Policy communications manager jobs

About the Role

We are looking for a creative, organised and strategic Social Media and Communications person to lead and deliver engaging communications across digital and traditional channels. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing compelling content, managing social media platforms, increasing audience engagement, and ensuring consistent m essaging across all communications.

This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about storytelling, understands how to grow online communities, and can confidently manage communications campaigns that support organisational objectives

We are looking for a warm and proactive members of staff to help us deepen and expand relationships with our members and supporters. This role is central to building a sustainable income base that allows EDS UK to continue providing vital support, information and advocacy for people living with EDS and HSD.

As part of a small team, you’ll enjoy a varied role that blends hands strategic thinking. You’ll lead on our communications , grow on delivery with followers , and ensure every supporter feels valued, understood and connected to our mission. You’ll bring empathy, clarity and creativity to supporter communications, recognising the diverse needs of our community.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who wants to make a tangible difference every day and help shape the future of EDS UK’s member experience.

Key responsibilities

Social Media Management

• Develop and implement a social media strategy aligned with organisational goals.

• Manage day to day activity across all social media channels including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube

• Create engaging, accessible and audience , but not limited focused content including graphics, videos, reels, stories and written posts.

• Schedule and publish content using social media management tools.

• Monitor engagement, respond to comments and messages, and build positive online communities.

• Track trends, emerging platforms and digital opportunities.

• Monitor analytics and prepare monthly performance reports with recommendations.

Communications

• Develop and deliver internal and external communications campaigns by writing and editing high quality content.

• Ensure all communications reflect the organisation’s tone of voice and brand identity.

• Support awareness campaigns, fundraising initiatives, events and service promotion.

• Manage media enquiries and assist with public relations opportunities.

• Coordinate communication plans for campaigns, launches and events.

Website and Digital Content

• Maintain , map and update website content on our CMS to ensure information is accurate and engaging.

• Support SEO and AI  and digital marketing activity to improve reach and visibility.

• Work with designers, external suppliers or internal teams to create multimedia content.

• Keeping the database s clean and up to date including Mailchimp and CMS

Brand and Audience Engagement

• Maintain brand consistency across all communications.

• Build relationships with stakeholders, supporters, partners and influencers.

• Identify opportunities to grow audiences and increase engagement.

• Promote inclusive and accessible communication practices.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Analyse campaign and social media performance using analytics tools.

• Produce reports demonstrating impact, engagement and growth.

• Use insights and data to improve future communications activity.

Collaboration and Representation

• Represent the charity at occasional events, meetings or online sessions.

• Contribute to a positive, collaborative culture within a small team.

• Undertake any other reasonable request from the requirements of the role. Head of Services to fulfil the requirements of the role.

Person Specification

Experience and Knowledge

▪ Proven experience managing social media platforms for an organisation or brand.

• Strong copywriting, editing and storytelling skills.

• Experience creating digital content including graphics and short form video.

• Excellent understanding of social media trends, analytics and best practice.

• Experience using scheduling and analytics platforms.

• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

• Good understanding of brand management and audience engagement.

• Experience working within the charity, healthcare or non profit sector.

• Knowledge of accessibility standards and inclusive communications.

• Experience with Canva, Adobe Creative Suite or video editing tools.

• Experience managing paid social campaigns.

• Understanding of AI, SEO and email marketing platforms.

• Experience of using wordpress or other CMS

Skills and Attributes

▪ Strong organisational and strategic skills, with attention to detail.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire through content.

• Creative and proactive.

• Empathetic and audience focused

• Highly organised and detail oriented.

• Adaptable and solutions--focused.

• Passionate about meaningful communications and community engagement.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a small, fast paced team.

• Ability to work independently and take ownership of projects.

• Comfortable working remotely with occasional travel to London.

• Flexibility in working hours – some evenings and weekends may be required.

• A commitment to the policies and aims of EDS UK.

Please note that the successful candidate will be required to undergo a fully enhanced DBS check, prior to commencing employment with EDS UK.

Application process

Please send your CV, together with a covering letter outlining how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role .

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. 

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications.

About the Role

 We are looking for a motivated and capable individual to join our dynamic Policy and Public Affairs Team, supporting the development of credible, evidence‑based policy proposals and helping to influence UK governments and NHS organisations to adopt them.

Key tasks and responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

· Monitoring the political and policy environment to keep track of things like Government / NHS initiatives and influencing opportunities.

· Collating and helping to analyse existing quantitative and qualitative research to produce briefings, help generate policy proposals and facilitate their implementation.

· Assisting the Head of Policy and Public Affairs and Policy and Public Affairs Officer to devise and implement influencing plans directed towards politicians, the NHS or relevant stakeholders.

· Preparing and drafting responses to consultations and reports relevant to the work of CPOC and the College, ensuring responses are evidence-based and in line with on-going policy work and strategy.

· Assisting with designing and conducting new research, such as survey work or interviews, in support of policy and influencing work.

· Becoming the team’s main expert on policy work in one of the UK devolved nations – likely Northern Ireland – and represent the Policy and Public Affairs Team on RCoA’s board for that nation.

· Providing general administrative support to the Team, including producing agendas for meetings and keeping track of our contacts with stakeholders.

About You

To succeed in this role, you will need to deliver high‑quality work at pace, be well organised, eager to learn and able to build strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. You should have a sound understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methods, what makes impactful policy proposals and how research can be used to influence policymakers.  Insight into the UK health policy landscape, including government and NHS priorities, is also important.

This role is well‑suited to someone starting their policy career, and while previous policy experience is beneficial, it is not essential as full support and development will be provided.

What We Want to Achieve

We want to see an NHS that delivers good outcomes for patients and makes the best use of available resources. Our role in this relates to the anaesthetic workforce, and we have two specific priorities:

1) Boosting the anaesthetic workforce. Most operations require an anaesthetist in order to take place, but each of the four UK nations faces a chronic shortage of anaesthetists. Unfortunately, at present, no UK government is funding enough anaesthetic training places. We are determined to see this changed.

2) Optimising the surgical pathway. Anaesthetists don’t just work in the operating theatres they are often involved with the care patients receive before and after their operations – known as ‘perioperative care’. Good perioperative care can prevent surgical cancellations, complications, and unnecessarily long hospital stays. To this end, we host the Centre for Perioperative Care (CPOC). CPOC advocates policies such as ‘prehabilitation’ to ensure that patients arrive in hospital on the day of their surgery in the healthiest state possible – so their operation can go ahead without problems, and they can recover quickly. We are doggedly pushing for such polices to be adopted.

