Senior strategic content manager jobs in cambridge

Senior Communications Manager 

FCDO Research Commissioning Centre (3ie)

1.  Background 

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Research Commissioning Centre (RCC) has been established to commission and manage research to enhance development and foreign policy impact. The RCC, co-led by the International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie) and the University of Birmingham, provides support to FCDO teams for commissioning and delivering high-quality and impactful research. It addresses challenges associated with research bureaucracy by providing a streamlined process for commissioning and delivering FCDO-funded research.

This role is based at 3ie, working closely with colleagues at the FCDO, University of Birmingham and across the RCC consortium. This is a fixed-term position for the RCC, which is a pilot project that began on the 6th June, 2023, and is due to run until the 5th June, 2028. The role is linked directly to the project funding. 

The International Initiative of Impact Evaluation is a mission-driven, non-profit organization dedicated to using evidence to transform people's lives in low- and middle-income countries. We are the global leader in funding, producing, and synthesizing high-quality evidence of what works, for whom, how, why and at what cost. We believe better policy-relevant evidence will make development more effective. 3ie is a registered non-governmental organization in the US. It has offices in New Delhi, London and Washington, DC.  

2.  Position summary 

3ie is inviting applications for a Senior Communications Manager to join the FCDO Research Commissioning Centre (RCC) team at 3ie. With the RCC entering its third year of operation, this is an exciting time to join the project. 

The role will be responsible for the strategic management of RCC communications and for the oversight and management of the Global Research and Technology Development (GRTD) website .  The position will work closely with the team of the FCDO Chief Scientific Adviser and FCDO’s Deputy Head of Research to support the development and rollout of GRTD, suiting a strategic thinker with experience or knowledge of leading communications and engagement campaigns.

The successful candidate will be a highly organised, skilled communicator with excellent command over producing a range of communication and knowledge products such as blogs, policy briefs, infographics, impact stories and case studies, as well as editing technical writing. Prior experience in social media and event management, is desirable. They will be a self-starter with a can-do, team-player attitude.
The ideal candidate will be based in the UK and have the flexibility to travel to London for in-person meetings and events as required. The candidate will need to work according to UK office hours. The role will largely be remote working with dedicated in-person time with the RCC team and with FCDO. 

3. Key job responsibilities
a)  GRTD website development oversight and strategy; FCDO GRTD communications, branding and development

• Work with FCDO to develop a coherent strategy and campaign for engaging with and communicating GRTD to external partners. Manage the relationship with FCDO communications counterparts in delivering the vision for GRTD
• Lead engagement with FCDO to determine design of enhancements and new features for GRTD; oversee these developments, managing external contractors (when required) and working with technical colleagues to ensure developments are fit for purpose
• Collaborate with FCDO teams to support the rollout and visibility of the GRTD brand
• Contribute to the development and implementation of editorial standards, templates, and guidance for GRTD content, in coordination with FCDO and RCC stakeholders
• Assist in the dissemination of impact stories and research outputs that align with GRTD branding and strategic objectives
• Support stakeholder engagement activities and campaigns led by FCDO to promote the GRTD platform, where relevant to RCC-funded research
• Monitor digital engagement with and develop KPIs to track performance, with a focus on continuous improvement and optimization

b)  RCC presence on GRTD

• Ensure the RCC is adequately presented on GRTD and that the design and structure of RCC pages is coherent and promotes the RCC vision
• Create, edit and post new website content for the RCC on GRTD as required
• Coordinate with the 3ie Strategic Communications Office to monitor the website regularly to ensure content is updated and bugs are identified.

c)  RCC Communications
       Strategy: 

• Lead the development, implementation and monitoring of the RCC’s overall communication and engagement strategy, including areas of thought leadership around best practice evidence led by the RCC. 

