Public engagement officer jobs

Chief Executive Officer

Salary:     c.£75 - 80,000 per annum

Hours:      Full time 35 hours per week

Contract:  Permanent

Location:  The role is, of necessity, office based, although flexibility for home working is expected where appropriate. Evening and weekend work will be required to attend networking and other events.

At Sussex community Foundation we are approaching our 20th anniversary. As we celebrate this milestone, we are looking for an ambitious and dynamic chief executive to lead us into the next 20 years, enabling us to make Sussex a fairer and more equal place.

At Sussex Community Foundation we bring inspirational people together to create the change Sussex needs. In our first 20 years we have built a reputation across the county as an authoritative voice in local philanthropy, attracting and retaining new Fundholders to the Foundation.

As a leading grant maker in the county, our reputation within the voluntary sector is incredibly important to us. We want to ensure that our future Chief Executive builds on these trusted relationships.

We have an experienced and influential Board who will support you in your role, backed up by an enthusiastic and committed team of experts in both fundraising and grant making.

We look forward to receiving your application.

Mark Spofforth OBE FCA - Chair of Trustees

Closing date: Monday 5 January 2026 - noon
We are using the Charity Job anonymous recruitment process - please ensure that you apply through the portal.

Please log into your CharityJob candidate account to access and download the Persons Specification and to submit your application.

**No Agencies please**

#Chief Executive Officer #CEO #Executive #Leadership 

Salary: £33,765 - £37,000 per annum depending on experience.

Hours: Full-time and permanent. 35 hours per week

Place of work: Hybrid with a minimum requirement of 12 in-person days per annum. In addition, there will be a requirement to attend site visits, conferences and events as required.

Join Our Team!

We’re looking for someone to join us on a permanent basis in the New Year to support the delivery of the charity’s research aims in accordance with the research strategy.  This includes our programme of grants, working with networks and partners to drive increased investment in research for people with Crohn’s and Colitis and our work to support increased patient and public involvement in research.

About Us

We're the UK's leading charity for Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.  Right now, an estimated 500,000 people in the UK are living with a lifelong disease many people have never heard of and for which there is no known cure. Because of the stigma and misunderstanding surrounding these diseases, thousands of people are suffering in silence. But we’re here to support and champion their cause and our ambitious plans will help to make a real difference.

About You

You’ll have experience of research administration or management at a University, Research Institute or funding organisation and of supporting patient and public involvement in research or as part of quality improvement projects in a UK-wide healthcare context.  You’ll  have proven communication and team-working skills and can evidence your ability to horizon scan and network to keep up to date with research and quality improvement developments. We’re looking for candidates who ideally have experience of working in health/science research environments and a knowledge of project management methodology. A knowledge of the needs of people affected by Crohn’s and Colitis would also be an advantage.

If you like the sound of our role then this could be an opportunity to join a leading charity as we enter the next stage of growth and expansion.

Please see our Recruitment Pack for details of our full Job Description and Person Specification.

Our Location

We are based in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, so we are easily accessible by road and rail. In this role, there is plenty of scope for a hybrid approach working from home,  although there will be times when you will need to be at face-to-face meetings in Hatfield or across the UK. There is a requirement for you to attend a minimum of 12 in person days a year, including two Directorate meetings and the charity’s mandatory ‘All Staff Together’ days which take place four times a year at our offices in Hatfield or a location in London. In addition, there will be a requirement to attend site visits, conferences and events as required.

Benefits

• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing one day per year up to 30 days
• Salary Sacrifice Pension scheme
• Flexible working options
• Enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity pay
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Wellbeing programme
• Interest free loan for season tickets
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free parking and secure bike locks at the Hatfield office
• Training and development financial support and/or study leave
• Performance review and development scheme

We are an inclusive employer and offer equal opportunities to all regardless of an individual’s age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

We are not a licensed sponsor at this time. Any offer of employment will be made subject to the applicant residing in the UK and a valid right to work in the UK being provided.

We will not be accepting any contact from Recruitment Agencies or Media Sales

About the Church Commissioners

Established in 1948, The Church Commissioners works to support the Church of England's ministry.

