Strategic communications manager jobs in Manchester

If you’re passionate about safer communities and want a role where your work has a direct and lasting impact, this could be the perfect opportunity. As Crimestoppers’ Regional Manager for the North West of England, you’ll play a pivotal part in helping protect the public, empowering local people, and supporting the agencies working to prevent and solve crime.

We’re looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Regional Manager to represent Crimestoppers across the region. You’ll work closely with law enforcement and community partners to design and deliver meaningful crime‑prevention campaigns, while also coordinating cross‑border and national initiatives with organisations such as ROCUs and the NCA. You’ll empower local volunteer committees to thrive, act as a spokespeople for Crimestoppers in local and regional media, and drive funding opportunities that help expand our impact.

This role variety, and the chance to genuinely make a difference. We’re seeking someone with strong project and budget management skills, confidence under pressure, and the ability to build strategic relationships. Experience in or significant knowledge of the voluntary sector, media campaigning, or policing practice would be an advantage. If you’re committed to community safety and excited by the challenge of influencing real change, we’d love to hear from you.

Please have a read of the job pack here before submitting your CV and covering letter.

3 years fixed term contract | Full time | Home Based | £38,828p/a | DBS required

Are you a highly organised project leader with a track record of developing rigorous and impactful processes? Do you want to lead the delivery of the nationally-recognised accreditation transforming mental health in higher education? This could be the role for you.

We’re looking for a methodical and strategic Programme Manager (Award) to manage the end-to-end delivery of University Mental Health Charter (UMHC) Award and act as key spokesperson for the programme. 

You’ll play a vital role in ensuring that the Award upholds its standards and values, and continues to develop and scale, supporting positive change for staff and students at universities across the UK.

About the role

• Lead the delivery of the nationally-recognised accreditation for mental health in higher education: the University Mental Health Charter Award.
• The UMHC Award recognises universities that promote the mental health and wellbeing of their university communities and supports them to continually improve. 
• You will own the end-to-end management of a complex, high-profile and impactful programme, balancing administrative excellence and strategic development.

Key responsibilities

• Drive the Award lifecycle, from onboarding universities, coordinating our network of assessors and managing the Award panel.
• Scale and continually improve the Award process, ensuring it remains rigorous, impactful and values-led.
• Act as key spokesperson and point of contact for universities and other stakeholders.
• Responsible for budget, risk and line management. 

What we’re looking for

• Proven track record of managing complex projects.
• Experience developing, maintaining and improving robust systems and processes.
• A rigorous approach to accuracy and quality control.
• Comfortable holding difficult conversations with stakeholders at all levels.
• A commitment to co-production, equality, anti-racism and an interest in mental health.

Find out more about the essential criteria for this role by downloading our Recruitment Pack from the documents section.

What you will gain

• The chance to contribute to a high-impact national programme supporting better mental health for university communities across the UK.
• Experience in a varied role with opportunities to learn and develop.
• A supportive and collaborative workplace culture that values wellbeing.
• Flexibility in how and where you work. 

How to apply
If this sounds like a good fit, we’d love to hear from you!

1. Click “Redirect to recruiter”, then scroll to the 'Vacancies and volunteering' section of our 'Join our team' page to access the job listing.
2. Download the recruitment pack in the document section at the bottom of this page, where you’ll find more information about the role including responsibilities and person specifications. 
3. Download and complete our application form - instead of collecting CVs, we use an application form to ensure fairness and equal opportunity for all. 
   1. Please refrain from including any identifying details in your application answers.
4. Upload your completed application form as a word document. 
   1. Please note that once you start your application on our portal, you will have 24 hours to upload your completed form. Before clicking 'Apply' and beginning the application process, make sure your form is fully completed and ready to upload.
5. Complete the Equality Monitoring Form.

Student Minds is committed to building an inclusive team and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and walks of life.