      Content: 

• Strategise on new communication products (including website content, impact stories, blogs, media articles, social media and multimedia content), launches, events, and online promotions Edit, manage and publish research commissioning call documents and participate and manage related events such as Early Market Engagements, FAQ sessions, etc.
• Work with RCC Grantees and project teams editing and publishing RCC publications and deliverables, including reports, briefs and other publications. 
• Create social media content and manage dissemination through 3ie’s social media channels, working with 3ie colleagues (NB: RCC social media channels may be established and in this case the role will directly manage these). 
• Events and engagement: Provide end-to-end support for workshops and events, including content, budget, logistics, communication and marketing
• Provide inputs for communication and implementation plans for research funded by the RCC.

d)  Project management: Ensure that RCC publications and communications products are processed in a timely manner and published on GRTD

• Maintain and update process documents, guidelines and templates for external communications for the RCC and for communications from grantees.
• Oversee the implementation of and improvements to RCC’s branding and logo suite as needed.

e)  Stakeholder support: Work closely with RCC staff to cultivate relationships across the research ecosystem, consortium and with grantees. This is likely to include RCC representation at external events.

f)  Support RCC grantees: Provide guidance and advise on dissemination activities to grant recipients. Review and approve the engagement and dissemination products and plans submitted by RCC grant recipients as part of their work on RCC-funded projects and support the wider RCC team to monitor engagement activities undertaken by grantees.

g)  Knowledge sharing: Collect and collate impact stories for the RCC to support both learning and reporting requirements

4. Qualifications and skills 

• Master’s degree in journalism, public affairs, marketing, or a field directly relevant to international development, including formal communication training. Exceptional candidates with a bachelor's degree and extensive work experience may be considered
• At least seven to ten years of experience in a communication role in development sector.
• Proven ability to plan and implement communication and engagement strategies for organizations and research projects
• Knowledge of tools for graphic design, content management, social media and event management is desirable (e.g., InDesign, Photoshop, Mailchimp, Canva, Drupal, etc.)
• Proven project management and coordination skills to ensure on-time delivery 
• Excellent English writing and editing skills; cross-platform writing experience is desirable
• Self-motivated, creative, and multi-tasker with a proven ability to work under tight deadlines accurately and professionally
• Excellent interpersonal skills and willingness to work in a matrix-organized team environment
• Experience working with UK government departments is desirable

5.  Eligibility
3ie is an equal-opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of sex, age, ethnicity, disability, caste, religion or sexual orientation. We particularly encourage women, ethnic minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. 

6.  Terms of employment 
The salary range for this position is competitive and commensurate based on qualifications and experience. Our policies and procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse. We follow a zero-tolerance policy for any form of bullying or harassment in the workplace.

7. How to Apply 
Your application must include the following information*: 
•  A cover letter (not exceeding two pages) highlighting your qualifications and experience relevant to the terms of reference. 
•  Curriculum vitae along with names and contact information for at least three professional references. 

*Incomplete applications will not be considered. 
The deadline for receiving applications is 21 December, 2025. Only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

This is a National Role, Home Based/Hybrid. Travel will be required across England. 

Full time, permanent (part time/condensed hours would be considered). 

This newly created role will lead on exploring new markets, creating strategic connections and identifying opportunities – working to increase the reach of Phoenix Futures. You will champion innovation and demonstrate the measurable impact of our services on people’s lives.

Phoenix Futures and The Role

The Phoenix Futures Group has more than 50 years’ experience delivering pioneering psychosocial treatment services. We believe in being the best, which means constantly learning, innovating, and collaborating with partners who share our vision.

As Head of Strategy and Partnerships, you will be a visible leader across health and social care settings, building influential networks and unlocking new opportunities. This senior leadership role will work cross-functionally to expand our reach across the UK, ensuring our services reach more people who need them.

You will design and deliver strategic growth plans, working closely with operational experts to identify emerging needs, secure new funding streams, and adapt our solutions to new contexts. Your success will be measured by increased reach, new partnerships, and sustainable growth.

About You

Reporting directly to the Director of Strategic Initiatives, you will:

• Be a growth-focused leader with a proven track record of opening new markets and driving expansion.
• Have experience in strategic implementation and scaling services across the UK.
• Demonstrate extensive experience in building networks and creating collaborative partnerships within health and social care.
• Understand psychosocial treatment models and how they can be adapted to diverse needs and settings.
• Be skilled at interpreting research and data to communicate impact and value in compelling ways.

A detailed job description (role profile) and person specification can be found attached.

