Senior external communications officer jobs

The Marketing Officer/Senior Marketing Officer (Acquisition) at CBM UK is an important role in making our life-changing work possible. Advertised at Officer or Senior Officer level (subject to experience), the role delivers direct and digital marketing communications to grow awareness, and recruit and engage with new long-term CBM supporters, through creative and impactful fundraising communications.

Key responsibilities:

The position holder is responsible for developing and delivering fundraising campaigns that will engage with CBM target individual audiences; supporting the development of the annual public fundraising plan; building supporter journeys and testing new channels and messages.

Working closely with the Head of Marketing and across the Fundraising & Communications team to plan, coordinate and deliver donor acquisition appeals to recruit new individual supporters, using a variety of direct and digital marketing channels.

Regular giving (mostly monthly Direct Debits) are a large part of CBMs donor acquisition activity, and as such, part of this acquisition role is the planning and co-ordination of regular giving conversion, recruitment, retention, and upgrade campaigns.

Donor Acquisition (30%)

1. Working alongside the Head of Marketing and external agencies to plan and deliver a supporter recruitment programme, using channels that may include, but not limited to, inserts, press adverts, and door drops. email, paid social media adverts, Pay Per Click Googe adverts, and lead generation activities.
2. Optimise the performance (traffic and income) of website fundraising pages, including appeal landing pages and donation platforms. Ensuring pages on the CBM website are engaging to existing and new audiences and utilising Search Engine Optimisation tools.
3. Plan and coordinate an off-line and online welcome journey for new supporters to CBM, that will encourage ongoing engagement and long-term support.
4. Develop excellent working relationships with existing and new agencies and suppliers, including marketing agencies, writers, designers, print suppliers and mailing houses. Source new agencies and suppliers as appropriate.

Regular Giving (20%)

1. As part of the regular giving retention plan, deliver inspiring direct and digital marketing communications and updates to monthly supporters about CBMs work and the people their gifts are supporting. This can involve creating briefs, working alongside freelance copywriters and designers, and managing print and fulfilment suppliers.
2. Working alongside our inhouse Supporter Relations team and external telephone fundraising agencies to co-ordinate regular giving conversion, upgrade and retention campaigns over the telephone.
3. Deliver, test and refine a welcome and ongoing donor journey for regular giving supporters, across digital, post and phone channels, to update and thank supporters.

Legacy and In-Memoriam Giving (20%)

1. Work alongside the Head of Marketing and Senior Supporter Relations Officer to develop marketing plans for legacy and in-memoriam giving.
2. Responsible for legacy and in-memoriam giving direct mail and email appeals, and work alongside the Communications Team to ensure the legacy and in-memoriam giving website pages inspire new and existing supporters to support CBM in these ways.

New product testing (20%)

a.  Test and develop new fundraising ideas, channels and messages to engage with and raise funds from new and existing audiences.

b.  Maintain an awareness and anticipation of charity sector trends relating to direct marketing and keep abreast of competitor activities to enable CBM to respond and adapt quickly where appropriate.

Planning and reporting (10%)

1. Analysis and reporting of appeals and projects, providing learnings that will enable informed decision making around future activity.
2. Develop a good knowledge of the CRM system (Salesforce) and ensure appropriate recording and reporting of direct marketing activity.

Other

1. Ensure the consistent implementation of CBMs brand, key messages and style guide in fundraising activities.
2. Awareness of, and compliance across direct marketing, of Fundraising Regulator and Data Protection legal requirements (GDPR and PECR).
3. Work with other teams, including the CBM Global Federation, to maximise collaboration opportunities and integrated working.
4. Help develop a culture of enthusiasm, continual improvement and success which reflects the ambitions of CBM UK.
5. Occasional out of normal office working hours. Occasional travel in the UK and possibility of travel internationally.

For full details, please download the recruitment pack.

What we do is extraordinary.

And we need a Head of Fundraising who understands all of that.

Let’s start with the obvious.

You’ll need a sense of humour for this job.

Because we work with animals and children — and both have a habit of humbling you, daily.

HorseWorld Trust rescues abused and neglected horses and gives them a second chance at a meaningful life. Some of those horses go on to support vulnerable children and young people — including those with SEMH needs, SEND and children in care — through our Discovery – Discover Horses, Discover Yourself™ programme.

What we do is extraordinary.
It is also muddy, unpredictable, emotional, joyful, heartbreaking, funny and deeply human.

About HorseWorld (the real version)

Horses are incredible animals. They’ve carried humans into war; it’s no wonder they can read exactly what a child needs, often before the child knows it themselves.

Sadly, some people still abuse and neglect them. That’s where the HorseWorld hug comes in. With us, horses are safe. They live out all year round, form herds, roll in the mud, escape occasionally (because… horses), and get to live like horses again.

