Journalist Jobs

Are you a highly motivated and dedicated Communications professional looking for a role where your skills can make a real difference? The Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth is seeking a Communications Manager to lead its communications function and ensure effective, engaging, and mission-focused messaging across our Diocese.

About the Diocese

The Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth comprises 88 parishes, including the Channel Islands, Rooted in the teachings of the Roman Catholic Faith, our mission is to bring people closer to Jesus Christ through His Church and to highlight the inspiring work of our parish communities in sharing the Gospel and building God’s Kingdom. We have recently launched our Ten-Year Mission Plan You Will be My Witnesses which will shape the diocese over the next decade.

Job Purpose

The Communications Manager is responsible for developing and implementing effective professional internal and external communications strategies for the Diocese to support the Diocesan Bishop and senior leaders as part of the Mission of the Church. This includes representing the Catholic church teaching positively, optimising multi-channel communications to reach a wide constituency, supporting key departments, managing media relations, and leading on crisis communication planning and response.

Providing high quality written management reports about the communications function using key performance indicators is part of the postholders responsibility.

The role ensures consistency and professionalism in all communications, promoting the Diocesan vision of bringing people closer to Jesus Christ through His Church.

The Postholder will work closely with the Chief Operating Officer and the Diocesan Bishop to support the delivery of the Diocesan 10-year Mission Plan “You will be My Witnesses” and to provide an excellent operational day to day communications function.

Please note there is a travel requirement, you must be able to travel across the Diocese, including the Channel Islands.

Hybrid/Flexible Working by agreement with the Line Manager. Core hours in office to be confirmed on appointment. Some out-of-office hours may be required on an ad hoc basis.

Key Internal and External Relationships

• Bishop of Portsmouth
• Chief Operating Officer
• Bishop’s Office
• Clergy, Directors, and Senior Officers of the Diocesan Curia
• Fundraising Manager
• Catholic Schools and Academies office
• Parish Priests and Administrators
• Committee Chairs (e.g., Bamenda and Caritas)
• Catholic Media
• Local Media
• Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales Communications

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Communications Strategy

• Design, develop, and implement the Diocese’s Communications Strategy which is fully aligned with the Diocese ten-year Mission plan.
• Research and identify appropriate methods and channels including secular and religious media to raise the Diocese’s profile and in turn that of the Catholic church.
• Collaborate with partners, such as the Bishops Conference of England and Wales to help shape and influence public policy aligned with Diocesan objectives.

External Communications

• Proactively identify opportunities for promoting positive news about the work of the diocese and enabling the Diocesan Bishop to contribute to thought leadership and public debate on relevant policies.
• Drafting material appropriate for publication.
• Arranging video to support key diocesan publications such as Bishops Pastoral Letters.
• Build and develop the Diocese’s links with press and media to support strategic objectives.
• Act as the point of contact for sensitive news, advising the Bishop and senior staff about handling.
• Act as the Diocesan spokesperson when required, providing a positive and supportive representation of the Catholic Church and the Diocese.
• Develop and implement a Crisis Communications Plan, crafting media statements and briefing senior colleagues on media lines to take.
• Organise media training for senior clergy and lay leaders as required.
• Work with Bishops Office to deliver the weekly E-News, being responsible for editorial control and compliance with relevant regulations, e.g. copyright law
• Work with parishes to support our stewardship journey, including developing compelling good news stories about the work of the Catholic Church.

Internal Communications

• Work closely with HR to Oversee and improve the management of internal communications to foster transparency and engagement.
• Take overall responsibility for organising monthly team briefings for the department of Administration and for other ad hoc events involving parish employee’s clergy and volunteers.
• Manage communication channels such as the intranet, regular newsletters, and staff briefings to ensure alignment with Diocesan values and goals.
• Work with Bishops office on key publications such as the annual directory.

Website and Digital Presence

• Oversee the ongoing improvements in the functionality of the Diocesan website, ensuring it is engaging, user-friendly, up to date and supports the Bishop’s vision.
• Introduce interactive and video content to enhance user experience.
• Support parishes in developing and maintaining their local websites.

Support to Key Departments

• Collaborate with key departments to design and implement tailored communication strategies. For example, Safeguarding.
• Provide tools, templates, and guidance to ensure consistent and effective messaging across departments.
• Act as ‘brand champion’, developing, overseeing and implementing brand guidelines to professionalise and standardise all external communications output, whether it emanates from within or outside the Communications department.
• Build and maintain strong positive working relationships across the DSAS and wider Diocese to support the successful delivery of the communications strategy'.

Meeting Attendance and Reporting

• Attend meetings of the Finance Audit and Risk Committee and any other meetings required, to provide briefings, regular written reports and seek approvals as needed from the Board of Trustees about Communication related matters.
• Support the work of Multidisciplinary meetings that may be called form time to time to deal with extraordinary events.
• Attend in person meetings in parishes across the Diocese where sensitive matters indicate that an in-person meeting is preferable.
• Professional approach to Online meetings.

Team Management

• Provide leadership, direction, and line management to the Communications team, ensuring objectives are met.
• Conduct regular one-to-one meetings and annual performance appraisals.
• Promote collaborative working within the team and across the Diocese.
• Monitor and evaluate team performance against individual and collective objectives.

Ad Hoc Duties

• Carry out additional duties as requested by the Bishop, senior clergy, or the Chief Operating Officer.

Values

• Maintain the ethos and values of the Catholic Church, positively promoting its teachings and activities.
• Role model the Diocese’s core values of integrity, dignity, excellence, accountability, and stewardship.

Person Specification

Competence, Expertise and Knowledge

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, strategic communications, or equivalent.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in communications at a senior level, ideally in a mission-focused, charity or public sector organisation.
• Demonstrate excellent levels of written and verbal communication, with the ability explain complicated issues fluently and persuasively.
• Capable of Analysing complex situations and provide advice to senior managers.
• Contributing to resolving the problem with the ability to anticipate and resolve problems before they arise.
• Demonstrable experience developing, managing and motivating teams/individuals to ensure success.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing communication strategies.
• Comprehensive understanding of the modern media landscape.
• Experience in crisis communication planning and response.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM platforms.
• Numerate and Excellent writing and presentation skills.
• Understanding of relevant legislation including data protection and copyright.
• Knowledge of and commitment to the teachings of the Catholic Church, and a positive approach to work.
• Experience in budget management.
• Clean Driving Licence and own transport. 

Desirable

• Membership of relevant professional bodies such as Chartered Institute of Public Relations, Chartered Institute of Journalists.
• Experience in working with and managing volunteers.
• Experience in Charity sector communications. 

Want to find out more?

Please refer to the attached Applicant Briefing Pack - Communications Manager for more information and contact details, if you would like to have an informal discussion regarding this role with the Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth's Chief Operating Officer.

Salary: £43,000-£46,000 per annum

Location: Harlow Essex, 2 days per week in the office, flexible working available.

Closing: Tuesday 28th January

About the role

The Motability Foundation is looking for a confident, driven media and PR professional to join the Communications team and lead our media and PR activity.

This a really exciting time to be joining the Foundation as we embark on our new strategy in 2025. With a recently refreshed new brand, our vision is clear, we want to help disabled people make the journeys they choose. This role will play a crucial part in our work to raise awareness of the work of the Motability Foundation and amplify the voices of disabled people across the media.