Benefits

• A salary of £56,500 + 8.5% PRP
• Committed to providing a Real Living Wage for you, through accreditation with the Living Wage Foundation 
• 25 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays (increasing each year to a maximum of 30 days) 
• Benefits including season ticket loan, pension scheme and life assurance 
• Support through occupational sick pay, eye-care vouchers and regular wellbeing talks and activities 
• Continuous training and career development via PXL our dedicated learning management system  
• Access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance programme including telephone and online access 
• A rewarding role with the opportunity to help us support people on their journey to recovery and change their lives for the better. 
• We’ll ensure you get all the support you need to thrive and succeed in your role and find your place amongst our incredible and collaborative team. 

We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and believe it is important to include people with lived experience to ensure the needs of the people we support are represented. We are committed to creating an inclusive working environment where everyone is free to be themselves and we ensure equity of opportunity. 

Cambridge Science Centre (CSC) sits at the heart of a vibrant network of philanthropists, educators, community groups, visionary businesses and local government bodies across East Anglia. With over a decade of trusted STEM engagement behind us, a dedicated expert team and a loyal network of long-term supporters, CSC is uniquely positioned to drive lasting
change in communities across the region.

This role builds on that strong foundation. You will deepen existing relationships, identify and shape new opportunities, and help secure CSC’s long-term financial sustainability through innovative, high-impact partnerships.

As the primary contact for partnership development, you will play a central role in shaping and funding our multi-year programmes, while also leading on high-value, short-term opportunities connected to our Cambridge Science Park site and outreach hubs such as Inspire Wisbech. Your work will balance immediate income generation with the cultivation of long-term strategic
relationships that advance CSC’s mission and regional impact.

BACKGROUND   

Magic Breakfast’s mission is to end child morning hunger in the UK now and for good. The latest research suggests that 2.7 million children are at risk of hunger, meaning one in five children don’t have enough to eat. When a child is too hungry to learn, they struggle to concentrate, absorb information, and manage their emotions, causing them to fall behind in their studies.

Magic Breakfast provides a nutritious breakfast to over 300,000 children and young people every school day. We work with schools in areas of high disadvantage, helping staff target children most in need without barrier or stigma.

We are now at an exciting point in our journey as we launch Nourishing Futures, our long-term strategy, which will scale our impact and redefine breakfast spaces not only as places to eat, but as places to thrive.

To support the delivery of this strategy, we are evolving our Business Development function with the creation of a new role – Head of Business Development. This role will enable continue growth and investment from public funding sources, whilst ensuring that we are able and positioned to capitalise on the growing number of commercial opportunities. It will also lead a move  towards more innovative and blended income models across England, Wales and Scotland.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the Business Development function as an innovation hub, proactively horizonscanningfor opportunities across public funding, commercial activity, and philanthropicgiving. Ensure the team can respond with agility and flex resources to pursue the moststrategic and sizeable opportunities, including blended income streams and complex,multi-strand bids or partnerships that span commissioning, corporate, and philanthropy.

• Coach, lead and support the Business Development team (BD Manager England &Wales, BD Manager Scotland, BD Executive), setting clear objectives, KPIs, and expectations for income growth and performance and ensuring a values-driven culture.

• Work collaboratively across the fundraising leadership team to ensure it operates as a cohesive, high-performing unit that acts with agility to plan, pivot and make strategic decisions that maximise opportunities and drive growth.

• Ensure compliance with procurement processes, contracts, GDPR, safeguarding, and relevant charity law, embedding ethical business development across the function and taking responsibilities for operationalising of and adherence to all of Magic Breakfast’s policies and processes.

• Drive growth in public funding by securing contracts with local authorities, devolved governments, health and education commissioners, multi-academy trusts, and other public bodies.

• Oversee the preparation of high-quality tenders, bids, and proposals, ensuring they are evidence-based, competitive, and strategically aligned.

• Identify and pursue complex, multi-strand funding opportunities that bring together commissioned income, philanthropy, and corporate support.

• Apply a strong understanding of Magic Breakfast’s goals, strategies, and business plan to inform Business Development activity, ensuring all initiatives are aligned with organisational priorities and contribute to long-term objectives.

•  Conduct annual planning and budgeting in partnership with the Director of Fundraising & Development, setting, measuring, and reporting against agreed KPIs.

Please see job description for reponsibilities. 

