Senior media and public relations officer jobs

Role Summary

Job title: Communications Lead
Contract: Part-time (80% FTE), permanent position 
Location: Hybrid working: office base is at Somerset House, London: we are flexible on approach, within a hybrid model of in-person & virtual. This can be discussed at interview (*) 
Salary: £44k p.a. (pro rata)
Reporting to: Director of Julie’s Bicycle
Start date: Ideally beginning of March 2026 - depending on candidate’s notice period 
Hours: Working hours are 9.30am - 5.30pm, Monday to Friday
(requests for flexible working hours will be considered) 

Other:

• Annual leave is 25 days per year (pro rata) plus standard bank holidays
• Cultural entitlement of £250 per annum (pro rata) to spend on arts/cultural events & activities
• All employees are able to claim 1 hour a week for personal wellbeing
• Pension scheme enrolment and 6% employer contributions (reviewed annually)

(*) Access to office space in London is always available to staff who can't or don't want to work from home. 

If you would like this application pack in a different format (e.g. large print or audio file), please contact us (information in the link provided).

About Julie’s Bicycle (JB)

JB is a leading non-profit putting climate action at the heart of culture. We believe that creativity is a powerful catalyst for change — and that the arts and cultural sector has a vital role to play in building a just, regenerative future.

For over 15 years, we’ve worked with artists, cultural institutions, funders, and policymakers to mobilise creative climate leadership and action through advocacy, research, policy influence, training, path-finding projects and community building. We champion climate justice, centre equity, and believe that environmental solutions must be driven by cultural shifts as well as systems change. For more information on all our programmes, please visit our website.

The Role

We’re seeking a visionary and collaborative Communications Lead to lead the next phase of our communications strategy. This role is about more than messaging — it’s about shaping a compelling and inspiring public voice for creative climate action.

You will be responsible for our brand, storytelling, content strategy, and creative outputs—ensuring that everything we do reflects our values, amplifies our impact, and deepens our reach across the cultural and climate landscape. You’ll also play a key role in supporting our impact including welcoming new cultural organisations, creative practitioners, environmental partners, and funders into our network.

This is a digital-first communications role, with a strong focus on content development, storytelling, and designing varied communication campaigns. You’ll oversee our editorial voice across blogs, email, social media, and digital content. Alongside our Marketing Lead, you will ensure our insights, tools, and narratives are warm, purpose-focused, clear, accessible, and optimised for reach and engagement. You will be someone who thrives on the combination of ambitious strategic thinking and delivering content and projects on the ground.

You will collaborate with partner organisations to co-create communications, support joint campaigns, and ensure our voice is visible and aligned in the broader climate and culture movement. And while press/media remains part of the role, your primary focus will be digital content, brand positioning, and reaching new audiences.

You will be part of a small Marketing and Communications team and work closely with the rest of JB’s 20-person, supportive and mission-driven team.

We encourage people from any background to apply for this post. We are committed to creating a workforce which is representative of our society, and to bringing together those with a variety of skills and experiences to help shape what we do and how we work. We are particularly keen to hear from people of colour and those who self-identify as disabled.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and deliver an inclusive, digital-first communications strategy that positions Julie’s Bicycle as a cultural leader in climate action.
• Work with senior leadership to drive communications that support organisational growth, impact and fundraising, helping to expand our network and deepen engagement with the arts and cultural sector and the climate and environmental movement.
• Embed climate justice and equity throughout our communications, ensuring our language, images, and stories reflect a diverse, accessible, and fair transition.
• Champion our core narrative: putting climate action at the heart of culture.

Brand, Creative & Campaigns

• Lead on brand implementation, ensuring coherence of messaging and tone across all channels and materials.
• Deliver innovative and values-led communications campaigns in collaboration with partners and internal teams. Lead on key messaging, ensuring we are consistent and confident across all our channels.
• Take a data-led approach to maximise impact of our communications.
• Oversee design and creative production for campaigns, reports and digital content, (working alongside our Marketing Lead and with support from external designers/freelancers).
• Ensure communications projects are managed on time and on budget.
• Develop and implement communications for newer target audiences in particular leaders and change-makers across the environmental sector.
• Collaborate with our Marketing Lead to co-develop mar/comms strategies for individual programmes and projects, working closely with our programme leads.

Content & Digital

• Develop engaging, inclusive content across web, blogs, newsletters and social media.
• Shape and oversee editorial calendars that reflect our programmes, partnerships, research, and events.
• Lead on our content management and storytelling strategy.
• Ensure all content is optimised for audience growth, accessibility, and search (SEO), working closely with our Marketing Lead who leads on our overall web and SEO strategy.
• Support on the production of public reports and external briefing materials, ensuring appropriate tone and key messages.
• Manage internal and freelance team members producing social media content.

Partnerships & Profile

• Collaborate with cultural, environmental, and funding partners to co-create shared messaging, campaigns, and communications assets.
• Ensure JB’s story, voice, and impact are clearly represented in all collaborations and public-facing materials.
• Support JB’s role in coalitions and networks by developing communications that reflect collective aims and shared values.
• Work with the JB CEO and programme leads to create and implement a strategy for public-facing thought leadership.

Media & External Relations

• Maintain relationships with relevant journalists and media outlets, responding to media opportunities that align with our strategy.
• Support the Director and other team members with media briefings and public communications as needed.
• When funded opportunities arise, lead liaison with external PR and media consultants.

Team & Collaboration

• Line manage / support the management of the Marketing and Communications Coordinator.
• Work closely with all internal teams — partnership, consultancy, research, advocacy, programmes — to align messaging and amplify impact.
• Contribute to organisational learning, planning, and shared values.
• Support the implementation and day to day running of JB’s new CRM.
• With the Marketing Lead, strengthen internal editorial and brand sign off processes for publications, media releases and key content.
• Support impact measurement and communication of impact.

Person Specification

Essential

• Substantial experience in a senior communications role, ideally within the cultural, environmental, or non-profit sectors.
• Significant experience in designing and delivering successful communications strategies.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with a track record of developing clear, creative, and inclusive content.
• Strong experience in campaign development, brand implementation, visual storytelling, and communications project management.
• Knowledge of content strategy, SEO, and audience engagement across digital platforms.
• Demonstrable ability to embed equity, diversity, and commitment to climate justice into communications practice.
• Collaborative and confident communicator with experience working across teams and with external partners.
• Strategic thinker with a commitment to Julie’s Bicycle’s mission and values.
• Strong design aesthetic and use of design skills (e.g. Adobe Creative Cloud suite and Canva).
• Strong project management skills: the ability to meet deadlines and work flexibly across priorities in a fast-changing environment.
• Attention to detail and excellent proof reading.

Desirable

• Familiarity with climate and/or cultural policy environments.
• Experience working with funders, public bodies, or large-scale cultural partnerships.
• PR and media relations experience and contacts across digital and print channels
• Design, photography, or multimedia experience (or managing those with those skills).
• Experience contributing to organisational growth and development through communications.

Why Join Us?

At Julie’s Bicycle, you’ll join a passionate team working at the intersection of creativity and climate action. We offer a collaborative, inclusive, and flexible working culture — where your voice will shape how the cultural sector responds to one of the greatest challenges of our time. 

How to Apply

If you’d like to apply, please complete the application form and equal opportunities monitoring form on our website and submit these by 11.59pm on Sunday 18th Jan 2026.

