Head of Communications and Campaigns

My client is seeking a Head of Communications and Campaigns. The successful candidate will act as an expert in driving a step change in media coverage and stakeholder support for working animals across the world. This is a hybrid role, requiring visits to their HQ in London with a working week of 34.5 hours.

As the Head of Communications and Campaigns, you will be responsible for:

PR and media relations

• Lead on the development and delivery of the PR strategy to deliver local, national, and global PR campaigns and activities (both digital and offline), including stories encompassing all aspects of my client's work, from global programmes and emergency projects to fundraising activities.
• Lead on the production and distribution of press releases, articles, statements, case studies, Q&A sheets, position statements, briefings, press packs and other media materials.
• Organise PR activities for media, colleagues and stakeholders, as required.
• Oversee the production of video news releases or other content for broadcasters.

Communications campaigning

• Working with the Senior Leadership Team and Global Programmes, develop, manage, and contribute to agenda-setting integrated campaigns that represent work to deliver policy change for working animals.
• Work with other organisations and groups (e.g. ICWE) in support of influencing goals.
• Co-ordinate lobbying activities across the charity and our partners.
• Develop and deliver external activities to highlight key campaign messages and achievements.

Content and stakeholder communications

• Manage the writing, editing and production of key stakeholder communications, including the Annual Review, statutory accounts, and supporter magazine, ensuring all material meets editorial and brand standards.
• Oversee the development and production of films and content.
• Provide PR, content, and archive material for marketing and social media channels.
• Manage relationships with high-profile stakeholders, including celebrities and leaders.

Brand management

• Manage the development and use of the charity's brand guidelines, collaborating with colleagues, partners, and suppliers as necessary to ensure they are complying with our brand identity.
• Serve as a brand guardian and champion.

Management

• Provide dynamic and motivating leadership for the Communications and Campaigns team.
• Develop and manage a yearly activity plan and budget for the Communications and Campaigns team.
• Serve as a member of the Global Fundraising, Marketing and Communications Leadership Team.

Your knowledge:

• Impressive knowledge of the media and campaigning environment, including broadcast, print and digital.
• Professional qualification or training in communications and / or journalism is desirable.

Benefits:

• 26 days annual leave, plus bank holidays. Further leave will accrue after two years of service up to a maximum of 30 days.
• Company pension scheme (charity will contribute 10% of salary, if you contribute 5% of salary)
• Hybrid working with London Head Office (Borough High Street) attendance on average approx. 1 day a month (travel expenses not included)
• Health Cash Plan with Medicash which includes access to virtual GP appointments and a member's discount portal.
• Group Life Insurance scheme, which provides coverage at 3x your annual salary.
• Group Income Protection scheme, designed to provide income if illness or injury prevents you from working for a period of time.
• Enhanced Employee Assistance Programme including face-to-face counselling.
• Paid Volunteer Day
• A career path that can grow with the organisation.

The successful Head of Communications and Campaigns will have the following related skills/experience:

• Demonstrable experience of managing PR and advocacy campaigns, nationally and internationally, including in coalition with other organisations, partners, and agencies/suppliers.
• Experience of managing, building, and motivating a collaborative, high-performance team.
• An experienced writer with the ability to produce engaging, persuasive, and impactful copy that is tailored to particular audiences, ensuring content and materials meet brand and editorial standards.
• Experience of managing both reactive and proactive media relations, with experience of crisis management planning.
• Print and publications management experience.
• Brand management expertise.
• Experience of working within a charity or not-for-profit environment, including supporting income generation, is desirable.

• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and persuasively with diverse stakeholders.
• A highly innovative and creative thinker, skilled in articulating public policy positions.
• Experience of campaign review and analysis including data driven evaluation.
• A willingness to work occasional weekends and evenings for media monitoring/response as and when required.
• A strong commitment to charity's vision, mission, and values.