Senior external communications officer jobs

Our Senior Trusts & Foundations Manager is primarily responsible for managing and generating income from our Trusts & Foundations portfolio (including Corporate Foundations). They identify new prospects, write compelling and persuasive proposals to secure significant gifts, actively develop relationships with key internal and external stakeholders and provide brilliant stewardship.

We are looking for someone who has a sound understanding of T&F fundraising. You’ll have a strong track record of nurturing relationships, securing multi-year and five-figure+ gifts, and a genuine passion for youth development. You are a creative problem solver with the ability to work independently and take ownership of projects – ensuring they run smoothly and effectively.

This is a senior communications and public affairs role at The British Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) at a pivotal moment for human rights in the UK. You will help shape public and political narratives about the Human Rights Act, amplify lived experience, and ensure BIHR’s expertise cuts through in national debates.

You will lead BIHR’s external communications -  including media, digital content, and website oversight – and support evidence‑informed policy positioning and parliamentary engagement. Working closely with colleagues across the charity, you’ll transform insights from our programmes into powerful, accessible messaging and high‑impact advocacy.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a small but mighty team known for its expertise, credibility, and influence on human rights in everyday systems.

Please note this is not an entry‑level role.

Key Responsibilities

Please refer to the Application Pack for the full details, but below is a summary.

 Communications

• Lead BIHR’s external communications strategy to ensure consistent, accessible, rights‑based messaging.
• Draft proactive and reactive press releases and media statements.
• Secure media opportunities highlighting BIHR’s work and the role of the HRA/ECHR.
• Manage the consistency and quality of website content.
• Create engaging digital content that translates complex human rights issues into clear, plain language.
• Maintain a content calendar aligned with key parliamentary, policy, and public affairs milestones.
• Track and analyse engagement data to inform strategy.

 Policy Evidence, Analysis & Positioning

• Conduct policy research grounded in the HRA/ECHR framework.
• Translate lived and practitioner experience into evidence‑informed policy positions and recommendations.
• Draft high‑quality briefings, consultation responses, reports, and messaging documents.
• Horizon‑scan for risks and opportunities to protect and advance human rights.
• Maintain BIHR’s internal knowledge base on HRA/ECHR and priority policy areas.

 Government & Parliamentary Engagement

• Monitor UK parliamentary activity and analyse implications for the HRA/ECHR and BIHR’s work.
• Build relationships with parliamentarians, government officials, and parliamentary offices.
• Support targeted advocacy to defend the HRA/ECHR and promote rights‑respecting law and policy.
• Represent BIHR at political and policy meetings and events.
• Ensure monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of public affairs activity.

 Stakeholder Engagement & Representation

• Build and sustain partnerships with NGOs, academics, policymakers, legal professionals, civil servants, and parliamentarians.
• Represent BIHR externally and engage in sector networks.
• Communicate BIHR’s policy positions and resources clearly and effectively.
• Identify opportunities for collaboration and influence.

 Other organisational requirements

• Work collaboratively as part of a small team.
• Support organisational processes and continuous improvement.
• Undertake other duties as required.

Who the Role Is Suitable For

This role is ideal for someone who brings strong communications skills, policy and advocacy experience, and a commitment to human rights as practical tools for change.

You’ll thrive if you:

• Can translate complex law and policy into accessible, compelling communications.
• Have experience engaging with parliamentarians, officials, and senior stakeholders.
• Are confident in human rights frameworks, particularly the HRA.
• Enjoy working in a small, collaborative team.
• Can manage competing priorities in a fast‑moving, politically sensitive environment.
• Live within approximately one hour of London, as regular Westminster/Whitehall meetings are expected.

Please refer to the Application Pack for a detailed Person Specification.

Applying for the role

Please click on the 'Redirect to recruiter' button (above or below) to:

• Get more information about the role, how to apply, and the selection and intterview process/timing.
• Download an Application Pack and Application form (and an optional Equality & Diversity Form).

Please also note that:

• Completed application forms must be received by 10am on Wednesday 11 March 2026; we regret that late applications will not be considered.
• You should not submit a CV and cover letter instead of using the application form; such applications will also not be considered.

