Food policy officer jobs

Charity People is delighted to be partnering once again with Maudsley Charity to recruit an External Affairs and Influencing Manager.

A hugely exciting new role within the Communications team at the charity, the postholder will work across media, external affairs and influencing to engage with key stakeholders, boost the charity's profile, and promote learning and adoption of the solutions the organisation funds. You will be responsible for sharing evidence and learning in order to influence the people who fund, adopt and commission mental health care and services, and will work closely with the CEO to increase engagement with policy work which the Maudsley Charity undertakes through it's work in coalitions.

External Affairs and Influencing Manager
Contract: Full time, permanent role
Salary: £48,000 per annum
Location: Hybrid role between home and London office, with two days per week in the Denmark Hill office
Closing date for applications: 9am on Tuesday 28th July

First round interviews will be held remotely on: Thursday 13th August
Second round interviews will be held in person on: Thursday 20th and Friday 21st August

About Maudsley Charity

Maudsley Charity funds and supports clinical, academic, and community partners to ensure that everyone experiencing mental illness can access the right care, while using insights from their work to drive wider improvements across the UK.

Recognising the profound impact of mental illness and the inequalities in access, experience, and outcomes - particularly those linked to social deprivation and racism - the organisation focusses on addressing gaps in care.

With an approach that combines evidence, lived experience, and a commitment to equity, the organisation backs impactful, evidence-based solutions, ensuring services are shaped by real-world insight, and prioritising support for those most underserved to drive improvements that benefit all.

About the role

This is a core role within the organisation's influencing strategy, and your primary responsibilities will include:

External Affairs & Influencing:

• Develop and deliver influencing plans to promote adoption of effective mental health care initiatives being funded by the charity
• Develop productive relationships with key stakeholders (journalists, NHS trust leaders, ICBs, ICSs, VCSE orgs) to gather intelligence and shape strategy to inform the charity's positioning
• Lead the charity's thought leadership development providing strategic advice to senior leadership on political, NHS and mental health policy developments
• Strengthen the charity's role in mental health policy and advocacy coalitions, by contributing to collaborative advocacy, media and communications outputs
• Lead the charity's response to government mental health care consultations and calls for evidence
• Monitor funder sector trends and conversations, and actively seek out opportunities for the charity to strategically engage and influence by sharing learning from its grant making practice

Media management

• Develop and implement integrated external affairs campaigns that support the charity's influencing work
• Create persuasive materials, including press releases, op-eds, spokespeople briefings, comment pieces, and digital content and pitch to relevant outlets
• Maintain and grow relationships with journalists, broadcasters and sector media to secure relevant high-quality coverage of the charity's activities, grant holders and their projects
• Act as first point of contact for media enquiries, managing proactive and reactive press activity
• This role is expected to grow and develop and the postholder will be fully supported from across the organisation as the position evolves, within an organisation that offers a friendly, values led culture.

We would love to hear from individuals with the following skills and experience:

• Demonstrable track record of developing and implementing successful influencing strategies in the mental health sector
• Experience of stakeholder management within mental health care, including NHS Trust leaders, Integrated Care Boards, commissioners and senior clinicians, and with academics and researchers
• Strong experience in media relations, including briefing senior spokespeople, drafting press releases, media handling, and securing media coverage with a good understanding of the needs and expectations of different outlets and publications
• Keen understanding of the NHS, mental health policy landscape, and the related environment, key stakeholders and sector drivers
• Understanding of the key components and considerations of successful external affairs media and influencing
• Understanding of the sensitivities around mental illness, including working in an empathetic manner with people with lived experience
• Understanding of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion principles and a commitment to apply them in your work and as an organisation
• Influencing skills including confidence and credibility in working with stakeholders,
• Communication skills and the ability to produce clear and effective communications and the ability to confidently and accurately represent the organisation externally
• Written and editorial skills including the ability to craft narratives for different external audiences and communicate the charity's work in press releases, articles, policy briefs

How to apply

Maudsley Charity is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and strongly encourages applications from underrepresented backgrounds. We welcome applications from non-graduates.

