Journalist jobs

We are looking to recruit an experienced journalist to manage all aspects of content development and production of the Charity’s membership magazine, Under 5, in both print and digital format. This is a hybrid role (two days a week in the London office).

Benefits:

• 26 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays, pro rata for part time employees
• Enhanced sickness pay
• Employer and employee contribution pension scheme
• Birthday leave so you can have a day off for your birthday dedicated to you and your well being
• Enhanced sickness pay and paid bereavement leave
• Regular access to internal and external learning and development opportunities
• A Recruitment Referral Payment Scheme, giving you an introductory payment of up to £300 if someone you have referred to the Alliance takes up a role in the charity.
• Access to our Employee Assistant Programme (EAP), which includes 24/7 helpline access, dedicated managers helpline, confidential counselling sessions delivered by accredited specialists, legal, debt and life management advice, discounts, and wellbeing content plus resources.
• Savings of up to 25% on O2 Refresh Airtime Plan on any new phone or tablets
• A dedicated mental health First Aider to support your mental well being

Main duties:

• To identify and research themes for each issue, sourcing and managing contributors to ensure the magazine has a clear, consistent, relevant and interesting voice to the readership.
• To lead on planning, sourcing contributors, writing and managing content of Under 5 magazine, 10 issues produced every year
• To liaise with Communications and External Affairs colleagues to ensure that corporate partnership publicity, advertorial, editorial and competition deals are delivered to meet terms of contra deals in relevant issues of Under 5.
• To write, edit and upload regular online news stories for selected digital communication including planning, writing and managing content for the fortnightly Under 5 e-newsletter.

Essential criteria:

• Proven experience of working on magazine in an editorial role with an ability to lead on commissioning, writing, sub-editing and proofing professional copy.
• Excellent journalistic writing skills, with the ability to write concise and accurate news copy.
• Clear understanding and practical experience of managing magazine print and production processes
• Strong interpersonal skills with direct experience of managing internal and external suppliers, journalists, production staff, advertisers and contributors.
• Strong creative and written skills with an ability to produce clear, accurate and interesting copy tailored for different audiences.

Please provide an additional statement with your application explaining how you meet the essential criteria in the person specification. 

Reports to: Head of Media and PR. 

Direct reports: PR & Media Executive.

Hours: Full time, Monday - Friday, 37.5 hours a week.

Location: Harlow Essex. We offer blended working within this role – with a minimum of two days a week in the office or at key stakeholder meetings externally required.

About the role

This is a pivotal role for an experienced Communications and PR professional to significantly enhance the visibility and understanding of the Motability Foundation's vital work. You will be instrumental in devising and leading our proactive and reactive media work, shaping our narrative, engaging key stakeholders, increasing understanding and ultimately driving greater impact for disabled people across the UK.

This a really exciting time to be joining the Foundation. With our newly launched five-year strategy, our vision is clear - we want to build transport equity for disabled people in the UK so that they can make the journeys they choose. You will manage and lead a programme of work to navigate complex policy landscapes, champion the stories of our beneficiaries, and work to demystify disability and mobility issues for a broad audience.

This role requires a strategic thinker who can not only execute but also advise senior leadership and Trustees on communication best practices and opportunities. The role holder is responsible for continuously developing and leading on all media and PR activities. With a strong news sense, you will 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, and manage our press office, including building strong relationships with journalists.

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

• Develop and deliver integrated communications and PR strategies that elevate the Foundation's profile and impact.
• Lead proactive media relations, cultivating strong relationships with journalists across national, regional, and specialist media to secure impactful coverage.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on all communications matters, providing expert counsel and crisis communications support.
• Oversee the creation of compelling content across all channels, ensuring consistent messaging and brand voice.
• Alongside colleagues in the digital team, drive digital engagement strategies, leveraging social media and digital platforms to complement press work to reach, engage and amplify diverse audiences.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of PR and communications activities, providing insights and recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Lead all media and press activity. You will manage 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.
• Scan effectively for breaking news stories relevant to our areas of work, as well as horizon scanning for potential areas of future coverage.
• Working with colleagues in Public Affairs, Policy, Insight and Evaluation and our Transport Solutions Team, take a lead on proactive media activity around our policy, campaigns and research activity.
• Scan for areas of reputational risk and support the Head of Media and PR 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.
• Develop and deliver a briefing and training programme for key spokespeople, developing key messaging and Q&As.
• Manage the press and PR budget.
• Manage the continuous development of our PR & Media Executive using a mixture of external, internal and on the job training.

