Media and external affairs manager jobs

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

What does this role do?

As Strategic Communications Manager, you’ll:

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

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

Could this be you?

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

About Dogs Trust

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

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

Job Title: Head of Communication and External Affairs

Reporting To: Director of Marketing and Communications

Salary Range: £55,000 to £60,000

Contract Type: Permanent

Location: London

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

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

We are Felix

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

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

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

Purpose of the Job 

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

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

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

Duties and Responsibilities

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

Recruitment timeline 

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

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

Reporting to the Government Affairs Lead, you’ll support OHA’s public affairs and policy work - including our role as Secretariat to the All‑Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Dietary Health. You’ll help us engage parliamentarians, track political developments, draft briefings and communications, and support our social media and external engagement.

This is a great opportunity for someone who cares deeply about improving population health and wants to learn more about public health policy and the UK political system.

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

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

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

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

About Maudsley Charity

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

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

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

About the role

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

External Affairs & Influencing:

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

Media management

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

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

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

How to apply

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

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

Please see full job pack and job description attached.

There is also an optional 'Ask Us Anything' Webinar via Zoom on Thursday 16th July at 12.30pm where the Maudsley staff will answer questions. Please get in touch with Reception at Charity People if you'd like to register for this and they will send you the link. Please submit questions in advance to reception at Charity People before 9am on Wednesday 15th July 2026 in order that we can ensure all of your queries are answered.

Equal Opportunities monitoring

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

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

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

The British Academy – the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences - is seeking 2 x Public Affairs Officers to join our Media and Public Affairs team in the Communications and Engagement Directorate, providing key support in the delivery of our public affairs function.

The role

The post-holder(s) will play a central role in the work of the Public Affairs team, at an exciting time for the British Academy as we seek to extend and deepen our reach and influence with parliamentarians, Government, policymakers and other key stakeholders.

You will own and deliver influencing activities - independently and in collaboration with colleagues - that will build the Academy’s profile and increase awareness of the value and importance of the Social Sciences, Humanities and the Arts (SHAPE) amongst our audience. You will work with Public Affairs colleagues to monitor external developments, horizon-scanning and pursuing opportunities for the Academy to be bold and proactive in engaging stakeholders.

An experienced public affairs professional, you will have a good level of UK political knowledge, including of the Devolved Nations and local and regional structures. You understand the range of tactics that can be used to influence Parliament and Government and will apply this knowledge to develop and deliver public affairs strategies that engage parliamentarians and key stakeholders with the Academy’s work.

You will be able to communicate and work effectively with colleagues across the Academy and a range of external stakeholders, including parliamentarians and their staff. You will help to build and strengthen stakeholder relationships and deliver an effective public affairs function for the Academy.

You will be highly organised and able to plan and manage a varied workload. You will use your editorial and political judgement to produce high-quality outputs - from communications materials to events - that will showcase the Academy’s evidence base and policy insights to stakeholders, helping to turn engagement into influence.

About the Academy

The British Academy is the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences, established by Royal Charter in 1902. We mobilise these disciplines to understand the world and shape a brighter future. Today’s complex challenges can only be resolved by deepening our insight into people, culture, and societies. With a Fellowship of around 1,700 leading national and international academics, the Academy invests in researchers and projects across the UK and overseas; engages the public with fresh thinking and debates; and brings together scholars, government, business, and civil society to influence policy.

The Academy currently has five directorates: Communications & Marketing; Development; Policy; Research; and Resources, plus a small Governance & Fellowship Team.

Working at the Academy

Our senior management team have worked with staff to foster a culture of collaboration, respect, and empathy, in which all contributions are recognised as we work towards our common goals. Our people strategy and working practices focus on building strengths and sharing insights, with learning & development, wellbeing, and equality, diversity & inclusion at the centre of how we operate as an organisation. Investing in our staff and encouraging a healthy work/life balance is central to our success, as we move forward and continue to grow.

Terms and conditions

The British Academy is based at 10-11, Carlton House Terrace, London SW1, a Grade 1 listed building. We offer a competitive benefits package including a 35-hour working week, with hours and location worked flexibly under our hybrid-working policy; 34 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays; a subsidised canteen and an excellent occupational pension.

How to apply

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, in line with our commitment to create a diverse and inclusive working environment, promote equal opportunity, and address under-representation. We will make reasonable adjustments to support disabled job applicants and offer an interview to those meeting the minimum selection criteria.

