Head of public engagement and communications jobs

Head of Communications and Engagement
The Diocese of Winchester is seeking an exceptional communications leader to help shape how we tell the story of God's work across our Diocese. This is a strategic senior leadership role, responsible for leading our Communications & Engagement Team and developing a clear, engaging and effective communications strategy that supports our mission, vision and priorities.

Serving a population of over 1.2 million people across more than 230 parishes, the Diocese of Winchester is a diverse and vibrant community. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence how we communicate with clergy, parishes, schools, partners, media and the wider public, ensuring that people feel informed, connected and inspired by our shared mission.

About the Communications and Engagement Team
The Communications & Engagement Team supports the Diocese in sharing its vision, celebrating local stories, engaging stakeholders and managing communications across a wide range of activities. The team works collaboratively with colleagues across mission and ministry, safeguarding, schools, vocations, creation care and governance, ensuring that communications effectively support diocesan priorities and objectives.

What you’ll do

• Lead the development and delivery of the Diocese's communications and engagement strategy
• Shape and communicate key diocesan messages alongside senior leaders
• Build strong relationships with clergy, parish officers, Winchester Cathedral and external stakeholders
• Oversee media relations, press releases and crisis communications activity
• Lead communications campaigns around major church seasons, diocesan initiatives and strategic priorities
• Ensure the Diocese embraces best practice in digital communications, social media and emerging technologies, including AI
• Manage the Communications & Engagement Team, supporting and developing staff to achieve their full potential
• Build collaborative relationships with Church of England communications colleagues regionally and nationally

What we’re looking for

• Significant experience of developing and delivering communications and engagement strategies within a complex organisation
• Strong leadership and people management experience
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, media and influencing skills
• Experience of leading change and managing organisational risk
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• Experience of budget management and strategic planning
• A collaborative and resilient approach, with the confidence to challenge constructively and build strong relationships
• A practising Christian who is committed to the mission and ministry of the Church and able to support the vision of the Diocese of Winchester

CVs are not accepted.

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Friday 31st July 2026.

Initial interviews for the role will take place on the 26th August 2026. If you are successful in the first interview, you will be invited to a second interview on the 7th September 2026. Both interviews will be held at the Diocesan Offices, Old Alresford Place SO24 9DH

Context and Background

The Public Engagement team is responsible for developing and delivering the strategy that will drive significant, long-term income growth by inspiring and engaging public audiences to support the work of the NSPCC. 

This will be achieved through integrated, audience-led, multi-channel marketing approaches, including; mass participation, individual giving, and campaigns that generate sustainable funding aligned to the NSPCC’s strategic priorities. 

Alongside income generation, the team plays a vital role in increasing public understanding of abuse and neglect and building advocacy. 

The team will foster a high-performing, results-driven culture that values collaboration, innovation, and integration. By focusing on excellent supporter relationship management and purposeful engagement, it will deliver long-term, sustainable impact to support the NSPCC’s mission. 

Job purpose

The Associate Head of Engagement Delivery will lead the planning, delivery, and optimisation of engagement and fundraising activity to key agreed audiences, ensuring alignment with the audience engagement strategy and campaign plan. 

· Take accountability for Engagement Delivery team outputs, ensuring high-quality execution across creative, campaigns and channels 

· Provide direct line management and coaching to diverse, multi-disciplinary teams, building capability, confidence and high performance across the full channel mix, while fostering an inclusive and supportive culture 

· Ensure engagement and fundraising activity is insight-led and audience-focused, delivering effective engagement across a range of channels, with a strong focus on both warm/loyalty channels such as direct mail, email and telemarketing, and broader cold acquisition channels including DRTV, door drop, press, digital and integrated campaigns 

· Take accountability for continuous improvement in campaign performance, working collaboratively with peers across the Engagement and Fundraising directorate to maximise impact and supporter value 

· Work with the Public Engagement SLT to champion operational excellence and innovation, ensuring the team has the capacity, tools and processes to deliver integrated, responsive and supporter-centric campaigns 

Key relationships – Internal

●        Reporting into the Head of Engagement Delivery, this role sits alongside three peer Associate Heads within the Engagement Delivery function: the second Associate Head of Engagement Delivery (leading the complementary campaign delivery squads), the Associate Head of Digital Engagement, and the Associate Head of Direct Fundraising. 

●       Line management of a team of 8: Engagement Delivery Managers, Senior Officers and Officer 

●       Member of Public Engagement Leadership Team 

●        Collaborates closely with other Associate Heads within Engagement and Fundraising directorate, as well as Brand, Marketing and Communications, to create integrated strategies for public engagement and fundraising. 

●        Pro-actively works closely with managers and staff in other NSPCC functions to further fundraising relationships and opportunities for cross departmental working. 

Key relationships – External

· External Agencies and Suppliers – including Creative and Media Agencies.

· External peers and networks in the charity sector, regularly attending groups in the UK charity sector to ensure the NSPCC is at the forefront of the sector trends.

· Professionals / Trading Bodies / Organisations that are at the forefront of fundraising and marketing

Main duties and responsibilities

·       Campaign Planning and Delivery 

o   Accountable for the planning and operational delivery of engagement and fundraising campaigns, including direct mail, email and telemarketing to current supporter and DRTV, digital acquisition supporting integrated charity-wide campaigns, and advocacy activity. 

o Oversee direct line management of campaign delivery teams, coaching and developing individuals to build capability, confidence and high performance across the full channel mix, while fostering an inclusive and supportive culture 

o   Oversee campaign briefing, scheduling, and performance tracking, ensuring campaigns are delivered in line with audience strategy and organisational priorities. 

o   Adjust campaign strategies as required to respond to performance, changing supporter behaviours, market conditions, and organisational priorities. 

o    Lead the formation, leadership and allocation of high-performing campaign delivery squads, ensuring teams are effectively structured, supported and empowered to deliver, ensuring each team is equipped with the necessary skills and expertise to successfully execute their campaigns, allocating resources based on audience insight and projected impact. 

o   Monitor and report on campaign performance, embedding structured feedback loops and squad retrospectives to capture learning and drive continuous improvement, using data to inform improvements and strategic decisions. 

o   Collaborate with colleagues across Engagement and Fundraising to ensure campaigns are insight-led and supporter-centric. 

o   Work with the Engagement Delivery Management Team ensuring that all activities are aligned with Digital Engagement and Direct Fundraising teams to ensure seamless execution and optimisation of campaigns to achieve the overarching objectives for the Public Engagement Directorate. 

o   Champion delivery standards, processes, and best practice within your portfolio, ensuring alignment with the organisation-wide Engagement Delivery standards set by the Head of Engagement Delivery. 