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 the ability to develop strong relationships with journalists to 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 can work at pace where needed and identify priorities and manage multiple projects. You will be used to briefing and supporting spokespeople to do 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

• Proven track record of success in a dedicated PR role, ideally within a charity, public sector, or purpose-driven organisation.
• Demonstrable experience in developing and executing successful media relations strategies, securing high-profile coverage.
• Expertise in crisis communications and issues management, with the ability to respond effectively under pressure.
• Strong understanding of the UK media landscape and established relationships with key journalists.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
• Strong understanding in managing and optimising digital communication channels, including social media strategy and content.
• Ability to work autonomously, manage multiple projects, and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience working with or for disabled people's organisations or charities.
• Understanding of public affairs or policy influencing.
• Experience partnering with and managing external agencies or consultants.
• Experience of line management.

Are you a self-starting and strategic PR professional who has delivered ambitious media campaigns from scratch? Are you able to spot external opportunities and guide organisational narratives?

Mencap is looking for a Senior Media Manager to join our Media team on a full time (37.5 hours per week) fixed term basis (until end January 2027) 

We are challenging the way the UK understands learning disability and are paving the way for even more impactful change to the way learning disability is portrayed in the media.

Do you have the skills and experience to be a Senior Media Manager? 

*This is not an exhaustive list of the role and its requirements, please look at the full job description for further information. 

This vacancy closes on Tuesday 9th December, with interviews to be held soon after.

Here at Mencap we operate a blinded recruitment process for a lot of our roles, please ensure you apply with a full application and covering statement. 

• You will have experience of leading national media campaigns, from design to delivery, preferably to influence policy change

• You will be able to turn complex issues and information into campaign ideas, stories and media materials

• You will be an outstanding communicator    

• You will have good judgement when it comes to managing reputation and be great at spotting opportunities to enhance understanding of a brand

• You will be able to work constructively at a senior level with colleagues across the organisation, as well as external stakeholders

Benefits

Here at Mencap, we offer an impressive range of benefits designed to support and reward our employees to ensure that our teams feel valued and appreciated. Our benefits package offers 32 days of paid holiday (including bank holidays, pro rata), along with a range of perks such as discounts at leading high-street retailers, access to health cash plans, interest-free loans, and many more exciting offerings. For more details on what we have to offer, please see the attached document outlining all the fantastic benefits available to you as a member of our team!

About Mencap

Our vision is for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives. We're here to support people with a learning disability, their families and their carers. We fight for a kinder, fairer and more inclusive society for people with a learning disability to live in. At Mencap, everyone works with people with a learning disability either providing support or advice, or alongside one another as colleagues. Belonging at Mencap is for everyone, every day, everywhere. · Everyone is expected to treat people well and make Mencap an inclusive organisation. · Every day we grow and learn. It’s okay to make mistakes but we learn from them and make changes · Everywhere people will feel respected, valued, and safe to be themselves. We have Belonging network groups that meet online and are open to all colleagues. The groups include people who identify as Black and Asian, LGBTQIA+, disabled or with a long- term health condition, women, parents and carers, and their allies. We want to encourage everyone to apply to work at Mencap and we offer a variety of different contract types and working patterns. We’re not looking for specific experience. It is your personality and values that will make you a great colleague. We will train and develop you to succeed in the role you’re applying for.

The Christie Charity is a vibrant, fast moving, energetic organisation with a passionate team and a fantastic reputation.

Everything we do is geared to supporting the renowned Christie hospital ensuring cancer patients receive the highest level of treatment and care and have access to world leading research and technology. We provide funding over and above what the NHS provides.

