Public affairs jobs
We are a not-for-profit organisation committed to increasing the diversity and numbers of young people entering engineering and technology to meet the future workforce needs, as well as promoting roles that help us work towards net zero and drive environmental sustainability.
Are you looking for a role in a dynamic and busy policy and public affairs team operating in the education and skills policy arena? Are you interested in a role that will provide you with the opportunity to use your research skills and work with a range of stakeholders on developing impactful policy? Then this is your opportunity. EngineeringUK is looking for a temporary Policy Manager ready to lead on the development of some of our organisational policy priorities and positions to ensure that government policy addresses EngineeringUK’s concerns in relation to for example apprenticeships and the ‘growth and skills levy’, Skills England, diversity in engineering & technology pathways and STEM teacher shortages.
It is an exciting time to work in policy and if you have excellent verbal and written communication skills, experience in drafting policy reports and recommendations and a good understanding of how to sell these to policymakers, we want to hear from you.
About the role
Reporting to the Head of Policy and Public Affairs and working closely with colleagues across EngineeringUK as well as our partners, you will be instrumental to the delivery of our policy and public affairs programme.
You will lead on policy projects and on developing organisational policy positions, producing reports and responses to government consultations (with a focus on education and skills). You will be working with the Public Affairs Advisor and other colleagues to communicate these messages to government. You will also be responsible for engaging with stakeholders, internally and externally, requiring you to be an excellent team player and collaborator. You will have a good understanding of how to use research and data to identify trends and support policy development and be a confident and persuasive communicator. You need to be able to work independently and be adept at managing multiple tasks in a deadline driven environment.
The role is London based at our office at 10 Lower Thames Street, London EC3R 6EN and may involve some travel in the UK. We believe that hybrid working has many benefits and are pleased to offer flexible working with a minimum of 2 days (or 40%) a week in the office and the option for a flexible start and end to the working day in our vibrant central London office overlooking the Thames. Further details on our flexible working practices can be discussed at interview or you can reach out to a member of our HR team.
Further details of the role can be found in the job description and person specification.
About EngineeringUK
Our purpose is to drive change so more young people choose engineering and technology careers.
Our vision is that the UK has the diverse workforce needed for engineering and technology to thrive and drive economic prosperity, improve sustainability and to achieve net zero.
Our mission is to enable more young people from all backgrounds to be informed, inspired and progress into engineering and technology.
In the UK, we don’t have enough engineers and demand is going up. So, we need more young people to realise there could be a future for them in engineering and technology. To really thrive, we need a stronger, more diverse and representative workforce and for that we have to do things differently to make engineering more appealing.
We are a not-for-profit working with hundreds of organisations across business, education, professional institutions and the third sector so we can all grow the future talent pool together. We drive that collective effort through research and evidence, leadership, activities for schools and advocacy, with a focus on long-term sustainability.
We guided by a series of values that we apply to all our activity:
- We are inclusive and care about diversity. We understand that we have different needs and create opportunities for everyone's voice to be heard
- We are collaborative. We listen, share and work in partnership to achieve our vision
- We are curious and keen to learn. We challenge ourselves and others to innovate and experiment
- We are insightful. We evaluate what we do and draw on research to make decisions and to improve our collective understanding
- We are driven by a strong sense of purpose. We are determined to make an impact and achieve our goals
About you
Essential Skills / Competencies
- Demonstrable experience of developing organisational policy positions, policy responses and report writing as well as leading on impactful policy engagement with government stakeholders.
- Demonstrable experience of using government and other datasets to support policy development.
- Demonstrable experience managing policy projects including relevant stakeholder management that leads to lasting partnerships. Proven ability to lead a project and take people – internal and external to the organisation - with you.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including a proven ability to simplify complex research and policy message, and to write confidently and concisely for a variety of audiences.
- Good understanding of the education and skills landscape, as well as the political environment surrounding it.
- Proven ability to work independently and prioritise in response to many competing demands and time, but also take direction, be flexible and work collaboratively with others, contributing to team decisions and facilitating cross-organisational working. Pro-active approach to working.
- Commitment to our mission and values, in particular, you will be able work in a way that supports our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
- Commitment to our mission and values, you will be able to engage with our values and work in a way that supports our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
Desirable Skills / Competencies
- An existing network of contacts across the education, skills and/ or the engineering sector in and outside of government.
Education / level of experience
- Educated to degree level or equivalent, or similar ability gained through work experience relevant to the role.
- Expected level of work experience – minimum 3 to 5 years in a similar role.
EngineeringUK is committed to being an inclusive workplace, where everyone feels they belong. This is supported by the dedicated work we are doing to ensure our policies and practices are inclusive and that our staff are trained to be able to fulfil this commitment.
We value the benefits of a diverse workforce and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. Our recruitment process is designed to be as accessible and inclusive as possible and to ensure people are individually assessed regardless of their backgrounds or characteristics.
We are an equal opportunities employer and are open to flexible working, including job share.
Applying for this role
Applications
If you would like to request to submit your application in an alternative format to support accessibility, please let us know.
We want to hear your voice and experience in your application. We acknowledge that you may use AI tools to polish a response, but your application should reflect your experience and voice. All applications are reviewed and scored by our human hiring team. Our system flags responses that it judges to be AI generated and your application may be disregarded if we feel it has been completely AI generated.
The deadline for applications is 5pm on Monday 4th May 2026
The role would be available for someone to take up from mid-June 2026.
Interviews
Applications will be assessed against the requirements for the post as set out in the job description and in the ‘about you’ section above.
We are a Disability Confident committed employer. We guarantee an interview to any disabled people who meet the minimum requirements of the role. Additionally, if there are any reasonable adjustments we can make to make this process easier for you then we are happy to do so. Just complete the relevant sections of the online application form.
We aim to notify candidates who have been shortlisted on Friday 8th May 2026 .If you have not heard from us after this date, please assume that you have not been successful.
First interviews will be held on 13th and 14th May 2026.
What can we offer you?
- Competitive salary
- 28 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), in addition we normally close for the Christmas week
- Competitive pension (10% employer contribution)
- Annual bonus opportunity
- Flexible working
- A vibrant office with terrace overlooking the Thames embankment and Tower Bridge
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Life Insurance (4 x salary)
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Long term illness/incapacity insurance cover (permanent health insurance or PHI)
- Annual private health check for employees
- Discounted gym membership
- Yearly flu vaccination
We are recruiting a fixed-term Policy Campaigns Manager to lead our campaigns function at ARUK. The Policy Campaigns Manager will report to the Senior Public Affairs and Campaigns Manager and have line management responsibilities for the Policy Campaigns Officer.
In this role you will be joining a friendly and fast-moving Policy and Public Affairs team, during an exciting year for dementia research as we campaign on our core mission for a cure. You will work closely with colleagues across the organisation to oversee our active campaigns and identify opportunities to mobilise our supporters and drive influence and impact for and with people affected by dementia.
You will lead the development of the campaigns function for ARUK, building on existing initiatives, championing best practice in campaigns and building our reach and engagement. You will also be responsible for working across a range of functions including our policy, research, communications, digital, brand and volunteering teams.