·       Strategic Leadership and Integration 

o   Working in partnership with peers to ensure that all channels are effectively utilised to deliver both standalone activity and integrated charity-wide campaigns, including collaboration with audience strategy, supporter experience, product, and insight teams, driving innovations across the income streams. 

o   Act as a subject matter expert within the organisation, providing expert guidance on campaign execution, creative development, and audience engagement. 

o   Maintain awareness of sector trends and developments in campaign delivery, bringing insight back into the team to inform delivery approaches and continuous improvement. 

o   Lead strategic relationships with external partners, including creative and media agencies and suppliers, ensuring they deliver high-quality, insight-led work aligned to organisational goals 

o   Undertake other duties as required by the Head of Engagement Delivery. 

·       Financial Management and Supplier Oversight 

o   Develop and manage comprehensive budgets for all campaigns, closely monitoring income and expenditure to ensure alignment with agreed ROI targets, and taking timely corrective action where necessary. 

o   Maintain oversight and senior level relationships with external suppliers, ensuring quality, compliance, and performance. 

·       Team Leadership and Development 

o   Lead, support and develop a high-performing, inclusive team, providing clear direction, coaching and feedback to build capability, confidence and accountability 

o   Foster a culture that prioritises wellbeing, continuous learning and high performance, ensuring individuals feel supported to succeed 

o    Develop T-shaped skills across the team to increase flexibility and cross-channel capability 

Responsibilities for all Staff within Engagement and Fundraising Directorate 

· To actively participate in regular team meetings and department meetings, contributing to discussions and decisions which will be beneficial to the NSPCC’s development of fundraising activities.

· To behave at all times in a manner consistent with the NSPCC’s Values.

· To ensure data used in relevant systems is current, accurate and reliable.

· To maintain an awareness of own and others Health and Safety and comply with the NSPCC’s Health and Safety policy and procedures.

·  A commitment to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk.

Person specification

1.             Significant experience in strategic, integrated engagement and fundraising - developing and delivering multi-channel campaigns (direct mail, email and telemarketing, DRTV, door drop, press, digital and charity wide integrated campaigns) across the full marketing funnel, from brand awareness to direct response, in a non-profit or similar environment. 

2.             Up-to-date knowledge of direct and digital marketing theory and practice, including individual giving trends, regulations, and best practice, with a proven ability to optimise campaign performance and return on investment. 

3.             Strong track record of financial planning and budget management at scale, including setting and reporting on income and expenditure targets, and providing clear performance updates to the Engagement and Fundraising SLT. 

4.             Proficient in using data, analytics, CRMs, and business systems to generate insights, drive decision-making, and support continuous improvement across supporter engagement and fundraising activity. 

5.             Excellent strategic thinking and decision-making skills, with sound judgement, the ability to operate under pressure, and a creative, solution-focused approach to systems and process development. 

6.             Strong leadership and people management capabilities, with experience coaching and developing diverse teams, building capability, confidence, wellbeing and sustained high performance to deliver complex campaigns. 

7.             Deep understanding of audience and supporter experience across every touchpoint, with a focus on growing engagement, retention, loyalty, and long-term value. 

8.             Effective cross-organisational collaborator, skilled in aligning stakeholders, leading cross-functional delivery, and navigating complex environments with influence and confidence. 

9.           Excellent planning and workload management skills, able to balance strategic priorities and operational delivery across multiple projects in fast-paced, agile environments, delivering high-quality outputs at pace and responding effectively to changing performance, insight and organisational priorities 

10.        Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills, with the credibility to present to and influence stakeholders at all levels, both internally and externally including creative and media agencies and suppliers, to deliver high-quality campaign outcomes 

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.

About parkrun

parkrun is a health and wellbeing charity and our vision is to create a healthier and happier

planet.

Since our conception in 2004, parkrun has evolved into a global social movement with a

vibrant and inclusive community at its core. As of 2024, we have recorded over 100-million

instances of walking, jogging, running, and volunteering.

Our mission is to transform lives by empowering people to be active, together, outdoors in

their local community; and to protect parkrun for the generations to come. Each and every

weekend, we deliver free, weekly timed events that people of all ages and backgrounds can

join in. By tackling barriers to participation, we encourage communities to come together

and embrace regular physical activity.

Now in its 21st year, parkrun spans over 2,600 locations in 21 countries with more than 10

million people registered, and counting.

And we have really only just begun.

Brief role description:

The Head of Partner Management role is responsible for leading on and strengthening

relationships with parkrun's corporate partners (external) both in the UK and globally. This

role involves maintaining and developing partnerships through regular face-to-face

meetings and communications, identifying opportunities to enhance revenue and value, and

ensuring partners align with parkrun's strategy. The role exists within the Commercial &

Fundraising team supporting global staff to ensure best practice across parkrun Global

partner footprint. As a senior staff member you will work with various teams to execute

successful partner campaigns and deliver partner’s rights. You will also support and on

identifying new sponsors and opportunities with corporates to increase revenue to parkrun.

Main responsibilities:

● Working with local partnership managers, manage and grow relationships with

parkrun’s global commercial partners ensuring strong collaboration and mutual

benefit.

● Develop parkrun’s account management processes and documentation globally with

an aim to be world class, using KPI and objective planning, data to measure

performance and ensuring regional partnership managers successfully achieve the

objectives of partners in their region.

● Create, manage and implement campaigns on behalf of partners, monitor and report

on performance of these campaigns and ensure the delivery of contracted rights.

