The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is the charity that helps young people build lifelong belief in themselves, supporting them to take on their own challenges, follow their passions, and discover talents they never knew they had. Because when you prove to yourself that you’re ready for anything, nothing can hold you back.
Young people want to create a better future. With your help, they can.
Do you have the comms vision to keep DofE relevant, engaging and inspiring for young people? Can you tell our story in ways that resonate with different audiences? Are you a universally respected and respectful team leader? If so, we’d love you to apply to become our Head of Communications.
You will be responsible for delivering on shared strategic goals through compelling communications, externally and across our network of participants, staff, volunteers and organisations which offer the DofE. You’ll amplify the voices of young people, support relationships with funders and other partners, and continually promote the charity’s influence, reputation and brand profile.
The Head of Communications is one of two senior leadership roles in a wider Engagement team, which in December 2024 won Team of Year in the prestigious CharityComms Inspiring Communicator Awards. Working in partnership with our Head of Brand Marketing, you’ll build on that success, bringing a collaborative approach as we evolve our objectives and ways of working. You’ll play a key role as we mark DofE’s 70th birthday in 2026, then pivot to a new organisational strategy for 2026-31.
Critically, you will lead and shape the engagement of our network of almost 5,000 licensed organisations, 38,000 amazing volunteers and more than half a million participants, working closely with senior Operations colleagues. You’ll oversee staff communications, media and PR, and lead on corporate and crisis comms. Members of your team deliver our Youth Ambassadors programme and crucial support for DofE’s Fundraising and External Affairs.
We’re looking for someone who is versatile – able to switch between the big picture and the detail, with antennae equally alert to risks and opportunities. You’ll be an accomplished diplomat and influencer, with an ability to spot and make connections within and beyond the team. Given the breadth of the role, the successful candidate would ideally bring prior experience of different elements of the brief, together with proven experience of team leadership.
How to apply:
If you are excited about the prospect of working for the DofE and believe you have the desired skills and experience to make a real success of this role, then we are keen to hear from you.
If you would like to access the application form in a different format or if would like any assistance that might help improve your experience while completing the application, please contact us.
- Applications will close on: Sunday 18th May – Midnight
- 1st Interviews will take place: 13th and 16th June (to be held virtually via MS Teams)
- 2nd Interview will take place: WC 23rd June (interview will be in-person at the London Office)
The DofE are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. All successful applicants will be required to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service check. (e.g. DBS/PVG or similar), including references covering any gaps of employment/education, confirm eligibility to work in the UK and complete a health check.
**The geographical allowance is based on a member of staff having a home or office-based postcode within 30 miles (as the crow flies) from Charing Cross, WC2N 5HS. The allowance is 7% capped at £4,000 per annum.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our award-winning Fundraising Team at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital Charity. The Corporate Partnerships Officer will join our recently established Philanthropy and Partnerships (P&P) team to help us develop and nurture a range of corporate and philanthropic relationships. Together, we will significantly increase our income in support of the world leading research, treatment, and care that takes place across our hospitals in areas such as: childhood cancer, rare diseases, neonatal and maternal health, children and young people’s mental health, and critical care.
The Corporate Partnerships Officer will be responsible for account managing a portfolio of new and existing corporate accounts to deliver a sustainable income growth year on year. In addition, they will work closely with the Head of Corporate Partnerships and Senior Corporate Partnerships Officer to support the day-to-day management of high value strategic partnerships and the delivery of business development activities. They will also contribute to the wider strategic aims of the P&P team to significantly grow both philanthropic and corporate partnership income and impact over the next three years.
The ideal candidate will have strong corporate account management and communication skills (both verbally and in writing) ideally gained within a fundraising or sales/business development environment. They will be a self-starter with an appetite to make unsolicited approaches to businesses and individuals, along with the ability to develop and grow lasting relationships with corporate partners. They will have strong time management skills, a motivation to work towards and achieve targets, and an appreciation of working for the NHS.
What we offer:
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Flexible and hybrid working to support work-life balance
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Generous annual leave entitlement with additional leave for long service
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Enhanced sick pay
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Enhanced Maternity Pay
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Free flu jabs
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Cycle to work scheme
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Charity events throughout the year
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Employer enhanced auto-enrolment pension scheme with 8% employer contribution
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Ongoing commitment to education and professional development
The Charity is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.
Successful candidates will have access to vulnerable beneficiaries therefore the role is subject to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance.
If you think you have the qualities we are looking for and the desire to contribute, please download the Job Vacancy Pack and then send us a CV and covering letter explaining how you meet the criteria for the role and making clear why you would like to be considered for it.
The closing date for return of applications is 18 May 2025.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.