The Package

This is a full-time, permanent position with a competitive employee benefits package, which includes (but is not limited to):

· 26 days of annual leave, plus bank holiday

· 1 additional paid day of leave for the purpose of celebrating your birthday

· Healthcare support through Benenden Health

· Up to 12% pension contribution

· Hybrid and flexible working

· Wellbeing hour once a week

· Cycle to work and employee discounts schemes

· Training and development opportunities

· Access to Mental Health First Aiders and Employee Assistance Programmes

About the College

The Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCoA) is the professional body responsible for the specialty throughout the UK. We are the third largest medical royal college in the UK by membership. With a combined membership of more than 24,000 Fellows and Members, we ensure the quality of patient care by safeguarding standards in the three specialties of anaesthesia, intensive care and pain medicine.

At RCoA equality, diversity and inclusion is an integral part of our culture so it is important to us that this is reflected in everything that we do. We welcome applications from all individuals irrespective of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion or belief, disability, marital status, or parental responsibilities to ensure we actively embrace an inclusive and representative culture that encourages, supports and celebrates our differences.

How to Apply

 If you believe that you are the right person for this role, please submit your CV and cover letter by Tuesday 30th June. In your cover please address clearly how your experience meets the essential criteria in the job description in no more than 750 words.

Please note that the closing date is subject to change, depending on the success of the recruitment process.

Unfortunately, due to the volume of applications, we are unable to provide detailed feedback to candidates on their application. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted after the closing date. Please note that the closing date is subject to change.

Applicants must reside and have the right to work in the UK. No agencies please.

Purpose of the role

Are you passionate about how digital communications can be leveraged to help even more people understand the role and importance of churches and to encourage and support those who are caring for these historic buildings? We are looking for a part-time Communications Officer to join our small Communications Team at the National Churches Trust. You will help plan, write, build and send our regular newsletters, manage our photo library and permissions, and support us in making sure our website is up-to-date, accurate and accessible.

If you are a good communicator and writer, you understand the importance of UX design and supporter journeys, and you want to use your skills to help keep churches open and in use, then this could be the role for you.

Hours of Work: Part-time, 21 hours per week split over three days, working Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.

Introduction to the National Churches Trust

We want to keep the UK’s wonderful collection of church buildings well maintained, valued and in use. Working on the ground in all four nations, we support churches of all denominations. Our vision is to see open churches thriving at the heart of their communities.

Our mission:

• We Speak Up: churches are valued and supported

• We Build Up: churches are well maintained, adaptable and in good repair

• We Open Up: churches are sustainable, open and welcoming

Our values:

• Being straightforward in responding to others’ needs

• Providing support that makes a difference

• Joining forces to achieve greater impact

• Driving change that brings our vision closer​

Please note, we are not looking for any freelancers to fulfil this role.

For more information, download the job description supporting document. To apply, visit our careers page via the Apply button.

Closing date: Midnight on Sunday, 12 July 2026.

Interviews: Thursday 23 or Friday 24 July 2026 in Westminster, London.

Thank you for your interest in the National Churches Trust and our mission to see open churches thriving at the heart of their communities. We look forward to hearing from you.

Job purpose:

 The postholder will provide public affairs and policy support for the Association’s Advocacy and Campaigns programme as key elements in the Association’s strategic plan.

This role is based at our head office in 21 Portland Place, London. We offer a hybrid working arrangement with a minimum of 2 days in the office per week.

Key responsibilities:

•  Assist the organisation with developing its external voice by responding to policy developments and parliamentary opportunities, bringing together members’ views, evidence and information.
• Monitor relevant parliamentary business and produce short summaries of events where appropriate.
• Track the progress of relevant legislation, committee inquiries and consultations.
• Develop briefings and position statements setting out the Association’s views on issues relevant to membership, that support the advocacy and campaigns work and topical issues.
• Prepare briefings in advance of, and attend, where appropriate, meetings with key stakeholders and organise meetings when required.
• Assist with the developing and updating of stakeholder maps and spreadsheets.
• Assist with the development of campaigns by carrying out research and producing supporting briefings.
• Support the Head of Public Affairs and Policy with producing responses to consultations and policy developments, following up on finalised responses and taking forward related actions.
• Produce statements, latest news updates and contributions to the Association’s publications that promote the policy, advocacy and campaigns work.
• Encourage member engagement on relevant policy issues and campaigns via the Association’s website and other online and offline communication tools.
• Build strategic relationships with key stakeholders, both internal and external, to facilitate collaborative working on priority campaign areas.
• Work with the Digital Content Team to make sure the website and social media are kept up to date with current policy developments and announcements

Operational management

• To work on individual projects, reports, events and publications within the Association as directed by the Head of Public Affairs and Policy.
• Maintain and improve your own competencies through continuous professional development.
• Abide by organisational policies, codes of conduct and practice as described in the Staff Handbook.
• Support and promote the Association’s commitment to diversity and equality of opportunity in the workplace.

This job description is intended to reflect the main duties and responsibilities of the post and is not an exhaustive list of duties. The post holder may be required to undertake other duties which are commensurate with the role.

Person specification

Skills, knowledge and experience

Essential

Educated to degree level or equivalent (e.g. relevant professional qualifications and/or vocational training).

Excellent oral communication skills and written communications skills, with particular emphasis on attention to detail (spelling and grammar).

Experience of writing policy statements and briefings and articulating these clearly to decision-makers and stakeholders.

Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of people including staff, Board, Council, members, stakeholders from other organisations.

Strong time management skills including an ability to manage competing requests and an ability to prioritise.

Well-developed IT skills, including the Microsoft Office suite of products.

Demonstrable experience in parliamentary affairs and an excellent knowledge of the UK political landscape.

Desirable

An understanding of current policy issues affecting the health sector.

Experience of working in a membership organisation.

Experience of working in a political environment.

Strategic thinking and interest in contributing to innovation and change.

Experience of engaging with political monitoring organisations and database management.

Digital copywriting skills and experience of writing for web or social media, and content management systems.

Applications close on 31 July and interviews will take place on 11 August.

Communications Officer - Six Month Contract

About Us 

The Early Education and Childcare Coalition unites the voices of parents, children, providers, early years professionals and the wider business community, working together for investment and reform of early education and childcare in England. 

We believe that we all benefit from a well-functioning early education system and we all have a role to play in ensuring it works for children, parents and the economy. 

We are backed by some of the most high-profile campaign and research organisations in the UK. Our members include early years provider membership bodies, parent campaign groups, early childhood experts, trade unions, the business lobby, anti-poverty campaigners and NGOs. Together, we use our collective voice and research to build public and political support for early education and childcare. And it’s worked. Thanks to the dedication of our members, early years is one of the top priorities for the government’s Plan for Change. 