This role will take a lead on all media and PR activities. With a strong news sense, you’ll help develop and execute forward-thinking PR plans and strategies for the organisation, manage our external profile and raise awareness of the work we do, aligned to our vision.

If you are a proactive and motivated media and PR individual looking for an exciting new challenge within a friendly, flexible, and supportive team, then this could be the role for you!

What you will be doing

• Implement and manage a comprehensive and proactive PR activity schedule for the Foundation, crafting compelling content to entice journalists and the media to support our work.
• Act as the main point of contract for all media and press activity. You’ll oversee the day-to-day running of the Motability Foundation press office, providing an efficient service that makes the most of reactive and proactive media opportunities and builds our reputation with the media.
• Develop and foster strong relationships with key media outlets in the sector and journalists, broadcasters and editors to secure coverage that helps to influence key decision makers and engage our audiences in our work.
• Scan effectively for breaking news stories relevant to our areas of work.
• Produce press releases, and secure coverage using media surveys/polls.
• Working with colleagues in public affairs and our Performance and Innovation team, take a lead on proactive media activity around our policy, campaigns and research activity.
• You will work closely with our Case Study Executive to ensure we have the right stories for use in media work.
• Scan for areas of reputational risk and support the Senior Press and PR Manager with preparing for and handling reputational risk.
• Lead on crisis media enquiries and messaging, implementing the necessary checks and actions to protect the Foundation’s reputation and brand.
• Brief and train key spokespeople, developing key messaging and Q&As.
• Analyse and report on media activity for internal teams, external partners and our board, including leading on relevant reports to committees.
• Manage the press and PR budget.
• While this role doesn’t have any line management responsibilities currently, you will nevertheless be expected to support other members of the team on an informal basis.

What will make you great in this role?

You will have a strong track record of securing high profile media coverage, ideally for a national charity dealing in disability, health or social issues. You will have a great news sense and can confidently identify stories and make them work for different media outlets. You will have a flair for writing engaging copy, an eye for detail and an unwavering commitment to meeting deadlines. You will be used to briefing and supporting spokespeople with media interviews and speaking opportunities.

 You will be proactive and a strong team player as this role will need to work closely with colleagues across the communications team and wider organisation. You will be able to take the lead in some areas and lend a hand in others. You will have great people skills and will be comfortable working with people from all walks of life, from your communications colleagues to our case studies to Directors and Board Members.

Your experience

Must haves

• Expertise in media and PR.
• A strategic thinker with excellent project management and communication skills.
• Experience of working with journalists and media outlets, generating and securing strong relevant media coverage.
• Excellent news sense with extensive experience of producing effective and quick reactive news lines for breaking stories.
• The ability to develop excellent long-term media and PR strategies to deliver organisational objectives aligned to our vision.
• Strong judgement and experience of crisis communications.
• Excellent copy-writing skills and ability to influence.

Nice to haves

• Experience working in the non-profit or disability sector.
• Experience of working with PR agencies.

Reporting lines and relationships

Reports to: Senior Press and PR Manager.

Key relationships: Senior Brand and Marketing Manager, Communications Business Partners, Chief Communications Officer, CEO, Case Study Executive

Direct reports: There may be potential line management responsibility in the future as the role evolves.

Extra Information

• The role is based in Harlow, Essex, at Motability’s offices. They are easily commutable from London, just 30 minutes from Liverpool Street station or 18 minutes from Tottenham Hale station. There is a free minibus which brings staff from Harlow Town station to the office at specific times each day.
• We offer blended working within this role – with two days a week in the office or at key stakeholder meetings externally required.  

About us

At Motability Foundation we fund, support, research and innovate so that all disabled people can make the journeys they choose. We oversee the Motability Foundation Scheme and provide grants to help people use it, providing access to transport to hundreds of thousands of people a year.

We award grants to other charities and organisations who provide different types of transport, or work towards making transport accessible. We also carry out ongoing research, in partnership with disabled people and key stakeholders in the industry, to inspire innovations that continue to champion accessible transport for all.

A fantastic opportunity has arisen to play a leading role at Cure Parkinson’s, as our PR Manager (maternity cover). This role will be responsible for leading the charity’s media presence and PR activity, ensuring our voice and message are heard as a progressive research charity innovating on behalf of people living with Parkinson's, determined to urgently find a cure.

Joining us at an exciting time for the charity, you would be part of a small but dynamic team with the opportunity to develop and make your own mark.

The ideal candidate will have experience of working in a busy press office, of strategically planning and executing media campaigns and a demonstrable record of securing national and regional coverage with high engagement and reach. You will have a flair for writing and generating news stories, and exceptional people and communication skills.

This is a fixed-term maternity cover contract (min 12 months). 

About the role

You will

• Celebrate the achievements of brain injury survivors across the UK, promote the services that Headway UK offers and raise awareness of the prevalence of brain injury.
• Establish Headway as a leading voice in the area of brain injury, ensuring that relevant media outlets are presented with relevant information.

What you will do

• Obtain regular positive national and local media coverage for Headway
• Produce high-quality written materials for release to the media
• Communicate with and facilitate media coverage for independent Headway charities and volunteer-led branches, helping to raise their profiles locally
• Monitor and evaluate media coverage and PR activity to enable the effective tracking of the charity’s reputation.
• Be the first point of call for all media enquiries and take appropriate action
• Manage and cultivate relationships with local and national media.
• Liaise with the fundraising department and promote its initiatives in local and national media outlets.
• Source and interview individuals willing to share their personal experiences of brain injury & to draft personal testimonies and create a database of case studies ready to be used in reaction to relevant news stories.
• Assist in the production of Headway News and other regular communications
• Assist in the planning and execution of the national campaign for Action for Brain Injury Week and to assist in the implementation of additional campaigns throughout the year

About you

We’re open-minded & welcome all applicants who believe they can succeed. Though ideally, you will:

• Have experience of working with local, regional and national media outlets, including crafting in press releases and sell-in

• Have experience of interviewing people from all backgrounds

• Have a highly collaborative working style, fostering teamwork and cross-functional cooperation.

• Be comfortable being the first point of call for journalist enquiries

• Excellent organisational abilities, with a track record of managing multiple projects and meeting deadlines efficiently.

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, ensuring clear, effective messaging across all channels.

Visit our website to find out more about the role, the work of Headway, the benefits we offer and apply for this job. We look forward to hearing from you.

Media Relations and Communications Officer (full-time, permanent, but open to 0.8FTE)

FTE £33,500 per annum plus benefits

Business Disability Forum is the leading business membership organisation in disability inclusion. Our Communications and Marketing team is working hard to promote the benefits of disability inclusion to businesses, employers and public policy makers through our research, resources, thought leadership and events.

If you want to help improve the life experiences of disabled people, have proven media relations experience, can write for a variety of audiences and have an understanding of the UK public policy landscape, come and join our busy and friendly team as Media Relations and Communications Officer. 

We are looking for someone who already loves working in media relations, but who can also support broader communications activity. If you have a can-do attitude, the tenacity to pursue media coverage, and great attention to detail, we’d love to hear from you.