Our 160-acre farm is minutes from Bristol and Bath, but feels like a different world. In winter, photoshoots and tours involve waterproofs and wellies. In summer, it’s an outdoor oasis.

We do serious work — and we also believe in joy:

· Horse Festivals

· Carol services

· Massive corporates on their knees pulling ragwort

We are kind, committed, slightly irreverent, and very proud of what we do.

Why this role exists (the honest bit)

We raise around £1.5m a year against operating costs of around £2.5m.

Fundraising needs to grow — but more importantly, it needs to work better.

This role exists to:

• grow sustainable, controllable income
• improve return on investment (ROI)
• focus on what actually delivers impact
• stop doing things that don’t (even if they’re well-loved)

You won’t be expected to perform miracles.
You will be expected to bring clarity, judgement and leadership — with empathy and humour intact.

The role (what you’ll actually do)

As Head of Fundraising & Communications, you will:

• Sit on the Senior Management Team and report to the CEO
• Lead all fundraising and marketing comms activity
• Take responsibility for income and cost-effectiveness
• Shape strategy, set priorities and make evidence-based decisions
• Personally steward a small number of key major donors and partners

You’ll lead a talented team covering:

· Individual Giving

· Major Donors & Philanthropy

· Corporate Partnerships

· Trusts & Grants

· Digital Content

• Data, CRM & Compliance

You’ll also work closely with our Heads of Equine Welfare and Discovery to fundraise for our work with vulnerable horses & children.

Who this role is for

You’ll probably thrive here if you:

· Are an experienced charity fundraiser who’s seen how things really work

· Understand that “more activity” is not the same as “more impact”

· Care about ROI and relationships

· Can make tough decisions without losing kindness

· Are both proactive and adaptable

· A great communicator and relationship builder

· Are comfortable talking to Trustees one minute and standing in a muddy field the next

· Can laugh when a horse wanders into a carefully planned moment (because it will)

You don’t need to be an equine expert — but you do need to like animals, people, and the beautiful messiness of both.

What we offer

· A genuinely senior SMT role with real authority and Board backing

· Space to think, not just react

· A values-led organisation that tells the truth

· A team that works hard, laughs often and cares deeply

-        Horses who will keep you grounded (sometimes literally)

Final thought

This is not a polished, corporate fundraising role.

It is a meaningful one — rooted in rescue, recovery, growth and second chances.

If you want to lead fundraising in a place where the work matters, the people are lovely, the horses are honest, and humour is not optional — we’d love to hear from you.

Key Details
Salary: £50,000 per annum depending on experience plus benefits
Hours: 35 per week (Mon–Fri, some weekends)
Location: HorseWorld Trust, Bristol
Reports to: CEO

 DBS required

Application Details

To apply for this role please complete the  application form (available to download from our website or contact us to request the form).

 This role is subject to a DBS check, and you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK. We are a Safer Recruitment organisation and this is mandatory.

Location: Home based within commuting distance of either Edinburgh, Cardiff or Belfast 

Salary: £32,750 per annum
Hours: 35 hours per week 

Closing date: Monday 19 May 2026 at midnight 

Interview date: week commencing 25 May 2026 over video with possible second stage in person week commencing 1 June 2026 

This is a full time fixed-term position for one year (with possible extension subject to funding). 

Who we are looking for  

Breakthrough T1D is the UK’s leading type 1 diabetes charity, dedicated to funding research, advocating for change, and supporting the T1D community. A year into our exciting rebrand from JDRF to Breakthrough T1D, we’re looking for a Senior Policy and Public Affairs Officer – Devolved Nations to help us build on this momentum. 

The role of the Senior Policy and Public Affairs Officer - Devolved Nations is vital to achieving our UK-wide advocacy mission: to reduce health inequalities in type 1 diabetes, to widen access to type 1 diabetes treatments and technologies and to ensure that people with type 1 get access to emerging new treatments and future cures in the devolved nations.  

You will lead on projects with key stakeholders and high-level Parliamentarians, such as our access to treatments and early detection work, as well as people with type 1 diabetes, policy makers and researchers. You will help to deliver Breakthrough T1D’s influencing plans, improving access to and choice of type 1 diabetes treatments and technology in the devolved nations.  