But our work isn’t done – we have an ambitious agenda to ‘rescue and reform’ the system, ensuring that: 

• Every child can access high-quality education and care that their parents can afford and that will support them to thrive 

• Every provider is funded fairly for the places they offer 

• Every early years professional is rewarded and recognised for the skilled work they do 

This is an exciting time to join the Coalition. We have experienced significant growth in recent years and with early years firmly on the policy agenda, we expect this to continue.

We are now looking for a Communications Officer to help us tell compelling stories, engage key audiences and ensure our communications activity is delivered to a consistently high standard. 

About the Role 

Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week. We may consider 4 days per week with Tuesday or Wednesday as a non-working day. 

Duration: Six month contract, renewed subject to funding. 

Location: Home-working within the UK, with occasional travel for team meetings, events and member engagement. 

Annual Full-time Salary: £33,500 per annum, pro-rated for a 6 month contract.

Start date: Immediate start

 
 
 
As Communications Officer, you will play a central role in delivering the Coalition's day-to-day communications activity. Working with the Head of Campaigns and Communications you will help ensure that our research, campaigns and policy work reach the audiences that matter, from journalists and policymakers to providers, parents and coalition members. 

This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys creating engaging content, spotting opportunities, managing multiple priorities and working as part of a small, ambitious team. 

You will support our social media presence, coordinate newsletters and member communications, monitor media coverage and enquiries, and help ensure that the Coalition's voice is consistent, timely and impactful. 

 
About You 

You are an excellent communicator with strong writing skills and an eye for detail. You enjoy creating engaging content, can manage competing priorities and are excited by the opportunity to help shape public debate on issues affecting children, families and the early years workforce. 

You are proactive, organised and comfortable working independently within a remote team. You are equally happy drafting newsletter copy, responding to urgent journalist enquiries or creating graphics for social media. 

What You Can Expect To Be Doing 

Deliver the Coalition's social media activity 

• Monitor the Coalition's social media channels on a day-to-day basis.

• Create engaging content across platforms, including graphics, video and written posts.

• Maintain content calendars and schedule content.

• Monitor sector conversations, emerging issues and engagement opportunities.

• Support the delivery of campaign moments, events and report launches.

• Track performance and provide regular reports.

Support media and press activity 

• Monitor media coverage relating to early education, childcare and the workforce.

• Manage incoming media enquiries and work with the Head of Communications and Campaigns to deliver timely responses.

• Maintain media monitoring systems and coverage reports.

• Support relationships with journalists and media stakeholders.

Produce high-quality content 

• Draft and distribute newsletters for members, supporters and stakeholders.

• Write website content, blogs and other communications materials.

• Support the development of campaign messaging and communications assets.

• Ensure content is accessible, accurate and aligned with the Coalition's tone of voice.

Support member and stakeholder engagement 

• Support the promotion of publications and campaigns 

• Assist with the delivery of Coalition events 

• Assist with maintaining contact databases

• Respond to general communications enquiries

Contribute to a small and ambitious team 

• Support colleagues with communications advice and delivery.

• Contribute to planning, team meetings and organisational development.

• Undertake other duties consistent with the role as required.

Person Specification 

Essential 

• Experience working in a communications, media, marketing or public affairs role 

• Excellent written communication skills and the ability to write for different audiences and channels 

• Experience working with social media accounts in a professional setting and creating engaging digital content 

• Experience supporting media relations or press office activity 

• Experience using Canva, Adobe Creative Suite or similar design software 

• Experience drafting newsletters and using email marketing platforms 

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities 

• Excellent attention to detail 

• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a small team 

• Commitment to the Coalition's mission and values 

Desirable 

• Experience working in a charity, campaigning, membership or policy environment 

• Understanding of early education and childcare policy in England and the challenges currently facing the system 

• Experience using website content management systems (Squarespace preferred)

• Experience using CRM systems to maintain records

• Experience of event planning and promotion

• Proven ability to work flexibly as part of a small, remote team

The Application Process 

Please apply with: 

• A CV (maximum two pages).

• A cover letter (maximum two pages) explaining your interest in the role and how your experience meets the person specification. We recognise that the use of AI technologies can be useful in reducing the work that goes into job-hunting, however, we kindly request that you use your cover letter to evidence that you have understood the requirements of the role and provide examples of how you can meet the criteria. 

The EECC is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse team that reflects the communities we seek to serve. 

Recruitment Timeline 

As this role is for an immediate start, we will be conducting interviews on a rolling basis until the post is filled.

The Youth Endowment Fund

Senior Research Manager (SRM)- Youth Justice

Reports to: Head of Guidance and Policy 

Salary: £54,320 

Contract: 13-month maternity cover (fixed term contract) 

Location: Central London, hybrid* (see p.6) 

Closing date for applications: 9pm Monday 6th July 

  Interview dates: 22nd and 23rd July

About the Youth Endowment Fund 

We’re here to prevent children and young people becoming involved in violence. We do this by finding out what works and building a movement to put this knowledge into practice. 

Violence continues to shape the lives of too many teenage children. In the past year, nearly one in five said they had been a victim, one in eight admitted to carrying out violence themselves, and half told us they had witnessed violence being committed against someone else. This violence takes many forms— from physical and sexual assault to robbery and threats with weapons. And the consequences are often severe. Nearly three in ten victims, equivalent to 5% of all teenage children in England and Wales, needed medical treatment from a doctor or a hospital. 

At the Youth Endowment Fund, we work to prevent this violence. To do this, we aim to build the evidence base on what works, and then use this to change policy and practice.

In the first instance, this means producing strong, relevant evidence through research, data analysis and insights into young people’s lives. But evidence on its own isn’t enough. We must use this evidence to promote real change in day-to-day practice and ambitious system reform to better protect children.

About the role  

This role is a hugely exciting opportunity to change practice and policy in the Youth Justice sector. Using the vast body of evidence YEF has compiled (including four new research projects that are currently underway), the Senior Research Manager (SRM) for Youth Justice will spend the year writing two reports: 

1. A Practice Guidance Report (publishing in May 2027). 
2. A System Guidance Report (publishing in September 2027). 

Practice Guidance Report 

The Practice Guidance Report will provide 5-8 evidence-based recommendations on how individual Youth Justice Services can prevent children’s involvement in violence. It will be similar in style and approach to previous YEF Practice Guidance in other sectors (such as the education practice guidance, and youth sector practice guidance report). It will likely recommend a range of evidence-based strategies including:

• The importance of commissioning evidence-based interventions (detailed in the YEF Toolkit). 

• How to meet the health needs of children in the Youth Justice System. 

• How to respond to serious violence and weapons carrying. 