Applications are managed via Charity People and involve a structured, anonymised process focusing on your experience and potential. Please send your CV to Alice at Charity People in the first instance.

Please see full job pack and job description attached.

We held an 'Ask Us Anything' Webinar via Zoom on Thursday 16th July where the Maudsley staff answered some questions. Please contact us to receive the recording link if you think you might find this helpful.

Equal Opportunities monitoring

We ask that applicants complete our DEI monitoring form when submitting their CV for this role.

Maudsley Charity is an equal opportunities employer, and makes no discrimination on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and sex. Specifically, we will also oppose unfair discrimination of those with mental health issues.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

We are looking for an experienced and inspiring Garden and Volunteer Wellbeing Coordinator with an interest in garden and wellbeing activities to come and be part of an exciting community garden project. You will have experience of supporting staff and volunteers and be able to assist with the project management of the ongoing development of the gardens.

Location: Frimley and Woking
Salary: £24,980 pro rata (£14,988 actual)
Hours: 21 hours per week (ideally Tuesday to Thursday)
Contract type: Permanent

About the organisation:

Through Community, Specialist and Outreach services, we support recovery, mental health, and wellbeing—together, every step of the way.

Key responsibilities:

• Project manage the enclosed garden space at Frimley Lodge Park and The Arch in Woking.
• Develop and facilitate a programme of activities within the Catalyst Community Wellbeing Garden that will help improve wellbeing for people in the community, including:
  • Seasonal workshops
  • Gardening with the CEO
  • Staff and partner wellbeing touchpoints
  • Groups for clients struggling with their mental wellbeing
• Recruit, develop and manage garden volunteers
• Work with other partners to promote volunteering and creating a space for wellbeing activities
• Use excellent interpersonal skills to motivate and inspire participants to get the most out of the opportunities that the garden presents
• Develop and implement growing plans and vision for the garden with input from colleagues and volunteers
• Ensure operations are well-organised, safely managed and delivered
• Implement and manage a booking system for volunteer and staff rotas
• Be prepared for physically demanding aspects i.e. digging, lifting and bending
• Ensure the garden is adequately planted during all seasons, and that a programme of activity is in place
• Lead the development of the land and facilities with input from colleagues and volunteers
• Prioritise and time-manage short and long-term growing projects and developments
• Maintain a productive year-round vegetable and herb garden
• Work with colleagues and staff to organise and facilitate seasonal events in the garden
• Develop opportunities for food sharing
• Facilitate the smooth running of activities in the gardens ensuring they are productive, attractive, and pleasant spaces for people to socialise and gather
• Be available to support other Community Connections groups and activities

About you

Essential:

• Experience of working / learning in a horticulture environment
• Experience of working in mental health
• Proven horticulture and gardening knowledge
• Excellent organisational skills
• Excellent planning and development skills
• Ability to organise and manage your own workload
• Good financial awareness when budgeting and planning
• Great communications and interpersonal skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work through busy and challenging priorities
• Ability to work under pressure, with full workloads and to tight deadlines
• Ability to think and work strategically
• Ability use initiative, confidence in making decisions and ability to work collaboratively
• Have authentic attributes of Kindness, Commitment and Integrity
• Ability to work as a team and support other team members
• Ability to maintain Equal Opportunity standards at all times
• Flexible and can-do attitude
• Ability to travel to and from both gardens

Desirable:

• Educated to A level or equivalent in relevant disciplines e.g. English, Media
• Experience of supporting volunteers
• Experience of developing creative wellbeing activities

Benefits

• 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing with service)
• Pension scheme and access to Simply Health (including optical, dental, counselling sessions)
• Birthday leave, employee discounts, and flexible working where possible
• Supportive probation, sick pay after probation, and wellbeing/EAP resources

Safeguarding & Checks

• This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
• A past history of drug/alcohol issues or criminality will not necessarily exclude you from this role; we encourage applications from people with lived experience where appropriate.
• All applicants must have a valid right to work in the UK.