Ensure best practice from these campaigns is shared across the parkrun territories.

● Work with Global Head of Commercial & Fundraising to identify, negotiate and on

board new partners and take a lead on renewing contracts with existing partners.

● Explore innovative ideas to enhance the rights offered to partners and identify

opportunities to increase value. Lead on exploring how parkrun can work with the

corporate sector; identifying opportunities that drive income not only from rights but

alignment with parkrun’s charitable mission.

● Build and manage a small, fast-paced, high-performance and collaborative team that

champions parkrun’s partners and their work.

Stay up to date with industry trends within the sports and charity sector, engage in

sector networking, and ensure parkrun adopts best practices in sponsorship

management to maximise partnerships and maintain a competitive edge

Expectations of a line managers at parkrun:

● Will have regular 1:1s with direct reports.

● Will set objectives for direct reports / team.

● Will provide regular feedback and developmental guidance.

● Will plan teams’ workload and availability.

● Will play a role in recruitment and selection and work with the People & Culture

team to understand the roles required.

● Will cascade messages to the team as appropriate.

● Will be able to assign responsibilities and authority to the right employees, taking

their interests, ambitions, development and competency into account.

● Will deliver any disciplinary sanctions in line with our policies and processes.

● Will provide support for team members and promote health and wellbeing at work.

Essential experience requirements:

● Experience in managing and leading relationships with commercial partners.

● Prior experience in managing and implementing successful campaigns on behalf of

partners, ensuring the delivery of rights.

● Experience in developing and implementing strategies to grow revenue through

partnerships and sponsorships.

● Experience in producing reports to track progression of partnership KPIs.

● Experience and confidence in presenting.

● Experience in line management

Desirable experience requirements:

● Experience managing commercial partners at an international level.

● Experience with managing/overseeing multiple partners at varying levels of

sponsorship -

● Experience in contract discussions and renewals.

Experience in organising partner engagement events or organising events with a

commercial partner.

● Familiarity with CRM systems or other tools to effectively manage partnership

activities, track progress and highlight reports.

● Experience in developing creative brand-led campaigns and activation on behalf of

brands

Professional certification requirements:

N/A

Most relevant skills:

● Attention to Detail: Meticulous with a sharp eye for detail and accuracy.

● Communication: Able to talk and work with people at all levels in a professional and

mature manner across the whole parkrun network.

● Initiative: Able to be proactive, take initiative and take steps to improve ways of

working seeking support where necessary.

● Interpersonal Skills: Ability to communicate and establish rapport at all levels,

internally and externally.

● Organisation: Able to determine goals and priorities and to accurately assess the

actions, time and resources needed to achieve those goals.

● Presentation: Able to deliver engaging and informative presentations with excellent

public speaking skills.

● Priority Management: Able to manage competing priorities with resilience and thrive

in a fast paced environment.

● Teamwork: Able to effectively manage conflict and interact with / respect diverse

personalities.

● Able to use a variety of IT systems and tools, such as google workspace.

● Demonstrates high levels of discretion and confidentiality.

● Demonstrates a growth mindset, with a desire to improve and learn new skills.

At parkrun, we believe that everyone should be able to participate in, and enjoy, physical

activity in a safe environment, and be safeguarded from harm through a duty of care. As

such, safeguarding is a fundamental part of every role, and all staff have a responsibility to

play an active part in keeping everyone safe.

The post holder will be required to comply with all policies and procedures issued by

parkrun Ltd.

This job description is not exhaustive and serves only to highlight the main requirements of

the post holder. The organisation may stipulate other reasonable requirements. The job

description will be reviewed and may be subject to change.

parkrun is proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer, committed to building a diverse

and welcoming team that reflects the communities we aim to serve. We believe that varied

perspectives strengthen our mission to create a healthier, happier planet. We encourage job

applications from qualified candidates regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, age and

other protected characteristics.

At parkrun, we strive to make every voice heard and valued, and we are dedicated to breaking

down barriers to inclusion in all aspects of our workplace. For more on our commitment to

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, please see our Global DEI Statement.

Could you lead a talented team to deliver compelling, audience‑led campaigns that accelerate progress for everyone affected by ovarian cancer?  

We are looking for an Interim Head of Marketing and Communications to lead this function during an exciting period of transition and growth. This role will play a pivotal part in delivering our communications and brand strategy, supporting the rollout of our new organisational strategy, and maintaining momentum across high‑profile campaigns and projects.  

Reporting to the Director of Fundraising and Engagement, you’ll oversee marketing and communications across the organisation, line managing a team of specialists and working closely with the Senior Leadership Team. You’ll provide strategic leadership, clear direction and hands‑on support, ensuring activity is well planned, insight‑driven and aligned to our wider organisational objectives.  

This role is ideal for an experienced marketing and communications leader, ideally from the charity sector, who can combine strategic thinking with strong delivery, and who thrives in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment.  

We are an ambitious charity, building on our achievements and targeting what’s important to stop ovarian cancer devastating lives - symptoms awareness, early diagnosis, better treatments and support for all. It’s an exciting time to be joining Target Ovarian Cancer as we move into our ambitious new strategy.   

Join us and together we'll fight for a world where everyone with ovarian cancer lives.  

 The role 

This is a full-time (35 hours per week), fixed-term position to July 2027. 

We operate a hybrid working model. You will usually work remotely but will be expected to attend meetings at our office near London Bridge when required. Please note that travel costs to the office are not covered. 

If you would like more information about expected office attendance, please refer to the recruitment pack. 

How to apply 

You will be asked to submit your CV and answer two application questions (maximum 250 words each) as part of the process. You will also be asked to complete an equalities monitoring form. 

Applications without responses to the application questions may not be considered. 

Key dates 

• Closing date: 22 July 2026 

• First interview Monday 27 July, second interview Friday 31 July 

If you are invited to interview, you will have the opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments. 

Additional information 

Target Ovarian Cancer does not hold a sponsorship licence and cannot sponsor visas. 

