Research and policy manager jobs

Based: EJF office in London

Contract: Full-time, permanent

Salary: £38,000-£45,000, dependent on experience

Position overview

​​This is an exciting opportunity to join the team at the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF): one of the world's leading non-profits working at the intersection of environmental conservation and human rights. We are lean, agile, creative, strategic and most of all results-driven.

This is a varied and fast-paced role for an outstanding Senior Press Officer. The successful applicant will be fluent in English and Spanish, with a proven track record of impactful journalism and/or securing high-level media coverage as part of a press office.

We are looking for someone with a passion for our work and the drive, experience and skills to build our audiences, raise the profile of our campaigns and get our perspectives in front of key decision-makers. This role would suit someone who would look forward every day to placing impactful stories which drive real-world progress for a more sustainable planet.

You will have a demonstrable ability to understand our audiences and develop communications strategies to reach them. You will enjoy meeting and briefing journalists, enthusiastically reaching out to 'sell' our key stories. You will gain significant media coverage for EJF’s messages in key, influential international media outlets such as the Financial Times, New York Times and El País.

The successful candidate will work independently to ensure a steady flow of high-quality press outreach, as well as pitching and writing articles and op-eds to promote our perspectives. You will know which outlets key political decision-makers read, and how to place material with them.

You will be an outstanding writer, and possess superb adaptability and inventiveness to respond to a rapidly changing policy landscape.

This is a challenging but rewarding and dynamic role, providing an opportunity to work at the forefront of critical issues of global environmental justice and unique opportunities for growth and development.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement integrated communication plans and campaigns to support EJF’s campaigns around the world

• Ensure impactful and consistent coverage of our campaigns, and the issues they cover, in high-profile ‘gatekeepered’ media outlets

• Prepare press releases and media packs for report launches and external developments, ensuring both proactive and reactive coverage

• Respond swiftly to media enquiries

• Research and actively engage media contacts and outlets, remotely and in person, to increase EJF’s reach, building a database to record and evaluate this outreach

• Work with our communications team around the world to develop coordinated media strategies across geographies and languages

• Evaluate and report on our press performance, making recommendations for ongoing improvement

• Create engaging and impactful content for our various communication channels. This includes writing op-eds and blog articles on core EJF campaign areas

• Uphold the highest standards of scientifically rigorous but engaging writing at all times

• Host press briefings at events with external stakeholders

Essential skills and attributes

• Professional fluency (including excellent writing and editing skills) in English and Spanish

• At least 3 years of experience working in communications, a press office, journalism or similar, with a particular focus on placing stories with, or writing for, high-level traditional media outlets

• Knowledge of media relations, developing communication materials, writing content for different channels and developing social media campaigns

• Experience of and confidence in dealing with journalists from different types of media to ensure effective coverage

• An effective knowledge of the media outlets read by political decision-makers internationally, and how to place articles in them

• Excellent copywriting skills, including under time pressure, and the ability to identify a good story, linking current affairs to EJF campaigns

• An exceptional level of creativity and drive to seek out new opportunities to promote EJF’s work

• Outstanding attention to detail and factual accuracy

• Reliable, determined, self-motivated, resourceful and able to work effectively with a small, dynamic, and international team

• Superb organisational skills, able to work quickly and prioritise efficiently to deliver timely outputs

• A passion for ensuring environmental justice

We offer you:

• Annual leave that increases with length of service

• Home working two days a week. Flexible working arrangements can be considered

• Cycle to work programme

• A highly motivated and open-minded team of committed colleagues, and the opportunity to develop and implement compelling propositions that can deliver campaign and organisational goals

• Great opportunities for your professional growth and personal development in close collaboration with our diverse team across Europe, Africa, Asia and South America

About EJF

The Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) exists to protect the natural world and uphold our fundamental human right to a secure environment. We work at the frontlines of environmental injustice, alongside communities most affected by climate breakdown, biodiversity loss, and exploitation - transforming evidence into action, and injustice into lasting change.

