Press and external affairs officer jobs
Are you an experienced Public Affairs professional with a passion for dogs?
We’re looking for a Public Affairs Officer to support the important work we do to ensure policy makers consider dog welfare in their decision making.
What does this role do?
As Public Affairs Officer, you’ll:
- contribute to the delivery of our ambitious public affairs programme across Westminster and Whitehall, the devolved administrations and in the EU,
- support and occasionally lead on the organisation and coordination of political events, meetings, and project visits, as part of our programme of engagement with policy makers,
- support the management of the Pet Advertising Advisory Group (PAAG) and the EU Dog & Cat Alliance,
- establish and maintain positive relationships with key external stakeholders, including parliamentarians and civil servants.
Please note, this role is available as a fixed term contract until January 2027. Interviews for this role are provisionally scheduled for week commencing 9th February 2026, and will take place on Teams.
Could this be you?
To be successful in this role, you’ll need experience in parliamentary or public affairs, with a good understanding of the political landscape in the UK. You’ll also need excellent communication skills, with the ability to listen actively, negotiate and influence decision makers and strong written English, to draft clear and concise professional correspondence and communications. Above all, an interest in the aims and values of Dogs Trust is essential.
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.
Please note, Dogs Trust is a wholly independent organisation, free of association with any political party. Our independence is critical, as it allows us to pursue our mission to campaign on dog welfare issues, on behalf of the UK’s dogs and their owners. For our public affairs roles, the ability to display political neutrality in the public eye or when working with MPs is essential.
Thank you!
The Programme Director, Media and Communications leads on the design, development and implementation of communication strategies and plans to advance Humane World for Animals UK’s strategic priorities with regard to campaigns, brand-building and fundraising. The role creates, implements and measures the success of a comprehensive communications programme that will aim to significantly enhance the organisation’s image and position within the UK animal protection space.
If you are results-oriented, organised and creative and have strong proven experience as a media and communications professional then we would like to hear from you.
Key areas of responsibility
1. Develop and execute communications strategies for Humane World for Animals UK’s key campaigns and fundraising requirements.
2. Measure and track communications impact, reach and effectiveness, reporting against agreed targets.
3. Manage, maintain and grow productive relationships with a range of journalists with a goal of securing prominent national media coverage.
4. Oversee the organisation’s social media channels to promote campaigns, support fundraising and engage meaningfully with UK supporters and political stakeholders.
5. Serve as chief content reviewer to ensure communications materials adhere to policy, factual accuracy and visual brand guidelines.
6. Lead on designing reputational risk management mitigation strategies.
7. Implement UK specific brand strategies with the aim of increasing and measuring brand awareness in the UK market.
8. Lead on celebrity recruitment and stewardship.
9. Manage sourcing and contracting relationships with communications / PR agencies and databases to ensure consistently high-quality and value for money communications outputs.
10. Manage the communications and media budget, including regular reporting.
About you
Our successful candidate will be confident, creative and positive with a proven track in media and communications roles at a senior level. A proactive self-starter, you will have demonstrable experience of managing and developing strong, focused and ambitious teams, and a solution-focused approach to overcoming obstacles. You will have experience of building high quality media and communication strategies and plans and delivering these in a fast-paced environment. You will have ambition and drive for creating positive change for animal welfare; a willingness to constantly learn and develop the most impactful, cost-effective communications for our target audiences; and your work will be solidly underpinned by regular evaluation of progress and impact with a view to further improving strategies.
We are searching for an experienced media and communications professional to make a difference and be part of our successful and friendly team. If that’s you, please get in touch!
You must have an existing right to work in the UK, and you must reside in the UK, to be considered for this role. Please submit your CV and a covering letter by 11pm Sunday, 1st February. Applications without covering letters will not be considered.
Please note: Our policy is to offer a fixed one-year contract to start with, with a view to convert to a permanent contract in year two based on performance.
Registered Charity
21 - 50
We make bold progress for all animals by working together on the biggest problems—no matter where they are or how deeply entrenched.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you want your work to influence Parliament, shape public debate and make a tangible difference to people’s lives?
We are looking for a driven, curious and politically savvy External Affairs Officer to join an excellent team that delivers for our members every day. This role offers a genuine opportunity to help build and strengthen our parliamentary engagement and wider external affairs activity at a pivotal time for social care.
