Public engagement officer jobs in strawberry hill, greater london

The Society of Chemical Industry (SCI), a registered charity, is an international forum where science meets business. Established in 1881 SCI’s main charitable objective is to accelerate science out of the laboratory to address the key societal challenges facing society today. SCI does this by facilitating open innovation, identifying and promoting emerging technologies in the areas of climate and planet and health and wellness, and by providing support for the next generation of scientists and engineers.
Core to delivery of the Society’s mission is a growing portfolio of research journals that publish applied research across a broad range of sciences: from Agriculture to Energy and Material Science to Biotechnology.

The Role:

SCI is looking for a highly motivated and experienced Senior Press Officer to lead on its external and social media engagement strategy. 

You will lead SCI’s engagement with media outlets – including national papers, trade publications and broadcast – to increase our public profile, promote our work and build support for our campaign to accelerate the commercialisation of the UK’s science base. 

You will manage SCI’s press office on a day-to-day basis – scanning the media and political landscape to find opportunities for SCI to leverage its unique expertise and perspective as an organisation at the intersection of science and business.  Part of the role will include public affairs (20%) where you will also support SCI’s Head of External Affairs with political engagement as required – coordinating and facilitating SCI’s engagement with key politicians and political contacts. 

This role is suited to someone with at least 3 years of professional experience in communications, with an excellent news sense and a solid contact book of journalist contacts. 

Responsibilities:

• Closely monitor the news agenda, seeking out opportunities for SCI to comment on fast-moving events and raise the profile of our policy positions and significant research into the potential of the UK’s science base.

• Develop and build national, trade and regional media contacts, hosting journalists at SCI offices in Belgravia.

• Establish KPIs for SCI’s media engagement and monitor and demonstrate progress in meeting them.

• Work with the Social Media team to develop and draft content related to our policy priorities for our social media channels.

• Support the wider team on other ad hoc tasks such as political monitoring and public affairs support.

Knowledge, skills and experience required for this position

• A demonstrable passion for and understanding of science, its purpose for the economy and society, and communicating that to public and political audiences.

• Minimum of 3-5 years in a press office or media-related environment.

• Confident in working in a fast-paced environment and ability to be quick and agile in responding to news opportunities as they arise. 

• Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills. Able to quickly establish rapport and build strong collaborative relationships. 

• Excellent time management skills: ability to work to tight deadlines and prioritise workload.

• A strong team player who is also a self-starter who can work independently and confidently. An attitude that actively seeks continuous self-development and ways of doing things better.

• Excellent written communication skills and the ability to condense complicated subject matter into succinct, accessible copy. 

Benefits

• Competitive salary of £45-50,000 pa (FTE), 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays.

• Market leading pension plan.

• Opportunities for career growth and advancement.

• Dynamic and collaborative hybrid work environment (office days Tues-Thursday).

The Role

Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the CEO/Director will be responsible for the overall strategic, financial, and operational leadership of Chelsea Theatre. This is a hands-on role with a focus on balancing the day-to-day running of the operational activities of the venue, with essential components such as stakeholder management, community engagement and income generation. 

Key Responsibilities

The postholder will: 

• Provide leadership and responsibility for the charity’s purpose, administration and financial management plus ensure compliance with the law and regulations. 

• Generate significant earned income from one-off and repeat hirers, including local community organisations, commercial contracts, arts organisations and private hires, with a focus on high quality customer care.

• Increase income from grants, corporates and funds from individuals, with support from Trustees.

• Run the building as a community centre, making an ever-increasing positive impact in the local community and beyond. 

• Motivate and engage a small team of staff and volunteers, and broad range of stakeholders and prospective supporters.

• Where necessary, with the team, be capable of delivering a range of operational tasks, such as updating the website and managing the box office systems.

• Act as ambassador for the charity, building relationships with partners and stakeholders in the community, local government and with businesses. 

Strategic & Commercial Leadership

• Work with the Board to develop and implement a clear vision and business strategy to ensure the long-term sustainability and growth of the Chelsea Theatre.

• Identify and maximise commercial opportunities, including venue hire, sponsorship, and partnerships. Support the Board with fundraising.

• Lead on business development and marketing initiatives to increase revenue while maintaining the venue’s community-focused ethos.

• Ensure the organisation’s mixed team of staff and volunteers are focused on supporting the business’s mission and objectives.

Venue & Operational Management

• Oversee all aspects of venue operations, ensuring the highest standards of efficiency, customer experience, and compliance with health and safety regulations.

• Develop and manage budgets effectively, ensuring quality financial reporting, financial stability, and responsible stewardship of resources.

• Ability to optimise rental income and diversify income streams, while serving community needs. 

• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including funders, local authorities, businesses, and community groups.