• How to support the sentencing process. 

• How to support children in and after custody.

• How to ensure effective diversion takes place. 

The SRM for Youth Justice will lead the development and writing of these recommendations.

System Guidance Report 

Targeted at policy makers and system leaders (including national government and the inspectorate) this guidance report will make 5-8 policy recommendations on how the Youth Justice sector can be reformed to better protect children from involvement in violence. While the practice guidance will focus on day-to-day changes that Youth Justice services can make, the system guidance will focus on how the system itself should be changed to make it easier for Youth Justice services to do ‘what works’. It will be similar in style to the education system guidance. It will likely recommend a range of evidence-based reforms, including: 

• How to use funding, training and inspection to improve the provision of evidence-based interventions in the Youth Justice System.

• How to ensure that other agencies and sectors (such as health and education) effectively collaborate with Youth Justice Services. 

• How to improve responses to the most vulnerable children and young people, and how to improve sentencing, custody and resettlement.

The SRM for Youth Justice will also lead the development and writing of these recommendations. 

Both guidance reports will include as a priority recommendations that will reduce the racial disproportionality currently evident in the Youth Justice System, and you will work closely with a Race Equity Advisor who will play a vital role as a critical friend.

You will also be supported by a brilliant internal YEF Youth Justice Change Team (former Youth Justice practitioners who work within YEF to change practice and policy across the sector), in addition to external expert input from the leading sector experts. This will include liaising closely with the Ministry of Justice in producing both reports. You will also be able to draw from the practice and system guidance reports that YEF has already produced on diversion.

This role is a unique opportunity to change the Youth Justice System and YEF will invest significant resource in making the recommendations that you write happen. For instance, we published our Education System Guidance Report in May 2025. Three of the eight recommendations included in it have already been enacted. We intend to push for practice and system change at pace and will use the work you produce to do so.

The Senior Research Manager will be part of YEF’s Research team. The Research team is at the heart of our efforts to learn what works and put it into practice. We do this by developing the YEF’s funding strategy and creating free, highly accessible research summaries and actionable recommendations for policy makers, commissioners and practitioners. We’re a high-performing team which values intellectual rigour and getting to the truth, compassion for children, ambition about what we can achieve and humility about what we know. We love to discuss the latest developments in research methods, but we’re not just interested in research for its own sake. We want research to lead to actual changes in outcomes for children. 

Key responsibilities 

You’ll... 

• Write a practice guidance report for the Youth Justice Sector. This will use the best available evidence (including a range of research that YEF has funded, commissioned, and synthesised) to provide evidence-based recommendations to Youth Justice Services on how to prevent children’s involvement in violence. You will work closely with the internal YEF Youth Justice Change Team, an external expert panel and the Ministry of Justice to produce high quality guidance.

• Write a system guidance report for the Youth Justice Sector. This will use the best available evidence (including a range of research that YEF has funded, commissioned, and synthesised) to provide evidence-based recommendations to Youth Justice policy makers and system leaders on how the sector can best protect children from involvement in violence.You will work closely with the internal YEF Youth Justice Change Team, an external expert panel and the Ministry of Justice to produce high quality guidance.

• Become the YEF’s expert on Youth Justice. You’ll make sure we understand the key issues, stay on top of the latest research and are connected to the right people. 

• Read, comment on, and support the publication of four research projects focused on the Youth Justice system concluding in late 2026.These projects, which are currently underway, are reviews of current practice that focus on: Youth Justice responses to serious violence, VAWG and weapons; a review of how community sentences and court orders are used for children involved in violence; a review of custody aftercare and resettlement programmes for children and young adults; and a review of whether the youth justice system is currently meeting the health needs of children within it. Alongside YEF’s existing research (particularly the YEF Toolkit), these reviews will support the development of guidance.

• Develop great relationships with experts and represent YEF in external meetings and events. You’ll promote evidence-based policy and practice by speaking at conferences and events. 

• Work with our Change Team to produce resources and accessible summaries for Youth Justice colleagues on the evidence. This will also include supporting the Youth Justice change team in producing a self-assessment tool based on your practice guidance report.

About you 

You are this sort of person: 

• You want to play a significant part in reducing the level of violence affecting children and young people. You care about having an impact. This might mean you’ve worked directly with young people at risk of becoming involved in crime, for organisations that fund or deliver relevant programmes, or have conducted research on this topic. 

• You share our belief that an evidence-based approach is our best hope of 

preventing violence. You’re fascinated by research, but you’re not just interested in research for its own sake. You want to achieve actual changes in outcomes for children. 

• You know a lot about Youth Justice. You know the key ideas and debates, recent policy developments and key people. You’re comfortable talking about Youth Justice with experts. There are many ways to acquire this knowledge. You might have worked in Youth Justice, in associated organisations, or learnt about it during a degree. 

• You take ownership of your work. You demonstrate ownership and agency and can take the leading role on a project. You can take broad objectives and deliver a concrete workplan to make them happen.

• You’re a confident reader of research and have strong critical appraisal skills. You know when research can be trusted and when it can’t and can confidently articulate your views on the strength of research. You might have gained this expertise through your academic studies, research or professional experience. 

• You have at least three years’ experience working in a role that required you to think about research. This could include a range of roles in policy, academia, funding or practice. 

• You write in a way that people easily understand. You have that rare skill of writing in plain English. You have experience of translating complex research findings into plain writing that everyone can understand. 

• You have excellent project and time management skills. You can work independently, quickly and to a high standard.

• You are good with people. You’re comfortable working with a wide range of people, including senior academics and other research experts, children and their families, practitioners and policy makers. You’re able to provide constructive challenge when required. You care more that good things happen than who gets the credit. You support your colleagues to produce excellent work. 

• You learn fast but remain humble. You like learning. You’re very good at synthesising information. You know how much you don't know and that you can always learn more. 

• You’re committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. You believe and act in a way that celebrates and encourages a range of experiences, views and values.

While it’s not a criterion, we’re especially interested to hear from applicants 

who have lived experience of youth violence. 

It’s also important to us that the people we hire do not discriminate. We believe in being inclusive and giving everyone an equal chance to succeed. Applications are welcome from all regardless of age, sex, gender identity, disability, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief, race, sexual orientation, transgender status or socio-economic background. 

Additional benefits include 

£1,000 professional development budget annually, 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, four half days for volunteering activities. 

Hybrid working details 

The office is based in Central London. Those living in and around London are expected to be in the office a minimum of 2 days per week. If you live outside of London and work remotely, you’ll be expected to work from the London office 2 days per month.

To apply: 

To apply, please send a CV, cover letter and the monitoring form via our application page by 9:00 pm Monday 6th July.  