We are committed to being an Equal Opportunities Employer; we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, gender, disability, culture, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.

Please note, this post is open to people who already have the right to live and work in the UK, as Julie’s Bicycle is not currently in a position to sponsor a work visa.

A note on AI

While we understand that some people may use AI tools for accessibility (and recognise and support that many assistive technologies may use elements of AI), we ask candidates to consider what tools are most appropriate during the application process. For example, we recognise the value for many people of machine learning language tools like Grammarly. On the other hand we would discourage the use of generative AI tools in writing your application, as we'd like to understand your personal interest in working for Julie's Bicycle, and be able to understand your non-AI-assisted communication skills just as they are. We also recognise that for many of the people and creative communities we work with, the rise of generative AI poses a threat to their livelihoods, while the environmental impacts of AI are only set to grow: this means we also have a responsibility as Julie's Bicycle to consider where and when (and if) we use AI in our work. 

Thank you for your interest in working at Julie’s Bicycle.

This is an exciting opportunity to steer Asylum Aid at an important time in its 30-year existence. As Executive Director you will be responsible for delivering on our strategy for impact. You will oversee our work to increase access to expert, trauma-informed legal representation to those in the asylum, trafficking and statelessness systems and lead our policy and strategic legal work to achieve systemic change that contributes towards our vision.

You will line manage the Director of Legal Casework to oversee the provision of supportive and enabling leadership to Asylum Aid caseworkers so that they can continue to deliver high quality expert advice in complex cases, while being supported in their professional development and wellbeing. You will also manage and develop the work of our welfare advice team within the Westminster Advice Services Partnership and beyond, and work collaboratively with colleagues in the sector to build capacity and increase our impact. 

The ideal candidate, who may be legally qualified, will have experience of leadership in the charity/NGO sector and a sound understanding of the asylum, human rights and trafficking processes in the UK and the legal frameworks which govern the protection of refugees, survivors of trafficking and stateless people, and of the role of law in achieving system change.

We are looking for someone who is strategically minded and passionate about providing supportive and inclusive leadership to our expert team. You will be committed to our objectives and to the role which expert legal representation plays in enabling people in need of protection in the UK to obtain it.

As is the nature of this sector, the role may be exposed to a high volume of traumatic and distressing material and, whilst they will be supported by the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO and surrounding team, the candidate should also be able to demonstrate knowledge of good self-care principles in an intense work environment and dissemination of those principles to junior members of the team.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership and strategy

·Be responsible, with the support of the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO, for the development, implementation and monitoring of Asylum Aid’s organisational strategy

·Provide leadership and strategic direction at Asylum Aid in accordance with its aims and objectives, with the support of the Director of Legal Casework

·Act as external spokesperson for Asylum Aid, maintaining and strengthening Asylum Aid’s position as a leader in the refugee rights, statelessness and legal aid sectors;

·Work collaboratively with others in the sector to promote and strengthen Asylum Aid’s work, identify and establish potential partnerships, with the support of the Director of Legal Casework;

·Work collaboratively with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO and Executive Leadership team to drive the implementation of the Group strategic framework;

·Ensure that all reporting and monitoring requirements are met to support fundraising, contract compliance and monitoring strategic impact;

·Support the cross collaboration of the Asylum Aid team with the Helen Bamber Foundation team and play an active part in the management of the Helen Bamber Foundation Group.

Governance  

·Act as the Data Protection Supervisor with responsibility for data protection and cyber security within Asylum Aid

·Together with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO and designated safeguarding leads, be responsible for child and adult safeguarding within Asylum Aid

·In collaboration with the Director of Legal Casework, ensure compliance by Asylum Aid with all legal and regulatory obligations, including the Legal Aid Agency contract, the Immigration Advice Authority and Solicitors Regulation Authority;

·Lead on the preparation and presentation of quarterly reports on Asylum Aid’s activities, strategy and risks to the Asylum Aid Board, the Finance and Fundraising Committee and the People and Governance Committee;

·Lead on the preparation of the Trustees’ annual report and ensure that monitoring and evaluation systems are adequate to enable reporting on Asylum Aid’s activities and impact.

Management and Supervision 

·Responsible for line management of the Director of Legal Casework and Welfare Advice service coordinator, and other team supervisors as required;

·Together with the Group Director of People, responsible for Human Resources and implementation of the People Strategy within Asylum Aid, including development and implementation of HR policies and procedures;

·Together with the Director of Legal Casework and team supervisors, drive the effective management and supervision of the Asylum Aid team and ensure that they comply with relevant professional standards and accreditation;

·Foster a supportive and inclusive team culture at Asylum Aid in which each member feels valued and supported to develop professionally and to perform to the best of their ability;

·Ensure the team’s well-being and that self-care practices are established and work in tandem with the Director of Legal Casework and supervisors to ensure trauma-informed ways of working.

Policy & Strategic Legal Work

·Together with the Group Director of Policy, identify policy priorities and coordinate the preparation of evidence and briefings drawing on Asylum Aid’s experience and expertise to influence system change;

·Build and maintain relationships and partnerships with sector colleagues to support joint strategic engagement including policy advocacy and strategic legal work;

·Work closely with the Director of Legal Casework and team supervisors to drive changes in the UK asylum, trafficking and statelessness systems through strategic legal work.

Finance & Fundraising

·Work closely with the CEO and the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Finance Team to set and manage budget(s) and general financial matters for Asylum Aid

·Together with the Director of Legal Casework and the Group Finance Team, establish systems for monitoring legal aid Work In Progress and billing, and securing casework income including legal aid, and inter partes income from judicial review cases;

·Work closely with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Fundraising and Communications Team to secure funding for Asylum Aid from a range of sources including trusts and foundations, corporate philanthropy and major donors;

·Ensure that Legal Aid and other income is maximised, and targets are achieved.                                   

Other duties

·Manage the recruitment and supervision of volunteers where necessary in collaboration with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Volunteers Coordinator;

·Support the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Facilities team to ensure the smooth running of the office and that the facilities meet the needs of Asylum Aid;

·Work outside normal office hours as required and travel in order to carry out the responsibilities of the post.

·To undertake any task that may be requested from time to time that may be consistent with the nature and scope of this post.

Essential Experience, Skills and Knowledge

•Experience of running a small to medium sized charity/legal NGO and/or legal department within the NGO sector (or other equivalent senior management role);

•Demonstrable experience of managing and leading a successful team and the ability to manage a growing team with mixed roles from team supervisors to administrative support staff, working co-operatively with colleagues to maintain transparency and effective working relationships within the team;

•Strong communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with people from a wide range of backgrounds

•Strong understanding of good governance including legal, regulatory and financial responsibilities;

•Ability to work with a range of stakeholders from trustees to external partners;

•Experience of leading and/or participating in organisational strategic planning;

·Experience of legal policy work within the human rights field and /or of strategic litigation, whether as an NGO claimant or legal representative;

•Experience of managing diverse funding sources and setting and implementing budgets;

•Experience of working in a service delivery partnership with other organisations;

•Experience of fundraising, especially grants from trusts and foundations;

•Sound working knowledge of the law and policy as it relates to immigration,  asylum, human rights and modern slavery/trafficking;

•Demonstrable understanding of the asylum and human rights sector in the UK;

•An understanding of the barriers migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers face regarding access to legal advice, reasons why they may become destitute and why this makes it more difficult to access advice and support; and

•The passion for working empathetically and supportively with migrants, refugees, stateless people and asylum seekers.