To apply, and to see the full job description and our workplace values, please follow the apply link to visit our recruitment platform. 

Closing date: Midday on 24 July 2026.

Interviews for this role are currently scheduled for13/14 August 2026, but this may be subject to change.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the advertised closing date if we receive a high volume of applications. In such circumstances, we will provide 24 hours' notice of the revised closing date to those who have registered their interest.

Salary:£35,000 - £40,000 plus £3,954 London Weighting Allowance per annumContract: Permanent, full time
Location: Horseferry Road, London (hybrid working with a minimum of two days per week in the office)
Closing date: 21 July 2026
Interview dates: 30 & 31 July 2026

Are you an experienced marketer who can turn organisational priorities into compelling campaigns that engage, inspire and deliver measurable results?

We're looking for a Marketing Manager to join our Marketing and Communications team. This is an exciting opportunity to lead the development and delivery of marketing campaigns that raise awareness of Blue Cross services and support public affairs objectives and wider organisational priorities

Working closely with colleagues across the charity and external agency partners, you'll create audience-focused marketing activity that increases awareness, engagement and support for Blue Cross, helping us reach more people and pets when they need us most.

More about the role

As Marketing Manager, you will be responsible for planning, delivering and evaluating integrated marketing campaigns across a range of channels. You'll work closely with Service and Public Affairs teams to understand objectives, identify target audiences and develop effective activity that delivers against agreed goals.

You will manage relationships and work with external agencies, oversee campaign development and delivery, monitor performance and use insight to continuously improve results. Working collaboratively across the Marketing and Communications team, you'll ensure campaigns are aligned to our brand, audience needs and organisational priorities.

This role is based at our Horseferry Road office in London with hybrid working arrangements in place.

What you will be doing

• Developing and delivering integrated paid marketing campaigns that support organisational objectives
• Working with internal stakeholders to understand priorities and translate them into effective marketing plans
• Work with media, creative and other external agencies
• Developing campaign briefs and overseeing the creation of marketing assets
• Identifying and engaging target audiences through effective channel planning
• Monitoring and optimising campaign performance to maximise impact and return on investment
• Evaluating campaign outcomes and sharing insights and recommendations
• Ensuring all activity aligns with Blue Cross brand guidelines
• Building strong relationships across the organisation and acting as a trusted marketing advisor
• Keeping up to date with marketing trends and best practice to improve campaign effectiveness

About you

You will be an experienced marketing professional with a strong track record of delivering successful multi-channel campaigns. You will be confident managing projects from concept to evaluation and comfortable working with a wide range of stakeholders and agency partners.

You'll be a strong communicator who can influence, collaborate and build relationships across different teams. Organised and adaptable, you'll be able to manage competing priorities while maintaining a focus on delivering high-quality outcomes.

You will bring creativity, commercial awareness and analytical thinking, using insight and data to inform decisions and drive continuous improvement.

Essential qualifications, skills, and experience

• Proven experience delivering multi-channel marketing campaigns, including digital and paid channels
• Experience developing and implementing marketing plans that achieve agreed objectives
• Experience working effectively with internal stakeholders and external agencies
• Strong understanding of brand management and brand consistency
• Ability to use campaign data and insight to evaluate performance and inform future activity
• Excellent project management and organisational skills
• Strong communication, influencing and presentation skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results to deadlines
• The ability to demonstrate, understand and apply our Blue Cross values

Desirable qualifications, skills, and experience

• Professional marketing qualification (CIM or equivalent)
• Experience of audience segmentation and campaign optimisation
• Experience working within the charity or not-for-profit sector
• Experience supporting public affairs, campaigning or advocacy communications
• Experience managing marketing budgets
• Experience using marketing automation, CRM or audience insight tools

Selection process

Interviews will take place in person at our Horseferry Road office in London on 30 and 31 July 2026. The selection process will include competency-based interview questions and a presentation task. Further details will be provided to shortlisted candidates.

How to apply 

Please visit our website and submit your application through our careers site and answer the application questions, demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria. 

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications.

Blue Cross benefits

Our people are the most important part of delivering our purpose. If it were not for their amazing efforts and commitment, we would not be able to make the difference that we do today.  

In return, Blue Cross wants to ensure we provide you with the best working environment we can. We want you to be happy working for us and will do everything we can to make sure you are.  