EJF is a global non-profit driven by a powerful belief: that environmental protection and human rights are inseparable. Through courageous field investigations, rigorous research, and strategic international advocacy, we expose environmental crime, challenge impunity, and catalyse systemic reform. Our work delivers real-world impact, shaping policy, strengthening governance, protecting vital ecosystems, and defending those who risk their lives to safeguard them.

Our campaigns span four deeply interconnected areas: oceans, climate, forests and wetlands, and the training, protection, and empowerment of environmental defenders and journalists. From illegal fishing and forced labour to deforestation, land grabs, and climate displacement, we confront some of the most complex and urgent crises of our time - always with a focus on accountability, equity, and durable solutions.

EJF is an international organisation with a diverse team working across four continents, united by a shared ambition: to protect people by protecting the planet. We are bold, evidence-led, and impact-driven. We speak truth to power - and we build pathways to a fairer, more resilient future. Join Us.

Applications

Please apply here.

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. If you feel you would be a good fit for this role but are unsure if you meet every single requirement, we strongly encourage you to apply.

Closing date for applications: We will consider incoming applications until 09:00 UK time, 30/05/2026.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. You must hold the legal right to work in the UK for this role.

This role will support the development and delivery of our services and resources for young people born with a cleft lip and/or palate. Working closely with the Engagement & Services team to help us achieve our mission. 

The Youth Engagement Coordinator will sit within the Engagement & Services Team. They will join a friendly and supportive team of seven colleagues who, together, are responsible for the delivery of CLAPA’s adult, family, children and young people and involvement services. The post holder will develop and deliver services for eight- to seventeen-year-olds, which will enable the young cleft community to connect, share experiences and access guidance and emotional support. Shaping what support looks like, creating positive impact and strengthening reach, this new role for CLAPA will make a real difference to the lives of children and young people born with a cleft.

If you think you have the talent, passion and experience to help us ensure we can always meet the needs of the community we serve, we want to hear from you.

Senior Media Officer

up to £35,280 per annum

Permanent

Full-Time

Office facilities are available at our Newark office at The Kiln, Waterside, Mather Road, Newark, NG24 1WT for those within easy travelling distance.

Full time: 35 hours per week Mondays to Fridays. This role includes participation in a rota for out-of-hours press office support, including evenings and weekends as required. Permanent contract.

Closing date for applications: 31st May 2026

First interview: : 9th or 10th June (Online Interview)

Second interview: 16th June (Online Interview)

About Us

The Wildlife Trusts are a grassroots movement of people from a wide range of backgrounds and all walks of life, who believe that we need nature and nature needs us. We have more than 945,000 members, over 33,000 volunteers, 4,100 staff and 600 trustees. There are 46 individual Wildlife Trusts, each of which is a place-based independent charity with its own legal identity, formed by groups of people getting together and working with others to make a positive difference to wildlife and future generations, starting where they live and work.

Every Wildlife Trust is part of The Wildlife Trusts federation and a corporate member of the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts, a registered charity in its own right founded in 1912 and one of the founding members of IUCN – the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Taken together this federation of 47 charities is known as The Wildlife Trusts.

The next few years will be critical in determining what kind of world we all live in. We need to urgently reverse the loss of wildlife and put nature into recovery at scale if we are to prevent climate and ecological disaster. We recognise that this will require big, bold changes in the way The Wildlife Trusts work, not least in how we mobilise others and support them to organise within their own communities

About You

Are you looking for a new challenge?

If you’re an experienced media relations professional looking to make a meaningful difference for nature, this is an exciting opportunity to join one of the UK’s best-loved nature charities. As a Senior Media Officer, you will play a key role in raising the profile of The Wildlife Trusts by promoting our work, campaigns and priorities across the national media. You’ll help shape public conversation, influence key stakeholders, and inspire action for nature’s recovery while building strategic relationships with national journalists and the media.

You’ll also contribute to protecting and enhancing The Wildlife Trusts’ brand and reputation, ensuring our voice is trusted, influential and widely heard. Working within our small but highly effective national Media Relations team, you’ll play a key role in promoting

The Wildlife Trusts and our work across national media outlets including print, online, TV and radio. Your work will help shape public opinion, influence decision-makers and inspire action for nature’s recovery, ensuring our stories reach a wide and diverse audience.