The main aspects to the work of the Church Commissioners are as follows:

Managing the endowment fund

The Investments team of c. 85 colleagues manages the Church's permanent endowment fund. This £11.1 billion fund (as at 31st December 2024) is one of the largest in the country and has its origins in Queen Anne's Bounty, which was established in 1704.

The fund represents a diverse investments portfolio, which is managed with a strong focus on responsible and ethical investments that enable the funding support for the Church of England to grow in line with agreed investment return targets.

Church-Facing Commissioner Teams

There are three Church-facing Commissioner Teams:

• The Church Buildings team of c. 35 colleagues supports dioceses and parishes with the care, conservation and development of historic church buildings, advises on permissions for changes to church buildings and provides guidance on architectural and heritage matters. It helps churches adapt for worship and community use and works with government to advise on policies that affect church buildings;
• The Mission & Pastoral Services team of c. 10 colleagues supports the creation, merger and closure of parishes and benefices. It oversees the adjustment of parish boundaries, supports dioceses on the legal framework for pastoral change, and handles the legal steps when a church building is no longer required for public worship, including finding suitable alternative uses or disposal;
• The Bishoprics & Cathedrals team of c. 40 colleagues advises on the provision of suitable housing and office accommodation for diocesan bishops and archbishops, funding bishops' working costs, and supporting cathedrals in their governance and sustainability. It also oversees , the historic library and record office of the Archbishops of Canterbury and the main archive for the documentary history of the Church of England.

Central Support and Governance

Overall, there are c. 10 colleagues in the Central support and governance team:

• The Commissioners' Secretariat team supports the Chief Executive, senior trustees and Board in all aspects of their governance;
• The Engagement Manager is responsible for working closely with a wide variety of Commissioners' teams to help ensure that the Church Commissioners has effective engagement with a wide variety of Stakeholders;
• The Strategic Programme management team varies in size depending on the strategic projects currently underway (see below for further details).

Church of England Central Services (ChECS)

The Church Commissioners is supported by a number of key enabling teams which are part of the Church of England Central Services. This NCI consists of Finance, Assurance, Technology, Data, Project Management, Communications and Legal teams. The ChECS team is c. 150 colleagues.

The Church Commissioners is accountable to Parliament, General Synod and, as a registered charity, to the Charity Commission. The Archbishop of Canterbury is the Commissioners' Chair and the current Deputy Chair is the Bishop of Salisbury. Three of the Commissioners' trustees are known as Church Estates Commissioners (CECs), who will be key stakeholders for this role. The First CEC chairs the Assets (investment) Committee and the Second CEC is an MP who helps exercise accountability to Parliament. Both are appointed by HM The King on the advice of the Prime Minister. The Third CEC chairs committees that oversee the work of the Church-facing Commissioner Teams and is appointed by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

The Director of Strategy and Engagement has direct responsibility for Central Support and Governance, comprising the Commissioners' Secretariat (4 colleagues), the Engagement Manager and the Strategic Programme Management team (c. 5 colleagues). Additional Strategic Programme team members may be added as further strategic projects are commissioned.

Strategic focus

• Support the Chief Executive and Board with the development, articulation and delivery of the Commissioners' strategic business plan to enable it to support the mission and ministry of the Church of England, engaging widely and authentically in so doing;
• Act as a close adviser and sounding board for the Chief Executive and leadership team, ensuring the provision of accurate and timely advice, briefings and presentations;
• Assist in developing and delivering plans and projects to give life to the business plan.

Communications and stakeholder engagement

• Advise on, and support, stakeholder engagement. Develop and implement engagement and communications strategies for key stakeholders and leaders, e.g., bishops, parliamentarians, dioceses and General Synod (the Church's legislative and deliberative body). This includes major projects and programmes of work and liaison with the Communications team;
• Champion the views of key stakeholders and beneficiaries within the Commissioners, helping to ensure that business plans and projects reflect the perspectives of the wider Church.