WHAT WE OFFER

At Magic Breakfast we value our employees and work hard to develop offer a supportive, respectful culture which enables everyone to bring their whole self to work.

APPLICATION PROCCESS

Should you wish to discuss the role before applying please email our People and Culture Team, recruitment @ magicbreakfast. com

Shortlisting - w/c 1st December

Interview 1 - 8th December

Interview 2 - 15th December

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications are received. This is to ensure that we can manage application levels whilst maintaining a positive candidate experience. Unfortunately, once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications.

We are looking for a creative, driven, compassionate, Communications Lead to develop, lead, and implement an integrated communications strategy that supports our ambition to double the number of adults learning to read with Read Easy UK by the end of our current strategy.

As a strong communications generalist, with strategic and operational expertise, the Communications Lead will work closely with employees, volunteers and other key stakeholders to strengthen the charity’s national brand and position. This role covers all aspects of communications including media relations, digital communications, brand communications, stakeholder and internal communications.

The post holder will shape and deliver communications activity that inspires, informs, and engages our key audiences, including volunteers, potential Readers, funders, the media, and partners across the UK.

The successful candidate will be strategic and agile and will enjoy shaping strategy alongside delivering communications activity. This is a standalone role, leading and delivering internal and external communications for the organisation in collaboration with other key partners.

Location: Fully Remote/Home-based with very occasional travel to regional groups as required and for up to 3 team meetings per annum (currently held in Birmingham).

Reports to: Read Easy UK CEO.

Line Management: Volunteers and freelancers, and potential for future employees.

Start date: January 2026 (or sooner).

Salary & Benefits 

• Salary: Up to £15,200 - £22,800 depending on hours (Up to £38k FTE).
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays and Christmas closing and 2 days volunteering leave – pro-rata for part time roles.
• Company sick pay to financially support you when you are unwell (above statutory upon completion of probationary period). 
• Support when extending your family – company parental and adoption pay (above statutory after 12 months service) 

• Access to RewardHub – which gives retail discounts and has a ‘Wellbeing Centre’ with tools, tips, recipes, workout videos and guides which will help you to reach your own wellbeing goals.

• Training and Development opportunities and resources – we are developing plans in this area to enhance employee experience and opportunity

• A collaborative, creative and inspiring working environment full of committed and passionate employees and inspirational volunteers 

We strive to ensure our recruitment practices are fair, open, easy to access and as inclusive as possible. We aim to recruit a team which broadly reflect the local communities which we serve; to work with and learn from each other to continually improve the service we deliver to our Readers. Our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Group is actively promoting and advancing diversity and inclusion, ensuring a culture where everyone can be themselves and thrive. We welcome you to apply and be your authentic self.

When applying for a job with us, if an applicant has a disability covered by the definition outlined within the Equality Act 2010 and can show that they meet the ‘essential criteria’ described in the person specification for the role being applied for, they are guaranteed an interview for the job for which they are applying through our Disability Confident scheme.

If you need any support with your application or have any questions in advance of an application, please do contact us. 

Please download the applicant pack for full job description and person specification and for details on how to apply.

The closing date to apply for this opportunity is Sunday 30 Nov 2025 (11.59PM).

Should you be shortlisted, the first round of interviews will take place online on Tuesday 2nd December 2025.

We anticipate a second round of interviews on the afternoon of Wednesday 10th December 2025.

AtaLoss is seeking an organised, proactive and mission-driven Executive Assistant for our Church Engagement department to support the continued growth of The Bereavement Journey® and our work equipping churches to become Bereavement Friendly. This full-time role provides essential administrative, digital, coordination, resourcing and delivery support, for webinars, events, resources, websites and church engagement activities, helping to expand our reach and impact across denominations in the UK.

Working closely with the Head of The Bereavement Journey® and Church Engagement, you will manage administrative processes, source and assess suitable Bereavement Friendly Church material and resources, update website content, support online programme delivery, coordinate communications, resource practitioners and monitor engagement data. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys varied work, can balance detail with initiative, communicates sensitively and effectively, and thrives in a purpose-driven Christian environment. As AtaLoss continues to grow nationally, this role offers the opportunity to contribute to meaningful change and strengthen bereavement support within churches and communities.