Head of Communications and Networks

We are looking for an experienced senior manager to lead our strategic communications, external engagement and network development. The post holder will champion The Politics Project’s mission, strengthen its profile, and foster partnerships that help empower young people.

ABOUT THE POLITICS PROJECT

The Politics Project supports young people to use their voice by providing them with outstanding democratic education. We work with young people, teachers, youth practitioners and politicians to help them learn, teach and engage in democracy. We are a non-partisan organisation working across the UK. 

ABOUT DEMOCRACY CLASSROOM

Democracy Classroom is a partnership of over 100 civil society organisations from the youth, education and democracy sectors working together to support young people to engage in elections and democracy. 

The network is supported by the Democracy Classroom Platform, which brings together over 1000 free educational resources for teachers and youth practitioners.

Democracy Classroom is a non-partisan, UK-wide initiative and a leading voice for the sector, reaching teachers and youth practitioners in 95% of the UK’s parliamentary constituencies. It coordinates the collective voice of organisations committed to democratic education, including through its joint submission to the Department for Education’s Curriculum and Assessment Review and the publication of The Roadmap to Votes at 16, a collaborative vision for the implementation of Votes at 16.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Head of Communications and Networks will amplify The Politics Project’s voice, build strategic partnerships and strengthen collaboration across the youth, education and democracy sectors. You will lead on communications, stakeholder engagement and the continued development of the Democracy Classroom Network.

You will oversee a team responsible for communications, partnerships and events, providing leadership and guidance to ensure clear messaging, impactful storytelling and strong, coordinated engagement across the sector. The post holder will combine strategic thinking with strong operational delivery, managing both the external profile of the organisation and the networks that underpin its reach and influence.

Key responsibilities include:

Communications

• Develop and lead The Politics Project’s communications strategy to raise visibility and strengthen reputation.
• Ensure clear, consistent messaging across all channels, including website, social media, newsletters and press.
• Lead media relations, drafting press releases, handling journalist enquiries and identifying media opportunities.
• Monitor and evaluate communications activity to measure reach, engagement and influence.

Partnerships and networks

• Work with the Partnerships Manager and Director to cultivate and manage relationships with key stakeholders across civil society, government, education and youth sectors.
• Oversee the day-to-day running of the Democracy Classroom Network, including partner communications, newsletters and database management.
• Create opportunities for collaboration and knowledge-sharing between organisations, policymakers and institutions.
• Oversee the Democracy Classroom Platform and ensure it continues to grow as a trusted resource hub for teachers and practitioners.
• Act as The Politics Project’s representative and ambassador at external meetings, conferences and events.

Leadership and management

• Lead and mentor the communications and networks team, including line management of the Partnerships Manager, Communications Lead and Programme Coordinator.
• Manage relationships with freelance designers, illustrators and developers.
• Oversee evaluation and monitoring of communications and network activities, producing reports as required.
• Manage budgets and allocate resources effectively for communications, campaigns and events.
• Contribute to the organisation’s strategic planning and cross-programme collaboration.
• Carry out other duties as required in support of the organisation.

This is a fast-paced senior management role in a small but growing organisation. The post includes a six-month probation period and is fixed-term until March 2027, with the potential of extension depending on funding. Occasional travel within the UK and some evening or weekend work will be required.

BENEFITS

• 33 days’ annual leave including Bank Holidays (inclusive of 3 days’ leave between Christmas and New Year).
• 4% employer pension contribution.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Friendly, inclusive and supportive working environment.

ABOUT YOU

You are an experienced communications and partnerships leader who is passionate about democratic engagement and young people’s participation. You will bring creativity, strategic insight and strong relationship-building skills to strengthen The Politics Project’s profile and expand the Democracy Classroom Network.

You will have a track record of managing people and projects, developing communications strategies, and building collaborations across complex stakeholder landscapes. You will be confident in navigating the intersections of education, youth engagement and democracy, and able to balance strategic oversight with hands-on delivery.

Above all, you are a strong leader, communicator and collaborator who can inspire others, think strategically, and deliver tangible results in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

In accordance with our Child Protection and Safeguarding procedures, this position requires an enhanced DBS check that will be provided.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Proven experience in leading communications, external engagement or partnership functions at a senior level.
• Experience managing and motivating teams, including staff and freelancers.
• Demonstrable success in developing and delivering communications strategies that raise profile and influence change.
• Strong understanding of press, media and digital channels, including social media campaigns and storytelling.
• Excellent writing, editing and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex ideas into accessible content.
• Proven ability to build and maintain networks with diverse stakeholders, including NGOs, policymakers and funders.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills, with the ability to juggle multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical skills and understanding of data and metrics to evaluate communications impact.
• Confident public speaker and facilitator, able to act as a credible spokesperson and ambassador.
• Proficiency in digital communications tools (social media platforms, email marketing, CMS, analytics tools).

Desirable

• Experience managing networks or coalitions across multiple sectors.
• Experience overseeing digital platforms and online communities.
• Understanding of UK education, youth and democratic engagement policy landscapes.

TO APPLY

Please submit your CV and a covering letter (maximum one side of A4) via the CharityJob website.

Closing date: 11:30 pm, Sunday 9th November 2025

Interviews: Week commencing Monday 17th November 2025