Desirable Experience

·Experience of managing the delivery of frontline casework with people in the asylum or trafficking systems

·Experience of tendering for and delivering publicly funded contracts e.g. LAA or local authority funding;

·Working knowledge of Legal Aid Agency contracts, including the delivery of casework and billing under a legal aid contract in the immigration and asylum category and/or the public law category;

How to apply 

The first stage is to complete on our online application form on our website by 10am on Monday 26th January 2026.

The website form will ask you to:

1.Upload a short covering letter. Please tell us why the position appeals to you, and how your relevant skills and experience, including any voluntary experience and lived experience, matches the listed responsibilities and person specification. Please also state in your covering letter when you would be available to start the role.

2.Upload your current CV

3.Complete an online Equal Opportunities monitoring form – completion of this form will help us ensure that our recruitment procedures operate in such a way as to provide genuine equality of opportunity. The questions are entirely optional, and this information will not be available to members of the selection panel.

For an informal conversation about the post before applying, please contact Alison Pickup, the current Executive Director.

Selection Process

We will invite candidates to an initial online interview on Tuesday 10th or Wednesday 11th February, followed by shortlisted candidates attending in-person interviews at our office in Old Street on Tuesday 24th or Wednesday 25th February.

We offer a guaranteed initial interview for refugees, stateless people and others with lived experience of forced migration, provided that they provide some evidence of relevant experience or skills in relation to the essential criteria.

We regret that we can only respond to applicants who make it to the interview stage.

Eligibility

Please note that the successful candidate must have the right to work in the UK (as a small charity we do not have the capacity to sponsor work visas).

Successful candidates will also be subject to a basic DBS check. If appointed, you will also be required to give your consent to the charity to receive regular updates on your criminal records status throughout your employment and to disclose any relevant convictions incurred during your time with us.

Adjustments

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. If you require a different format of the application form, such as large print or Word format, or if you would like to discuss any specific requirements, please get in touch with us.

EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

Our commitment to principles of equity, diversity and inclusion is an integral part of our approach to our clients, our volunteers and our staff, and we are an equal opportunities and Living Wage employer.

We are committed to attracting and recruiting diverse candidates because we are keen to make sure that our staff, trustees, volunteers and ambassadors reflect the communities we serve and the wider community we work in.

We genuinely welcome and encourage applications from candidates from a range of backgrounds, especially people of colour, people with disabilities, people from low socio-economic backgrounds, refugees, stateless people and others with lived experience of forced migration or trauma and of the housing and welfare system, who are under-represented in our organisation.

We recognise and value the role of lived experience in meeting the needs of our clients and acknowledge the under-representation of people with lived experience of forced migration and statelessness in the advice sector. We value experience gained overseas as well as in the UK.

We are also proud to be a member of the Experts by Experience Employment Network which aims to increase representation of people with lived experience in the charitable sector.

If you are an expert by experience (a refugee or a migrant with direct, first-hand experience of issues and challenges of the UK asylum or immigration system), you can ask for an independent and confidential support for your job application from the Experts by Experience Employment Network and access other information and resources which may help in preparing your job application.

Please complete the form on their website to request support and they will confirm if they can match you with a mentor to support your application.

Starting salary in the range of:  £33,141 to £35,855

Working pattern: Full-time (35 hours per week) - some out of hours work may be required for events. 

Pension: USS

Annual leave: 25 days plus bank holidays, 3 well-being days per year (leave), an extended Christmas closure, and an employee benefits package.

Location: Hybrid and flexible working (core hours between 10am-3pm); split between remote working and our office based in central London with occasional UK-wide travel. There is a mandatory, in-person team day once a month in our office near Euston and expected attendance at relevant in-person events (typically up to 5 days per month).

Reports to: Director of Operations and Membership

 

Purpose:

The Events and Communications Officer will be responsible for supporting both membership events and communications activities.  The ECO will work with both the Communications Manager and the Membership and Events Manager to ensure membership data is up-to-date, to track membership engagement, to support the organising and delivery of our events, and to craft and broadcast digital content and media outputs.  This role requires a proactive, dynamic, and driven individual with excellent communication skills, an understanding of event management, confidence and experience using CRM databases and Excel, along with social media skills and an ability to spot new media opportunities. The ideal candidate will be highly organised, confident and adept with CRM systems, and enthusiastic about delivering excellent service to members whilst helping to promote the organisation's work across digital channels.

Key Responsibilities

Membership and Events Support

1. Working closely with the Membership and Events Manager to deliver  strategies for recruiting, retaining, and engaging members. 

2. Maintain and update the CRM system, ensuring accurate records and consistent data standards.

3. Support the processing of membership applications, renewals, and enquiries in a timely and professional manner. 

4. Support the organising and execution of member events, such as network and consortium meetings and other engagement activities as needed.

5. Support with the preparation of regular reports on membership numbers, trends and engagement activities. 

6. Work  closely with the Communications Manager and Membership and Events Manager to design, distribute, and collate the annual member survey.

7. Input membership invoices and payments into Xero or relevant systems.

Communications Support

1. Support a comprehensive media strategy set out by the Comms Manager to promote the organisation's mission and activities.

2. Manage planned activities on all social media platforms, including content creation and community engagement.

3. Proofread and distribute press releases, newsletters, and other communication materials.

4. Maintain and update the organisation's website with relevant news and content.

5. Managing the press inbox.

6. Monitor media coverage and help prepare reports on media performance.

7. Create engaging content for various platforms.

The postholder will also be expected to:

1. Actively support the delivery of the GuildHE strategy.

2. To contribute positively to a small, professional team focused on delivering excellence in their members’ interests.

3. Support GuildHE events and communication activities as appropriate - including campaigns, writing articles, blogs and press releases.

4. Build strong relationships with key stakeholders at HE institutions, including senior leaders, academics, and professional services staff.

5. Gather feedback from HE institutions and use this to inform the continuous improvement of our services.

6. Demonstrate a proactive approach to embedding EDI principles within all policy development and advocacy efforts.

7. Represent GuildHE externally on a range of HE sector groups and projects where appropriate. 

8. Deputise for the Membership and Events manager, and the Communications manager as appropriate.

9. Undertake any other reasonable duties as may be required.

Person Specification

Core Skills:

• Strong written and verbal communication.

• Excellent organisational and time management.

• Proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Office, CRM systems, and graphic design tools (such as Canva or Adobe Creative Suite). 

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Ability to coordinate multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

• An ability to build relationships within our team, with members and with media contacts.

• Understanding of current media trends and best practices.

Core Attributes

• Able to meet deadlines, to prioritise work and to anticipate issues and problems with strong attention to detail

• Be self-motivated and communicative with colleagues, with the ability to support the wider team when required in a flexible and dynamic working environment.

• An individual who shares our values of equity and inclusion and can translate these values into day to day work and impactful outcomes.

Ideal Education: Bachelor's degree/ relevant experience and training in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Business Administration, or a related field.

Ideal Experience:

• At least one (1) year’s experience in membership support, communications, or an administrative role. 

• Proven experience in social media management and content creation.

• Experience with CRM software and email marketing platforms.