Catalyst Support is an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate difference and are committed to fairness, accessibility, and inclusion throughout recruitment and employment.

We welcome requests for reasonable adjustments at any stage of the process.

Please note that we may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Compassion in World Farming International is a global movement transforming the future of food and farming. Lead our UK and international legacy marketing programme and help inspire supporters to leave a lasting gift for farm animals, people and the planet.

Senior Legacy Marketing Manager (UK and International)

Role type: Full time; Permanent

Location: Godalming, Surrey - HQ. Hybrid working pattern 2x days per week in the office: Tuesdays & Thursdays. The office is located close to Godalming station, with direct trains from/to London Waterloo in approximately 45 minutes. 

Salary: £45,000 to £50,000 per annum (depending upon skills and experience)   

About the role 

As our Senior Legacy Marketing Manager (UK and International), you’ll lead the strategic development and delivery of Compassion in World Farming’s legacy marketing programme across the UK and internationally. This is a vital role within our Global Fundraising team, helping to shape a sector leading legacy strategy that inspires supporters to leave a lasting gift for farm animals and the planet. 

As part of this exciting role, you’ll be responsible for: 

• Legacy strategy and coordination – Leading the development of Compassion’s UK and international legacy marketing strategy, reporting on KPIs and identifying opportunities to strengthen engagement and investment.
• UK legacy marketing delivery – Overseeing and delivering legacy communications across direct mail, email, social media, website content, events, supporter engagement and promotional campaigns.
• International legacy delivery – Supporting fundraising teams in France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, the USA and Poland to deliver locally relevant legacy campaigns, content, training and enquiry handling.
• Supporter care – Responding sensitively and efficiently to legacy enquiries and helping colleagues feel confident talking to supporters about gifts in wills.

About you

To succeed as our Senior Legacy Marketing Manager (UK and International), you’ll be a confident and strategic legacy marketing professional with a strong track record of delivering impactful campaigns that inspire supporters to leave a very special gift. You’ll bring a deep understanding of legacy fundraising, ideally gained within the charity or NGO sector, and feel comfortable working across both UK and international markets. 

You’ll be highly organised, proactive and detail-oriented, with the ability to craft compelling messages for direct response and manage multi-channel campaigns. 

Skills and experience you’ll need to bring as part of this role: 

• Track record and knowledge of legacy marketing and legacy strategy, ideally as a practitioner.
• Strong understanding of direct marketing, digital marketing or supporter fundraising, with excellent copywriting and creative skills.
• Proven strategic planning skills, with the ability to manage budgets, suppliers, data and reporting.
• Experience of working collaboratively with international teams across multiple countries and time zones.
• Ability to engage supporters with sensitivity, care and confidence, including through legacy events and enquiry handling.
• Proficiency in relevant fundraising or database systems, ideally Salesforce CRM.
• A demonstrable interest in farm animal welfare issues and Compassion’s mission.

If you don’t meet every requirement but believe you could thrive in this role, we encourage you to apply.

Why join us

This is a rare opportunity to lead a global legacy marketing programme that directly supports a mission to end factory farming. 

We offer a supportive, flexible workplace with a strong focus on wellbeing and development, including: 

• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays 
• Health Cash Back Plan and 24/7 GP access 
• Employee Assistance Programme and MHFA support 
• Premium Calm App subscription 
• Electric car scheme available
• Defined contribution pension scheme 
• Enhanced discretionary sick pay 
• Hybrid working model (role and location dependent) 
• Free onsite parking and office next to mainline station 
• Cycle Benefit scheme and other savings options 
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities 

How to apply and key dates

If you’re ready to make a global impact, we’d love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining how you meet the Person Specification. To support a fair and unbiased recruitment process, we kindly ask that you do not include a photo in your CV. 