You will join a supportive, intelligent and ambitious team that values evidence, collaboration and impact. We invest in our people, encourage professional development and give you real responsibility and exposure from day one. Your work will help shape national conversations and support a sector that matters.
About us
We are the UK’s membership body for over 2,200 homecare providers. Together, we work to ensure society values and invests in homecare so people can live well at home and flourish in their communities. We support our members with practical tools, trusted insight and strong representation, and we speak with authority to government, Parliament, the media and the wider public.
About the role
As External Affairs Officer, you will sit at the heart of our communications and parliamentary work. You will work closely with colleagues and members to raise awareness of the value of homecare and advance the interests of the sector.
You will help grow our profile in Parliament and the media, support campaigns, and strengthen relationships with MPs, journalists and stakeholders. You will also play a key role in translating member experience into compelling external messages and ensuring members feel heard, supported and represented.
This role suits someone who enjoys joining the dots, spots opportunities quickly and wants to build a career in external affairs, public affairs or communications within a respected, mission-driven organisation.
What you will do
- Track parliamentary activity and political developments, summarising key issues for colleagues and members
- Support parliamentary engagement, including drafting briefings, communications and Parliamentary Questions
- Build and maintain relationships with MPs, parliamentary staff and external stakeholders
- Monitor media coverage and help shape proactive and reactive media opportunities
- Draft clear, engaging content for press releases, member communications and external channels
- Plan and deliver social media activity that strengthens reach, engagement and influence
- Work closely with members to capture case studies, insights and lived experience
- Contribute to blogs, publications, events and conferences, including party conferences
- Support the team with coordination, reporting and continuous improvement
About you
You are bright, motivated and organised, with a strong interest in politics, policy and communications. You enjoy writing, relationship-building and working at pace. You take initiative, think critically and care about delivering high-quality work.
You will bring:
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to tailor messages to different audiences
- Experience in public affairs, media, communications or campaigning, or a closely related field
- An understanding of UK parliamentary processes and political engagement
- Confidence using social media to inform, engage and influence
- Strong planning skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities
- An interest in social care, health or public services, or a desire to build expertise in this area
Why join us
If you want a role where your ideas count and your work makes a difference, we would love to hear from you.
How to apply
To apply, please submit your CV and a 2-page covering letter outlining how you meet the person specification.
The Homecare Association is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and encourage applications from all qualified candidates.
For the full role profile, and person specification, please go to our website and the 'About Us' page.
Closing date for applications
Monday 26 January 2026 at 11.59pm. We reserve the right to close applications early.
Please note that we are not accepting speculative approaches or CVs from recruitment agencies or third-party recruiters.
Interviews
First stage interviews will be w/c Monday 2 February 2026.
These will be held in person, at our office in London. The closest train station is Waterloo.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
About Mesothelioma UK
Mesothelioma UK is a national charity dedicated to supporting anyone affected by mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer caused primarily by asbestos exposure. Our mission is to help people live better and longer, champion equitable access to improved treatments, advance research, and amplify the voices of those living with mesothelioma. We are proud to provide specialist nursing, information, research, and advocacy services across the UK.
The Opportunity
As our founder and current CEO steps down, we are seeking a visionary and values-driven Chief Executive to lead Mesothelioma UK into its next chapter. This is a pivotal moment for the charity, offering the chance to build on our strong foundations and drive forward our ambitious strategy to improve outcomes for all those affected by mesothelioma.
About the Role
Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Chief Executive will:
- Inspire and lead a high-performing team, including our unique NHS-based nursing network.
- Develop and deliver organisational strategy and operational plans.
- Ensure robust financial management and income generation.
- Build strong relationships with stakeholders including the NHS, donors, partners, and research teams.
- Act as an ambassador for the charity, raising our national and international profile.
- Uphold our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
About You
We are looking for an exceptional leader who brings:
- Proven experience at CEO, Director, or equivalent senior level in a non-profit or health sector environment.
- A track record in leadership, strategic planning, financial management, governance and fundraising.
- Strong people management and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Passion for our mission and values, with high ethical standards and integrity.
- The ability to inspire, motivate, and unite staff, volunteers, and partners.