This is a 12 month FTC or on return of the substantive postholder
Key Responsibilities:
Deliver our live campaigns and marshal our campaigner base to advocate for change in dementia research and for people affected by dementia
· Work with colleagues across research, policy and public affairs teams to develop and deliver our campaigns that mobilise people affected by dementia and our supporters to influence decision makers and change policy and practice
· Work with the policy managers to ensure that our campaigns align with our strategic priorities and theories of change
· Work closely with public affairs colleagues to plan campaign actions that align with key political influencing moments e.g. Budget; Spending Review; King’s speech; General Elections
Develop and deliver our campaign communications to grow the reach, influence and impact of our campaigns
· Lead the development and growth of our campaigner network, building supporter journeys, and producing compelling and creative campaigner communications across email, social media and other channels
· Work with colleagues across CRM and digital to improve data management, delivering regular reporting on campaign actions and use this data to enhance the campaigner experience and empower more people to take action.
· Work with colleagues across the organisation to build campaigning expertise and experience with local ARUK supporters and improve our reach with MPs in their constituencies
Line Manage our Policy Campaigns Officer
· Oversee the work of the policy campaigns officer including setting objectives and providing support to a range of workstreams.
· Consider the learning and development needs of the policy campaigns officer and ensure that they are able to grow and develop in their role.
Involve people affected by dementia in campaigns development and delivery
· Identify campaign champions and storytellers with lived experience who can advocate for change
· Provide training and ongoing support to people with lived experience to empower them to take part in and shape our campaigns
Research, insight and continuous improvement
· Provide expert advice across the charity on campaigning, taking an open, flexible and innovative approach
· Develop mechanisms to keep abreast of best practice in campaigns and any legal or regulatory issues specifically around mental capacity and consent, data protection and lobbying etc
· Continue a campaigning culture across the organisation by being an ambassador for the benefits of campaigning and working with colleagues to showcase the opportunities and impact of our work.
Knowledge, skills and experience needed:
· Educated to A Level or equivalent
· Experience of delivering successful national campaigns
· Experience of building fruitful relationships with colleagues across organisations
· Experience of developing impactful campaign strategies with clear policy rationale and creative tactics
· Experience of writing compelling campaign communications
· Experience of working with campaigners
· Experience using CRM databases such as Raiser’s Edge and Salesforce and handling sensitive personal data
· Line Management experience
· Leadership experience at a management level
· Experience of matrix working, across professional and operational boundaries
Additional Information:
Ways of working:
As part of our Agile ways of working you will be required to work approximately 2 days a week from the office, which is subject to the requirements of the role and the business needs. Flexibility on where you work can be split between working from home and our office.
Roles that are classed as part of the Agile ways of working are not able to claim any costs for Mileage/Travel on Public Transport, Accommodation and/or Meals. This includes when attending the office for various meetings/events.
Our Office: Our office is at 3 Riverside, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AD.
Salary: Circa £44,000 per annum, plus benefits.
Please download the Vacancy Pack on our website for more information.
The closing date for applications is the 17th May 2026, with interviews being arranged once shortlisting has been completed. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity, as on occasion we may have to bring forward the interview date and/or the closing date based on the needs of the business. Although a possibility, this will only happen in exceptional circumstances. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date.
We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, particularly from those in the global majority, those with disabilities, men and those from the LGBTQIA+ community. Any offer of employment is however subject to you having the right to work in the UK.
As part of our commitment to being an inclusive employer and ensuring fairness and consistency in our selection process, we will handle your CV and application with the utmost confidentiality. Should you require any adjustments at either the application or interview stage, please contact us via our website.
How to apply: Please create an online account using our Online Recruitment Platform which can be accessed through our Job Vacancies page. You will be able to attach your CV to your application and track the status of your application.
About Alzheimer’s Research UK: Alzheimer's Research UK is the UK's leading dementia research charity. Our mission is to accelerate progress towards a cure. Today 1 in 2 people will be impacted by dementia, either through caring for a loved one, developing it themselves or tragically both. But there is hope.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are looking for a confident, values‑led Head of Communications to lead SSAFA’s communications function at a time when trust, clarity and judgement truly matter.
This is a senior leadership role within the Fundraising, Marketing and Communications directorate, responsible for protecting and strengthening SSAFA’s reputation, leading issue management, and delivering clear, engaging internal communications for staff and volunteers across a complex national organisation.
You will lead a professional national and regional communications team, setting clear direction, supporting development, and creating a culture where people feel trusted, supported and able to perform under pressure. Acting as a senior communications adviser, you will work closely with executive leaders and colleagues across the organisation to ensure communications are timely, accurate, and grounded in SSAFA’s values.
This role is about judgement as much as delivery - knowing when to move fast, when to pause, and how to support people while maintaining high standards.
About the team
You’ll be leading a regionally dispersed communications team within our wider Fundraising, Marketing and Communications directorate, working closely with a range of stakeholders to shape compelling, consistent communications across the organisation. This is a collaborative, fast‑paced environment where strong relationships matter, and where your leadership will help ensure our voice helps deliver real impact
About you
You are an experienced communications leader who combines professional authority with emotional intelligence.
You will bring:
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Significant experience in reputation management and crisis communications.
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Credibility as a senior communications adviser in complex organisations.
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A strong track record of leading and developing teams, including through pressure or change.
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A deep understanding of internal communications and their role in organisational culture and trust.
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Excellent judgement, clarity of thought and calmness under pressure.
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Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt tone for different audiences.
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A collaborative, people‑centred leadership style.
An understanding of the voluntary sector and the Armed Forces community is desirable, but above all we are looking for someone who leads with integrity, empathy and sound judgement.
About SSAFA
SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity is a trusted source of support for the Armed Forces community in their time of need. In 2024 our trained teams of volunteers and employees helped more than 53,000 people, including veterans, serving personnel (regulars and reserves) and their families.
SSAFA understands that behind every uniform is a person. And we are here for that person and their family, any time they need us and in any way they need us..
Diversity and Inclusion at SSAFA
SSAFA exists to support a diverse range of beneficiaries within the armed forces community, and we believe diversity within our teams is key to ensuring we can deliver our services effectively. We thrive on differences and believe it is critical to our success as a worldwide charity. SSAFA is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace that seeks to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We therefore encourage applications from all genders, races, religions, ages and sexual orientations, as well as parents, veterans, people living with disabilities, and any other groups that could bring diverse perspectives to our business.
SSAFA is committed to using the Disclosure & Barring Service to ensure we, as an employer, safeguard those we serve.
No agencies please. Any unsolicited submissions from agencies will be accepted as a direct application from the candidate and no fees will be payable.
Closing date: Midnight on 06 May 2026 SSAFA reserves the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Interviews: TBC
Our vision A society in which the Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive.
The Head of Strategic Communications will lead strategic communications at ECU, building on our track record of shaping media narratives around the economy and working across multiple campaigns and programmes.
As our Head of Strategic Communications, you will devise and deliver impactful communications strategies to shape the way the UK media covers economic policy. You’ll help ensure that UK media debates are grounded in robust and innovative economic thinking and rise to the scale and urgency of current societal challenges.
If you believe that media and public debate on economics could be improved - and if you have the strategic communications track record to make that happen - then we would like to hear from you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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.