The majority of this role will focus on developing and delivering proactive and reactive print, online, broadcast and podcast media relations activity to promote the benefits of disability inclusion, our public policy positions, our membership and our services. You would also support broader communications activity through planning and writing content for multiple platforms.

You will have:

• Significant experience of media relations with a proven track record at officer level.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience turning complex policy issues and research into compelling press releases, articles, and other content.
• Experience selling in stories to journalists with the motivation to keep going and follow up.
• Experience writing content for a range of audiences and channels.

This is a full-time permanent role but 0.8 FTE will be considered (Monday and Friday required). The role is based in our Communications and Marketing Team (6 people) and will report to our Media Relations Lead.

We offer opportunities for flexible working, including variable start and finish times, hybrid or remote working. Most staff work an average of two days a week in our office in central London (EC4)

How to apply

Applications should be by CV and a supporting statement, of up to 400 words, detailing why you think you would be suitable for the role. If you require any adjustments to the application process please contact Barnaby Powell as set out below. Applications should be addressed to Barnaby Powell, HR & Office Manager, Business Disability Forum, Dowgate Hill House 14-16 Dowgate Hill House, London EC4R 2SU. If you are submitting your application by email please do so to barnabyp @ businessdisabilityforum .org .uk

• Closing date for applications: Sunday, 9 February 2025.
• First interviews are planned for the 18 & 20 February 2025.
• Second interviews are likely to take place 25 February 2025.

Business Disability Forum is committed to ensuring that all its information, products and services are as accessible as possible to everyone.

If you wish to discuss anything in regards to accessibility or if you require alternative formats please contact Barnaby Powell by email at the address above or by telephone on 020-7403-3020.

For further information on Business Disability Forum please refer to our website via the button below.

Equal opportunities

We are committed to becoming disability-smart and an employer of choice irrespective of race (which includes colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins), sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, age, disability, or pregnancy and maternity. The ethical and business case of ensuring that our workforce is representative of wider society is at the heart of what we do. When we are recruiting, disabled candidates who meet all of the essential criteria will be offered an interview.

Media Relation and Communications Officer
c. £33,000 per annum pro rata
Permanent- Part Time (4 days per week)- London- Hybrid

The Talent Set is delighted to be partnering with a leading business membership organisation as they recruit for a Media Relations and Communications Officer. The role will involve creating and executing proactive and reactive media relations campaigns across print, online, broadcast, and podcast platforms. These campaigns will highlight the mission of the organisation and promote their membership, products, services, and policy initiatives. Additionally, the successful postholder will contribute to wider communications efforts by planning and producing content for various platforms.

Key Responsibilities:

• Draft press releases, statements, articles, and case studies tailored to various media audiences, ensuring alignment with brand tone of voice and style guidelines.
• Build and maintain relationships with journalists, create targeted media lists, and secure opportunities for interviews, thought leadership, and commentary.
• Update press releases, media coverage, and resources for journalists while monitoring and filing media coverage.
• Collaborate on proactive and reactive media campaigns to promote events, and public policy through traditional and new media channels.
• Write content for blogs, newsletters, and social media, contributing to case studies and ensuring accessible digital content.
• Foster relationships with internal teams, members, and partners, maintaining accurate records and supporting organisational goals and values.

Person Specification:

• Demonstrates a strong commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a focus on promoting accessible and inclusive communication.
• Awareness of UK public policy, flexible working style, alignment with organisational values, and a can-do attitude to deliver results collaboratively.
• Proven experience in delivering impactful media relations across diverse media, including proactively pitching stories and maintaining strong journalist relationships.
• Skilled in transforming complex policy ideas and research into compelling press releases, articles, and content tailored to different audiences and channels.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities, with strong proofing skills, attention to detail, and a clear understanding of audience-specific messaging.

The deadline for applications is Friday 24th January 2024.

To be considered for this position please apply with your CV as soon as possible, regrettably please note we may not be able to reply to each and every application.

We are committed to diverse and inclusive recruitment practises that ensure equal opportunity for everyone, regardless of race, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, age or gender. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and will happily make reasonable adjustments to always ensure a fair process.

Justlife’s Vision

Making people's experience of temporary accommodation be short, safe and healthy.

About this role

We are seeking an experienced Communications Manager who will elevate our charity’s profile, amplify our mission, engage stakeholders and influence policy change nationally through compelling storytelling and impactful campaigns. The role will lead on shaping and delivering our communications strategy, ensuring our messaging is clear, consistent, and aligned with our vision of transforming temporary accommodation (TA).

The ideal candidate will be as comfortable with high-level strategy and planning as getting their hands dirty in the day-to-day of making that strategy happen. They will care about our cause of bringing about change for people living in homeless Temporary Accommodation across the country. They will be a self-starter with great communications skills and an ability to think strategically alongside a flexible, pro-active and open approach to work.

Working closely with our senior leadership, policy and fundraising teams, they will combine excellent organisation, communication and people skills to move forward the comms across our charity, leading this area of our work at an exciting time for Justlife as a charity. We are just launching the Transforming Temporary Accommodation Project, a national 5 year initiative aiming to radically reduce the use of TA while improving standards for those who depend on it.

The Communications Manager will play a crucial role in developing our communications strategy and delivery around this project, as well as across the wider work of the charity including our policy and research work, our frontline services in Brighton and Manchester, and our communication with donors and supporters.

After appointing this post, we will also be recruiting for a Communications Assistant, who will be supervised by the Communications Manager. We hope this new Comms team will be passionate about our work, strategic in their approach and brilliant at getting stuff done. To help make this happen, you will join a supportive team and working environment where your wellbeing is valued as much as your work. This role will ideally be based at one of our offices in Brighton or Manchester but we will consider a hybrid role. It will require some national travel and occasional overnight stays.

Why do we exist

Justlife is in existence because we know thousands of people struggle to manage in poor and unsuitable temporary accommodation. Their stay isn’t temporary, they are likely to be suffering with deteriorating mental and physical health, becoming victims of crime, losing control of their life and even dying prematurely. We are working towards making their stays as short, safe and healthy as possible.

How do we operate?

Our values guide our work and are very important to us:

• Collaboration before competition
• People before programmes
• Innovation before Institutions

What do we do?

Justlife delivers impactful services in Greater Manchester and Brighton & Hove, supporting and empowering people experiencing homelessness in temporary accommodation. We also drive positive system change across the national temporary accommodation sector, convening those with a common interest; people with lived experience, landlords, charities, local and national government, and carrying out research and gathering insights.

We aim to grow our impact and reach, supporting more people in temporary accommodation and to build a movement that brings about lasting positive change.

Why work for us?

Here at Justlife, we're committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We want to be an organisation that's representative of the communities we serve, which is why we strive for diversity of age, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, ethnicity and perspective.

Perks of working at Justlife

• Great holiday package! Starting at 27 days annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays (increasing to 29 days after 5 years’ service and 30 days after 10 years’ service)
• Additional 5 days annual leave purchase scheme through salary sacrifice
• Enhanced pension contribution scheme, 5% Justlife contribution (correct at time of print)
• Cycle to work scheme
• 2 Volunteering days per year

Employment Terms and Conditions

Job Title: Communications Manager

Hours: Full time, but open to part-time hours for the right candidate.