When applying for this role, ensure you complete our Monitoring Form and attach your CV. Additionally, please submit a supporting statement that answers the following questions. Your response to each question should be no longer than 400 words: 

1. Why do you want the job? 
2. Can you give an example where you’ve had to summarise evidence on a specific topic that was highly contested? How did you manage the process and communicate the result? 
3. Please provide an overview of your experience in relation to Youth Justice and explain why this experience makes you a good fit for this role. 

You will also be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK. As part of our commitment to flexible working, we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at interview stage. 

Interview process 

Interviews will take place on 22nd and 23rd of July.  

There will be a task to prepare for in advance. 

Personal data 

Your personal data will be shared for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes our HR team, interviewers (who may include other partners in the project and independent advisors), relevant team managers and our IT service provider if access to the data is necessary for performance of their roles. We do not share your data with other third parties, unless your application for employment is successful and we make you an offer of employment. We will then share your data with former employers to obtain references for you. We do not transfer your data outside the European Economic Area. 

Asylum Matters is looking for a dynamic campaigner & policy manager committed to upholding the rights of people seeking asylum in Yorkshire & Humber and across the UK at a critical time.

Asylum Matters plays a significant role in working towards positive change for refugees and people seeking asylum. We are a small team based around the UK, working locally and nationally with an extensive network of partners to advocate for progressive change in the asylum system. We work with frontline organisations and people with lived experience across the UK on a range of issues that affect people in the asylum system. The Yorkshire & Humber Campaigns & Policy Manager will work with the grass roots organisations and established Asylum, Refugee and Migrants rights organisations across Yorkshire and Humber, and the amazing lived experience campaigners to drive change locally. They will also provide specialist policy resource to Asylum Matters nationally, sitting across our four national campaigns around asylum justice, accommodation, asylum support and working rights. Helping us respond to government policy proposals and develop and support our sectors approach to a progressive asylum system.

We are a facilitator of collaboration and joint action. Our work helps strengthen collective advocacy on asylum reform and ensures it is informed by the reality on the ground. We are rooted in communities and committed to playing our full part in shifting the narrative around asylum, and helping our communities develop their resilience and solidarity with people seeking asylum at the forefront of our work.

The successful candidate will work in partnership with local organisations and networks in Yorkshire & Humber to develop and implement strategies for achieving change locally and nationally. They will have experience of developing and delivering impactful campaigns that have achieved change. They will hold extensive experience in analysing and shaping asylum policy and support the policy work of Asylum Matters Nationally. They will be an effective communicator, able to build strong partnerships and work collaboratively with partners. They will be proactive, able to spot influencing opportunities and quickly mobilise support to respond to them. They will have a commitment to the vision of a fairer and more effective asylum system, and to empowering and working with those with direct experience of it.

We are particularly keen to hear from people with lived experience of the UK asylum system, anyone with lived experience who meets the essential criteria will be granted an interview.

Candidates must have the right to work in the UK.

Application Instructions

Please submit your current CV, plus a supporting statement that details how you have the experience to meet the essential criteria within the Job Pack attached. Please note we don’t accept general covering letters, failure to submit a supporting statement that details how you meet each of the 8 essential criteria will disqualify your application.

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Location: London, UK (Hybrid – 50% office attendance)

Summary Purpose - what you will be achieving:

The Policy Directorate brings together the Academy’s policy, analysis and external affairs functions to address major science and health policy issues in the UK and internationally. The Directorate works as a single, coordinated team, focusing resources on priority areas, applying strategic approaches, generating high‑quality evidence and insights, and engaging effectively with government, stakeholders and partners to inform decision‑making and influence policy.

You will work in the Academy’s new Analysis Function, which ensures that policy development, external engagement, and rapid response work are consistently underpinned by high‑quality analytical insight. Reporting to the Head of Policy Analysis, you will lead activities in a team that spans qualitative and quantitative methods, evidence synthesis, horizon scanning, policy modelling and evaluation.

You will work within the Policy Directorate (including the Policy Development and External Affairs functions) to improve the quality and impact of policy recommendations, and ensure decision-makers can rely on timely, trusted analysis.

About the role - what you will be doing:

1. Provide expert advice and guidance in support of policy analysis

• Work with the Head of Policy Analysis to develop the Analysis Function’s strategy, operating model, standards, governance and ways of working.
• Work with Policy Managers to agree strategies for evidence gathering in support of policy priorities.
• Advise on risks, uncertainties, and the implications of emerging scientific and technological trends as they pertain to the conduct of medical sciences and the health service.

2. Lead the Policy Directorate’s ‘rapid response’ function

• Lead the process of developing rapid responses to emerging policy opportunities.
• Oversee horizon scanning activities to ensure opportunities for rapid response are identified and planned for at early stages.
• Work with the Policy Directorate to agree, manage and quality assure rapid response projects.
• Where rapid response work has been commissioned by external organisations (e.g. government, arm’s length bodies), ensure their project needs are defined and addressed.
• Ensure rapid response outputs are underpinned by high‑quality analysis.

3. Project manage analytical activities

• Lead the Academy’s policy analysis projects, determining the best methodological approaches to gathering evidence that will inform policy development and external affairs.
• Manage the design and delivery of evidence syntheses, horizon scanning, modelling, impact assessments, stakeholder insight analysis, and evaluation.
• Lead colleagues in the Analysis Function to coordinate project planning and evidence-gathering activities.
• Support the Analysis Function with commissioning external analysis where appropriate.
• Regularly report on project progress, risks and issues to the Head of Policy Analysis.

4. Build analytical partnerships and external credibility

• Engage with analytical teams across government (e.g., DHSC, NHS England, UKRI, ONS), the charity sector, research funders and national academies.
• Engage with academic experts, methodologists, research networks and data holders to strengthen analytical depth.
• Represent the Academy in analytical or evidence‑focused fora.
• Work with the External Affairs team to support external activities.

Requirements

Essential

• Extensive experience working in analytical or evidence functions. 
• Expertise in a range of analytical methods, such as: evidence synthesis, horizon scanning, behavioural insights, data analysis, evaluation, modelling, or forecasting. 
• Experience in ensuring analytical quality assurance and establishing or applying analytical standards.
• Proven ability to engage with and communicate complex analytical findings clearly for non‑technical system partners, including government and sector representatives. 
• Experience with working at pace and managing a range of projects.
• Good understanding of the UK science, research and health policy landscape and how evidence informs decision-making. 

Desirable

• Previous work in a science, health, research or public policy environment (e.g., government, national academy, think tank, research funder). 
• Experience with managing budgets and commissioning research.

