Chief Communications Officer

Harris Hill Charity Recruitment Specialists; Essex; Hybrid; GBP 92,250 - 138,375; Full time

Job summary

Harris Hill Charity Recruitment Specialists are looking for a Chief Communications Officer to join a national charity for 4 months starting from 22nd June. This full-time role, offering £500-£750 per day, will require 2 days per week in the Essex office with flexibility. You will be responsible for leading external communications and reputation management, providing strategic counsel to the CEO and senior leaders. Proven experience in high-impact communication strategies is essential, particularly in political environments.

Qualifications

• Proven experience operating at an executive level, leading high-impact communication strategies.
• Deep understanding of the public, policy and regulatory landscape.
• Significant experience in managing reputational risk and sensitive issues.

Responsibilities

• Lead the organisation's external communications and brand positioning.
• Provide counsel to the CEO and senior leaders.
• Oversee internal engagement and integrated communications strategy.

Skills

Executive-level communication strategy

High-risk media handling

Brand positioning

Political and regulatory landscape understanding

Job description

Harris Hill has a fabulous opportunity for a Chief Communications Officer to join a national charity from 22nd June for 4 months.

This is a full‑time role paying £500‑£750 per day on a freelance basis. The role requires 2 days per week in the Essex office, with some flexibility.

As the Chief Communications Officer, you will report directly to the CEO and play an executive‑level role, leading the organisation's external communications, reputation management, brand positioning, and internal engagement. You will provide counsel to the CEO and senior leaders around integrated communications, engagement and digital strategy.

Experience & Qualifications

• Proven experience operating at an executive level, leading the development and execution of high‑impact communication strategies across multiple channels in complex, highly political environments.
• Deep understanding of the public, policy and regulatory landscape in which the charity operates, with the ability to assess implications, anticipate risk and shape strategic responses.
• Significant experience in high‑risk media handling and managing reputational risk at an organisational level, including navigating sensitive issues under scrutiny.
• Demonstrable experience establishing and strengthening organisational brand and identity, ensuring consistent, strategic brand expression across diverse audiences and touchpoints.
• Communications background in the charitable sector and/or lived experience of disability.