About You

From commentary on government policy and ambitious landscape recovery programmes, to highlighting the restoration of vital habitats - such as Britain’s lost rainforests - and showcasing community action for nature, you’ll help bring the breadth and impact of our work to life. You’ll do this through compelling press releases, media commentary, and by securing high-quality interview and filming opportunities.

You will develop and maintain strategic relationships with national journalists and media outlets, while actively playing an important role in protecting and enhancing The Wildlife Trusts’ brand and reputation.

We are looking for a creative and proactive media relations professional with excellent research, writing and editorial skills. You’ll have a track record of developing a range of news stories and features, and the confidence to pitch and place stories and commentary effectively with journalists and editors.

You’ll thrive in a fast-paced, varied environment where no two days are the same, bringing excellent organisational skills, resourcefulness and exceptional attention to detail. You’ll confidently manage inbound enquiries to our press office inbox, ensuring timely, accurate and professional responses, including outside of standard working hours.

The Wildlife Trusts value passion, respect, trust, integrity, pragmatic activism and strength in diversity. We are passionate in promoting our aims, and we pride ourselves on being inclusive. We particularly encourage applications from people who are underrepresented within our sector, including people from minority backgrounds and people with disabilities. We are committed to creating a movement that recognises and truly values individual differences and identities.

RSWT take our Safeguarding responsibilities extremely seriously. Please click here to read our commitment statement. The Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk. For applicable roles, applicants must be willing to undergo checks with past employers and Disclosure and Barring Service checks at the eligible level.

RSWT are committed to increasing the diversity of its staff through its Levelling the Field recruitment pledge and, as a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming recruitment experience for all applicants. Applicants with disabilities and from ethnic minority backgrounds, will be considered for the next stage of the selection process should they meet all the minimum criteria for the role outlined in the person specification detailed as essential criteria in the recruitment pack.

As part of our Disability Confident Scheme, RSWT offers an interview to a fair and proportionate number of applicants with disabilities and therefore not all applicants with disabilities would be entitled to an interview as they must still satisfy the minimum requirements for the job. This commitment is designed to help reduce barriers and promote equal opportunity. We actively work to remove barriers throughout the recruitment journey and are dedicated to creating an accessible and supportive recruitment experience by offering reasonable adjustments at every stage of the recruitment process, as well as within the workplace. If you would benefit from any adjustments to support you during your application or interview process, please let us know and we will be pleased to put the appropriate support in place.

At RSWT, we are committed to creating a safe environment where discrimination, bullying, and harassment are not tolerated. We expect everyone to uphold, respect, and support our zero-tolerance policy. Please be aware we may not accept applications if we have reason to believe they have been wholly produced using generative AI tools

Ashden’s mission is to showcase outstanding climate solutions and accelerate systemic change that unleashes their transformative potential. Our vision is of a world where everyone enjoys access to clean energy. Where people and nature thrive.

For over 25 years, Ashden has worked with enterprises and organisations in the UK and the Global South to find, champion and scale solutions to the climate crisis. We excel in storytelling that connects these solutions with the policymakers, funders and investors poised to help them scale and maximise their impact.  Our support is expanding access to affordable clean energy to farms, villages and refugee camps in the Global South. In the UK, we are helping create warmer homes, greener schools and accelerating climate action across our towns and cities.

Ashden is a highly regarded and well-connected organisation with a strong brand and a track record of building meaningful relationships with high value and high-profile individuals. We are excited to build on the good work already achieved to further scale fundraising in this area.

You will be joining Ashden at a pivotal moment. In 2024, we launched our Changemakers campaign to secure mission-aligned funding from donors making four and five-figure gifts and beyond - a programme you will personally lead and continue to shape and develop - an exciting opportunity to nuture an emerging initiative by stewarding and uplifting current donors whilst attracting new supporters. Working in close partnership with the Director of Business Development, you will also proactively support the prospecting, cultivation and stewardship of both new and existing donors to secure transformational seven-figure gifts. As our Major Donor Lead you will have the opportunity to define, refine and strengthen our major donor proposition more broadly, securing both unrestricted and restricted income to support our long-term impact.