Experience required 

• Experience of working successfully with politicians, their offices, Government departments, and other public affairs audiences to influence policy and to influence public/stakeholder discourse  

• Experience of leading public affairs delivery in one of more of the devolved nations  

• Experience in analysing Government policy in-depth and creating policy briefings   

• Experience of drafting briefings, reports and policy submissions   

• Experience of communicating across a range of parliamentary and professional stakeholders at all levels  

• Demonstrable knowledge, interest and experience of working in a public affairs and policy-based environment  

• Experience of organising stakeholder events  

About Breakthrough T1D 

Breakthrough T1D is the world’s leading charitable research funder into type 1 diabetes, improving lives until we find the cure. We are dedicated to our 400,000 strong type 1 community in the UK and work closely with our international affiliates across the world, including the US, Canada and Australia. 

You will find a vibrant atmosphere and spirited team at Breakthrough T1D, always striving to make a difference to people living with type 1. 

Employee benefits 

As an employer we offer: 

• Hybrid working arrangements 

• Flexible working and will consider compressed hours 

• Generous annual leave entitlement – 25 days per year plus bank holidays for full-time staff with leave increasing after three and five years’ service 

• Health cash plan that allows you to claim for some treatments such as dental, optical and physiotherapy treatment 

• Season ticket and cycle loan 

• Pension scheme 

• Family-friendly policies – maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave at enhanced rates 

• Personalised training to suit your career aspirations and professional development 

Breakthrough T1D is an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all individuals regardless of race, gender, disability, religious belief, sexual orientation or age. 

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Senior Communications Officer to come and join our team in Middlesbrough.

Location – This role is both community-based in Middlesbrough, with the ability to work from home as agreed with your manager. There may also be occasional travel to other programme sites (currently Redcar, Cleveland, Stoke-On-Trent and Scotland) or travel to our London office.  

Salary – Up to £35,000 DOE 

Employment Type – Permanent

Team – Communications team

About you

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate the following: 

• Significant experience in a communications role, including experience with copywriting and content creation. 
• Experience producing high quality, clear, compelling and audience appropriate content for a range of platforms.
• Empathy, cultural awareness, and sensitivity when communicating with and about communities whose voices and experiences are often underrepresented, including those with English as an additional language or limited literacy in English.
• The ability to clearly demonstrate our impact and inspire collaboration among our partners and stakeholders by sharing compelling and meaningful stories.
• Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of the local community, including its strengths, needs, and challenges. 
• Strong knowledge and skills in Adobe Creative Suite such as Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop or Canva. 

About the role

The responsibilities of this role include: 

• Actively identify opportunities where communications can strengthen programme delivery, support parent outreach and increase engagement with families and communities. 
• Develop the local stakeholder engagement approach in line with agreed objectives, proactively identifying opportunities to strengthen relationships and using data and team insight to increase engagement.
• Support effective communications with stakeholders across sectors including community, health, education and local organisations. 
• Develop and produce compelling, audience focused content for a range of channels, including newsletters, case studies and promotional materials. 
• Work closely with the Head of Communications, Programme Leads and colleagues across the organisation to align communications priorities with programme and organisational objectives. 

About us

Thrive at Five is a national charity focused on giving every child the best possible start in life. We know the foundations for life and learning are built in the earliest years, from pregnancy to five. By working alongside families, communities and local partners, we help build stronger, more connected support for parents, so more children get what they need to thrive and reach a good level of development by age five.
 

Thrive at Five is a relatively young organisation but with an already strong national and political profile, having been called out in Parliament for our ways of working in Stoke-on-Trent and invited to be interviewed at the 2025 Civil Society Summit by the Secretary of State for Education. We have grown rapidly in our first four years, with a growing team of nearly 40 across the country. 2026 will be a year of further growth and milestones for the charity as we celebrate our fifth-year anniversary and expand into our third and fourth regions. This will involve recruiting for a new teams, establishing our programmes and beginning to co-design and implement our work in partnership with communities. 

About our benefits

• Pension contributions – We will contribute 3% and you can contribute 5% towards your pension through NEST. 
• 25 annual leave days per year plus bank holidays.
• £100 contribution towards your professional body membership.

Please note that as this role is subject to a successful Basic Level Disclosure check through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). If you have any unspent convictions, but wish to apply for this role, please advise us in your application. The successful candidate will also need to provide satisfactory references and current right to work in the UK. 

To apply for this role, please submit your cover letter and CV by following the Apply Now button. Closing date for applications is midnight on Friday 8th May 2026.

Are you our new Interim Senior Marketing and Communications Manager? 
Do you have the strategic vision, leadership skills and creativity to drive high‑impact marketing and communications at a critical moment for a national health charity? Could you lead a talented team to deliver compelling, audience‑led campaigns that accelerate progress for everyone affected by ovarian cancer? 

We are looking for an Interim Senior Marketing and Communications Manager to lead our Marketing and Communications function during an exciting period of transition and growth. This role will play a pivotal part in delivering our communications and brand strategy, supporting the rollout of our new organisational strategy, and maintaining momentum across high‑profile campaigns and projects. 

