Public affairs and campaigns manager jobs

Senior External Affairs Adviser
Contract type: Permanent
Full time: 34.5 hours, we are open to a conversation about how you work these hours
Location: Hybrid to our London, Shipley or Glasgow offices (typically once a month in office)
Salary range: £43,000 - £48,000

About us

At Macmillan you'll find talented people working together to do whatever it takes to support people living with cancer. We're going all out to find even better ways to help even more people who need our support. Our values are at the heart of who we are and everything we do, inspiring our thinking and guiding our actions.

Our organisational strategy sets out how we’ll fight even harder to make every pound raised count for even more. With your help, we’ll transform cancer care for good.

About the role

Join Macmillan Cancer Support as a Senior External Affairs Adviser, where you will play a vital role in shaping and delivering impactful change and external affairs strategies across the UK. Your work will focus on delivering at-scale change for people with cancer, particularly the most marginalised groups.

The External Affairs team is central to Macmillan’s work shaping change and influencing decision makers across the UK, and a key part of your role will be building and stewarding relationships with our external stakeholders.

As a Senior External Affairs Adviser you’ll work flexibly across a whole range of influencing projects to shape the political agenda, which might be in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, at a regional level in England and in Westminster, reflecting our ambitious plans to deliver change for people with cancer across the whole of the UK.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide senior-level advice to develop external affairs strategies aligned with Macmillan’s mission.
• Lead cross-functional external affairs projects that are evidence-based and impactful.
• Develop and manage relationships with political stakeholders, policymakers, civil servants and healthcare providers.
• Provide high-quality insight and briefings to senior colleagues on the political landscape, and what the external opportunities and risks are.
• Anticipate shifts within the external environment and adapt approaches to maintain our relevance and influence.
• Collaborate with teams to ensure policy positions are strategic and evidence-based.
• Represent Macmillan at external events, advocating for improvements in cancer care.
• Coordinate campaigns to influence public policy and funding decisions.

About you

The successful candidate will have...

• Proven ability to manage complex and sensitive external contexts, making sound judgements on tone and messaging.
• Strong understanding of operating within a four-nations context and engaging with diverse stakeholders, including senior politicians and civil servants.
• Expertise in analysing complex policy issues and developing impactful, evidence-based policy positions.
• Strong organisational skills and flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and emerging issues.
• Excellent communication skills which are adaptable for external and internal audiences.
• Experience of working in multi-disciplinary teams or on multi-disciplinary projects.

Recruitment process

Application deadline: 23:59 on Monday 31st August
1st stage interview dates: Virtual interviews will be held on the week commencing 7th September
2nd stage interview dates: Virtual interviews will be held on the weeks commencing 14th or 21st September

To ensure fairness and consistency to select the best candidate for this role, all our applications are anonymised up until an interview has been confirmed.

So we can support you to be your best during the application or interview process, please contact Macmillan TA Team for advice and reasonable adjustments.

We welcome applications from everyone who meet the criteria and strongly encourage individuals to apply who have a disability, impairment or health condition or individuals who identify as Black, Asian or from another minority ethnic background, as these groups are currently under-represented at Macmillan. Our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy along with our internal employee representation body, ‘Our Voice’ and 8 Employee Network groups help us promote fairness and belonging, becoming an engaged and inclusive organisation for all our people.

We are entering a period of unprecedented opportunity. Advances in treatment, increasing recognition of the condition, and growing awareness of healthcare inequalities provide a unique chance to strengthen our impact and expand our reach across the UK. Our ambition is bold: to engage and support at least 50% of the UK myasthenia community as members within the next five years, creating a movement that is representative, influential and impossible to ignore.

The successful candidate will lead the development of a thriving national community of people affected by myasthenia, ensuring that individuals and families feel connected, represented and empowered. They will transform community insight into meaningful campaigns, influence policy and healthcare decision-making, and position myaware as the authoritative voice for everyone affected by the condition.

Success in this role will be measured not only by influence and campaigning outcomes, but by the growth, engagement and mobilisation of our community. The Director will play a central role in delivering our ambition to reach, engage and retain 50% of the UK's myasthenia population as members and active supporters within five years, creating a change-maker movement that is representative of our goals.

Key Responsibilities

Community Growth and Engagement

• Contribute towards the development and delivery of a comprehensive membership growth strategy aimed at engaging at least 50% of the UK myasthenia community within five years.
• Build a deep understanding of the patient journey and identify opportunities to connect with people from diagnosis onwards.
• Lead the development of services, programmes and engagement approaches that increase membership recruitment, retention and participation.
• Ensure that people affected by myasthenia are at the heart of all organisational decisions, campaigns and strategic priorities.
• Create pathways for members, volunteers, supporters and ambassadors to actively contribute to myaware's work.
• Use data, insight and market intelligence to measure community reach, identify underserved groups and drive continuous improvement.

 

Campaigning, Policy and Influence

• Develop and implement a national campaigning and influencing strategy focused on awareness, equity of care, access to treatment and service improvement.
• Position myaware as a leading voice within healthcare, policy and rare disease discussions across the UK.
• Build strategic relationships with parliamentarians, government departments, NHS organisations, Integrated Care Boards, NICE, clinicians, researchers, industry partners and allied charities.
• Lead public affairs activity, including consultation responses, parliamentary engagement, policy briefings and stakeholder events.
• Ensure lived experience evidence informs policy development, healthcare decision-making and treatment access discussions.

 

Organisational Leadership

• Serve as a member of the Senior Leadership Team and contribute to organisational strategy and performance.
• Foster a culture of innovation, inclusion, collaboration and measurable impact.
• Work closely with fundraising, communications, partnerships, and service delivery colleagues to maximise organisational reach and effectiveness.

 

Awareness and Public Engagement

• Increase awareness and understanding of myasthenia among healthcare professionals, policymakers, media and the public.
• Lead initiatives that strengthen myaware's visibility, reputation and influence.
• Support the development of compelling campaigns, media activity and storytelling that inspire engagement and drive action.
• To be the spokesperson for myaware.

 

What Success Looks Like

Within five years, the postholder will have:

• Led significant growth in membership, progressing towards engaging at least 50% of the UK's myasthenia community.
• Increased participation in surveys, campaigns, events, volunteering and lived-experience activities.
• Established myaware as the recognised national voice for people affected by myasthenia.
• Secured meaningful influence in policy, healthcare and treatment access discussions.
• Generated evidence of improvements in awareness, service delivery, treatment access and patient representation.
• Built a highly engaged and empowered community capable of driving change at local, national and system levels.