• Operate within the annual budget. Monitor key indicators of the organisation’s impact and financial health. 

Community & Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop and nurture partnerships with the local community, ensuring the theatre remains a welcoming and accessible space for all.

• Work closely with the Board of Trustees to align organisational commercial goals with community needs and expectations.

• Further develop a balanced and funded community programme, which currently include a flagship youth theatre scheme, to reflect community needs and interests. 

• Represent Chelsea Theatre externally, acting as an advocate for its work and impact.

Help shape science policy that tackles the biggest challenges of our time.
From tackling the health impacts of climate change and supporting healthy ageing to advancing medical innovation, physiology – the science of how the body works – underpins some of the most urgent and exciting frontiers in research and policy today. At The Physiological Society, we bring together scientists from around the world to champion evidence-based policy and support a thriving research ecosystem. We’re looking for a Policy and Public Affairs Officer to join our team and help ensure science plays a central role in shaping policy for healthier, longer lives. Whether your background is in health, biomedical research, the environment or science policy more broadly, this role offers a unique opportunity to make an impact across a wide range of issues. You will join us at an exciting time, as we host the Global Climate & Health Summit.

About the role
You’ll play a vital role in delivering an ambitious programme of policy and public affairs activity, influencing government, engaging key stakeholders and championing evidence-based policy informed by physiology. Working closely with the Policy and Public Affairs Manager, internal teams, Society members and global experts, your work will span issues such as precision medicine, climate change and health, and research funding. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the broader R&D and policy landscape while supporting a dynamic scientific community.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing policy positions and crafting impactful responses to government consultations
• Monitoring political developments and advising internal stakeholders
• Building strong relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians and external partners
• Organising events such as policy briefings and parliamentary receptions
• Supporting funding proposals for policy-related initiatives
• Writing engaging briefings, statements and communications tailored to diverse audiences

About you
You’ll be passionate about policy and science, with a strong understanding of how public affairs can influence change. You’ll also bring:

• A degree in life sciences, public policy, political science, or a related field
• Proven experience developing and advocating for policy positions
• Excellent communication and writing skills, including the ability to translate complex ideas clearly
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects
• Confidence engaging with senior stakeholders and representing the organisation externally

Desirable:

• Familiarity with the UK and Ireland’s research and science policy landscape
• Experience using digital tools for public engagement and stakeholder management
• Event planning experience
• Understanding of climate, health or biomedical research policy

Why join us?
At The Physiological Society, we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those from underrepresented communities.

You’ll be part of a supportive, mission-driven team making a real difference in how science shapes society.

We offer excellent benefits, including private medical insurance and a generous pension scheme.

How to apply
To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter outlining how your experience aligns with the role.

PLEASE DO NOT APPLY IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO WORK IN THE UK. We do not offer sponsorships.

Patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) is a fundamental approach in our work at UCLPartners. This is an excellent opportunity for an individual with some experience in patient involvement or community engagement to coordinate and support activities to ensure patients, carers and communities are at the forefront of UCLPartners’ work.

Reporting to the Head of Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement and closely working with our Patient, Carer and Public Advisory Panel, you will use your excellent communication and interpersonal skills to support development and delivery of projects that support inclusive and meaningful PPIE.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

PPIE Planning and Coordination:

• Support the delivery and evaluation of the UCLPartners Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) strategy.
• Support the development of new ways of equitably involving patients, carers and the public from across our region in what we do, ensuring we work with communities facing the biggest health challenges.
• Support the delivery of the UCLPartners Patient, Carer and Public Advisory Panel, including organising panel meetings, co-facilitating sessions, and providing guidance and training to current members
• Support the continued development of the Lived Experience Network including recruitment and demographic monitoring.

PPIE Support and Development:

• Support the provision of PPIE advice to staff and innovators, including providing additional facilitation and hands-on activity support (when required).
• Support patient, carer and community contributors with induction, ongoing training and feedback processes.

Operational duties:

• Act as a point of contact for patient, carer and public contributors to ensure clear, two-way communication.
• Support patients, carers and communities through the ‘Contributor Payment Process’ to ensure timely reimbursement
• Lead the safe and secure data management and up-to-date record keeping within PPIE activities
• Develop content to share and promote our PPIE work including patient-facing newsletters
• Carry out any other duties as requested by the line manager

You

• Experience of designing or delivering patient/public involvement or community engagement activities
• Ability to involve and work with diverse groups of patients, carers and community groups in a way that builds trust and transparency
• Experience of delivering involvement and engagement activities such as workshops, focus groups, and coproduction sessions
• Familiarity with online tools to support engagement (i.e. Zoom, Padlet, Miro, Slido)
• Experience of developing content for external communications such as newsletters 
• A strong understanding and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion in healthcare 
• Ability to work flexibly in the planning and organisation of multiple strands of work
• Ability to work as both as part of a team and independently according to project needs
• Experience of advising and supporting the development of involvement activities and projects is desirable
• Experience of working with researchers, professionals, and innovators in the health and care sector is desirable

Terms and Conditions

The PPIE Officer will report into the Head of Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement and work closely with all our teams and functions. The remuneration for this post is competitive depending on skills and experience with a salary range of £36,010 to £51,500 per annum.

