Director of research and innovation jobs

Context and Background

The NSPCC's mission is to end cruelty to children in the UK. In order to carry out its

charitable work and achieve its strategic objectives, the NSPCC must communicate

efficiently and effectively with the maximum possible impact, relevance and emotional

resonance to engage all key audiences including supporters, professionals, service users,

volunteers and the public across a variety of offline and online channels (paid, owned and

earned).

The prime purpose of the NSPCC’s Strategic Marketing te am is to deliver timely and

effective best practice marketing and compelling strategic marketing priority campaigns

and propositions, working in partnership with Brand an d Marketing colleagues , and team s

across the organisation.

Strong leadership, project management and influencing skills are essential due to the need

to engage a diverse range of key stakeholders, to work collaboratively across the

organisation and to manage external agencies. Resilience and determination are key to

ensure campaigns are delivered on time and to budget. Analytical and problem-solving

skills are also critical to measure and assess results, define insights and refine activities to

continually improve performance.

Job purpose

1. Own the development and implementation of our integrated marketing strategy.

2. To contribute to the development and execution of the organisation’s overall brand

strategy and audience specific strategies .

3. To maximise the impact of our audience facing divisions’ most visible marketing efforts

and ensure an integrated and coordinated approach to high level marketing.

4. Offer strategic council to all NSPCC senior managers on marketing.

5. To take ownership of high level marketing strategies and media/implementation

schedules for the relevant major business area/audience segment.

6. To share market specific knowledge, customer insight and new communications

techniques with the Communications and Marketing management team and other SMTs.

7. To develop and maintain internal and external stakeholder and supplier relationships,

identifying and incorporating the best industry -wide standards and establishing best

practice.

Key relationships - Internal

• Reports to Head of Brand and Marketing

• Works closely with Director of Communications and Ma rketing

• Line manager to 3 x communication managers ( professionals , children and

volunteers)

• Senior management in Brand and Marketing

• Senior m anagement in Public Engagement

• Works closely with all senior managers, including Executive Board to ensure clarity

of key messages, integration and adherence to the NSPCC’s brand guidelines

Key relationships - External

• Creative, media and research agencies.

• Peers within the UK charity sector.

• Industry opinion formers, media and other stakeholders.

• Professionals/trade bodies/organisations in charitable sector.

Main duties and responsibilities

1. Building and maintaining the NSPCC brand and sub -brand(s):

a. Contributing and developing to the overarching and audience specific NSPCC

brand strategies by working with internal stakeholders and external suppliers

b. Setting and ownership of brand KPIs

c. Guardianship, internal brand engagement and activation, and stakeholder

management through all levels.2. Overseeing paid for advertising campaigns: managing creative teams/agencies and

media agencies to develop effective creative strategies and advertising assets,

underpinned by strong audience insight.

3. Working with Brand and M arketing Planning to develop an overarching annual

marketing plan to achieve our objectives.

4. Agency relationship management including our creative, media and research partners.

Holder of the main agency roster and responsible for developing and implementing an

interagency process.

5. Be financially numerate and be able to evaluate campaigns – ensure deep

understanding of budgets, marketing spend and financial report

6. Strategic planning support as required to develop marketing strategies to maximise

awareness and/or income.

7. Consultancy support for internal teams in best marketing practice and process

including briefing, campaign management and evaluation.

8. Development and management of the brand tracking research for both NSPCC and

ChildLine brands. This includes questionnaire design and insight dissemination and

influence.

9. To maintain the highest standards of knowledge on best practise and developments

within the marketing industry and the charity sector generally with attention to innovation,

legislation and codes of practice.

Responsibilities for all Staff within Communications

There is a set of responsibilities for all staff within each directorate.

• A commitment to safeguard and promote the welfare of babies, children , young

people and adults at risk .

• To actively participate in regular department and team meetings, contributing to

strategy, discussions and decisions which will be beneficial to NSPCC’s

communications activities.

• To maintain an awareness of own and others’ Health and Safety and comply with

the NSPCC’s Health and Safety policy and procedures.

• To take personal responsibility for keeping up to date with NSPCC work to end

cruelty to children, including securing updates on project and service developments

and general NSPCC news.

• A commitment to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people.

Person specification

1. Evidence of a substantial track record of success in working in strategic

marketin g, dealing with a wide range of marketing disciplines including through

the line campaigns, digital and social influence.

2. Highly developed interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate and deal

with people at the highest level in a range of disciplines, and to successfully

achieve objectives through these contacts, involving problem solving, decision

making, negotiation, motivation, influencing, tact, diplomacy, persuasion and

consultancy skills.

3. Excellent copywriting and presentation skills with the proven ability to

communicate confidently and clearly to senior management level and external

audiences.

4. Substantial experience of marketing/media budget management and financial

planning.