Grade: NJC Point 31 - £25,062.60 per annum (FTE £41,771)

Hours: 22.5 hours per week (excluding breaks)

Days: To be worked over 3-4 days; one day must include a full day on a Monday (core hours are worked between 8am - 10am and 4pm - 6pm Monday to Friday)

Contract: Permanent contract, subject to funding and the successful completion of a 6-month probationary period

Responsible to: Director of Finance and Resources

Place of work: In person at Salford CVS’ offices in Eccles, Salford, M30 0FN

Make a difference. Shape our future. Join Salford CVS.

We’re looking for an experienced and motivated Finance Manager to play a key role in strengthening the financial leadership and sustainability of Salford CVS as we continue to grow our programmes and impact across the city.

This newly created role is an exciting opportunity for someone who wants to use their financial expertise to support the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector in Salford - and contribute to an organisation with a long and proud 100‑year history of making a difference.

You’ll join a supportive, collaborative and values‑driven team, working closely with the Director of Finance & Resources to ensure our financial systems, processes and reporting remain robust, accurate and fit for the future.

About you

We’re looking for someone with:

• Strong experience in charity finance, management accounts and financial reporting
• Knowledge of fund accounting and internal financial controls
• Experience of UK payroll processes
• Excellent accuracy, analytical skills and attention to detail
• Confidence using financial systems (Aqilla/Sharperlight desirable)
• A proactive, solution‑focused approach
• Experience supporting others through line management

If you care about your work, enjoy improving systems, and want to support Salford’s vibrant VCSE sector, we’d love to hear from you.

To apply

Please download and complete our application form via the ‘Apply’ button.

Closing date: 12 noon on Friday 13th March 2026
Interviews: In person on Tuesday 24th or Thursday 26th March (PM)

Help make borrowing the norm across Wales. Lead bold, bilingual communications that grow a national movement for sharing, sustainability and fairness.

Benthyg Cymru is building a national borrowing infrastructure for Wales — supporting 35+ Libraries of Things and sharing projects that help people save money, reduce waste and access what they need. We’re at a pivotal stage of growth, with expanding public-sector partnerships and rising national interest. Communications is central to what happens next.

We’re looking for a fluent Welsh-speaking Communications, PR & Marketing Lead who can turn strategy into compelling public storytelling and measurable borrowing growth. This is a hands-on, outward-facing role for someone confident producing high-quality content, leading national campaigns, building media relationships, and testing ideas in a fast-moving, mission-led environment.

You’ll lead our communications and marketing strategy, deliver behaviour-change campaigns, manage digital channels, shape PR narratives, and support national pilots and partnerships. You’ll balance creativity with accountability, ensuring borrowing is visible, trusted and culturally relevant across Wales.

Location: Remote (Wales-based) with travel
Hours: 28 per week (negotiable)
Salary: £34,271 actual + 3% pension
Contract: 1 year (with view to extend)
Benefits: 25 days annual leave + bank holidays, Wellbeing Days, Employee Assistance Programme

If you’re proactive, attuned to Wales’ cultural landscape and confident communicating in Welsh and English — and excited by the challenge of growing a national movement — we’d love to hear from you.

About the role

UnLtd is a vibrant, ambitious organisation at the heart of the UK’s social enterprise sector. As a key stakeholder and leading funder and supporter of social entrepreneurs, we continuously learn and adapt to better meet their needs and maximise their impact.

We are seeking an Events Manager to lead UnLtd’s event portfolio while our current Events Manager is on maternity leave. This person will be responsible for leading, coordinating and delivering the event plan in line with the organisational strategy. We are looking for a confident event specialist who will be able to support our frontline team to deliver a schedule of events for social entrepreneurs and UnLtd’s wider network.

You will be flexible in your approach and confident managing the whole process from planning through to delivery and event evaluation. The role is primarily hands-on and often involves working as part of, and at times leading, a cross-functional team. This role will suit you if you are patient and keep calm when things don’t go to plan, or when you don’t have all the answers you need. You’ll fall back on your meticulous organisation skills to ensure that UnLtd events are produced efficiently, fulfil their purpose, and are executed to the highest level.