Contract Type/Term: Permanent

Normal hrs. to be worked: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. This role will also involve some national travel as well as occasional overnight stays, evening and weekend work.

Location: Ideally based in Brighton or Manchester for at least 2 days a week.

Salary: £42,023 per annum.

Closing date for applications: Midnight on Monday 10th February 2025

Application Process
To apply, please submit a covering letter addressing how you meet the person specification, together with an up to date CV and Equal Opportunities form.

We may hold short informal Zoom interviews in the week of 16th February. Final in-person interviews are planned for Wednesday 5th or Thursday 6th March. These are likely to be in London but we will confirm nearer the time - we can cover reasonable travel expenses for those invited to interview.

You will receive an automated email receipt of your submitted forms. If you do not hear from us by the end of Friday 14th February, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. We are grateful to you for considering this role but unfortunately we are unable to provide feedback on unsuccessful shortlisting.

Job Summary

The Communications Manager will elevate our charity’s profile, amplify our mission, engage stakeholders and influence policy change nationally through compelling storytelling and impactful campaigns. The role will lead on shaping and delivering our communications strategy, ensuring our messaging is clear, consistent, and aligned with our vision of transforming temporary accommodation (TA).

The role will work closely with colleagues to play a key role in bringing about change for people living in homeless TA across the country. Developing and delivering campaigns that increase the awareness of our brand, the impact of our work and the change we believe is needed.

This role will include:

• Developing and implementing a comprehensive communications strategy to support our vision to transform temporary accommodation.
• Enhancing our brand identity as thought leaders in the sector and delivery experts in supporting people in TA.
• Delivering compelling content across multiple channels to engage with relevant stakeholders.

Role Description

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy to support our mission and strategic goals.
• Manage and enhance our brand identity, ensuring all external and internal communications align with our values and objectives.
• Create compelling content across multiple channels, including press releases, blogs, newsletters, social media, and reports.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with media outlets, journalists, and other key stakeholders to maximize coverage and influence.
• Lead on digital communications, including website management, social media strategy, and analytics to improve engagement and reach.
• Support advocacy and fundraising efforts by developing targeted campaigns that resonate with donors, policymakers, and the wider public.
• Collaborate with internal teams to gather stories and insights that showcase the impact of our work.
• Work with the staff teams to provide effective internal communications.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of communications initiatives, using insights to refine strategies and drive continuous improvement.
• Managing a communications assistant and external agencies/freelancers involved in our communications, marketing and branding.

This job description is intended as an outline indicator of general areas of activity and will be amended in light of the changing needs of Justlife. It is expected that the post holder will be as positive and flexible as possible in using this document as a framework, and in performing other duties commensurate with these responsibilities, the band of the post and skills and qualification of the post-holder.

Person Specification

 Experience & Knowledge

• Experience as a communications manager or in a similar role, preferably in the charity, non-profit, or social impact sector.
• Strong understanding of media relations and experience in securing coverage across various platforms.
• Experience of developing and implementing a strategic communications plan for internal and external communications.
• Knowledge of homelessness, housing policy, or social justice issues (desirable but not essential)
• Experience of managing staff and/or freelancers/agency relationships.
• Experience or knowledge of working in a person-centred way with people with lived experience of homelessness or marginalisation.

Skills

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with a talent for storytelling and producing a range of written materials including press releases, media statements, fundraising copy etc.
• Proficiency in digital communications, including managing websites, social media platforms, and analytics tools.
• IT skills (Office suite, online cloud-based tools).
• Strategic thinker with excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships, influence and communicate effectively with a range of people.
• Flexibility, adaptability and an ability to think creatively.

Personal attributes

• A strong commitment to drive change for people living in TA.
• Commitment to diversity and anti-oppressive practice in all areas of work.
• Self-motivation, able to prioritise workload and operate without close guidance from a manager.
• Commitment to the values of Justlife:
  • Collaboration before competition
  • People before programmes
  • Innovation before Institution

Job title: Media Officer

Salary: £35,233 per annum

Location: London E1 (Hybrid working)

Contract/Hours: 35 hours per week, full time, nine month maternity cover contract

Fairtrade Foundation is recruiting for a Media Officer to work within the Press Office section of the Public Affairs Team on the development and delivery of media strategies and campaigns.  You will need to build and maintain relationships with print, broadcast, and digital media outlets, to ensure impactful coverage of Fairtrade and its positive impact for producers. 

The role is a vital and highly visible one within the Foundation. You will join a small high performing team that creates, develops, and promotes compelling stories about Fairtrade to increase awareness of Fairtrade's work, our mission and help influence for a fairer trade system, as well as playing a key role in events such as the Fairtrade Fortnight. You will have excellent writing skills, along with experience of working in a busy press office dealing directly with journalists and managing the external media monitoring and press clippings services. You will often be first point of contact for journalist enquiries. You should also have experience of using web content management systems and specialist journalist contact databases such as Cision and Meltwater. If you have experience of organising events for journalists with the aim of securing media coverage, that’s great, but it’s not essential.

It’s an exciting time to join the Fairtrade Foundation – we have just celebrated 30 years of the FAIRTRADE Mark in the UK. Fairtrade Foundation is a passionate and ambitious development organisation committed to tackling poverty and injustice through trade. We are best known as the independent, not-for-profit body behind the FAIRTRADE Mark, a product label assuring consumers that their purchase helps disadvantaged farmers and workers in developing countries secure a better deal.

Fairtrade changes the way trade works through better prices, decent working conditions and a fairer deal for farmers and workers around the world. Globally, across all Fairtrade members, we share a vision of a world in which all farmers and workers can enjoy secure and sustainable livelihoods, fulfil their potential and decide on their future. To achieve this we connect disadvantaged farmers and workers with consumers, promote fairer trading conditions, and empower farmers and workers to combat poverty, strengthen their position and take more control of their lives.

The Fairtrade Foundation is an equal opportunities employer, offers flexible working and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We particularly welcome applications from candidates with ethnically diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ candidates and from candidates with disabilities, because we would like to increase the representation of these groups at this level. We want to do this because we know greater diversity will lead to greater results for producers and farmers around the world.

Closing date: 10am, Monday 3 February 2025

Interviews will take place: WC 10th or 17th February 2025

Policy and External Affairs Officer

Job Description and Person Specification

Job title Policy and External Affairs Officer

Hours 35 hours per week

Salary £26,000 per annum

Location Home based with travel to our London office for team and other meetings

Reports to Communications Manager

National Voices

Making what matters to people matter in health and care

National Voices is the leading coalition of health and social care charities in England. We have more than 200 members covering a diverse range of health conditions and communities, connecting us with the experiences of millions of people. We work together to strengthen the voice of people: patients, service users, carers, their families, and the voluntary organisations that work for them.

Our Vision:

People shaping their health and care.

Our Mission:

We advocate for more inclusive and person centred health and care, shaped by the people who use and need it the most.

We do this by:

· Understanding and advocating for what matters to people especially those living with health conditions and groups who experience inequalities.

· Finding common cause across communities and conditions by working with member charities and those they support.

· Connecting and convening charities, decision makers and citizens to work together to change health and care for good.