5. Understanding of the media and regulatory environment and ability to deliver

marketing strategies and campaigns at a high level of execution.

6. Excellent ability to plan, monitor, and implement major projects to agreed

deadlines often with conflicting priorities.

7. Corporate and strategic thinker with excellent proven ability to contribute to the

delivery of a communication strategy, ensuring cooperative working and

maintaining vision.

8. Clear understanding of the strategic role of communications to impact on

positive business results.

Safer Recruitment

As an organisation, we are committed to creating and fostering a culture that promotes

safeguarding and the welfare of all children and adults at risk.

Our safer recruitment practices support this by ensuring that there is a consistent and

thorough process of obtaining, collating, analysing and evaluating information from and

about candidates to ensure that all persons appointed are suitable to work with our

children and adults.

The recruitment and selection of our people will be conducted in a professional, timely

and responsive manner and in compliance with current employment legislation, and

relevant safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance.

Our principles:

• Always seek to recruit the best candidate for the role based on merit including their

skills, experience, motivation and competencies. Our robust recruitment and

selection process should ensure the identification of the person best suited to the

role and the organisation .

• Committed to diversity and equality of opportunity and will interview all applicants

(internal and external) who self -declare at application as having a disability and who

meet the minimum requirements in the person specification of the vacancy they are

applying for.

• We will make reasonable adjustments at all stages of the recruitment process in

order to enable successful candidates who declare disabilities to start working or

volunteering their time with us.

• Any current member of staff or volunteer who wishes to apply for vacancies and is

suitably qualified will be considered and addressed fairly and objectively based on

their merit.

• As an organisation committed to safeguarding, we will ensure all under 18’s joining

the organisation will have ongoing risk assessments to ensure their role and

activities are safe and appropriate.

• All documentation relating to candidates will be treated confidentially in accordance

with the GDPR legislation.

Position: Policy and Public Affairs Officer (Scotland)
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours a per-week
Contract: Permanent
Location: Home Based in Scotland
Salary: Starting from £26,384 per annum plus excellent benefits
Salary Band and Job Family: Band 1, Charity
You will start at our entry point salary of £26,384 per annum, increasing to £28,033 after 6 months service and satisfactory performance and to £29,682 after a further 6 months.

About us

We make sure people living with MS are at the centre of everything we do. And it’s this commitment that unites us across the UK.

Our strategy is based on what people affected by MS have told us is important to them. It gives us a clear and determined focus. 

Our work is based on the hopes and aspirations of our MS community. Together we campaign at all levels, fund ground-breaking research and provide award winning support and information. 

Our people are our greatest asset and the key to our success. We offer a vibrant, progressive working environment where you'll be able to make a difference.

About this job

We’re looking for an enthusiastic and talented policy and public affairs professional to join our team. You should have experience of working to develop policy and have the ability to communicate our position to a wide range of audiences across Scotland.

In this exciting role you will work with the MS community to influence change in public policy, continuing to make the case for improvements in the treatment, care and support of people affected by MS.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who understands the political and policy environment in Scotland, who has experience in external facing influencing roles, who is outcome-focused and delivers tangible results. The successful candidate will work closely with the MS community, the Scottish Policy and Communications team as well as key external partners such as MSPs and their teams.

Closing date for applications: 9:00 on Monday 1st of June

Interested?

PLEASE PRESS THE 'HOW TO APPLY' BUTTON FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Equal Opportunities 
We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities and or from ethnic minority backgrounds.

We’d be grateful if you downloaded and completed the equality and diversity monitoring form and submit it with your application. 

Disability Confident Employer 
We’re a Disability Confident Employer and we’re committed to promoting equality and diversity.

You can ask for reasonable adjustments as part of both our recruitment and new starter on-boarding processes.

If you need any help or adjustments to apply for this role, please contact us. You can also ask for the application materials to be sent to you in a different format. Such as for them to be sent to you by email or in a larger word format.

More about our employee benefits:
We have a wide range of employee benefits including (but not limited to): 

Encouraging work life balance

• 38 days paid annual leave (including bank holidays), pro-rata for part-time
• More annual leave entitlement, based on length of employment
• Smart working options (with the opportunity to work remotely and find a smart working pattern that suits both you and us) 
• Flexible working options 

Caring for you and your family 

• Generous sick pay entitlement
• More sick pay entitlement, based on length of employment 
• Opportunity to buy and sell annual leave in each calendar year 
• Free access to a GP virtually 24 hours a day/7 days a week allowing you unlimited advice, reassurance and where appropriate diagnosis 
• Enhanced leave for new parents 
• Free access to a confidential 24 hours a day/7 days a week helpline service for both you and your family with a specialist range of support and information
• Special leave options (such as up to 5 days paid leave for domestic or personal emergencies a year)
• 10 days paid disability leave a year, pro-rata for part-time 
• 10 days paid carers’ leave a year, pro-rata for part-time 
• Cycle to work scheme 
• Death in service scheme
• New family-friendly benefits, including paid leave:
  • In the event of miscarriage or still birth 
  • To support fertility treatments
  • For antenatal appointments for both parents