This is a full-time, permanent position although 4 days a week will also be considered. Some evening and weekend working will be required to support involvement activities.

We offer flexible working arrangements and support hybrid working at UCLPartners. All staff will typically spend a minimum of 40% of their working time at the UCLPartners office i.e. for a minimum of 2 days/week if full-time or 40% of your working time for part-time staff. This can be averaged over a 3-month period.

As part of our benefits package, employees are entitled to 27 days of annual leave (plus bank holidays), company pension (employer contribution 10% of annual salary), life assurance coverage, cycle to work scheme, travel season ticket loans and flexible working.

The vacancy

Thamesmead is an extraordinary place – with homes of different eras, outstanding natural spaces, a growing cultural scene and strong community spirit.

Peabody is leading a major programme of regeneration and renewal across the town, working with local people and partners. Together we’re looking to improve, grow and look after Thamesmead for the long term. We’re bringing about new homes and job opportunities; a wealth of cultural, leisure and commercial activities; much improved green spaces, lakes and canals; and better connections with central London.

As PR and Communications Officer, you’ll play a critical role in driving engagement and awareness around what’s happening across the town. You’ll work closely with the Thamesmead team and colleagues in corporate communications, actively highlighting the ongoing projects, cultural activities, and exciting opportunities for residents to get involved.

About You

• You’re a dynamic, confident and creative person who wants to make a real impact in a well-established community.
• You’ll enjoy creating high-quality, engaging content to both local and wider audiences.
• You’ll have a strong news sense and along with a keen eye for detail, ensuring that the information is relevant, engaging, and consistent.
• You’ll be comfortable working on multiple projects with competing deadlines, while staying on top of day-to-day administrative tasks – from resizing images, to updating web pages, to processing invoices.

If you are passionate about making a difference in a vibrant community and have the skills and experience to drive our communications efforts forward, we would love to hear from you.

Benefits of Working at Peabody:

• 30 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Two additional paid volunteering days each year.
• Flexible benefits scheme, including family-friendly benefits and access to a discount portal.
• 4x salary life assurance.
• Up to 10% pension contribution.
• Professional development support, including funding for accounting qualifications.

This role will require a minimum of two days working onsite in Thamesmead and/or Westminster Bridge Road.

Apply today and be part of something bigger.

Click ‘Apply Now’ to submit your CV and personal statement. Be sure to highlight how you meet the essential criteria and confirm your ability to work shifts and sleep-ins.

Closing Date: 11th May 2025

Interviews will take place during week commencing the 5th and 12 May. 

Important Information

Peabody does not provide sponsorship for work visas. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK.

About Equally Ours:

We’re the UK charity that brings together people and organisations working across equality, human rights and social justice to make a reality of these in everyone’s lives. Our vision is a just and compassionate society, where we are free from harm and can all contribute and flourish, whoever we are, whatever we believe in, and whatever we do and don’t have. A society that is equally ours.

About the role:

We’re on the lookout for a new Director of Policy and Public Affairs, to protect and advance equality and human rights in the UK, by increasing our policy impact and working collaboratively to harness the power of our network.

The Director of Policy and Public Affairs will play an important role in protecting and advancing equality and human rights in the UK. This role will focus on growing our policy and public affairs capacity so that we can achieve the goals set out in Together for Social Justice, our 10-year strategy. 

You’ll develop and deliver high-impact policy influencing strategies on our three big issues of law, climate and investment. This will mean working on vital public policy issues such as embedding equality and human rights in the government’s mission-driven approach, ensuring a strong legal framework of rights protections, improving public awareness of the value of human rights, and creating a work programme to ensure that people’s whose rights are most at risk can lead policy development on climate breakdown.

You’ll have a strong track record of creating innovative policy solutions that influence public policy and secure social change; the ability to forge and nurture constructive dialogue and working relationships across the political spectrum and within civil society, and a deep understanding of how to increase racial justice at systemic level. You’ll be confident communicating complex legal and technical issues in an engaging way that brings their practical impacts to life for a wide range of audiences, including the media. You’ll be skilled at bringing people together and working collaboratively. 

We’re a small team whose strength comes from combining our own lived and professional expertise with that of the leading thinkers and organisations who make up our network. We offer flexible working and lots of autonomy within a collaborative and supportive environment where it’s your job to make things happen. 

Why Equally Ours?