We are seeking an exceptional leader to be our next chief executive, leading a respected and influential membership organisation at the heart of a thriving grassroots movement.
You’ll be working to build on the success we’ve seen and strong position and voice we have established for ourselves and our members, as a leading force for inclusive and sustainable transport and communities.
You’ll bring an impressive track record in values-based leadership, a proven ability to engage and inspire grassroots change-makers, strategic partners and policy-makers, and a deep belief in the importance of community-led change towards a sustainable, equitable future.
About us
Community Rail Network is a national not-for-profit organisation, which is in the process of applying for charitable status, supporting a growing ‘community rail’ movement, which helps communities get the most from their railways, promotes sustainable and inclusive travel, coordinates volunteering and place-making, and brings people together.
Community rail is made up of 77 community-based organisations, and around 1,300 station volunteer groups and other community-led initiatives around Britain. Their activities range from creative projects for young people, to advising train operators on service improvements, to building travel confidence among marginalised groups, to biodiversity projects at stations, to promoting greener tourism by rail.
Our enthusiastic team of 24 works from home in dispersed locations, but we come together regularly in person and online. We work collaboratively to support members, provide training, events and resources, run campaigns, and champion community rail and its insights. We believe in helping everyone reach their potential while having a good work-life balance.
About this role, and your main responsibilities
Our current CEO is moving on after nine years in role, leaving the organisation, team and wider movement in a strong and empowered position to deliver on the next phase of our development.
Your opportunity is to lead the organisation, and to deliver on our new five-year strategy setting an ambitious course for the future during a period of major transformation for our railways and the wider transport system. You will ensure that we are:
- clear in our identity and our independence, and seen as thought leaders in our field;
- are supporting our members and stakeholders to meet their changing and diverse needs; and
- ensuring the financial and operational resilience of the organisation in an environment that is undergoing a period of rapid change.
As CEO, you will lead a passionate and experienced senior leadership team with three direct reports, while working closely with and reporting into our Board, key partners and funders, and ensuing an engaging, empowering, tenacious approach across all we do.
Advocacy of community rail and its benefits will be high on your agenda, and you will be working closely across multiple stakeholders including UK and devolved national governments, regional and local authorities as well as forging collaborative partnerships with like-minded organisations.
Maintaining our community-centric ethos, you will need to ensure we're effective in enabling members to unlock greater value from the railways at a grassroots level, while drawing on their insights to affect wider change. With hundreds of member groups and organisations across Britain delivering life-changing, place-enhancing work, you will have a solid foundation to build on, to take community rail forward and expand our impact in the years ahead.
Last, but not least, you will be responsible for ensuring the strong and effective governance of the organisation, modelling our governing principles, values and behaviours, and ensuring that we have robust financial and resource management in place.
Skills, competencies and qualities
- Exceptional leadership skills, including a proven ability to lead, develop and grow third sector organisations or multi-faceted teams delivering complex activities, projects and campaigns;
- Excellent communication and external leadership skills: articulate, assertive, with the ability to work diplomatically and persuasively with stakeholders at all levels;
- Experienced in acting as the public face of an organisation, such as through the media, public speaking and high-level meetings, and using evidence and storytelling to articulate and champion a cause;
- Politically astute, with knowledge of and commitment to social inclusion, social justice and sustainability, and a sound grasp of the importance of public transport, sustainable travel, and community-led action;
- A proven ability to influence policy and decision-makers, and to identify influencing opportunities, ideally in relation to community development, sustainability and/or transport, including sharing community insights;
- A strong track record in income generation and development, building strong funder relationships and delivery partnerships, managing programme or organisational budgets and controlling expenditure;
- Experience of working with and/or reporting to a board, ideally in a not-for-profit and/or membership context;
- An empowering, engaging approach to leadership, management and change-making;
- Resilient, pragmatic and determined, with the ability to work under pressure, seize emergent opportunities, manage risk, and support others dealing with competing priorities.
Other information
The role will involve extensive travel within Britain as part of building your profile and that of the organisation with central and devolved government in Scotland and Wales, and increasingly with the devolved regions of England.
There is flexibility on location given the requirement to travel and that your office will be home-based. You will need to travel to in-person quarterly team meetings (usually in London or West Yorkshire) and to Board meetings which alternate between online and London. It is expected that travel will be by public transport and easy access to the rail network is therefore required to ensure journeys can be made sustainably.
This is a full-time position, 37 hours per week. We use a flexi-time system with core hours 10am-3pm, and are committed to being a flexible, supportive and understanding employer. This is a permanent position with a probationary period of six months.
Benefits: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (rising up to 30 days, plus Bank Holidays, in line with long service); pension with employer contribution of 7%; and access to Employee Assistance Programme.
Successful applicants will need to provide proof that they have the right to work in the UK and provide two references.
Community Rail Network is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from disabled people and Black, Asian and other minoritised groups, who meet with the skills and competencies for this role. We will provide reasonable adjustments for interviews as required.
Applications by Tuesday 12 May 2026 (23:30) with two attachments: your CV and a covering letter of up to two sides of A4 summarising why you are the ideal person for this job and relevant experience and competencies. Please include a daytime phone number and an email address and identify your notice period in your cover letter.
First interviews take place 21-22 May 2026 online. Second interviews will be in person, Monday 1 June 2026, in London. Candidates invited for interview will be contacted by phone about a week before. Due to limited resources, we are unable to provide feedback to other candidates.
**Please be aware we use AI monitoring filters to detect any AI generated content**
Championing the community rail movement | Connecting people and their railways | Creating inclusive, empowered, sustainable and healthy communities
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Longmire Recruitment is our dedicated partner for this vacancy
Public Affairs Manager
Location: Home-based with frequent travel to Westminster and occasional travel to the devolved nations
Hours: Full-time (35 hours per week), with some evening work and travel required*
* The RSB currently offers a four-day working week (32 hours), which is non-contractual and reviewed annually
Position:Permanent
The Royal Society of Biology is a single unified voice, representing a diverse membership of individuals, learned societies and other organisations across the biosciences. Our members study, work and research in fields that encompass humans, animals, plants, fungi, microorganisms, ecosystems and the molecular mechanisms of life. Our vision is of a world that values biology's contribution to understanding and improving life for all.
This exciting new Public Affairs Manager role will sit within the External Affairs department. It will lead the RSB’s political engagement, and maximise the Society's influence on relevant government policy across the UK. Working closely with the Policy teams, the Public Affairs Manager will champion the RSB's policy priorities in relation to bioscience research, innovation and education, ensuring that policymakers understand the Society's mission and the needs of its members. You will also deliver an annual programme of engagement in Westminster on behalf of the wider STEM community, and collaborate with partners on STEM-related activity across the devolved nations.
The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate:
- Experience in public affairs and parliamentary engagement, ideally within the science, research, health, education or charity sectors.
- An understanding of the UK research and innovation landscape and education system, and knowledge of relevant stakeholders.
- An understanding of evidence-based policymaking and the ability to draft clear briefings on complex scientific or technical issues.
- Experience of building relationships with parliamentarians, civil servants and sector stakeholders.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts into accessible messaging for political audiences.
Longmire Recruitment is our dedicated recruitment partner for this vacancy.