We are currently entering a particularly exciting period of growth and expansion as we fundraise for a number of major projects.

We are looking for a dynamic and enthusiastic self-starter to support the Head of PR, Communications and Celebrity Engagement and work collaboratively with Charity and hospital colleagues to highlight the impact our supporters and fundraisers make to cancer patients.

You will be equally at home pitching a story to a national journalist, working with a senior consultant or scientist to draft a new Charity funded research story, briefing photographers, liaising with fundraisers to tell their story, writing newsletter and marketing copy or devising a communications plan.

The Charity team is responsible for raising millions of pounds each year to ensure Christie patients receive the very best care and treatment. This includes everything from access to world first clinical trials and receiving radiotherapy in state-of-the-art treatment centres, to young adults being cared for in a bespoke age-appropriate centre and being able to offer patients anxiety reducing complementary therapy, or even creative sessions in our art room.

If you want to make a real difference to cancer patients and are ready to rise to the challenge of working for one of the most successful charities in the North-West, then this could be the role for you.

We will be reviewing applications and arranging interviews on a rolling basis, so early submission is encouraged.

Founded in 1681 by King Charles II, the Royal Hospital Chelsea has stood for centuries as a national symbol of gratitude to the soldiers who have served our country, and is home to the iconic Chelsea Pensioners. Today, the Hospital’s job remains to ensure that those who have served are always supported.

We are now looking for a high-performing, delivery-driven Communications and PR Manager - someone who knows how to get stories live in national media, and understands how powerful, authentic beneficiary storytelling drives fundraising and public engagement.

If you’ve worked in PR or communications at a national charity, know how to maximise national moments like Remembrance, have worked sensitively with beneficiaries, and are the person people come to when something simply needs to get done – this could be the role for you.

Where you fit in

You’ll join an ambitious marketing and communications team focused on raising the Royal Hospital’s profile, increasing fundraising income, and building new audiences through strategic, emotive and measurable communications.

Your work will directly contribute to protecting and securing the future of the Royal Hospital Chelsea - helping us reach supporters, donors, and the veteran community with stories that inspire action and demonstrate undeniable impact.

What you’ll be doing

You will lead our press and PR delivery, responsible for an ‘always-on’ approach that generates consistent local and national coverage. You’ll ensure our stories land where they matter - driving donations, admissions, brand visibility and engagement with the veteran community.

We want someone who is:

· A proven PR operator with significant experience in a national charity or large not-for-profit environment

· Exceptional at storytelling, especially beneficiary-led stories, handled with sensitivity and impact

· Good at spotting media opportunities, crafting strong angles, and who knows what journalists want

· Comfortable juggling multiple projects and deadlines without ever dropping the standard

· An experienced line manager or mentor of junior colleagues

If you love bringing powerful stories to life, know how to turn awareness into action, and have the energy and drive to elevate a national institution - this is your chance to do career-defining work.

To apply please submit your CV and a covering letter of up to 500 words.

Early applications are encouraged as we will be reviewing applications and interviewing candidates throughout the recruitment process.

As a cross-border, cross-culture children’s charity, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is at the heart of what we do. We are committed to fostering a workplace that promotes mutual respect and allows equal opportunity for all. We seek applications for candidates with diverse backgrounds including, but not at all limited to, family overseas, experience being raised by non-biological parents, ethnic minority communities and people with health conditions or impairments. 

Job Outline:

CFAB supports children on the move between the UK and other countries and children who are separated from their family in another country. The complexities of migration and international separation can make many of these children particularly hard to support and particularly vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. We ensure that children in these circumstances enjoy the same care, protection and right to a family life as we would want for any child.

We are the only UK representative of the International Social Service network, and the only charity in the UK with a dedicated international social work team. We are proud to have royal patronage from HRH, Princess Alexandra.