We are committed to making our recruitment process accessible to all. If you require support with your application, please refer to the guidance provided in the recruitment pack.

Are you a dog-loving strategic communications professional with experience planning captivating public affairs campaigns?
We’re looking for a Strategic Communications Manager to develop and deliver impactful marketing communications strategies and campaigns, with a particular focus on our public affairs activity.

What does this role do?

As Strategic Communications Manager, you’ll:

• build strategic plans for key projects, scoping, and planning for communications across the marketing mix (paid, owned and earned channels), focusing on public affairs projects, as we strive to influence governments and engage the general public to improve animal welfare,
• shape key messages for campaigns, often distilling complex information into clear narratives, using evidence-based messaging frameworks,
• brief content delivery teams and channel leads on activity, closely monitoring to ensure assets and output are on time and to spec,
• embed evaluation frameworks from the very beginning of every campaign, ensuring success can be measured effectively.

Interviews for this role are provisionally scheduled for week commencing 27th July 2026 and will take place on Teams.

Could this be you?

To be successful in this role, you’ll have experience of leading strategic marketing and communications projects, utilising excellent project management and communication skills to deliver and shape compelling stories and campaigns. We’re particularly interested in hearing from candidates who’ve worked in the public affairs space previously, with the ability to engage both mass audiences and political audiences with our campaigns and public affairs messages. You’ll have excellent stakeholder management experience, as well as strong evaluation skills, with experience of using clear evaluation methodologies. A commitment to Dogs Trust and the work we do is essential.

About Dogs Trust

We love dogs. That’s why we do whatever we can to make sure every four-legged friend gets the love they deserve. We’ll never put a healthy dog down, so our work is focused on helping dogs in need, supporting owners every step of the walk, and creating a better world for dogs in the future. It’s what we’ve been doing since 1891 and how we’ve grown to become the UK’s leading dog charity, helping 12,000 loyal friends find their forever homes every year.

To apply for this position please click the APPLY NOW button. Our application process requires you submit a personal statement explaining your interest and suitability for the role.
 
Dogs are incredibly diverse, much like the humans that love them! At Dogs Trust we value diversity, and we're committed to fostering an inclusive culture. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, abilities, and cultures and believe that a diverse workforce helps us to achieve our mission. Our colleague networks give our people a voice, acting as vehicles for real and meaningful change within Dogs Trust. We truly want to see every candidate shine throughout the entire job application process, interview stages, and during their time with us. If there's anything on your mind or any adjustments you may need, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to support you every step of the way.

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.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Head of Communications has responsibility for Ubele’s internal and external communications and digital activities in support of our strategic aims as well as oversight of communications across special projects. Central to the Head of Communications’ role is responsibility for: 

• Leading on delivery of Ubele’s Communications Strategy, public and internal communications with key audiences and stakeholders via various channels, especially Ubele’s website, email communications, social media and printed materials.  With support where needed, leading the delivery of a small number of annual and special events, working alongside colleagues and partners. 
• A crucial part of the role is working successfully with external partners, special projects comms teams, contractors and consultants to deliver on our communications objectives. 
• Reporting  to the COO and working closely with other senior leaders across departments to fulfil Ubele’s strategy.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

General Responsibilities/duties: 

• Oversight of all external communications activity relating to the work of the organisation, including websites, email newsletters and social media.   
• Oversight and management of the Creative Coordinator to effectively boost engagement and grow the organisation's social media channels.
• Guide and support the strategy that manages the creative outputs of the organisation across all projects and interests.
• Managing the organisation’s websites, ensuring content is correct and up to date, developing new webpages, functionalities and layouts as required, with support from an external website developer as needed. 
• Working closely with the Hub leads and programme managers to publicise training opportunities, events, funding programmes, and wider Ubele activities across the organisation’s communication channels. 
• Leading on cross-organisation conversations and convening cross-organisational groups to develop and coordinate a pipeline of content for blogs and case studies.
• Working with Hub Leads and our external PR support team (where relevant) to produce press releases including drafting quotes on behalf of the Leadership Team and coordinating the sign-off processes.
• Dealing with inbound press enquiries and crisis management comms with relevant support.
• Working with Hub Leads and our external PR support team (where relevant) to produce press releases including drafting quotes on behalf of the Leadership Team and coordinating the sign-off processes.
• Dealing with inbound press enquiries and crisis management comms with relevant support.

Brand and marketing 

• Ensuring consistent use of Ubele’s brand across internal and external print and digital channels. 
• Managing the design, print and distribution (as appropriate) of branded print and digital media, such as stationery, templates, invitations, leaflets and publications. 
• Leading on brand guidelines, ensuring that they are adopted correctly across the organisation. Providing training and guidance to staff, teams and external partners on the correct use of the brand.
• Working with Hub leads and Creative Coordinator to manage sub-brands of Ubele projects and programmes and ensure that these are reflected in the organisation’s brand guidelines. 

Planning & Delivery

• Deliver the communications strategy which will be set ahead of each financial year in line with the organisation’s wider strategic objectives by the organisation’s Management Board and Hub leads. 
• Lead and advise on the key narratives, the best modes of communication and how to best reach our target audiences.
• Provide advice and guidance on communications to the Leadership Team, including on crisis communications and reputational risk management with support of PR freelancers. 
• Setting and managing a communications calendar, supporting external-facing activities across Ubele’s work.
• Advise Ubele’s senior leaders on how activities including leadership training, provision of funding, social investment programmes, and various events might be publicised and communicated.
• Participate in internal strategy meetings, including reporting on Communications at the monthly staff team and leadership team meetings and, where required, at the Management Board meeting. 
• Maintain strong working relationships with key sector contacts, especially Communications Leads at partner organisations.

Events 

• Attend and/or coordinate Ubele’s presence at external events (sometimes out of normal office hours) relating to ongoing relationships (e.g. GLA or sector events) 
• Organise and/or support the delivery of special events as required
• Support Programme Managers as required to deliver events (both in-person and digital) leveraging our pool of freelance events support where necessary. 
• Support teams with media enquiries, ensuring that relevant team members are supported in public speaking events. 