Project support

• Manage complex or sensitive strategic projects and issues, thinking through the consequences of those projects, decisions and communications, including considering reputation matters.
• Facilitate the implementation of change plans, working closely with the Commissioners' leadership team and other NCI executive team colleagues.
• Support the implementation of cross-NCI programmes from the Commissioners' perspective;
• Use the Project and Programme Methodology adopted by the Church Commissioners and participate in current project governance structures - working with the PMO to continue to improve this.

Provide leadership and support to project teams, including:

• the Programme Spire team (which is managing a multi-year research programme to understand and respond to the charity's historic links to African chattel enslavement);
• any changes to the organisational structure for the Church Commissioners, ensuring they are provided with appropriate performance targets and support. This should be done working closely with the appropriate Finance and People teams.

Leadership and wider context

• Keep up to date with current events, trends and concerns which might affect the work of the Commissioners, NCIs and the wider Church;
• Support the wider Church as a senior leader, contributing to the development of the NCIs. Draw connections between operational activities in different teams, and with other NCI activities where appropriate.

• A salary of c.£95,000 plus age-related pension contributions between 8-15% of salary. We will also match any pension contributions you make up to an additional 3% of your salary.

• 30 days annual leave plus eight bank holidays three additional days (pro-rated if working part-time).
• We welcome all flexible working arrangement requests. This is looked at in a case-by-case scenario and if this fits within the department's needs. We try to be as flexible as we can in your work pattern to support you with other commitments, and to give a good work-life balance.
• We offer many services and initiatives under our Family Friendly Programme, some of these include enhanced Maternity Leave initiative, Adoption Leave, Paternity Leave, & Shared Parental Leave. Structured induction programme and access to a range of development opportunities including apprenticeships.
• Automatic enrolment and access to Medicash (one of the UK's leading health cash plan providers), providing you with many services including reimbursements of routine dental treatment, optical, specialist consultations, and therapy treatments. Unlimited access to virtual GP & Private prescription service and health & Stress related helplines.
• Access to Occupational Health, and an Employee Assistance Programme 
• Access to the Department of Education Restaurant and Westminster Abbey with a plus-one guest.
• Apply for eligibility for an Eyecare voucher.
• Opportunity to join the Civil Service Sports & Social Club, and get involved in a range of staff networks, groups and societies.

• Strive for Excellence
• Show Compassion
• Respect others
• Collaborate
• Act with Integrity

About the Role

Do you have a creative flair and a passion for collaboration? We’re looking for someone to help shape and deliver a public engagement and events programme that showcases Headway East London’s occupational projects in art, food and music, strengthens partnerships, and raises awareness of brain injury.

The role is to work closely with our members, you will co-produce events, workshops and creative projects that highlight their experiences and talents. Also, nurture and develop relationships with partners and stakeholders, identify new opportunities for collaboration and ensure members are meaningfully involved in all aspects of engagement.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Public Engagement Programme Delivery

• Support the delivery of a public engagement programme that raises awareness of brain injury and showcase our creative work in art, food, and music.
• Work closely with the Director of Development and staff teams to identify and develop opportunities for public engagement (e.g. exhibitions, performances, and community events).

​Member Co-production and Creative Participation

• Work closely with members to support their participation in projects and events, ensuring their voices and experiences contribute to the planning and delivery.
• Support in facilitating steering groups or member planning sessions to shape ideas and gather feedback for improvements.

Partnerships and External Relationships

• Support in building and maintaining positive relationships with local organisations, cultural venues, and community partners to broaden our reach and profile.
• Represent Headway East London at events, meetings and community forums, acting as a positive ambassador for the organisation and its members.

 Event, Operations and Delivery

• Support all logistical aspects of events, including venue booking, liaising with suppliers, organising materials, and coordinating volunteers.
• Contribute to event promotion and audience engagement, including managing guest lists, ticketing, and attendee communications.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

• Support the collection of feedback, stories, and data from events and projects to evaluate their success and impact.
• Support with monitoring and reporting processes that inform fundraising, communications, and project planning. 