Benefits

We provide our staff with a comprehensive benefits package outlined as follows:

Competitive rewards

• Generous pension scheme with flexible contributions – we contribute between 8% - 13% of your gross salary (with employee contributions of 3% - 8%).
• Life assurance at three times your salary.

Work-life Balance

• Hybrid and agile working. 50% office attendance.
• 26 days annual leave, plus Christmas closure days and bank holidays.
• Buying and selling leave.
• Family-friendly policies including enhanced maternity and paternity leave (subject to a qualifying period).

Wellbeing and Development

• Complimentary subscriptions to Headspace and Classpass to support your physical and mental wellbeing.
• Support through tailored learning and development.

Additional Benefits

• A range of enhanced benefits become available once you’ve completed your probation period.

For more information and to apply, please visit our careers portal.

Closing date: 9:00am on Monday 6 July 2026.

Interviews will likely be held w/c 20 July 2026.

Role: Communications Officer

Reporting to: Head of Communications

Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week

Location: Remote (UTC-4 to UTC+5) (with some international travel for events)
Candidates must be located within ±4 hours of the UK timezone (GMT/BST) to ensure sufficient team crossover.

Closing date: 9am (UK time) on Monday 13th July.

The opportunity
We are seeking a structured and proactive Communications Officer to play a vital role in the day-to-day delivery of our global communications. From managing our content calendar and compiling email campaigns to updating website content, you will support our small, dynamic team in continuously improving the quality, impact, and consistency of our outputs for United for Global Mental Health (UnitedGMH) and the Global Mental Health Action Network (GMHAN). 

About Us
United for Global Mental Health is dedicated to creating a world that enables good mental health for all. We draw on our expertise in policy, advocacy, and financing to work with organisations who share our commitment to driving mental health up the political agenda - and securing additional funding for mental health at national and global level. We founded and act as the secretariat for the Global Mental Health Action Network, an open coalition of mental health professionals of over 10,000 individuals and organisations across 170 countries. 

About you 
Our ideal candidate is a dependable, detail-oriented communicator who genuinely enjoys the practical delivery of communications outputs. You are highly organised, skilled at managing multiple tasks, and comfortable keeping the gears of a busy communications function turning. You understand how to tailor messaging for diverse global audiences and geographies. Ideally, you bring experience working within an international non-governmental organisation (INGO) or global health context.

The role 
Key components of the role include: 

• Social media content development - collaborate with internal subject specialists to produce consistent and frequent on-brand written and visual content for social channels, in support of brand and advocacy goals. You’ll use Canva, Adobe Creative Suite and AgoraPulse for this. 
• Email - develop, write and send UnitedGMH’s regular email newsletter, working with internal staff to source news, updates and relevant content tailored for email subscribers.
• Website development - develop, maintain and update content for the UnitedGMH website - including uploading content and editing pages.
• Social media channel and community management - lead on day-to-day management and posting on UnitedGMH social media channels, including LinkedIn and Pinterest. Manage paid social campaigns where required. Use monitoring tools to manage social media comments (organic and paid). 
• Brand guardian: Be a steward of the UnitedGMH brand, helping to ensure consistent application of visual identity and tone of voice across all external organisational outputs, maintaining high standards of design.
• Monitoring, evaluation, and reporting - create regular analytic reports for social, website and email channels. 
• Editorial planning and communications calendar management - lead on the maintenance of the organisation’s communications calendar, ensuring content across channels is planned-in-advance of key advocacy moments. 
• Team support - support the communications team through project management, meeting management, processing supplier invoices, keeping journalist lists up-to-date, and other responsibilities where needed. 
• Ad-hoc support for the Global Mental Health Action Network - you’ll also provide a supporting function as needed for the GMHAN team, including tasks related to website and social management, plus others where needed. 

Requirements 

• Digital Channel Expertise: Proven experience managing website Content Management Systems (e.g., WordPress, Squarespace), diverse social media platforms, and email marketing software (e.g., Mailchimp).
• Exceptional Copywriting: A skilled writer with a track record of crafting engaging copy for varied audiences. Note: We want an authentic writer who cares deeply about the words they craft, rather than someone whose first instinct is to rely on LLMs/AI to generate content.
• Editorial Rigour: Strong research and proofreading skills with an uncompromising eye for detail.
• Organisation & Delivery: Highly organised with experience providing team administrative support and the ability to prioritise a busy workload under tight deadlines.
• Tools & Systems: Comfortable utilising digital project management and collaboration tools (e.g., Trello, Google Drive).
• Mission Alignment: A genuine interest in global mental health, international development, and political advocacy.
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong relationship management skills, with the flexibility to work effectively with a globally distributed team.
• Travel: Willingness to travel internationally to support at global events up to 5 times per year for up to a week at a time. 

Desirable 

• Experience working in an advocacy / international NGO environment within a fast-paced globally distributed staff team
• Demonstrable experience in working with journalists
• Additional language skills (note the position requires fluent English)

Unfortunately, we are not able to recruit team members in the following countries/regions: Afghanistan, Belarus, Central African Republic, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Myanmar (Burma), North Korea, Russia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine (specifically the occupied regions of Crimea, Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhya), Venezuela, Yemen, and Zimbabwe.

For non-UK candidates: Please note that you would be hired via Deel as an Employer of Record.

Interviews:
Interviews will be conducted remotely. There will be 2 interview rounds and a task to complete.
How to apply:
To apply, please submit your cover letter, outlining how you meet the required competencies, and a CV, via the Charity Job site.

The Role

As  Outreach & Communications Officer, you will act as a key first point of contact for prospective students, managing high volumes of enquiries across email, phone, and SMS while delivering a professional and supportive experience. You will take ownership of reviewing applicant data and documentation to assess eligibility and ensure fair and equitable access to SEO London programmes.

Working with the organisation’s CRM system (Salesforce), you will be responsible for maintaining high-quality data, tracking student journeys, and supporting informed admissions decision-making. The role requires sound judgement, particularly when handling complex or borderline cases, and a proactive approach to improving processes, systems, and student communications.

In addition to frontline admissions support, you will play a critical role in strengthening student conversion and engagement, using data insights to inform outreach strategies and contribute to continuous improvement across recruitment and communications activity.

Admissions and Communications

• Act as a point of contact for prospective students, delivering timely, accurate and supportive responses across email, phone, and SMS.
• Provide guidance throughout the application journey, ensuring an inclusive and high-quality candidate experience.
• Manage and prioritise a high volume of enquiries, demonstrating strong judgement and professionalism.
• Review applications, supporting evidence, and student data to assess eligibility for programmes.
• Take ownership of more complex or borderline cases, applying policy and judgement to reach fair outcomes.
•  Escalate high-risk or sensitive cases where appropriate, contributing to consistent decision-making standards.
• Streamline admissions workflows from data reviews.