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
The RSB is committed to ensuring equal opportunities in the life sciences, and supports diversity throughout lifetimes at school and higher education, in the workplace and training; we value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, abilities and cultures and believe that a diverse workforce will help us to achieve our mission.
#PublicAffairs
Lloyds Bank Foundation
Head of Public Affairs (Maternity Cover)
Starting Salary: £64,936 per annum (London-based)
Contract: Full-time, fixed-term contract (we are open to conversations about different ways of working - so please ask)
Location: London-based role with expectation of hybrid working from our London office
About Lloyds Bank Foundation
Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales is an independent charitable foundation, backed by Lloyds Banking Group and the people within it. We want everyone to be in a good place - personally, in a home that’s a good place to live, and in a community that’s a good place to belong.
We play our role by connecting and catalysing community-led change, providing the money, time, tools and connections that build organisations’ capacity and capability, to make people’s lives better and their communities stronger.
We back people and communities across England and Wales, to make that happen, because when you back brilliant people, brilliant things happen. Our communities are full of ambitious, energetic and determined people stepping up to make their neighbours’ lives better and their communities grow stronger. Day in, day out.
About the Role
This is an exciting leadership opportunity to shape and lead the Foundation’s national public affairs and influencing work during a period of maternity cover, maintaining momentum and driving meaningful change in policy and practice.
As Head of Public Affairs, you will set direction for influencing activity across England and Wales, ensuring it is aligned to organisational priorities and continues to deliver impact. You will lead engagement with senior policymakers and political processes, acting as a credible and visible representative of the Foundation.
Working closely with colleagues, you will ensure that influencing activity remains informed by local insight and translated into clear national priorities. You will also contribute to organisational leadership, supporting strategic direction while leading a high-performing public affairs team through this period.
About You
We’re looking for an experienced and credible leader with a strong background in public affairs, policy, or influencing. You will bring a track record of delivering impact at national or regional level, alongside a strong understanding of the UK political landscape.
You will combine strategic thinking with practical delivery, with excellent relationship-building skills and experience of engaging senior stakeholders. You will be confident providing leadership and continuity in a fixed-term role. A commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging is essential.
How to Apply
Please click ‘Apply’ to be redirected to our website, where you can download the Candidate Information Pack and find details of how to apply.
For an informal conversation about the role and application process, please contact our recruitment partner, Atkinson HR via the information in the candidate pack.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
We hold Disability Confident Employer status (Level 2) and are working towards full status by 2027. This means that if you're a disabled applicant and your CV and application answers clearly demonstrate that you meet the essential criteria for the role, we will invite you to interview.
More broadly, we are committed to building a diverse team that reflects the communities and people we work with. We believe that diversity of background, experience and perspective makes us stronger and helps us make better decisions. We actively welcome applications from people who are under-represented in the charity sector, including people from Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic communities, disabled people, and those with experience of the issues our funded charities work to address.
Key Dates
Closing Date: Thursday 7th May 2026
Optional Q&A Session: Wednesday 6th May 2026 at 09:00-10:00
First Interview: Monday 18th May 2026
Second Interview: Monday 1st June 2026
We support small, local and specialist charities across England and Wales.


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.
As Grants and Outreach Officer, you will play a key role in driving Electrical Safety First’s mission to reduce deaths, injuries, and accidents caused by electricity, particularly for the most vulnerable in society.
You will help manage the Charity’s grant scheme programme, which distributes £1,000,000 annually to fund community-based initiatives that raise awareness of electrical safety and reduce risks for those who face the most danger. Through this, you will help empower local organisations to create tangible change in their communities.
In addition to helping administer the grant scheme, you’ll support the Charity’s outreach initiatives, working closely with the Senior Grants and Outreach Officer to identify opportunities to expand the charity’s reach and partnerships.
The charity’s outreach work goes beyond working with grant partners to maximise impact. It also involves identifying and developing partnerships with organisations that enable us to reach the most at-risk and hard-to-reach groups, working with them as trusted intermediaries, and supporting the development of longer-term, sustainable projects that deliver lasting impact.
This includes proactively engaging with grant recipients and partners, visiting funded projects to see first-hand the difference our work is making in educating people and saving lives, raising the profile of the charity, and ensuring outreach activity supports wider organisational objectives, including policy and public affairs priorities.
As this role sits within the Public Affairs and Policy team, there will be opportunities to connect grant and outreach work to the charity’s wider UK public affairs activity. This may include supporting work on key issues such as product safety, housing, and net zero, and occasional opportunities to support the team’s engagement with political stakeholders.
This is a unique opportunity to combine grant management and outreach, while gaining experience in public affairs, all with the goal of helping protect lives and making a real difference at a national and local level.
Working With Us
This is a hybrid role, with the office located in Borough, a short walk from London Bridge. There are expectations for travel around the UK as part of supporting grant recipients and outreach work.
Additional Information
Applications will close on 17th May, though please note that we may close the application sooner depending on the number of applications received, so we would encourage you to apply as soon as you are able.
Successful applicants will be contacted to arrange an interview, which will involve a task to be specified closer to the time. Unfortunately due to capacity, we will be unable to contact unsuccessful candidates.
Our Benefits
- 25 days’ holiday a year (plus bank and public holidays)
- Festive Break (Discretionary): Up to three extra paid days off between Christmas and New Year
- Employee assistance programme
- Employee discount platform
- Hybrid working
- Learning opportunities
- Life assurance
- Loyalty awards
- Workplace pension scheme
- Private medical insurance (Optional)
Use of Artificial Intelligence by candidates
We recognise that many candidates find Artificial Intelligence to be a useful tool to support your application. However, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Please therefore do not solely rely on AI for your application.
Dedicated to reducing the number of injuries and deaths caused by electricity across the UK.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are looking for a Policy Public Affairs Manager for a fixed term contract unitl April 2027. You will build relationships with key stakeholders in government, parliament, the police and across safeguarding agencies, finding ways to engage and motivate policy makers.
The role is based in South West London, Hybrid working and the charity are happy to talk about flexible working such as part-time working or flexible working hours.
The Charity
You would be joining a welcoming team at a passionate social welfare charity dedicated to helping people in very difficult
circumstances, from family support and counselling, to a free helpline and specialist services.
Benefits include
28 days annual leave per annum/pro rata plus bank holidays
Company pension contribution - Employees contribution 3% salary (net 2.4%) / Employers contribution
5% salary
Employee Assistance Programme
Generous family friendly benefits including
The role
Directly influence the development of national and local policy and guidance, including through written communication such as consultation responses or briefings, and through inputs at meetings and events.
Lead and support evidence gathering including APPG Inquiries (This may include direct engagement with people with
lived experience).
Plan and oversee campaigns, events and other activities to inform key policy makers and practitioners, and to drive improvements in guidance and practice including in policing and social care.
Represent the charity at external events and meetings including Advisory Groups.
Proactively create opportunities to engage and influence politicians and policy makers on the charitys briefings, research and campaigns, including at events and meetings.
The candidate
Previous experience of working in a policy or public affairs role.
Experience of successfully influencing change at a local and/or national level.
Experience of building and maintaining relationships with politicians and other policymakers, including quickly building rapport and establishing trust.