Thinking about your finances 

• Enhanced salary sacrifice pension scheme
• Discounted season ticket loan and interest-free emergency loans
• Give as you earn to support other charities of your choice before tax
• New employee portal including lifestyle savings vouchers and personal wellbeing

Enriching your life at work

• Personalised development plans with a wide range of training courses and opportunities to source additional training options with your line manager
• Yearly internal apprenticeship opportunities
• New, modern offices that embrace working together both in-person and remotely 
• Various opportunities to influence how we internally operate (including surveys, and focus and committee groups) 
• Active and supportive internal employee networking groups for collaboration and peer support 
• 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering for MS Society activities during normal working hours (such as fundraising events, or campaigning in the local community) 
• 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering with other charities during normal

Safeguarding 
We’re committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone who uses our services and we come into contact with.

This is regardless of Gender, Race, Disability, Sexual orientation, Religion or belief, Pregnancy, Gender reassignment.

We recognise our particular responsibility to make sure vulnerable adults and children are protected.

We have measures in place to protect everyone we come into contact with from abuse and maltreatment of all kinds.

Your right to work in the UK 
You must have the right to work in the UK to work in paid employment with us. You’ll need to share documents showing you’re eligible to work in the UK if we offer you employment.

You can find the UK visas and permits granting you the right to work in the UK on the UK Government website. We currently don’t have a Sponsor Licence agreement with the Home Office and aren’t able to support you with your visa applications.

No agencies please.

Position: Quality Assurance and NI Resource Centre Manager
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours a week
Contract: Permanent
Location: Office-based in Belfast Resource Centre, Annadale Avenue BT7 3JJ
Salary: Starting from £33,044 per annum plus excellent benefits
Salary Band and Job Family: Band 2 Charity
You’ll start at our entry point salary of £33,044 per annum, increasing to £35,109 after 6 months service and satisfactory performance and to £37,174 after a further 6 months.

About us

We make sure people living with MS are at the centre of everything we do. And it’s this commitment that unites us across the UK.

Our strategy is based on what people affected by MS have told us is important to them. It gives us a clear and determined focus.

Our work is based on the hopes and aspirations of our MS community. Together we campaign at all levels, fund ground-breaking research and provide award winning support and information.

Our people are our greatest asset and the key to our success. We offer a vibrant, progressive working environment where you'll be able to make a difference.

About this job

This is a pivotal role at the heart of the MS Society in Northern Ireland. As the Quality Assurance and NI Resource Centre Manager, you will be the driving force behind our NI Resource Centre on Annadale Avenue in Belfast, ensuring it remains a vibrant, well-managed hub for the MS community.

You will play a vital role in connecting the services delivered at the Centre to the wider community, fostering engagement and ensuring our supporters and service users receive excellent care. The Resource Centre is not only a focal point for activities and support but also serves as a key hub for our staff and volunteers.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Resource Centre Management: Overseeing day-to-day operations and a diverse programme of activities to ensure the Centre functions effectively.
• Community Engagement: Leading on communications and contact with the MS community, acting as a bridge between the Centre and those we support.
• People Leadership: Managing and developing staff and volunteers at the Resource Centre.
• Operational Excellence: Maintaining high standards of Health and Safety, managing local income and expenditure, and collaborating with partners to ensure a safe, inclusive environment.
• Quality Assurance: Dedicating a small portion of your week to working with the wider Customer Service team to monitor performance and identify ways to continuously improve our services.

We are looking for an experienced manager with a background in office administration and team leadership who is passionate about making a difference for people living with MS in Northern Ireland.

Closing date for applications: 9:00 on Friday 5 June 2026.

Please note the successful candidate will require an Access NÍ disclosure check.

Interested?

PLEASE PRESS THE 'HOW TO APPLY' BUTTON FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Equal Opportunities 
We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities and or from ethnic minority backgrounds.

We’d be grateful if you downloaded and completed the equality and diversity monitoring form and submit it with your application. 

Disability Confident Employer 
We’re a Disability Confident Employer and we’re committed to promoting equality and diversity.

You can ask for reasonable adjustments as part of both our recruitment and new starter on-boarding processes.

If you need any help or adjustments to apply for this role, please contact us. You can also ask for the application materials to be sent to you in a different format. Such as for them to be sent to you by email or in a larger word format.

