Group Director of External Affairs

RUSSAM; York and North Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading charity organization in the UK seeks a Group Director of External Affairs to enhance its national profile and influence. The role requires strong leadership in communications and public affairs, aimed at driving impactful change for low-income families raising disabled or ill children. Ideal candidates will have senior experience in external affairs, excellent communication skills, and a passion for social justice. This is a high-impact opportunity to make a genuine difference.

Qualifications

• Senior experience in external affairs, communications or public affairs.
• Track record of influencing policy and engaging stakeholders.
• Experience leading teams at a senior level.

Responsibilities

• Lead communications, media, public affairs, partnerships and research teams.
• Raise Family Fund’s profile as a national voice.
• Build strong relationships with policymakers, media, and funders.
• Drive change for families through influence and insight.

Skills

Influencing policy

Stakeholder engagement

Team leadership

Communication skills

Passion for social justice

Job description

Organisation

Family Fund is the UK’s largest charity supporting low‑income families raising disabled or seriously ill children and young people. We help thousands of families every year with essential grants, services and practical support. We champion families’ voices, challenge inequality and shape the conversation on disability, childhood illness and disadvantage.

Role

This is an exciting opportunity to shape how Family Fund connects with people across the UK. As a newly created role, it offers real scope and develop the function, while playing a central role in strengthening the organisation’s voice and influence.

We are looking for a bold, creative Group Director of External Affairs to join our Senior Leadership Team. You will raise Family Fund’s national profile and influence, positioning the organisation as a trusted, evidence‑led voice on childhood disability, serious illness and the broader challenges facing low‑income families. You will build and sustain strong relationships with policymakers, funders and the public, ensuring the organisation secures the visibility, support and resources needed to drive lasting change for the families we serve.

You will lead an energetic, specialist team spanning communications, media, public affairs, partnerships and research, bringing these areas together through a joined‑up external engagement strategy that delivers real impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead our communications, media, public affairs, partnerships and research teams
• Raise Family Fund’s profile as a trusted national voice
• Build strong relationships with policymakers, media, funders and partners
• Help drive real change for families through influence and insight

Who We’re Looking For

We are looking for an experienced leader who loves the power of communication, influence and connection.

Key Attributes

• Senior experience in external affairs, communications or public affairs
• A strong track record of influencing policy and engaging senior stakeholders
• Experience leading teams and working at senior level
• A warm, confident communication style and great relationship skills
• A real passion for Family Fund’s mission and social justice

This is an exciting, high‑impact role with the chance to make a genuine difference to families across the UK.

How to Apply

If you would like to apply for this fantastic opportunity, please provide the following with your application:

• An up‑to‑date CV
• A supporting statement of no more than two sides of A4, outlining your experience, motivations and suitability for the role

All applications are being handled by our recruitment partner, Russam. All applications should be uploaded via the Russam website.

If you have any difficulty uploading your application or would like an informal and confidential discussion about the role, please contact Melissa Baxter – Managing Partner, Charities at Russam.

Closing date for applications: Monday 2nd February 2026
Initial interviews with Russam: 17th and 18th February 2026
Interviews with Family Fund: 4th, 5th and 6th March 2026

Flexibility will be provided if needed – do let us know as soon as possible if you are unavailable on these dates.

We commit to inclusion, equality and diversity and we welcome applications from all parts of the community. Family Fund is a Disability Confident Leader. We will invite to interview all disabled applicants who meet the requirements for the role. If you have a disability, and are happy to let us know, please highlight this in your covering letter. We have also signed the Armed Forces Covenant, and we welcome applications from the Armed Forces Community.