Experience in coordinating and leading events and meetings with influential stakeholders.
An understanding of political systems across the UK and how to influence policy within those systems.
IMPORTANT NOTE
Our aim is to respond to all successful applications within 5 days. If you havent been contacted within 5 days your application has been unsuccessful, but we positively encourage you to apply for any other positions that you may see in the future.
We apologise that we cannot contact everybody in person but thank you in advance for your interest.
Third Solutions encourages applications from individuals of all ages & backgrounds. Appointment will be made on merit alone but candidates must be able to demonstrate their ability to work in the UK. Third Solutions acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment & an employment business for temporary recruitment as defined by the Conduct of Employment Agencies & Employment Business Regulations 2003.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Reports toDirector of External Relations
Hours37.5 hours per week
Salary£56,959.05 - £63,886.54
ContractFixed Term Contract - 12 Months
LocationRemote (with occasional travel across UK)
BenefitsA generous package including 25 days holiday per year plus public holidays, employee pension scheme with 4% employer contribution, Cycle2Work scheme, 365 days a year Employee Assistance Programme
About SafeLives
We are SafeLives, the UK-wide charity dedicated to ending domestic abuse, for everyone, for good.
We work with organisations across the UK to transform the response to domestic abuse. We want what you would want for your best friend. We listen to survivors, putting their voices at the heart of our thinking. We look at the whole picture for each individual and family to get the right help at the right time to make families everywhere safe and well. And we challenge perpetrators to change, asking ‘why doesn’t he stop?’ rather than ‘why doesn’t she leave?’ This applies whatever the gender of the victim or perpetrator and whatever the nature of their relationship.
Last year alone, we delivered more than 700 sessions to over 15,000 learners across the UK in policing, health, housing, justice, education and the specialist sector. And we have reached 90,000 adult and 100,000 child survivors through programmes designed and delivered with partners.
In the last 9 years, close to 7,000 perpetrators have been challenged and supported to change through flagship interventions developed by our Drive Partnership and the programme continues to expand year on year.
Together we can end domestic abuse. Forever. For everyone.
Description
You will provide strong and steady leadership for SafeLives’ communications, marketing and public affairs work over the next year, communicating our Whole Picture Strategy, finding what works and helping it happen to end domestic abuse for everyone for good.
You will shape and deliver strategic communications and influencing work to reach decision-makers, strengthen public trust, and support our mission to drive real change in the UK’s domestic abuse response.
You will be able bring to together robust data, the voice of survivors, and the view of practice experts to position SafeLives at the centre of the conversation with professionals, key policy and decision makers and influencers as a credible and trusted voice.
You’ll lead a cross-functional team of comms, marketing and public affairs colleagues to:
- Strengthen core messaging and consistency around our Whole Picture strategy and the WP Framework, to support delivery and impact
- maintain our communications and marketing and our brand
- provide oversight of our influencing through policy and public affairs, working with senior colleagues where escalation is required
- support income generation through targeted marketing, and support for fundraising
- ensure we are sharing evidence, data and research in support of our strategy
You will connect reactive work with long-term strategic priorities, ensuring our external engagement supports our strategic priorities, policy goals, and income generation ambitions. And you will lead high-quality responses to breaking news and emerging issues, providing clear strategic advice to the Senior Leadership Team and acting as a trusted lead on reputational risk.
You will ensure SafeLives is visible, authoritative and survivor-centred in public and policy conversations, with timely responses, briefings and support, ensuring our communications and influencing are clear, consistent and drive impact.
You will work with our training, practice, and fundraising teams to drive our business development and income generation, as well as helping us to understand all our audiences and better meet their needs.
And as part of the Operational Management Team (OMT), you’ll work closely with colleagues to ensure an inclusive and supportive organisational culture, role modelling our values.
Undertake any other duties as may reasonably be required.
Responsibilities
1. Leadership
·Provide calm, structured and values-led leadership across the Comms, Marketing and Public Affairs team.
·Ensure reliable systems, processes and workflows for communications, marketing and public affairs.
·Set expectations, priorities and working rhythms that bring stability and clarity to the team.
·Promote a supportive, inclusive and collaborative culture with clear communication channels.
2. Core Narrative, Messaging and Evidence Sharing
·Lead the development of SafeLives’ core messages, ensuring they are used consistently across all teams, and the development of our influencing asks.
·Translate SafeLives’ research, data and evidence into accessible, impactful content for external audiences, including practitioners, policy and decision makers.
·Ensure all outputs are survivor‑centred, values‑aligned and evidence‑led
·Develop our brand to reflect our approach to equity, equality, diversity and inclusion and in line with our values - human, rigorous, brave and inclusive.
·Oversee production of communications, marketing and policy materials that help to amplify our Whole Picture strategy and our related priorities.
3. Communications and Media Leadership
·Lead SafeLives’ overall communications strategy and activity.
·Oversee media relations, with strong focus on clear messaging and reputational resilience.
·Implement rapid-response and crisis‑comms protocols with clear escalation to Directors.
·Lead the development and management of our website, digital channels and content strategy.
·Ensure SafeLives is timely, authoritative and survivor‑centred in its external interventions.
4. Marketing and Audience Engagement
·Lead marketing strategy to support:
·Statutory and voluntary income generation
·Training uptake
·Consultancy and practice development
·Fundraising and supporter engagement
·Strengthen audience insight, segmentation and targeting.
·Oversee campaigns that bring SafeLives’ strategy and evidence to life and drive measurable action.
·Ensure that communication and marketing resources are used effectively to support business development.
5. Public Affairs and Policy
·Provide strategic alignment between SafeLives’ core messaging and evidence sharing and our influencing work
·Ensure public affairs activities and outputs (briefings, consultations, correspondence) are clear, accurate and consistent with SafeLives’ communications approach.
·Maintain awareness of political and policy developments relevant to SafeLives’ mission, advising Directors on risks and opportunities for influencing, working with colleagues across the organisation to develop policy.
·Senior level engagement will be led by Directors, as needed, with this role and the public affairs team leading stakeholder engagement and supporting preparation, messaging and follow‑up.
6. Planning, Governance and Performance
·Lead forward planning for all communications, marketing and public affairs activity.
·Set realistic, measurable KPIs that support the delivery of our comms and influencing strategy and our income generation.
·Embed continuous improvement processes and ensure compliance with GDPR and data protection.
·Oversee budgets for communications, marketing and public affairs, ensuring value for money and resource prioritisation.
7. Authentic Voice
·Ensure that the voices, experiences and priorities of survivors remain at the heart of all external communications.
·Support colleagues and Pioneers who use lived experience in SafeLives’ work in a trauma‑informed and respectful way.