Reporting to the Director of Fundraising and Engagement, you’ll oversee marketing and communications across the organisation, line managing a team of specialists and working closely with the Senior Leadership Team. You’ll provide strategic leadership, clear direction and hands‑on support, ensuring activity is well planned, insight‑driven and aligned to our wider organisational objectives. 

This role is ideal for an experienced marketing and communications leader, ideally from the charity sector, who can combine strategic thinking with strong delivery, and who thrives in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment. 

We are an ambitious charity, building on our achievements and targeting what’s important to stop ovarian cancer devastating lives - symptoms awareness, early diagnosis, better treatments and support for all. It’s an exciting time to be joining Target Ovarian Cancer as we move into our ambitionus new strategy.

Join us and together we'll fight for a world where everyone with ovarian cancer lives. 

The role

This is a full-time (35 hours per week), fixed-term position for 12 months.

We operate a hybrid working model. You will usually work remotely but will be expected to attend meetings at our office near London Bridge when required. Please note that travel costs to the office are not covered.

If you would like more information about expected office attendance, please refer to the recruitment pack.

How to apply

Click ‘Apply’ to view the full job description and complete your application.

You will be asked to submit your CV and answer three application questions (maximum 250 words each) as part of the process.

You will also be asked to complete an equalities monitoring form (details included in the recruitment pack).

Applications without responses to the application questions may not be considered.

Key dates

• Closing date: 10th May 2026
• Interviews: Week commencing 18th May 2026

If you are invited to interview, you will have the opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments.

Additional information

Target Ovarian Cancer does not hold a sponsorship licence and cannot sponsor visas.

We are committed to making our recruitment process accessible to all. If you require support with your application, please refer to the guidance provided in the recruitment pack.

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Senior Communications Officer to come and join our team in Redcar & Cleveland. 

Location – This role is both community-based in Redcar & Cleveland, with the ability to work from home as agreed with your manager. There may also be occasional travel to other programme sites (currently Middlesbrough, Stoke-On-Trent and Scotland) or travel to our London office.  

Salary – Up to £35,000 DOE 

Employment Type – Permanent

Team – Communications team

About you

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate the following: 

• Significant experience in a communications role, including experience with copywriting and content creation. 
• Experience producing high quality, clear, compelling and audience appropriate content for a range of platforms. 
• The ability to clearly demonstrate our impact and inspire collaboration among our partners and stakeholders by sharing compelling and meaningful stories.
• Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of the local community, including its strengths, needs, and challenges. 
• Strong knowledge and skills in Adobe Creative Suite such as Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop or Canva. 

About the role

The responsibilities of this role include: 

• Actively identify opportunities where communications can strengthen programme delivery, support parent outreach and increase engagement with families and communities. 
• Develop the local stakeholder engagement approach in line with agreed objectives, proactively identifying opportunities to strengthen relationships and using data and team insight to increase engagement.
• Support effective communications with stakeholders across sectors including community, health, education and local organisations. 
• Develop and produce compelling, audience focused content for a range of channels, including newsletters, case studies and promotional materials. 
• Work closely with the Head of Communications, Programme Leads and colleagues across the organisation to align communications priorities with programme and organisational objectives. 

About us

Thrive at Five is a national charity focused on giving every child the best possible start in life. We know the foundations for life and learning are built in the earliest years, from pregnancy to five. By working alongside families, communities and local partners, we help build stronger, more connected support for parents, so more children get what they need to thrive and reach a good level of development by age five.
 

Thrive at Five is a relatively young organisation but with an already strong national and political profile, having been called out in Parliament for our ways of working in Stoke-on-Trent and invited to be interviewed at the 2025 Civil Society Summit by the Secretary of State for Education. We have grown rapidly in our first four years, with a growing team of nearly 40 across the country. 2026 will be a year of further growth and milestones for the charity as we celebrate our fifth-year anniversary and expand into our third and fourth regions. This will involve recruiting for a new teams, establishing our programmes and beginning to co-design and implement our work in partnership with communities. 

About our benefits

• Pension contributions – We will contribute 3% and you can contribute 5% towards your pension through NEST. 
• 25 annual leave days per year plus bank holidays.
• £100 contribution towards your professional body membership.

Please note that as this role is subject to a successful Basic Level Disclosure check through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). If you have any unspent convictions, but wish to apply for this role, please advise us in your application. The successful candidate will also need to provide satisfactory references and current right to work in the UK. 

To apply for this role, please submit your cover letter and CV by following the Apply Now button. Closing date for applications is midnight on Friday 8th May 2026.