 

Person Specification

Essential Experience

• Significant senior leadership experience within the charity, healthcare, membership, public affairs or advocacy sectors.
• Proven success in growing and engaging communities, memberships, movements or supporter bases at scale.
• Experience developing and delivering campaigning, influencing or public affairs strategies that have achieved measurable outcomes.
• Strong track record of building relationships with senior external stakeholders and decision-makers.
• Experience using data, insight and lived experience to shape organisational priorities and influence strategy.
• Experience leading, motivating and developing high-performing teams.

Essential Knowledge and Skills

• Outstanding strategic thinking and leadership abilities.
• Exceptional communication, influencing and relationship-building skills.
• Strong understanding of community mobilisation, supporter engagement and membership growth.
• Ability to translate complex healthcare and policy issues into compelling public narratives and calls to action.
• Strong analytical and performance management skills.
• Commitment to inclusion, co-production and patient-centred approaches.

Personal Attributes

We are looking for someone who is:

• Ambitious about building one of the UK's most engaged rare disease communities.
• Passionate about amplifying the voices of people with lived experience.
• Collaborative and inspiring.
• Politically astute and credible with senior stakeholders.
• Resilient, innovative and outcomes focused.
• Motivated by creating lasting change for people living with long-term health conditions.

Why Join Us?

myaware is the only charity in the UK dedicated solely to the care and support of people affected by myasthenia. 

This is a rare opportunity to build a community movement capable of transforming lives. You will lead the growth of a national membership community, shape policy and healthcare conversations, and help ensure that every person affected by myasthenia feels informed, supported, represented and connected.

Together, we aim to ensure that within five years, at least half of everyone living with myasthenia in the UK knows, trusts and actively engages with myaware as their community, their advocate and their voice.

We are working hard to raise awareness of myasthenia, as it is a little-known condition. We provide support for people with myasthenia and their families, whilst offering advice and tips for living with the condition. 

We also fund the research that brings us closer to finding a cure as well as funding specialists nurses and advisors. 

Members of myaware have full access to a wide range of support services and events including our specialist benefits and welfare advisor. 

myaware supports people with myasthenia and their families.  We campaign for better medical services for people with myasthenia and work to inform medical professionals. 

The myasthenias are a group of neuromuscular conditions. They are rare but also manageable and can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or nationality. Myasthenia gravis, ocular myasthenia and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome are autoimmune conditions whereas congenital myasthenic syndrome is caused by an inherited genetic fault. It is thought that there are approximately 20,000 people currently living with myasthenia in the UK. 

Benefits

• Generous holiday allowance
• Perkbox account (global benefits and rewards platform)
• Group Life Assurance after 6 months of service 
• NEST workplace pension scheme
• Free inhouse staff benefits and welfare advice 
• Investment in your personal and professional development
• Annual salary review

Application instructions

Candidates should submit their CV and tailored covering letter by: 11:30pm on Friday.4th September

Provisional interview dates will be week commencing: 28.9.26

Interviews will be held over Microsoft Teams.

Applications submitted without a tailored cover letter will not be considered.

This post, due to its nature, duties and responsibilities, will be subject to an enhanced check by the DBS. This is funded by myaware.

This organisation supports anonymous recruitment. That means hiding your personal identifying information, removing bias from the hiring process.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.

The Communications team is responsible for informing, inspiring and engaging the public by showcasing Alzheimer’s Research UK’s work, impact and mission across all channels. We lead the charity’s media and strategic communications activity—ensuring consistent, accurate and compelling storytelling that supports research, fundraising and organisational priorities. 

The Corporate Communications Manager will be responsible for the development and delivery of clear, consistent and compelling communications that strengthens our reputation and supports the positioning of our organisational narrative and brand.

The role will provide strategic communications support to Corporate Partnerships, Brand, Fundraising and Marketing and the CEO Office. The postholder will oversee the charity’s Annual Report and strategic campaigns and manage a team of four Corporate Communications Officers.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Planning

· Act as the primary communications business partner to Corporate Partnerships, Brand and the CEO Office, providing strategic communications advice and support.

· Develop and deliver communications plans that support organisational priorities, fundraising objectives, strategic partnerships and executive profiling.

· Contribute to planning for major organisational moments, ensuring communications activity is integrated, audience-focused and aligned with ARUK priorities.

· Support the Senior Manager, Corporate & Research Communications in identifying communications opportunities, risks and emerging issues.

 

Delivery & Oversight

· Lead the development and maintenance of ARUK's communications messaging framework, including key messages, narrative tools and supporting communications materials.

· Oversee delivery of executive communications, including briefings, speeches,  LinkedIn content, thought-leadership materials and speaking opportunities where required.

· Manage the production of flagship publications, including the Annual Report and Dementia Attitudes Monitor, and the communications outputs to support these.

· Provide communications support for major strategic partnerships, organisational announcements and corporate campaigns.

 

Team Leadership & Development

• Provide effective team management, role-modelling ARUK’s leadership values.

· Line manage Corporate Communications Officers, setting goals, overseeing workloads and providing positive and constructive feedback and supporting professional development.

· Foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture that reflects ARUK's values and supports continuous improvement.

· Ensure team priorities, workflows and resources are aligned to organisational needs and strategic communications objectives.

 

Cross-Team & Stakeholder Collaboration

· Work closely with Brand, Strategic Marketing, Media & PR, Content, Research Communications and Fundraising teams to ensure consistent messaging and integrated communications delivery.

· Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and act as a trusted communications advisor to senior leaders and business partners.

· Identify opportunities to connect specialist communications teams into projects and campaigns to maximise impact and organisational alignment.

 

Governance, Risk & Quality Assurance

· Ensure communications outputs adhere to ARUK's brand, messaging, accessibility and editorial standards.

· Support the identification and management of reputational issues and communications risks.

· Work with the Metrics & Insights Manager to establish KPIs, measure performance and evaluate the effectiveness of corporate communications activity.

· Lead continuous improvement of corporate communications processes, templates and ways of working.

 

Knowledge, skills and experience needed:

· Significant experience in communications, corporate communications, public affairs, PR or a related communications discipline.

· Experience developing and delivering strategic communications plans that support organisational objectives and enhance reputation.

· Experience acting as a trusted communications adviser or business partner to senior stakeholders.

· Experience developing organisational messaging, narratives, thought-leadership content or executive communications.

· Experience delivering high-profile communications projects, campaigns, publications or stakeholder engagement activities.

· Experience planning and delivering complex projects, managing competing priorities, stakeholders, budgets and external suppliers.

· Experience managing, developing and motivating teams

· Excellent written, verbal and editorial communication skills.

· Strong strategic thinking skills, with the ability to translate organisational priorities into compelling communications activity.

· Ability to develop clear, persuasive and evidence-based messaging for a range of audiences.

· Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships at all levels.

· Strong project and operational management skills, with the ability to prioritise resources, and deliver multiple projects simultaneously.

· Confident decision-maker with the ability to identify and respond to risks, opportunities and changing priorities.

· Collaborative leadership style, with the ability to support, develop and motivate others.

· Proactive, solutions-focused and committed to continuous improvement.

· High levels of integrity, professionalism and personal accountability

Additional Information:

Ways of working:

As part of our Agile ways of working you will be required to work approximately 2 days a week from the office, which is subject to the requirements of the role and the business needs. Flexibility on where you work can be split between working from home and our office.

Roles that are classed as part of the Agile ways of working are not able to claim any costs for Mileage/Travel on Public Transport, Accommodation and/or Meals.  This includes when attending the office for various meetings/events.

Our Office: Our office is at 3 Riverside, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AD. 

Salary: Circa £47,000 per annum, plus benefits.

Please download the Vacancy Pack on our website for more information.

The closing date for applications is the 31st August 2026, with interviews being arrange once shortlisting has been completed. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity, as on occasion we may have to bring forward the interview date and/or the closing date based on the needs of the business. Although a possibility, this will only happen in exceptional circumstances. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential.  We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, particularly from those in the global majority, those with disabilities, men and those from the LGBTQIA+ community. Any offer of employment is however subject to you having the right to work in the UK.

As part of our commitment to being an inclusive employer and ensuring fairness and consistency in our selection process, we will handle your CV and application with the utmost confidentiality. Should you require any adjustments at either the application or interview stage, please contact us via our website.

How to apply: Please create an online account using our Online Recruitment Platform which can be accessed through our Job Vacancies page. You will be able to attach your CV to your application and track the status of your application.

About Alzheimer’s Research UK: Alzheimer's Research UK is the UK's leading dementia research charity. Our mission is to accelerate progress towards a cure.  Today 1 in 2 people will be impacted by dementia, either through caring for a loved one, developing it themselves or tragically both. But there is hope. 

There has never been a more important and exciting time in dementia research. With promising new drugs in clinical trialsthat slow the progression of the diseases that cause it, and revolutionary new ways to diagnose them on the horizon, we are now at a tipping point. Working with the smartest minds globally and across the UK, with industry and academia, Alzheimer’s Research UK is uniquely placed to invest in the very best research identifying barriers to a cure and knocking them down so that there are more and better treatments for everyone with dementia. For the first time in history, we can see a future where people with dementia can get a swift and accurate diagnosis, and effective treatments that could slow or even stop their disease. We stand for everyone affected by dementia. We stand for a cure. 

ARUK really does look after its people, where you will be able to add value and make a difference. 

To view further details about working for us and the benefits we offer, please visit Alzheimer’s Research UK

Job Title: Parliamentary and Public Affairs Manager

Reporting to: Director of Campaigns

Line reports: None

Salary: £44,350 per annum pro-rata (£ 35,480 per annum for 4 days per week)

Hours: 4 days (30 hours) or 5 days (37.5 hours) per week, with flexibility over working hours (core hours are 10.00-16.00).

Duration: 1-year contract renewable subject to funding

Start Date: As soon as possible

Location: London/Hybrid – minimum 2 days in the office (core days in the office are Tues & Weds) further office attendance is encouraged

Anti-oppressive statement

Foodrise is actively seeking to move through an anti-racist and anti-oppressive journey in every aspect of its work. We acknowledge that the environmental sector is less open to people from under-represented backgrounds, and we are strongly committed to identifying and correcting where we may be perpetuating patriarchal, white supremacist values and other forms of oppression in our organisational culture, partnerships, and community work. We especially want to hear from you if you feel that you have lived experience of power structures preventing you from accessing opportunities like this.

Read our full Equity, Justice and Anti-oppression statement.

Inclusive Recruitment

We have an opt-in Enhanced Chance Interview Scheme for candidates who declare a disability and/or are a person of colour and meet the essential criteria of the role profile. The scheme aims to provide a first-stage interview for candidates who meet the essential criteria of the role and opt in to the scheme.

If you would like to be considered under this scheme you must meet the essential minimum criteria for the role as outlined on the job description. You should take time to provide examples that you meet each of the essential criteria in your cover letter. Please ensure you select the relevant tick box on the application page ‘Enhanced Chance Interview Scheme’.

We are always happy to speak to candidates informally about the role before applying and encourage you to do so by contacting us.

 

About Us

Foodrise is a charity transforming the food system for climate, nature and justice. 

We take bold action to uncover the root causes of injustice in our food system and expose how corporate power exploits people and the planet, while building truly just and resilient alternatives from the ground-up.

We speak truth to power. We take risks. We act where and when others won’t.

From launching legal action and producing hard-hitting research to working directly with local communities, we drive systemic change across food and farming, powered by grassroots energy and backed by the facts.

We exist to say what others won’t, do what others don’t, and never settle for “it can’t be done”. Change is possible, and we are rising to make it happen.

We are based in the UK and the Netherlands. See more about us on our website.

About the Role

The Parliamentary and Public Affairs Manager is a brand-new role for Foodrise. The successful candidate will lead on developing our first public and parliamentary affairs strategy to engage with political representatives and policymakers to advance our campaigning objectives and ensure progress towards our new strategic goals:

• Dismantling the animal industrial complex and supporting the transition to plant-rich food
• Eroding the social licence of large supermarkets and building alternative food economies

Ultimately, this role is about securing wins to meet our vision of a greener, fairer food system, where food is a commons, not a commodity.

This role is key to shaping public policy and legislative outcomes by building relationships, influencing decision-makers, and positioning Foodrise as an ambitious yet trusted voice in Westminster, Holyrood and amongst civil society across the UK. This role will work collaboratively with colleagues across campaigns, so would suit an adaptive candidate with strong communication skills, keen to advocate for Foodrise.

