Head of Communications

Crohn's and Colitis; England; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading health charity in the UK seeks a Head of Communications to lead strategic campaigns and media engagement. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in communications, coaching teams, and media relations. The role offers a hybrid work model and competitive salary. Join us in making a difference in the lives of those affected by Crohn's and Colitis.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Salary Sacrifice Pension scheme

Flexible working options

Enhanced parental leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Interest-free loan for season tickets

Cycle to work scheme

Free parking

Qualifications

• Experienced in leading multidisciplinary campaigns delivering ambitious results.
• Proven track record in coaching teams to high performance.
• Demonstrated media relations capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic communications and campaigns for the charity.
• Oversee media and social media engagement functions.
• Work with external agency to develop legacy propositions.

Skills

Leading multidisciplinary campaigns

Coaching high performing teams

Driving media relations

Adaptability to communication trends

Proficient in social media tools

Job description

We're the UK's leading charity for Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis.

Right now, an estimated 500,000 people in the UK are living with a lifelong disease that many people have never heard of, and for which there is no known cure.

Crohn's & Colitis UK funds research, provides award winning information and support and raises vital awareness by increasing the public's understanding of the conditions, and what it means to live with debilitating symptoms. But we need to do more. We need to be a louder voice in the marketplace. Our ambitious plans for 2025, will help to make a real difference to every supporter's journey with us. If this excites you - join us!!

The role

Starting salary: c£53,800 per annum depending on experiencePermanent,Full-Time (35 hours per week)
Place of work: Hybrid, with a requirement to attend regular in person days

Join our Team!

We are entering an exciting period of change to transform understanding of Crohn's and Colitis across society, increase our reach and, ultimately, work towards a cure for the conditions.

We have an exciting new opportunity to join us as our Head of Communications and be a driving force in making that shift by creatively leading strategic communications and campaigns.

You will also play an important role by working with an external agency on the development of a new legacy proposition and supporting materials, as well as working on internal legacy promotions and staff training.

In this role you will lead our media, social media, campaigns and engagement functions, as well as project teams across the charity. You'll grow our engagement with diverse audiences and support them to take action towards ambitious campaign goals.

Full details of the job description and person specification are found in our Recruitment pack for download below.

About you

We are looking for an experienced, creative and driven communications leader who will be committed to improving the lives of people affected by Crohn's and Colitis.... could this be you? Are you:

• experienced in leading multidisciplinary campaigns that delivered ambitious results?
• an effective coach with experience of building high performing teams?
• seasoned in driving media relations to deliver results?
• a calm and experienced leader, demonstrating sound judgement even with the pressure is on?
• adaptable to the ever changing trends in communication, embracing them as opportunities to innovate and strengthen engagement?
• aware of social media and campaigning tools to amplify the community voice in communications?

If this sounds like you then we would love to hear from you.

We are based in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, so we are easily accessible by road and rail. In this role there is plenty of scope for working from home, although there will be occasions when you will need to attend directorate days and face to face meetings. In addition, the charity meets four times a year at the office in Hatfield for our mandatory 'All Staff Together' days.

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing by one day per year up to 30 days
• Salary Sacrifice Pension scheme
• Flexible working options
• Enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity pay
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Interest free loan for season tickets
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free parking and secure bike locks
• Training and development financial support and/or study leave
• Performance review and development scheme

If you have any queries about this role, would like to have a conversation before formally applying, or if you have a disability and wish to request a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact Kelly Loftus, Director of Policy, Influence & Public Affairs [e-mail]

Please submit a CV and supporting statement outlining why you’d like to apply, how you fulfil the person specification, and what you feel you will bring to the role, so you’ll need to refer to the Recruitment Pack.

Interviews will take place via Teams on 24 November 2025.

Please note: no applications will move forward within the recruiting process without a supporting statement.

We are an inclusive employer and offer equal opportunities to all regardless of an individual’s age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

We are not a licensed sponsor at this time. Any offer of employment will be made subject to the applicant residing in the UK and a valid right to work in the UK being provided.

We will not be accepting any contact from Recruitment Agencies or Media Sales