Strategic Communications Officer

Strategic Communications Officer

Cambridge Full-Time 18600 - 43400 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Alzheimer’s Research UK

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Create impactful communications to raise awareness and support for dementia research.
  • Company: Join Alzheimer’s Research UK, the leading charity dedicated to dementia research and finding a cure.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, a competitive salary, and a supportive workplace culture.
  • Other info: Work approximately 2 days a week in the office with opportunities for remote work.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in the fight against dementia while developing your communication skills.
  • Qualifications: Strong writing skills and experience in PR or marketing are essential; knowledge of dementia is a plus.

The predicted salary is between 18600 - 43400 £ per year.

Job Description

The Communications Department inspires, informs and engages the public by showcasing Alzheimer’s Research UK’s mission, impact and scientific progress across all channels. We lead the charity’s media and strategic communications activity, ensuring clear, accurate and compelling storytelling that supports research, fundraising and organisational priorities. The Strategic Communications Officer will be part of the Corporate Communications team – one of several specialist teams in the wider Department.

The Strategic Communications Officer will play an important role in delivering high‑quality campaign and communications activity that supports ARUK’s strategic goals. Reporting to the Corporate Communications Manager, this individual will mainly work collaboratively with colleagues across Brand and Strategic Marketing on our big impact campaigns, as well as supporting the corporate communications team when capacity requires – this could be working with the CEO office, Fundraising or filling a need from the wider team.

The role holder will help to coordinate campaign workflows, gather accurate information, and support the delivery of integrated communications activity. The Strategic Communications Officer will contribute to the smooth running of campaigns by maintaining organised processes, supporting planning and reporting, and helping to produce content that strengthens understanding of dementia and the urgent need for research. The postholder will also help to create engaging, accessible content for cross‑channel campaigns and ensure that messaging is consistent, evidence‑based and aligned with organisational priorities.

Projects to own and drive forward include World Alzheimer’s Month, the Christmas campaign, and other key organisational priorities.

Key Responsibilities:

Delivery & Production

·         Support the research and production of campaigns and projects, including the World Alzheimer’s Month, Christmas campaigns and other Brand activity.

·         Support on development of communication plans and materials for supporter‑facing activities and campaigns. 

·         Write, edit and proof content for campaigns and projects ensuring accuracy and narrative alignment.

·         Prepare, write, pitch and issue media stories to generate coverage for our initiatives and campaigns.

Research & Information Support

·         Monitor external trends and sector‑relevant topics to inform content and news planning.

Cross‑Team Support & Collaboration

·         Work collaboratively with the Brand team, as well as the wider communications teams on shared projects.

·         Support internal communications and the social media team for priority campaigns and strategic projects.

·         Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders to understand content needs.

·         Work closely with teams to ensure their content embodies Alzheimer’s Research UK tone of voice.

Administration, Planning & Coordination

·         Provide project coordination support for major cross‑channel campaigns and key organisation publications.

·         Maintain clear documentation ensuring campaign materials and project assets are well organised.

·         Contribute to content calendars for news and campaigns.

·         Manage external freelance support in peak periods.

Quality, Accuracy & Compliance

·         Support continuous improvement by sharing campaign insights and recommending enhancements, including introducing repeatable process and templates.

·         Champion equity, diversity and inclusion in all communications.

·         Ensure clear, accurate and consistent messaging across all outputs.

What This Role Delivers

·         Engaging, accessible cross‑channel campaign content that strengthens ARUK’s strategic communications.

·         Improved coordination of major brand activity and strategic communications projects.

Knowledge, skills and experience needed:

·         Experience in communications, campaigns, marketing or digital content roles. Strong writing, editing and proofing skills with attention to detail.

·         Experience producing content across multiple channels. Ability to adapt complex topics into engaging communications.

·         Experience supporting cross‑team partnerships or agencies.

·         Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines and projects.

·         Creative thinker with proactive, solutions‑focused approach.

·         Collaborative, confident working across teams.

·         Able to work independently with strong attention to detail.

·         Confidence using digital tools, CMS platforms and MS Office.

·         Enthusiastic about learning and communications best practice

Additional Information:

Ways of working:   

As part of our Agile ways of working, you will be required to work approximately 2 days a week from the office, which is subject to the requirements of the role and the business needs. Flexibility on where you work can be split between working from home and our office.