Line management 

• Will be line managed by new Chief Operating Officer
• Oversee and manage the work of the Creative Coordinator
• Collaborate with the Lead Designer, our PR agency and our pool of freelance professionals.

General 

• Other tasks, commensurate with the post, that senior leadership may deem appropriate (including occasional support for work that cuts across other areas of Ubele’s work). 
• To attend and participate in internal and external meetings including staff meetings and meetings with key stakeholders.
• To attend relevant training to fulfil the requirements of the job.
• To undertake other duties which may from time to time be required and which are appropriate to the responsibilities of the post.
• Ensure that the Ubele Initiative’s internal policies and procedures are followed through in all areas of work. The postholder will treat as confidential any information that could be deemed personal, private or sensitive and will comply with the organisation's GDPR and safeguarding requirements.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Experience

• Demonstrable experience in senior communications roles with responsibility for developing and delivering communications strategies.
• Managing internal and external communications across multiple channels, including websites, email marketing, social media, media relations and print publications.
• Creating and delivering high-quality communications campaigns that increase engagement with a range of audiences.
• Managing organisational websites using content management systems (CMS).
• Developing engaging written content for a variety of audiences, including press releases, newsletters, reports, web content and social media.
• Experience of managing organisational branding and ensuring consistent application of brand guidelines.
• Planning and promoting events through integrated communications activity.
• Working collaboratively with senior leaders to provide strategic communications advice.
• Experience of working within the voluntary, community, charity or social enterprise sector.
• Experience of communications within an organisation focused on racial equity, community development or social inclusion.
• Experience of working with diverse community stakeholders and underrepresented groups

Knowledge

• Strong understanding of communications planning, stakeholder engagement and audience development.
• Knowledge of digital communications, social media platforms, email marketing and website management.
• Understanding of media relations and reputation management.
• Knowledge of the policy and funding landscape affecting Black and minoritised communities in the UK.
• Knowledge of current communications trends and best practice across the voluntary, community or social enterprise sector.
• Understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion principles and how these influence communications practice.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent written communication skills with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to produce accurate, engaging copy.
• Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to build relationships at all levels.
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to think strategically while delivering operational communications activity.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to evaluate communications performance and use insight to improve outcomes.
• High level of IT literacy, including Microsoft 365 and communications platforms such as Mailchimp, Canva, WordPress (or similar CMS) and social media management tools.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative and exercise sound judgement.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information appropriately.

Personal Qualities

• Passion for community development, social justice and reducing inequalities.
• Collaborative, inclusive and relationship-focused approach.
• Creative, proactive and solutions-focused.
• Flexible and adaptable
• Strong commitment to Ubele Initiative's values and mission.

Job title: Engagement Officer
Department: External Relations 
Responsible to: External Relations and Communications Manager
Location: London (UK) - Hybrid working
Salary: £32,500 gross per annum
Working pattern: Full-time, 38.5 hours per week
Duration of contract: Permanent 
Start date: As soon as possible

Do you enjoy creating connections and turning them into opportunities?

Join our dynamic team as an Engagement Officer at UWC International, where you will play a crucial role in the External Relations team. With over 90,000 alumni worldwide, you'll collaborate with colleagues from our 18 schools across four continents and UWC International to connect alumni who are making a difference at local, national, and international levels.

We are seeking someone with experience in alumni engagement who is eager to grow and develop with us. This role is central to identifying and connecting with the alumni community, creating opportunities for collaboration, sharing impactful stories, and expanding our reach. With the support of senior colleagues your work will involve key areas, including the UWC hub and events such as our Impact Forums and UWC Day.

You will work closely with the External Relations and Communications Manager, the Head of External Relations, and the Chief of Staff, as well as colleagues in the Development, Funded Programmes, and Education teams.

The ideal candidate should be a people person who is passionate about helping talented young people access education, regardless of their background, and be committed to bringing together changemakers from around the world. You will also be a self-starter, innovative and curious who can support the growth and expansion of our engagement activities.

If this is you, please do not hesitate to apply.

About us

Changing the world takes passion and dedication

UWC is a global movement of 18 schools across four continents with a shared mission: to make education a force for peace and a sustainable future. Each year, we bring together young people from over 150 countries and diverse backgrounds to live and learn together in richly diverse, international settings – developing not only academic excellence, but cross-cultural understanding and a drive for social impact. UWC students don’t just prepare for exams, they prepare to lead change. Through real-world challenges, they build the skills, compassion and courage to make a difference. 

Our students go on to become leaders in politics, NGOs, business, education and grassroots movements – people shaping a more just and sustainable world. Today, our global network includes more than 85,000 changemakers united by the values they lived at UWC. 

About UWC International 

UWC International is the operational arm of UWC, a UK-registered and Germany-registered charity at the heart of the global UWC movement. Based in London and Berlin, our team works closely with stakeholders across the UWC network and supports a global alumni community of over 85,000 changemakers.

Our work includes global fundraising, communications, promotion and support for the network of more than 150 UWC national committees. We also lead on global strategy and provide key services to UWC schools and colleges.

We are proud to reflect the diversity we champion. Our international team represents over 25 nationalities, bringing a wide range of perspectives and lived experiences. We are committed to anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion (ARDEI) across all aspects of our work – ensuring our organisational culture reflects the values we promote across the UWC movement.

What we offer

As part of a commitment to our employees, we offer the following:

UWC International London

• Hybrid working - we operate hybrid working arrangements, with at least 20% of the week in the office and up to 80% working from home.
• Flexible working hours - our standard working hours are 38.5 per week. We support flexible working and are happy to discuss different working patterns.
• Generous annual leave allowance – we offer 28 days holiday per year plus 8 public holidays (pro rata for part-time or fixed-term contracts).
• Paid leave for personal growth - up to 2 days per year for volunteering or up to 2 days per year for study leave.
• Learning & development opportunities – we have access to various learning and development platforms to support your professional growth, as well as a budget set aside for professional development.
• Enhanced sick pay
• In-person meetings: Yearly Staff Away Days, team retreats and travel to our international schools and international events as needed to create connected teams.
• Income Protection & well-being support - We offer income protection to all employees, an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) with access to a legal support helpline, remote GP appointments, medical second opinions, mental health support, physiotherapy, lifestyle coaching, personal trainer and nutritionist sessions, and a well-being calendar featuring podcasts and webinars.
• Exclusive discounts & perks - with access to a range of discounts across shopping, dining, lifestyle and entertainment, with thousands of offers on hundreds of top retailers.
• Cycle scheme and eyecare vouchers
• Enhanced maternity and enhanced paternity leave
• Higher-than-standard pension contribution scheme - UWC International will contribute up to 8% of the employee’s gross salary toward their Pension scheme with NEST in the UK.