Our generous benefits package includes: 

• Full time equivalent of 38 days holiday rising to 43 with service (including Bank Holidays)  
• Programmes for physical and mental wellbeing support  
• Free access to GP via MetLife- 24/7 GP services, private prescriptions and more for you and your family   
• Health cash plan  
• Unlimited access to an employee assistance programme  
• Pension scheme with enhanced employer contribution   
• Professional fees paid with Continuing Professional Development and personal development support.  
• Life assurance   
• 20% discount on Pet Plan pet insurance   
• Enhanced family friendly policies   
• Recognition scheme   
• Annual volunteer days  
• Charity worker discounts across a variety of retailers 

To read more about the benefits Blue Cross has to offer, please visit the 'why work for us' page on our website.

Title:     Engagement Manager

Salary:     £42,000–£52,000 (depending on experience)

Contract:     Permanent

Hours:     37.5 per week (Monday to Friday) 

Holiday:     25 days per year plus bank holidays 

Location:     Home based with regular travel within / to London and across the UK

Probationary Period:     3 months

Reports to:     Head of Department 

Benefits:     An additional 3 days holiday between Christmas and New Year, Flexitime policy, 5% pension contribution

Line Management:     Depending on experience, may line-manage the Senior Engagement Coordinator. 

We are River Action

We are a small and agile campaigning organisation on a mission to rescue Britain's rivers from a toxic cocktail of agricultural, sewage and industrial pollution and water shortages. We support community action, galvanise and mobilise public opinion, influence government policy, take legal actions and call out destructive industrial practices to incentivise changes that end river pollution and secure freshwater. 

We are building a talented team of positive disrupters and stakeholder mobilisers to deliver our strategy to urgently protect and restore our rivers for the benefit of communities, rivers and wildlife.

Britain’s rivers are our life support system and they are dying. We need urgent action to bring them back to life.

Who we are looking for

As River Action’s profile, influence and policy impact continue to grow, we are expanding our Public Affairs function to strengthen engagement with decision-makers, regulators, businesses, NGOs, strategic partners and local communities.

The Engagement Manager will play a critical role in helping River Action influence change by developing high-level relationships, building strategic partnerships and providing strategic leadership across River Action’s engagement programmes to advance our policy, legal and campaigning objectives.

This is a senior engagement leadership role responsible for providing strategic oversight of both stakeholder engagement and community engagement activity, ensuring River Action’s grassroots campaigning and external influence work are mutually reinforcing

What you’ll be doing

The Engagement Manager will lead River Action’s overall engagement strategy, providing strategic oversight of both stakeholder engagement and community engagement activity across the organisation.

Building and managing relationships with senior leaders across government, regulators, NGOs, businesses, financiers, academia and civil society, the postholder will identify opportunities to increase River Action’s influence, support policy and advocacy objectives, and help position the organisation as a leading voice on river protection and environmental reform.

The role will provide strategic direction and oversight to River Action’s community engagement work, including the River Rescue Kit, Community Toolkit and catchment-based campaigning activities, working closely with the Senior Engagement Coordinator who will lead day-to-day delivery, community support and programme implementation.

Working closely with colleagues across Public Affairs, Campaigns, Communications, Legal and Development, the Engagement Manager will ensure engagement activities contribute directly to organisational priorities and campaigns and that community insights help shape River Action’s policy, legal and campaigning work.

Main Responsibilities:

Strategic Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop and deliver River Action’s stakeholder engagement strategy.

• Manage relationships with senior stakeholders and decision-makers.

• Develop and implement engagement or public affairs strategies.

• Identify, map and prioritise key stakeholders across government, regulators, business, NGOs, academia and civil society.

• Build and maintain productive relationships with senior external stakeholders.

• Create opportunities for strategic collaboration that advance River Action’s mission and objectives.

• Monitor stakeholder developments and identify opportunities and risks.

Managing Stakeholder and Community Engagement

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of River Action’s stakeholder and community engagement programme.

• Ensure effective delivery and continuous development of the River Rescue Kit and Community Toolkit as key resources supporting grassroots campaigners and community groups.

• Oversee catchment-based engagement strategies that strengthen community-led action, advocacy and campaigning.

• Work closely with the Senior Engagement Coordinator to identify opportunities to expand and strengthen River Action’s network of stakeholder and community groups, campaigners and partners.

• Ensure insights, evidence and priorities emerging from stakeholders and local communities to inform River Action’s public affairs, policy, legal and campaigning work.

• Monitor the effectiveness and impact of community engagement activities and ensure learning is shared across the organisation.

• Support the development of engagement frameworks, systems and processes that enable effective community mobilisation at scale.

