Senior media relation officer jobs in Edinburgh
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.
Registered Charity
6 - 10
BIHR's mission is to champion the Human Rights Act as a practical tool for everyday justice.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
We are recruiting a Head of Income and Engagement to provide strategic leadership and vision for two critical functions—Fundraising and Marketing & Communications—bringing them together into a unified, high-performing team. This role focuses on shaping strategy, building external relationships, and driving organisational growth through income generation and brand engagement, rather than day-to-day operational management.
You will set the direction for attracting significant funding, particularly through corporate partnerships, while strengthening what PAPYRUS already does well:
- Securing grants and trusts funding
- Harnessing the passion of our large, committed supporter base - including bereaved families and others who raise voluntary income for us
In a challenging financial climate, you will lead efforts to grow these income streams and maintain a strong, values-driven presence across press, social media, and broadcast channels. The role requires influence, innovation, and the ability to inspire all managers and staff, as well as external stakeholders.
Please visit the careers site for the full job description and person specification for the role.
Salary: £58,523 per annum (Scale SCP 46) progressing by increments to £62,852 per annum (Scale SCP 49)
Hours: 36 hours per week Location: Remote with regular travel across the UK
Contract: Permanent
Benefits: You will receive 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time workers), hybrid and flexible working arrangements, an attractive pension scheme, Simply Health membership, enhanced sick pay and enhanced parental pay. Please visit our website for more details.
Closing date: midnight on 22nd February 2026
We reserve the right to close the vacancy earlier if we receive sufficient applications so, please submit your application as soon as possible.
PAPYRUS is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in employment, and its recruitment policies are designed to ensure that no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender re-assignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.
PAPYRUS is committed to safeguarding all children, young people and adults at risk that interact with the organisation. The organisation recognises its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of these vulnerable groups by a commitment to procedures to protect them. The charity expects all staff and volunteers to fully support and promote these commitments.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
About WeProtect Global Alliance
Who we are
WeProtect Global Alliance is a global movement dedicated to ending the sexual exploitation and abuse of children online. We bring together governments, the private sector, civil society, and international organisations to create a safer digital world where every child can thrive.
Our Alliance connects over 300 members from across the globe, uniting diverse expertise and resources to protect children from harm, no matter where they are.
WeProtect Global Alliance is supported by a small, high-performing Secretariat of remote working staff based in the UK/Ireland and is overseen by an influential Global Policy Board drawn from our membership.
Our vision
A digital world free of child sexual exploitation and abuse
Our mission
To work together to build, engage and support a diverse, child-centred global network with the commitment, knowledge and skills to tackle technology-facilitated child sexual abuse and exploitation.
What we do
We focus on driving policy change, fostering international collaboration, and promoting cutting-edge research to combat online child abuse.
Through shared data, insights, and best practices, we empower our members to develop more effective solutions and inspire a coordinated global response.
With a steadfast commitment to child safety, WeProtect Global Alliance stands as a catalyst for change, advocating for a world in which technology empowers and protects children, not endangers them.
Together, we’re creating lasting impact and building a future where every child is safe online.
More information on who we are and what we do can be found on our website.
Job description
Key responsibilities
Strategic communications leadership
· Acting as the brand guardian, oversee the development, implementation and evaluation of high-quality strategic communications, branding and media strategies aligned with WeProtect Global Alliance’s organisational objectives.
· Embed a global communications lens across the Alliance’s work, proactively identifying opportunities to amplify impact and reach priority audiences.
· Provide expert advice on positioning, proactive and reactive communications, and reputational management to shape the Alliance’s approach.
· Ensure communications is embedded in actions plans and lead on monitoring, evaluation and insight.
External communications & media
· Ensure strong visibility and consistent branding across all communications channels, reinforcing WeProtect Global Alliance’s role as a leading global voice on online child sexual exploitation and abuse.
· Increasing WeProtect Global Alliance’s visibility in regions and sectors, increasing global brand recognition and audiences across digital channels.
· Lead media engagement to achieve national and international coverage, including oversight of press materials, high-impact communications outputs, high profile event speeches and statements.
· Oversee the development and delivery of high-quality content across the website, social media and other digital platforms including hands on support as required.
Member engagement & participation
· Oversee communications functions, including engagement strategies, communications channels and digital platforms.
· Work with the Head of Members to ensure communications with members to inspire, encourage and facilitate active participation in the Alliance and enable them to share learning, tell their stories and collaborate effectively.
Organisational strengthening & risk management
· Provide strategic communications and engagement support to cross-team projects, events and public-facing activity.
· Manage organisational risk related to communications and engagement, including oversight of crisis communications planning.