Please note that we may begin interviews on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged. 

Closing date: Friday 14 August 2026

1st Stage (Teams) Interview: Week commencing 17 August 2026

2nd Stage (Face to Face at HQ) Interview, with task: Week commencing 24 August

“Join us in building a more compassionate future for animals, people, and the planet.”

As part of Stage 1 interviews, shortlisted candidates may, for some roles, receive pre‑shared, values‑based interview questions to support a positive candidate experience. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know, we’re always happy to support candidates.

About Compassion

Compassion in World Farming International is a leading global organisation working to end factory farming. Founded in 1967 by British farmer Peter Roberts, we’ve spent over 50 years driving change, successfully campaigning to ban cruel practices such as barren battery cages, veal crates, and sow stalls across the UK and Europe.

Our work combines advocacy, campaigning, and collaboration with policymakers and businesses to promote animal welfare and sustainable food systems. We envision a future where animals are treated with compassion, and farming supports both people and the planet. To learn more about our mission, culture, and opportunities, please explore our Candidate Pack, and Careers Page on our website. 

To comply with legal requirements in the UK and internationally, all applicants must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the country where the role is based.    

Compassion in World Farming is absolutely committed to providing equal opportunities for everyone regardless of their background.  We value diversity and live experience and acknowledge the underrepresentation of people from certain backgrounds, both within our organisation and across the sector.  We welcome applications from underrepresented groups, whether these be of ethnicity, gender, identity, religion, physical ability, sexual orientation or other. 

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Part Time Advocacy Support Worker with the delivery of our Community One-to-One Advocacy project.

The Project Worker / Advocacy Assistant will work closely with the Project Manager to deliver a high-quality, person-centred Community One-to-One Advocacy service across the Royal Borough of Greenwich. Supporting the day-to-day delivery of the project, the postholder will help ensure that project objectives, outcomes, and timescales are achieved in line with organisational policies and funder requirements.

The postholder will work directly with individuals with learning disabilities, autistic people, and other vulnerable adults to help them understand their rights, access services, overcome barriers, and improve their independence and wellbeing. They will also support the Project Manager with community outreach, volunteer coordination, partnership working, monitoring and evaluation, and maintaining accurate records to ensure the effective delivery and ongoing development of the project.

Pathway Manager

Be the difference for young people facing homelessness.

Location: North Tyneside

Salary: £40,132 per annum

Closing date: 9th August 2026

Employment Type: Permanent

Hours per week: 37.5

About the Role

Pathway Manager

Ready to lead services that change lives?

We are looking for an experienced and inspiring Pathway Manager to lead our accommodation and outreach services for young people aged 16–25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. You'll lead high-performing teams, drive service excellence, and build strong partnerships to help young people move towards independence and brighter futures.

We're seeking a confident manager with experience leading support services, safeguarding vulnerable young people, managing risk, and delivering high-quality, compliant services. You'll be a skilled decision-maker, an effective people leader, and a collaborative professional who is passionate about achieving outstanding outcomes.

Join us where your leadership will make a real difference every day. In return, you'll receive comprehensive training, ongoing development, and the opportunity to help shape services that empower young people to reach their full potential.

Please note that this job opportunity is offered as a full-time (37.5 hours a week), permanent role. In addition, the appointed candidate will work across North Tyneside.

Key deliverables:

• You will hold specific responsibilities for ensuring the health and safety of the environment for clients, staff, visitors and volunteers through regular risk assessment, health and safety checks and reporting in accordance with the Health and Safety Policy.

• You will liaise with Depaul’s internal departments including Finance, HR, Quality and Compliance, Fundraising, Communications and Business Development as necessary to ensure the smooth running of the service.

• You will deploy and supervise the work of the volunteers who add value to the work that we do

• You will have specific responsibilities to ensure budgets are set as directed by the Executive Director of Finance and Resources, and is managed throughout the year by working with the finance team, and using its systems and processes.