CRM & Data Management

• Monitor and evaluate admissions data, including borderline cases and data cleaning, to support fair and accurate decision-making.  
• Ensure compliance by following safeguarding, equality, and data protection policies during the admissions process. 
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date applicant records within the CRM system, ensuring data integrity at all times.
• Track student interactions and progression through the admissions pipeline, supporting reporting and forecasting.
• Identify data gaps or inefficiencies and implement improvements to systems and processes.

Conversion, Outreach and Insights

• Deliver sessions (online/in-person presentations) and attend communications and outreach events.
• Manage targeted SMS and call campaigns and communicate strategies to improve student recruitment from applicants.
• Work with programme teams to help them understand viable leads to allocate places through our admissions lists. 
• Maintain accurate contact lists and track engagement to inform future outreach and marketing strategies.
• Review and monitor conversions through our customer relationship management (CRM) platform.
• Support student recruitment and conversion through targeted communications and follow-ups.
• Use data and engagement insights to inform outreach strategies and improve conversion rates.
• Collaborate with wider teams to ensure leads are effectively managed and places allocated appropriately

Person Specification

Skills and Experience

· Familiarity with analytics tools or analysis to assess and improve delivery.

· Strong project management skills with a focus on execution and delivery.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Canva.

· Experience using communication management and email marketing platforms (e.g. Mailchimp or Webex).

Desirable Skills and Knowledge

· Experience with Salesforce CRM.

· Experience with data analysis and visualisation.

· Understanding of the UK education landscape and student outreach.

· Good knowledge of diversity, equity and inclusion principles and their application in communications.

Behaviours

· Positive and initiative-taking self-starter.

· Team player with a proactive attitude 

· Creative thinker with the ability to generate engaging ideas.

· Strong written and verbal communication skills.

· Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.

· Flexible and collaborative, working effectively across teams and with stakeholders.

· Commitment to applying DEI knowledge to foster an inclusive organisational culture.

Required Qualifications

· Bachelor’s degree (any discipline) or equivalent experience.

· Native-level fluency in English.

What we offer?

· Annual Leave: 28 days + Bank Holidays.

· Enhanced Family Friendly Policy.

· Flexible working (2 days in the office) and a lovely office space by Borough Station.

· Benefits:

o Employee Assistance Programme

o And more…

Timeline:

Closing date for applications: 15th July 
First and Second interview:  TBC

If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply as soon as possible.  We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis.

Action for Refugees in Lewisham is a thriving, dynamic community charity supporting asylum seekers, refugees and migrants across South East London. This is an exciting new role to the organisation forming a senior management team alongside the Executive Director, Casework Manager and Education and Finance Manager. This key senior position combines line management of central staff, high level fundraising, grants monitoring and compliance, development of enhanced member co-production, oversight of operational systems and management of pilot projects emerging from AFRIL’s 2027-30 strategy.

Job Purpose:

• To manage and coordinate the operations of the organisation, overseeing high level day to day operations including IT and systems, GDPR, Health and Safety, volunteer management, operational policies and procedures.

• To provide leadership and line management to the Monitoring and Operations Officer, Experts by Experience Coordinator and Community Activities Coordinator. With possible additional line of other project staff as organisational capacity requires.

• Lead the enhancement of processes and systems which support AFRIL’s frontline systems to work effectively and holistically together, providing capacity and support to project managers and leads.

• Lead the development and delivery of AFRIL’s co-production work, supporting the Experts by Experience Coordinator to amplify members' voices at all levels of the organisation.

• Supporting the Director in delivering the organisation's fundraising strategy. Writing a range of funding applications, holding key funder relationships and developing new funding relationships, including the establishment of enhanced individual, community and corporate fundraising relationships.

• Leading on the management and oversight of the grants compliance and reporting cycles, producing monitoring reports for funders with the support of the Operations and Monitoring Officer. Overseeing and developing evaluations and impact measurement systems alongside the Director.

• Assist the Director with the implementation of AFRIL’s strategy, taking a leading role in the delivery of new projects and areas of work to advance the mission and vision of the organisation.

• Supporting the Director with the development and implementation of a communications strategy, enhancing awareness of the organisation's work and impact.

• To represent AFRIL at a range of stakeholder meetings, and develop and manage partnerships to benefit AFRIL’s service users.

• To work collaboratively and dynamically in a small team, following AFRIL policies and reflecting AFRIL’s values.

For over 60 years the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) has been building a better childhood for all.

Research and Policy Manager
Contract: Permanent
Work Pattern: Full Time, 35 hours per week (1.0 FTE) (We are open to flexible hours and working patterns, including accommodating part-time and compressed hours (0.8 FTE) where possible).
Salary: £44,167 per annum
Location: London Fields, E8. NCB promotes a hybrid, flexible way of working with 2 days working in the office.

The Vacancy

The Policy and Communications Manager will act as a driving force behind our visibility and impact across key policy areas, bringing lived and learned experiences to the heart of our influencing. This role will work to elevate our profile, transforming our evidence and expertise into impactful communications and influencing strategies to build a momentum for meaningful policy, legislative and social change.

This position will bridge the gap between NCB’s evidence-based policy development and national advocacy, translating complex policy issues into powerful narratives that resonate with decision-makers and galvanise wider support. The role will manage and deliver key elements of NCB’s core work across policy and communications, lead the delivery of funded projects and provide robust project management, and actively contribute to project proposals and income generation.

About NCB

For more than 60 years, the National Children’s Bureau has championed the rights and amplified the voice of children and young people in the UK. We interrogate policy and uncover evidence, blending in lived and learnt experience to shape future legislation and develop more effective ways of supporting children and families.

Bringing people and organisations together is fundamental to how we improve the systems that babies, children, young people and their families rely on to thrive. We push boundaries, even looking beyond childhood itself to consider transitions into adulthood and the impact of childhood issues on an entire lifespan. We are united for better childhoods and brighter futures.

The Benefits

• 30 Days Annual Leave
• Generous Pension Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Flexible Working
• Winter Holiday Closure & Break
• Employee Assistance Programme

Closing date: 08:00am, Friday 10th July 2026
Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications as soon as possible.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

We are actively seeking to broaden the diversity of our staff group and warmly welcome applications from candidates underrepresented in the charity sector, including those from Black and Global Majority communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with lived experience of the issues NCB works on.

No agencies please.

Liberty and its supporters have been a force for fairness, dignity and respect in our society for more than 90 years. We are now at a critical point. Shared assumptions on freedom, equality and democracy are being overturned, and with this the threat to our basic rights grows.