What We Offer
- Salary circa £75,000 (negotiable, dependent on experience)
- 10% employer pension contribution
- Health Cash Plan & Employee Assistance Programme
- Flexible working arrangements
- The chance to make a profound difference to people’s lives
Registered Charity
11 - 20
We are a national charity dedicated to supporting people affected by mesothelioma through expert care, information, and advocacy.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
The Organisation
Family Fund is the UK’s largest charity supporting low-income families raising disabled or seriously ill children and young people.
We help thousands of families every year with essential grants, services and practical support. But we do much more than that. We champion families’ voices, challenge inequality and help shape the conversation on disability, childhood illness and disadvantage.
The Role
This is an exciting opportunity to shape how Family Fund connects with people across the UK. As a newly created role, it offers real scope to define and develop the function, while playing a central role in strengthening the organisation’s voice and influence.
We are looking for a bold, creative Group Director of External Affairs to join our Senior Leadership Team. At a time when families need us more than ever, you will raise Family Fund’s national profile and influence, positioning the organisation as a trusted, evidence led voice on childhood disability, serious illness and the broader challenges facing low-income families. You will build and sustain strong relationships with policymakers, funders, and the public ensuring the organisation secures the visibility, support, and resources needed to drive lasting change for the families we serve.
You will lead an energetic, specialist team spanning communications, media, public affairs, partnerships and research, bringing these areas together through a joined up external engagement strategy that delivers real impact.
Some key responsibilities include:
- Lead our communications, media, public affairs, partnerships and research teams
- Raise Family Fund’s profile as a trusted national voice
- Build strong relationships with policymakers, media, funders and partners
- Help drive real change for families through influence and insight
Who we’re looking for
We are looking for an experienced leader who loves the power of communication, influence and connection.
Key attributes will include:
- Senior experience in external affairs, communications or public affairs
- A strong track record of influencing policy and engaging senior stakeholders
- Experience leading teams and working at senior level
- A warm, confident communication style and great relationship skills
- A real passion for Family Fund’s mission and social justice
This is an exciting, high impact role with the chance to make a genuine difference to families across the UK.
Candidate Briefing Pack
For comprehensive information about Family Fund, the role responsibilities and the person we are looking for, please download the Candidate Briefing Pack.
How to Apply
If you would like to apply for this fantastic opportunity, please provide the following with your application:
- An up-to-date CV
- A supporting statement of no more than 2 sides of A4, outlining your experience, motivations and suitability for the role.
All applications are being handled by our recruitment partner, Russam. All applications should be uploaded via the Russam website.
If you have any difficulty uploading your application or if you would like to have an informal and confidential discussion about the role, please contact Melissa Baxter - Managing Partner, Charities at Russam.
Closing date for applications: Monday 2nd February 2026
Initial interviews with Russam: 17th and 18th February 2026
Interviews with Family Fund: 4th, 5th and 6th March 2026
Flexibility will be provided if needed - do let us know as soon as possible if you are unavailable on these dates.
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.
Thank you!
Charity People is delighted to be partnering with AdviceUK to recruit for an interim Head of Policy, Programmes and Media. Joining the organisation as a maternity leave cover contract, this is a role where you will have the opportunity to achieve significant impact across some key priority areas.
Since 1979, Advice UK has been supporting advice organisations by helping them to be efficient, competent and effective, and by campaigning for a policy environment that supports advice agencies and people needing advice. A small but mighty - and growing! - charity that supports its members to provide advice to upwards of 2.5 million people each year. The organisation is working towards a world in which every individual, regardless of means, is able to access the advice they need in order to exercise their rights and address any legal and social welfare challenges they may face.
Contract: Interim maternity cover role, nine to 12 month contract
Salary: £70,000 to £75,000 per annum
Location: Hybrid role which will be predominantly home-based with travel to London for either office days or meetings expected around one day per week
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week or part time, 28 hours per week considered with flexible working options fully supported
Closing date for applications: 9am Friday 30th January
Interviews: Interviews will be held in person at the charity offices in London on the 11th and 12th of February
The Head of Policy, Programmes and Media position is a senior position within the organisation. Part of the SLT and reporting to the CEO the postholder will take the lead on all policy and public affairs initiatives to secure policy change and funding to benefit people seeking advice and the communities served by the organisation's members.