Job Description

Parliamentary and Public Affairs Strategy

• Develop and deliver a public affairs strategy aligned with organisational priorities and campaigns
• Identify and maximise opportunities to influence legislation, policy development, and public debate
• Monitor the UK political landscape, including Parliament, Government departments, and devolved administrations

Political Engagement & Influencing

• Build and maintain strong relationships with MPs, Peers, civil servants, special advisers, and political stakeholders
• Lead engagement with All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs), select committees, and public consultations
• Draft and coordinate parliamentary briefings, speeches, amendments, parliamentary questions and responses
• Work with lawyers to draft proposed legislation and legislative changes in support of our objectives
• Register for the UK lobbying register and keep our account up to date
• Lead high-impact advocacy moments such as parliamentary events, receptions, and policy launches

 Integration of Parliamentary/Advocacy Asks into Foodrise’s Wider Work

• Work closely with campaigns and communications teams to integrate parliamentary and public affairs into campaigns
• Work closely with fundraisers and senior leadership to integrate parliamentary and policy asks in our fundraising and business development
• Ensure consistent and compelling advocacy messaging across all channels
• Provide regular updates and analysis on political developments relevant to the organisation’s work
• Track and evaluate the impact of public affairs activities
• Maintain accurate stakeholder records and engagement logs
• Work closely with our colleagues at Foodrise in the EU to support EU level advocacy where relevant to our campaigns
• Any other relevant tasks as requested by senior colleagues to support the organisation and further our objectives

Ways of Working

• Collaborative by default; independent work is balanced with regular coordination.
• Contribute to the development and embedding of anti-oppressive work across the organisation
• Flexible and adaptable in response to changing priorities.
• Present and available for colleagues, including regular in‑office presence.
• Proactive in communication, planning, and follow‑through.

 

Person Specification

Essential Knowledge, Experience and Network

• Extensive experience in public affairs, government relations, or political advocacy (at least 7 years’ working experience)
• Strong understanding of the UK political system, legislative processes, and policy-making
• Networks within the UK political and policy systems
• Knowledge of the key issues in food systems, environment and/or climate in the UK

Essential Skills

• Demonstrable experience of influencing political representatives, policymakers and delivering policy or campaign wins
• Excellent writing, analytical and research skills.
• Excellent organisational skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Outstanding communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.
• The ability to work collaboratively; build, maintain and develop flexible working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

What You Will Bring to Foodrise

• A can-do attitude, flexibility and adaptability, alongside a willingness to pitch in on delivery and help colleagues across the team, recognising that Foodrise is a small, nimble organisation with fast-changing priorities.
• An understanding of anti-oppressive practice and how it applies to Foodrise’s work and the role, and the ability to represent diverse perspectives through the work of the organisation.
• Sharing Foodrise’s values: audacity, collaboration, impact, celebration, solidarity.
• Willingness to undertake some limited travel domestically and abroad.

What We Offer

• Personal training and wellbeing funds
• Regular team socials
• Workplace pension
• Enhanced parental leave
• Enhanced sick leave
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Home & Tech scheme
• Flexible working hours (core hours 10am-4pm)

How to Apply

Please apply via Charity Jobs with:

• Your CV (no longer than 2 A4 pages total) 
• A cover letter (no longer than 1 A4 page) explaining how you meet the criteria in the person specification with examples, and why you would like to work at Foodrise. 

Deadline to apply: 10am, Tuesday 22nd September

Successful candidates for interview will be notified by Thursday 24th September.

Shortlisted candidates will be sent our new strategy ahead of the interview, along with details of an hour-long written task to be completed at home – this will be sent prior to the interview at a time convenient for you.

First round interviews will be held on Thursday 1st October.

Second round interviews will be held on Thursday 8th October.

Sign up to join our Recruitment Q&A Zoom session on Wednesday 2nd September, 12-1pm. Our HR & Operations Manager will talk through the recruitment process and answer any questions you may have. Please note that this session is focussed on the recruitment process. If you have any questions specific to the role, please contact us.

For any questions, access requirements, or if you require the job description in a different format, please contact us.

AI policy – We understand that you may use AI to help with your application, however we want to hear your authentic voice throughout your application.

ABOUT CHEFS IN SCHOOLS

Chefs in Schools exists to improve children’s health and futures through better school food and meaningful food education.

We work alongside schools and catering teams to transform what children eat every day, particularly in communities facing the greatest barriers to good health. We combine practical support, training, operational expertise and sector influence to help schools serve fresh, nutritious food that children want to eat.

We’re backed by some of the biggest names in food and are ambitious about both impact and scale. We want every child to have access to excellent school food and a real food education, regardless of background.

We are a values-led organisation - bold, honest, collaborative, innovative and focused on solutions.

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS

You will lead the delivery of Chefs in Schools External Affairs function, ultimately ensuring there is widespread recognition that poor quality school food is unacceptable. Through integrated media, digital and advocacy work, you’ll ensure quality school food is viewed as a vital tool for healthy development and food literacy. 

You will turn strategic direction into coordinated delivery, leading a multidisciplinary team that increases our influence, strengthens our reputation and helps achieve meaningful improvements in school food.

Working closely with External Affairs colleagues and Chief Executive, you will ensure our public profile, policy influence and media work reinforce one another, while creating the management capacity required for a growing organisation. This builds on the new functional structure where media and content, policy and campaigns, and the School Food Review programme all sit within External Affairs.

We want Chefs in Schools to become the most trusted and recognisable voice in the conversation around school food and food literacy. This role will play a central part in building that influence and recognition.

We are looking for somebody who understands that influence is built through consistency, credibility, creativity and cultural relevance as much as through formal communications activity alone. 

WHAT YOU’LL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR

Leadership

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the External Affairs team.

• Translate organisational strategy into clear plans and objectives.

• Ensure media, content creation, campaigns, policy and coalition activity reinforce one another.

• Set priorities and allocate resources across competing work.

• Develop team capability through coaching, support and performance management.

• Contribute to organisational strategy and annual planning.

• Advise on reputational opportunities and risks.

• Ensure innovation is embedded at the heart of our work and approach.

• Deputise at SLT level where appropriate.

• Represent the organisation externally.

• Build a collaborative, ambitious, solutions-focused culture.

Operational planning

• Develop and oversee the annual External Affairs plan in line with strategy.

• Coordinate campaign calendars, policy priorities, publications and media moments.

• Ensure external activity supports fundraising, programmes and partnerships.

• Monitor delivery against KPIs and adjust plans where required.

Campaigns and public engagement

• Provide strategic oversight of policy development and campaigning.

• Challenge and refine policy recommendations before publication.

• Ensure campaigns are evidence-led and aligned with organisational strategy.

• Support relationships with government, sector leaders and coalition partners.

• Build strong relationships with media, MPs, councillors and key stakeholders.

Media & communications

• Oversee media strategy and organisational messaging.

• Ensure consistency across press, social media, website, publications and events.

• Identify media moments and hard hitting stories that will hit the headlines. 

• Sign off major messaging and communications.

• Lead communications planning around major announcements or crises.

School Food Review 

• Provide strategic oversight of the School Food Review programme.

• Ensure coalition work complements Chefs in Schools wider influencing strategy.

• Support senior relationships with coalition partners and funders.

• Remove barriers to delivery for the Programme Manager.

Budget & governance

• Manage the External Affairs budget.

• Ensure safeguarding, risk management and governance requirements are met.