You will lead CFAB’s programme of campaigns, research and advocacy. You will raise awareness of our work to protect children who are separated from their families across international borders by developing key relationships with Government departments, drafting policy briefings, developing campaigns and leading on our public affairs work. You also will produce newsletters, create compelling content for our social media channels, maintain our website and promote our campaigns to key stakeholders.

We are looking for a highly motivated, creative individual who has excellent written skills and is positive, proactive and eager to learn. You will be working in a small team so a hand-on, solution focused approach is a must.

Key responsibilities:

Policy

• Draft policy positions, briefings and internal and external reports as appropriate.
• Identify and cultivate parliamentary and ministerial contacts sympathetic to our cause.
• Monitor Parliamentary inquiries, Bills, debates, parliamentary questions, and government consultations and draft submissions in a timely manner.
• Monitor and analyse government statistics.
• Work with Experts by Experience to shape advocacy and amplify the voices of those with lived experience of our work.

Campaigns & Communication

• Lead on developing our public-facing campaigns, tailoring our key messages for different audiences and identifying ways to push forward our issues through presentations, meetings, social media and other channels.
• Lead on our Public Relations work, maintaining our database and relations with relevant media, trade press and sector leads to raise awareness of our work and our policy campaigns.
• Write and produce CFAB's digital newsletters.
• Produce and track the efficacy of email marketing campaigns.
• Responsibly use digital and AI tools to enhance communication strategies, ensuring alignment with organisational values and safeguarding data privacy and integrity.

Marketing

• Contribute to the updating and maintenance of CFAB’s website as required.
• Design and produce other marketing materials as needed.

Social media

• Manage all activity on our social media channels including the creation of posts, videos and images and ad hoc engagement.
• Track online engagement with CFAB and regularly monitor performance to enable an effective assessment of our communication tools and outputs. 

Other duties commensurate with the role as required by CFAB.

Person specification: (Skills, Abilities, Knowledge and Experience)

Essential:

• Excellent written English, with proven ability to research and write accessible, clear policy documents and reports for a range of audiences.
• Passionate about CFAB’s mission.
• A ‘self-starter’ with a willingness to learn about CFAB’s complex cause. • Sound knowledge of the political system and policy making in the UK.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to juggle multiple priorities. • The ability to engage and build relationships internally and externally to CFAB
• A clear commitment to CFAB’s values and beliefs, including the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace. 

Desirable:

• Educated to degree level.
• Experience of providing strategic and tactical political and/or policy advice, including to senior management.
• Experience in a marketing or communications role, preferably within the third sector. • Experience using Mailchimp and website management.
• Sound working knowledge of window-based software packages, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, electronic mail, and the internet.
• Graphic design skills and experience working within brand guidelines. • Experience in building relationships with journalists and placing stories.
• Familiarity with Salesforce.

Additional Requirements

1. Ensuring adherence to necessary legislation e.g. Data Protection Act, Health and Safety Act
2. Participation in evening and/or weekend events, networking and meetings

This job description is a non-contractual document and may be changed at any time by CFAB. All employees are expected to be flexible over the tasks/duties and responsibilities of their roles in order to meet the needs of both of CFAB and our service users/partners.

Early applications are strongly encouraged as interviews will be scheduled on an ongoing basis and this role may be filled before the advertised closing date.

You will be required to attend the office for a minimum of 2 days per week with the option to work remotely for the remaining 3 days.

It may be possible to do the job on a part-time basis with a proportional reduction in the activities outlined in the role profile. This can be discussed with candidates interested in applying.

If you are applying to this vacancy as an internal secondment, please ensure you have your line manager's support prior to applying. You must have at least 6 months service in their current role before being considered or applying for a secondment opportunity.

Please note that for internal candidates you may be required to complete your contractual notice period before moving into the secondment role, unless your line manager is able to release you early.

About us

Christian Aid exists to create a world where everyone can live a full life, free from poverty. We are a global movement of people, churches and local organisations who passionately champion dignity, equality and justice worldwide. We are the changemakers, the peacemakers, the mighty of heart.