Thank you for your interest, and we look forward to receiving your application form.

Job Title: Finance Manager/Senior Finance Controller

Contract length: Permanent

Location: Hybrid

Hours per week: 35

Salary:  £55-60K pa depending on experience and knowledge

Closing date for applications: Sunday 22nd February 2026 , we reserve the right to end the vacancy before the closing date; interested candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible

First interview: First interviews will be held over Microsoft Teams

Second interview: Candidates successful at first interview will be invited to visit Mayhew and to have a second interview in person.

We are looking for our next Finance Manager / Senior Financial Controller, someone who shares our compassion for animal welfare and wants to play a central role in stewarding Mayhew’s financial resources for the greatest impact.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, you will work closely with senior colleagues across Mayhew—including members of the Senior Management Team—to support strong financial direction, responsible stewardship, and effective, mission‑driven decision‑making across the charity.

This is a highly visible and hands‑on leadership role. You will lead Mayhew’s day‑to‑day finance function, ensuring strong financial controls, good practice financial management, and timely, accessible financial reporting for colleagues, trustees and partners. You will be responsible for all aspects of financial planning, management accounting, statutory reporting and SORP compliance, as well as supporting operational teams with practical financial insight and advice.

You will also help develop and strengthen financial systems and processes, recognising that—as a mid‑sized charity with evolving needs—Mayhew continues to refine its structures to best support our work. You will lead and support a small finance team, modelling an open, collaborative and hands‑on working style.

Our London site—our historic rescue and rehoming centre—is at the heart of our UK operations. You will collaborate with colleagues across operations, veterinary services, fundraising, people and engagement to ensure financial clarity underpins good decision‑making as we continue to care for dogs and cats in need.

In this role, you will:

• Lead, direct and deliver all aspects of Mayhew’s finance function, ensuring strong, proportionate controls and high‑quality financial information.
• Engage, influence and collaborate with senior colleagues and trustees to support the effective delivery of our strategic and operational goals.
• Provide clear financial guidance to non‑finance colleagues and act as a supportive, trusted partner across the organisation.
• Lead and support a small finance team, encouraging a positive, collaborative and hands‑on culture.
• Strengthen and improve finance systems and processes to increase efficiency, consistency and compliance.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Strong charity finance experience, including Charity SORP (FRS 102), fund accounting, statutory reporting, financial planning, budgeting, and knowledge of VAT and Gift Aid.
• Hands‑on experience of month‑end accounting, financial controls, cashflow management, and management accounts preparation.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate financial information clearly for non‑finance colleagues and trustees.
• A collaborative, supportive and pragmatic working style, with confidence to improve processes and work flexibly within a smaller organisation.
• Experience leading and developing a small team through open, positive and supportive management.

Please note that successful candidates will be asked to evidence their Right to Work in the UK post-job offer – we do not hold a sponsor licence therefore we are unable to provide Visa sponsorship.

We’re the UK’s specialist blood cancer charity and our vision is clear: we’re here to beat blood cancer. We fund world-class research, provide information and support to patients and their loved ones, and raise awareness of blood cancer.

We’re looking for a Senior Brand Marketing Manager to lead and shape how Blood Cancer UK is seen and understood by audiences across the UK, on a maternity cover basis.

You’ll lead the strategy and delivery of brand marketing and major brand campaigns, working across teams and with agency partners to ensure our communications are clear, consistent and audience-led. With a strong focus on insight and performance, you’ll champion an audience-first approach, embedding segmentation and learning into decision-making across the organisation.

This is a highly collaborative role for a strategic brand marketer who combines big-picture thinking with practical delivery. The role is based in London with hybrid working, and you’ll be expected to attend the office 1–2 days per week on average, with some additional travel as required. It’s a great opportunity to use your skills to make a meaningful difference for people affected by blood cancer.

We are committed to actively promoting equality, diversity and inclusivity. In line with our strategy, we welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented groups, including minority communities and applicants with a disability, to better reflect the community we serve and broaden our perspectives.