• Oversee procurement of agencies and consultants.

ABOUT YOU

Essential experience and skills

• Significant senior leadership experience across media relations, campaigns, policy or public affairs.

• Experience managing multidisciplinary teams.

• Strong operational planning skills.

• Excellent political judgement.

• Experience influencing senior stakeholders.

• Outstanding written and verbal communication.

• Strong project and budget management.

• Comfortable balancing long-term strategy with fast-paced reactive work.

• Strong understanding of the UK media landscape and digital channels. 

• Excellent communication skills – written, verbal and visual. 

• Experience of working with MPs and other key stakeholders.

• Strong alignment with the mission and values of Chefs in Schools.

Desirable

• Education, food systems or public health experience.

• Coalition leadership.

• Charity senior management.

• Experience working with ministers, journalists and on national campaigns.

OUR COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION

We know that strong candidates may not meet every single requirement listed in this job description.

If this role excites you and you believe you could make a strong contribution to our mission, we would encourage you to apply.

We are committed to building a diverse, equitable and inclusive organisation where people from different backgrounds, experiences and communities can thrive.

Head of Communications & Public Affairs 

Salary: Up to £62k depending on experience
Location: Remote, with regular planned travel nationwide, particularly to London and the South, plus attendance at monthly and quarterly team meetings
Hours: Full Time, 35 hours per week
Contract: Permanent

We're looking for an exceptional communications leader to join Help for Heroes as our Head of Communications & Public Affairs. This is a rare opportunity to shape how one of the UK's most recognised charities engages with the media, policymakers, supporters and the wider public, ensuring the voices of veterans and their families are heard where it matters most.

Leading our integrated communications, public affairs, policy and PR activity, you'll develop influential campaigns that continue to strengthen our reputation, support fundraising and drive meaningful change for the Armed Forces community. Working closely with senior leaders across the charity, you'll act as a trusted adviser, bringing insight into the political, media and stakeholder landscape while helping to navigate the opportunities and risks that affect our mission.

This is a high-profile leadership role for someone who combines strategic thinking with outstanding delivery, thrives on building influential relationships and wants to use their expertise to create lasting impact for those who have served our country.

Please see below for more information on what just might be your future role.

About the Role

As Head of Communications & Public Affairs, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping how the charity is seen, heard and understood by the public, media, policymakers and supporters. Ensuring the experiences of veterans and their families remain at the heart of national conversations and decision-making.

• Developing and delivering an integrated communications, public affairs and policy strategy that advances the charity's mission and influence.
• Leading high-profile campaigns that raise awareness, support fundraising objectives and drive systemic change for the Armed Forces community.
• Building influential relationships with media, government, political stakeholders, partner organisations and sector leaders.
• Acting as a trusted adviser to senior leaders, providing strategic counsel on reputation, stakeholder engagement, public policy and emerging issues
• Leading the charity's press office, crisis communications activity, ambassador programme and external reputation management
• Developing, inspiring and coaching a high-performing team, fostering innovation, collaboration and measurable impact.

About You

Are you a strategic communications leader who knows how to turn insight into action and ambition into results?

Do you have a strong track record of leading integrated communications, public affairs, policy or campaigning activity that has built reputation, influenced decision-makers and delivered measurable impact?

Can you confidently navigate complex issues, build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders and provide clear, credible counsel?

Are you equally comfortable shaping long-term strategy, responding to fast-moving external events and spotting opportunities to raise the profile and influence of an organisation?

If you're passionate about telling powerful stories, understand the UK media and political landscape, and enjoy leading talented teams to achieve ambitious goals, we'd love to hear from you.

You'll bring significant senior-level experience across communications, public affairs or policy, alongside expertise in media relations, stakeholder engagement and reputation management.

Most importantly, you'll be motivated by the opportunity to use your skills, networks and leadership to improve outcomes for veterans and their families.

About the Team

You’ll join our ambitious Marketing, Communications and Public Affairs directorate, a team dedicated to amplifying the voices of veterans and their families and ensuring their experiences influence public understanding and decision-making.

We are a collaborative, creative, and purpose-driven team that works across the charity to tell powerful stories, build meaningful relationships and create lasting impact. Together, we’re passionate about helping the Armed Forces community get the support they deserve.

In return we can offer you:

• Belonging to a team who make a difference to our community and value equality, diversity and inclusion.
• 29 days’ annual leave plus 8 bank holidays, regardless of service — plus your birthday off to celebrate!
• Opportunity to buy and sell up to 5 days annual leave per year.
• Added to our free health scheme from day one, including discounts on dental, opticians, massages, and more - with the option to upgrade.
• 3 volunteer days per year to support the Help for Heroes community.
• A generous salary sacrifice pension scheme with an 8% employer contribution and a minimum 3% employee contribution, plus life insurance up to 4× salary as an active member.

Closing date: 23rd August 2026

Interview Process: Two stage process with an initial competency based interview and second round stage involving a task.

First round interviews to be held in person or via Teams 4th/7th/8th or 9th September.

Second Round in person 16th or 22nd September.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high number of strong applications.

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all backgrounds.

This is a very exciting opportunity as this is a brand new role within Kids and they are looking for someone who is able to lead a multidisciplinary team.

Kids is a national charity that supports disabled children, young people and their families, helping them to thrive and reach their full potential. Through a wide range of services, advice and advocacy, Kids empowers children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to access opportunities, have their voices heard, and overcome barriers to inclusion.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Strategy, Partnerships and Advocacy, you will lead and develop a multidisciplinary team spanning communications, policy and influencing, and youth voice. You will be responsible for shaping and delivering an ambitious communications and external affairs strategy that raises the profile of Kids, strengthens stakeholder relationships, and supports the charity's mission to create a world where all kinds of kids have all kinds of opportunities.

This role offers a unique opportunity to combine strategic communications leadership with public affairs, media engagement, campaigning and programme oversight. You will work closely with senior leaders across the organisation, providing expert advice on communications, reputation management and external engagement.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and deliver an integrated communications and external affairs strategy aligned with organisational goals.
• Enhance the charity's profile with government decision makers, stakeholders and partners.
• Lead brand positioning and ensure consistent, compelling messaging across all channels.
• Oversee digital communications, including website, social media, email marketing and campaigns
• Provide leadership and oversight for youth participation and digital inclusion programmes.
  
  

We're looking for an experienced communications leader who can combine strategic thinking with hands-on delivery and who is passionate about creating positive change for disabled children and young people.

The appointed candidate will have:

• Significant experience leading multi-channel communications within a charity or values-led organisation.

• The ability to influence and advise senior stakeholders with confidence.
• A strong understanding of public affairs, policy, influencing and campaigning.