We're committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, and recognise the value this brings in forming strong, creative and high performing teams. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, and from those with experience from outside of the voluntary sector. And no, you don't have to be Christian to work here - we encourage people of all faiths and none to apply. We just ask that everyone lives out our values of dignity, equality, justice and love. We value a good work-life balance, so we're open to part-time and flexible working. We also offer hybrid working for our office-based colleagues and the option of being a homeworker for most of our roles too.

Learn about our vision, mission and values

About the role

The Media Manager will shape key messages and contribute towards positive media coverage for Christian Aid's policy and advocacy work, for instance on humanitarian crisis contexts, climate, aid and economic justice, aligning with organisational values and goals and to maximize impact.

About You

You will have significant experience of working as a journalist, communications professional or in PR (client or agency side), with a developed ability to produce newsworthy stories, op-eds and press releases for Christian Aid in collaboration with relevant colleagues. You will possess highly developed time and project management skills, strong multi-tasking abilities and strong situational awareness, along with advanced interpersonal, influencing and communication skills, including written, oral and professional networking, particularly with journalists. You will be able to translate potentially dry, academic or specialist material into stories suitable for mainstream media. Desirable experience includes working in a media relations team within a charity or the public or private sector, understanding of the UK government, Parliament and politics, as well as international development and international relations. Additional desirable skills include experience using a content management system and experience of story-gathering in developing countries.

Further information

At Christian Aid we strive to be an inclusive and diverse employer and recognise the value that this brings in helping to build strong, creative and high performing teams.

We are actively encouraging racialised minorities, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, returning parents or carers who are re-entering work after a career break, people with caring responsibilities, people from low socioeconomic backgrounds, women, and older workers to apply. This is because these groups are under-represented within our teams, especially at senior level, and we recognise and value the contributions members of these groups make to strong, creative and high performing teams.

We have a strong Christian ethos and we encourage applications from all faiths. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of and sympathy with Christian Aid's faith identity.

All successful candidates will require a DBS/police check appropriate to the role and location and a Counter Terrorism Sanction check as part of your clearance for commencing your role with us. We also participate in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information as part of the referencing process from job applicants' previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

This role requires applicants to have the right to live and work in the country where this position is based and undertake the role that you have been offered. If you are successful and we make you an offer for the role, we will be required to conduct a right to work check on your immigration status in the UK. We will contact you regarding the documentation you will need to provide to evidence this.

You can expect a wide range of rewards and benefits, please refer to the benefits booklet for your location to see our full list of employee benefits.

Marketing and Communications Manager

Location:

Hybrid: Primarily based at Cosmic HQ near St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, with opportunities for home working

Reports To:

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Salary:

£36,000 per annum pro rata, £21,600 actual for 0.6FTE

Hours:

3 days per week/0.6FTE

Job Type:

Permanent

Annual Leave:

27 days plus bank holidays, plus office shuts between Christmas & New Year, pro rata for 0.6FTE

About Cosmic 

Cosmic is a small but mighty children’s charity, dedicated to supporting the incredible work of the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, and Queen Charlotte’s Hospital, Hammersmith. We provide vital funding for life-saving equipment, specialist staff training, pioneering research, and family support services - helping to make a real difference for children and families when they need it most.

We’re looking for a passionate and creative Marketing and Communications Manager to help us tell Cosmic’s story, engage our incredible supporters, and grow our reach and impact. If you love storytelling, enjoy building strong relationships, and want to be part of a small, supportive team that’s making a real difference, this could be the perfect role for you. You’ll play a key part in raising Cosmic’s profile, supporting fundraising campaigns, and keeping our community connected through engaging and impactful communications.