Key Relationships - Internal and External

Internal: All staff, Members (service users) and their families, Volunteers

External: Public audiences - supporters and funders Partner organisations, Corporate stakeholders, Contractors

Other

Apply the Headway East London values and behaviours to every aspect of the role at all times.

Protect and enhance the interests and reputation of Headway East London internally and externally.

Commit to the organisational principles of: coproduction equity, diversity and inclusion sustainability.

Headway East London is an Equal Opportunities Employer and we are committed to ensuring that all staff are motivated, skilled and rewarded by their work. We welcome applicants regardless of race, religion or belief, colour, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age and other protected status as required by law. We promote and protect human rights; they are the foundation of what we do. We want to be an inclusive place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come and contribute their unique strengths and perspectives. We are focused on equality and believe that all the fascinating characteristics that make us different, make us more able to deliver our life-changing work with passion and creativity.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We’re looking for a creative and passionate person to lead on our policy and communications work for this maternity cover. This role offers a great opportunity to play a key role in improving impact across the charity and the lives of those affected

The Migraine Trust is the only UK migraine charity providing information and support, campaigning for awareness and change, and funding and promoting research.

One in seven people in the UK live with migraine, and this complex and debilitating neurological disorder significantly affects their lives. We have been leading and bringing the migraine community together to change this since 1965.

Every year we support millions of people through our website and support services on all aspects of migraine and for help in managing it at work, in education, and in accessing healthcare. We campaign for increased awareness and understanding of migraine, and national policy change to improve the lives of people who get it. We have funded over 140 medical research projects and hold an international symposium every two years to bring together the world’s leading experts on migraine.

The role

People living with migraine are at the heart of our organisation, while our research highlights the urgent need to reduce the inequity we see for those living with the condition. You will ensure their voices are heard by decision makers and the public and get closer to our vison of ‘a world where migraine doesn’t stop anyone from living the life they want’.

You should be able to deliver high-impact communication campaigns, and have a real interest in policy. A skilled communicator yourself, you will be able to manage a broad role with the ability to build and nurture relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. Overall, you’ll bring a desire to create positive change.

You’ll work closely with the CEO and be a key member of The Migraine Trust’s Senior Management team, leading our strategic direction on communications activity alongside targeted public and political campaigns.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the delivery of the organisation’s 2026 policy and communications plans and coordinate the development of plans and budgets for 2027
• Oversee development and delivery of the charity’s policy and public affairs strategy, ensuring a strong evidence base and meaningful involvement of people living with migraine
• Manage work our public affairs agency to deliver targeted influencing projects to improve migraine care, workplace support, and parliamentary engagement
• Shape policy recommendations and develop strategies to engage key stakeholders including parliamentarians, policymakers, clinicians, employers and partner organisations
• Monitor the external policy environment identifying risks, opportunities and emerging issues relevant to migraine
• Work with the team to develop and execute creative and impactful communications campaigns to raise the profile of the charity and tackle misunderstanding around migraine
• Ensure content across all channels – including media, digital, social and publications - is on brand and reflects our values and core messaging
• Ensure our online presence meets the needs of our stakeholders, and is fit-for-purpose for current and future organisational needs
• Oversee production of relevant reports, marketing materials and key publications working with freelance agencies and designers as required
• Work closely with Fundraising colleagues to identify and develop opportunities that support organisational growth
• Ensure all those living with migraine and their voices are central to our policy, campaigning and communications work
• Act as a spokesperson when necessary, representing the charity externally

The above is provided for guidance and is not an exhaustive list of all accountabilities that the post holder may have over time.

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• A creative and experienced communications leader
• Wide experience working in the field of communications (in house or agency) and able to demonstrate knowledge of a broad range of communications activities
• Demonstrable experience of developing media strategies and managing media relations to achieve results
• Ability to deliver policy and public affairs strategies that create change
• A strategic thinker able to develop new ideas and turn these into action
• A strong leader and manager
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills and the ability to communicate, engage and build relationships with a wide range of audiences across the organisation and externally
• Calm under pressure with sound judgment
• Confidence to represent The Migraine Trust externally including public speaking as necessary
• Ability to manage a diverse workload and work under pressure.