The Role

The purpose of the Project and External Affairs Officer role is to:

• Communicate National Voices’ policy positions and project work to members, decision makers, external influencers and media
• Assist senior members of the policy team to develop policy positions and communications materials which support the adoption and spread of equitable and person-centred health and care services and help deliver National Voices’ five year strategy
• Work with voluntary sector organisations and people with the greatest health and care needs to develop National Voices’ policy positions and deliver funded project work

The role will predominantly be a mix of communications and policy-focused work, with a larger share of the work likely focused on communications.

Support our communications work

· Develop engaging content that conveys National Voices messages to members, external stakeholders, and media (including managing the day to day running of social media platforms) to maximise the reach and impact of the organisation’s policy messages

· Create National Voices’ membership content, including members communications, managing the National Voices’ blog and draft website content

· Support the maintenance of National Voices’ website, keeping the site up to date and coordinating input and content from National Voices staff. 

· Coordinate the production of key publications, from liaising with partner organisations to overseeing design and production, ensuring final documents are accessible.

· Support media relations activity by drafting media statements, liaising with journalists, developing and maintaining press lists, and other activity as required

· Track press coverage and other analytics where needed

· Help build and maintain relationships with external stakeholders relevant to policy and communication work, through networking and participation in advisory groups and within alliances.

Support the policy team

· Work with voluntary sector organisations and people with the greatest health and care needs to understand their experiences, perspectives and ambitions, for example via workshops, focus groups and in-depth interviews.

· Draft policy briefings, position papers, consultation responses, blogs, reports, letters and other policy and communications documents that capture agreed positions.

· Work with senior members of the team to organise, deliver and facilitate events and post event analysis, both large and small, online and in-person.

· Assist senior members of the team on a range of short-term and long-term policy and insight projects, by horizon scanning, scoping and developing ideas for future projects and new business.

· Read and analyse the influencing work our members undertake (reports, events) and share content with the National Voices team, identifying and making connections.

General

· Take a pro-active approach to including our members and people with lived experience in all areas of our work.

· Support the senior team in identifying potential new members and funding opportunities where possible.

· Support good project, financial and data management.

· Follow processes set out to measure, monitor and communicate the impact of our work.

· Contribute to the National Voices’ team planning activities where relevant and undertake other relevant duties as appropriate.

Person Specification

Essential values, attitudes and behaviours

· Passionate about National Voices’ mission and work.

· Proactive, flexible and responsive.

· Able to work as part of a team towards a common goal.

· Committed to reducing inequality and embracing diversity.

· Comfortable with a range of views and perspectives and keen to make connections and build relationships.

· Willing and confident to assert views and constructively challenge others.

Essential skills, abilities and experience

· Strong communication skills, both written and oral.

· Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills.

· Strong organisational and project management skills, including demonstrable ability to prioritise workload and maintain quality.

· Able to synthesise complex information and present it in simple and impactful ways.

· Strong listening skills and ability to identify themes within interviews, focus groups and workshops.

· Strong attention to detail

· Strong IT skills including Microsoft Office programmes, CRM systems, online conference/meeting software and other programmes where required.

· Able to work well under pressure and to tight deadlines.

· Experience of working under pressure and to deadlines in a high performing team.

Our approach to hybrid working

We recognise the importance of coming together regularly, in-person, as a team, so we can share learnings and spend social time with each other. We also recognise that people need flexibility, and that homeworking enables focused work and can fit well in people’s lives.

We ask all staff to take part in pre-arranged team meetings which take place every six weeks in our office space. We also might ask you to meet in-person with members of your team from time to time, or to be available for face-to- face meetings with clients and partners where this enhances the work.

We assume that this would usually not amount to more than one day per fortnight for people who work full time. We are happy to discuss how this sits in your life. This can be agreed by your line manager.

Application guidance

Please submit a cover letter along with a CV to apply.

Applications should be addressed to our Director of Policy and External Affairs, Sharon Brennan, and submitted through CharityJob.

Please specify any access or other requirements of which we need to be aware for the online interview.

The deadline for applications is Sunday 2 February at 11:59 pm.

The interviews will take place the week commencing Monday 10 February 2025 on Microsoft Teams and please expect to complete a written assignment

Details of an interview task and interview questions will be emailed to you prior to the interview.

We are committed to diversifying our team in order to broaden the insight and experiences we can draw on, and to do our work more credibly. So we strongly encourage people from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic background, and people who live with health conditions or disability to apply. Our offices are fully accessible and we are an LGBT+ friendly employer. Men are currently underrepresented in our team so we would welcome applications from men and non-binary people.

You can find our workplace policies on our website under Work with us>Vacancies>Our workplace policies

Senior Media Officer 

London or Birmingham - Hybrid Working  (minimum 1 day office per week / remaining days home working) 

Salary £36,935 - £38,284 depending on location  

Permanent, Full Time 

Birmingham £36,935 per annum plus pension 

London £38,284 per annum plus pension 

Closing date: 27th January 2025 

Do you have experience as a press officer or journalist or an impressive track record of increasing the profile of a consumer-facing charity brand across a range of media? Are you looking for an opportunity to make a difference? Then we want to hear from you! 

At the Money Advice Trust, we help people recover from financial difficulty, and aim to stop it happening in the first place. We’re looking for a Senior Media Officer to help us raise awareness of our vital debt advice services by securing high-volume, high-impact consumer facing media coverage, including TV and radio coverage. 

As Senior Media Officer you will need to be confident in developing and implementing effective media strategies, to help us grow the reach and impact of our services and to campaign for change. 

We’re looking for someone with excellent news and media judgement, who can proactively identify and create media opportunities. You’ll also need excellent writing and editing skills and be able to build and maintain strong relationships with journalists. 

In return, you’ll make a real difference by ensuring more people get the support they need, and by helping to prevent financial difficulty. It is an extremely rewarding role in a friendly and supportive environment with excellent salary and benefits. 

• 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays 

• A contributory pension scheme 

• Hybrid working arrangement 

• Generous Life Insurance 

• Wellbeing days 

•  Healthcare cash back scheme 

• Free on-site gym 

• Enhanced maternity pay 

• Long service awards 

• Subsidised parking 

• Social events 

• Birthday voucher 

• Employee Assistance Programme 

We reserve the right to close the role early should we receive high numbers of applications. To avoid disappointment, please apply as soon as possible. 

We will only use the data you supply to us in CVs or application forms for recruitment purposes. This data will be held for twelve months. For further information please refer to our Privacy Notice for Job Applicants, available on the vacancies page of our website. 

We take diversity seriously and are committed to making diversity and inclusion a part of everything we do. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve. Our vision, underpinned by our values, to put people first, support each other and solve problems, is to be a place where everyone feels welcome and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work and to make the Money Advice Trust an employer of choice. 

We are committed to working in an equitable, diverse and inclusive environment and welcome applications from all backgrounds. We use a blind recruitment system which hides your personal details such as name, address, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, educational institution to ensure all candidates are on a level playing field. Personal details will only be revealed once the application has been shortlisted. 

Summary of Role/ Crynodeb o’r Rôl

The Head of Communications and Narrative Change (HCNC) will lead the Imagine Action project and oversee the development and implementation of a communications & media strategy for Climate Cymru.