• Experience in the tertiary or higher education sector.

• Experience with invoicing/ payment systems (e.g. Xero, QuickBooks, and the like). 

Title: Capacity Development Officer 

Type: Employee (100%)

The contract will be managed by a third party (Remote) that will act as the legal employer, handling payroll and compliance, while specifying the applicable British employment conditions (right to work, working conditions).

Contract duration: Permanent contract

Reporting to: Capacity Development Senior Manager

Start date: March 2026

Location: UK based with valid work permit – home based with co-working space access

Application deadline: 23 January 2026

About the NCD Alliance

The NCD Alliance (NCDA) is a global civil society alliance of 400+ civil society members across 80 countries dedicated to supporting a world free from preventable suffering, disability and death caused by noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Over 14 years, NCDA has built a reputation as a leading global advocacy organisation on NCDs, a globalthought leader on NCD policy and practice, a convener and mobiliser of the NCD civil society movement, a partner togovernments and WHO and other UN agencies, and an advocate for meaningful involvement of people living with NCDs (PLWNCDs). Please find more information about the NCD Alliance in our website.

Job description

The Capacity Development unit seeks an officer to support the implementation of the Advocacy Institute programme.The Advocacy Institute is a flagship programme of the NCDA that strengthens NCD civil society with a focus on coalition building and advocacy. It includes Seed, Accelerator and Regional tracks reflecting the different levels of readiness of alliances and their needs. The Seed track supports the establishment and strengthening of NCD civil society networks incountries/regions where these are non-existent or nascent. The Accelerator track works with established NCD alliances to spur advocacy efforts where there are windows of opportunity for specific policy change. The Regional track supports coalition building, advocacy and accountability opportunities of regional alliances. The programme supports selectedgeographies via a combination of grants, technical assistance, peer-to-peer learning, and training; the position will also support the delivery of such offerings.

The Capacity Development Officer will support the roll-out of the Seed and Accelerator tracks, currently in the last year of the Advocacy Institute third phase 2024-2026, and its work with different national alliances aiming to increase the capacity of NCD alliances to drive effective locally-owned advocacy campaigns. In 2026, the officer will also support the evaluation process for the third phase and the design and scoping of the Advocacy Institute fourth phase. 
 

Core responsibilities:

•Support the roll out of Advocacy Institute particularly the seed and accelerator tracks in their different components: grants, technical support, and trainings.

•Support the CD unit in grant management duties, including grantee communications, revision of technical and financial proposals, grant award and grantee reporting.

•Support the organisation of the Advocacy Institute trainings, webinars and events as required, includingparticipant support, administrative functions, supporting curriculum development, and evaluation.

·Support the evaluation process of the third phase of the Advocacy Institute (2024-2026).

·Support the scoping of the fourth phase of the Advocacy Institute.

·Leverage NCDA expertise providing technical assistance to alliances and facilitating networking opportunities, enable access to NCDA expertise, advocacy advice and support, and also access to a broader network of advocates who can provide peer-to-peer support.

•Support the provision of written content to promote regional and national activity through NCD Alliancecommunication channels, including social media and website.

•Support the maintenance of regular communications with national NCD alliances for advocacy and network updates.

•Support the maintenance of an updated contacts database of regional and national NCD alliances.

•Support the development of research and knowledge products as needed (e.g., civil society mappings,guides, reports, programme documentation, etc.).

•Support the maintenance of up-to-date Capacity Development content in the NCDA website.

•Handle administrative responsibilities in support of Capacity Development activities as needed.

•Support the mobilisation of regional and national NCD alliances in support of global advocacy campaigns,including Global Week for Action, and any other opportunities.

Required competencies:

·Advanced university degree in public health, international relations, public policy, or similar, with a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience in the non-profit area.

·Demonstrated interest and understanding of global health and development; policy-oriented research and advocacy, knowledge of NCDs would be ideal, particularly on aspects related to NCD prevention (e.g., alcohol control, food policies, environmental health/air pollution) and control (e.g. access to medicines, Universal health coverage, primary health care, NcDs/HIV integration) and NCD financing. Health policy and/or public health background is preferred.

·International work experience is highly desired, as well as professional knowledge of research, advocacy, policy and/or programmes.

·Excellent organisational and strategic planning skills and ability to successfully manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.

·Capacity to work independently and collaboratively in an international team environment with solid interpersonal and verbal communication skills.

·Excellent judgment, strategic thinker, initiative taker.

·Excellent analysis, writing and oral communications skills in English – foreign language skills are a plus (Spanish and/or French).

·Solid knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).

·Availability for international travel (10%; as needed)

Diversity and inclusion are a priority at the NCD Alliance. We are committed to cultivating a fair and healthy environment, where everyone can be themselves and thrive. We are happy to discuss flexible working options for all roles.We work to ensure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible to everyone.

Closing date for applications: 23 January 2026. We regret that we are only able to contact shortlisted candidates

Thank you for taking the time to explore the role of Marketing and Communications Manager at the Family Holiday Charity. We're here to help families facing some of life's toughest challenges to experience the anticipation, joy and impact of a break from the day to day. Can you help us spread the word?

This role is an important one to help us build brand and awareness around our mission and goals  - in simple terms, helping more families to get away and ensuring that every family has the chance to go on holiday.

At its heart, this role is about storytelling and our ability to tell stories that capture hearts and minds. Taking ownership of the full story capture and storytelling process, you'll use this output to help build our brand, fundraise and tell our advocacy story. What's new for us in this role is PR - it's just not something we've done before, so you'll build relationships, networks and opportunities with earned media. You'll work with talented fundraisers, partnership builders and operational delivery colleagues to ensure we're sharing a cohesive and coherent message that supports all our audience goals and targets. And you'll get to work with a talented Comms Officer who delivers on our social, email and web activities. 

This role is key to helping us make sure we're doing our best for families and putting our best foot forward every time. 

It's a varied and fast-paced role (Comms roles are, right!?) that means you'll be involved in planning, creating and managing activities, so you'll need to have some awesome planning skills and be good with interpersonal relationships.

We're a small but flexible team - just like our approach to work. This is a hybird role, and you'll need to come into the office periodically (but none of that performative days a week nonsense!).

It's vital that you're happy and confident in making your next career move, so let's take the time to chat if you'd like to!

The Director of Communications is an exciting new leadership role with ambitious charity that is working to tackle the challenge of physical inactivity and inequalities in access to options to be active. You will be contributing to improving the health outcomes and lives of the people of Lincolnshire.

Working closely with the CEO and senior leadership team, this role will lead our strategic communications approach - shaping powerful narratives that articulate impact, influence system-level change and champion the role of physical activity in tackling inequalities across Lincolnshire.

The role has the following core purpose:

• Set and lead the organisation’s strategic communications approach, ensuring audiences are clearly defined, understood, and engaged.
• Shape and govern the organisation and sector narrative, using communications to articulate impact and create advocacy for inclusive systemic change around physical activity.
• Develop and oversee system-wide communications strategies, fostering collaboration and change at scale through cross-sector partnerships.
• Lead strategic stakeholder stewardship, building and maintaining long-term relationships that influence system-level change and galvanise system partners around a shared narrative.
• Drive monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) for communications, using data and insights to demonstrate impact and inform future direction.
• Provide inclusive leadership, inspiring and developing the communications team, being a senior leader in the organisation, embedding a values-driven, learning culture.