Desirable

• Experience working within a health, disability, or long-term conditions context
• Experience of the voluntary sector and/or lived experience engagement
• Knowledge of digital transformation or digital communications best practice

The Migraine Trust is an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all suitably experienced persons regardless of their race, socioeconomic backgrounds, gender, disability status, ethnicity, religion/faith, sexual orientation, or age.

How to apply

For the full role description, and to apply, please visit our website. Interviews will be week commencing 5th January. If you would like an informal discussion to find out more about the role before submitting an application, or have any other queries, we encourage you to get in touch.

Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week

About the job role

We have an exciting opportunity for an Events Fundraising Officer in our Fundraising team at St Joseph’s Hospice.

We are looking for an experienced Events Fundraiser to join our small but dynamic fundraising team. The role will be responsible for promoting and managing a mix of third party challenge events and bespoke events whilst providing excellent stewardship to our event fundraisers. 

Working with the Public Fundraising Manager, the post holder will implement a 5-year action plan to increase income, develop effective stewardship journeys and deliver a varied and successful events calendar.

About you

You will need:

• Experience of managing challenge events for a Charity
• Experience of managing campaign/activity budgets of approx. £40k per year
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work on own initiative and effectively manage workload to hit deadlines

Where you’ll work

St Joseph's Hospice was founded in 1905 by the Religious Sisters of Charity and, as such, it has a rich, Catholic heritage which informs our work today: to support and welcome those in need, from all different cultures, religions and backgrounds.

We provide high-quality specialist palliative care for patients with cancer and other life-threatening conditions across East and North London. We have a large team of clinical staff who work across community, in-patient and out-patient services delivering individualised, responsive and holistic support to patients and their families/carers.

Why work for us?

• 27 days holiday plus public holidays, increasing up to 33 days with service
• Subsidised café and early access to retail sale events
• Season ticket/Welfare loans
• Continuation of NHS Pension Scheme or an excellent salary-exchange pension scheme.
• Santander cycles discount and cycle to work scheme
• Health Cash Plan and access to the EAP services

Join St Joseph’s team and find out more!

We are an equal opportunities and a disability confident employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.

For further information and to apply, please visit our website via the apply button.

Closing date: 12th January 2026

Interview date: 19th January 2026

We are seeking a Community Development Officer to lead a major in-progress project improving recognition, support, and care for people with smell and taste disorders at a local level across England. 

This three-year, volunteer-led programme, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund has achieved significant success in its first eighteen months. We are now recruiting a new postholder to take this strong foundation forward through the next phase of delivery. 

Over the past eighteen months, we have recruited and established a thriving network of volunteers and local groups across England. This momentum is expected to continue. The Community Development Officer will work closely with existing volunteers and groups, primarily remotely, while also attending in-person events and meetings in different parts of England as needed. 

The postholder will lead the ongoing recruitment, training, and support of volunteer groups, working with them to identify opportunities for local outreach and engagement. Together, you will ensure that more people affected by smell and taste disorders access the information, support, and recognition they need, while continuing to raise awareness of these often-unrecognised sensory impairments. 

Our volunteer groups bring together people with lived experience alongside experts from the food, beverage and fragrance sectors, and other relevant fields. 

We are looking for a motivated, forward-thinking individual with experience in leading and inspiring others. You will bring energy, creativity, and excellent communication skills to drive the project forward and help build an innovative, sustainable programme of volunteer-led activity, supporting our volunteers to influence change within their communities. 

You will empower volunteers to play an active role in transforming public understanding of how essential smell and taste are to our lives, whether they are running peer support groups, organising local events, delivering talks in community settings, or representing the charity at information days. 

You will join a small, friendly and ambitious team committed to your professional development as the charity continues to grow. 

If you are passionate about making a difference, enjoy working with people, and want to contribute to a pioneering and collaborative organisation that values and empowers its community, we would love to hear from you. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. 