Visa requirements

Anyone who applies to work at UWC International in London must have a work visa before starting employment, in compliance with the relevant immigration rules. Please provide confirmation of your eligibility to indefinitely work or reside in the UK in your application. If you are planning to be USA based, please make this known in your application. Any offers of employment made by UWC International will be subject to a right-to-work check on your immigration status.

Application Process

Do you want to be part of our team? To apply, please submit an up-to-date copy of your CV along with a cover letter in English (each a maximum of 2 pages):

Your cover letter must:

• Outline your experience, skills and competencies against the Person specification section in the attached Job Description.
• Explain why you want to join UWC International.
• Confirm your eligibility to work or reside in the UK.
• Provide the name and contact details of two professional referees, including their job title, email address and the capacity in which you are known to them. References are taken up prior to the second round interviews. We will not contact your referees without first letting you know.

Please note that CVs received without a cover letter, including the information requested above will not be considered.

Deadline for application: 10:00 AM UK time, Monday 10 August 2026

Interview and/or assessment dates:

• First round interviews week commencing 17 August (remote)
• Second round interviews  week commencing 24 August (remote)

Safeguarding Statement

The job holder might have to travel to UWC schools and colleges. Therefore, a Basic DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service) or international equivalent will be required before any job offer is made. We will also take up references before the second stage of the interview process. Referees will not be contacted without your consent.

Diversity Statement

UWC places deliberate diversity at the heart of our educational model because of its critical importance in our mission ‘to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future’.

At the UWC International Office, we believe this commitment to deliberate diversity must be reflected within our team, organisational practices, policies and culture. We recognise people with different backgrounds, skills, attitudes and experiences bring fresh ideas and perceptions, and we encourage and leverage these differences to make our work more relevant and accessible.

We will not discriminate or tolerate discriminatory behaviour on any grounds such as, but not limited to, race, gender, disability, nationality, national or ethnic origin, religion or belief, marital/partnership or family status, sexual orientation, age or socioeconomic background. 

We strive to be an inclusive workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging, has a voice, can raise concerns, and feels comfortable and confident. We expect everyone who works with us to share this commitment and to act accordingly as we aspire best to serve the UWC mission and our global community. It is an ongoing journey and we welcome all those ready to travel with us.

Head of Communications & Public Affairs

The Head of Communications & Public Affairs is a pivotal role at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) promoting our world-leading work in science, conservation, horticulture, and education.

Working as an active member of the Senior Leadership Team, this role will lead the organisation’s approach to strategic communications, seeking opportunities to engage external audiences, disseminate key messages, and raise RBGE’s profile on a national and international stage through press and media engagement.

With oversight of the communications and publishing functions, this role will also provide key support to the Regius Keeper and the Executive Team in shaping engagement and communication strategies with political stakeholders across the Scottish and UK governments.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact in the next phase of RBGE’s corporate strategy, strengthening key policy relationships and promoting RBGE’s expertise to deliver real impact in the fight against the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change.

Closing date:                            09:00am (BST) on Monday 20 July 2026        
First interview date:               30 July 2026
Second interview date: 5 August 2026

Recruitment information: 

Further details on the job description, person specification, and how to apply can be found in the candidate pack for the role on our website here: Head of Communications and Public Affairs Candidate Pack

Head of Communications & Engagement (Maternity Cover)

£54,068 with 2026/27 annual pay award yet to be agreed, plus 6% contributory employer’s pension.

War on Want’s head office: 44-48 Shepherdess Walk, London N1 7JP. Hybrid working with a minimum of one day per month in the office, with one day or more per week preferred to coincide with communications team attendance and other key meetings.

War on Want is a radical charity working in solidarity with grassroots movements around the world to fight the root causes of poverty, inequality and injustice. We campaign against corporate power, economic exploitation and systems of oppression that drive poverty and human rights violations. 

The Head of Communications and Engagement leads the development and execution of War on Want’s organisational strategic communications plan. In doing so, they contribute to a wide range of shared organisational objectives including campaign, supporter engagement, and income generation priorities.

Working closely with the Income & Engagement Director, and other Departmental or team leads, the successful candidate will further strategic and operational communications to ensure War on Want delivers engaging creative public campaigns, and reaches the right audiences, with the right messages, at the right time to advance its vision and mission. In doing so, they will raise War on Want’s profile and make significant contributions to the effectiveness of its campaigns, international partnerships, and global movement building activities.

If you’re excited by the chance to lead on organisational communication strategies across multiple audiences to advance a wide range of objectives, then this may be the role for you. You and your team will bring to life complex issues like climate breakdown, Israel’s apartheid and genocide of the Palestinian people, workers’ rights, and economic injustice. Your skills as a team leader and ability to collaborate with others will deliver compelling storytelling that inspires, mobilises, and delivers impact.

Deadline for applications: 11.00AM on Monday 27th July. Please note we will be interviewing on a rolling basis and reserve the right to close the recruitment process early if a suitable candidate is appointed.  

War on Want is a registered charity no 208724. We actively encourage applicants from ethnic minorities and aim to be an equal opportunities employer.

We’re an award-winning charity running local learning centres in the heart of the communities where the young people we support live. Our centres provide a high-impact education programme which includes practical learning support, pastoral care, and motivational and confidence-building activities for young people aged 7-18. Our aim is to enable students from the least advantaged neighbourhoods to realise their ambitions and achieve their wonderful potential.