We’re seeking an experienced fundraiser with a track record of securing major gifts and building strong relationships with high-net-worth individuals. While climate or environmental exposure is not essential, alignment with Ashden's values and passion for driving systems change is crucial. You’ll be supported by a collaborative team, including senior leadership and Trustees, and will have key strategic and operational input into the success of our fundraising, the growth of the team, and the broader impact of our charity.

This is a stimulating and rewarding opportunity for someone looking to develop their career within a highly collaborative, passionate and visionary organisation. It is also an outstanding opportunity for those keen to deepen their experience and insight in philanthropy at the highest levels, including meaningful exposure to pioneering venture philanthropy and innovative impact-led funding models.

Location: Hybrid, ideally 2 days in London Victoria office

Hours: Full Time with flexible working agreed. Part time hours or compressed hours will also be considered.

To read more about the role and organisation, please download the full appointment brief below.

Closing Date: 11 June 2026

People Beyond Profit Conversations: 15-19 June 2026

Ashden Interviews: 25 June 2026 (online) and 2 July 2026 (in person).

This is an exciting opportunity to shape and deliver the voice of our organisation, bringing our work to life, strengthening our profile, and supporting campaigns that drive meaningful change. You’ll play a key role in amplifying the experiences and perspectives of the communities we work alongside, ensuring their stories are heard with clarity and impact.

We’re looking for a confident and creative communicator with a strong instinct for storytelling. You’ll be experienced in producing engaging content across digital, media and campaign channels, able to tailor messages for different audiences, and comfortable building relationships that help extend our reach and influence.

Joining a values-driven organisation at the intersection of law, campaigning and social justice, you’ll take ownership of day-to-day communications while contributing to a wider mission and supporting long-term, systemic change. This is a hands-on role with real scope to innovate, grow your skills, and make a tangible difference.

Main Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging and consistent communications across digital, media and campaign channels to support PILC’s profile and impact
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to turn casework, legal work, and campaign activity into clear, accessible, and audience-friendly public communications
• Manage core communications channels, including website, social media, and newsletters, using insight to improve reach and engagement
• Support campaign activity and external engagement, including press, digital content, newsletters and events 

Benefits

• 25 days holiday per year with 7% employer pension contribution, plus additional time off over Christmas when our office closes
• Flexible working around our core hours of 10am – 4pm
• Friendly, collaborative and truly inclusive culture
• Laptop and mobile phone
• Access to our 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme
• Learning and development budget
• Enhanced support when you need it most, including enhanced sick pay and family leave

How to apply

Please complete the application form and equality and diversity monitoring form on our website. Please note, we do not accept CVs. 

WORKING WITH US

The founder and sponsor of the Harris Federation, Lord Harris of Peckham, opened our first school in 1990. We have, over the past thirty years, implemented ideas and initiatives that have transformed the opportunities of pupils from working class and disadvantaged backgrounds. Harris academies are widely recognised as a force for social mobility. We are immensely proud of the role that our alumni are now beginning to play in the world and of what we believe our current generation of pupils will go on to achieve.

We now have over 50 schools educating more than 40,000 young people across London and Essex, and employ over 5,000 staff across our academies and head office. With the majority of our academies located in areas of high socioeconomic disadvantage, a high-quality education is key to the futures of the pupils we serve.

As a provider of employment and education, we value the diversity of our staff and students, and all our staff are equally valued and respected. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff.

Our work will impact many generations to come, and our staff come from all backgrounds and walks of life, coming together to inspire young minds. We promote an inclusive culture that embraces the valuable and enriching contribution that all of our community make. We continue to be proactive in uplifting and supporting all voices at Harris.

To discover more about our culture, ethos and what it is like to work here, visit the page.

