Communications Officer

The Ubele Initiative; City Of London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An organization focused on social justice is seeking a Communications Officer to enhance awareness of challenges faced by Black and Global Majority communities. The role involves strategic communication, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement to influence change. Ideal candidates will have experience in PR or campaigns and a strong understanding of relevant issues. This position is based in London, offering opportunities to make a significant impact.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in communications, ideally in the charity or social justice sectors.
• Strong understanding of issues affecting Black and Global Majority communities.
• Ability to craft compelling narratives across multiple platforms.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a communications strategy.
• Commission and manage research projects for advocacy.
• Lead press and media strategy to engage stakeholders.

Skills

Experience in communications, PR, or campaigns

Understanding of issues affecting Black and Global Majority communities

Excellent written and verbal communication

Experience managing social media and press engagement

Ability to translate complex data into accessible content

Stakeholder engagement and partnership working

Creative and strategic thinking

Job description

About The Role

The Communications Officer will play a critical role in contributing to and delivering The Phoenix Way’s communications objectives. They will increase public awareness of the challenges faced by Black and Global Majority communities, highlight the work of our partners, and influence wider change in the funding sector.

This is a dynamic and varied role, requiring a strategic thinker with excellent storytelling, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Main duties and responsibilities

Increase Public Awareness

• Develop and implement a communications strategy that frames the lived experiences of racial inequality through compelling data, case studies, and human stories.
• Commission and manage research and data-gathering projects (e.g. £10k budget for Equity in Philanthropy report).
• Produce and disseminate research findings in accessible, engaging formats (reports, infographics, videos, blogs, press releases).
• Deliver and oversee a coordinated social media plan across platforms (Instagram, LinkedIn, X, WhatsApp).
• Lead the press and media strategy, building relationships with journalists, particularly in Black, Asian, third sector, and mainstream outlets.

Foster Engagement

• Review, update, and embed TPW’s key messaging framework across all channels.
• Work collaboratively with regional teams, partners, and stakeholders to ensure consistent and inclusive messaging.
• Engage and mobilise stakeholders including community organisations, funders, policymakers, and the general public.
• Promote and amplify the work of TPW’s funded partners.

Influence Grant-Making Practices

• Develop and execute advocacy strategies targeting policymakers, government bodies, and philanthropic institutions.
• Create and distribute a Digital Advocacy Toolkit (social media templates, campaign messaging, email campaigns, petitions).
• Publish and amplify policy briefs, research reports, and case studies to influence systemic change.
• Secure local, regional, and national media coverage to raise awareness of inequities in grant-making.

Empower Marginalised Communities

• Promote TPW’s capacity-building programmes (Community Connect, training, resources, and toolkits).
• Collaborate with partners to co-create resources that help community organisations strengthen governance, visibility, and fundraising confidence.
• Signpost community groups to external funding opportunities and wider resources.
• Develop creative, inspiring content that educates, informs, and motivates action.

Amplify Impact

• Develop and deliver TPW’s Social Impact Reporting Framework.
• Collect, analyse, and share data on TPW’s impact and funders’ progress toward equitable grant-making.
• Create powerful storytelling content showcasing success stories, lessons learned, and examples of best practice.
• Inspire and engage stakeholders with the Phoenix Way model to foster innovation and collaboration.

General

• To attend and participate in internal and external meetings including London, South and East regions and Ubele meetings and meetings with key stakeholders.
• To attend relevant training to fulfil the requirements of the job.
• To undertake other duties which may from time to time be required and which are appropriate to the responsibilities of the post.
• Ensure that The Ubele initiative internal policies and procedures are followed through in all areas of work.
• Also treat with confidentiality any information that could be deemed as personal, private, or sensitive and comply with the organisations GDPR and Safeguarding requirements.

Person Specification

Essential

• Proven experience in communications, PR, or campaigns, ideally within the charity, community, or social justice sectors.
• Strong understanding of issues affecting Black and Global Majority communities in the UK.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives across multiple platforms.
• Experience managing social media, press engagement, and digital campaigns.
• Ability to translate complex data and research into accessible, impactful content.
• Track record of stakeholder engagement, partnership working, and coalition-building.
• Creative and strategic thinker with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Desirable

• Experience in advocacy, influencing, or policy communications.
• Familiarity with the UK philanthropy and grant-making landscape.
• Skills in digital design, video, or multimedia content creation.
• Experience working with community-led organisations.