We’re seeking an experienced and driven Senior Trusts and Foundations Fundraiser to help change the lives of young carers. In this pivotal role, you’ll secure vital funding from charitable trusts and foundations, building strong relationships and crafting compelling cases for support. You’ll lead on high-value applications, identify new funding opportunities, and play a key role in shaping our income growth. Working with a passionate, mission-led team, you’ll see the direct impact of your work every day. If you’re persuasive, and inspired by making a lasting difference for children, we’d love you to join us.

Are you a proficient copy-writer who is passionate about the natural world and communicating stories and impact to funders?

Synchronicity Earth is looking for a Senior Philanthropy Marketing Officer to create, curate, and design compelling materials to showcase Synchronicity Earth’s programmes and partners around the world and promote our distinct philanthropic approach. You will help us to engage new and current audiences including prospect donors, and philanthropy and conservation specialists across the UK and Europe, the US and Asia.

While the role is embedded in the Philanthropy team, you will work closely with Communications colleagues to ensure consistency across written materials (funding reports, slide decks, information sheets) and digital content (newsletters, targeted content for social media).

You will enjoy working collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation (including our Engagement, and Programmes teams) to deliver high-quality materials that engage donors and supporters and contribute to our mission to protect and restore biodiversity where it is most at risk.

PLEASE NOTE THAT IF YOU USE AI IN YOUR APPLICATION, YOU ARE MUCH LESS LIKELY TO BE SHORTLISTED. WE WANT TO SEE YOUR UNIQUE, BRILLIANT SELF. We do not use AI in any part of our recruitment and selection process.

Closing date: 16th February 2026 10am

First stage interviews (Zoom):  23rd – 27th February 2026

Second stage interviews (at our office in-person): 2nd – 4th March 2026

Synchronicity Earth’s mission it to bring conservation to life through our work, championing effective approaches and increasing funding for Earth’s overlooked species and ecosystems and the communities working to protect them.

By joining, you’re not just taking part; you're contributing to our vision of a world in which biological and cultural diversity are valued, celebrated, and flourishing.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds for this role, particularly non-graduates, and are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements. We also welcome candidates who may have taken a career break. Your unique experiences and fresh perspective will only enhance our team's diversity and strengthen our ability to tackle the complex challenges facing our planet.

Candidates from Black, Asian, and Minority-Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds and people with disabilities who meet the criteria (in the section of the job description headed ‘What you will bring to the team’) and opt-in to our Guaranteed Interview Scheme will enter the first recruitment stage, see more information below.

Application and Recruitment Process

Inclusion is a priority throughout our workplace culture and is embedded in our recruitment process. To support this, the first stage of recruitment will be anonymised by Charity Job to mitigate against unconscious bias. Please let us know at any stage during the recruitment process if you have any accessibility requirements and we will do what we can to accommodate these for you. Please also let us know which pronouns you would like to be referred by, if you wish.

How to apply:

· Complete the application questions, upload your CV, and submit your application through Charity Job.

· Fill in our candidate survey. Whilst this survey is optional it is the way to opt in to the Guaranteed Interview Scheme (information below) if you would like.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme

We recognise that people from Black, Asian, and Minority-Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds and people with disabilities are under-represented in our sector, and that there are often additional barriers present for people from these groups when applying for roles in the charity sector and beyond.

As part of our commitment to attract and retain talented individuals from under-represented groups to the conservation and environment sector, if you belong to these groups, you can opt in to the Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS) in our candidate survey. See the attachment which outlines how to do this and includes the link to the survey. If you meet the essential criteria for a role, you'll be guaranteed a first-stage assessment. The results of this assessment will be used to select candidates for the first-stage interview.

We are looking for a dynamic Senior Research & Analysis Officer to manage and deliver information, data, and analysis to help Youth Futures build evidence for impact.

This is an opportunity for a researcher with excellent data analysis, trial design and data skills to work widely across a busy and ambitious directorate, helping us understand and address youth unemployment in England.