Person Specification
Experience
·Strategic communications, including influencing, brand/profile raising, media relations and reputation management in complex, high profile environments (E)
·Media relations, including securing high quality coverage and rapid-response experience (E)
·Developing and delivering effective communications and marketing cmapaigns, including support for fundraising and income generation (E)
·Digital communications across owned, earned and paid media (E)
·Experience using data, research and evidence to inform communications, influencing and storytelling (E)
·Understanding of public affairs or policy environments within the social sector (D/E)
·Leadership and people development, ideally across multi-disciplinary teams (E)
·Influencing professional and policy audiences through clear, impactful communications, information and guidance (E)
·Working with people affected by domestic abuse to support storytelling and influence change (D)
Skills
·Confident in providing strategic communications advice aligned with organisational strategy and policy priorities (E)
·Exceptional written, oral and influencing skills, including excellent writing and editing ability (E)
·Strong political and media awareness
·Excellent judgement under pressure, making sound, values‑led decisions at pace (E)
·Ability to turn complex and fast‑moving information into clear messaging for different audiences, particularly professional and policy maker audiences (E)
·Strong issue and risk management in sensitive public contexts (E)
·Excellent digital and social media skills (E)
·Strong analytical skills to design and deliver campaigns (E)
·Numerate, with experience preparing and managing budgets (E)
·Strong planning, prioritisation and ability to meet multiple deadlines (E)
·Able to identify problems early and propose solutions (E)
·Commitment to equity, equality, diversity and inclusion (E)
·Commitment to ending domestic abuse (E)
Competencies
Leadership, organisational and strategic awareness
·Inspires trust and confidence in others
·Commitment to SafeLives’ values – Human, Rigorous, Inclusive and Brave - underpins all actions and decisions
·Remains calm, decisive and collaborative in fast-moving situations, while maintaining message clarity, survivor focus and organisational credibility
·Demonstrates an understanding of how your own role contributes to achieving SafeLives’ goals
·Is responsive to change which helps achieve goals
·Pursues tasks/goals with energy, drive and need for completion
Teamwork & collaboration
·Fosters an inclusive working environment so that others can contribute effectively
·Supports colleagues in demanding situations, recognises the importance of well-being in self and others, accepts help and support from other team members
·Listens to the views of others and shows flexibility in working with collective decisions
People management and decision making
·Ability to lead and manage effective teams and create an inventive, responsible and generous team culture
·Strong focus on quality, performance and impact
·Coaches staff to reach their full potential
·Makes effective decisions on a timely basis
·Judgement and problem solving is based on identifying outcomes and victim focus
Communications and relationship management
·Communicate with energy and direction
·Ability to build strong and effective relationships with key internal and external stakeholders
·Promote and contribute to cross team working
·Speaks and writes clearly and effectively and in a timely manner, tailoring communication to suit the audience
·Maintains confidentiality
Delivering quality
·Self-starter with the ability to use initiative and judgement to identify problems and propose solutions
·Excellent organisational skills including the ability to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines
·Takes responsibility for own workload, acts on own initiative, seeks feedback from others, evaluates own performance and then acts upon it
·Tries out new ideas and ways of working and identifies and shares learning
Influence
·Inspires confidence and trust– demonstrating high standards of integrity, honesty and fairness
·Actively engages the knowledge, ideas and contributions of others
·Uses appropriate techniques to influence others
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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.
We are looking for a skilled and proactive Media & PR Manager to lead and deliver our media activity at a pivotal time for animal-free science.
This is an opportunity to shape how Animal Free Research UK is represented across national, sector and digital media. You will operate as a standalone role, responsible for building our reputation as a credible and authoritative voice on human-specific medical research, strengthening understanding of alternatives to animal testing.
Working across science, policy and communications, you will translate complex ideas into clear, compelling stories, secure high-quality media coverage, and support the organisation to respond effectively to emerging opportunities and challenges.
What you’ll be doing
- Setting direction and priorities for all media and PR activity
- Shaping how animal-free research is represented in public and policy conversations
- Building and maintaining an effective media presence, including securing coverage, developing media materials and managing media relationships
- Using judgement and insight to guide activity, including responding to media enquiries, advising colleagues and identifying opportunities and risks
What we’re looking for
We’re looking for someone who can combine strong media instincts with sound judgement and the confidence to both shape and deliver media activity in a standalone role.
You will bring:
- Proven experience in a media or PR role, with evidence of securing meaningful coverage
- Experience operating with a high degree of autonomy, setting direction and managing delivery of media activity
- Excellent writing and communication skills, with the ability to explain complex topics clearly
- Confidence in building relationships with journalists and stakeholders
- Experience handling both proactive and reactive media work
- The ability to manage multiple priorities and respond effectively under pressure
You don’t need to come from a scientific background, but you should be comfortable engaging with complex subject matter and motivated by our mission.
Why join us?
Animal Free Research UK is working to accelerate the transition to human-specific research methods that deliver better treatments for patients without the use of animals.
This role offers the opportunity to:
- Contribute to a mission-driven organisation creating meaningful change
- Work at the intersection of science, policy and public engagement
- Shape media narratives around an important and evolving area of research
- Take ownership of a key organisational function within a collaborative and supportive team
Our mission is to champion animal-free, human-specific technologies that deliver better treatments for human diseases faster.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Do you want to change the world for vulnerable children?
The Consortium of Voluntary Adoption Agencies UK (CVAA) aims to improve adoption policy and practice across the UK for the benefit of children, challenging the adoption system to deliver for children and work in their best interests. Alongside advocating for system change, CVAA works to support our member voluntary adoption agencies (VAAs) across the four nations of the UK, stimulating innovation and ensuring they stay at the leading edge of practice. The active engagement of members and the building of collaborative alliances with others who seek positive change for children are essential to the effectiveness of our work.
The Head of Policy is a vital member of the small CVAA team, working closely with the CEO and Board of Trustees to champion the voluntary adoption sector and put children at the heart of everything we do. Due to maternity leave we have an exceptional and unique opportunity for someone who shares our passion to change the world for children, to gain valuable experience working at national level with senior stakeholders to contribute to system change, advocating for the power of adoption to change lives.
You will need strong people skills, experience of developing policy in consultation with stakeholders and using data to transform services and strengthen lobbying work. Most of all you need a cast iron commitment to change the world for vulnerable children.
CVAA works to challenge discrimination and disadvantage and welcomes applications from all communities, particularly those who are underrepresented in our sector, which includes but is not limited to people from Global Majority backgrounds, adoptees, men and those who identify as LGBTQ.
Key information
- Maternity Cover 1 year from July 2026
- Location - remote contract with occasional travel
- £40 – 45K depending on experience
- An enhanced DBS check is required for this role.
Applications
Please send a CV and letter of application, outlining your motivation for applying and the skills you offer, to Satwinder Sandhu (CEO) by 5pm on Friday 8th May 2026.
Both Satwinder (CEO) and Alice (Director of Strategy and Policy) are happy to have an informal chat about the role. Please email to arrange a convenient time to speak.
Initial online interviews via Microsoft Teams will be on Monday 18th and Tuesday 19th May, with final in-person interviews scheduled for Thursday 28th May 2026 in London. Please let us know whether you cannot make any of these dates in your application.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
IPSO – the Independent Press Standards Organisation – is the regulator of most newspapers, magazines, and digital news in the UK. We are a small but influential and high-profile organisation with a clear and important purpose. We place a strong emphasis on personal development for staff and provide excellent training opportunities and a supportive work culture.
We are recruiting a Complaints Officer to join our committed, friendly, and dynamic Complaints team.