Roles that are classed as part of the Agile ways of working are not able to claim any costs for Mileage/Travel on Public Transport, Accommodation and/or Meals.  This includes when attending the office for various meetings/events.

Our Office: Our office is at 3 Riverside, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AD. 

Salary: Circa £30,000 per annum, plus benefits.

Please download the Vacancy Pack on our website for more information.

The closing date for applications is the 10th May 2026, with interviews being arrange once shortlisting has been completed. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity, as on occasion we may have to bring forward the interview date and/or the closing date based on the needs of the business. Although a possibility, this will only happen in exceptional circumstances. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential.  We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, particularly from those in the global majority, those with disabilities, men and those from the LGBTQIA+ community. Any offer of employment is however subject to you having the right to work in the UK.

As part of our commitment to being an inclusive employer and ensuring fairness and consistency in our selection process, we will handle your CV and application with the utmost confidentiality. Should you require any adjustments at either the application or interview stage, please contact us via our website. 

How to apply: Please create an online account using our Online Recruitment Platform which can be accessed through our Job Vacancies page. You will be able to attach your CV to your application and track the status of your application.

About Alzheimer’s Research UK: Alzheimer's Research UK is the UK's leading dementia research charity. Our mission is to accelerate progress towards a cure.  Today 1 in 2 people will be impacted by dementia, either through caring for a loved one, developing it themselves or tragically both. But there is hope. 

Strategic Communications Officer employer: Alzheimer’s Research UK

Alzheimer's Research UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises employee engagement and inclusivity. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to groundbreaking dementia research while enjoying flexible working arrangements in a supportive environment. Located in the picturesque Granta Park, Cambridge, staff benefit from a collaborative atmosphere that fosters innovation and creativity, making it an ideal place for passionate individuals to thrive.
Alzheimer’s Research UK

Contact Detail:

Alzheimer’s Research UK Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Strategic Communications Officer

Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with Alzheimer’s Research UK’s mission and recent campaigns. Understanding their key messages and storytelling style will help you align your communication strategies with their goals, making you a more attractive candidate.

Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the charity sector, especially those involved in dementia research or communications. Attend relevant events or webinars to build connections and gain insights into the industry, which can be beneficial during interviews.

Tip Number 3

Showcase your ability to create compelling content by preparing a portfolio of your previous work. Include examples that demonstrate your storytelling skills and how you've successfully engaged audiences across various platforms.

Tip Number 4

Be prepared to discuss how you would measure the impact of your communications efforts. Familiarise yourself with metrics and tools used in the industry to evaluate campaign success, as this will show your strategic thinking and analytical skills.

We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Communications Officer

Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong organisational skills
Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
Experience in PR, marketing or brand sector
Proficiency in Microsoft Office packages
Ability to translate complex scientific information for lay audiences
Experience in developing compelling content for various media
Strong storytelling abilities
Relationship-building skills with journalists and stakeholders
Experience in coordinating partnership working
Knowledge of dementia and related research (advantageous)
Flexibility to work unsociable hours and travel as required

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in communications, PR, and storytelling. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to engage audiences and support fundraising initiatives.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for dementia research and how your skills align with the role. Mention any experience you have in developing key messaging and working with diverse teams.

Showcase Your Writing Skills: Since excellent written communication is crucial for this role, include samples of your writing or links to published work. This could be articles, press releases, or social media content that reflects your storytelling abilities.

Highlight Relevant Experience: If you have experience in coordinating communications or working with journalists, make sure to detail this in your application. Discuss how you've successfully managed multiple tasks and deadlines in previous roles.

How to prepare for a job interview at Alzheimer’s Research UK

Know Your Audience

Familiarise yourself with Alzheimer’s Research UK and its mission. Understand the key messages they want to convey about dementia research and be prepared to discuss how your skills can help amplify these messages.

Showcase Your Storytelling Skills

Prepare examples of how you've used storytelling in your previous roles. Highlight your ability to create compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences, as this is crucial for the Strategic Communications Officer role.

Demonstrate Collaboration

Be ready to discuss your experience working with various teams and stakeholders. Emphasise your ability to build relationships and coordinate efforts across departments, which is essential for delivering effective communications.

Prepare for Media Engagement

Since the role involves pitching stories to the media, think of examples where you've successfully generated media coverage. Be prepared to discuss your approach to building relationships with journalists and handling media inquiries.

Strategic Communications Officer
Alzheimer’s Research UK
Location: Cambridge
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