• You will ensure the highest standards of support to young people is provided and that housing management is effective, and you will work to KPI targets in these areas.

• You will manage excellent local relationships, including regular meetings with commissioners, stakeholders and delivery partners such as Prime contractor and other service providers for homelessness services.

• You will undertake further duties as commensurate to the role, in line with Depaul Policies and Procedures and as identified by your line manager.

What we are looking for from you (Person Specification)

When completing your application form please address all the points set out below:

• Significant management experience, including experiencing of supervising the work of teams and individuals.

• Experience of sound decision-making process on a wide range of complex situations where there is a requirement to consider a range of options/courses of action and risk management, including safeguarding children and young people.

• Experience of safe service delivery to young people at risk, both in accommodation based and in the community.

• Experience of Ofsted compliance

• Experience of using Risk Assessments and Support Planning.

• Good literacy, numeracy and IT skills

• Experience of operating safeguarding requirements and procedures

• Commitment to working in a manner, which promotes diversity and equality ensuring that everyone is treated with respect and dignity and no one, suffers from discrimination.

• Commitment to promoting an environment, which has the highest regard for the Health and Safety of others.

• Personal and professional integrity

• High level understanding of professional boundaries and ability to maintain boundaries

• Effective collaborative working

• Ability to effectively reflect on own practices for ongoing learning and development

• Respect for the values and ethos of Depaul and its founding partners.

What You’ll Receive

· Tailored training and development

· Flexible working options where suitable

· 26 days annual leave, rising with service

· Family friendly leave policies

· Pension scheme with employer contributions up to 7%

· Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 GP access

· Discounts across retail, travel, food, fitness and more

· Cash health plan for you and your family

· Death in service benefit

· Access to legal and practical support

Safer Recruitment

Depaul UK is committed to fair and inclusive recruitment, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. If a role requires it under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975, we will carry out the appropriate Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check. We only look at information that is relevant to the role, and a criminal record will never be treated as an automatic barrier to employment. All DBS information is handled sensitively, confidentially and in line with the DBS Code of Practice, and we encourage applicants to discuss any concerns with us openly.

About Depaul UK

In the 1980s, high unemployment and steep inflation was contributing to a shocking rise in youth homelessness across London. Thousands of young people were sleeping rough every night, with many areas notoriously dubbed “cardboard cities” due to the visible rise in street homelessness. Appalled by the scenes playing out across the capital, a group of people came together to tackle the challenge head on. Led by Cardinal Basil Hume and Mark McGreevy OBE, in 1989 Depaul UK was born.

What began as a single housing project in North London soon expanded across London, Greater Manchester and the North East of England. Today, Depaul UK provides accommodation, prevention and support services to thousands of marginalised young people across the UK each year.

As our name suggests, the work of Depaul UK has been inspired by St. Vincent de Paul – a man who devoted his life to helping vast numbers of people throughout the 17th century. St. Vincent de Paul’s belief in the intrinsic worth of all people and his commitment to taking bold action remain central to our values today. Depaul UK now forms part of a family of Depaul charities around the world. We each focus on the specific challenges in our own countries, but we’re united by our shared values and mission to end homelessness.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client – Not For Profit People.

Finance Manager (Flexible Working – Part-time Welcome)

Are you a qualified finance professional looking for an opportunity to use your expertise to support a global humanitarian mission? ENN is seeking an experienced Finance Manager to provide strategic financial leadership, strengthen organisational sustainability and help ensure our resources are used effectively to improve nutrition outcomes worldwide.

Emergency Nutrition Network (ENN) is a respected UK charity working to reduce undernutrition globally. We connect technical experts, build evidence and improve knowledge to strengthen nutrition policy and programming, particularly in low- and middle-income countries and fragile and conflict-affected settings.