Working with two teams in the Impact and Evidence Directorate, you will gain experience and contribute meaningfully across a range of research and evaluation activities.

• You will work with the Head of Evaluation and Principal Economist to support the design, delivery and management of data systems; scope, commission and manage high-quality evaluations; and conduct data analysis and quantitative social and economic research.
• You will also use your analytical expertise to extract insights from data, identify trends, and liaise with policy and communication teams to prepare outputs for external use.
• You will support the work of YFF’s evaluation team in generating new evidence for employment support programmes and Employer Practice through impact evaluations, including Randomised Controlled Trials.
• The role also offers opportunities to work on data visualisations for effective communication of data and research insights.

This role can be based at our Birmingham, Leeds or London hub. We currently operate a hybrid model of two-days per week in the office and three-days from home.

For more information on this role, please download our recruitment pack.

Due to receiving high volumes of interest in our opportunities, this vacancy may close earlier than the advertised deadline. To ensure your application is considered, please submit it as soon as possible.

The Bikeability Trust is entering a new exciting phase of our strategy to 2035 to ensure more children can cycle with confidence. A year into our strategy we have reviewed Executive Team roles and responsibilities and are now looking for a creative Communications and Fundraising Director to lead our mission driven communications, income generation and impact reporting functions.

You will be an experience senior leader in communications, who has the drive to take our strategy to the next level. A key member of the Executive Team, working across the home based diverse staff team to bring together the impact of our work through corporate communications and influencing. We recommend reading our annual reviews on the Bikeability website to see a flavour of the work you could be leading.

Our income generation work is focussed on small impactful corporate partnerships, we have tested some individual giving and are planning to host a fundraising Ball in 2026. Experience in fundraising is desirable, with communications experience as essential as this role will ensure strong relationships with Government. 

If you would like to have a short discussion with the CEO before applying please contact Emily Cherry CEO. We are looking to interview shortlisted candidates on the 23rd or 25th February. We are looking for a candidate to start from 1st April or sooner. 

The Multiple System Atrophy Trust (MSA Trust) is the UK and Eire’s leading national charity offering vital support to people affected by MSA – a terminal neurodegenerative disease. 

About the Role

To lead on the Trust’s Policy and Communications work. To ensure our strategy and work in this area is led by the specific needs of people affected by MSA. This will require effective contact between the Trust and people affected by MSA, a range of health and care professionals; in order to develop their engagement in a professional and supportive way. To be an ambassador for change in wider society, working in the best interests of people affected by MSA. To develop and ensure effective external communications and dialogue with people affected by MSA and facilitate positive collaboration with other relevant agencies and policymakers. To co-ordinate marketing and clear messaging to key stakeholders.

To promote the development of this element of work within the MSA Trust, which may include future line management responsibility as the work develops.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work with the CEO, internal teams, Services Committee, and other colleagues to set and deliver an integrated Policy and External Communications strategy for the MSA Trust. 
• Be responsible for the development and delivery of an operational plan with targets and be accountable for the budget in this area.
• Lead on policy and campaigning work, ensuring priorities reflect the views of people with MSA.
• Be responsible for the Trust’s external communications and messaging.  
• Be responsible for ensuring that the development and output of our communications and policy work are inclusive and reflect the diversity of our MSA community.
• Play a key role in the development and effectiveness of national and local voluntary networks that support shared ambitions for the neurology sector.
• Play a key role in the production of MSA News – the Trust’s flagship publication for members.
• Work closely with colleagues to ensure our services are compliant with relevant policies, procedures and relevant legislative frameworks.
• Create positive relationships with MSA Trust colleagues, Trustees, and external networks to share knowledge, insight and evidence.

General Responsibilities

• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the level of the role.
• Embrace diversity and share in the MSA Trust’s commitment to equality of opportunity and to eliminating discrimination.
• Work closely with the Fundraising Team to build fundable propositions and build relationships with supporters.
• Use the charity’s resources efficiently and effectively to ensure that our financial resources are demonstrably used for the benefit of our service users.
• Ensure that information is obtained, used and stored in accordance with our Data Protection and Confidentiality policies.
• Maintain compliance and adherence with all processes to ensure good governance.
• Develop a deep understanding of the issues facing people affected by MSA across the UK and Ireland, including the Health, Social Care and Welfare landscape.