The role will enhance the positioning of the organisation and the wider impact of physical activity, through clear and compelling messages and storytelling.

You will need an exceptional ability to translate complex insight into clear strategic messaging, identify opportunities for influence, and create system-wide approaches to communications that drive meaningful change. You will be proactive, innovative and able to respond quickly and appropriately in a shifting environment.

You will bring extensive experience in senior level stakeholder engagement and stewardship, nurturing and developing relationships that enable Active Lincolnshire to further influence opportunities to shift the system and make a difference in tackling the inequalities that exist.

You will have the ability to influence and advocate. Using your excellent communication skills, combined with insight you will create deep and meaningful narratives championing the physical activity sector, the benefits of being active and the contribution it makes to wider community and economic opportunities and to promote the options to be active in the county.

An outcome focused approach is key, ensuring there are robust measures in place to understand and evaluate the impact of our work.

Reward Package:

• Circa. £50,000 per annum depending on experience
• 25 days annual leave, plus all bank holidays and 3 days during the Christmas week (Total c.36 days per annum).
• ‘Celebration day’; additional day for an occasion / birthday / event (subject to annual review)
• Westfield Health private healthcare
• Cycle to work scheme
• Flexible working approach
• Time to be active in the working week
• Team away days
• Personal development and training opportunities
• Time in the working week to volunteer
• Employer contribution pension scheme
• Employee wellbeing policy
• Contribution to making a difference to the lives of people in Lincolnshire

Deadline for applications is Sunday 18 January 2026
Interviews will be held at the Active Lincolnshire office in Lincoln the week commencing Monday 26 January.

Benefits: 39 days annual leave (including bank holidays), company pension

Lead. Inspire. Serve. Transform Lives.

Are you a Christian leader with a heart for young people and a passion for community transformation?

Do you believe in the God-given value and potential of every person?

Are you ready to guide one of the country’s oldest and most trusted Christian youth movements into its next chapter?

YMCA North Staffordshire is seeking an exceptional Christian Chief Executive Officer to lead our mission, embody our values, and continue shaping a movement that is transforming the lives of thousands of young people and families.

With a proud 160-year history and an award-winning campus at the heart of Stoke-on-Trent, this is a rare opportunity to lead a charity that is deeply rooted in Christian faith, committed to radical inclusion, and driven by a vision where all young people can belong, contribute and thrive.

Our Christian Vision and Values

YMCA North Staffordshire is an inclusive Christian movement.

Our mission flows directly from our faith and is grounded in four core values:

PROTECT

We provide sanctuary and safety, ensuring every young person feels seen, valued, and respected.

HOPE

We see young people not through the lens of their past, but their God-given potential.

PERSEVERE

We walk with young people through challenges, setbacks, and breakthroughs.

TRUST

We act with integrity, accountability, and belief in the dignity of every human being.

Because these values are Christian in origin and practice, and because the CEO is the guardian of our mission, this role has a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) for the postholder to be a practising Christian.

 About the Role

Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the CEO will lead an organisation of 130 staff, a £5m+ budget, and a £35m estate, helping strengthen community through youth development, education, housing, healthy living, and social responsibility.

The next CEO will:

• Provide strategic leadership to deliver the 2026–2029 Business Plan
• Champion youth voice and empowerment in all areas of work
• Sustain and grow financial strength, partnerships, and social enterprise
• Uphold and deepen our Christian identity, ensuring values-led practice
• Drive innovation, digital transformation, and organisational development
• Represent YMCA NS locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally
• Be a visible advocate for young people in Stoke-on-Trent
• Strengthen our “village” culture: welcoming, relational, rooted in Ubuntu and Asset-Based Community Development principles (ABCD).

Purpose of the Role

To lead YMCA North Staffordshire in fulfilling its Christian mission, as described in the Associations charitable objectives 

We develop young people; they develop their world.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic leadership in alignment with Board governance
• Upholding Christian ethos, values, and culture across the organisation
• Financial stewardship, compliance, and sustainability
• Community development and partnership building
• Youth advocacy and empowerment
• Oversight of housing, programmes, and impact measurement
• Staff leadership, pastoral care, and organisational culture
• External representation and communications

 Person Specification – Summary

Knowledge

• Housing, youth services, and community development
• Charity law, governance, safeguarding
• Understanding of Christian ministry, mission, and values
• Organisational development and change leadership

Experience

• Senior leadership in values-led or Christian settings
• Track record of strategic development and organisational growth
• Experience working with young people, housing, or community sectors
• Experience nurturing Christian ethos across a diverse organisation

Skills & Abilities

• Inspirational leadership and people development
• Strategic planning and delivery
• Excellent communicator and ambassador
• Partnership building and stakeholder engagement
• Ability to articulate and embody Christian faith
• Deep commitment to Christian values and the Aims & Purposes of the YMCA

 The Leader We Are Looking For

The landscape for young people is changing — and so must we.

We need a CEO who is:

• Faith-filled and prayerful
• Values-driven and courageous
• Relational, compassionate, and community-minded
• A champion of excellence, innovation, and good governance
• Grounded in Christian mission and committed to radical inclusion
• Able to inspire hope, build trust, and persevere through challenge

As George Williams, YMCA’s founder, said:

“You are not alone, and you can be more.”

Our next CEO must believe this not only for themselves — but for every young person we serve.

How to apply

An application pack can be found at the YMCA North Staffordshire website. This role is subject to enhanced DBS and reference checks.

Key Recruitment Dates

• Closing Date: 18th January 2026
• Interviews: Week commencing 9th February 2026

We are a safe recruitment Organisation and an Equal Opportunities Employer, we run the disability confident guaranteed interview scheme.

We are an organisation with Christian values, committed to Equality and Diversity in the Workplace. YMCA is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

Job overview

In this dynamic role, you'll provide strategic and operational leadership to grow our income streams to £2 million annually and beyond, while maintaining low costs and embedding innovation through AI-driven insights, digital fundraising, and creative projects.

Oversee governance, financial management, grants, lotteries, major donor stewardship, marketing, and a high-performing team, ensuring compliance with regulatory bodies and delivering measurable social value. If you're a visionary leader with a passion for NHS charities, proven fundraising expertise, and the agility to handle hands-on operations—from event planning to risk management—apply now to drive meaningful change and represent us on national stages.

Flexible working with office presence required frequent travel between sites essential.

We kindly request that applicants submit a one-page cover letter along with a curriculum vitae (CV) not exceeding two pages in length when applying. 

Main duties of the job

The Charity Director is responsible for driving the purpose and impact of Frimley Health Charity (FHC), ensuring the charity delivers meaningful benefits to patients, staff, and the wider community. The role combines strategic leadership with active operational involvement, across income growth and translating the charity’s vision into practical initiatives and improvements. The postholder will develop and implement a plan to deliver on the newly agreed FHC strategy to grow income streams, maximise impact, and maintain low operating costs, while also engaging directly in day-to-day operations to ensure the charity runs smoothly and efficiently.

