Senior public affair officer jobs in belfast

We’re looking for a creative and passionate person to lead on our policy and communications work for this maternity cover. This role offers a great opportunity to play a key role in improving impact across the charity and the lives of those affected

The Migraine Trust is the only UK migraine charity providing information and support, campaigning for awareness and change, and funding and promoting research.

One in seven people in the UK live with migraine, and this complex and debilitating neurological disorder significantly affects their lives. We have been leading and bringing the migraine community together to change this since 1965.

Every year we support millions of people through our website and support services on all aspects of migraine and for help in managing it at work, in education, and in accessing healthcare. We campaign for increased awareness and understanding of migraine, and national policy change to improve the lives of people who get it. We have funded over 140 medical research projects and hold an international symposium every two years to bring together the world’s leading experts on migraine.

The role

People living with migraine are at the heart of our organisation, while our research highlights the urgent need to reduce the inequity we see for those living with the condition. You will ensure their voices are heard by decision makers and the public and get closer to our vison of ‘a world where migraine doesn’t stop anyone from living the life they want’.

You should be able to deliver high-impact communication campaigns, and have a real interest in policy. A skilled communicator yourself, you will be able to manage a broad role with the ability to build and nurture relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. Overall, you’ll bring a desire to create positive change.

You’ll work closely with the CEO and be a key member of The Migraine Trust’s Senior Management team, leading our strategic direction on communications activity alongside targeted public and political campaigns.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the delivery of the organisation’s 2026 policy and communications plans and coordinate the development of plans and budgets for 2027
• Oversee development and delivery of the charity’s policy and public affairs strategy, ensuring a strong evidence base and meaningful involvement of people living with migraine
• Manage work our public affairs agency to deliver targeted influencing projects to improve migraine care, workplace support, and parliamentary engagement
• Shape policy recommendations and develop strategies to engage key stakeholders including parliamentarians, policymakers, clinicians, employers and partner organisations
• Monitor the external policy environment identifying risks, opportunities and emerging issues relevant to migraine
• Work with the team to develop and execute creative and impactful communications campaigns to raise the profile of the charity and tackle misunderstanding around migraine
• Ensure content across all channels – including media, digital, social and publications - is on brand and reflects our values and core messaging
• Ensure our online presence meets the needs of our stakeholders, and is fit-for-purpose for current and future organisational needs
• Oversee production of relevant reports, marketing materials and key publications working with freelance agencies and designers as required
• Work closely with Fundraising colleagues to identify and develop opportunities that support organisational growth
• Ensure all those living with migraine and their voices are central to our policy, campaigning and communications work
• Act as a spokesperson when necessary, representing the charity externally

The above is provided for guidance and is not an exhaustive list of all accountabilities that the post holder may have over time.

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• A creative and experienced communications leader
• Wide experience working in the field of communications (in house or agency) and able to demonstrate knowledge of a broad range of communications activities
• Demonstrable experience of developing media strategies and managing media relations to achieve results
• Ability to deliver policy and public affairs strategies that create change
• A strategic thinker able to develop new ideas and turn these into action
• A strong leader and manager
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills and the ability to communicate, engage and build relationships with a wide range of audiences across the organisation and externally
• Calm under pressure with sound judgment
• Confidence to represent The Migraine Trust externally including public speaking as necessary
• Ability to manage a diverse workload and work under pressure.

Desirable

• Experience working within a health, disability, or long-term conditions context
• Experience of the voluntary sector and/or lived experience engagement
• Knowledge of digital transformation or digital communications best practice

The Migraine Trust is an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all suitably experienced persons regardless of their race, socioeconomic backgrounds, gender, disability status, ethnicity, religion/faith, sexual orientation, or age.

How to apply

For the full role description, and to apply, please visit our website. Interviews will be week commencing 5th January. If you would like an informal discussion to find out more about the role before submitting an application, or have any other queries, we encourage you to get in touch.