Role Overview:
The Talent Set are delighted to partner with their client on a fantastic Senior Internal Communications Officer role. The successful candidate will play a vital part in engaging colleagues across the organisation by delivering strategic, high-quality internal communications that support organisational goals and foster a positive workplace culture.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in implementing the Internal Communications Strategic Plan, advising stakeholders on internal communication approaches to boost engagement.
• Maintain an understanding of organisational priorities to develop cohesive messages and enhance the colleague experience.
• Lead the planning and delivery of internal campaigns, events, and programmes, both virtual and face-to-face.
• Cultivate strong stakeholder relationships, working collaboratively to produce high-quality, strategic communication content.
• Coordinate with internal teams to ensure internal messaging aligns with external communications.
• Deputise for the Internal Communications Manager when required.
• Develop and deliver engaging content, including newsletters and messaging for managers.
• Organise and support a range of internal events, such as leadership conferences.
• Respond to internal communications queries promptly and professionally.

Person Specification:

• Proven experience in internal or external communications within large, diverse organisations.
• Skilled in content creation for intranets, websites, and digital platforms.
• Excellent written communication and editing skills.
• Ability to develop and implement creative, audience-focused communication strategies.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, including working with senior leaders.
• Experience in planning and delivering events, both online and in person.
• Adept at using digital tools to produce engaging content.
• Organised, attentive to detail, and capable of managing multiple priorities to deadlines.
• Discreet in handling sensitive information.
• Ability to work flexibly, including hybrid working and occasional travel.

What’s on Offer:

• Salary: £38,000 – £40,000
• Location: Remote
• Contract: Until March 2027

How to Apply:
To apply, please submit your CV demonstrating your suitability for this role by clicking the 'apply now' button (please do not apply via email). We aim to get back to all successful candidates within 48 working hours.

Commitment to Diversity:
The Talent Set are committed to diverse and inclusive recruitment practices, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability, or age. We actively encourage applications from a wide range of backgrounds and are always happy to make reasonable adjustments to ensure a fair recruitment process.

Harris Hill is working with a health membership body, supporting their drive to recruit an interim Senior Media and Communications Officer, for 6 months, on a hybrid basis in London. 

Key responsibilities:

Take the lead in handling and responding to media enquiries for the organisations various localities, in a timely manner, liaising with the Head of External Affairs, Heads, colleagues, partners and key spokespeople.
Plan and deliver proactive communications campaigns in line with the org's relevant policy priorities.
Monitor the media and react when appropriate opportunities present themselves, including on major Government announcements and stakeholder activities.
Work with colleagues from the relevant Policy teams, as well as the wider media and comms team, to ensure all external messaging is consistent and has been approved as per the org’s approvals process.
Prepare spokespeople for media activity, including drafting media briefings attending interviews and supporting post-interview follow-up.
Work with colleagues to ensure the org’s media and comms activity, in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland is promoted across our owned platforms, including uploading to the website.

Contribute to the day-to-day activities supporting the smooth operation of the press office, including timely monitoring and circulation of devolved media coverage, social media monitoring, and regular reporting.
Participate in the out-of-hours press office rota, including monitoring social media, while keeping the Head of External Affairs informed of any potential risk.
 

If you are immediately available and would love to hear more about this opportunity, please apply for further information. 

The Living Wage Foundation is seeking an experienced and driven Senior Media and Communications Manager to join our team for a 12-month contract. This is an exciting opportunity for a highly organised and proactive communications professional with a strong background in media relations, public messaging, and team leadership. The ideal candidate will be experienced and confident in working to tight deadlines, responding to last-minute changes, and prioritising competing demands in a high-profile environment. They will be motivated to amplify the Living Wage Foundation’s mission of tackling low pay and insecure work.

The postholder will lead all media, messaging, and external affairs work, developing and implementing a proactive media strategy that supports our mission and key campaigns, such as Living Wage Week and the annual Rates announcement. As a skilled media professional, you will oversee all communications outputs, ensuring consistency and strategic alignment, while delivering media training and refining key messaging to maximise reach and impact. 

In this role, you will be instrumental in advancing our political engagement efforts, building cross-party support and working with political leaders, mayoral teams, and other key stakeholders to promote our initiatives. You’ll manage two direct reports (Events Manager and Media Manager) who each hold line management responsibilities, and you will play a critical role within our Senior Management Team, collaborating closely with the Head of Communications to shape the overall direction of our communications work. This role will work closely with Citizens UK colleagues, including the Citizens UK communications team on cross-organisational priorities.  You will report to the Head of Communications.

As a senior leader, you will be responsible for managing and allocating part of the communications team budget, expanding team capacity, and driving the team’s effectiveness. In collaboration with other senior managers, you will help foster a culture that values creativity, innovation, and strategic impact.