This is an exciting opportunity to join ENN at an important stage in its development. The Finance Manager will work closely with the CEO, Management Team and Board of Trustees, providing strategic financial insight, overseeing financial governance and supporting effective decision-making across the organisation.

About the role

The Finance Manager will be responsible for:

• Developing and delivering ENN’s finance strategy in support of its five-year organisational goals.
• Providing financial insight, analysis and risk management advice to the Management Team and Board of Trustees.
• Leading budgeting, forecasting and financial planning processes.
• Overseeing core finance operations, including multi-currency accounting, payroll, cash flow and financial controls.
• Managing audits, statutory reporting and charity governance requirements.
• Supporting funding proposals, grant management and donor compliance.
• Line managing and supporting the development of the finance team.

This role is a key position within ENN and provides the opportunity to influence organisational strategy while ensuring strong financial stewardship.

About you

We are looking for an experienced finance professional who:

• Is a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA).
• Has significant experience leading financial management within the charity or not-for-profit sector.
• Understands charity finance requirements, governance and compliance obligations.
• Has experience managing grant-funded projects, including allocation of staff costs across funds.
• Has experience working with funders, foundations, NGOs or institutional donors.
• Can confidently communicate complex financial information and provide strategic advice to senior stakeholders.
• Has experience managing and developing a team.
• Is comfortable working independently and as a proactive business partner within a dispersed organisation.

Experience working with international NGOs, institutional donors or multi-currency environments would be advantageous.

What we offer

• Salary up to £60,000 per annum (full-time equivalent), dependent on experience.
• Flexible working arrangements, with applications welcomed from candidates seeking full-time or part-time hours.
• Remote/flexible working arrangements, with occasional attendance at meetings and team events primarily in the Oxford area.
• 25 days’ annual leave plus UK public holidays (increasing with service up to 27 days), pro rata for part-time staff.
• Employer pension contribution of 5%.
• Dental cover.
• Life cover.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Wellbeing contribution.

Working arrangements and eligibility

The full-time equivalent for this role is 37.5 hours per week. ENN particularly welcomes applications from candidates seeking flexible or reduced hours, with the final working pattern and scope of responsibilities agreed with the successful candidate.

The successful applicant must have the right to work in the UK. ENN is unable to provide visa sponsorship or relocation support for this position.

How to apply

Please submit your CV together with a cover letter (no more than one page) explaining your motivation for applying and how your experience meets the Person Specification. 

Closing date: 27 July 2026 at 23:59 hrs.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews may be arranged before the closing date. Candidates are encouraged, where possible, to reserve 10 and 11 August 2026 for interviews.

Recruitment Agencies

Thank you for your interest in working with ENN. At this stage, we are managing recruitment for this vacancy directly and are not engaging recruitment agencies. We therefore kindly ask that agencies do not contact us regarding this role or submit unsolicited CVs. If we require agency support for future vacancies, we will contact our preferred recruitment partners directly.

We're looking for an experienced and motivated fundraiser to build on our strong foundations, develop new opportunities, and help ensure that The Gatehouse can continue providing life-changing support to adults experiencing homelessness, poverty and exclusion. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until a successful appointment is made.

Citizens UK

Citizens UK is the UK’s biggest, most diverse and most effective people-powered alliance. We bring communities and local organisations together to work on issues that matter; from campaigning for zebra crossings on dangerous roads, to reforming the immigration system, to the Living Wage campaign. We have a track record of winning change through hundreds of local and national campaigns. We know everyday people have the ability to shape the world around them. We believe that through developing local leaders, we can drive nationwide change and create community-led solutions to big and small problems.

Living Wage Foundation

The Living Wage movement began in 2001, after Citizens UK brought together communities in East London to discuss poverty and low pay. The campaign grew in momentum and soon required a mechanism to recognise employers who wanted to join the movement, which saw the establishment of the Living Wage Foundation in 2011.