This role may include some travel within the UK and evening work; however, we operate a TOIL system.

We are looking for a passionate and creative Head of Brand, Communications & Marketing to lead the next stage of our journey.

This is an exciting, strategic and hands‑on leadership role for someone who can confidently amplify our brand in the public sphere, drive meaningful engagement, and increase both supporter and beneficiary acquisition.

What You’ll Do

Reporting to the Director of Income Generation & Marketing and leading a small, high‑performing team, you will:

Brand, Communications & PR

• Lead and evolve Life’s brand strategy, ensuring clarity and consistency across all channels.
• Raise Life’s visibility with powerful campaigns that engage beneficiaries, supporters, volunteers and the public.
• Oversee media relations, PR activity, reputation management and crisis communications.
• Support and strengthen internal communications across the organisation.

Marketing Leadership

• Develop innovative marketing strategies that grow reach, impact and sustainability.
• Drive supporter and beneficiary acquisition through targeted, insight‑led campaigns.
• Use data, analytics and performance metrics to continuously improve marketing effectiveness.
• Provide inspiring leadership and development to the Marketing & Comms Team.

Digital Strategy

• Lead Life’s digital marketing approach, including SEO, paid social, PPC, email, content and inbound marketing.
• Create effective user journeys and optimise conversion rates through testing and analytics.
• Oversee engaging social media content and paid advertising campaigns.
• Ensure high‑quality digital design, content, and brand guardianship.

Website & Content

• Support the development of Life’s website, focusing on optimisation, content quality and user experience.
• Oversee high‑quality storytelling that reflects Life’s values and mission.

About You

You’ll be a confident, creative and strategic leader who brings:

• At least 5 years’ experience in digital marketing, communications or brand roles (charity sector experience desirable).
• Proven experience developing and delivering brand, digital and communications strategies.
• Strong understanding of digital marketing trends, analytics and audience insight.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience managing budgets and leading a team.
• A warm, values‑driven approach aligned with Life’s mission of humanity, solidarity, community and compassion.

About Life: 

Life is a national pregnancy support charity that helps over 60,000 people a year. Through our services, we help people – whoever they are – to meet pregnancy or pregnancy loss with courage and dignity so they can flourish. 

Our services include:  

• Supported housing and community support   
• Counselling and skilled listening   
• Free pregnancy tests and baby supplies  

Our values :

All our work is underpinned by the following universal human values: 

• Humanity – All people are special and equal 
• Solidarity – We’re with you and for you 
• Community – We’re better together 
• Charity – Doing good for one another 
• Common good – Building a better world 

Information about the role: 

For further information, please see the attached job description. 

Salary: £40,000 – £44,000 per annum

Hours: 35 hours per week (part time considered)

Location: Remote

Benefits:  

At Life we are passionate about providing our employees with a supportive and engaging environment. As well as ongoing development and training, we offer our:  

• Generous holiday allowance, starting at 25 days per year, plus 8 Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time hours) 
• Birthday Leave  (applicable after 1 years service)
• Additional annual leave for long term service  
• Company Pension Scheme  
• Signed member of the Menopause Workplace Pledge 

Safeguarding and Equality: 

Life is committed to protecting all staff, volunteers and service users from harm of any kind. Life expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct.   

We are committed to ensuring diversity and equality within our organisation by encouraging applications from all backgrounds.  

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks. Life takes its obligation to protect the rights of children and vulnerable people very seriously; therefore, the successful candidate for this post will be also subject to extensive background checking, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS) which is paid for by the Charity.  

Join Kaleidoscope Trust as our Communications and Events Officer and help bring global LGBTI+ advocacy to life.

Kaleidoscope Trust (KT) is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to advancing the rights of LGBTI+ people internationally. Founded in 2011, we aim to create a world where all LGBTI+ individuals are free, safe and equal.

