Communications Lead

Release Legal Emergency & Drugs Service Ltd.; London; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading advocacy organization in London is seeking a dynamic individual to lead their communications strategy and manage the online platform, TalkingDrugs.org. The role involves developing messaging, managing media relations, and engaging with diverse stakeholders in the drug policy reform movement. The ideal candidate will have at least 2-3 years of experience in communications or public relations, preferably in a social justice context, and must have the right to live and work in the UK.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2-3 years in communications, public relations, or external affairs.
• Experience in a human rights, health, or social justice context preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an integrated communications strategy.
• Manage content for website and social media.
• Build relationships with journalists and media.
• Oversee freelancers for the online platform TalkingDrugs.org.
• Represent Release at events and conferences.

Skills

Communications strategy development

Public relations

Stakeholder engagement

Media relations

Job description

We are seeking a dynamic, self-starting individual to lead the development and delivery of Release’s communications strategy and to work with our current freelancers to manage our online news platform, TalkingDrugs.org. This is a pivotal role that will raise the profile of our services, research, and advocacy; engage with diverse stakeholders; support funding and partnership efforts; and strengthen our voice in the drug policy reform and broader social justice movements.

You will work across all teams to ensure Release’s message and identity are clear, consistent, and impactful – online, in the press, and across the wider sector, in the UK and internationally.

As a member of our team, based in London, your responsibilities will include:

Strategic Communications

• Develop and implement an integrated communications strategy to advance Release’s work across policy, legal and drugs, and in alignment with the multi-year organizational strategy.
• Develop compelling messaging that is tailored for different audiences and rooted in Release’s mission, vision, and values.
• Lead on and implement the content strategy for the Release’s website, social media, and newsletter in collaboration with relevant staff teams.
• Serve as the media focal point including – building and maintaining relationships with journalists/editors, proactively identifying opportunities for Release and coordinating timely responses to press enquiries.
• Draft press releases, op-eds, and media pitches, and prepare spokespeople for interviews.
• Ensure brand and messaging consistency in all public-facing content/engagements.

International Online Platform

• Manage freelancers who contribute to our international online news platform TalkingDrugs.org
• Build and nurture relationships with allied organizations internationally across drug policy and harm reduction
• Liaise with the Executive Director to develop a forward-looking strategy for TalkingDrugs.org that ensures it adapts to an evolving digital landscape

Capacity Building and External Representation

• Assist in representing Release in cross-sectoral coalitions and at events, forums, and conferences.
• Work with Executive Director to support staff in developing public speaking and media engagement skills.
• Contribute to fundraising proposals and donor communications by articulating Release’s impact and vision.

Minimum requirements for the post include:

Minimum 2-3 years in communications, public relations, or external affairs, preferably in a human rights, health, or social justice context.

How to Apply:
Please submit your CV and a cover letter of no more than four A4 sidesdetailing your relevant experience and why you are passionate about contributing and delivering this project quoting reference CL0725to [e-mail] .

Closing time & date:

25 August 2025 by 5pm

Interviews to be held:

Week of 8th September 2025

ASAP

Contract Type:

Holidays:

Location:

Hybrid - Office (Aldgate, London)/Working from home

Applications should be sentquoting reference [e-mail] (attachments should be clearly denoted with the applicant’s nameand should not collectively exceed 5MB).

Applicants will receive auto-confirmation email of receipt delivery.

Application Check List

*Please Note: Total documentsNOTto exceed fourA4 sides

Good luck!

*For this job, Release will only consider applications from those who already have the right to live and work in the UK. See the Home Office Immigration & Nationality Directorate (www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk ) for information on the UK Government's immigration policy.