· Ensure compliance with communications-related obligations, including copyright, licensing and data protection requirements.
Senior management responsibilities
· Line-manage and support staff and consultants as required, fostering high performance, wellbeing and professional development.
· Act as a budget holder, ensuring compliance with organisational financial policies and delegated authorities.
· Represent WeProtect Global Alliance externally at meetings, events, forums and conferences as appropriate.
· Contribute to the development of funding proposals, donor communications and reporting, working collaboratively with colleagues.
Expectations
Senior Management Team (SMT)
As a member of SMT, you will also have a pivotal role to play in supporting and improving the organisations effectiveness as we implement the WeProtect Global Alliance new strategy, operating model and ways of working to ensure we remain effective, responsive and relevant in an increasingly polarized political landscape as we enter the fourth industrial revolution.
Cross-Functional Operational Collaboration
Contribute to WPGA operational processes and systems, working collaboratively with colleagues to deliver cross-functional projects that strengthen the reach and impact of the Secretariat.
Building an inclusive culture
Play a proactive role in ensuring equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is embedded in everything we do.
Embrace diversity and recognise different perspectives within collaborative working to create a more impactful and effective organisation.
Commit to ensuring all employees are treated fairly and equitably at work, feel like they belong and promote equality in physical and mental health for all.
Other
· To attend and contribute to meetings, training and other events as required.
· To actively participate in our supervision and appraisal process.
· To ensure that all responsibilities and activities within this post are delivered in accordance with WeProtect Global Alliance core values and relevant corporate, organisational, financial and compliance policies.
· To travel to meetings which may require the need to work unsociable hours, for example attending evening or weekend meetings.
· To adhere to relevant legal and statutory requirements including the Data Protection Act and the Health and Safety at Work Act.
· To use WeProtect Global Alliance resources responsibly.
As a global, multi-sector alliance, ensuring equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is embedded in everything we do is a critical priority. We embrace diversity and understand that being an inclusive organisation, recognising different perspectives, will enable us to be impactful and effective. We are committed to ensuring all our employees are treated fairly and equitably at work and promoting equality in physical and mental health for all.
Person specification
Essential criteria
Experience
· Extensive professional experience in a comparable senior-level communications, engagement or leadership role.
· Demonstrated success leading strategic communication functions.
· Proven experience managing staff and supporting high-performing teams.
· Significant experience in project and budget management.
Skills
· Expert written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to simplify complex issues and convey powerful messages to decision-makers.
· Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving and decision-making capability.
· Excellent organisational and project management skills.
Knowledge
· Strong understanding of strategic communications, media relations and reputation management.
· Very good knowledge of website and backend management.
· Understanding of data protection, copyright and information governance in a communications context.
Other
· Right to work in the UK.
· Willingness and ability to travel nationally and internationally.
· Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
Desirable criteria
· Experience working for or with a membership organisation.
· Knowledge of child rights, child protection, online harms or related policy areas.
· Experience managing geographically dispersed or remote teams.
· Fluency in languages other than English.
Diversity, inclusion and equity
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those of different ages, genders, ethnicities, sexual orientations, abilities and lived experiences. We particularly encourage applications from individuals who are part of communities that are under-represented in our sector, including Black, Asian and other ethnic minorities, disabled people and LGBTQ+ individuals.
Safeguarding and values
As a child-focused organisation, we have a strong commitment to child safeguarding and rigorous procedures. The successful candidate will be required to provide two referees and to undergo a criminal record check.
All staff are expected to act at all times in a manner consistent with our values and in compliance with our policies and procedures, including our Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct.
Our values are:
Empowerment – collaboration, innovation, challenge
Accountability – responsibility, delivery, safeguarding
Respect – honesty, feedback, inclusion
Applicants should provide an up-to-date CV as well as a covering letter of no more than two pages setting out why you want to work for WeProtect Global Alliance and summarising how you meet the person specification.
Non Charity Employer
11 - 20
WeProtect Global Alliance is driven by a single mission: to protect children from the pervasive dangers of sexual exploitation and abuse online.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
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.
Registered Charity
21 - 50
Equipping more than five million children with the skills and confidence to cycle on today’s roads
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
The Head of Advocacy, Awareness and External Relations is a senior leadership role within AtaLoss, working closely with and reporting directly to the CEO. The post-holder will lead work across the public, bereavement and commercial sectors to deliver AtaLoss’ strategic outcomes by:
- providing national leadership in bereavement awareness, advocacy and policy influence, including through Parliament, the APPG and the media
- strengthening the website as the UK’s trusted gateway for bereavement support, ensuring accessible, high-quality content and effective signposting
- enabling holistic bereavement support in communities and workplaces through partnership development, training and the growth of Bereavement Friendly Communities
- contributing to organisational sustainability through income-generating training, cross-sector partnerships and effective external engagement.