We are looking for a Communications and Events Officer to help support powerful storytelling and strategic communications that amplify the voices and priorities of our partners around the world.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is organised, creative, and motivated by social justice to play a hands-on role across communications, events, and stakeholder engagement. You will work across a range of high-impact projects, including supporting the delivery of the Global LGBTI+ Rights Commission and key advocacy and partnership events.

If you’re keen to grow your skills while contributing to a collaborative and mission-driven team, we would love to hear from you. Download the full job description for full details and information on how to apply.

Salary: £35,150 per annum plus pension

Location: Remote (UK-based), with occasional travel

Closing date: Monday 16 March 2026, 23:59 (London time)

Interviews: Week commencing 16 March 2026

This is a home-based role, working Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Applications are welcome from candidates based outside Belfast, provided they are resident in Northern Ireland and able to commute to the Belfast office if required.

The External Affairs Manager plays a pivotal role in empowering people with sight loss to live the life they choose. This position leads the development of policy and campaigns within the country, aligning with Guide Dogs’ strategic objectives. Working collaboratively with the central policy, public affairs, and campaigns team, as well as the country leadership team, the role builds strategic partnerships with government bodies, local authorities, societies, and other key organisations. This ensures Guide Dogs remains informed and influential on all policy initiatives affecting the organisation and its stakeholders.

The post holder will be responsible for the day‑to‑day leadership, management and oversight of a team.

The post-holder is responsible for shaping policy positions, drafting responses to consultations from councils, combined authorities, and devolved governments, and driving impactful campaigns at a regional level. A key focus is increasing the involvement of blind and partially sighted people in advocacy and campaigning.

Additionally, the role leads the implementation of Guide Dogs’ regional marketing and communications strategy across the Devolved Nations. This includes raising brand awareness, engaging diverse audiences—service users, families, volunteers, donors, and the public—and delivering integrated communications plans that strengthen Guide Dogs’ presence and impact.

Key Responsibilities

Policy Development

• Lead the creation of country-specific policy and position papers, ensuring alignment with organisational strategy.
• Prepare responses to consultation papers from devolved administrations, local government, and regional bodies.
• Represent Guide Dogs on committees, working groups, and forums, staying informed on policy issues impacting the organisation and its service users.

Public Affairs

• Build and influence relationships with key stakeholders, including elected representatives and senior officials.
• Represent Guide Dogs at Government Scrutiny Committees and cross-party groups.
• Act as the primary liaison with local government and statutory agencies.

Campaigns & Influence

• Strategically lead and coordinate campaigns at a country level, ensuring alignment with devolved policy priorities.
• Develop and deliver campaigns addressing local needs of the visually impaired community.
• Foster partnerships within the Third Sector to build consensus and amplify Guide Dogs’ strategic aims. 

Leadership & People Management

• Provide strong leadership to local staff and volunteers, promoting best practice and knowledge-sharing.
• Oversee recruitment, performance management, and compliance with safeguarding policies.
• Ensure high levels of engagement through effective communication and leadership.

Financial Accountability

• Support fundraising initiatives and monitor operational budgets to ensure efficiency and compliance.

Diversity & Inclusion

• Champion Guide Dogs’ diversity agenda, ensuring services are inclusive and accessible.
• Work with external partners to create a more inclusive environment for people with sight loss.

How to apply 

Further details on the full role are attached below. When you are ready to apply, submit an online application form via this page.

If you would like to have an informal conversation about the role before applying, or require any accessibility support to apply, our friendly recruitment team is ready and waiting to help.

As part of your application ensure you provide evidence and examples of how your skills & experience meet the criteria as set out in the attached job description. You will also be asked to complete a few job-specific questions as part of this application process, so please be prepared to write your answers to these questions.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Guide Dogs welcomes applications from all sections of the community and actively encourages diversity to maximise achievements, creativity and good practice. We positively welcome and seek to ensure we achieve diversity in our workforce and that all job applicants and employees receive equal and fair treatment, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability or nationality. 

As a Disability Confident Employer, we are proud, whenever possible, to offer an interview to all candidates that meet our selection criteria, and who indicate they wish their application to be considered under our Disability Confident interview commitment. For more details, visit our careers site.