This is an opportunity to lead a varied and meaningful engagement and volunteering portfolio within a small, supportive charity. You’ll support and develop volunteers, build relationships with community partners, and coordinate public engagement activities to ensure that people’s voices shape local health and care services. If you’re looking for a role where your work has real purpose, where you can grow your skills and where new ideas are genuinely welcomed, we’d love to hear from you.

Chief Executive Officer - Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce
Location: Hatfield, Hertfordshire
Salary: £85,000 - £100,000
Contract: Full-time

Are you ready to lead one of Hertfordshire's most influential business organisations?

The Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce (HCoC), with over 100 years of history and British Chambers of Commerce accreditation, is seeking a dynamic Chief Executive Officer to shape the future of business in the county.

As CEO, you'll be the driving force behind the mission to connect, support, and champion Hertfordshire businesses, balancing commercial sustainability with stakeholder influence and member value. Reporting to the Board, you'll translate strategy into measurable outcomes in areas such as membership growth, revenue, and impact.

What You'll Do

• Lead with Vision: Drive innovation and agility in a changing economic landscape.
• Deliver Results: Oversee a £1m revenue organisation with diverse income streams.
• Be the Face of Business: Represent HCoC at high-profile events, forums, and within the British Chambers network.
• Engage Members: Create value through events, advocacy, and new initiatives like the Young Professionals Network.

What We're Looking For

• Proven senior leadership experience with P&L responsibility.
• Strong commercial acumen and understanding of SME dynamics.
• Exceptional networking and influencing skills
• Resilience, adaptability, and a competitive mindset.

Desirable: Experience in membership organisations, local business knowledge, and public speaking confidence.

Why Join Us?

• Shape economic development and skills agendas.
• Expand member engagement through innovative partnerships.
• Lead a passionate, high-energy team in a respected organisation.

Recruitment Timeline

Application deadline: 5pm Monday 15th December
Interview: Thursday 18th December

How to Apply

Charity People Ltd is acting as recruitment advisor to Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce on this appointment. Interested candidates are invited to submit a CV and a supporting statement (no more than two sides) that sets out why you think this role is the right move for you and how you meet the knowledge and experience criteria to our senior appointments team.

We are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. If you require any assistance or adjustment to make the application process work for you, please let us know.

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.

Senior External Affairs Adviser 
Contract type: Fixed Term Contract (12 months) 
Full time: 34.5 hours, we are open to a conversation about how you work these hours  
Location: Home based
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 new 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 propositions 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. 

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 Tuesday 16th December 2025 

Interview date: Virtual interviews will be held on 8th January 2026 

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's 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. 

The Public Affairs Lead sits within our Policy and Advocacy Team, working to build support for The Food Foundation’s work amongst Parliamentarians and to influence the government to help deliver policies that will transform the food system. This is an exciting opportunity to join a small organisation delivering big impact on the political agenda around food.

The Public Affairs Manager reports to our Head of Policy and Advocacy and will be responsible for planning and delivering our public affairs activity. This includes: 

• Political engagement: meeting MPs and Peers in parliament and building relationships with their teams with a view to identifying potential new supporters 
• Policy and research: working closely with colleagues to share perspectives on which priorities it may be tactical to pursue and to understand what evidence is available to inform engagement.
• Networking: working with public affairs professionals in other organisations to deliver joint programmes of engagement work which leverage respective organisational strengths.
• Monitoring: You will have excellent political instincts and a strong interest in policy developments,
  monitoring closely what is going on in Parliament and in Government,in order to identify opportune moments to maximise political attention and to galvanise support for policy change.
• Communicating: building compelling narratives targeted at different political stakeholders about the impacts of the food system on our diets, our health and our planet, and the need for evidence-based solutions. 
• Developing briefing materials and reports for policy audiences and formulate responses on behalf of the organisation to policy development processes and Parliamentary inquiries.
• Events: ensuring our messages and priorities are noticed and heard by policy-makers in a very crowded policy space, including by working closely with our events manager to deliver impactful parliamentary events.

You will bring a learning mindset to the role, assessing the impact of our policy engagement approaches in order to make continuous improvements.