Public Affairs and External Influence

• Support the delivery of River Action’s Public Affairs strategy.

• Build relationships with parliamentarians, political advisers, local authority leaders and relevant government officials.

• Support engagement with regulators including the Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales, Ofwat and other relevant bodies.

• Represent River Action in external forums, roundtables, conferences and stakeholder meetings.

• Coordinate stakeholder engagement around key campaigns, policy initiatives and legal actions.

Strategic Partnerships

• Develop partnerships with environmental NGOs, think tanks, academic institutions, financiers and businesses.

• Identify opportunities for joint initiatives, campaigns and advocacy activity.

• Strengthen River Action’s position within the wider environmental and public policy landscape.

• Convene strategic partnerships to support policy and campaigning objectives.

Organisational Leadership

• Work closely with the Head of Public Affairs to support delivery of organisational objectives.

• Provide strategic direction, support and oversight to the Senior Engagement Coordinator, ensuring community engagement activity aligns with organisational priorities and objectives.

• Provide stakeholder intelligence and strategic advice to senior leadership.

• Contribute to organisational planning and public affairs priorities.

• Support cross-team working between Public Affairs, Campaigns, Communications, Legal and Fundraising.

• Ensure strong integration between River Action’s community engagement, public affairs, campaigns, communications and legal work.

Communications and Representation

• Act as an ambassador for River Action externally.

• Support media opportunities through stakeholder engagement and relationship building.

• Prepare briefings, stakeholder reports and engagement plans.

• Help identify influential voices and advocates who can amplify River Action’s work.

Monitoring and Reporting

• Maintain stakeholder engagement plans and CRM records.

• Monitor engagement outcomes and report against agreed KPIs.

• Evaluate the effectiveness of stakeholder engagement activity and recommend improvements.

What you’ll bring

Essential Experience

• Significant experience in stakeholder engagement, public affairs, external affairs, partnerships or advocacy.

• Experience managing relationships with senior stakeholders and decision-makers.

• Experience developing and implementing engagement or public affairs strategies.

• Experience overseeing or managing community engagement, organising or grassroots campaigning programmes.

• Experience translating community priorities and local evidence into policy, advocacy or campaigning objectives.

• Experience working across complex stakeholder environments.

• Experience representing an organisation externally.

Essential Knowledge

• Understanding of UK water-related political, regulatory and policy-making processes.

• Understanding of stakeholder engagement and influence strategies.

• Understanding of community engagement, organising and mobilisation approaches.

• Knowledge of environmental, sustainability or public policy issues.

Essential Skills

• Exceptional relationship-building and networking skills.

• Strong influencing and negotiation abilities.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong strategic thinking and political awareness.

• Ability to balance strategic stakeholder engagement with community-led campaigning and mobilisation.

• Strong understanding of how grassroots engagement can support policy, legal and public affairs objectives.

• Ability to develop engagement strategies that connect local action with national influence and impact.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and complex stakeholder relationships.

• Excellent project management and organisational skills.

Desirable

• Knowledge of water policy, environmental regulation or agricultural policy.

• Experience engaging with Westminster, Whitehall or devolved administrations.

• Experience developing partnerships with businesses and financiers.

• Experience supporting policy or advocacy campaigns.

• Experience working with community-led environmental campaigns or citizen science initiatives.

Why join us?

• Be part of a mission-driven organisation working to restore and protect the UK’s rivers.

• Work at the heart of political and environmental change, influencing decision-makers at the highest levels.

• Work in an agile, supportive and happy work environment where your ideas and expertise will have real impact.

• Opportunities for professional development and growth within the organisation.

Diversity and inclusion

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies show that women and people of colour are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single criteria. We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace. So if you like the look of this role but your past experience does not align perfectly with everything in the job description, we’d still love to hear from you. You may be just the right person for this role.

How to apply

To apply, please submit to jobs at riveractionuk dot com with the subject ‘Engagement Manager’:

• your CV (2 pages), 

• a cover letter (2 pages) explaining why you want to work for River Action and how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role, and 

• a written submission (2 pages) as described below. 

Only applications including all three documents will be accepted. Please provide your documents in pdf format. 

Written submission

The Government is expected to bring forward a Clean Water Bill in Parliament. River Action wants to influence the Bill to secure stronger protections for rivers, hold polluters to account, and deliver measurable improvements in river health.