• Generous benefits including enhanced pension, 26 days of annual leave, health and wellbeing support, and more. 

• Flexible working arrangements to help you balance your professional and personal life. 

• A collaborative culture that values lived experience alongside professional expertise. 

If you are looking for an opportunity to use your skills to drive meaningful social change, we would love to hear from you. 

How to Apply: 

Please read through the full job pack and then submit your CV and cover letter (max 2 pages) outlining your interest in the role and how you meet the criteria. Please ensure that you address all the criteria, providing sufficient relevant evidence, including examples, to show how your skills and experience match those required in the person specification. Applications without cover letters will not be accepted.

Closing date for applications: 6th May, 12 noon

We are looking for an additional Community Engagement Officer to join our team working on a contract we hold with the Care Quality Commission.

Do you live in the London or East of England region? (Please note that this role is remote but you should be based in London or the East of England and will be required to travel within those regions).

Do you have a range of excellent communication skills?

Do you have the skills and experience of engaging with a diverse group of individuals, organisations and groups who represent seldom heard communities?

Are you able to provide outstanding customer care and represent Choice Support in a positive and professional manner to both internal and external agencies?

Are you able to be home-based and have the ability to travel to different locations in London and the East of England?

Do you want to develop your skills, knowledge and experience of inclusion and diversity and work closely with our Care Quality Commission colleagues?

Then this is the role you’ve been looking for!

What we are looking for:

· A thorough understanding of inclusion and engagement work

· A thorough understanding of seldom heard communities

· To be able work to a high standard with a demanding and ever-changing workload

· Good communication and presentation skills

· Enthusiasm and a positive attitude

· The ability to manage and prioritise a demanding workload

What you’ll receive in return:

· A supportive and collaborative team

· Training and development

· Attendance bonus

· 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

· Life assurance

· Discounted shopping vouchers

Sepsis Research, FEAT is a dynamic and ambitious charity dedicated to combating sepsis through awareness, innovative research, and community support. Founded in 2013 by a sepsis survivor, Sepsis Research FEAT is dedicated to combating sepsis through awareness, innovative research, and community support. The charity funds world-leading research to improve sepsis outcomes, runs public awareness campaigns, and engages with patients, carers, and healthcare professionals. Recent achievements include identifying top research priorities with the James Lind Alliance and delivering educational initiatives across the UK. Their vision is to #stopsepsisnow and make significant strides against this 'hidden killer'. We are currently seeking a visionary and strategic leader to join our team as CEO (Freelance), with the goal of scaling our operations and increasing our annual turnover from £300k to £1M by 2030.

Key Responsibilities:

· Advocacy and Representation: Act as the public face of the charity, representing its interests at events, in the media, and with policymakers.

· Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement a comprehensive growth strategy to achieve the charity's financial goals.

· Fundraising and Development: Lead fundraising initiatives, including donor engagement, grant applications, and corporate partnerships.

· Financial Management: Oversee the charity's financial health, ensuring effective budgeting, financial planning, and reporting.

· Team Management: Inspire, mentor, and manage a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, fostering a positive and productive work environment.

· Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, partners, and the community.

· Operational Oversight: Ensure the efficient and effective operation of the charity, including program delivery, compliance, and risk management.

Qualifications and Experience:

· Proven experience in a senior leadership role, preferably within the non-profit sector.

· Demonstrated success in fundraising and revenue generation.

· Strong financial acumen and experience in financial management.

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

· Ability to think strategically and drive organizational growth.

· Passion for the charity's mission and values.

Personal Attributes:

· Visionary and strategic thinker

· Inspirational and motivational leader

· Strong ethical standards and integrity

· Collaborative and team-oriented

· Resilient and adaptable

We are looking for an additional Community Engagement Officer to join our team working on a contract we hold with the Care Quality Commission. 

Do you live in the south of England? (Please note that this role is remote but you should be based in the south of England and will be required to travel within that region).

Do you have a range of excellent communication skills?

Do you have the skills and experience of engaging with a diverse group of individuals, organisations and groups who represent seldom heard communities?

Are you able to provide outstanding customer care and represent Choice Support in a positive and professional manner to both internal and external agencies?

Are you able to be home-based and have the ability to travel to different locations in the South of England?

Do you want to develop your skills, knowledge and experience of inclusion and diversity and work closely with our Care Quality Commission colleagues?

Then this is the role you’ve been looking for!