We will not accept applications without a covering statement. Please ensure in your covering letter you mention any dates you might not be available for interview.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

We are looking for someone with excellent communication and organisational skills to support with developing and communicating policy positions that contribute to the charity’s key strategic objectives.

In this dynamic role, you’ll work as a core part of the team and across the wider organisation to coordinate and draft responses to consultations and lead on responding to policy enquiries.

Your ability to influence and work together with others will help you to succeed as Policy Officer to learn from colleagues and external networks in order to contribute to policy positions, confidently represent Diabetes UK and influence others appropriately.

You will also be keen to seek out opportunities to develop your knowledge and skills and have an appetite to develop expert knowledge in particular policy areas.

Join us and be a part of something truly transformative. Together, we can change the narrative around diabetes and make a positive difference to the lives of people impacted by the condition.

We are the Ocean Conservation Trust (OCT), a global Ocean conservation charity working towards a vision of a healthy Ocean for all. From our base at the National Marine Aquarium (NMA) in Plymouth, UK, we deliver conservation at scale through three interconnected pillars: Ocean Habitats, Ocean Advocacy, and Ocean Experiences. We believe that connecting people with the Ocean is key to driving behaviour change and catalysing systemic action for marine recovery.

This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled and purpose-driven Marketing & Communications Officer to join our passionate and committed team. Reporting to the Marketing & Communications Manager, you will develop and deliver the marketing and some of the communication plans and activities across the breadth of OCT’s work.

You’ll support the Marcoms Manager and Head of Advocacy and Engagement, bringing ideas across our OCT programmes that build our profile, generate income via our events, experiences and Learning team, support fundraising, promote the role of our visitor attraction, and amplify the impact of our Ocean conservation work. This role focuses on story-telling and content creation, adapting our key messages to our diverse audiences, driving media engagement and communicating across multiple channels.

As your role will work collaboratively with many departments and stakeholders within the OCT, you will be familiar with tailoring messaging and flexing your ways of working with the relevant department heads and team members to develop and deliver campaigns and activities in a timely manner, some of which also convert into income for the charity.

You’ll be able to demonstrate experience within Marketing or Communications roles. Having experience within conservation or charities would be desirable. You’ll be passionate about our cause, with a positive, can-do attitude and capacity for learning.

You’ll work Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm based at the National Marine Aquarium, in Plymouth. There will be occasions when you’re needed to work weekends and bank holidays to meet business needs, where you will be eligible for TOIL. There may be opportunity for flexibility to work from home on occasion, fitting around work priorities and other team members.  

We offer a competitive salary, continuous training, life assurance, staff discounts and a day off on your birthday and the opportunity to work in an excellent working environment. 

For more information about the role, please download the Job Description and Person Spec.

Salary £26,000 - £29,000 dependent on experience

The closing date for applications is 9am Friday 20th February 2026.

In line with current legislation all applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK. As part of the recruitment process, you will be asked to provide documented evidence of eligibility in the form of a passport, birth certificate or a visa share code. 

The OCT operates an Equality and Diversity Policy and is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community – a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit. All applications will be judged solely on merit, however we particularly welcome applications from groups currently under represented in the workforce.

Only candidates invited for interview will be contacted.

**Closing date changed from 9th to 8th February 2026. Interviewing on a rolling basis so candidates encouraged to apply early**

Role Summary

The (Senior) Communications Manager will lead the development and execution of communications to help us win our campaigns. We are looking for a proactive and hands-on team player, who will build relationships with journalists, securing media hits in top mainstream media, ensuring that communications are a strong part of our strategies to win campaigns.  While the position involves broader communications tasks, its core focus is strategic media work — driving impactful coverage, shaping narratives, and ensuring our investigative campaigns gain global visibility. 