Since 1990, Public Law Project has held power to account through landmark legal challenges. PLP’s recent work, delivered in close collaboration with its brilliant clients and partners, includes challenging the government's Rwanda immigration policy, securing justice for the Windrush generation, and scrutinising the use of AI in public decision-making. 

Our work is highly respected and deeply valued across the legal and social justice sectors. To continue tackling the most pressing legal injustices of our time, we need to increase our reach and engagement with our key audiences (including policy makers, the legal community and civil society organisations), amplifying our influence and impact.  

The Role  

Reporting to the Communications & Engagement Director, this is an exciting role focused on supporting and building PLP’s external profile and audience engagement. You’ll be responsible for: building relationships with journalists and securing media coverage, day-to-day content creation and the development of our digital channels. You’ll work closely with colleagues across the organisation, as well as partners and clients, to ensure our communications are timely, inclusive, and impactful.

You would be joining the team at a significant moment. The issues we work on – from immigration to AI – have never been more salient or more important. You would be joining us after we have launched our bold new strategy and play a part in refreshing our visual identity and shaping our narrative.

We’re looking for someone who is:  

Digitally savvy, media-smart and a creative storyteller: You have strong news judgement and storytelling ability, with experience securing media coverage and creating compelling content across digital channels. You enjoy translating complex legal and policy issues into content that engages and inspires — and know how to tailor it for different platforms and audiences. 

A collaborative colleague: You will enjoy working across teams with colleagues at all levels and with external partners and clients. 

Organised and determined: You are an excellent project manager who enjoys developing plans and putting them into action

Committed to Equity: You share PLP’s commitment to understanding and addressing the effects of marginalisation in all our work. 

If you're ready to help us tell the stories that matter, we'd love to hear from you. 

As part of our commitment to recruit fairly we use anonymised-selection processes until interview, offer additional interview opportunities to the highest-scoring candidates from under-represented communities, and use ‘tie-breaker’ provisions at all stages of our selection process. 

YHA is looking for an experienced and strategically minded Head of Communications and Engagement to lead how our story is told through a period of organisational change. This role owns our corporate narrative and shapes compelling communications that strengthen YHA’s voice and influence.

Working across the organisation and with external partners, you’ll develop and deliver integrated corporate communications that inspire engagement from staff and stakeholders, and ensure coherent and consistent messaging which amplifies YHA’s impact as a leading youth charity, social enterprise and force for good, and support income growth.

Why work for YHA?

Join our team and enjoy a range of exclusive staff benefits that support your well-being and career growth:

• 10 nights free hostel stays per year for you and up to 3 friends or family

• Access to YHA’s staff discount and cash back portal

• Free YHA Membership each year

• Access to support via our Employee Assistance Program

There are many more benefits to working for YHA so please visit our website for more information.

What will you be doing as Head of Communications and Engagement?

• Own YHA’s corporate narrative, tone of voice and organisation‑wide communications strategy

• Lead integrated internal and external communications that strengthen brand, impact and income growth through a period of strategic transformation.

• Develop and deliver strategic messaging to support YHA’s organisational transformation and long‑term objectives

• Champion communications best practice across the organisation, working closely with the marketing team, digital team and senior leaders

• Plan, coordinate and oversee corporate content, publications and communications scheduling across all channels

• Line manage the Internal Communications Manager

• Lead on media relations and press engagement, including external agency support and spokespeople

• Strengthen YHA’s external presence, reputation and profile as a national youth charity and social enterprise

• Lead stakeholder engagement, partnerships, policy influence and horizon scanning for emerging risks and opportunities

• Manage crisis communications strategy and process

• Steward and leverage YHA’s heritage and archives to support impactful storytelling ahead of the 100‑year anniversary

What Skills and Experience do you need?

• Experience in communications, with a proven track record of developing and delivering strategic, organisation‑wide communications in a complex national organisation

• Strong ability to shape and communicate clear, compelling messages for diverse audiences across multiple internal and external channels

• Demonstrable experience of leading media relations, PR campaigns, stakeholder engagement and reputation management, including crisis communications

• High‑level writing, editing and content‑planning skills, with a creative and audience‑focused approach

• Ability to interpret complex organisational information and translate it into engaging, accessible and inspiring communications

• Experience influencing and advising senior leaders, bringing authority, constructive challenge and a cross‑organisational perspective

• Proven ability to identify reputational risks, anticipate emerging issues and recommend strategic communications responses

• Experience building productive partnerships and relationships with senior stakeholders, partner organisations, public bodies and agencies

• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, work to deadlines and find solutions under pressure

• Demonstration of our HEART values – they’re part of everything we do, and we look for people who bring them to life in their everyday work

For more information about the role and the skills and experience required, please refer to the job description.