The role will involve line managing 3 part-time staff as well as freelancers, volunteers and artists. The HCNC will work closely with stakeholders, journalists, press and media, cultivating relationships to maximise impact.

Inspiring engagement from partners will be key to the role. Sitting at the heart of a large movement and leading a cutting-edge project, this role presents an exciting opportunity for a strategic communicator to have a transformative impact.

Y Pennaeth Cyfathrebu a Newid Naratif fydd yn arwain y prosiect Dychmygu Gweithredu, ac yn goruchwylio'r gwaith o ddatblygu a gweithredu strategaeth gyfathrebu a chyfryngau ar gyfer Climate Cymru. Bydd y rôl yn cynnwys gweithredu fel rheolwr llinell i 3 aelod o staff rhan-amser yn ogystal â gweithwyr llawrydd, gwirfoddolwyr ac artistiaid. Bydd y Pennaeth yn gweithio'n agos gyda rhanddeiliaid, newyddiadurwyr, y wasg a'r cyfryngau, ac yn meithrin perthnasoedd i sicrhau'r effaith fwyaf. Bydd ysbrydoli ymgysylltu gan bartneriaid yn allweddol i'r rôl. Mae eistedd yng nghalon mudiad mawr ac arwain prosiect arloesol yn cyflwyno cyfle cyffrous i gyfathrebwr strategol gael effaith drawsnewidiol. 

About Climate Cymru

Climate Cymru (https://climate.cymru/) is a movement of thousands of individuals and a network of over 380 organisations from all sectors in Wales, brought together by shared values and a recognition that the climate and nature emergencies require urgent, fair action. We believe that action should be guided by science and the voices of people across Wales. Climate Cymru is hosted by the Welsh Centre for International Affairs (WCIA). WCIA is a charity that inspires people in Wales to learn about and take action on global issues. WCIA’s vision is that everyone in Wales contributes to creating a fairer and more peaceful world. Climate Cymru is impact-focused and a powerful vehicle for change in Welsh society. We do this by:

● Putting pressure on those with power to take concrete action

● Engaging productively with the Welsh Government

● Making sure voices from across Wales are heard and represented

● Inspiring and connecting our network

● Amplifying and accelerating our partners' work

● Sharing important information and opportunities with our network and the wider public

● Learning from society in Wales, and beyond

● Building broad public support for action

● Representing Welsh voices and organisations nationally and internationally

About Imagine Action

Imagine Action is a project born out of a shared concern about an escalating culture war, increasing polarisation in society and the need to adapt to a much more distributed, evolving information ecosystem. Imagine Action helps communities across Wales redefine public narratives, inspire climate action, reduce social polarisation, and counter misinformation. It reframes climate action from a false narrative of sacrifice to one of collective opportunity, presenting locally relevant, values-driven stories rooted in fairness, unity, and community well-being. The concept was co-created over 2 year period by the Climate Cymru movement and the voices of communities around Wales. The work is based on cutting edge communications principles as well as the latest narrative and social change research. A pilot project designed a set of tools that makes cutting-edge narrative and communications principles easy to use. Imagine Action will upskill and train groups, organisations and networks around Wales to use these tools to tell their stories in a compelling, human and relatable way. The initiative connects grassroots voices with decision-makers, amplifying local stories and strategically placing stories to drive change and redefine public and political narratives. Partnerships with the network of 380 organisations, artists, researchers, and changemakers enhance the reach and resonance of these stories, embedding them within broader cultural and political frameworks. A webinar from the pilot that outlines the Imagine Action Tools is

Specific responsibilities for this role include:

Strategic Leadership and Project Oversight

● Lead the delivery of the Imagine Action project, ensuring alignment with Climate Cymru’s vision, values, and strategic objectives.

● Develop and implement a strategic communications and media plan to amplify Climate Cymru’s mission and the Imagine Action project’s objectives.

● Provide oversight and guidance to the narrative change activities, ensuring they are innovative, impactful, and inclusive.

● Work collaboratively with the Head of Climate Cymru and other stakeholders to shape and refine the overarching communications strategy.

Media Relations and Press Work

● Cultivate strong relationships with journalists, press and media partners to secure impactful coverage for Climate Cymru and Imagine Action.

● Identify and place compelling stories in relevant media channels, ensuring the voices of Welsh communities are amplified.

● Brief and support spokespeople for media engagements, ensuring alignment with key messages and organizational values.

● Develop and maintain a database of press and media contacts to strategically target and expand outreach efforts. Narrative and Storytelling Development

● Oversee the creation of narratives that connect climate action to values such as fairness, community and opportunity.

● Work with partners, artists, and researchers to develop and disseminate compelling storytelling content, including videos, articles, social media assets and artistic displays.

● Ensure the integration of Imagine Action tools and principles in the development of community narratives and communications outputs.

● Lead workshops and training sessions for stakeholders to empower them with narrative change tools and techniques.

Team Management and Collaboration

● Line manage part-time staff, freelancers, and volunteers, ensuring clarity of roles, responsibilities, and goals.

● Provide mentorship and support to team members, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing work environment.

● Coordinate with the Network Coordinator and Community, Storytelling & Inclusion Coordinator to ensure seamless integration of volunteer and community engagement activities.

Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships

● Collaborate with Climate Cymru’s network of 380+ partners to amplify their communications impact and foster strategic alliances.

● Work with community groups, delivery partners, and other stakeholders to co-create narratives and ensure their voices are central to communications strategies.

● Build partnerships with key influencers and allies to expand the reach and resonance of Imagine Action. Content Creation and Channel Management

● Oversee the production of high-quality, bilingual content for various channels, including social media, newsletters, websites, and press releases.

● Develop and implement social media strategies to engage audiences, raise awareness, and drive narrative change.

● Ensure consistent and impactful messaging across all communications platforms. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

● Track and evaluate the effectiveness of communications strategies, media coverage, and narrative change activities.

● Provide progress reports to the Head of Climate Cymru, WCIA’s Board of Trustees, and funders.

● Use feedback loops from stakeholders and partners to adapt and refine communications and narrative change strategies.

Additional Responsibilities

● Represent Climate Cymru and Imagine Action at key events, conferences and public forums to promote the initiative’s goals.

● Contribute to fundraising efforts by showcasing the success and impact of the Imagine Action project through compelling reports and presentations.

● Undertake other duties as required.

Person Specification

Applicants must demonstrate the following attributes by linking them with relevant experiences and achievements in the job application statement. Essential requirements

1. Demonstrated understanding of, and commitment to, Climate Cymru’s mission and WCIA’s vision for a fairer, more peaceful world.

2. Strong personal drive for urgent, fair climate and nature action, with a belief in the transformative power of storytelling and communications.

3. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with a proven ability to inspire and engage a wide range of audiences.

4. A strategic mindset, with experience developing and delivering impactful media and communications plans.

5. Demonstrated ability to foster collaboration and build partnerships with individuals and organizations to amplify shared goals.

6. Competency in project management, including meeting deadlines, managing budgets, and delivering high-quality outputs.

7. A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion including experience of supporting people from all backgrounds to get involved in collective work.

8. Proven experience in securing press coverage, cultivating media relationships, and supporting spokespeople with effective briefings and preparation.