Now, at this crucial moment in British political history, we’re seeking two experienced Media and Communications Officers to elevate our media and digital outputs as we deliver on an exciting new three-year organisational strategy to tell a story of hope, protect our rights and freedoms, and build a safe and just future for everyone in the UK. 

The Communications Team tells people who Liberty is, what we do and how they can get involved – helping to shape the narrative of the media debate and influence decision makers. This role requires proven experience of designing and executing high-quality, high-impact media and digital communications plans that reach, engage and persuade target audiences.

Liberty is a small organisation which punches above its weight. The Media and Communications Officers will use their media experience to support the running of our busy press office by being the first point of contact for journalists, drafting responses to media requests, and supporting our spokespeople with interview briefings. They will also help build our profile in the media by forging relationships with key contacts across broadcast, print and new forms of digital media.

Telling an inclusive story about the importance of our rights and freedoms to everyday lives is central to who we are and what we do. From facial recognition technology to protest rights, you will get the opportunity to work on a wide range of high-profile issues.

The Media and Communications Officers will deliver engaging outputs across social media and our website, adapting core messages across different platforms. They will help bring technical legal and policy arguments to life through creative storytelling that resonates with the public.

Liberty’s first president described our work as “the fight that is never done”. This is a great opportunity for two experienced comms professionals to join a dynamic team in that fight and put their creative ideas into practice at a time when changing the narrative on human rights has perhaps never been more important. 

Liberty fully embraces flexible working and is committed to employee development. We aim to encourage people from all backgrounds to work with us and are particularly interested in hearing from people from minority backgrounds and all socio-economic sections of society. Liberty supports hybrid working, with a minimum office attendance two days per week in the Westminster office.

The deadline for applications is 9am Wednesday 8 July 2026

Applications received after this deadline will not be considered.

Please be aware that we do not accept CVs for this role. All applicants must complete the application form to apply.

We're grateful to everyone who applied during our recent round of recruitment for this role, and we know how much thought goes into an application. We're assessing this round against the same criteria, so if you applied recently and weren't shortlisted, the outcome would be the same - please don't feel you need to apply again. The only exception would be that if your circumstances have genuinely changed, or there's relevant experience or skill you weren't able to share fully last time, you're welcome to apply again.

First round interviews will be held online on Monday 20 July 2026

Second round interview will be held in person on Wednesday 29 July 2026

We believe that change for people affected by ME won't just happen; it must be made. That's why action and impact are at the heart of everything we do. Whether that's helping people today with support, information, or care. Or working towards securing future change through our research and campaigning work. The intent of everything we do is to pursue positive impact for the lives, rights, and futures of people affected by ME.

As Communications Manager you will play a pivotal role in delivering strategic, impactful communications that advance Action for ME’s work, improve understanding and recognition of ME and support fundraising efforts

The Communications Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day delivery of the communications strategy, leading a team of two other communications staff. You will work closely with colleagues across the fundraising, policy, research and services departments, delivering clear and compelling storytelling, and maximising visibility across media, digital platforms and key stakeholder networks.

Key duties

Leadership and Management

• Work to ensure that people with ME are at the heart of everything we do through meaningful engagement and participation to influence all aspects of communications and marketing.

• Contribute to the development of, and then lead implementation of, the Communications Strategy, ensuring the appropriate involvement of key stakeholders, scoping, evaluating, and improving our practice.

• Maintain a data-insight led approach to the communications work providing regular management information and key performance indicator reports.

• Work as a member of the Extended Leadership Team.

• Line manage Communications Team members, supporting them to set and achieve performance objectives through regular one-to-ones and 12-monthly appraisals.

• Be responsible for Communications budget and the relationship with services providers required for the production of the charity’s digital and printed information and support resources.

Communications and Marketing

• Raise the profile of the impact of ME, and of Action for ME and its work, to enable the organisation to reach more people and better support need, by establishing a regular cadence of appropriate but innovative product across all main social media channels.

• Ensure fundraising is supported by embedding clear calls to action around donations and membership growth as a matter of course.

• Under the direction of the Director of Fundraising, develop all website, press and social media content for charity appeals.

• Market the charity’s Support and Healthcare services, including key digital and printed information and support resources, to the ME community and the professionals working with them, working closely with respective service leads.

• Contribute to income generation by working closely with the Director of Fundraising to develop the communication and marketing materials needed to implement the organisation’s Fundraising Strategy.

• Coordinate the charity’s response to any crisis communications, including developing appropriate crisis management plans and working outside of office hours as required.

• Establish effective systems/processes for gathering, supporting, maintaining, and managing case studies for a range of purposes (including press and media opportunities, public affairs and policy work, and fundraising).

• Draft and issue press releases and media statements and ensure appropriate follow-up by telephoning journalists, contacting picture desks etc. as appropriate.

• Alongside the CEO and any commissioned agency, develop relationships with key press, media and communications stakeholders to enhance the charity’s work.

• Oversee the production of the annual report, on budget, to schedule, taking overall editorial responsibility for content.

• Oversee the ongoing development of our digital engagement including our website and social media and being the point of contact on website issues.

• Fulfil the role of brand gateway keeper, ensuring all digital and printed communications, including information and support resources, adhere to brand guidelines, house style and organisational tone.

• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge and oversight of how ME and related key issues (e.g. Long Covid) are discussed in the media and wider ME community.

• Build networks to enhance the charity’s strategic communications and marketing work.

• Build and maintain an effective social media monitoring regime, ensuring fit for purpose rules of engagement are in place and applied consistently.

Other Key Accountabilities 

• Ensure that all relevant service standards are met including compliance with best practice, legal and regulatory frameworks and internal standards.

• Ensure best value in all our work.

• Undertake any other duty within your ability and within reason, as may be required, from time-to-time, at the discretion of your line manager.

• On occasions, provide management support and cover within the organisation, as needed.

• Act as an advocate for the charity and its work.

Person specification

Experience, Knowledge and Understanding 

• A minimum of 2 years’ experience working in a communications management role

• Experience of developing integrated, insight and audience-led communications plans including social media

• Experience of website and brand management

• Experience of delivering successful campaigns

• Experience of engaging with press and/or media including writing press releases and media briefings

• Experience of working collaboratively with different teams/departments

• Experience of working in charity communications (desirable)

• An understanding of ME and the impact on people affected by it (desirable)

• Experience of integrating fundraising with communications (desirable)

Skills, Behaviours and Values

• Adaptable and highly organised with an ability to work methodically, managing and prioritising a varied workload, use your own initiative, work independently, and work well in a team.

• Strong MS Office skills including the ability to use Word, Excel, databases and web-related programmes and software.