Core responsibilities within the role will include:
- Develop and oversee the implementation of effective strategies for policy and funder influence that enable Advice UK to achieve its purpose
- Identify new audiences and develop innovative approaches to sustain and grow Advice UK's stakeholder and funder network and achieve its strategic priorities
- Be accountable for Advice UK's policy, public affairs and funded activities, reporting to the Chief Executive and Advice UK Board
- Lead the development and coordination of clear, concise and authoritative policy positions on key issues
- Identify actionable and achievable policy influencing goals to achieve change on the highest priority issues and develop strategic influencing plans to achieve these goals
- Alongside the Chief Executive, be Advice UK spokesperson and representative at external events including policy roundtables, steering groups, conferences, meetings and other events
- Oversee and deliver a proactive public affairs strategy to achieve policy change on the issues of priority concern to members
- Identify and build effective relationships with key contacts across UK and devolved governments and parliaments, including Ministers, MPs, civil servants and local and regional decision makers
- Lead a stakeholder engagement programme for Advice UK working strategically to identify, develop and manage relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, including policy influencers, funders, sector partners and other organisations
- Oversee the development of effective press and media campaigns, mobilising support and leveraging media opportunities to raise awareness and drive action on priority issues
- Oversee the development and effective delivery of the #AdviceSaves campaign (including Advice Week), ensuring impact is measured and lessons learned
- Oversee development of research and analysis to identify emerging trends, opportunities in support of our policy and campaign objectives, using this to provide evidence-based insights and identify specific policy solutions to inform advocacy efforts
- Lead the development of high-quality research and insight products, including research reports and commissioned surveys to support our influencing goals
- Oversee the delivery of Advice UK's funding strategy to open up funding opportunities for members and their advice services
- As the departmental budget holder, lead on all financial management for the department, including forecasting and measuring financial performance, setting and managing budgets, reducing waste, and taking action to ensure the department achieves its financial objectives
- Provide effective leadership to the Policy and Public Affairs department including line management of a team of four, ensuring their strong performance and supporting their learning and development
- Work with other members of the senior leadership team to develop and implement Advice UK's strategic plan in supporting of its overall strategic objectives and to establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs)
We'd love to see applications from candidates with the following skills and experience:
- Significant experience of delivering within a complex policy environment, ideally within an organisation of similar size and complexity including of developing and delivering impactful policy and public affairs strategies that have led to demonstrable change
- Experience or an understanding of the social welfare advice sector; the issues faced by advice providers and the communities they serve
- Experience of working with suppliers and partners to deliver campaigns, research and funding proposals including tendering, negotiating and contracting, and of working in coalitions and partnerships to achieve shared objectives
- Experience acting as a spokesperson for an organisation
- Experience of strategic leadership of teams and working with CEO, Board and as part of a senior leadership team
- Ability to apply knowledge to new challenges and situations, and to devise solutions
- Strong analytical thinking and decision-making skills, with ability to translate data and evidence into actionable insights to inform decision-making
- Ability to think strategically; working in timescales of between one to three years
- Ability to manage and motivate staff to deliver complex or challenging projects
- Commitment to social justice, equality, diversity and inclusion
If you're interested in hearing more about this opportunity, please send your CV to Alice at Charity People in the first instance.
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.
Registered Charity
21 - 50
Our purpose is to improve the lives of people in need of advice. We do this by supporting our members, so it is easier for them to help their clients.
Thank you!
Campaigns and Communications Manager - Wales
Homeworking, with regular travel required to London, Liverpool and throughout Wales to meet the requirements of the role.
£45,000 - £47,391
Working hours: Full time (35 hours a week) - you’ll agree your working pattern with your manager
Are you looking for a role where you can make a difference? We’re looking for a new Campaigns and Communications Manager Wales at the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) to grow the profile of RCP Cymru Wales in the Senedd and in the media.
You’ll be part of the policy and campaigns team, responsible for ensuring the RCP maintains its position as a credible, influential stakeholder in the eyes of government, political stakeholders, the sector and our physician members.
You’ll be driven by growing the RCP’s voice and reputation as a leading health organisation in Wales. You’ll develop and deliver campaigns on a range of high-profile topics, including the NHS workforce, health inequalities, integrated care and clinical leadership. You’ll work with members in Wales to turn their views and experiences into campaigns and media work that effectively influence the national agenda.
You will work with the RCP Vice President for Wales and Wales Regional Advisers to develop bespoke Wales campaigns content, as well as translating RCP UK policy reports into Wales-specific campaigns and communications outputs. You will have strong experience of analysing policy developments in the external national landscape and evolving and developing campaigns and lines to take in response. You will be as comfortable speaking to government officials, journalists and Senedd members as you are drafting media comments, blogs, consultation submissions and short policy briefings and reports.