Key Responsibilities (Media-Focused)

• Lead proactive and reactive media outreach for multiple high-profile campaigns.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with international, national, and trade journalists, build and maintain our in-house media list.
• Secure high-impact coverage in top-tier outlets and place investigative stories, exclusives, and op-eds.
• Develop media strategies that amplify campaign findings and influence corporate behaviour and policies.

We are a small team, so this is a hands-on role with the focus on press work, but it also requires managing our key communications channels and our website. The Communications Manager will report directly to the CEO and work closely with the team, as well as manage a social media free-lancer and other communications creatives, such as video-editors.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for an experienced communications professional with at least 7 years’ experience in journalism or in leading successful communications for a non-profit organisation, PR agency, or similar. Ideally, you are a creative, hands-on individual with great inter-personal skills, able to form collaborative working relationships with a variety of different stakeholders, ranging from journalists to creative agencies and our NGO partners.

What we are looking for – Skills & Experience

The successful candidate must have:

• Demonstrable experience personally leading media outreach for major investigations or campaigns, with a proven record of securing top-tier international and national coverage (e.g. Financial Times, Guardian, Reuters, AP, Bloomberg, major broadcasters).
• A strong, active network of journalist contacts, and the confidence and instinct to pick up the phone, pitch stories, brief reporters, and manage embargoed launches under tight deadlines.
• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills in English, with the ability to craft sharp press materials; proficiency in additional languages is an asset.
• Experience coordinating and executing major report launches, working closely with campaigners and partners to shape narratives that cut through, develop media strategies, prepare messaging, and proactively pitch stories to journalists.
• An exceptional eye for detail and an ability to distil complex research into clear, compelling, and accessible media and social-media content.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to balance multiple deadlines, manage fast-moving campaigns, and perform under pressure.
• A creative, strategic mindset, able to think outside the box, introduce innovative communications tactics, and adapt messaging to a rapidly changing external environment.
• Digital fluency, with experience leading online engagement or mobilisation campaigns and an understanding of how digital channels support broader media and campaign goals.
• Willingness and ability to generate regular content to win campaigns, including social media posts, op-eds, blogs, newsletters, and other campaign materials; familiarity with tools such as WordPress, Mailchimp, and Canva.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with a collaborative working style, a growth mindset, and a positive, solution-focused, and proactive approach to communications and relationship-building, both internally and externally.
• A commitment to environmental and social justice, with a passion for using communications to drive meaningful systemic change.

It’s a plus if a candidate has:

• Excellent knowledge of and experience working within the environmental and social impact sectors.
• Good knowledge of the use of creative communication tactics, such as short videos.
• Passion to create narrative shifts on complex social issues and personal interest in countering misinformation and greenwashing.

For full details of the role, person specification and salary, please see the attached job description.

About Changing Markets

The Changing Markets Foundation was formed to accelerate and scale up solutions to sustainability challenges by leveraging the power of markets. We create and run campaigns that expose irresponsible corporate practices and shift market share away from unsustainable products and companies towards environmentally and socially beneficial solutions.

We have a successful track record of achieving media coverage in mainstream publications, which has played a critical role in winning our campaigns. We have been running successful campaigns across climate, food, fashion, and circular economy issues, as well as impactful projects, such as a cross-sectoral greenwashing observatory.

We are a Dutch-based not-for-profit stichting (foundation) registered in Utrecht, but this role is based in our London office. Please note candidates require independent right to work in the UK as we do not offer visa sponsorship.

How to Apply

We are working with Oxford HR to recruit this position and the link to apply will take you to their page and details of the application process. If you have any questions about the role please reach out to Oxford HR in the first instance.

Deadline to apply is close of play on 8th February 2026 but please note we will be interviewing on a rolling basis, so early application is encouraged.

Job Title - Managing Director of Research Programmes (UK)

Contract – Permanent

Hours - 35 hours per week

Salary – Circa £75,000 per annum (negotiable)

Location - Coram Campus, Bloomsbury, with occasional travel and some working from home as agreed

About Coram

Coram, which is the oldest children’s charity, is a group of specialist organisations; we help more than 1 million children and young people from infancy to independence, creating positive change that lasts a lifetime.