If you are successful you will need to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK via our digital ID checking supplier; in addition, we cannot offer visa sponsorship at this time.

Safeguarding

Guide Dogs is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk of harm with whom we work. We expect all our employees and volunteers to fully share this commitment.

At Guide Dogs, we believe in fair and equitable hiring practices. A criminal record will not automatically disqualify an applicant from consideration for a position. Each case will be evaluated individually, taking into account the nature of the offense, its relevance to the role, and the time that has passed since the incident. We encourage all candidates to disclose relevant information, and we assure you that it will be handled confidentially and fairly.

Guide Dogs follow Safer Recruitment practices to ensure we are safeguarding the vulnerable people we work with. As part of this, we require a full work history with any gaps accounted for & a minimum of 2 professional referee details fully covering the past 5 years. If you are applying for a disclosure role, please note that you will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and sign up to the DBS update service.

For high volumes of applications, we reserve the right to close adverts earlier than advertised.

Help improve the life chances of young people through physics education. We’re looking for an experienced, creative Marketing and Communications Manager to raise awareness of our work, strengthen our brand, and inspire engagement across schools, teachers, industry partners, and supporters.

Physics Partners is a charity dedicated to improving young people’s life chances through high-quality physics teaching. We work with schools, teachers, and industry partners to make physics accessible for every student, helping to build the skilled workforce the UK needs for the future.

As our Marketing and Communications Manager, you’ll lead campaigns that tell our story, grow our reach, and celebrate the impact of our programmes. You’ll manage content across digital, print, and social media, shape our online presence, and develop creative materials that connect with diverse audiences.

We’re looking for someone who combines strategic thinking with hands-on creativity - confident in digital communications, content creation, and stakeholder engagement. You’ll join a small, collaborative team where your ideas will make a real difference.

Key details

• Hours: 14 hours per week (0.4 FTE) – flexible working arrangements available

• Contract: 6-month initial term, with potential to become permanent

• Salary: £35,000 FTE (negotiable depending on experience and contract type)

• Reports to: Chief Executive

• Location: Home-based, with occasional travel

• Contract type: Employment or freelance considered

Essential skills and experience

• Proven experience in developing, planning, and executing marketing communications campaigns.
• Strong digital communications skills (CMS, SEO, email marketing, social media, Google Analytics).
• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling ability with a strong eye for design and detail.
• Track record of managing external agencies and multiple stakeholders.
• Creative and proactive mindset
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities.
• A genuine commitment to diversity, inclusion, sustainability, and Physics Partners’ mission.

Application process

The full role description is available to download.

Submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.

• Deadline: 5:00 pm, Sunday 1 March 2026

• First interviews: Online on 9 and 10 March 2026

Physics Partners is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Harris Hill is delighted to be partnering with a leading international NGO working to accelerate the global transition to sustainable, plant-rich food systems. We are seeking a strategic and hands-on Global Director of Strategic Communications to lead a high-performing international team and shape a compelling global narrative that influences policymakers, businesses, media and partners.

Recognised internationally for its impact and collaboration with major global institutions, the non-profit organisation (NGO) combines evidence, strategy and advocacy to deliver measurable change. This is a rare opportunity to shape and lead a global communications function at a pivotal moment for food, climate and public health.

Reporting to the Global CEO, you will:

• Develop and deliver a global communications strategy aligned to organisational priorities
• Secure high-impact international media coverage (e.g. Financial Times, BBC, The Guardian, The New York Times)
• Provide senior counsel on reputation and crisis communications
• Oversee brand integrity, messaging and digital channels globally
• Build alignment and clarity across distributed international teams

You will bring significant experience influencing B2B and policy audiences, leading global communications functions, and delivering results within complex structures. An established international media network and strong crisis judgement are essential. It’s essential that you have a strong alignment with sustainability, food systems, climate and/or public health agendas.