A week in the job

Meeting with a Peer that is new to our work to brief them on evidence we have published and our current political priorities, completing a political stakeholder mapping exercise for a new campaign on sustainable diets to identify a shortlist of MPs to engage with, spending an afternoon in parliament to engage informally with passing MPs, pitching a new idea for a
parliamentary inquiry to parliamentary staff from the Health and Social Care Committee, drafting an MP briefing for an upcoming debate on the Government’ s obesity prevention priorities, reviewing next week’s parliamentary calendar to spot opportunities for engagement, attending a roundtable to share intelligence and discuss priorities for political party manifestos with other NGOs working on food issues, ringing round parliamentary offices to confirm attendance for
an upcoming parliamentary reception, meeting with an MP that is closely involved with The Food Foundation’s work to refine messaging for an upcoming campaign.

Your experience
You will have a strong knowledge of the UK political landscape and be comfortable and confident in engaging with stakeholders in Whitehall and in Parliament across the political spectrum. Ideally you would also have a knowledge of policy related to the food system, public health or the environmental crisis.

Your skills

• Proven ability to influence decision makers
• Strong knowledge and experience of the mechanics of the UK policy-making landscape
• Ability to work diplomatically and professionally with external stakeholders
• Significant experience working in a role with a major focus on external engagement in a policy/public affairs setting
• A confident networker who enjoys building connections and relationships with new people.
• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex and highly nuanced subject matter in plain English.
• Confidence in working as part of a team, with experience of working collaboratively with colleagues to share ideas, find solutions and help ensure the successful delivery of projects.
• Proactive and independent worker with strong organisational and project management skills and demonstrable experience of delivering on competing priorities within a timepressured environment.
• Close attention to detail and ability to accurately monitor policy developments, stakeholder views and engagement activity.
• You have a commitment to building equitable, diverse and inclusive policy.
• An existing network of relationships with MPs, Peers, advisors and policy officials.

Join our Stories Team and help amplify the voices of patients and fundraisers, showcasing the impact of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. Collaborate across departments to deliver inspiring campaigns and case studies that raise awareness and drive action. Be part of a rewarding career where your work supports The Royal Marsden to save the lives of people affected by cancer, everywhere.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Collaborating across the Charity and the hospital to identify opportunities where patient and supporter stories can amplify fundraising and awareness.
• Interviewing patients, families, and supporters to create powerful stories for fundraising materials, campaigns, and digital platforms.
• Building and stewarding relationships with case studies, ensuring diversity, representation, and sensitive management across all communications.
• Reviewing and shaping case study briefs to ensure clear objectives and agreed criteria are met.
• Maintaining and auditing the case study database to keep an up‑to‑date, ethically managed bank of stories and images.
• Working with colleagues in the PR, fundraising, marketing and digital teams to showcase stories across channels, support events, and maximise the Charity’s impact.

 What We’re Looking For

• A natural storyteller with strong copywriting, interviewing, and editing skills, able to craft powerful patient and supporter stories across digital, print and campaign channels. 

• A relationship builder with excellent interpersonal skills, empathy and resilience, who can connect sensitively with case studies while maintaining professional boundaries. 

• A creative communicator who can interpret briefs, tailor content for diverse audiences and showcase stories that drive engagement, fundraising and brand awareness. 

• A collaborative team player who thrives on working with colleagues across fundraising, marketing and PR and communications, building strong relationships and sharing ideas to create impactful stories together. 

Why Join Us?

We’re a values-driven charity committed to saving the lives of people with cancer everywhere by funding life-saving research and world-leading treatment and care at The Royal Marsden. You’ll be part of a collaborative team that’s ambitious, kind, and purposeful – with the flexibility to work in a way that suits you.