In addition to strategic planning, the Charity Director undertakes hands-on tasks such as financial management, data analysis, market research, process improvement, and reporting to the Charitable Funds Committee and Trust Board. The role involves leading a small, high-performing team, supporting staff in their day-to-day work, and maintaining a culture of collaboration and accountability. The postholder also engages directly with patients, staff, donors, and community partners, and oversees marketing, communications, creative projects, and wellbeing initiatives, ensuring that all activities align to the charity’s purpose. The charity aims to generate an income of £2 million per annum and there is an expectation of the postholder to grow the charity over the coming years.

Community and Challenge Event Officer
Salary: £24,000 per annum
Location: Hybrid – London EC1Y/Home

Join MQ and help transform mental health research.

Challenge and community fundraising plays a vital role in MQ’s mission – generating repeat, sustainable income and connecting supporters to the heart of our work.

We’re now looking for an ambitious, creative, and highly motivated Community & Challenge Events Fundraising Officer to help us make the most of this moment.

You’ll help deliver exceptional stewardship to our fundraisers, build strong relationships, and support the creation of an exciting events calendar. If you love people, thrive in a fast-paced environment and want to develop your career in fundraising, we’d love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with the Community & Challenge Events Manager to deliver tailored supporter journeys and outstanding stewardship for community and challenge event fundraisers.
• Support the Fundraising & Marketing Officer with stewarding leads and enquiries generated through advertising and outreach.
• Manage community fundraising and challenge event registrations via the MQ website and platforms such as JustGiving.
• Assist with creating engaging marketing and stewardship materials for community and challenge event supporters.
• Contribute to developing new ideas and opportunities that inspire supporters and grow income for mental health research.

Key Activities

• Build and maintain strong, rewarding relationships with MQ fundraisers.
• Work closely with Marketing colleagues to develop compelling content and materials.
• Keep all challenge event listings on the MQ website up to date.
• Respond to social media messages and moderate supporter comments as needed.
• Attend challenge and community events (including some evenings and weekends) to represent MQ and support participants.
• Serve as a key point of contact for third-party event organisers.
• Manage enquiries and registrations from community and challenge event fundraisers.
• Identify and cultivate new fundraising opportunities with schools, colleges, universities, and wider community groups.
• Keep MQ’s database accurate and up to date, working closely with the Senior Data Officer to ensure correct income coding.
• Arrange and send supporter packs and fundraising materials throughout the supporter journey.
• Provide wider team support as required.

Person Specification

We're looking for someone with:

• Experience of fundraising through challenge events or community fundraising.
• Strong communication skills – both written and verbal.
• Ability to build rapport quickly and manage a varied supporter portfolio.
• Creative thinker with the ability to generate and develop new ideas.
• Highly organised, with excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Confident using digital platforms, CRM databases and social media.
• A positive team player who brings energy and initiative.

Why Join MQ?

We offer a great working experience within a friendly team. Hybrid working (in the London office Mondays and Tuesdays, with the remaining days from home). We are located near Barbican Tube.

Plus, we offer lots of generous benefits and training opportunities.

We're a Sunday Times Top Company to work for.

Closing date:4th January 2026.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

We believe in equality and inclusion and we welcome job applications from everyone, provided you meet the criteria for the job.

No agencies please.

The Brain & Spine Foundation is seeking a Fundraising-Focused CEO to take the helm of our charity at a moment of growth and opportunity. This is a rare chance to shape the future of a national charity, driving income, influence and impact for the 1 in 6 people in the UK affected by neurological conditions.

As Fundraising Focused CEO, you will combine leadership with personal fundraising delivery, building high-value relationships, diversifying income streams, and raising the charity’s profile. Working closely with a committed Board and a passionate team, you will lead a trusted organisation into its next chapter to ensure more people than ever can access vital information, support and hope when they need it most.

Deadline for applications

Sunday 11th January

Interviews with Brain & Spine Foundation

w/c 19th January

This is an exceptional opportunity to join Belong’s Senior Leadership Team as Director of Policy & Research, a role that sits at the heart of our mission to shape national conversations on cohesion and integration. You will lead Belong’s policy development, research strategy, and national partnerships, ensuring our work is grounded in robust evidence and lived experience. This position offers the chance to influence systemic change, amplify Belong’s voice with policymakers and opinion formers, and ensure our insights drive real-world impact.

As Director of Policy & Research, you will:

• Lead the development of Belong’s policy and research agenda, aligning it with organisational strategy and national priorities.
• Produce high-quality policy outputs, including reports, briefings, consultation responses, and thought leadership pieces.
• Oversee the design and delivery of research projects, including commissioning and partnership work, ensuring rigor and inclusivity.
• Translate research findings into actionable policy recommendations and advocacy strategies.
• Foster strong collaboration between the Policy & Research team and Programme Delivery team, ensuring insights inform both policy and practice.
• Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians, journalists, and opinion formers.
• Represent Belong externally at high-level meetings, events, and in the media, amplifying our impact and reach.
• Develop strategic messaging and narratives that position Belong as a thought leader in social cohesion.
• Support campaigns and public engagement initiatives that promote Belong’s policy goals.
• Contribute to organisational development, strategic planning, and income generation through proposal development and funder engagement.
• Line manage policy and research staff, providing leadership, support, and professional development.

This is a senior leadership role for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and wants to drive systemic change at scale.

About You
We are seeking a strategic and insightful leader with:

• Proven experience in policy development and research leadership.
• Experience working in or with government, think tanks, or advocacy organisations.
• Strong understanding of social policy and influencing processes.
• Knowledge of cohesion, integration, and community relations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including media engagement and public speaking.
• Ability to translate complex research into accessible policy messages.
• Familiarity with participatory and applied research methods.
• Strong strategic thinking and planning abilities.
• Relevant qualification in public policy, social research, or a related field.
• Experience managing teams and budgets, and supporting income generation through fundraising and proposal development.

Personal Qualities

• Passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK.
• Strategic and visionary thinker.
• Collaborative and inclusive leader.
• Politically astute and intellectually curious.
• Practical, focused, and reliable.
• Committed to personal and professional development.

Why Join Us?
At Belong, you’ll be part of a dynamic, values-driven team united by a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and connected society. We offer:

• 30 days’ annual leave
• Hybrid working (typically 3 days in the office)
• Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies
• 3% pension contribution
• Opportunities for professional development and growth

Join us and help shape national policy and research that builds stronger, kinder, and more connected communities across the UK.

Salary: £65,000–£70,000
Location: UK-wide (regular travel across England and Wales)
Contract: Permanent, Full-time

About Belong
Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is the UK’s leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to building a more united and less divided society. Established in 2019, we work across sectors to strengthen trust, belonging, and resilience in communities. Through research, policy influence, and place-based programmes, we connect people, places, and organisations to share learning and drive systemic change. Our growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society, and businesses. Belong is collaborative, evidence-led, and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Our office is based in Manchester and we offer hybrid working for those able to travel there. However, this role is open UK-wide and can be worked remotely, with regular travel across England and Wales required.

Your role

We are seeking a Digital Communication & Events Coordinator to support Design for Good’s programmes and initiatives. You will bring energy, ownership, and initiative to strengthen existing work and deliver new activities, working closely with our Communications & PR lead, programme staff, and senior management to execute our digital communications and events strategy.

The working environment is informal, multilingual, team-oriented, and encourages individual input, learning, and an entrepreneurial mindset. You will have the opportunity to showcase our international scope, activate a global network, and support the delivery of impact-driven programmes to improve life through design. This role reports to the Managing Director of Design for Good.