• Expertise across digital communications, brand management and content development.

• Line and team management with the ability to coach and develop

TPP Recruitment is acting as the exclusive recruitment partner for Kids and will be managing all applications for this role.

TPP and Kids are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We particularly encourage applications from candidates with lived experience and those with protected characteristics that are currently underrepresented within our workforce.

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

Would you like to help create a brighter future for nature? 

Wildlife and Countryside Link is a coalition of 97 environmental charities. We are looking for a Policy and Public Affairs Officer to help develop, advocate and win policy improvements for nature, with a particular focus on the marine environment. 

The Government has promised to halt the decline of wildlife and protect 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030. The marine environment is on the frontline of action – how can we restore habitats at the same time as huge investment in renewable energy? How can we restore fish stocks in a way that supports the future of coastal communities? How can we lead the way on reducing the pollution that is blighting our seas?

We are looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated Policy and Public Affairs Officer to help environmental organisations agree bold answers to key questions like these. This role will manage our marine, bycatch and marine mammal working groups to secure ambitious progress of protection and recovery of the marine environment. This is an exciting opportunity to be to work alongside some of the leading experts in marine policy to deliver joint policy that will transform nature at sea.

You will also play a key role in delivering environmental priorities to key influencers in Government and in Parliament. 

So, we are looking for someone with a keen eye for detail, a good networker with the ability to listen and negotiate, and a reasoned and convincing style of written and verbal communication, with a passion for nature conservation.

ALDER HEY CHILDRENS CHARITY

Job title: PR, Communications & VIP Engagement Manager

Salary: £39,428-£50,450

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Location: Mix of home working and office based (office is at Alder Hey, Liverpool). Hybrid working available.

About us

Alder Hey Children’s Charity raises vital funds to help make Alder Hey Children’s Hospital a truly world-class, patient-friendly hospital for the 450,000 patients and families we care for every year.

The charity helps to fund a range of activities and projects that are designed to enhance and improve the lives of our amazing young patients. This includes the funding of specialist medical equipment to ensure our brilliant surgeons and clinical staff have the most up to date and cutting edge technology available and funding hi-tech distraction equipment designed and proven to reduce pain and anxiety in our patients. We also fund a range of programmes and special projects such as our ward musicians, our on-site magician and the play specialists we have on every ward.

About this role

Are you passionate about using the power of storytelling, media and influential voices to create lasting change for children and young people?

This is an exciting opportunity to join Alder Hey Children's Charity as our Communications, PR & VIP Engagement Manager, helping us deliver our vision of a healthier, happier and fairer future for every child and young person.

Every day, Alder Hey Children's Charity works to create magical moments, fund pioneering research, invest in world-leading innovation and champion better health and wellbeing for children. As part of our ambitious team, you'll play a vital role in sharing these stories, inspiring support and helping more people understand the difference they can make.

You'll lead the Charity's public relations, media and VIP engagement programme, developing creative campaigns that raise awareness, strengthen our reputation and grow our impact. Working alongside colleagues across fundraising, marketing, advocacy and Trust communications, you'll secure high-profile media coverage and build meaningful relationships with celebrities, ambassadors, influencers and public figures who share our passion for improving children's lives.

This is a varied and rewarding role that combines strategic thinking with hands-on delivery. You'll help shape how the Charity is seen, ensure our incredible stories reach new audiences and harness the support of influential advocates to drive fundraising, awareness and policy change.

If you're an experienced communications professional with outstanding media instincts, exceptional relationship-building skills and a passion for making a difference, we'd love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities will include:

· Leading the Charity's PR and media programme, identifying and delivering proactive communications opportunities that raise awareness, strengthen our reputation and showcase the impact of our work.

· Developing engaging communications and storytelling across press, digital and campaign channels, ensuring consistent messaging that supports fundraising, advocacy and organisational priorities.

· Building and nurturing relationships with celebrities, ambassadors, VIP supporters and media contacts, creating meaningful partnerships that champion Alder Hey Children's Charity and inspire wider support.

· Planning and delivering high-profile visits, events and campaign moments, working collaboratively across the Charity and Trust to create memorable, safe and impactful experiences.

· Working closely with colleagues across fundraising, marketing, advocacy and Trust Communications to deliver integrated campaigns, maximise opportunities and protect the Charity's reputation.

· Monitoring and evaluating communications and VIP engagement activity, using insight and learning to continually improve our impact, profile and supporter experience.

Other Duties  

• Be an outstanding advocate for Alder Hey Children’s Charity in line with the core values of the organisation. 

• Be an active and supportive member of the Alder Hey Children’s Charity team, contributing to the team’s development and working collaboratively with colleagues and volunteers.

• Attend and support events run by fundraising teams where required, including occasional out-of-hours working. 

• Gain and maintain an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the charity’s work, priorities and future plans. 

Please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification for more information.

Our Values

At Alder Hey Children’s Charity, our values guide how we work. Being courageous, working together, showing passion and embracing creativity enables us to support the hospital in delivering the very best care for young patients and their families.

Courage

We try new things, take risks and innovate. We speak up, take accountability and act with responsibility.

Together

We work as one team, sharing knowledge and learning. We partner with patients, families, supporters and colleagues.

Passion

We are passionate about what we do and inspire others.

Magic

We are creative, fun and child-led, creating special moments and going the extra mile.

Additional Information

In April 2025, the charity adopted a four-day working week policy. Staff previously working 37.5 hours now work 30 hours across four days, maintaining full pay while supporting a better work-life balance.

This job description outlines the general nature of the role and is not exhaustive. It may be subject to change in line with organisational needs.

Alder Hey Children’s Charity will make reasonable adjustments where required and is committed to equal opportunities and safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

The post holder will be required to complete an enhanced DBS disclosure check.

How to apply

You can apply by clicking the link below. Applications must include your CV and a covering letter (no more than one side of A4) which answers the following questions:

· How do you meet the person specification? If you don’t exactly meet all of the role requirements but have transferable skills please do consider applying and provide details as part of your answer.

· Why do you want to work for Alder Hey?

Additional information is included within the Job Description and Person Specification.

Closing date: Monday 24th August, 12pm

Interviews will be held in person at Alder Hey on Tuesday 8th September 2026

About Thrombosis UK

Thrombosis UK is the UK’s leading thrombosis charity, working to improve awareness, prevention and support for people affected by blood clots.

As part of our new organisational strategy, we are launching a major programme focused on raising awareness of blood clot (VTE) risk during pregnancy and the postpartum period. This programme will combine public awareness, healthcare professional engagement, patient advocacy and policy influence to improve understanding, encourage earlier action and contribute to longer-term system change.