Reporting to the Heads of Complaints and working closely with the Systems department, the purpose of the Complaints Officer position is to handle complaints made to IPSO in a personal, authoritative and efficient manner and to assist in the operation of IPSO’s pre-publication and privacy notice services.
About the role
This is a role for someone who is articulate and efficient, with excellent communication and analytical skills, and an interest in news and how it is regulated.
IPSO has a strong commitment to staff development, and the role benefits from a well-structured and stimulating programme of progression. Starting with drafting responses to complainants whose complaints are not being taken forward, the successful candidate will progress to investigating complaints, drafting rulings for external publication, and mediating between complainants and publications.
You will also be trained to staff, on a rota basis, IPSO’s pre-publication and privacy notice services, which provide 24-hour confidential advice to editors and journalists on matters relating to the Editors’ Code and protect members of the public and public figures from potential intrusion and unwanted press attention.
The key role responsibilities include:
- Reviewing and investigating complaints to IPSO to determine whether they fall within its remit and raise a potential breach of the Editors’ Code of Practice;
- Drafting recommendations for the consideration of the Complaints Committee;
- Providing efficient, compassionate and effective pre-publication and privacy notice services.
You can see a full job description on our website.
Skills and experience
Efficient, effective and empathetic, the right candidate will have a strong analytical ability that they can convey both verbally and in writing. You will have excellent writing skills, and experience of drafting important documents to a high level. You will also have experience of dealing sensitively and professionally with people from a range of backgrounds. Complaints Officers are trusted with a high level of autonomy in their work – so demonstrable time management and organisational skills are required.
A personal interest in current affairs and the news industry is a must, but there is no need for a degree or qualification in this area.
At IPSO, we want to create a culture which recognises, values, and respects that people are different. We believe that representing the diversity of the society in which we work is fundamental to our goals of protecting people and promoting freedom of expression.
We are committed to promoting a fair and inclusive workplace where all our people can flourish and reach their full potential. We know diverse teams allow for a more creative and productive environment and we strongly encourage applications from a wide range of people regardless of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender (identity, expression or reassignment), marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief and socio-economic background.
What we can offer you
This role is highly engaging and interesting – with no two days being the same. It offers great development opportunities, alongside the opportunity to raise press standards by dealing with complaints made against a variety of newspapers and magazines.
There is a competitive starting salary of £41k, plus another £2k after 24 months of service. You’ll also receive an additional £1,145 on-call allowance after the relevant training has taken place, 25 days of paid annual leave plus a holiday buy and sell scheme, and excellent additional benefits including season ticket loan, cycle to work scheme, private GP service, and (once probation is completed) free fitness membership.
The role is full-time, and IPSO offers hybrid working to all staff. All staff work two core days (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) in our Central London office. New staff may be asked to come in for more days while they familiarise themselves with the organisation.
How to apply
Candidates are required to attach a Diversity Monitoring form, which can be found on our website. Please note that although this form is required for applications to be considered, candidates are free to opt out of any questions.
To apply, please read the full job description and forward your CV with a cover letter outlining why you are interested in the role and how you are suitable, along with the diversity monitoring form by 11.59 p.m. on 24 May 2026.
IPSO will reimburse reasonable travel costs for attending interviews. If you require a reasonable adjustment, please include that information with your application. In-person interviews are preferred but IPSO conducts interviews by video call where needed and candidates choosing this option will not be disadvantaged. The job description for the position can be found on our website.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
As Director of External Affairs across the Bild Group of four small charities (with collective turnover of approx. £3m/yr), you will have a deep commitment to human rights and improving people’s lives.
You will provide strategic direction and leadership to the External Relations function across all four charities in the group, taking overall responsibility for and providing thought-leadership on our strategic approach to policy, influencing, public affairs, stakeholder engagement.
You will play a lead role in planning, developing, and implementing the communication and external relations and wider engagement strategic plan to grow awareness and profile of Bild, Respond, Restraint Reduction Network (RRN) and ACT.
By sharing the impact of our work and programmes in improving the lives of people with learning disabilities, autism and /or mental health conditions, you will support Bild in becoming the sector leading provider of organisational and workforce development (and RRN in becoming the leading charity in reducing restrictive practices globally – and Respond as leaders in trauma informed therapy).
You will champion Bild and RRN’s brand, vision, mission and values acting as an ambassador for the organisation both internally and externally to partners, stakeholders and media.
Key Responsibilities and Duties:
Strategic Leadership:
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Develop and implement an integrated communications and external relations strategy across the four charities in the group to raise our profile and to influence change which positively impacts on our beneficiaries, aligning media, campaigning, and public affairs with the charity’s mission and strategic priorities
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Lead and inspire a high-performing team including Membership and Events Officer, Resources Coordinator and comms team as required
Comms & Marketing:
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Plan, develop and implement strategic communications and marketing plans to maximise awareness of the Bild Group of charities across the broad spectrum of communications disciplines including media relations, stakeholder management, influencer engagement, ethical (impact focused) marketing, social and new media and the production of new materials and resources
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Write, develop and produce materials such as infographics, press releases, briefing documents, media statements and online information suitable for stakeholders, including people with lived experience
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Ensure effective marketing across all four charities focusing on impact and including ensuring we attend a range of external events and that all four websites are best practice.
Influencing & Public Affairs:
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Working with the CEO, you will drive policy change by developing strategies to influence key decision makers through building relationships with parliamentarians, government departments, and sector stakeholders to ensure the charity's policy agenda is impactful
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Lead proactive and reactive media engagement, calls and requests for information in order to capitalise on suitable opportunities for maximising the reach and impact of all four charities
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Build our credibility as a thought leader in the sector
Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships:
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Build and sustain strategic alliances with senior civil servants, civil society groups, and community partners to increase the organization's influence and impact
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Develop effective stakeholder relationship management processes that ensure partnerships of all levels are provided with a rich, immersive engagement experience with the organisation and the work that we do
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Identify, liaise with and ensure positive relationships with key stakeholders – internal and external including media, government departments, partners, charities, providers, customers, other relevant parties to secure maximum impact for all four charities and their beneficiaries
Reputation, Brand Management & Marketing:
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Champion the Bild group brands, promoting the mission, values and impact of the organisation and ensuring consistent, engaging narratives and high-quality storytelling across all external channels
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Shaping the charity's profile and protecting its reputation through media relations, digital engagement, and consistent key messaging and building our credibility as thought leaders in sector.
Membership, Events & Communities:
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By ensuring appropriate, effective and engaging communications to all relevant audiences and stakeholders, your role will support the growth and development of our membership, Communities of Practice and the event programme (including webinars and conferences).
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Effectively plan, manage and lead a range of events for the Bild group of charities and associated marketing and communications
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Develop framework for Communities of Practice and strategy for engagement and growth
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Supporting Bild and RRN spokespeople with PR and media outreach
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Keep abreast of communications and engagement activity within the sector and demonstrate an awareness of the impact these may have on existing and future communications activity
General Responsibilities
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Contribute to evaluation and assessment of results against KPIs and tracking activity
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Allocate, manage and evaluate budget spend
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Identify resource requirements for activity across Bild group
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Develop and maintain systems, databases and procedures to support Bild group communication activities
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Plan, monitor, appraise and report progress of activity regularly with an innate understanding of how this supports activity across the Bild group
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Plan, manage and oversee budgetary spend related to outsourcing specialist activities such as video editing and design
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Ensure communications and marketing work complies with data protection and other legal, professional and agency requirements, standards and policies
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Support the senior leadership team on any activity as required.