What we are looking for:

· A thorough understanding of inclusion and engagement work

· A thorough understanding of seldom heard communities

· To be able work to a high standard with a demanding and ever-changing workload

· Good communication and presentation skills

· Enthusiasm and a positive attitude

· The ability to manage and prioritise a demanding workload

What you’ll receive in return:

· A supportive and collaborative team

· Training and development

· Attendance bonus

· 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

· Life assurance

· Discounted shopping vouchers

35 hours per week
£47,000 per year
Permanent
This role will be expected to spend at least one day a week in our award winning accessible national office near King's Cross. The postholder must be within 90 minutes travel of Westminster to be responsive to the organisation's needs.
We are looking for an experienced Public Affairs professional to manage and oversee RNIB's work in Parliament and build powerful relationships with the right politicians to drive change for blind and partially sighted people.

With your creativity and attention to detail, you'll make sure that RNIB is top of mind for sight loss in Parliament, that accessibility is well understood by politicians, and that our internal expertise is showcased to politicians to drive change in line with our strategy.

In this new role, you'll drive excellence in public affairs activity, with a forensic attention to detail, a flair for people, and lots of creativity in communications.

You'll build relationships with the right people to open doors for us, and use them effectively in targeted initiatives to make policy effective for blind and partially sighted people.

You'll make sure that the views and experiences of blind or partially sighted people underpin our public affairs strategy and are championed in how we tell our stories.

You'll manage and support staff in the public affairs team, which is made up of an officer and an assistant. The role will evaluate and guiding performance, and providing mentoring and coaching as necessary.

You'll ensure our public affairs activity aligns with our team planning, and delivers strategic outcomes, in line with organisational strategy, and establishing productive relationships with a range of internal stakeholders in other parts of RNIB.

You'll have strong knowledge of the workings of Parliament, and experience of building exceptional ongoing relationships with MPs, Peers and party decision-makers. You'll be confident in leading meetings with decision-makers, and overseeing both tailored one-to-one briefings and largescale email correspondence.

You'll have superb attention to detail, making sure our briefings, evidence and correspondence are impactful, accurate, expertly tailored to what MPs need, and make best use of our internal expertise. You'll also be meticulous about record keeping so we can track and monitor our engagements on diverse topics such as eye health, disability benefits, accessible voting and travel.

You'll be comfortable working at pace, overseeing other staff, and collaborating closely with other roles in Policy and Campaigns to develop effective strategies to succeed in our influencing goals.

You'll understand how to win the attention of Ministers and Parliamentarians using creative and engaging communications as well as events and lobbies, and you'll be confident providing updates and briefings to senior RNIB stakeholders such as our Chief Executive and Chair of Trustees.

What We Offer

RNIB prides itself on being a great place to work with a positive, progressive culture. We offer a wide range of benefits including 26 days of holiday per year (plus bank holidays) which rises with service, enhanced family friendly benefits, a contributory pension scheme with an employer contribution of up to 11% and a rewards platform with employee discounts across over 800 retailers.

For more information on our available benefits, please visit our .

How to Apply

If you'd like to apply for this opportunity, please apply online, uploading your CV and supporting statement, telling us how you meet the essential criteria in the person specification.

Marie Curie is the UK's leading end of life charity. We are the largest non-NHS provider of end of life care in the UK, the only provider across all four nations, delivering community nursing and hospice care across the country, while providing information and support on all aspects of dying, death, and bereavement. Our leading research pushes the boundaries of what we know about good end of life, and our campaigns fight for a world where everyone gets to have the best possible quality of life while living with an illness they're likely to die from.

At the heart of Marie Curie's Marketing & Communications department, our PR & Media team works to amplify the charity's voice across national and regional media platforms. We're a supportive and ambitious team, collaborating with colleagues across Fundraising, Research, Caring Services and Policy, as well as with our network of media professionals and agencies.

As PR and Media Officer, you will play a crucial role in raising the profile of Marie Curie through compelling storytelling, high-impact media campaigns, and strategic press engagement. Reporting to the Senior PR & Media Officer and working closely with the wider team, your work will directly contribute to influencing public understanding of end of life care, supporting fundraising efforts, and positioning Marie Curie as the UKs leading end of life charity.

Your creativity, media know-how, and relationship-building skills will help us deliver standout coverage and meaningful public engagement that drives the charity's long-term goals.

Main responsibilities:
- Support the development and delivery of national PR campaigns that promote fundraising and brand objectives.
- Help manage the charity's national press office/newsroom, proactively and reactively responding to media opportunities.
- Draft and distribute press releases, statements, briefings, and Q&As to position Marie Curie as a leading voice in end of life care.
- Build and nurture relationships with journalists across print, online and broadcast media.
- Work closely with internal teams to source stories and case studies that drive media impact and support strategic KPIs.
- Identify and prepare media spokespeople and storytellers, ensuring authentic and powerful representation of lived experiences.
- Monitor emerging issues and support on reputational risk and crisis communications.
- Take part in the on-call rota, including occasional out-of-hours, weekend and bank holiday working.
- Track and evaluate media coverage against agreed performance metrics.