In no more than 750 words, set out how you would approach this challenge. Your response should explain:

• Which stakeholders you would prioritise engaging with, and why.

• How you would use partnerships, community groups and grassroots evidence to support your objectives.

• How you would measure the success of your approach.

• One significant challenge or risk, and how you would address it.

We are interested in your ability to think strategically, prioritise effectively, and demonstrate how engagement can help deliver policy and environmental change.

Application process

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until 5pm on Wednesday 15th July.

Should your application be selected during sift, the next stage will involve an initial 15-minute interview. You may then be invited to attend a second interview with a panel. 

Interviews will be held in the weeks commencing 19th July and 26th July via video conference. 

Please indicate in your covering letter or in a covering email your availability for interviews.

If you have any questions about the role or your application, please contact us on jobs at riveractionuk dot com.

Are you an experienced communications and marketing lead with brilliant copywriting skills and an eye for PR opportunities? If you’re an all-rounder looking for a fast-paced creative role where you can really make a difference - this job is for you!

Salary: £29,552 per annum

Contract: Permanent

Hours: 35 hours per week (full time)

Location: Hybrid or remote considered

Closing Date: Monday 20 July 2026

Please note CV and covering letters will be reviewed as they are received and interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. We therefore strongly encourage applicants to apply as soon as possible.

The role

Family Fund is recruiting a Marketing Communications Specialist to join our busy in-house Communications Team and bring our brand to life with sharp writing skills, a honed news sense and the ability to create high performing content across wide-ranging channels.

This is a vital role to grow our brand profile and reach with targeted audiences - crafting stand-out key messages and campaigns.

The work is varied, you could be publicising our grants and services for families, driving donations for our fundraising campaigns, raising awareness of our research or influencing our policy and public affairs priorities.

You’ll work with wide-ranging internal clients across multiple projects and will be making a difference every day to families raising disabled and seriously ill children on a low income.

About you

You’ll be a strong writer, able to tailor approaches to different audiences and work across the full channel mix. You can have either an in-house or agency background, and we’re looking particularly for a track record in creativity and the ability to confidently devise and deliver high-quality news stories, campaigns and wider content with real impact.

You’ll need to have experience across online and offline communications and marketing, from media, PR and campaigns delivery to social media, e-marketing and website management.

About us

Family Fund is a great place to work for great people. We provide a challenging and rewarding working environment where every staff member can make their mark.

We are a values-based organisation, and we aim to show our values in all that we do. Read our staff stories here and see how our staff display our values every day.

We commit to inclusion, equality and diversity and we welcome applications from all parts of the community. Family Fund is a Disability Confident Leader. We will invite to interview all disabled applicants who meet the requirements for the role. If you have a disability, and are happy to let us know, please highlight this in your covering letter. We have also signed the Armed Forces Covenant and we welcome applications from the Armed Forces Community.

How to apply

When you’re ready to apply, complete the online application and submit a CV and a covering letter. Your letter will need to explain skills, experience and qualities that match the job description.

For more information, please read and download the job description.

The successful candidate must complete pre-employment checks that meet the Baseline Personnel Security Standard. This includes a requirement to undergo a right to work check and employment history verification.

External Communications Manager

Salary: £40,000–£42,000 FTE
Hours: 30 hours per week
Location: Remote, with regular travel to FitzRoy services, team and stakeholder meetings as agreed. The role requires attendance in London once per month and applicants must be able to commute to services in Norfolk, Nottingham and Hampshire.
Reports to: Head of Communications
Directorate: Business Development and Partnerships

FitzRoy is a national charity supporting people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health needs to live lives rooted in choice, meaning and happiness.

We are strengthening our external voice and looking for a confident, perceptive and warm communicator to help more people understand FitzRoy’s expertise and impact and increase our influence.

This is a moment of change for social care. We want to play a more active role in shaping its future, ensuring the people at the heart of it are seen, heard and involved in the decisions that matter.

About the role

As External Communications Manager, you will help build FitzRoy’s profile and reputation by identifying the stories, insight and opportunities that show what good support looks like in real life.

You will work closely with the Head of Communications, fundraising, business development and operational colleagues to turn external communications priorities into practical plans, content and opportunities.

This is a delivery role with real influence. You will be expected to bring ideas, advise colleagues, shape practical plans and turn opportunities into action.