• Location: Remote (UK-based). Travel required ad-hoc for meetings and conferences.
• Contract: Full-time, Permanent.
• Salary: £56,000–£63,000
• Fantastic benefits package: including enhanced family leave policies, increasing holiday allowance yearly, inclusive, values-driven culture, and dedicated professional development budget.

Firm closing date: Sunday 22^nd March. Please get in touch today to find out more!

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

Digital Change Manager 

• Reporting to: Digital Transformation Lead 

• Employment Status: permanent 28 hrs/week (flexible) 

• Location: Home based 

• Level: Managerial (Band 6) 

• Salary: £32,859 fte per annum plus excellent pension & benefits 

Role purpose 

Adoption UK is undertaking a major digital transformation, initially focused on CRM and Website developments. Our Digital Transformation Team will drive this change programme, working with colleagues and external digital partners; and subsequently deliver our on-going digital strategy implementation and development. 

You will support the Digital Transformation Lead to refine and implement Adoption UK’s digital strategy, to deliver our digital transformation project. Working with internal and external stakeholders the team will ensure that the project’s vision and scope meet the business and operational needs of the charity. An important part of your role will be to work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation and particularly with our Marketing and Communications team to integrate digital into all current and upcoming projects. 

We’re looking for someone who has experience of project working in a digital environment, particularly within website and CRM implementation. 

Background – our digital transformation 

Like many charities, we’ve historically developed our digital framework and footprint organically, with insufficient web and CRM integration and functionality, duplication and data silos; resulting in data management and website functionality that don’t meet all our users’ needs. We’re changing all that by: 

1. Investing in our customer-facing website and data management systems; connecting all our divisions and services, delivering integrated systems that provide a positive customer and stakeholder journey.
2. Developing the next generation of digitally accessible services 
3. Extending our in-house digital capability to support continuous delivery. 

Key accountabilities: 

• Support the Digital Transformation Lead to implement the charity’s digital strategy.

• Coordinate data and content activities, including migration between platforms, to deliver our website and CRM digital transformation programme.

• Utilise and maintain relationships with key stakeholders across the organisation and with current and future digital partners. Use these networks to: 

• embed digital first principles and best practice. 

• Train, coach and mentor colleagues to be effective users of our CRM and website. 

• Progress opportunities to increase our digital capability and integrate digital into our current and upcoming work. 

• Utilise the digital performance assessment framework to monitor compliance with digital and data best practice standards. 

• Assist in maintaining our data security standards compliance, participating in quality assurance activities. 

• Work collaboratively with our external digital and IT partners. 

Essential Criteria 

• Significant experience of website and CRM implementation and data/content management. 

• Good general knowledge and experience of organisational IT systems, including cloud and M365 applications. 

• Excellent verbal and written communications skills. Able to convey complex or technical information simply and clearly. 

• Experience of IT/Digital supplier engagement. Able to engage effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. 

• Experience of working in a digital project/change environment. 

• Ability to work under pressure and to respond quickly to changing circumstances and to tight timetables 

Desirable criteria 

• Experience of working in an organisation which uses agile development methodologies. 

• A strong understanding of the National Cyber Security Centre principles and approach and General Data Protection regulations principles, audit and compliance. 

We are recruiting for the new role of Communications & Marketing Manager. This year we are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the founding of ABCD. It’s an important and exciting point in ABCD’s development, when we seek to develop our profile and supporter base, particularly among younger people in the UK. Over recent years we have been gradually extending the scope of our work in the refugee camps in the West Bank. As we grow, and the demand for our services grows, so have our ambitions to raise much needed funds as we develop. We seek a committed individual to join us on a one-year contract with a vewi to becoming permanent if all goes well.