9. Experience in managing multiple communications channels, including digital platforms, press outreach and social media.

Desirable attributes

1. Fluency in Welsh, with the ability to write and deliver communications in Welsh and bilingually.

2. In-depth knowledge of climate and nature crises, including interconnected social justice issues such as climate justice and climate anxiety.

3. Relevant specialist content creation skills (e.g. photography, videography, journalism)

4. Existing professional relationships with media outlets, journalists, or stakeholders relevant to Climate Cymru’s mission.

5. Familiarity with narrative change tools and frameworks, including their application in grassroots or policy-oriented work.

6. Experience working within or alongside creative sectors, such as collaborating with artists, storytellers, or researchers to create impactful content.

7. Knowledge of the Welsh and UK cultural, social, and political context and its relevance to climate action.

Circa £68,000 per annum

Fixed term, 12 month Early Moments Leave (maternity) cover

Part home/Part office (London) based

UNICEF ensures more of the world’s children are vaccinated, educated and protected than any other organisation. We have done more to influence laws and policies to help protect children than anyone else. We get things done. And we’re not going to stop until the world is a safe place for all our children.

This is a great opportunity to join UNICEF UK as Head of Media.

Join our team at UNICEF UK as the Head of Media, where you will spearhead public relations, news, emergencies, corporate and partnership communications efforts. Your role will involve crafting and executing powerful media campaigns aligned with our priorities to drive income generation, impact and influence for children in need.

You will be a forward-thinking leader with a proven track record in managing diverse senior internal and external stakeholders and teams, leveraging media channels to influence key decision-makers and the public. Your experience in motivating and leading high-performing teams and an agile and responsive press office will be crucial. In this role you will lead all crisis communication planning and strategies to navigate challenges effectively and uphold our organisation's reputation.

Please bear in mind that when you write your response to our application questions, you demonstrate your knowledge, skills, and understanding of the role requirements and how well UNICEF UK’s values and mission aligns with yours. Relying completely on Artificial Intelligence (AI) such as ChatGPT in answering questions will impact your answers and individuality.

Act now and visit the website via the apply button to apply online.

Closing date: 5pm, Sunday 26 January 2025.

Interview date: TBC

In return, we offer:

· excellent pay and benefits (including flexible working, generous annual leave and pension, big brand discounts and wellbeing tools)

· outstanding training and learning opportunities and the support to flourish in your role

· impressive open plan office space and facilities on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

· an open culture and workplace with colleagues who share our values, enjoy their work and are motivated to do their utmost for children.

· the opportunity to work in a leading children’s organisation making a difference to children around the world

Our application process: We use a system called "Applied" that anonymises your responses and focuses on your actual skills that are relevant to this role. This benefits you by giving you a greater chance of expressing your skills in this objective selection process.

Please bear in mind that when you write your response to our application questions, you demonstrate your knowledge, skills, and understanding of the role requirements and how well UNICEF UK’s values and mission aligns with yours. Relying completely on Artificial Intelligence (AI) such as ChatGPT in answering questions will impact your answers and individuality.

We anticipate most colleagues will work one or two days a week in the office on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, East London (change to Scotland address if appropriate) and the rest of the time from home.  We will happily discuss other flexible options to suit your circumstances.

We particularly welcome applications from black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates, disabled candidates, and from men, because we would like to increase the representation of these groups at this level at UNICEF UK. We want to do this because we know greater diversity will lead to even greater results for children.

UNICEF UK promotes equality, diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We make employment decisions by matching business needs with skills and experience of candidates, irrespective of 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 welcome a conversation about your flexible working requirements, personal growth, and promoting a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.

The successful candidate will be required to apply for a criminal records check. A criminal record will not necessarily bar you from working with us. This will depend on the nature of the role and the circumstances of your offences.

We only accept online applications as this saves us money, making more funds available for us to help ensure children’s rights.

If you require support in completing the online form or an application form in an alternative format, please contact the Supporter Care line during office hours.

If you do not hear from us within 14 days of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. Please note that we only provide feedback to shortlisted candidates.

Registered Charity Nos. 1072612 (England and Wales) SC043677 (Scotland)

Reports to: Director of Programmes, with a dotted line to Head of Who’s Losing Learning Campaign

Start date: As soon as possible

Location: Hybrid with 50% office presence

Contract:  Permanent; full time

Salary: £40,000-£50,000 per annum, depending on experience (+6% employer pension contribution)

Closing date for applications: Midnight Sunday 2nd February

The Task Ahead

As The Difference moves from its early start-up phase into the delivery of our 2025-30 strategy, our programmes and sector-influencing work are expanding to reach more schools and to deepen our impact. 

As Communications and Marketing Lead, you will be a key member of the Research, Impact & Influence team. You will hold end-to-end responsibility for the communications and marketing function, from developing impactful content to executing high-profile events. You will decide where and how our existing processes could be improved, as well as developing new strategies that will underpin our work as a larger and more established charity. 

The Difference is still a small and growing charity. This means that our work is fast-paced, our roles are broad, and there is a culture of being reactive and flexible, as the needs of the organisation evolve. If this sounds exciting rather than daunting, then this could be the role and team for you!

Areas of Responsibility

The Difference is looking for a Communications and Marketing Lead to lead our this function in the following ways:

Communications

• Storytelling & content relation: Produce engaging and informative content that showcases the impact of The Difference's work and resonates with target audiences. Develop compelling narratives and case studies that demonstrate the value of our programs and services, effectively communicating our impact and expertise.

• Media Relations & brand awareness: Proactively build relationships with journalists and key influencers to secure coverage that advances our mission and drives engagement. Support The Difference team to draft and deliver engaging and high quality content in a range of styles. Cultivate The Difference's profile and influence by planning and placing articles, blog posts, social media campaigns and reports for sector-specific and national press.

Marketing

• Sales & Marketing: Drive sales for our school leadership programmes and events through targeted marketing campaigns, including social media, developing compelling collateral, managing online advertising, and exploring innovative approaches to reach potential clients and partners.
   

• Conference Management: Lead the planning, organisation, and execution of conferences and events, including our annual IncludED conference as well as smaller focus events, designed to generate direct sales and raise awareness of The Difference's work. This includes managing budgets, logistics, marketing, and delegate experience to ensure successful and impactful events.

• Events presence: Identify and map out key events where The Difference should have a presence throughout the year. Support the wider Difference team to ensure delivery and presence feeds back to sales.
   

Person Specification

Essential – We are looking for the following skills, aptitude and experience; though you may be stronger in some areas than others:
 

• Proven track record in marketing and communications, ideally within the children’s services or non-profit sector. This will include:

  • A demonstrable understanding of marketing principles and digital marketing best practices to achieve specific goals (e.g. sales targets and/or creating policy change)

  • Proficiency in social media marketing and campaigning and using digital tools to maximise impact

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills to craft compelling narratives with different audiences, including the education sector and local and national government

• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate organisational goals into impactful communication and marketing plans. You can connect the dots between The Difference's mission and specific communication and marketing activities.

• Experience engaging with media outlets and creating compelling content for the press. You have a knack for storytelling and can produce high-quality content that resonates with target audiences.

• Experience in planning and executing successful events. You can manage the logistics and deliver engaging experiences for attendees.