At YHA, we understand the richness of life experiences, and we place just as much importance on lived experiences as we do on skills and knowledge. We provide a robust induction, ongoing training, and opportunities for personal growth. While certain roles may require specific skills, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. For more information about how we are creating an inclusive workplace please visit our jobs website.

Who are YHA?

YHA is a social enterprise with a mission to enrich the lives of all, especially young people. YHA does this by providing brilliant hostel stays and experiences that improve physical health, mental wellbeing and life skills.

If you would like to find out more about YHA the charity, the culture, the heritage and so much more please visit our jobs website.

How do you apply?

Submit your CV and complete the application form. For more information about our recruitment process, visit the job website.

Once the hiring manager has reviewed your application we will contact shortlisted candidates. We aim to get in touch within a reasonable amount of time after the closing date. You can also check on the progress of your application if you have signed up to Connect - our online candidate portal

PLEASE NOTE All relevant checks are in place to ensure safeguarding and legal requirements of safer recruitment are adhered to. We do reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Communications Manager 

About the role

We are looking for an experienced Communications Manager to help bring our mission and impact to life.

Reporting to the Head of Communications & Transformation, you’ll lead on high-quality, engaging communications that support our programmes, partnerships and organisational goals.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and delivering social media content and managing day-to-day channels
• Producing compelling written, visual and video content, including impact case studies
• Copywriting for our website, email campaigns and publications
• Delivering internal communications to support colleague engagement
• Supporting stakeholder communications and marketing campaigns
• Developing and implementing brand assets 

About you

You’ll be an experienced communications professional, comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and managing multiple priorities. You’ll bring creativity, strong organisational skills and a passion for social impact.

Essential experience includes:

• Experince of working in an internal communications-based role
• Excellent planning and project management skills
• Strong writing, editing and visual content skills
• Experience managing social media channels
• Video editing skills (Adobe Premiere Pro)
• Experience using Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop)
• Experience with email platforms such as Campaign Monitor (or similar)

For full details of the role and our rewards and benefits package, please view the candidate pack.

How to apply

Please apply via CharityJob with your CV and a cover letter.

Closing date for applications: Tuesday 5 May at 9am
Interviews: Interviews are intended to take place week commencing 18 May

We are seeking an exceptional leader to be our next chief executive, leading a respected and influential membership organisation at the heart of a thriving grassroots movement.

You’ll be working to build on the success we’ve seen and strong position and voice we have established for ourselves and our members, as a leading force for inclusive and sustainable transport and communities.

You’ll bring an impressive track record in values-based leadership, a proven ability to engage and inspire grassroots change-makers, strategic partners and policy-makers, and a deep belief in the importance of community-led change towards a sustainable, equitable future.

About us

Community Rail Network is a national not-for-profit organisation, which is in the process of applying for charitable status, supporting a growing ‘community rail’ movement, which helps communities get the most from their railways, promotes sustainable and inclusive travel, coordinates volunteering and place-making, and brings people together.

Community rail is made up of 77 community-based organisations, and around 1,300 station volunteer groups and other community-led initiatives around Britain. Their activities range from creative projects for young people, to advising train operators on service improvements, to building travel confidence among marginalised groups, to biodiversity projects at stations, to promoting greener tourism by rail.

Our enthusiastic team of 24 works from home in dispersed locations, but we come together regularly in person and online. We work collaboratively to support members, provide training, events and resources, run campaigns, and champion community rail and its insights. We believe in helping everyone reach their potential while having a good work-life balance.

About this role, and your main responsibilities

Our current CEO is moving on after nine years in role, leaving the organisation, team and wider movement in a strong and empowered position to deliver on the next phase of our development.

Your opportunity is to lead the organisation, and to deliver on our new five-year strategy setting an ambitious course for the future during a period of major transformation for our railways and the wider transport system. You will ensure that we are:

• clear in our identity and our independence, and seen as thought leaders in our field;
• are supporting our members and stakeholders to meet their changing and diverse needs; and
• ensuring the financial and operational resilience of the organisation in an environment that is undergoing a period of rapid change.

As CEO, you will lead a passionate and experienced senior leadership team with three direct reports, while working closely with and reporting into our Board, key partners and funders, and ensuing an engaging, empowering, tenacious approach across all we do.

Advocacy of community rail and its benefits will be high on your agenda, and you will be working closely across multiple stakeholders including UK and devolved national governments, regional and local authorities as well as forging collaborative partnerships with like-minded organisations.

Maintaining our community-centric ethos, you will need to ensure we're effective in enabling members to unlock greater value from the railways at a grassroots level, while drawing on their insights to affect wider change. With hundreds of member groups and organisations across Britain delivering life-changing, place-enhancing work, you will have a solid foundation to build on, to take community rail forward and expand our impact in the years ahead.