The role sits at the heart of AtaLoss’ mission to ensure that every bereaved person can access the right support at the right time, and to position bereavement as a public health issue requiring timely, coordinated and understanding response.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
SUDC UK is a national charity dedicated to funding research, raising awareness and supporting families affected by Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC). Our team is passionate, warm, friendly and impact-driven.
SUDC is the sudden and unexpected death of a child aged 1-18 years where the cause of death remains unexplained despite a thorough investigation. 40 children are affected every year in the UK, more than young child deaths due to traffic accidents, fires or drowning and comparable to 1-2 seemingly healthy children dying every fortnight, often going to sleep and never waking up.
As a specialist charity, SUDC UK informs, empowers and advocates for families when their child dies suddenly and unexpectedly. We operate nationally and have expertise in SUDC, bereavement support, the child death process, genetic investigation, SUDC research and medical screening.Founded by three bereaved parents, we have deep understanding of the impact of SUDC and loved children, and their families, are at the heart of all we do.
The purpose of this role is to lead and deliver our income generation and marketing strategy, growing sustainable income streams while increasing our profile, reach and impact. This dynamic and rewarding role blends strategic leadership with hands-on delivery, including first-line management of a small team.
Thank you!
About us
The Lucy Faithfull Foundation (LFF) is a UK-wide charity that exists to prevent child sexual abuse and exploitation. We’re here for everyone who needs us. We protect children by working with people who pose a risk and diverting them from causing harm. We support individuals and families who have been affected by abuse. And we help professionals who work with families to create safer environments for children through delivering risk assessments, interventions, training and consultancy.
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About the role and you
We are looking for a data professional to support and manage significant changes in the way our charity uses, processes and manages data. Our teams pride themselves on evidence-informed practice, using research and data to enhance their work at every stage. There are elements of our charity’s work which are unique to our field, making our data highly valuable in contributing to the future of preventing child sexual abuse. We collect data all the time: on the individual progress of our clients, the reach of our campaigns and the demand for our support. As part of our new Tech and Data Strategy, we are taking the next stage in our use of data analysis and data science, ensuring that we use our data more effectively and efficiently to support our teams in preventing child sexual abuse.
We are looking for a Data Scientist/Analyst to help us make this change. You will be based in the LFF Research Team, reporting to our Director of Research and Impact.
This role will facilitate better use, processing and management of data across the organisation. It will focus on four areas:
- Data systems and structures
- Data analysis
- Data visualisation
- Data security and compliance
The postholder will work alongside experienced researchers to develop a new portfolio of priority projects to enhance our work. With no fixed task list or assigned service, this role offers the freedom to explore and innovate, identifying where data, data science, and data systems can drive real change.
This role will be remote or hybrid - we have offices in Bromsgrove, Epsom and Edinburgh.
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Q&A webinar
Our Director of Research and Impact, Tom Fisher, will be hosting a Meet & Greet webinar for 1 hour on 3rd February between 12-1pm.
Tom will talk through the role, the team and the wider data/research context. He will also take questions from attendees.
Those thinking about applying can join the call and ask questions using the below Microsoft Teams link.
Microsoft Teams meeting
Meeting ID: 320 188 935 120 24
Passcode: ax69zf2N
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What you’ll get from us
We offer the following benefits:
- Hybrid working (with a minimum of 2 days in the office per week; we ask for 3 days in the office per week for the first month)
- NEST pension
- 33 days’ annual leave rising to 38 days (inclusive of statutory bank holidays following qualifying period)
- Up to 5 days’ learning and development per year
- Flu jabs & eye tests
- Season ticket loans
- Charity discounts
- Employee assistance programme
- Option of private healthcare with Benenden
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How to apply
We really welcome informal conversations with prospective candidates about the role and the charity in advance of the deadline.
To apply, please download the job pack and return your completed documents to us by 10th February 2026. Stage 1 interviews are scheduled to take place on 25th and 27th February 2026 and stage 2 interviews are scheduled to take place on 5th March 2026 for shortlisted candidates.
If you have not been contacted within 2 weeks of the closing date you have been unsuccessful with your application. Please note the successful candidate will be required to undergo a DBS check for this position.
Please avoid using AI generated responses as these will automatically be discarded – we want to hear from the real you. Please note that only applications with all sections completed will be reviewed during shortlisting.
Previous applicants for this role need not reapply.
#data #research #datascientist #dataanalyst #dataanalysis #datasecurity #datacompliance #datavisulisation
Registered Charity
101 - 500
To prevent child sexual abuse and exploitation
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.