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a team. You are a collaborative team player who can build positive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.

• Passion for The Difference's mission and improving the lives of vulnerable children. You are genuinely committed to making a difference in the lives of young people facing challenges.

Desired – You are more likely to be successful in your application if you have one or more of the following additional experiences: 

• Political Acumen: Experience providing strategic and tactical political advice to senior leadership on how to create change.

• Leadership & Development: Experience in coaching and developing staff.

• Lived Experience: Insight into the school experiences of marginalised young people, including those with experience of the care system, mental ill health, special educational needs, and racism.

Why Work for The Difference?

Schooling isn’t working for the children who need it most. Every week in England 109 children – equivalent to three full classrooms – are permanently excluded. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Since the pandemic, school suspensions have risen significantly, as has persistent absenteeism. 1 in 5 children are missing more than 10% of their time in school. Children who are excluded or persistently absent are much more likely to already be experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage. They are more likely to live in poverty, have additional learning needs, suffer mental health challenges, or experience a lack of safety outside school. Certain ethnicities are also disproportionately affected, notably Gypsy Roma Traveller and black Caribbean children. 

Exclusion and high rates of absence can have a dramatic effect on life chances. These young people are more likely to drop out of education or employment, become vulnerable to long-term mental ill health, or be at risk of criminal exploitation. The Difference believes that children and young people deserve better and that the education system has to change.

Our Organisation 

The Difference is a young education charity, founded to change the story on lost learning.  By 2030, we want rates of exclusion and absence to be falling nationally and for schools to be better equipped to support all children, including those who may be vulnerable.
The Difference was born out of a year of research into school exclusions with think-tank IPPR. This research identified a lack of inclusion expertise in schools and proposed a new leadership development programme to fill this gap. In 2018, Difference founder Kiran hired the team who took this idea from concept to reality, beginning work with our first schools. In September 2024, we published a follow-up report: Who is Losing Learning? This report broadened our definition of ‘exclusions’ to include lost learning from absence, as well as suspensions and permanent exclusions.

The Difference is now a 22-strong team delivering multiple school leadership programmes, alongside a growing research and policy arm. This work is needed more than ever. Effects of COVID-19, coupled with the spiralling cost of living, have substantially increased levels of vulnerability. Schools serving excluded pupils face under-funding. The Difference has had excellent early impact but there is work ahead to capture this, share learning with schools and policy-makers, and grow our capacity to lower exclusions across England.

Our Values

• Relationships underpin success - Strong relationships and the safety they bring are the foundation of achievement - for children, for school staff, in our workplace and in our collaborations. They enable higher trust, challenging feedback, bolder work and stronger impact.
   

• We build stronger from assets  - Every child, family, school and community has strengths and successes. We avoid deficit-labels about teachers, children and families, and instead focus on building from what’s strong. 

• Systems shape opportunities - Actions always take place within systems. These can help or hinder individuals. We recognise the role of policy and structural inequalities and address them directly in our work. 
   

• Agency makes the difference - Bold leadership by individuals can create significant and lasting change. We are proactive in addressing problems and seeking out opportunities. 

How To Apply 

To apply, please complete all sections of the application form by midnight on Sunday 2nd of February.

First round interviews will be held during the week beginning Monday the 3rd of February, over video call. 

If successful in this stage, second round interviews (including a task to be completed the same day) will take place on the week beginning Monday 10th of February, at our office in Bethnal Green. 

Please indicate if you would not be available to attend an interview during this timeframe.

We are committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourage applications from under-represented groups in the charity sector such as people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, people with experience in the care system, non-graduates and first-in-family graduates. 

As part of our commitment to fairer recruitment, all applications will be assessed with names and any protected characteristics redacted.  

Please note that we are not able to provide working visas and therefore cannot hire anyone that does not have the right to work in the UK.

Are you a Media and PR professional who wants to use your skills to help support young people and their families to deal with the impact of cancer, both during and beyond treatment?

Charity People is partnering with Young Lives vs. Cancer to recruit an interim part time Media and PR Officer to join their team.

Joining the Media Team at a key time as the organisation embarks on the first stage of its North Star vision which will see them working with partner organisations to close gaps in the current provision of care for young people and their families by 2035.

Contract: Nine month interim role, four days (28 hours) per week

Salary: £34,616 FTE (outside London); £36,512 FTE (London)

Location: Home based with some travel to London or Bristol - ideally around one to two days per month

Closing date for applications: midnight on Sunday 19th January

Interviews will be held remotely week commencing: 27th January

This is an important role where you will lead on communicating a portfolio of key areas of Young Lives vs Cancer's policy work, fundraising activities and services, to a wide range of audiences, identifying reactive opportunities and through targeted media campaigns.

Core responsibilities within the role will include:

• Manage media partnerships such as national media fundraising appeals or campaigns
• Establish quality effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders including Media and News outlets, journalists and charity partners
• Participate in the reactive news desk rota, responding to urgent media enquiries and providing advice to staff and senior managers
• Take advantage of opportunities to provide and publish reactive comment, opinion and content in a timely manner to involve Young Lives vs Cancer in news stories and debates that align with the charity's priorities
• Brief national, regional and local media (print, broadcast and online) on Young Lives vs Cancer and its activities. Support the Head of Media and PR to implement reputation management plans
• Brief staff spokespeople (including senior staff and specialist social workers) ahead of media interviews to ensure they are prepared and ready to speak on message
• Use data and research to engage media and news outlets
• Produce messaging, position statements, prepare for media interviews and deal with complex reactive press enquiries
• Contribute to the development and delivery of the charity's strategic media plan - lead a strategic development priority area, working across the team and organisation
• Develop and implement creative, effective media plans for campaigns and projects, in-line with the charity's overall strategic objectives
• Gather and develop stories and take a proactive role in identifying opportunities in online and offline media to place news and feature stories on Young Lives vs Cancer activities, campaigns, and services
• Initiate and maintain good working relationships with a network of editors, journalists and broadcasters, especially within the health, education and social care media, and ensure they are briefed appropriately on Young Lives vs Cancer activities and issues
• Write press releases, features, articles, opinion pieces and statements; ensuring these reflect Young Lives vs Cancer's values and key messages.
• Work closely with the Brand and Marketing Communications team to understand local business priorities and effectively coordinate and plan activity.

The Media and PR Officer will have previous experience of working in a Media and PR role. The successful candidate will have a thorough understanding of media monitoring and evaluation; the ability to engage positively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders; excellent storytelling ability; and the ability to translate complex information in clear, understandable messages.

You'll be a creative and innovative thinker and you'll demonstrate Young Lives Vs Cancer's values: you are brave; you are confident; you have integrity; and together, across all levels and with our external partners, we are one team.

How to apply

The application process is CV and Supporting Questions. If you would like to apply for this role or for an informal confidential, please apply via the link below with a copy of your CV or email Alice Wood at Charity People for the pack and full details on the application process.

Due to the festive break, we'll be starting to contact potential candidates from the 6th January 2025.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential. Please inform Alice if you require any assistance or adjustment to help ensure the application process works for you.

At Charity People, we match charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates, irrespective of 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 know greater diversity will lead to even greater results for the charities we work with.