Key requirements

• 3+ years’ experience in Business, Communications, Marketing, Design, or a related field, with a strong interest in digital communications and events.

• Excellent written and spoken English; additional languages a plus.

• Highly organised, detail-oriented, able to structure, prioritise, and meet deadlines consistently.

• Comfortable working independently in a remote, international team.

• Able to manage multiple priorities and support planning and coordination of digital and in-person events.

• Creative and confident using design skills for social content, presentations, and basic animations (a strong plus).

• Proactive, with strong ownership, follow-through, and a practical “can-do” mindset.

• Curious and people-oriented, motivated to build and nurture relationships across partners, volunteers, and collaborators.

• Passion for social and environmental impact; non-profit experience is a plus.

Key responsibilities

Digital Communications & Social Media

• Support development and execution of social media strategies to expand reach and impact.

• Schedule, publish, and manage content across social and email channels.

• Create social media assets (graphics, animations, reels, videos).

• Monitor, analyse, and report monthly on performance.

• Ensure consistency across all digital communication channels.

• Support creation of the Annual Review, including content coordination and internal reviews.

• Develop and adapt presentations for partners, funders, events, and internal use.

• Prepare briefings and communication materials for stakeholders and events.

Website Development & Maintenance

• Manage website content via CMS (Squarespace experience a plus).

• Gather, create, and post relevant content.

• Analyse and report key platform metrics monthly.

Online and In-person Events

• Support planning and delivery of webinars, Q&A sessions, and other online events.

• Moderate live chats and Q&A sessions, including Slack and Teams.

• Upload and manage event recordings on YouTube.

• Assist coordination of in-person events, including the annual global gathering and CDO roundtables.

Preferred skills and qualifications

• Ability to translate complex topics into clear, engaging content.

• Experience supporting events beyond logistics, including participant engagement and follow-up.

• Interest in ethical, person-first, inclusive storytelling across cultures and regions.

• Confidence experimenting with new digital formats (carousels, short videos, interactive presentations).

• Experience working with volunteers, pro bono partners, or multi-stakeholder collaborations.

• Exposure to or experience in international culture, creativity, or sustainability initiatives.

• Comfortable using engagement metrics to improve communications.

• Proactive, accountable, and able to follow through on commitments.

• Ensure all communications reflect Design for Good’s tone, values, and visual identity.

Job Profile

Reporting to the Managing Director, you will lead on the recruitment, retention, and value growth of Afghanaid’s supporter base by directing and implementing communications, fundraising and engagement strategies, aligned with broader organisation goals. Designing and managing a tight budget, you will direct the Communication and Giving unit to maximise their success.

You will provide strategic and supervisory oversight of fundraising income from individual giving, regular giving, major donors, trusts and foundations, corporates, community and student fundraising and events, managing annual fundraising appeals and driving organisational unrestricted income growth. 

You will lead on communications for Afghanaid, overseeing print, digital, and paid marketing activities and the growth of communications channels. You will execute Afghanaid’s organisational brand strategy which ensures the integrity of the brand and maximises awareness. You will manage all public relations including crisis communications, as well as the growth of strategic media placements and high profile relationships. You will drive the success of organisational impact storytelling and communications for both internal and external stakeholders. As a member of the executive department, you will collaborate and synergise with other departments to promote organisational success.

Key Responsibilities:

• Drive organisational strategy, culture and cross-department collaboration to advance Afghanaid’s mission and objectives.

• Lead development and delivery of Communications, Engagement and Fundraising strategies and work plans.

• Line manage and develop a high-performing team, including staff, volunteers and interns.

• Build and maintain relationships with consultants, agencies and pro bono partners.

• Oversee budgets, reporting and data-driven performance management to ensure efficiency and impact.

• Promote a positive and cohesive London team environment, coordinating hybrid working, inductions and HR support.

• Oversee public fundraising strategy across multiple income streams.

• Lead design and delivery of internal and external appeals, campaigns and donor stewardship.

• Identify new funding opportunities, partnerships and innovation in engagement.

• Oversee the full range of Afghanaid’s event portfolio, and attend relevant events to represent Afghanaid;

• Ensure effective CRM management, data integrity and financial reconciliation.

• Serve as brand guardian, ensuring consistency and evolution of Afghanaid’s identity.

• Oversee creation and execution of integrated communications and marketing plans.

• Direct production of engaging digital and print content, including newsletters, social media, and fundraising collateral.

• Manage website optimisation, SEO and analytics to drive engagement and conversions.

• Lead innovation in digital marketing, email campaigns and supporter journeys.

• Advise leadership on reputation management and crisis communications.

• Develop media policies and act as spokesperson when required.

• Manage proactive and reactive media relations, building relationships with journalists, influencers and advocates.

• Promote Afghanaid’s thought leadership through strategic storytelling and public commentary.

• Commission and direct multimedia content to strengthen organisational storytelling.

• Lead content planning, production and performance analysis.

• Champion participatory storytelling approaches and creative innovation.

Undertake any other duties as and when required by the line director.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

You will be an experienced and dynamic communicator with significant demonstrable experience in fundraising and/or communications at a senior level, coupled with an awareness and up to date knowledge and experience of the tools that would maximise the success of our communications and fundraising activities. In addition, you will have excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to confidently build and maintain strong relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders. Possessing strong management skills, you will have experience of managing small multi-disciplinary teams, providing direction and leadership to enable development and high performance, and the ability to role-model a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion.

Education/ Training

Master’s Degree in communications, marketing, public fundraising or another relevant field (or at least 5-years’ experience).

Work Experience

• At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, supporter engagement or communications, with at least 2 years’ experience directly managing staff.

• Experience developing and leading integrated multi-channel and multi-stakeholder communications, engagement and/or fundraising strategies.

• Experience in growing audiences, engagement and/or income streams.

• Experience communicating about and/or fundraising for and/or maintaining engagement with Afghanistan or a similar context.

• Experience using KPIs and data to make data-driven decisions to improve efficacy and efficiency.

• Experience managing and monitoring a tight budget.

• Experience conceptualising, producing and commissioning multimedia content, from marketing and fundraising collateral to audiovisual content.

• Experience running full-funnel, multi-channel marketing strategies including paid advertising.

• Understanding of risks associated with communications, public fundraising, and NGO operating contexts, and experience in mitigating those risks.

• Experience supervising, organising, motivating and developing staff.

• In depth knowledge of trends in storytelling, brand, PR, marketing and fundraising.

Professional Skills, Competencies, Values and Attitudes

Afghanaid’s core values are creativity, fairness and honesty. Our staff is passionate about and proud of Afghanaid. Teamwork is fundamental to our standards and demonstrated by taking initiative, assisting others and taking on additional responsibilities and tasks if necessary. We are results driven, committed and motivated to achieve targets and take accountability for our own actions.

Specifically, the holder of this position should also demonstrate the following:

Essential

• Fluent in spoken and written English. 

• Track record of increasing audiences, fundraising totals and engagement metrics from multiple different sources, with a strong business development mindset.

• Experience securing five or six figure gifts from funders;

• Solutions and results orientated; energised by thinking outside the box, and by finding and pursuing novel or innovative approaches and solutions.

• Experience using Salesforce CRM and Marketing Cloud

• Skilled at spotting and prioritising opportunities and synergies, and effective in securing wide-ranging forms of engagement and partnership.