You’ll need a sharp eye for detail and be able to quickly and accurately interpret and communicate complex information. You will brief the vice president for Wales, Welsh regional advisers and senior staff for media interviews and influencing meetings, as well as proactively engaging external stakeholders in the NHS and health sector yourself. You will play a critical role in ensuring RCP Cymru members are kept up to date with developments in Welsh healthcare and on RCP campaigns, including through a monthly blog and member newsletter.
Representing around 1,200 members in Wales, RCP Cymru Wales aims to educate, improve and influence for better healthcare. Our members and fellows work across over 30 medical specialties such as cardiology, neurology, infectious diseases, geriatric and respiratory and acute internal medicine, working in hospital and community settings.
You’ll join the organisation at an exciting time as it finalises its new strategy. The policy and campaigns team – which is part of the wider communications, policy and research directorate – is a fast paced, collaborative and innovative environment. You will help us shape our objectives and continuously improve how we work.
Responsibilities
- Raising the profile of RCP Cymru in the media and Senedd by developing and delivering campaigns across a range of topics within the RCP’s policy portfolio.
- Working with Westminster policy colleagues to translate UK RCP policy reports into Wales-specific campaigns outputs and with VP Wales, Regional Advisers and members to develop bespoke Welsh policy content.
- Delivering robust horizon scanning and proactively identifying key issues and opportunities to evolve our work on high-profile issues and to deliver media, campaigns or influencing activity that furthers our aims.
- Building, owning and developing relationships with journalists, government, MSs, sector stakeholders, arms-length bodies and other organisations relevant to the RCP’s campaign aims.
- Supporting senior officers and staff in stakeholder meetings, including researching and drafting briefings and yourself representing the RCP at meetings and events.
- Working flexibly and proactively without close supervision, undertaking a range of work such as writing briefings, policy positions, reports, committee papers, consultation responses and website content.
- Working strategically and proactively to identify opportunities for parliamentary engagement, using a range of tactics to grow our presence in the Senedd including briefings, meetings and events.
- Drafting media releases, comments, statements and opinion pieces to develop our voice and ensure high impact for our campaigns work.
- Owning processes to ensure RCP Wales members understand the work of RCP Cymru, including drafting and delivering a monthly blog and newsletter from the VP Wales.
- Providing lead support to the VP Wales, Regional Advisers and an RCP committee of Welsh physicians to develop and deliver policy work.
- Establishing effective and collaborative working relationships with VP Wales, Regional Advisers, members, fellows and colleagues in Wales, London and Liverpool.
- Any other duties commensurate with your post including deputising for the vice president for Wales, the head of policy and campaigns and other staff as required.
Experience
You will
- have a strong background in campaigns and communications, with a demonstrable experience of delivering campaigns that make use of integrated public affairs and media tools.
- strong experience of working with journalists and political stakeholders with a demonstrable understanding of how to influence national and/or arms-length body policy processes.
- be able to quickly develop positive and effective working relationships with a diverse range of people, including those in senior positions.
- have a thorough understanding of devolution and political structures in Wales.
- have excellent writing skills and strong experience of producing policy outputs, briefings, newsletters, press releases, media statements, consultation responses, blogs and other external communications on behalf of an organisation and senior people.
- have experience of successfully managing high profile issues, relationships and events.
- be able to quickly and accurately interpret complex information to aid understanding and decision making.
- have experience of successfully managing competing views, priorities and interests to achieve your aims.
- have experience of giving advice to senior people, including getting buy-in for your ideas and influencing opinion.
- act on your own initiative to develop new work, proposing reasonable and realistic solutions.
- understand the importance of and be committed to involving a diverse range of organisations and people in developing and delivering policy, media and campaigns work.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious individual with a commitment to our core values – collaboration, learning and taking care.
Closing date: 26 January 2026
The RCP positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, transgender status, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.
The RCP is all about our people – our members, staff, volunteers and leaders. We educate, influence and collaborate to improve health and healthcare for everyone and know we can only do this by being inclusive, encouraging and celebrating diverse perspectives. Welcoming into our community people who represent the 21st-century medical workforce and the diverse population of patients we serve is a priority for us.