Design and Communications Manager

Salary: £38,000 - £41,000 per annum + benefits

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Type: 12-month FTC, April/May 2026 start preferred  

Are you an experienced Design and Communications Manager looking for a new and exciting opportunity? Here at Seashell, we are looking for a talented individual who is passionate about making a difference to the lives of others…

About Seashell Trust

Originally founded in 1823, Seashell Trust is a nationally recognised and registered charity based in Cheadle Hulme, Stockport. The Trust comprises of the Royal School Manchester, the Royal College Manchester, bespoke Residential Care Homes, Outreach Health and Family Services that support over 8,000 people a year. We provide expert education and residential care for children and young adults with multiple complex disabilities including, profound learning difficulties, multi-sensory impairments, mobility issues and neurological disorders like severe autism. Our fantastic services are based all on one-site, which deepens our sense of community for our children and young adults and the Seashell team.

We are currently in the midst of the largest fundraising appeal in our 200-year history which will see our campus become the national centre of excellence for the education and residential care of children and young adults with the most complex disabilities.

In 2015 we raised £10 million to build our residential care facility Sir Norman Stoller Way and in 2023, opened The Moulding Foundation building, a £25 million home for Royal School Manchester. Building is now complete for our new Royal College Manchester; The Ged Mason building opened in early February 2026.

About the role

The Design and Communications Manager is responsible for managing Seashell’s brand identity so that it engages effectively with our audiences, reflects our values and articulates our ambitions.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as lead designer for the Trust and work with the Head of Marketing and Communications to establish clear direction for enhancing brand awareness
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to champion the Seashell brand, providing design insight and input into key campaigns.
• Design and create marketing and communications materials, as well as keeping the brand/marketing and communications toolkit and content bank up to date, to help our teams create their own materials to strengthen our brand and amplify awareness.
• Lead on design or oversee artwork for key organisational documents (impact report etc.) campaigns, fundraising events, reports, prospectuses, impact stories, social media, advertising and any other key content required.
• Act as ‘brand guardian’ and maintain brand assets and guidelines. Ensure consistent application of design standards and brand guidelines across all departments and communications
• Support Seashell’s understanding of its brand guidelines - including tone of voice, sentiment, inclusive language and visual identity - through the provision of advice and guidance to internal stakeholders.
• Co-ordinate the development and delivery of creative content to strengthen and promote our brand, supporting Seashell’s strategic priorities and business planning requirements
• Work with suppliers and stakeholders throughout the development cycle. Duties include writing design and technical briefs, scoping technical development projects with colleagues and suppliers, establishing systems that will enable the functions to be most impactful
• Be accountable for the efficient management of key budgets, ensuring appropriate and effective spend
• Carry out any other duties as may be reasonably required

Full job description is available upon request

What you will need for the role:

•  Previous experience in design led role is essential - experience of working in a marketing and communications role in an education and care setting, particularly within the charity sector is desirable
• Strong graphic design skills and proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and/or equivalent tools.
• Proven design skills, able to create high quality artwork that elevates a brand
•  Competent user of website content management systems, WordPress in particular
• Ability to write and edit high quality, engaging and informative marketing communications copy
• Experience of working in a fast-paced environment, with an ability to handle numerous projects with competing deadlines and priorities
• Excellent communication and relationship development skills.
• Happy to work outside of office hours on occasions by agreement
• Enthusiasm and commitment to giving the children and young adults at Seashell the best opportunities.

What we can offer you:

• Access to our on-site inclusive gym, fitness classes and state of the art swimming pool
• Blue Light discount scheme
• Benenden Health Care Membership – access to 24/7 GP, physiotherapy, medical treatments, mental health support including counselling service, cancer support, care planning and social care advice
• Access to a wide range of vocational programmes to support you in your job role
• Life Assurance (3x Annual base salary) subject to terms and conditions
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free on-site parking
• Paid Enhanced DBS

About recruitment at Seashell

Please upload your CV to apply. As per our Safer Recruitment procedure, you will be required to complete a Seashell Application Form as part of our recruitment process.

We provide a caring environment that is safeguarded and committed to promoting learning, respect and independence, as well as dignity for all of our students. As part of our safer recruitment procedure, successful candidates will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check (no cost) and full references will be taken.

We value our employees and recognise the need to recruit, retain and develop highly skilled and committed talent who share our vision and values!