Key Criteria:
- Previous experience in public relations (in-house or agency), particularly in a press office/newsroom setting or as a journalist?
- A confident communicator and skilled writer, with strong attention to detail and sensitivity when handling personal stories.
- Strong knowledge of the UK media landscape and current affairs, with a proven ability to secure impactful coverage.
- Demonstrated ability to work efficiently, manage multiple priorities, and meet tight deadlines.
- A nose for a good story and the initiative to pursue media opportunities as they arise.
- Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.
- A proactive self-starter, comfortable working independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Please see the full job description .

Application & Interview Process
- As part of your online application, you will be asked for a CV and Cover Letter. Please review both the advert and job description and outline your most relevant skills, experience and knowledge for the role.
- Close date for applications: May 11, 2025

Salary: £28,000 per annum (+ £3,500 London Weighting Allowance if applicable)
Contract: Permanent, full-time (35 hours per week)
Based: Hybrid working. Home-based with at least 1 day per week in the Embassy Gardens office in London.

Benefits you'll LOVE:
- Flexible working. We're happy to discuss flexible working at the interview stage.
- 25 days annual leave (exclusive of Bank Holidays)
- Marie Curie Group Personal Pension Scheme (we will match your contribution up to 7.5%)
- Loan schemes for bikes; computers and season tickets
- Continuous professional development opportunities.
- Industry-leading training programmes
- Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programmes
- Enhanced bereavement, family friendly and sickness benefits
- Access to Blue Light Card membership
- Subsidised Eye Care

Marie Curie is committed to its values, which underpin our work. We take stringent steps to ensure that the people who join our organisation through employment or volunteering, are suitable for their roles and are committed to safeguarding all our people from harm. This includes our staff, volunteers and all those who use or come into contact with our services. We are dedicated to creating not just a safe place to work but also a supportive and rewarding one.

We are committed to a world where everyone can thrive and fulfil their potential. We are devoted to the social justice imperatives and organisational benefits of full diversity, inclusion and equity in the workplace, and are a Stonewall champion. We actively encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, perspectives and lived experiences.

Position: Director of Engagement
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours a week
Contract: Permanent
Location: Office-based in London with flexibility to work remotely
Salary: £73,653 per annum plus excellent benefits
Salary Band: Band 5

About us

We make sure people living with MS are at the centre of everything we do. And it’s this commitment that unites us across the UK.

Our strategy is based on what people affected by MS have told us is important to them. It gives us a clear and determined focus.

Our work is based on the hopes and aspirations of our MS community. Together we campaign at all levels, fund ground-breaking research and provide award winning support and information.

Our people are our greatest asset and the key to our success. We offer a vibrant, progressive working environment where you'll be able to make a difference.

About this job

It is a very exciting time to join the MS Society as Director of Engagement a brand-new role in the organisation. We are implementing an ambitious cross-organisational transformation programme.  And we have just started a new 2025-29 strategy. Engagement is at the heart of both.

Engagement is everything. We define engagement as any interaction anyone has with the MS Society. We need to grow the audience we engage with. And deepen our audience relationships through engagement.  Growing and deepening engagement with all our audiences will enable us to deliver transformational impact for the MS Community. And contribute to our ultimate vision of a world free from MS.

We are looking for someone to provide strategic and thought leadership to engagement.  Someone who can work collaboratively across the organisation to lead and drive forward our ambition for engagement.

You will have significant experience of leading strategic engagement and customer experience to a complex multi-audience landscape within a complex cross-organisational operating model.  And be able to provide sector-leading thought-leadership and strategic expertise within engagement and customer experience.

You will have proven experience of delivering significant and sustainable business benefits through change programmes. And deep and broad experience of brand, marketing, digital and content.

You will have experience in understanding complex and wide-ranging external trends, taking the lead development of relevant cross-organisational strategic responses.  And significant experience of cross-functional and cross-organisational strategic leadership.

Closing date for applications: 9:00 am Monday 12 May 2025
Anticipated interview dates:
First interviews: Tuesday 27 May or Wednesday 28 May
Second interviews: Wednesday 4 June or Friday 6 June

Interested?

PLEASE PRESS THE 'HOW TO APPLY' BUTTON FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Equal Opportunities 
We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities and or from ethnic minority backgrounds.

We’d be grateful if you downloaded and completed the equality and diversity monitoring form and submit it with your application. 

Disability Confident Employer 
We’re a Disability Confident Employer and we’re committed to promoting equality and diversity.

You can ask for reasonable adjustments as part of both our recruitment and new starter on-boarding processes.

If you need any help or adjustments to apply for this role, please contact us. You can also ask for the application materials to be sent to you in a different format. Such as for them to be sent to you by email or in a larger word format.