Still part of Citizens UK today, the Living Wage Foundation continues to work with community organisations to make sure the voices of both workers and businesses are part of the Living Wage movement. We now work with over 16,000 employers, benefitting half a million people and winning over £3bn of better wages for people who need it most. 

Citizens UK works with a broad base of institutions across the political spectrum. At the Living Wage Foundation, we take the same deliberately broad-based approach and accredit all organisations who pay the real Living Wage to their directly and indirectly employed staff and are committed to tackling in work poverty.  As a team we work across a range of industries and sectors to achieve this mission. We seek pragmatic coalitions to progress specific campaigns, and partnership around a particular issue such as Living Wage, does not imply an endorsement of broader purpose and policies. We are a non-partisan organisation and work with partners across the political spectrum to advance our mission.

Purpose

The Living Wage Foundation is seeking an experienced and driven Senior Media and Communications Manager to join our team for a 12-month contract. This is an exciting opportunity for a highly organised and proactive communications professional with a strong background in media relations, public messaging, and team leadership. The ideal candidate will be experienced and confident in working to tight deadlines, responding to last-minute changes, and prioritising competing demands in a high-profile environment. They will be motivated to amplify the Living Wage Foundation’s mission of tackling low pay and insecure work.

The postholder will lead all media, messaging, and external affairs work, developing and implementing a proactive media strategy that supports our mission and key campaigns, such as Living Wage Week and the annual Rates announcement. As a skilled media professional, you will oversee all communications outputs, ensuring consistency and strategic alignment, while delivering media training and refining key messaging to maximise reach and impact. 

In this role, you will be instrumental in advancing our political engagement efforts, building cross-party support and working with political leaders, mayoral teams, and other key stakeholders to promote our initiatives. You’ll manage two direct reports (Events Manager and Media Manager) who each hold line management responsibilities, and you will play a critical role within our Senior Management Team, collaborating closely with the Head of Communications to shape the overall direction of our communications work. This role will work closely with Citizens UK colleagues, including the Citizens UK communications team on cross-organisational priorities.  You will report to the Head of Communications.

As a senior leader, you will be responsible for managing and allocating part of the communications team budget, expanding team capacity, and driving the team’s effectiveness. In collaboration with other senior managers, you will help foster a culture that values creativity, innovation, and strategic impact.

Main Responsibilities

Contribute to CUK mission and its strategic objectives:

• Provide strategic oversight of the organisation’s media strategy, ensuring it aligns with broader organisational, communications, and campaign goals, and establish clear processes for evaluating its success.

• Work alongside other Senior Managers across Citizens UK on cross-organisational activity including through the Senior Management Group

• Support the Living Wage Foundation’s Political Engagement Strategy by building and sustaining cross-party support for the organisation’s mission and objectives.

Situational awareness and research:

• Lead regular updates on key audiences, tracking positions on issues of interest and ensuring the team is fully informed.

• Guide the team in proactive media monitoring, enabling timely responses to significant developments.

• Collaborate with the Senior Research Manager to conduct and commission impactful research, driving media campaigns that effectively reach and engage target audiences.

Strategy development:

• Work alongside other Senior Managers in the Communications Team to shape and guide the overall communications strategy.

Lead on all media and messaging outputs, including developing high-quality materials, coordinating media events, and delivering media training.

Reputational & risk management:

• Develop and manage the organisation’s risk register, offering strategic oversight and serving as a primary contact for crisis communications.

• Manage and respond to reactive media enquiries promptly, ensuring alignment with the organisation’s values and objectives.

• Draft key messages and FAQs for media interviews and public responses, and advise senior leadership on sensitive media or reputational issues.

• Represent the Living Wage Foundation effectively in senior stakeholder interactions and participate in out-of-hours press duties when needed.

Materials development and dissemination:

• Oversee the Media Team in producing engaging press releases, blogs, opinion pieces, and media briefings to elevate the Living Wage Foundation’s profile and the voices of workers and employers within the Living Wage movement.