As the UK’s leading university access organisation, our staff team is helping over 60,000 young people each year at its 46 learning centres across England and Scotland, and we plan to scale-up our provision over the coming years.

We are recruiting a Head of Communications to join our Senior Leadership Team to lead the charity’s communications work, ensuring that the charity’s ambitious growth plan is supported by exceptional strategic communications that engages our key stakeholders and builds support for the charity’s work, particularly with funders and university partners.

This is a senior position and will involve close work with the charity’s senior managers, trustees and high-profile stakeholders. This is both a strategic and hands-on role, ranging from having senior oversight of the charity’s communications strategy, through to rolling your sleeves up to work with the team to meet a tight deadline. 

The role at a glance

Contract

Permanent. The role is available on either a part-time (30 hours per week, 0.8 FTE) or full-time basis, with responsibilities adjusted appropriately.

Start date

September 2026 (or as otherwise agreed with candidate)

Working hours 

The role is available either 30 hours per week (0.8 FTE) or full-time, with responsibilities adjusted appropriately.

We are a delivery organisation providing frontline educational services for young people. Our Head Office team is based on the site of our North Kensington centre in West London. We are an organisation with team members at different stages of their career, including many in their first roles: we are committed to nurturing talent and providing a developmental culture for all. Role is mainly office-based, with the opportunity to work from home one day per week.

The in-person time will mainly be in the office with other members of the team, but will also include regularly attending meetings at other locations - for example, attending events or meeting stakeholders at IntoUniversity centres.

Salary

£55,000 to £60,000 per annum pro rata (incl. £2,800 London contribution) Pro-rated salary for 30 hours p/w (0.8 FTE) is £44,000 to £48,000 per annum. 

Location

IntoUniversity Head Office, 95 Sirdar Road, London W11 4EQ 

Annual Leave

Full-time staff entitlement, pro-rated for part-time staff: 33 days (inc bank & public holidays) + 3 closure days (two in December and one in July) + additional length of service entitlement (one day per year of service, up to 5 days).

Senior Leadership Team

The postholder will be a member of the charity’s Senior Leadership Team, which comprises six senior operational, HR, communications and fundraising staff along with the four members of our Senior Management Team. 

Application deadline: 09:00am Wednesday 29th July 2026

Lead a respected counselling charity and help shape the future of mental health support in our community.

If you're an inspiring leader who combines strategic thinking with a hands-on approach, this is an opportunity to make a lasting difference. As our new Head of Centre, you'll lead an established, BACP-accredited charity with an excellent reputation for delivering affordable, high-quality counselling and professional training across West Kent and East Sussex.

For almost 40 years, The Counselling Centre has been committed to ensuring that everyone can access professional counselling, regardless of their financial circumstances. We are now looking for an exceptional leader to build on this legacy, strengthening our financial sustainability, developing new partnerships and expanding our impact to meet the growing demand for mental health support.

Reporting to the Chair of the Board of Trustees, you will provide both strategic and operational leadership across the organisation. You'll work closely with our dedicated staff, volunteers and trustees to ensure we continue to deliver outstanding counselling, training and community services while identifying opportunities for growth, innovation and long-term sustainability.

This is a varied and rewarding leadership role. You'll oversee the day-to-day running of the charity, lead financial planning and income generation, develop relationships with funders, commissioners, businesses and community partners, and act as an ambassador for The Counselling Centre across the local area. You'll also champion our values, nurture a positive organisational culture and ensure we continue to meet the highest standards of governance and professional practice.

We're looking for someone who brings senior leadership experience, commercial awareness and a genuine commitment to improving mental health. You'll be an excellent relationship builder with experience of developing partnerships, generating income and leading organisational change. Most importantly, you'll be motivated by our mission and excited by the opportunity to help shape the next chapter of our organisation.

Why join us?

• Lead a respected charity with an outstanding reputation built over almost 40 years.

• Make a genuine difference to the lives of people in your local community.

• Work alongside a committed Board of Trustees, experienced staff and dedicated volunteers.

• Help shape the future direction and growth of an ambitious organisation.

• Enjoy a flexible part-time role (21 hours per week) with hybrid working.

• Competitive salary of circa £50,000–£55,000 per annum pro rata, contributory pension, 25 days' annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays, and Christmas closure.

If you're looking for a leadership role where your strategic vision, commercial skills and passion for community impact can make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you.

Job Title: Head of Communication and External Affairs

Reporting To: Director of Marketing and Communications

Salary Range: £55,000 to £60,000

Contract Type: Permanent

Location: London

Hours/Days per week: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

Requirements: Felix can only employ applicants who currently have the right to work in the UK. As part of our safer recruitment policy, we do ask questions regarding unspent criminal records.

We are Felix

We bring people together to rescue, repurpose, and share surplus food that would otherwise go to waste, turning an environmental problem into a social opportunity.

Together with 16 other independent charities, 18,000 volunteers, and thousands of partners, we are the UK’s food rescue network, supporting 1.5 million people across the country.

We‘re about fuller plates, fuller communities, and fuller lives.

Purpose of the Job 

The Head of Comms and External Affairs will lead our narrative and steward our reputation at critical moment, following the merger of FareShare and The Felix Project to form the new Felix brand. The role will set the strategy and operating rhythm for a team of seven across media relations, internal communications and public affairs, ensuring Felix speaks with one clear, trusted and influential voice.

Reporting to the Director of Marketing and Communications and working alongside the Head of Brand Marketing who leads brand marketing and digital communication, the postholder will protect and build Felix's reputation, shape national and sector conversations on food redistribution, food waste and food insecurity, and help position Felix as a leading partner in the national endeavour to triple food redistribution in the UK.