More about our employee benefits:
We have a wide range of employee benefits including (but not limited to): 

Encouraging work life balance

• 38 days paid annual leave (including bank holidays), pro-rata for part-time
• More annual leave entitlement, based on length of employment
• Smart working options (with the opportunity to work remotely and find a smart working pattern that suits both you and us) 
• Flexible working options 

Caring for you and your family 

• Generous sick pay entitlement
• More sick pay entitlement, based on length of employment 
• Opportunity to buy and sell annual leave in each calendar year 
• Free access to a GP virtually 24 hours a day/7 days a week allowing you unlimited advice, reassurance and where appropriate diagnosis 
• Enhanced leave for new parents 
• Free access to a confidential 24 hours a day/7 days a week helpline service for both you and your family with a specialist range of support and information
• Special leave options (such as up to 5 days paid leave for domestic or personal emergencies a year)
• 10 days paid disability leave a year, pro-rata for part-time 
• 10 days paid carers’ leave a year, pro-rata for part-time 
• Cycle to work scheme 
• Death in service scheme
• New family-friendly benefits, including paid leave:
  • In the event of miscarriage or still birth 
  • To support fertility treatments
  • For antenatal appointments for both parents

Thinking about your finances 

• Enhanced salary sacrifice pension scheme
• Discounted season ticket loan and interest-free emergency loans
• Give as you earn to support other charities of your choice before tax
• New employee portal including lifestyle savings vouchers and personal wellbeing

Enriching your life at work

• Personalised development plans with a wide range of training courses and opportunities to source additional training options with your line manager
• Yearly internal apprenticeship opportunities
• New, modern offices that embrace working together both in-person and remotely 
• Various opportunities to influence how we internally operate (including surveys, and focus and committee groups) 
• Active and supportive internal employee networking groups for collaboration and peer support 
• 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering for MS Society activities during normal working hours (such as fundraising events, or campaigning in the local community) 
• 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering with other charities during normal

Safeguarding 
We’re committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone who uses our services and we come into contact with.

This is regardless of Gender, Race, Disability, Sexual orientation, Religion or belief, Pregnancy, Gender reassignment.

We recognise our particular responsibility to make sure vulnerable adults and children are protected.

We have measures in place to protect everyone we come into contact with from abuse and maltreatment of all kinds.

Your right to work in the UK 
You must have the right to work in the UK to work in paid employment with us. You’ll need to share documents showing you’re eligible to work in the UK if we offer you employment.

You can find the UK visas and permits granting you the right to work in the UK on the UK Government website. We currently don’t have a Sponsor Licence agreement with the Home Office and aren’t able to support you with your visa applications.

No agencies please.

This is a new role within the communications and engagement team, with responsibility for helping our members to campaign and secure improvements to regional transport accessibility. The role is part of our work to achieve justice in society, where disabled people’s voices are amplified, and our message is heard and acted upon.

You will work across the north of England, mirroring the regions covered by the Sub-national Transport Body ‘Transport for the North’. You must live in this region to apply and undertake this position.

You will collaborate with Transport for All members, disabled people’s organisations, and civil society organisations, bringing disabled people together to share our views on accessible transport and make change. Where campaigning is already taking place, you will work alongside it, offering resources and practical support as desired.

You will need to stay abreast of transport developments in your region, and work closely with other teams to share your insights. This will ensure local disabled people’s experiences guide the national agenda.

Key responsibilities

1. Planning and development (10% of time)

· Plan regular activity across your region, considering staffing, budget, and wider organisational requirements

· Help to develop and deliver Transport for All’s membership offering, community building and local campaign support

· Keep Transport for All’s CRM and records up to date

· In partnership with your manager, create systems to monitor objectives against funding and organisational targets and prepare reports to evidence progress against these

2. Communication and community building (50% of time)

· Build relationships with local members, campaigners, disabled people’s organisations, groups and forums

· Represent Transport for All at meetings and events, including giving presentations on our work

· Organise and deliver regular member meetings online and offline, providing space for people to connect, share transport accessibility news and plan and progress campaigns

· Contribute and commission member content for the member newsletter, website, and social media

· Speak to the media and develop and grow a network of local members willing to train as spokespeople for meetings and media interviews

· Promote and grow a diverse membership in your region

· Ensure members can take part in paid opportunities via the training, research and consultancy team

3. Policy influencing and campaigning (30% of time)

· Maintain awareness of the policy agenda for your area

· Keep abreast of transport issues local members are experiencing

· Act as a conduit between members, the Insight and Advice team, and the Policy, Public Affairs and Campaigns team

· Work collaboratively with the Policy, Public Affairs and Campaigns team to form and maintain relationships with key regional stakeholders

· Coordinate responses to regional transport consultations in line with Transport for All positions, coordinating contributions from members, and giving guidance to members who wish to respond individually.