Personal Development
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Be part of a culture of quality in all areas of communications, PR and marketing
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Participate and contribute to individual performance appraisal and supervision sessions
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Keep abreast of relevant initiatives and developments within the adult health and social care, education & disability sector and the wider communications / engagement profession
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Undertake relevant training, as necessary including accessing new systems and software as required to support the role.
Organisational Responsibilities:
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Access and work within Bild’s policies and procedures.
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Attend internal cycle of team meetings relevant to this role.
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Engage with line management, supervision (where appropriate) and appraisal process.
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Comply with data protection regulations, ensuring that information on clients, employees, volunteers and other stakeholders remains confidential.
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Take responsibility for personal learning and development with support from line manager.
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Work in a manner that facilitates equal opportunities and inclusion for all.
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Remain professional and respectful at all times, promoting positive relations with all those we encounter in our work.
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Maintain health and safety and risk awareness for self and others across the organisation.
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Undertake any other duties that Bild may require within the remit of this role.
This job description does not form part of the contract of employment. It is intended as a guide to the general scope of duties and is not definitive or restrictive. It is expected that some duties will change over time and this description will be subject to review with the postholder at their annual appraisal.
Person Specification
Job Title
Director of External Relations
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Exceptional copy writing and verbal communication skills
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Good presenting, negotiating and influencing skills
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Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build mutually beneficial relationships
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The ability to work effectively within a small team
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Ability to work under pressure, and plan, manage, and adapt own workload
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A flexible, proactive and problem-solving approach to work
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A motivated attitude and ability to work on own initiative
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A commitment to human rights and modelling accessibility and inclusion throughout activity
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Willingness to travel and work flexible hours as demanded by the post
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Fit to undertake the duties of the post.
Experience/Skills/Competencies
Essential
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Significant experience working in communications, policy and PR with demonstrable success
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PR and media management experience, including both online and traditional PR
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Experience of managing and implementing social media plans, including post development, scheduling, evaluation and monitoring feedback
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Experience of overseeing the design and production of print and electronic publications, including website management and development
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Experience of managing CRM systems and ensuring effective data capture and utilising data to inform decision making
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Ability to analyse data and shape results into reports that inform decision making
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Ability to build effective relationships and networks and establish credibility for Bild, RRN, Respond and Bild ACT
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Ability to work collaboratively and develop positive relationships with colleagues, members and wider stakeholders
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Demonstrated digital comms / social media skills and understanding of emerging digital marketing tools and platforms
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Ability to use a variety of IT packages/databases including CRM systems.
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Experience managing budgets and associated reporting
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Ability to work remotely and regularly travel to in person events
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Time management skills and ability to prioritise workload under pressure as part of a small but vibrant team
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Strong awareness and interest in news/current affairs/politics and the broader third sector, social care and education sector.
Desirable
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Experience working in the not-for-profit sector, preferably in another disability and/or membership charity
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Strong understanding of education, health, social care, disability and not for profit environment
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Strong media contacts within relevant trade sector publications
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Ability to use externally managed media databases (such as Agility etc.)
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Experience with conferences, webinars and hybrid events.
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Experience supporting and manging a remote team
Education and Qualifications:
Other Requirements:
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Commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities and able to apply awareness of diversity issues to all areas of work.
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Regular travel to attend meetings and events.
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Occasional evening meetings.
Legal requirements:
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Enhanced DBS check.
Your application should include an up to date CV together with a supporting statement detailing how your skills and experience align with the job description and person specification.
Please note that we will be unable to progress applications from candidates who do not answer the screening questions.
Our vision is a society where everyone can enjoy the same rights and opportunities
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Background
We are Humane World for Animals, formerly called the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International. Since 1954, we have worked to create a more humane society for animals. Working side by side as the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International, we have helped to pass thousands of landmark laws, rescue hundreds of thousands of animals, and cared for and protected millions more.
In 2025, to convey our mission and make sure that everyone understands who we are and the bold work that we do, our organisations are standing together under a new shared name: Humane World for Animals.
We are dedicated to changing the world for animals. We drive change with human action. We help people, communities, governments, and corporations shift behaviour, providing the right support and advocating for policy change to stem the root causes of suffering and cruelty.
Purpose of role
As the Program Manager, Media and Communications, you will support the Program Director on the design, development and implementation of communication strategies and plans to advance Humane World for Animals UK’s strategic priorities with regard to campaigns, brand-building and fundraising. You will lead on producing and delivering a content strategy for a broad range of channels to increase audience engagement. The position will support campaigns and fundraising stewardship and give strategic advice regarding social media market insights and trends in the UK digital sphere and emerging channels. This will be vital to achieve successful brand building in the UK market through impactful storytelling, campaign activations, fundraising recruitment and stewardship through compelling content on the earned channels and holistic management of thematic work.
If you are results-oriented, organised and creative and have 5+ years of experience as a media and communications professional then we would like to hear from you.
Key areas of responsibility
- Communications strategy and planning:Lead the development and delivery of storytelling and social media strategies to support the UK’s wider communications strategy.Guide public affairs, campaigns, and fundraising colleagues in ideation sessions to develop creative and impactful activations.Provide insights on digital communications trends and opportunities.
- Content creation and storytelling:Produce high-quality digital content, including video, for use on social and digital channels.Turn campaign and policy work into clear, engaging stories.Collaborate with Head Office to integrate global storytelling content.
- Social media: Plan, schedule and manage day-to-day (and occasional out-of-hours) social media activity, engaging online communities, managing paid social media advertising and delivering campaigns that support advocacy, fundraising and recruitment. Maintain the visual asset library and manage a social media volunteer.
- Influencer and partnership engagement:Identify and recruit influencers and celebrities to extend our reach and support our campaigns
- Administration: Monitor and report on performance using tools like Google Analytics and social monitoring platforms to guide continual improvement.Coordinate activities with colleagues using planning platforms.
About you
Our successful candidate will be confident, creative and positive with a proven track in media and communications roles. A proactive self-starter, you will have demonstrable experience of achieving significant growth and development in regard to audience reach and will take a solution-focused approach to overcoming obstacles. You will have experience of delivering media and communication strategies and plans in a fast-paced environment. You will have ambition and drive for creating positive change for animal welfare; a willingness to constantly learn and develop the most impactful, cost-effective communications for our target audiences; and your work will be solidly underpinned by regular evaluation of progress and impact with a view to further improving strategies.
We are searching for an experienced media and communications professional to make a difference and be part of our ambitious team. If that’s you, please get in touch!
Application Instructions
To apply for this role, please submit a copy of your CV and a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and how you fulfil the requirements set out in the job ad.
The deadline for applications is Thursday, 30 April 2026, 11pm GMT. Applications without covering letters will not be considered.
You must have an existing right to work in the UK, and you must reside in the UK, to be considered for this role.
We make bold progress for all animals by working together on the biggest problems—no matter where they are or how deeply entrenched.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.