What you will do

You will:

• develop proactive external communications activity that raises awareness of FitzRoy’s work, expertise and impact
• spot opportunities for FitzRoy to contribute constructively to sector conversations
• identify realistic opportunities for media, sector press, partner or local coverage
• gather stories, photos, video and quotes that help people understand what good support looks like in real life
• use social media, website content, audience insight and analytics to strengthen FitzRoy’s external profile

About you

You may come from charity communications, PR, journalism, public affairs, stakeholder communications or another external communications background.

You do not need to have worked in social care before, but you will need to be interested in people, willing to learn quickly and able to handle stories about people’s lives with care, respect and good judgement.

We are looking for someone who is:

• an excellent writer and editor
• confident developing clear, accessible content for different audiences
• warm, curious and able to build rapport quickly
• able to spot strong stories, ideas and opportunities
• confident creating social media and website content shaped by audience insight
• comfortable working independently and managing competing priorities
• able to think strategically about audiences and influence, while being practical about what can be delivered in a small team
• confident gathering content including photos, videos and quotes
• willing and able to travel to FitzRoy services and meetings as needed

A full clean driving licence and access to a car for work travel are required, as some services are not easily accessible by public transport.

Working at FitzRoy

You will join a small, friendly communications team with big ambitions. This role will suit someone who enjoys a mix of planning, writing, relationship-building, story-gathering and hands-on delivery.

You will help us show the difference good support makes – and help ensure the voices, experiences and achievements of people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health needs are seen and heard.

How to apply

To apply, please submit your application and a covering letter.

We do not expect your covering letter to address every point in the person specification. We would like you to tell us:

• what interests you about this role and FitzRoy
• three things you would bring to the role
• a piece of communications work you are proud of and why
• how you approach using social media, website content and audience insight to build external profile
• how you would approach telling stories about people’s lives with care, respect and good judgement

If you are using AI tools to write your application, please use them with caution. We are looking for your own voice and writing style.

The Latin American Women’s Rights Service (LAWRS) is a human rights and feminist organisation led by and for Latin American migrant women in the UK. Our work is dedicated to supporting the immediate and long-term needs of Latin American migrant women exposed to violations of their fundamental human rights; facing violence against women and girls, exploitation or trafficking; enduring difficult living and working conditions in low paid jobs, and facing barriers to social protection.

The Head of Policy and Public Affairs will provide strategic leadership in developing and delivering LAWRS’ key influencing and media priorities and policy positions. The post holder is responsible for maintaining a contextual analysis and overview of key trends and issues in current affairs and the sectors that impact the organisation’s work, brand, profile and external positions. 

This post is open to Latin American women only* in accordance with the Equality Act 2010. We particularly welcome applications from disabled and LGBTQ+ candidates as they are currently underrepresented within the team.

*women who identify as Latin Americans (1st and 2nd generation) and speak Spanish and/or Portuguese

Please note that only applicants with the right to work in the UK covering the duration of the contract will be considered for this position.

Head of Communications & Public Affairs

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

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

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

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

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

Recruitment information: 

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

We’re looking for a skilled digital communicator who understands what works online and can turn ideas into clear, compelling content across social, web and email. Your work will raise the profile and priority of public libraries with key audiences, including local and national politicians, while keeping our members informed about the impact we deliver on their behalf. 

You’ll work closely with the Communications and Advocacy Manager as part of our Policy, External Affairs and Research (PEAR) team. The team leads our work to influence policy, build partnerships and raise the profile of public libraries nationally and locally - working with government, partners, the media and our members. 

You’ll write with clarity, create simple visuals or video, and use data to improve performance. Crucially, you’ll balance creativity with consistency - working within our tone of voice while handling nuanced and sensitive issues. 

You don’t need a library background, but you must believe in the power of public libraries to open up opportunities, expand horizons and bring communities together.

About us 

Libraries Connected is the national membership body for public library services. 

We are an independent charity representing almost every public library service in England, Wales and Northern Ireland – 176 services, with around 3000 branches serving over 61 million people.

We bring together the people who run these services to collaborate, share knowledge and strengthen the sector’s collective voice. 

Our work is led by our members and shaped by their priorities. This means we can respond quickly to emerging issues and provide clear, practical support where it is needed most.

Working at Libraries Connected

We are a friendly, collaborative team of around 20 staff based all around England and Wales. 

We value diversity and are committed to promoting an inclusive working environment. We strongly believe that inclusive and diverse organisations are not only better places to work, they are more innovative, make better decisions and are more successful. We value people who bring unique perspectives and knowledge to our team. 