· Bring together and support members and campaign groups to influence local policy through local or national Transport for All campaigns. This could mean you will:

o Support members with campaign planning

o Provide practical support eg booking venues and access support for meetings, coordinating emails to local members

o Give guidance on technical aspects of transport policy

o Attend meetings with decision makers alongside campaigners, and representatives from the Policy, Public Affairs and Campaigns team

o Publicise campaigns in local media

o Document campaigners’ experiences for others to learn from eg via website pieces or commissioned blogs

· Contribute to Transport for All’s understanding of overarching issues and contribute to national campaign planning.

4. Insight (10% of time)

· Share information about the Transport for All advice-line with members and the disabled community in your region

· Give updates on regional transport changes to the Insight and Advice team to support accurate advice giving and regional casework

5. General (at all times)

· Undertake any other tasks, duties or projects which may arise from time to time which are in line with the general level of this post and as instructed

· Undertake occasional evening and weekend work as required, and take responsibility for arranging time off in lieu with your manager

· Line manage and supervise members, contractors and staff as required

· Work within the Social Model of Disability

· Work in adherence to Transport for All’s values and staff policies

· Maintain confidentiality

· Attend staff meetings as needed

Skills

We’re looking for someone who:

1. Understands transport accessibility barriers for disabled people, this may be from personal experience

2. Lives in, and has knowledge of, the Transport for the North region, including political and/or transport structures

3. Is confident representing an organisation and building and managing external relationships

4. Has experience of working collaboratively to mobilise campaigners, including running meetings or events

5. Has a track record of securing change through campaigns, activism, public affairs or political influencing

6. Has versatile written and verbal communication skills, including listening skills

7. Can demonstrate excellent teamworking skills with the ability to work flexibly and collaboratively across a remote organisation

8. Is committed to, and understands, the social model of disability, and disability justice

We particularly welcome applications from disabled people. This explicitly includes those of us who are Deaf, neurodivergent, chronically ill, have a mental health condition, have age-related impairments, and people with both visible and non-visible impairments.

Why choose us?

Transport for All is a disabled people’s organisation. Almost all of our team and trustees have lived experience of impairment or chronic illness.

We’re committed to understanding and respecting each other's access requirements. Accessibility is embedded in our systems and ways of working, and wellbeing is our focus.

About Us
The Microbiology Society is a membership charity for scientists interested in microbes, their effects and their practical uses. It is one of the largest microbiology societies in Europe with a worldwide membership based in universities, industry, hospitals, research institutes and schools.

Our members have a unique depth and breadth of knowledge about the discipline. The Society’s role is to help unlock and harness the potential of that knowledge.

Our commitment to anyone who studies microbes is “whoever you are, wherever you are, we will amplify your voice”.

Read more about our Mission and Values on our website.

“We are interested in every candidate who is eligible to work in the United Kingdom. However, we are not able to sponsor visas.”

About You
The Policy and Engagement Manager is responsible for the development, delivery and evaluation of the Society’s growing policy and engagement programme.

This role will report to the Head of Engagement and Storytelling, with managerial responsibilties for the Policy and Engagement Officer, and will have responsibility for leading the development and coordination of key strategic policy and engagement activities, including progressing external scientific and higher education policy for the Society and promoting the importance of engaging in policy-making to members of the Society.

Suitable candidates will have experience in developing evidence-based policy, including in research, innovation and higher education policy. They will also have excellent communication and organisational skills, and the ability to manage and build effective relationships with key stakeholders engaging in the Society’s activities.

Please note that the organisation operates a hybrid working policy.

For more information about the Society, please visit our website.

Our generous benefits package includes;
• Flexible working hours
• Highly competitive salaries with an annual cost of living increase
• 23 days holiday + eight bank holidays and three additional days over the Christmas break
• 10% employer pension contribution
• Life insurance including free (health and wellbeing) employee support services
• Enhanced maternity pay to include 26 weeks of fully paid maternity leave and 13 weeks of statutory maternity pay
• Enhanced Adoption pay to include 26 weeks of fully paid adoption leave and 13 weeks of statutory adoption pay
• Season Ticket Loan Scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• £50 contribution towards eye care

To Apply

Please attach your CV and Cover Letter.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Closing date: 15th May 2025.

It is important that you DO NOT include your Personal Information i.e. name and contact details in your CV or Cover Letter. This is because the Microbiology Society is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age. We value, promote, and seek diversity.

The Society also takes the security of your data seriously. It has internal policies and controls in place to ensure that your data is not lost, accidentally destroyed, misused, or disclosed, and is not accessed except by our employees in the proper performance of their duties.

Please note that due to limited resources it is not possible for the Society to acknowledge receipt of applications. If you do not hear from us within two weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.