Last, but not least, you will be responsible for ensuring the strong and effective governance of the organisation, modelling our governing principles, values and behaviours, and ensuring that we have robust financial and resource management in place.

Skills, competencies and qualities

1. Exceptional leadership skills, including a proven ability to lead, develop and grow third sector organisations or multi-faceted teams delivering complex activities, projects and campaigns;
2. Excellent communication and external leadership skills: articulate, assertive, with the ability to work diplomatically and persuasively with stakeholders at all levels;
3. Experienced in acting as the public face of an organisation, such as through the media, public speaking and high-level meetings, and using evidence and storytelling to articulate and champion a cause;
4. Politically astute, with knowledge of and commitment to social inclusion, social justice and sustainability, and a sound grasp of the importance of public transport, sustainable travel, and community-led action;
5. A proven ability to influence policy and decision-makers, and to identify influencing opportunities, ideally in relation to community development, sustainability and/or transport, including sharing community insights;
6. A strong track record in income generation and development, building strong funder relationships and delivery partnerships, managing programme or organisational budgets and controlling expenditure;
7. Experience of working with and/or reporting to a board, ideally in a not-for-profit and/or membership context;
8. An empowering, engaging approach to leadership, management and change-making;
9. Resilient, pragmatic and determined, with the ability to work under pressure, seize emergent opportunities, manage risk, and support others dealing with competing priorities.

Other information

The role will involve extensive travel within Britain as part of building your profile and that of the organisation with central and devolved government in Scotland and Wales, and increasingly with the devolved regions of England.

There is flexibility on location given the requirement to travel and that your office will be home-based. You will need to travel to in-person quarterly team meetings (usually in London or West Yorkshire) and to Board meetings which alternate between online and London. It is expected that travel will be by public transport and easy access to the rail network is therefore required to ensure journeys can be made sustainably. 

This is a full-time position, 37 hours per week. We use a flexi-time system with core hours 10am-3pm, and are committed to being a flexible, supportive and understanding employer. This is a permanent position with a probationary period of six months. 

Benefits: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (rising up to 30 days, plus Bank Holidays, in line with long service); pension with employer contribution of 7%; and access to Employee Assistance Programme.

Successful applicants will need to provide proof that they have the right to work in the UK and provide two references.

Community Rail Network is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from disabled people and Black, Asian and other minoritised groups, who meet with the skills and competencies for this role. We will provide reasonable adjustments for interviews as required.

External Communications Manager

Overview
The Talent Set is pleased to present an exciting opportunity for an External Communications Manager on a 6-month fixed-term contract for a London university. The successful candidate will lead strategic external communications, enhancing organisational reputation through media relations, content creation, and stakeholder engagement, supporting the organisation’s broader objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and assess communications and media strategies aligned with institutional goals.
• Manage the organisation’s written brand voice across all external channels, ensuring consistency.
• Create high-quality content including publications, press releases, blogs, and social media updates.
• Support marketing efforts by producing course and organisational information for website and print materials.
• Draft speeches and scripts for senior leadership; assist with crisis communications plans and messaging, including managing crisis situations to mitigate reputational risks.
• Build and sustain relationships with media professionals, journalists, and external stakeholders to secure positive coverage and build an active press desk.
• Support and develop the External Communications Officer, providing guidance and mentorship.
• Collaborate with marketing, digital, and content teams to ensure message alignment.
• Evaluate communication activities’ effectiveness using data analytics to inform future strategies.
• Represent the organisation at open days and recruitment events domestically and internationally.

Person Specification

• Proven experience managing external communications within a strategic context.
• Skilled in content creation, including press releases, speeches, and digital content.
• Excellent relationship-building skills with media contacts and external stakeholders.
• Experience building and maintaining a press desk, managing media relations proactively.
• Strong project management and organisational skills; ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, inclusion, and organisational values.
• Ability to lead, support, and develop colleagues in a collaborative environment.
• Adaptability and professionalism with a strategic mindset.
• Previous experience working in a higher education setting 

What’s on Offer
Salary: £53,744
Length: 6 month contract with an immediate start 
Hybrid Working: 2 days a week in their London office with 3 days working from home 

How to Apply
To apply, please submit your CV demonstrating your suitability for this role by clicking the 'apply now' button (please do not apply via email). We aim to get back to all successful candidates within 48 working hours.

Commitment to Diversity
The Talent Set are committed to diverse and inclusive recruitment practices, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability, or age. We actively encourage applications from a wide range of backgrounds and are always happy to make reasonable adjustments to ensure a fair recruitment process.