We want to make our recruitment process as fair as possible. To reduce bias, we shortlist candidates based on their responses to up to five application questions. These are designed to tell us about your values, experience, attitudes to work, and transferable skills. We do not ask for a separate cover letter or supporting statement. 

We offer flexible working as standard, helping work fit around family and caring responsibilities. Many of our staff work their hours in different ways, including compressed hours. We are open to discussing what would work for you and be possible for the role. 

All roles are remote and are open to applicants who live anywhere in the UK. We provide staff with a home office set-up including laptop, monitor and phone. There is the option to work from our central London office or use a co-working space if it is not possible to work from home. 

We welcome requests for adjustments to our standard recruitment processes for anyone who needs them. 

Job details 

• Hours: 0.8 FTE 

• Contract: Fixed for 15 months, with an expectation to continue subject to income generation 

• Location: Home-based (with occasional UK travel) 

• Application deadline: 9am, Thursday 16 July 2026 

• Planned interview date: Wednesday 22 July (interviews will be held online) 

• Salary: £34,584.60 (pro rata). Payscales reviewed on annual basis 

• Employer pension contribution: 7%

Job description 

Overall purpose 

• Work with a high degree of autonomy to plan, create and publish digital content, taking ownership of content ideas, quality and performance, and using professional judgement to manage risks and escalate reputational issues where appropriate. 

Social media 

• Plan and publish daily content across LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky 

• Use Buffer to schedule content in line with organisational priorities 

• Write engaging, accessible posts that reflect our tone of voice 

• Create a mix of content including text, video, photography and graphics 

• Work with colleagues to identify stories and opportunities for content 

• Use AI tools (such as Copilot) to generate ideas and optimise copy 

• Monitor performance and engagement across channels 

• Produce weekly reports and use insights to improve reach and impact 

Website 

• Create and update content, including news stories, project pages and resources 

• Ensure content is accurate, accessible and up to date 

• Commission and edit blog posts from members and partners 

• Work with developers to fix issues and improve functionality 

Email 

• Produce a regular (approx. monthly) email bulletin using Mailchimp 

• Work with colleagues to identify content and key messages 

• Use A/B testing and analytics to improve performance 

• Ensure emails follow best practice for design and accessibility 

YouTube 

• Manage the organisation’s YouTube channel as a repository for webinar content 

• Upload and organise recordings with clear titles and descriptions 

• Promote existing content across other channels 

Design and content production 

• Format documents into house style ready for publication 

• Create graphics and simple data visualisations for social media and reports 

• Support the production of high-quality, consistent visual content 

• Commissioning, briefing and liaising with external designers, photographers and videographers 

Advice and guidance 

• To act as the organisation’s digital communications specialist, providing expert advice on all aspects of digital communications, including best practice, design and usage 

Relationships 

• Build strong working relationships with colleagues across the organisation to identify content, align messaging and support delivery of strategic priorities. 

• Develop and maintain relationships with external partners, including communications and marketing contacts in member library services, sector bodies and government departments. 

Person specification 

Experience, skills and knowledge 

• Ability to manage social media channels for an organisation, including planning, publishing and evaluating content 

• Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to produce clear, engaging and accessible content and communicate complex or sensitive issues in a balanced, audience-appropriate way 

• Ability to create multimedia content, including short-form video and social media graphics 

• Confidence using AI tools (e.g. Copilot) to draft, edit and refine content in line with organisational policy 

• Ability to use email marketing platforms (e.g. Mailchimp), including segmentation and A/B testing 

• Understanding of analytics and optimisation, including Google Analytics, SEO, GEO and performance reporting 

• Ability to use social media scheduling tools such as Buffer or similar 

• Able to edit blogs or contributed content for clarity, tone and impact 

• Ability to manage website content using a CMS (preferably Drupal or WordPress) 

Desirable

• Experience of managing social media and producing content for an organisation

• Experience of working in the charity sector 

This national charity is looking for a Public Affairs Manager to lead our influencing work across Northern Ireland. This is a pivotal role focused on ensuring beating cancer remains a top priority on the political agenda, working closely with MLAs, Department of Health officials and sector partners.
 
Working as part of a job share, you will shape and deliver a strategic programme of public affairs activity, building the charity’s profile and driving impact through effective advocacy.
 