Established by Royal Charter in 1739, as the Foundling Hospital, and operating from its distinctive 3.5 acres headquarters in the heart of London, Coram has built a position of insight, influence, and research by working closely with other organisations and other sectors, universities and government, professionals, and families. We have ambitious plans for the future, to be the UK’s leading recognised research organisation, dedicated to improving life chances as the Institute for Children.

About the role

This role works directly with the Chief Executive as a member of the Senior Management Team in achievement of this vision and strategy; it will lead the advancement of the Coram Institute for Children as a UKRI recognised independent research organisation (IRO), drive research capacity and capability, champion and deliver internal and external evaluations, advance Coram’s sector credibility and relationships, and inform and contribute to the group’s reach, relevance and results.

This senior position leads a large team of mixed methods researchers and data analysts and comprises an important opportunity for a credible research leader and experienced charity senior manager who is dynamic and multi-skilled with an entrepreneurial approach to lead the only IRO in the children and young people’s sector.

The successful candidate will have a strong business focus and commitment to translating research findings into policy and practice and direct experience of securing research council funding, or funding from sources such as What Works Centres, local and central government or Trusts and Foundations.

You will be able to work individually, in a team and across the organisation. Strong critical thinking ability, partnership building skills and knowledge, experience and commitment to improving lives of children are essential.

To apply for this role, please visit the Coram website to complete an application. Please note CV’S will not be accepted.

Closing date: 18th February 2026 at 12 noon

Interview date: 26th & 27th February 2026

Coram is an equal opportunities employer and we believe a diverse workforce enables us to improve the services to the children and families we help. We are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from all sections of the community we seek to support. This includes those from global majority ethnic backgrounds, those that identify as LGBQT+, those with disabilities, those with lived experience of care, those with neuro-diversity, and those from other groups who are underrepresented at Coram.

If applicants feel comfortable, we would encourage them to draw on lived experience as well as professional experience in their personal statement as part of their application.

We are committed to the safeguarding of children and where appropriate will require the successful applicant to undertake a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Registered Charity No. 312278.

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Head of Communications to come and join our team providing maternity cover until January 2027 during a period of organisational growth.

Location – This role is mainly working from home with one day a week in our London office (usually a Monday). Occasional travel to our other programme sites (currently Stoke-On-Trent, Redcar, Middlesbrough and Scotland) will also be required.

Salary – Circa £60,000

Employment Type – Fixed term until January 2027, 35 hours per week

Team – Communications team

About you

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate the following:

· Strong experience in strategic communications, ideally within a start-up, growing, complex or place-based organisation.

· Experience setting up and embedding communications functions, including establishing foundations and building approaches as priorities evolve.

· Significant experience in people leadership, including developing others and building a strong, collaborative working culture.

· Experience influencing senior stakeholders and working with an SLT, including supporting government policy, media, funding and influence related activity.

· Strong content, storytelling and copywriting expertise and the ability to communicate a clear organisational narrative.

About the role

The responsibilities of this role include:

· Overseeing and ensuring the delivery of national and local communications strategies and plans, including national content activity and priority local campaigns and stakeholder engagement.

· Leading the set-up and embedding of new place-based communications functions.

· Leading and overseeing the planning and delivery of Thrive at Five’s 2026 Impact Report, communications relating to evaluations and learning, and our fifth-year anniversary, working closely with evaluation and fundraising colleagues.

· Maintaining and strengthening relationships with key national and local stakeholders in line with our communications strategy and goals.

· Providing professional and operational leadership and coaching to the wider Communications team to ensure they deliver to a high standard.

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.

· Hybrid working with one anchor day a week in our central London office near to Victoria train station, coach station and underground.

· 25 annual leave days per year plus bank holidays.

· In addition to your laptop and phone provided by us, you can also receive a £100 contribution towards your home-working set up.

· £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. Applications will be reviewed and shortlisted as they are received. While the closing date is midnight on Wednesday, 18 February 2026, we may close the vacancy earlier if a suitable candidate is identified.