Job Description

This role sits within the Supporters and Families team, which forms one of several specialist teams in the wider Communications & Engagement Department and focusses on telling the stories of those impacted by dementia. The wider department is responsible for bringing the work of Alzheimer’s Research UK to life and rallying people to our cause, sharpening our messages and shaping what the public thinks and feels about dementia.

The successful candidate will work in collaboration with other teams within the organisation to share the stories of those living with or touched by dementia to inspire, educate and stop people in their tracks. They will need to have an understanding of how stories can be used effectively across different channels, including PR, in order to reach a variety of audiences and maximise the potential of their storytelling to inspire action.

This is a fast-paced and multidisciplinary department and therefore this role requires a level of versatility, creativity and an aptitude for thinking outside of the box. It is the perfect opportunity for someone looking to develop their skills within a rapidly growing and agile medical research charity.

Main duties and responsibilities of the role:

• Develop innovative ideas and new concepts for creative storytelling around personal stories of supporters and families, driving conversations and optimising approaches that work.
• Work collaboratively to produce engaging and high quality written, visual and video content for use across a variety of media platforms including print, web and social media.
• Prepare, write, issue and “sell in” press releases bringing Alzheimer’s Research UK’s supporters and charitable work to the forefront in national and regional press.
• Secure compelling feature stories in key national media titles.
• Develop effective working relationships with relevant members of the media; respond promptly to queries, including occasional out-of-hours queries.
• Work collaboratively with the social media team to develop creating and compelling ways to tell personal stories of dementia.
• Support major brand campaigns and appeals with powerful supporter stories.
• Work with colleagues in the Supporter-Led Fundraising directorate to support ongoing fundraising campaigns and partnership activities with compelling content across multiple platforms including social media, web, e-newsletters and print.
• Support other teams across the charity by providing powerful human stories for their activities to engage people with the importance of our work and add value to existing workstreams.
• Help manage the charity’s Media & Communications Volunteer database to build and maintain relationships with supporters and their families.
• Identify and recruit potential new Media & Communications Volunteers from a range of sources, with a focus on increasing the range of stories we tell in line with our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) strategic priority.
• Identify and brief Media & Communications Volunteers to speak at events organised by teams across the charity.
• Monitor relevant media coverage; keep up-to-date with social, scientific and charitable sector issues which could benefit Alzheimer’s Research UK.

What we are looking for:

• Experience of working with the media at a national and regional level.
• Experience of dealing with consumer media.
• Experience of producing content that works across digital platforms and social media.
• Ability to write compelling copy to deliver results across a variety of media channels.
• Sensitivity to working with spokespeople who may be vulnerable and the need to represent both their best interests and those of Alzheimer’s Research UK.
• Excellent journalistic skills and news sense.
• Excellent organisational skills; the ability to manage a large number of tasks to multiple deadlines.
• Ability to communicate appropriately with people affected by dementia.
• Confidence working with computers; knowledge of Microsoft office packages and databases, good keyboard skills.
• A confident and friendly manner; would feel at ease representing the charity to a range of audiences and working in collaboration with teams across the organisation.
• Working with independence, intelligence, drive and initiative.
• Willingness and ability to travel independently in the UK and to work outside of regular office hours when needed.

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 Abingdon, Cambridge, CB21 6AD. 

Salary: Circa £28,000 per annum, plus benefits

Please download the Vacancy Pack for more information.

The closing date for applications is the 29th August 2022, with interviews likely to be held week commencing the 5th September 2022. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity as the closing date may be brought forward at any time. 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 is able to be themselves and reach their full potential. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures.  Should you need any adjustments to the recruitment process, at either the application or interview stage, please contact us via the channels on our website. 

How to apply:

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 your CV and covering letter 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 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.

You will be part of an organisation that has been recognised nationally as an outstanding place to work. In 2021, we were listed 69th in the prestigious 100 Large Best Companies to Work For.  We were also awarded a 2-star accreditation by Best Companies, recognising outstanding levels of workplace engagement and were listed in the 75 Best Companies to Work for in the East of England and the Charity’s 30 Best Companies to Work For.

To view further details about working for us and the benefits we offer, please visit Alzheimer’s Research UK