Key responsibilities include:

• Public affairs strategy and leadership
  • Plan and deliver influencing strategies for the Northern Ireland Assembly
  • Lead the public affairs function locally, working closely with your job share partner
  • Contribute to wider devolved nations activity and deputise as needed
• Stakeholder engagement and influencing
  • Build and maintain relationships with MLAs, civil servants, advisers, academics and sector partners
  • Identify new opportunities to extend the charity’s reach through meetings, events and networks
  • Represent the charity at external forums and support senior stakeholder engagement
• Policy insight and political intelligence
  • Monitor political and policy developments across Northern Ireland
  • Provide insight on emerging trends and opportunities to influence
• Events and profile raising
  • Deliver a programme of events at the Northern Ireland Assembly
  • Lead party conference activity, including receptions, briefings and stakeholder events
  • Ensure strong visibility for CRUK’s expertise and innovation
• Communications and media
  • Deliver media interviews as part of influencing campaigns
  • Produce high quality briefings, speeches and political communications
• Planning and governance
  • Contribute to operational planning, objectives and KPIs
  • Support financial reporting and maintain high professional standards

About you:
You’ll bring strong experience in public affairs, policy or parliamentary work, with a proven ability to influence senior decision makers. You will have a deep understanding of the Northern Ireland political landscape, alongside excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
You’ll be strategic, collaborative and highly organised, confident managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. This role requires a proactive approach, sound judgement and the ability to build credibility quickly across a wide stakeholder network.
 
Closing date ASAP – please apply as soon as possible.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.

Citizens UK 

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

This role will also work closely alongside the Living Wage Foundation communications function. The Living Wage movement began in 2001, after Citizens UK brought together communities in East London to discuss poverty and low pay. The campaign grew in momentum and soon required a mechanism to recognise employers who wanted to join the movement, which saw the establishment of the Living Wage Foundation in 2011. Still part of Citizens UK today, the Living Wage Foundation continues to work with community organisations to make sure the voices of both workers and businesses are part of the Living Wage movement. We now work with over 16,000 employers, benefitting over 475,000 people and winning over £4bn of better wages for people who need it most. 

Purpose 

At Citizens UK, our staff work within communities to develop leaders, strengthen organisations, campaign for change and organise across difference. There are various project roles and operational, communication, finance and HR roles that support the organisation and project staff and organisers to deliver on this mission and work. This work is rewarding and can be challenging; it requires a personal commitment to inclusion, a willingness to listen and disagree respectfully, and an interest in working in an organisation where our staff, member institutions and leaders will come from a diversity of backgrounds and often hold views that may be very different from our own. More information about how we operate within this context and build trusted relationships across difference can be found on our website and is covered in induction. Onboarding and navigating this relational culture, and type of work, is supported by line managers and further training. 

1. Content & Marketing Officer role:

Main responsibilities

• Create engaging written, graphic and video content.

• Deliver integrated marketing campaigns across digital channels.

• Support website, email marketing, SEO/PPC and media activity.

• Produce creative assets and support fundraising and internal communications.

• Use audience insight and AI to improve communications.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Degree/training in communications, marketing, media or community organising (D)

Experience

• Communications, marketing or digital content (E)

• Managing multiple priorities (E)

• Campaign experience (D)

Skills & Knowledge

• Strong communication skills (E)

• Digital communications and marketing knowledge (E)

• Adapt content for different audiences (E)

• Organisation and attention to detail (E)

• Data insight (D)

• Creative tools (D)

Personal Qualities

• Proactive and takes initiative (E)

• Commitment to Citizens UK's values (E)

• Passion for storytelling (E)

• Strong relationship-building skills (E)

• Adaptable and responsive to feedback (E)

2. Digital Communications Officer role:

Main responsibilities

• Lead social media and digital communications.

• Create engaging digital content and campaigns.

• Manage website and email communications.

• Grow audiences through digital engagement.

• Monitor performance and support colleagues with digital communications.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Degree/training in communications, marketing, media or community organising (D)

Experience

• Digital marketing campaigns (E)

• Digital content creation (E)

• Social media management (E)

• Marketing, design or filming (D)

• Crisis communications (D)

Skills & Knowledge

• Digital storytelling (E)

• Social media platforms and scheduling (E)

• Website CMS/UX (E)

• Excellent communication (E)

• Project management (E)

• Paid media (D)

• Photography/video/design software (D)

• Fundraising communications (D)

Personal Qualities

• Adaptable and takes initiative (E)

• Commitment to Citizens UK's values (E)

• Passion for community organising (E)

• Strong relationship-building skills (E)

• Willingness to travel (D)

About the application process 

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

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

Please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification for full details of the role and requirements.