The role will provide senior counsel to the CEO, Executive Team, trustees and senior leaders; lead high-quality media, stakeholder and parliamentary engagement; and ensure internal communications support colleagues, volunteers and partners through integration, change and growth.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Set and lead an integrated external affairs strategy for Felix, aligned to organisational strategy, the post-merger integration plan, the refreshed brand and the national programme to expand food redistribution.
• Lead, develop and empower a multidisciplinary team of seven across media relations, internal communications and public affairs, directly managing three discipline leads and building clear priorities, standards and ways of working.
• Lead Felix's media relations and reputation management, securing proactive national, regional and sector coverage, overseeing reactive press office activity, preparing spokespeople, managing issues and crisis communications and working closely with the digital marketing team.
• Working closely with the CEO and policy colleagues, leading public affairs and influencing activity, building trusted relationships with government, parliament, food industry partners, redistribution networks, funders and sector coalitions to advance Felix's mission and policy objectives.
• Set the strategic direction for internal communications, ensuring staff, volunteers, network partners and other internal audiences understand the charity's vision, values, priorities and change journey.
• Develop clear narratives, messages, evidence and thought leadership that explain Felix's mission, impact and role in creating a fairer and more sustainable food system.
• Provide expert advice to the Executive Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications, CEO, Executive Team, trustees and senior leaders on reputation, stakeholder positioning, media risk, political context and communications opportunities.
• Work closely with the Head of Brand Marketing to ensure external affairs, brand marketing, fundraising, digital communication and operational communications are integrated, consistent and mutually reinforcing.
• Embed professional standards, risk management, evaluation and compliance across the function, including political impartiality, charity law, safeguarding, data protection, media protocols and inclusive communications.
• Bring innovation and experimentation to the development of content and wider communications offer.
• Your normal duties and responsibilities will be set out in your job description. However, the charity may require you to perform other duties from time to time. 

Recruitment timeline 

We reserve the right to close advertisements early and we might assess candidates and arranging interview as applications come in, so please apply as soon as possible, to avoid missing out on this opportunity.  

Due to the anticipated large number of applicants, if you do not hear from us within four weeks of your application, we regret to inform you that your application has been unsuccessful. Consequently, will not be able to provide feedback.

Job Title: Head of Communications, Atlantic Institute

Location: Rhodes House in central Oxford, Hybrid Working 2 days per week

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full-time

Salary: £70,000 - £75,000 per annum

Reports to: Executive Director

We have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Communications to join the Atlantic Institute based at the Rhodes Trust, Oxford. This role will ensure that the work and profile of Fellows and Programs are seen and heard, and that it helps define agendas, inform policy and contribute to systemic change.

The role is a member of the Atlantic Institute's leadership team, contributing to organisational culture and the successful delivery of the Institute's strategic priorities. Strong leadership and people management skills are essential, with the ability to lead, develop and motivate teams, build collaborative relationships and support colleagues through change.

We are looking for the successful candidate to start with us in as soon as possible.

The role

This role will bring cohesion to all Institute communications, providing a clear narrative of impact and influence, and positioning the Atlantic Fellows community as a global space for thought leadership and values-based convening.

Role responsibilities;

• Detail and deliver a cohesive narrative of the Atlantic Fellows community.

• Provide strategic direction for institutional narratives, thought leadership priorities and audience engagement frameworks across the Atlantic Fellows community.

• Provide senior oversight of editorial standards, co-designing with Fellows and Programs a mechanism to determine how work is amplified in line with the strategic direction of the Institute. Ensure that all public-facing and internal content is aligned with the values of the Atlantic Institute, and serves a clear purpose to support the strategic direction.

• Contribute as an active member of the leadership team, shaping organisational strategy, priorities, and decision-making beyond the communications remit.

• Collaborate with the Director of Lifelong Fellowship to support delivery of program priorities for the global Atlantic Fellows community.

• Ensure regular communications to Fellows, Programs staff and Institute staff as well as Atlantic Institute Governing Board, Global Fellows Advisory Group and others are clear, timely and in line with the Institute’s communications protocol. 

• Develop, deliver, evaluate and refresh communications approaches for the Institute in consultation with the Executive Director.

• Lead the development of long-term institutional communications, reputation and stakeholder engagement strategies aligned with the Institute’s strategic priority

• Provide visible, values-led leadership, role modelling collaboration, accountability, and inclusive ways of working across the Institute.

Please see the job description for more responsibilities

Essential skills, experience and qualifications:

• Significant experience leading communications across a diverse audience, including developing, delivering and evaluating communication strategy.

• Experience of building a brand profile and raising visibility of networks in the NGO sector.

• Media relations experience alongside knowledge of effective digital comms strategies and platforms.

• Attention to detail and high standards of communications content

• Experience managing a team, with effective strategies for delegation, motivation and staff development.

Desirable skills and experience:

• Well networked within NGO or charity organisations, with an understanding of the challenges being faced by those advocating for systemic change for equity globally.

• Understanding of the sensitivities of operating as a UK charity in the equity space.

About us

The Atlantic Institute is a partnership programme of the Rhodes Trust and was established in 2016 with the support of The Atlantic Philanthropies. The Atlantic Institute is part of an ecosystem of Atlantic Fellows Programs which was established with a shared mission: to empower catalytic communities of emerging leaders to advance fairer, healthier, more equitable societies.We do this by providing Atlantic Fellows and Atlantic Fellows Program staff with the networks, architecture and resources to connect, learn and act to address the underlying systemic causes of inequity – locally and globally.

Benefits of working with us

• 30 days annual leave (pro rata) plus 8 bank holidays

• Competitive pension scheme

• Generous family leave schemes

• Private health insurance

• Employee Assistance Programme

• Personal development opportunities

• Additional benefits, such as free access to the University's gardens, parks, libraries and museums, and University staff discounts in shops across Oxford.

• Cycle to work scheme

• Electric car scheme

If you would like to find out more, please click ‘apply’ to view the full job description and to find the link to apply. Please send us your CV and a covering letter. Please note, this advert will close on 26 July 2026. Interviews are likely to take place w/c 3 August 2026.

If you have any issues with submitting your application, please email the Recruitment team.

The Rhodes Trust is an equal opportunity employer. We warmly welcome applications from talented people of diverse backgrounds and appoint without regard to age, disability, gender, gender identity, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, parental status, marital or civil partner status, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, nationality, religion or belief.