Key Responsibilities

External Communications

• Collaborate with the team to develop a communications plan to support Cosmic’s calendar of events, income generation and volunteering, taking ownership of its implementation.
• Manage supporter communications through platforms like Mailchimp, including scheduling updates and mail merges.
• Produce and manage the production and distribution of the charity’s supporter newsletter, corporate newsletter, and other direct marketing materials.
• Develop a GDPR compliant method to gather data from families who benefit from Cosmic Service Delivery, to support conversion to fundraising via a Cosmic communication plan and supporter journey
• Create and execute engaging campaigns for Cosmic, based on our service delivery, to generate income.
• Liaise with celebrity partners to coordinate media campaigns.
• Develop and maintain a bank of photographs and ensure media consent forms are obtained and recorded appropriately.
• Assist fundraising teams in sourcing free advertising opportunities for events, such as community group emails and online platforms.
• Working with internal and external stakeholders to deliver and maximise media opportunities and campaigns that help raise awareness of the Cosmic’s services
• Writing press releases for local, regional and national press covering Cosmic service delivery, events and fundraising campaigns.
• Plan and execute events designed for stewardship and engagement alongside the Cosmic Events Team.
• Support in the development and delivery of the Cosmic ambassador strategy

Internal Communications

• Work closely with supporters, NHS staff, and the NHS Imperial Trust to gather compelling patient, family, unit, and staff stories for promotional purposes.
• Be a visible presence on the wards, building relationships to develop case studies, improve communication, and identify opportunities for collaboration.
• Keep charity notice boards updated with promotional material.
• Contribute to the quarterly Trustee report.
• Ensure that all communication is clearly logged on the Cosmic CRM solution, Donorfy.

Digital

• Manage Cosmic’s social media channels, developing and implementing a consistent and engaging social media plan to promote the charity’s work, events, and fundraising initiatives effectively.
• Digital transformation of the Cosmic website and other digital channels with a consistent and clear brand, ensuring optimal user experience.
• Create engaging and consistent digital designs for all marketing materials on Canva.

Branding and Merchandising

• Design and create a new range of fundraising merchandise and marketing materials to promote the Cosmic brand.
• Support the fundraising team by developing high-quality materials for proposals, events, and activities, and assist in promoting these initiatives.
• Develop and formalise a clear Cosmic Tone of Voice and charity branding, establishing guidelines for how Cosmic presents itself both internally and externally to ensure consistency and alignment with its mission and values.
• Build a Cosmic library of “curated content” with aligned descriptions of who we are and what we do, tailored for different audiences.
• Ensure all internal templates (letterheads, email signatures etc) use the correct colour palette, format and logo.

Administration

• Build a process to balance and prioritise the requirements and request for digital, marketing and communication support from the Cosmic Team
• Respond effectively to incoming telephone calls and emails, ensuring all inquiries are handled professionally.
• Maintain and update the charity’s database of contacts and supporters, taking the lead in implementing changes to improve data recording and analysis.
• Provide support to charity volunteers during activities.
• Develop engaging and relevant supporter journeys using Cosmic audience personas.
• Regular development and gathering of Cosmic case study materials.
• Evaluate the success of campaigns, setting and tracking key metrics, feeding learnings back into future work in a cycle of continuous improvement.
• Prepare and deliver regular, meaningful reporting on communications, to assist and drive strategic communications and marketing decision making.

General

• Build relationships across Cosmic, NHS units, and key stakeholders to identify opportunities for collaboration.
• Stay informed about fundraising sector trends and identify ways to apply them to Cosmic’s work.
• Undertake any other tasks commensurate with the role, adhering to the charity’s time-in-lieu policy.
• Support PICU/NICU with day-to-day needs, including celebrating milestones, organising activities, or assisting families with specific requirements.

Who We’re Looking For

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Previous experience in a marketing or communications role, ideally working within the charity sector.
• Proven success designing and delivering communications plans and campaigns.
• Experience of successfully pitching stories or collaborations to media, journalists and influencers.
• Understanding of how to create engaging content – both written and visual.
• Understanding of how to develop opportunities for coverage and know how to make them happen, and of media and communication trends, with the ability to stay ahead of the curve.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft engaging content for diverse audiences.
• Strong digital storytelling skills.
• Experience in creating marketing materials in Canva and managing communications campaigns.
• Experience of managing social media channels, creating content that drive results
• Experience of using WordPress, Mailchimp and CRM solutions.
• Confidence in liaising with stakeholders, including NHS staff, supporters, and celebrity partners.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Creative thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Knowledge of GDPR and data protection best practices.
• A genuine passion for Cosmic’s mission and values.