We are seeking an experienced freelance communications professional to work alongside our team to help shape and deliver this programme.

The opportunity

This is not a traditional PR brief. We are looking for someone who can think strategically while also delivering practical communications activity across multiple channels.

The consultant will work alongside Thrombosis UK staff who already deliver digital communications, social media, volunteer engagement and patient support. The role is to provide strategic communications expertise, lead specialist campaign activity and build the team's capacity, rather than replace existing internal functions.

The successful consultant will help us develop and implement an integrated campaign that includes:

· Public awareness campaigns

· Media relations and press activity

· Digital communications and content planning

· Website content and user journeys

· Stakeholder communications

· Support for public affairs and parliamentary engagement

· Campaign evaluation and learning

The consultant will work closely with our Chief Executive and wider team, bringing specialist campaign expertise that complements our existing clinical knowledge and patient support work.

I’m thrilled to be supporting a leading global children’s education charity, to find their Campaign Communications Manager, based in London, working an innovative, 4 day week.

Do you have experience in and a passion for using campaigns to drive meaningful global change? Have you planned and delivered integrated communications for a specific campaign previously? Do you have knowledge of public affairs, or campaigns on an international level? If yes, then I’d love to hear from you.

The Campaign Communications Manager will develop and deliver the communications strategy for a successful Campaign and Global Finance Summit, working closely with colleagues and specialist agencies. Key responsibilities include:

• Communications strategy: Develop and deliver an integrated communications strategy, managing external agencies across event delivery, content and media relations
• Digital campaigning: Oversee campaign communications across digital channels, including the website, social media and email
• Content coordination: Plan, create and distribute compelling content across campaign channels and the wider partner network
• Partner communications: Manage communications with a global network of more than 200 businesses, NGOs, foundations, early childhood organisations and government partners, producing toolkits and campaign updates that enable effective advocacy
• Story development: Work with internal teams and partners to identify and develop campaign stories for media, digital channels and stakeholder communications
• Monitoring and reporting: Track campaign performance and produce regular reports including donor reports

If you are a seasoned comms professional who can turn ideas into plans, and action, please apply today for more info, and an informal conversation.

• Salary £40,000 for 4 day week.
• 4 day working week!
• Permanent position
• Central London based office- Hybrid working (1-2 days per week in the office)

Closing date- applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so please apply today!

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

About the role

As RCOG Communications and Media Manager, the campaigns you design and lead will ensure the voices of women and frontline clinicians are shaping the health agenda and influencing policy.

In this role, you will work regularly with national journalists, women’s health charities, Department of Health and Social Care, NHS England or successor bodies, other royal colleges, specialist societies and other partners to develop accurate and compelling stories that bring the College’s work to life in the news.

Working closely with colleagues across our Policy and public affairs, Workforce and Marketing teams, you will be part of a friendly and passionate External Affairs directorate.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead College’s annual external communication plan including  variety of campaigns aligned to the College’s strategic priorities.

• Profile College’s work and impact in the media and build effective media partnerships

• Oversee RCOG content and social media strategies and developing impactful content to engage audiences through earned, paid and owned channels.

• Ensuring that clinicians’ expertise and women’s voices and lived experience inform the RCOG’s communications programme

• Act as a trusted expert advising our President, Officers and senior leaders on reputational issues, including briefing and media training for high-profile or sensitive topics

• Using data, insight and new technologies to continuously improve the impact of communications and campaigns

• Participating in the out-of-hours press rota, currently around one in three weekends and occasional evenings. 

About you

You are an experienced communications professional who has led communications programmes and integrated campaigns from planning through to evaluation You have strong press-office and media-relations experience and a track record of building productive relationships with journalists.

You combine strategic thinking with and editorial judgement and are comfortable managing both reactive media issues and longer-term communications activity. You can advise senior stakeholders clearly and calmly, work constructively with partners and ensure that clinicians’ expertise and women’s lived experience are represented accurately and respectfully.

You will thrive in this role if you enjoy varied work, can prioritise effectively when circumstances change and are motivated by the contribution that communications can make to better healthcare for women and girls.

Essential requirements:

• Demonstrable experience managing development and delivery of an organisation’s communications programme

• Designing and delivering creative impactful campaigns with clear outcomes

• Strong media-relations and press-office experience, including developing stories, responding to enquiries and working with journalists

• Excellent news judgement and the ability to produce clear, accurate and engaging content for different audiences and channels

• Experience advising senior leaders or spokespeople on sensitive, high-profile or reputational issues.

• Successful track record of  building relationships and delivering communications work with external partners

• Effective planning and prioritisation skills

• Able to use data and insight to evaluate and improve communications activity

• Willingness to participate in the out-of-hours press rota

• Experience supervising, coaching or developing colleagues.

  For the full list of key responsibilities, please check the recruitment pack. 

Our culture and benefits

You will be located in our offices in London Bridge. We offer a friendly, values led working culture with an excellent benefits package that includes: 

• Agile and flexible working environment and free lunch onsite 

• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and office closure from 25 December to 1 January 

• 10% pension contribution after probation 

• Enhanced wellbeing and family support 

• Interest free season ticket loans after probation 

• Tailored Learning and Development and study leave 

• Affinity staff networks 

• Life assurance and income protection schemes 

• Lifestyle discounts

For a full list of the benefits we offer, please visit our careers site. 

Applications close at 10.00 am on Monday 24 August 2026

We encourage candidates to apply early. We may close the advert before the stated date if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. 

First-stage interviews are expected to take place on 2 and 3 September 2026. Second-stage interviews for selected candidates are expected to take place between 14 and 16 September 2026.

We hope the successful candidate will start in October 2026, subject to their notice period and completion of pre-employment checks.

We believe that diverse teams will deliver the best outcomes for women's healthcare and we strive to be an inclusive employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and particularly encourage candidates from underrepresented groups, including people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds and disabled people. To find out more, please see our Diversity Policy and Equal Opportunities Policy.

Please note: Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. The RCOG is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role. 

About us 

The RCOG is a professional membership association dedicated to improving women’s health care across the world. We do this by setting standards for clinical practice, providing doctors with training and lifelong learning, and working with partners to advocate for women’s health and health care across their life course. We are a global leader in this specialist area, supporting 19,000 members in the UK and internationally.

We are a values-led organisation placing high standards, innovation, openness, inclusiveness and trust at the centre of all we do.

Who we are

IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) is a national charity working to ensure that children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receive the educational support they are legally entitled to. Since we were formed in 1983, we have helped to improve the education experience of thousands of children and young people across England. We do this by providing free and independent legal advice and casework support for families, undertaking policy work and delivering training on the SEND legal framework.

