the role immediately.

Closing date for applications: 9am, 14 January 2026

Date for candidate interviews: 26 January 2026