Communications Manager

Purpose of the job

 We are seeking a highly skilled Communications Manager to lead and deliver strategic communications across all key external audiences. This role is central to driving awareness of the impact of UK Youth’s work, amplifying the voice of young people, and advocating for urgent action to support youth work and organisations across the UK. It is a demanding role, requiring close collaboration with the Head of Brand, Communications & Marketing, CEO, and Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to enhance visibility and engagement at the highest levels. 

Key responsibilities

 Strategic Communications & Messaging:

• Develop and execute UK Youth’s external communications strategy to increase awareness, engagement, and advocacy. 

• Craft compelling messaging that effectively communicates the impact of our work, the challenges facing young people, and the importance of youth work. 

• Ensure consistency of messaging across all communication channels and materials. 

 Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement:

• Support the Head of Brand, Communications & Marketing in delivering high-profile campaigns and media strategies. 

• Partner with the CEO and SLT to enhance their visibility, providing strategic communications support, speechwriting, and media briefings. 

• Build and maintain relationships with key external stakeholders, including policymakers, funders, and media contacts. 

 Media & Public Relations:

• Lead on media engagement, securing press coverage that highlights UK Youth’s impact and advocacy efforts. 

• Draft press releases, opinion pieces, and statements that position UK Youth as a leading voice in the youth sector. 

• Manage reactive and crisis communications, ensuring UK Youth’s reputation is protected and strengthened. 

 Campaigns & Content Development:

• Develop and oversee the production of high-impact content, including reports, blogs, speeches, and social media materials. 

• Lead on storytelling initiatives that amplify young people’s voices and highlight the real-world impact of UK Youth’s work. 

• Work collaboratively with the marketing team to align messaging across digital and traditional channels. 

 Advocacy & Influence

• Ensure UK Youth’s communications support and enhance policy and advocacy work. 

• Develop materials that translate complex policy issues into compelling, accessible messages. 

• Support campaigns that mobilise public and stakeholder support for greater investment in youth work. 

Experience

• Proven track record in strategic communications, public relations, or media engagement, preferably within the charity, public, or advocacy sectors.

• Experience managing high-profile campaigns that drive awareness, engagement, and action.

• Strong background in stakeholder engagement, including working with policymakers, funders, media, and senior leadership teams.

• Experience developing and delivering crisis communication strategies.

• Knowledge of the youth sector, social justice issues, or non-profit communications is highly desirable.

Who we are

UK Youth is a leading charity that exists to ensure all young people are equipped to thrive and empowered to contribute at every stage of their lives. We work with others to ensure that the youth sector is strengthened, supported, and that provision is youth-led, evidence-informed and delivers high-quality outcomes.

UK Youth plays a unique role in addressing; the lack of investment in the youth sector, the lack of cross sector understanding in how youth work makes a difference and the limited opportunities to embed effective solutions. These factors lead to mass inequality of access to youth services for young people. To find more about us and how we make an impact, please visit UK Youth Website.

Why work at UK Youth?

 UK Youth is a leading charity that exists to ensure all young people are equipped to thrive and empowered to contribute at every stage of their lives. We have influence as a sector-supporting infrastructure body, a direct delivery partner and a campaigner for social change. As outlined in our 2025 #unlockingyouthwork strategy, we believe youth work is a catalyst for change that young people need now more than ever. We play a unique role in addressing; the lack of investment into the youth sector, the lack of cross-sector understanding of how youth work makes a difference and the limited opportunities to embed effective solutions.

 We are building a movement of change; galvanising likeminded individuals, organisations, government, and businesses from all sectors, to work together and deliver system change for all young people. Together we will create a society that understands, champions, and delivers effective youth work for all.

What we can offer you

We offer a competitive range of benefits, good work/life balance, excellent learning and development opportunities and vibrant organisational culture:

• Flexible/Agile Working

• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time employees)

• Funded training provided in; Safeguarding, GDPR, Information and Cyber Security & Equality & Diversity

• Other training available in support of your personal and professional development

• Pension scheme (currently UK Youth match employee contributions up to 5%)

• Membership of our life insurance scheme which would pay-out up to 4 times your salary

• Employee Assistance Programme to support employees both professionally and personally

• 20% discount off bookings at Avon Tyrrell, our New Forest Outdoor Centre, including camping, lodges and outdoor activities.

• IT equipment provided for the duration of contract

• CycleScheme and TechScheme

How to apply

If you would like to be considered for this fantastic opportunity, please complete an application via our completely anonymised recruitment system provided by Applied which looks to create a fair and unbiased application process for all. Scroll to the top of the page and start your application.

Closing date: Wednesday 14th May at 11:59PM (midnight)

Provisional Interview Date: TBC 

As this role involves working in a regulated environment with young people, any offer will be conditional to satisfactory background checks, which include criminal record check and employment reference.