We value diversity and are committed to equal opportunities. We are an inclusive employer and welcome all applications.

Disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria on the person specification will be guaranteed an interview. If you require any reasonable adjustments for an interview, please highlight this to our Recruitment Team in advance.

This charity is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Our vision is for the children and young people in our care to be safe, happy and to achieve the best possible outcomes so that they are valued and valuable members of their communities.

Job Title: Assistant Director of Philanthropy & Strategic Partnership
Reporting To: Deputy CEO/Director of Fundraising and Communications
Manages: Head of Trusts and Foundations, Head of Corporate Partnerships
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time (36 hours per week, flexible)
Salary band: £58,000 - £66,000 per annum
N.B. To ensure fairness and consistency across Home-Start UK, new colleagues usually join at the first point of the pay band for their role. This helps us maintain a clear and equitable approach to pay for everyone joining our team.

Location: Remote – with regular travel to meetings with donors, for events and to our central office in Leicester for collaborative meetings and team activities.

About Home-Start UK

Home-Start is a federated charity consisting of a central national office – Home-Start UK - and over 170 geographically dispersed local Home-Start organisations, all working together under the same identity.

We recognise that being a parent has never been easy. Every Home-Start volunteer is trained to work alongside parents to overcome the challenges they are facing. We work with parents to build on their strengths and give them the support that they tell us they need. We offer no judgement – just compassionate, confidential help and expert support. This peer-to-peer support is key to the difference Home-Start makes and often our volunteers have lived experience of the challenges their families are facing themselves.

About The Role

This is an important moment for us and for the families we support. Parents of babies and young children are facing huge pressures, and strong, values-driven partnerships matter more than ever. We’re looking for a senior leader who can help us meet this moment with confidence and ambition.

As Assistant Director of Philanthropy & Strategic Partnerships, you will help shape the future of our national work and support our federation of 170+ local Home-Starts working in communities across the UK. You will lead a talented team, build long-lasting relationships, and help make sure Home-Start has the funding, partnerships, and influence it needs to give every child the best possible start in life. This role will suit someone who is motivated by purpose, who values people and relationships, and who is comfortable working across a large and varied network.

We are looking for someone with a strong track record, someone who has already delivered high-value fundraising and partnerships at a senior level and is ready to take on a role with significant national influence. With responsibility for an annual income portfolio of circa £4 Million – with strong potential to grow this over the next 3-5 years to between £6Million-£8Million plus, you will work with a supportive Leadership Team and Board, who have already engaged external philanthropy expertise to develop a strategy and roadmap that you can build on. You’ll need to be confident working with high-value supporters: able to build trust, communicate clearly, and nurture long-term relationships with people who want to invest in families and early years support. You’ll bring the skills and confidence to grow a portfolio that is already strong and take it further, along with the ability to work well with others in a fast-moving environment.

You will be joining a warm, collaborative organisation that believes in the power of community, the strength of families, and the importance of early help. If you feel excited by the chance to make a national difference, to build partnerships based on trust and shared purpose, and to help shape the next chapter of Home-Start’s impact, we would be delighted to hear from you.

The people at Home-Start are its most important resource. Home-Start UK has been accredited with Investors in People since March 2005, which recognises the commitment we give to developing our staff.

Benefits of working for Home-Start

• Flexible working
• Family friendly policy
• PayCare health cash plan
• Enhanced employer contribution pension
• Learning and development
• DAS Employee Assistance

If it sounds like your type of challenge, we would be delighted to hear from you.

The closing date for applications is Friday 27th March at 4pm.
As part of our recruitment process, shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in a full-day assessment centre at our Leicester office on Tuesday 14th April.
The assessment centre will include a mix of individual and group activities designed to understand your strategic thinking, relational approach, and leadership style.

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.

Home-Start UK is committed to Equality of Opportunity and Diversity. We wish to encourage applications from all parts of the community irrespective of gender, race, colour, age, sexual orientation or disability. 

No agencies please.