What you’ll do

Reports to: Chief Executive

Location: Home-based or Hybrid (with frequent travel for events and meeting with parliamentarians and other stakeholders) 

We are seeking a Policy Manager to lead IPSEA's policy and influencing work to achieve positive change for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families. Working closely with the Chief Executive, Head of Legal and Training, trustees and colleagues across the organisation, you will set strategic policy priorities and develop evidence-based influencing plans that support IPSEA's mission and long-term objectives.

Drawing on insights from our advice and tribunal services, legal expertise and the experiences of families, you will identify systemic issues within the SEND system and develop policy solutions that improve children and young people's access to the support and education to which they are entitled. You will ensure that IPSEA's policy positions are credible, legally robust and informed by the lived experiences of those we support.

You will lead IPSEA's engagement with government, Parliament and other key decision-makers, identifying opportunities to influence legislation, policy and practice at both national and local level. This includes overseeing responses to consultations, parliamentary inquiries and calls for evidence, as well as preparing briefings and strategic advice to support senior-level engagement and advocacy.

Working collaboratively with colleagues across legal, communications, fundraising and training teams, you will ensure IPSEA's policy, campaigning and public affairs activities are aligned and maximise the organisation's impact. You will also monitor developments across the political, legal and policy landscape, helping IPSEA respond proactively to emerging opportunities and challenges affecting the rights of children and young people with SEND.

This role offers the opportunity to make a real difference as part of a small, friendly, and dedicated team. If you are passionate about helping children and young people with SEND and have the skills and experience needed, we would love to hear from you.

Who are we looking for?

You will have significant experience in a senior policy and campaigning/public affairs role and have good knowledge of local and national government structure including the legislative process.

You the ability to build and maintain relationships with a range of stakeholders including MPs, civil servants, campaigners and parents. You exhibit tact and diplomacy and can be impactful with people of varying levels and experience.

Your research and critical thinking skills enable you to analyse policy and data to produce relevant reports and position papers. You have experience of drafting organisation responses to government consultations and parliamentary calls for evidence.

IPSEA should also reflect the communities we support. We would particularly like to hear from candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people, under-served communities and disabled people, as well as those with lived experience of the SEND system, either as a child or as a parent/carer.

What we can offer you

• 5% employer pension contributions
• Healthcare cash plan
• Flexible working arrangements
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays plus an additional day off for your birthday (pro-rata if part-time).

To apply

Visit our website to download a recruitment pack and application form.

Deadline for applications: 9am on 7 September 2026.

First-round interviews: on 15 September 2026 in our offices in Takeley, Essex, with second-round interviews (online) on 18 September 2026.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE.

We are looking for a part-time Communications Manager to support MDP in the communication of our work through social media, press engagement, community storytelling, and organisational communications.

To build migrant power, we need strategic, sharp, engaging, and sometimes humorous content on migrant justice and democracy in the UK. We need to tell the stories of our communities and why the right to vote is essential to different audiences through different channels - online and in the press. This role is perfect for creatives who have skills in graphic design, video editing, and copywriting; and can support the team with creative brainstorming on the latest social media trends, meme formats, cultural references, and political opportunities for posting. You will also manage MDP’s newsletter and website.

TERMS AND BENEFITS

• Fixed term contract for 12 months (with the possibility of extension depending on future grants), £38,000 pro rata (equivalent to £30,400 per year), with a September or October 2026 start.

• 25 days of paid annual leave pro rata, plus bank holidays. In addition, the MDP office closes for two paid weeks over Christmas and New Year.

• 4% pension (3% employer and 5% employee contributions)

• Access to training and mentoring opportunities to develop in the role, if needed.

• Flexibility in working hours and TOIL.

• Central London office space. MDP’s office is in Vauxhall, London. Staff have daily access to the office and the team works from the office together at least once a week.

ABOUT MDP

Migrant Democracy Project (MDP) is building migrant power in the UK. We believe in leveraging the power of democratic participation to create just society for all residents. We build political power by getting migrants registered to vote, we organise for votes for all residents, and we support the leadership development of migrant leaders. We want to build a society where migrants’ interests and needs are heard, included and represented in all levels of UK politics. 

We work in solidarity. We recognise that our struggles, liberation, identities, and oppressions are interconnected. We do not exist in isolation to other communities.

Our fight for migrant justice is tied to queer and trans liberation, racial and disability justice, reproductive freedoms, freedom for Palestine and all oppressed people, anti-capitalism, and beyond.

KEY DUTIES  - Please read the job specification attached document before applying for a full list of duties.

• Communications Strategy Development: Build and implement MDP’s Communications Strategy. Pay attention to breaking news and the activities of MDP staff and wider Champions to develop a communications strategy in-line with MDP’s organising strategy.
• Social Media Content Development: Develop social media content for MDP’s Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn accounts, including graphics, video scripts and captions, working with MDP spokespeople and champions.
• Press and Media Engagement: be the point of contact for all media activity, develop networks with journalists and pitch stories and MDP spokespersons.
• Other Communications: write and design MDP's monthly newsletter, maitain the MDP website and provide input on other external communications.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS - Please read the job specification attached document before applying for a full list of qualifications.

• Experience recording, producing and posting content using a range of social media platforms, including Instagram and TikTok

• Excellent communicator who is able to translate often complex topics into accessible content for our community members.

• Experience communicating with journalists, successfully pitching stories, and  working with tight deadlines.

• Experience using design tools (e.g. Canva and Kapwing) 

• Understanding of ethical storytelling practices and experience working with communities to tell their stories

• Excellent organisational skills, keeping track of key events, planning content accordingly;

• Strategic and creative thinking on crafting narratives in support of campaigns and political activities.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send your CV with the Subject Line “FIRST NAME LAST NAME COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER” by 31 August 2026 and complete the online form following the guidance in the application pack.

MDP is dedicated to the kind of diversity and inclusion that makes our organisation thrive. We highly encourage people to apply who identify as migrants and refugees; women, trans or nonbinary; LGBTQIA+; Black or BIPOC; and disabled.

Please let us know if you have any access needs or requirements. We will work with you to help you achieve your best.

DECISION-MAKING TIMELINE

We are looking for the Communications Manager to start in September or October 2026. The applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and interviews will be scheduled accordingly.

Interview process

● Stage 1: shortlisted candidates will be invited for a 20 minute interview online with the Executive Director.

● Stage 2: if successful after Stage 1, shortlisted candidates will be invited for a 75 minute interview in-person. This will include a practical exercise and questions about your experience. You will have an opportunity to ask us questions as well.

Please download and refer to the full application pack for the job description and follow the application process outlined there.