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

We are looking for an Attendance and Wellbeing Practitioner to join the Harris Federation on a fixed-term basis from September 2026 to August 2029.

This role is part of an exciting project taking place in our Croydon secondary academies to improve school attendance by addressing barriers caused by poor mental health. The role involves working collaboratively with school attendance teams and external agencies to identify students at risk of persistent absence, using data-driven approaches and evidence-based interventions.

This role is term time only plus three weeks, and the actual salary will be £33,012-£35,000 (41 weeks per year, 37.5 hours per week).

Interviews will take place on 8th June 2026.

MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

By managing a caseload of students, delivering targeted one-to-one and group support, and working with parents, you will implement strategies that support attendance and wellbeing. You will also contribute to the research and evaluation of the project, in partnership with Maudsley Education Consulting Service (MECS), our partners in this work. Effective communication, safeguarding, and accurate record-keeping are integral to supporting students, families and schools in achieving positive outcomes.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We would like to hear from you if you have:

• A qualification in CYP mental health e.g. Child Wellbeing Practitioner, Education Welfare Practitioner, counsellor
• A degree, or equivalent qualification
• Knowledge of the range of barriers to learning that students face
• Training in child protection and safeguarding procedures
• Experience of working in an inner-city school or educational establishment in a pastoral capacity
• Experience of working with young people in a one to one and/or group capacity on a range of mental health issues
• Experience of working with families
• Experience of working with challenging students and parents, and finding ways in which we can meet their needs more successfully
• Full working knowledge of relevant policies/codes of practice
• Willing to contribute knowledge and experience to the Harris Home Academy Liaison Officers
• Understanding of principles of student development and learning processes
• Ability to advocate for CYP and their families to get support within school and with external agencies
• Ability to plan effective actions for pupils at risk of underachieving due to poor attendance

For a full job description and person specification, please download the Job Pack.

APPLYING FOR THIS POSITION

If you would like to discuss the opportunity further, or if you have any questions, please contact us via email to arrange a conversation.

Before applying please ensure you download the job pack from our careers website, this will help with completing your application. Please note that we only accept applications submitted online before the closing date.

When applying, you will have the option to import your CV or use a LinkedIn profile which will auto populate the online application.

A reminder to check your junk mail for our email communications and add us to your safe senders list to ensure all future email communication is received.

OUR VISION & VALUES

Our vision, from the start, has been to provide the structure and services needed for our schools to amount to more than the sum of their parts, and to free-up our teachers and leaders to focus on one thing and one thing only: the outstanding education of all their pupils. Our young people and communities are at the heart of everything we do. Our core mission has always been to close the educational gap between young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and their peers. Our ambition is one where every child in London, no matter their background, has equal access to high quality education, giving them the same opportunities and potential to succeed.

We know there are many challenges facing our young people and the communities we serve, and that’s why we need determined people like you to help us tackle those inequalities. Whilst each of our academies has their own unique cultures and values; as a whole Federation, we have four core values which are central to successfully achieving our vision: Excellence, Collaboration, Support, and Innovation. We are proud of our values because they guide us in how we work allowing us to achieve the best possible outcomes for our young people, communities, and colleagues.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Safeguarding Notice

The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.

Equal Opportunities

The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

Harris has a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level.

You will also have access to a variety of benefits, support programmes and initiatives including:

• Excellent opportunities for continuous professional development and career progression
• Annual performance and loyalty bonus
• Pension scheme (Teachers' Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme) with generous employer contribution
• 26 days' annual leave (inclusive of our Christmas Eve closure day) plus bank holidays, rising to 27 days after 2 years' service, or equivalent for staff on term time contracts
• Harris Wellbeing Cash Plan including cover for routine and specialist healthcare
• Employee Assistance Programme for free and confidential advice
• Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme
• Wide range of shopping, leisure, and travel discounts
• 20% off at Tapi Carpets, exclusive to Harris employees
• Interest-free ICT and season ticket loans

For most non-teaching staff based at our Head Office in East Croydon, we also offer lifestyle friendly working arrangements including flexible start and end times, and hybrid working with two days from home and three days on site.