Desirable Skills and Experience:

• Experience in developing case studies
• Previous experience in a charity or fundraising environment.

Why You’ll Love Working with Us

At Cosmic, we’re a small team with a big heart. Every day, we get to make a real impact on the lives of children and families facing the toughest times. You’ll have the chance to use your creativity, develop new ideas, and see the difference your work makes - whether it’s helping to fund vital equipment, supporting a fundraising event, or simply putting a smile on a child’s face.

·        27 days holiday plus Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time roles)

·        £200 professional development budget annually

·        Hybrid working opportunities

·        Employee Assistance Programme

·        Flexible hours. Core office hours 10am – 4pm

To be considered for this role, please answer the screening questions in full.

Job Profile

Reporting to the Managing Director, you will lead on the recruitment, retention, and value growth of Afghanaid’s supporter base by directing and implementing communications, fundraising and engagement strategies, aligned with broader organisation goals. Designing and managing a tight budget, you will direct the Communication and Giving unit to maximise their success.

You will provide strategic and supervisory oversight of fundraising income from individual giving, regular giving, major donors, trusts and foundations, corporates, community and student fundraising and events, managing annual fundraising appeals and driving organisational unrestricted income growth. 

You will lead on communications for Afghanaid, overseeing print, digital, and paid marketing activities and the growth of communications channels. You will execute Afghanaid’s organisational brand strategy which ensures the integrity of the brand and maximises awareness. You will manage all public relations including crisis communications, as well as the growth of strategic media placements and high profile relationships. You will drive the success of organisational impact storytelling and communications for both internal and external stakeholders. As a member of the executive department, you will collaborate and synergise with other departments to promote organisational success.

Key Responsibilities:

• Drive organisational strategy, culture and cross-department collaboration to advance Afghanaid’s mission and objectives.

• Lead development and delivery of Communications, Engagement and Fundraising strategies and work plans.

• Line manage and develop a high-performing team, including staff, volunteers and interns.

• Build and maintain relationships with consultants, agencies and pro bono partners.

• Oversee budgets, reporting and data-driven performance management to ensure efficiency and impact.

• Promote a positive and cohesive London team environment, coordinating hybrid working, inductions and HR support.

• Oversee public fundraising strategy across multiple income streams.

• Lead design and delivery of internal and external appeals, campaigns and donor stewardship.

• Identify new funding opportunities, partnerships and innovation in engagement.

• Oversee the full range of Afghanaid’s event portfolio, and attend relevant events to represent Afghanaid;

• Ensure effective CRM management, data integrity and financial reconciliation.

• Serve as brand guardian, ensuring consistency and evolution of Afghanaid’s identity.

• Oversee creation and execution of integrated communications and marketing plans.

• Direct production of engaging digital and print content, including newsletters, social media, and fundraising collateral.

• Manage website optimisation, SEO and analytics to drive engagement and conversions.

• Lead innovation in digital marketing, email campaigns and supporter journeys.

• Advise leadership on reputation management and crisis communications.

• Develop media policies and act as spokesperson when required.

• Manage proactive and reactive media relations, building relationships with journalists, influencers and advocates.

• Promote Afghanaid’s thought leadership through strategic storytelling and public commentary.

• Commission and direct multimedia content to strengthen organisational storytelling.

• Lead content planning, production and performance analysis.

• Champion participatory storytelling approaches and creative innovation.

Undertake any other duties as and when required by the line director.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

You will be an experienced and dynamic communicator with significant demonstrable experience in fundraising and/or communications at a senior level, coupled with an awareness and up to date knowledge and experience of the tools that would maximise the success of our communications and fundraising activities. In addition, you will have excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to confidently build and maintain strong relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders. Possessing strong management skills, you will have experience of managing small multi-disciplinary teams, providing direction and leadership to enable development and high performance, and the ability to role-model a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion.

