Head of Communications & External Affairs

Catch22; London Colney; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 84,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days annual leave

Pension scheme 4% matching

Life insurance 3x salary

Employee Assistance Programme & GP hel

Job summary

Catch22 in London is seeking an exceptional Director of Communications & External Affairs to join the Leadership Team and help shape the voice of the organisation. You will translate strategy into compelling narratives, build trust with commissioners, funders and partners, and lead a high-performing, inclusive team.

This full-time role (37 hours) is based in our London office with regular travel to services; a DBS check is required.

Qualifications

• Experience in the charity/third sector not required; transferable skills from other industries welcomed.
• Educated to degree level with a relevant management qualification or equivalent.
• Strong financial and commercial understanding, including assessment of value, risk and long-term sustainability.
• Track record of successful political influencing work, including building cross‑party support, through relationship‑building, advocacy and media work.
• Exemplary influencing skills at all levels of an organisation, with the ability to maintain and extend stakeholder and customer relationships and to analyse and provide advice on complex issues.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, able to translate complex issues into clear, compelling narratives.

Responsibilities

• Lead Catch22's communications and external affairs strategy, strengthening our influence and reputation across the sector.
• Champion the voices and lived experiences of the people we support, ensuring they shape organisational priorities and public debate.
• Build trusted relationships with commissioners, funders, policymakers, partners, regulators and influencers.
• Strengthen the Catch22 brand, growing recognition, credibility and trust nationally.
• Lead communications through periods of change, challenge and opportunity with confidence, judgement and integrity.
• Use insight, evidence and storytelling to influence public policy and contribute to meaningful system reform.
• Support the organisation's growth ambitions by ensuring that communications activity directly supports strategy, delivery and impact.
• Inspire and develop high-performing, inclusive teams while fostering a strong One Catch22 culture.

Skills

Senior leadership

Policy influence

Media relations

Stakeholder management

Strategic communications

Education

Degree level with management qualification

Relevant degree

Job description

Catch22 in London is seeking an exceptional Director of Communications & External Affairs to join the Leadership Team and help shape the voice of the organisation. You will translate strategy into compelling narratives, build trust with commissioners, funders and partners, and lead a high-performing, inclusive team.

This full-time role (37 hours) is based in our London office with regular travel to services; a DBS check is required.