• Ensure media outputs and communications reflect the organisation’s values and uphold a consistent voice.

• Create and refine key messaging for public communications, including FAQs and response guides.

Social media and website

• Ensure consistency in messaging and alignment across all media and digital platforms in collaboration with the wider communications team.

External relationships (including media and press)

• Lead employer case study development, identifying and preparing Living Wage employers to speak to media and champion a real Living Wage.

• Drive stakeholder engagement efforts, cultivating valuable relationships with Living Wage employers, campaign partners, and media contacts.

• Build and maintain relationships with journalists across print, digital, and broadcast media to secure quality coverage.

• Collaborate with the Public Engagement Team to draft emails, speeches, speaker notes, briefings, and press notices for political engagements.

• Strengthen and maintain broad cross-party support for the Living Wage agenda.

Campaign & events management

• Provide a link between Events team and Senior Leadership Team to ensure efficient decision-making around key events.

• Lead on media and messaging elements of agreed comms-led campaigns.

Internal comms & knowledge management

• Oversee the development and maintenance of a comprehensive press database, mapping key media contacts and publications in line with the Living Wage Foundation’s objectives.

Internal relationships

• Work closely with the Senior Digital and Communications Manager to guide and oversee team initiatives.

• Provide line management and development support to the Media Manager and Events Manager.

Learning, expertise & DEI

• Lead media training sessions for LWF staff and Living Wage employers, enhancing their confidence and effectiveness in media engagements.

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the LWF and Citizens UK, including communications and DEI teams, to develop and implement ethical storytelling practices, ensuring lived experience is represented responsibly, inclusively, and in line with organisational guidance.

• Contribute to a positive and inclusive team culture.

• Ensure accessibility is embedded across communications and events, working with relevant teams to implement best practice and organisational guidance.

Person Specification

(D) Desirable, (E) Essential

Experience

· Proven experience and a strong understanding of the UK media landscape, with experience building relationships with journalists and securing high-quality media coverage. (E)

· Experience in line managing and leading a team. (E)

· Demonstrated experience in managing sensitive reputational issues, including risk assessment and crisis communications. (E)

· Skilled in leveraging real-life stories and case studies to drive engagement, including experience in leading media training for spokespeople. (E)

· Strong track record in designing and executing high-impact communications strategies that achieve measurable results. (E)

· Experience of working collaboratively across teams and influencing senior stakeholders to achieve shared objectives. (E)

· Experience of working with a range of voices and perspectives, including community, worker or lived experience storytelling. (D)

Key skills and knowledge

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce and edit clear, engaging content suitable for media, digital and public audiences. (E)

• Competence in using social media platforms to engage audiences effectively, understanding their role in broader media strategies. (D)

• Proficiency in evaluating campaigns and media outputs, with the ability to derive insights that inform future strategies. (E)

• Strong interpersonal skills for building effective relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders, including political audiences. (E)

• Solid understanding of the political landscape and public affairs, with experience engaging cross-party stakeholders (E).

Personal qualities & values

• An enthusiasm for media and communications, coupled with a strong commitment to the mission of the Living Wage Foundation. (E)

• Ability to lead, support and develop high-performing teams, fostering a collaborative and inclusive working environment. (E)

• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, with an understanding of how to communicate responsibly and ethically about lived experience. (E)

About the application process

We work within diverse communities bringing people together. In line with our Inclusion value, we would love to see applications from LGBTQIA+ people, people from racialised communities, people living with disabilities and people of faith, all to better represent the communities we work in. We want our employees to have the working conditions that allows them to fully participate, be able to be their best authentic selves and thrive doing so, and we have employee networks to support staff. Even if you don’t quite meet all the required criteria still consider applying, as we invest in our employees and support them to develop the skills and knowledge required to deliver their role.

For questions and reasonable adjustments regarding your application including information in a different format, or our recruitment process, please email us.

Interviews will be held 17th and 18th August.