More about our employee benefits:
We have a wide range of employee benefits including (but not limited to): 

Encouraging work life balance

• 38 days paid annual leave (including bank holidays), pro-rata for part-time
• More annual leave entitlement, based on length of employment
• Smart working options (with the opportunity to work remotely and find a smart working pattern that suits both you and us) 
• Flexible working options 

Caring for you and your family 

• Generous sick pay entitlement
• More sick pay entitlement, based on length of employment 
• Opportunity to buy and sell annual leave in each calendar year 
• Free access to a GP virtually 24 hours a day/7 days a week allowing you unlimited advice, reassurance and where appropriate diagnosis 
• Enhanced leave for new parents 
• Free access to a confidential 24 hours a day/7 days a week helpline service for both you and your family with a specialist range of support and information
• Special leave options (such as up to 5 days paid leave for domestic or personal emergencies a year)
• 10 days paid disability leave a year, pro-rata for part-time 
• 10 days paid carers’ leave a year, pro-rata for part-time 
• Cycle to work scheme 
• Death in service scheme
• New family-friendly benefits, including paid leave:
  • In the event of miscarriage or still birth 
  • To support fertility treatments
  • For antenatal appointments for both parents

Thinking about your finances 

• Enhanced salary sacrifice pension scheme
• Discounted season ticket loan and interest-free emergency loans
• Give as you earn to support other charities of your choice before tax
• New employee portal including lifestyle savings vouchers and personal wellbeing

Enriching your life at work

• Personalised development plans with a wide range of training courses and opportunities to source additional training options with your line manager
• Yearly internal apprenticeship opportunities
• New, modern offices that embrace working together both in-person and remotely 
• Various opportunities to influence how we internally operate (including surveys, and focus and committee groups) 
• Active and supportive internal employee networking groups for collaboration and peer support 
• 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering for MS Society activities during normal working hours (such as fundraising events, or campaigning in the local community) 
• 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering with other charities during normal

Safeguarding 
We’re committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone who uses our services and we come into contact with.

This is regardless of Gender, Race, Disability, Sexual orientation, Religion or belief, Pregnancy, Gender reassignment.

We recognise our particular responsibility to make sure vulnerable adults and children are protected.

We have measures in place to protect everyone we come into contact with from abuse and maltreatment of all kinds.

Your right to work in the UK 
You must have the right to work in the UK to work in paid employment with us. You’ll need to share documents showing you’re eligible to work in the UK if we offer you employment.

You can find the UK visas and permits granting you the right to work in the UK on the UK Government website. We currently don’t have a Sponsor Licence agreement with the Home Office and aren’t able to support you with your visa applications.

No agencies please.

About The Connection at St Martin’s

We believe that no one should have to sleep rough on London’s streets, and that everyone should get the support they need to find a place to call home. We get to know every person we work with, understanding what they need to recover, helping them build on their strengths, and supporting them to find their own way home. Help us make London a city where no one sleeps rough on our streets.

London’s diversity is its biggest asset and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects London’s diversity at all levels. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability.

We particularly encourage applications from candidates with lived experience of homelessness who we believe are an essential asset in our sector.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and welcome the opportunity to consider flexible working arrangements.

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced and creative communications generalist who enjoys working across a wide range of activities and can bring our mission to life through powerful storytelling and effective communications.

In this role, you will ensure that the charity’s mission, values and key messages are reflected clearly and consistently across all communications. You will be confident working with the press and welcoming high-profile visitors, helping to raise the profile of our work and the people we support.

As a small charity, we value creativity and initiative. You will enjoy finding innovative ways to maximise impact, using a mix of media, digital channels and partnerships to share our story and reach new audiences.

Working closely with colleagues across the organisation – including the people who use our services – you will help ensure our communications are authentic, inclusive and grounded in real experiences.

You will also collaborate closely with colleagues in the Fundraising team to develop and deliver a series of innovative fundraising and awareness-raising campaigns, helping to engage supporters, grow income and increase understanding of our work.

Our strategy focuses on developing services in new ways, involving clients in every aspect of our work and strengthening collaboration across the sector. The Communications Manager will play a key role in helping the organisation communicate more effectively, building communications confidence across the team, and supporting the growth of our fundraising activity.

This role is a 12 month FTC.

Salary: £44,181 - £50,461 (scale points 29 – 35)
Closing Date: Sunday 31st May
Interview Date: Tuesday 9th June

 

Our Benefits

· 30 days holiday plus bank holidays

· Generous training budget, plus an annual personal training budget

· Enhanced Sick Pay Policy

· Enhanced family friendly policies

· Day off for moving house

· Hybrid working (depending on role requirements)

· Pension – 5% Employer, 3% Employee

· Cycle to Work Scheme

· Season Ticket Loan

· Employee Assistance Programme

· Reward Gateway (access to discount vouchers and cashback at the UK’s favourite retailers)

We are a London Living Wage employer