Education/ Training

Master’s Degree in communications, marketing, public fundraising or another relevant field (or at least 5-years’ experience).

Work Experience

• At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, supporter engagement or communications, with at least 2 years’ experience directly managing staff.

• Experience developing and leading integrated multi-channel and multi-stakeholder communications, engagement and/or fundraising strategies.

• Experience in growing audiences, engagement and/or income streams.

• Experience communicating about and/or fundraising for and/or maintaining engagement with Afghanistan or a similar context.

• Experience using KPIs and data to make data-driven decisions to improve efficacy and efficiency.

• Experience managing and monitoring a tight budget.

• Experience conceptualising, producing and commissioning multimedia content, from marketing and fundraising collateral to audiovisual content.

• Experience running full-funnel, multi-channel marketing strategies including paid advertising.

• Understanding of risks associated with communications, public fundraising, and NGO operating contexts, and experience in mitigating those risks.

• Experience supervising, organising, motivating and developing staff.

• In depth knowledge of trends in storytelling, brand, PR, marketing and fundraising.

Professional Skills, Competencies, Values and Attitudes

Afghanaid’s core values are creativity, fairness and honesty. Our staff is passionate about and proud of Afghanaid. Teamwork is fundamental to our standards and demonstrated by taking initiative, assisting others and taking on additional responsibilities and tasks if necessary. We are results driven, committed and motivated to achieve targets and take accountability for our own actions.

Specifically, the holder of this position should also demonstrate the following:

Essential

• Fluent in spoken and written English. 

• Track record of increasing audiences, fundraising totals and engagement metrics from multiple different sources, with a strong business development mindset.

• Experience securing five or six figure gifts from funders;

• Solutions and results orientated; energised by thinking outside the box, and by finding and pursuing novel or innovative approaches and solutions.

• Experience using Salesforce CRM and Marketing Cloud

• Skilled at spotting and prioritising opportunities and synergies, and effective in securing wide-ranging forms of engagement and partnership.

• Excellent listening, speaking and writing skills; strong capabilities of persuasion and a proven track record of uniting people around a common goal.

• Multimedia skills, with knowledge, experience and enthusiasm in driving digital innovation.

• Highly organised with strong leadership and project management skills, able to collaboratively manage competing priorities with senior and junior colleagues.

• Demonstrably skilled brand custodian, able to mitigate risks, anticipate and capitalise upon opportunities, and strengthen reputation.

• Capable of working independently as well as collaboratively, both in leading a team and as part of the team.

• Passionate about driving change, and inspiring individuals and groups to support a cause to deliver that change.

Desirable

• Experience working within an international development or humanitarian context, particularly with causes related to Afghanistan

• Strategic understanding of UK and global fundraising landscapes and emerging giving trends.

• Proven ability to represent an organisation publicly with confidence, professionalism and credibility.

• Experience guiding senior leaders or trustees on media, communications and reputational matters.

• Skilled in crisis communications and reputation management.

• Understanding of inclusive and ethical storytelling practices, with sensitivity to safeguarding considerations.

• Experience developing high-value corporate or media partnerships.

• Comfortable working in a fast-moving, resource-limited environment and adapting to changing external circumstances.

The Organisation

Afghanaid is a British humanitarian and development organisation. For over forty years, our dedicated personnel have worked with millions of families in some of the poorest and most remote communities in Afghanistan. We build basic services, improve livelihoods, strengthen the rights of women and children, help communities protect against natural disasters and adapt to climate change, and respond to humanitarian emergencies. We are headquartered in Kabul, and operate provincial and district offices across Afghanistan, as well as a Marketing and Fundraising office in London. We employ around 500 personnel, 97% of whom are Afghans.

Other Information

Afghanaid’s core values are creativity, fairness and honesty. Our staff are passionate about and proud to work at Afghanaid. Teamwork is fundamental to our standards and demonstrated by taking initiative, assisting others and taking on additional responsibilities and tasks if necessary. We are results driven, committed and motivated to achieve targets and take accountability for our own actions.

Our remuneration and benefits package is competitive with other similar organisations. 

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