• Excellent listening, speaking and writing skills; strong capabilities of persuasion and a proven track record of uniting people around a common goal.

• Multimedia skills, with knowledge, experience and enthusiasm in driving digital innovation.

• Highly organised with strong leadership and project management skills, able to collaboratively manage competing priorities with senior and junior colleagues.

• Demonstrably skilled brand custodian, able to mitigate risks, anticipate and capitalise upon opportunities, and strengthen reputation.

• Capable of working independently as well as collaboratively, both in leading a team and as part of the team.

• Passionate about driving change, and inspiring individuals and groups to support a cause to deliver that change.

Desirable

• Experience working within an international development or humanitarian context, particularly with causes related to Afghanistan

• Strategic understanding of UK and global fundraising landscapes and emerging giving trends.

• Proven ability to represent an organisation publicly with confidence, professionalism and credibility.

• Experience guiding senior leaders or trustees on media, communications and reputational matters.

• Skilled in crisis communications and reputation management.

• Understanding of inclusive and ethical storytelling practices, with sensitivity to safeguarding considerations.

• Experience developing high-value corporate or media partnerships.

• Comfortable working in a fast-moving, resource-limited environment and adapting to changing external circumstances.

The Organisation

Afghanaid is a British humanitarian and development organisation. For over forty years, our dedicated personnel have worked with millions of families in some of the poorest and most remote communities in Afghanistan. We build basic services, improve livelihoods, strengthen the rights of women and children, help communities protect against natural disasters and adapt to climate change, and respond to humanitarian emergencies. We are headquartered in Kabul, and operate provincial and district offices across Afghanistan, as well as a Marketing and Fundraising office in London. We employ around 500 personnel, 97% of whom are Afghans.

Other Information

Afghanaid’s core values are creativity, fairness and honesty. Our staff are passionate about and proud to work at Afghanaid. Teamwork is fundamental to our standards and demonstrated by taking initiative, assisting others and taking on additional responsibilities and tasks if necessary. We are results driven, committed and motivated to achieve targets and take accountability for our own actions.

Our remuneration and benefits package is competitive with other similar organisations. 

This position presents an excellent opportunity for someone who has the ambition and determination to move up in their career.

Employer: Community Rail Network 

Salary: £43k-£51.5k pa, full time 

Location: Home based / flexible or Huddersfield 

We are seeking a dynamic director of policy and communications, to lead and develop our increasingly impactful external affairs activity. You’ll be sharing community insights and evidence with policy and decision-makers at national and devolved level, supporting a shift towards more inclusive and sustainable transport and mobility, while overseeing high-quality, inspiring member communications and thought-leadership, drawing on grassroots experiences.  
  

About us 

Community Rail Network is a national not-for-profit organisation 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 76 community-based partnership organisations, and c.1,300 station friends 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 different locations, but we come together regularly in person and online. We work collaboratively to support our members, provide training, events and resources, run campaigns, and champion community rail and its insights. We believe in developing our team and helping everyone reach their potential while having a good work-life balance.

About this role 

This role is crucial for us, our members and their communities, especially at the current time, with our need to seize on the opportunities of rail reform and devolution, promote wider use of sustainable transport, and bring communities together. You will spearhead our external affairs strategy and plans, building political relationships, influencing decision-making and raising awareness of community rail and its insights, while ensuring effective communications with our members and helping them to have a voice locally and regionally. You’ll be striving to put community rail at the forefront of a shift towards more inclusive and sustainable mobility.

As a member of our senior leadership team, reporting to and working closely with our chief executive, you will manage a passionate team of four, ensuring collaboration with our other teams, partners and funders, and drawing on members’ insights.

 
Main responsibilities 

• Lead the review, development and delivery of our communications, policy and insights strategy, working to position the community rail movement effectively, use its insights to influence policy change, and ensure our members are well-informed and have a voice; 

• Further strengthen our advisory and influencing work with national, devolved and regional government, transport bodies, parliamentarians and other decision-makers, especially around rail reform, transport devolution and integrated, inclusive, sustainable transport; 

• Ensure we’re engaging effectively with policy developments and opportunities, taking forward a programme of relationship-building, and identifying and engaging in relevant consultations, events and speaking opportunities, enabling community rail’s insights and experiences to be shared; 

• Collaborate with partners in rail, government and the third sector to feed in our expertise on community engagement with rail, amplify our campaigns, and build opportunities for joined-up communications and policy work;

• Continually develop and disseminate our evidence base and insights on the social, environmental and economic value community rail delivers, and opportunities to create greater benefits for communities from rail and transport; 

• Oversee high-quality, coherent and inspiring communications with our members and partners, promoting our work, and sharing news, opportunities, and good practice across the movement; 

• Manage production of high-quality resources, case studies and reports that our members can use to enhance their impact and which showcase community rail’s impact; 

• Lead and develop our media relations and awareness-raising PR, championing community rail and its messages on sustainable, inclusive travel and communities at national and regional level, while supporting members on local PR; 

• Develop our online presence and reach, making full use of our website, social media, our Scenic Rail Britain campaign, and partners’ channels to celebrate and position community rail and grow its reach and impact; 

• Oversee a calendar of creative and impactful campaigns that involve and empower our members, creating PR and engagement opportunities, including Community Rail Week;

• Play a key role in collective leadership, strategic focus and organisational development as a member of our senior leadership team, including through internal communications and cross-team working, annual planning, funder liaison and reporting, upholding our strategies and policies, and pursuing opportunities for continuous improvement. 

 
Skills and competencies 

1. Strong leadership and management skills, including experience managing, developing and drawing on a multi-faceted team delivering complex campaigns or projects, and budget management; 
2. Excellent communication and external leadership skills; articulate, assertive, and with the ability to work diplomatically and persuasively with stakeholders at all levels; 
3. An understanding of public affairs, ideally in relation to community development, sustainability and/or transport, and a demonstrable ability to identify influencing opportunities, deliver thought-leadership, and engage with policy-makers, including sharing community insights; 
4. Politically astute, with awareness of and commitment to social inclusion, social justice and sustainability, and a good grasp of the importance of public transport sustainable travel, and community-led action, to these agendas; 
5. Understanding of political processes and experience of engaging with policy and decision-making, ideally at national, devolved and local levels; 
6. Sound knowledge of communication and marketing methods and channels, and ability to oversee messaging and targeting of public and professional audiences, and to align content across multiple channels; 
7. A demonstrable ability to think analytically and draw on statistical and qualitative research to construct robust, evidence-based arguments; 
8. Experience of working with the media and achieving coverage at national, regional and local level; 
9. Experience working collaboratively with partners and ideally funders to deliver communications and policy activity and forming professional networks; 
10. Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines while dealing with competing priorities, and to support team members to do so; 
11. IT literate with a good working knowledge of Office, the internet and social media; 
12. Appropriate qualifications and professional development demonstrating knowledge and skills in line with the above, and a commitment to ongoing learning and development.

Other information

As you will be home-based, we are flexible about your location. However, you will be expected to travel to in-person full team meetings quarterly (usually in West Yorkshire), and you will need to bring your team together (currently all West Yorkshire based) with similar regularity in between. Attendance at in-person events and meetings is also important. We therefore welcome applications from those with decent public transport links, not too far from a railway station, to enable journeys to 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.   

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.