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Communications Manager: Corporate & Policy - FTC
alzheimer's research uk

Job Description

Alzheimer’s Research UK is the UK’s leading dementia research charity dedicated to diagnosis, prevention, treatment and cure. Backed by our passionate scientists and supporters, we’re challenging the way people think about dementia, bringing together the people and organisations who can speed up progress, and investing in research to make life-changing breakthroughs possible.

Are you looking for a varied role that will see you leading a team dedicated to developing impactful and profile-raising communications for Alzheimer's Research UK’s Policy and Corporate Partnership functions?

This varied role with see you boost the profile of our work to the public to shape policy, while also enhancing engagement with businesses that support Alzheimer’s Research UK. The role requires a varied skill set, covering multichannel content development and PR to support the work of two key functions within the charity.

We are looking for a confident team leader with excellent journalistic news sense and experience of working across a range of communication channels to join our Communications and Engagement Department.

As Communications Manager for Corporate and Policy, you will have oversight of the work of the entire team, while working closely with the Senior Communications Manager to deliver the key objectives. You will manage three direct line reports, supporting them to develop in their roles, by sharing your expertise and providing constructive feedback.

The role requires a varied skill set, covering multichannel content development and PR to a range of important stakeholders. You’ll lead communications support for the National and Regional Corporate Fundraising teams, providing copy, videos and PR support for pitches, stewardship, and joint campaigns. In addition, you’ll oversee the communications support for our busy Policy and Public Affairs Departments, including shaping public health messaging, lobbying for government funding and rapid PR responses to breaking news about political activities influencing dementia research.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Work with the Senior Communications Manager to plan and implement communications programmes and initatives to support the charity's ambitions.
  • Line manage a team of two Officers and an Executive.
  • Develop effective relationships with Policy and Public Affairs Departments and Regional and National Corporate Fundraising Departments in order to identify communication needs and opportunities, and proactively plan activity.
  • Oversee all of ARUK’s proactive and reactive media communications relating to developments in government, policy and public health. Develop effective working relationships with relevant members of the media; respond promptly to queries, including out-of-hours queries (organised through an on-call rota, and occasional ad hoc), seek appropriate sign off.
  • Work collaboratively with the Policy and Public Affairs Departments to develop communications campaigns and messaging around key issues, leading the team to provide copywriting and editing support for written reports, assets for webpages, social media and marketing guidance for launches and events. This includes the charity’s campaign calling on government to meet its promise to double funding for dementia research, and preparing for new developments in treatments and early detection.
  • Oversee communications and PR support for the Regional and National Corporate Fundraising Departments including the development of marketing material, press releases and multichannel written and digital stewardship materials.
  • Assist on the development of pitches to win new Corporate partnerships, helping to shape the narrative and positioning of Alzheimer’s Research UK.
  • Provide support for ARUK’s own corporate communications function, including developing media Q&As and guidance documents.
  • Act as spokesperson in media interviews, alongside others, where necessary.
  • Project management and partnership development working with colleagues, in particular the Senior Communications Manager and the Head of Communications.
  • Budget planning and monitoring.
  • Liaise with scientists, journalists, ARUK colleagues, Trustees, Patrons, other charities and organisations, IT and other support agencies.
  • Ensure activities comply with ARUK’s branding and style guide.
  • Undertake any other relevant duties and projects delegated by the Senior Communications Manager and Head of Communications in line with the responsibilities of the post.

What we are looking for;

  • Educated to degree level in related subject or equivalent level of experience.
  • Experience of working with the media, at both a national and regional level.
  • Experience of working with external stakeholders and partners.
  • Experience of delivering communications programmes through a variety of media (e.g. press, social media, email, events).
  • Excellent journalistic skills and news sense.
  • Experience of managing a team.
  • Ability to communicate appropriately with people affected by dementia and communicate scientific work and complex policy to the public.
  • The ability to manage many tasks with internal and external stakeholders to multiple deadlines.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a high standard of accuracy and attention to detail.
  • A confident and friendly manner; would feel at ease representing the charity to a range of audiences.

Location: Granta Park, near Cambridge.

Salary: £37,500

Please download the Vacancy Pack for more details.

The closing date for applications is the 14 February 2021, with interviews likely to be held on the 18 February 2021 and 22 February 2021. We would encourage applicants to submit their application at the earliest opportunity as the closing date may be brought forward at any time. Should we wish to contact you to arrange an earlier interview this will be arranged based on the availability of the candidate and the panel. Please indicate in your cover letter if you are unable to attend on a particular day.

In order to be considered, please create an online account using our Online Recruitment System which can be accessed through our Job Vacancies Page. You will be able to attach a CV and covering letter to your application, track your application and view other vacancies that may be of interest.

To view further details about this role and the benefits of working for us please visit the Alzheimer’s Research UK website.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.