 What we offer:

• Hybrid working between home and Chelsea with occasional travel to Sutton.
• Flexible working around our core hours of 10am to 4pm
• 27 days annual leave rising with length of service
• Up to 6% employer contributions subject to matched contribution from you (increasing with length of service)
• Training, support and development opportunities
• Access to the blue light discount scheme and other discounts opportunities
• Access to subsidised staff restaurants, on-site yoga and wellbeing classes, staff choir and much more
• Range of wellbeing initiatives including access to an employee assistance programme designed to save money and improve your physical, financial and mental health and wellbeing, access to free online GP appointments and free eye tests and contribution towards any glasses required for work purposes

Inclusion Matters

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and walks of life. If this sounds like the opportunity for you, we’d love to hear from you.

Please note: To avoid disappointment, you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received. This is to ensure that we can manage application levels whilst maintaining a positive candidate experience. Unfortunately, once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications.

Reporting to:   Communications & Marketing Manager

Contract: Permanent; Full time 37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday. Some evening or weekend working will be required as part of this role. 

Location: Hybrid. Home working with minimum of 40% of contracted hours at our office in Welwyn Garden City. Candidates must be based in the UK and within reasonable commuting distance to our office in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire.

Job purpose

The Communications & Marketing Officer is a key role within our busy Communications Team. They will support the wider Willow team in delivering on plans to raise the charity’s profile and increase supporter engagement. The Communications Team supports the communications needs of all teams across the organisation.

Principal responsibilities and duties

• Contribute to, and help to evolve, Willow’s communications activity, including emails, website, marketing and social media
• Work with the Willow teams to plan and deliver a regular calendar of content, ensuring the communication and marketing needs of colleagues across the organisation are met
• Manage the promotion of fundraising campaigns and events
• Engage with press, supporters, beneficiaries, partners, volunteers and medical professionals to help establish Willow as a national brand
• Gather and create engaging content, including case studies, images and videos, to be used to raise awareness of Willow’s work locally and nationally
• Develop and manage working relationships with creative agencies, printers and freelancers to deliver high quality communications, on time and within budget
• Use analytics tools to report back on performance and identify learnings and opportunities
• Attend Willow and third-party events, providing communications support including social media posting, videography, photography and media management
• Work with the managers of Willow’s shops to deliver a program of communications projects and activities to engage new donors and customers
• Work with Communications Team colleagues to plan and deliver activity to support the Digital Comms Strategy, Ambassador & Influencer Strategy, Growth plan and key themes and projects
• Be an active member of the team and charity as a whole and undertake training and skills development and keep up to date with the changing requirements of the role and the external environment
• Undertake other duties that may be required as part of the role

Person Specification 

• Experience of working in a busy marketing/PR/communications team, ideally in a charity environment
• A responsive, confident self-starter who is enthusiastic and highly motivated
• Excellent planning, time-management and organisational skills with ability to stick to timetables for delivery of work and meet deadlines under pressure
• Able to express ideas clearly, both verbally and in writing, with an ability to adjust tone and content appropriately for different target audiences
• Strong copywriting and editing skills with the ability to turn complex information into compelling stories and content
• Ability to think creatively, offering new ideas, concepts and solutions
• Experience of developing multi-channel communications plans and taking a communications campaign forward through different digital and offline channels
• Design skills, particularly in creating and/or overseeing the design of visually appealing digital and non-digital content which adheres to brand guidelines
• Experience of using analytics and other tools to report on performance of campaigns
• Experience of media relations and evaluating media coverage and PR
• Experience of using social media as a professional communications tool
• Experience of producing and editing photo and video content
• Experience of using software including Microsoft, Canva or other design tools, Google Ads, analytics tools, email marketing platforms, website CMS systems (we use Wordpress) and charity databases (we use Raiser’s Edge)
• Organised and able to keep good records for data protection, confidentiality and financial purposes
• Knowledge of the digital charity landscape, including best practice for social media, web content creation and engagement strategies

Other

• Full driving licence required as regular travel across the county will be part of the role, in particular to our retail stores and events. Some national travel may be necessary on occasion.

General

We offer the following competitive benefits package:

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Hybrid working arrangements
• Life Assurance and Group Pension Fund
• Season ticket loan
• Cycle to work scheme
• Flexible Working policy
• Employee assistance programme