At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead research communications, translating complex science into engaging stories for diverse audiences.
- Company: Join Alzheimer's Society, the UK's leading dementia charity making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, flexible working, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Home-based role with occasional travel; strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Shape impactful narratives that drive change in dementia research and support.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in research communications and team leadership required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
Do you have experience in research communications and the ability to translate complex scientific or research information, in an engaging and accessible way, for non-specialist audiences? Would you like to shape and steward a compelling research narrative that clearly communicates scientific discovery and the real-world benefit for people affected by dementia?
We are recruiting for a Senior Research Communications Manager to join on a full-time, permanent contract working 35 hours per week. This is a home-based role, with occasional travel required for conferences, events and in-person stakeholder or team meetings.
As Senior Research Communications Manager you will champion our research. By making complex science accessible, engaging and meaningful you will ensure breakthroughs are widely understood and effectively communicated. You will translate evidence into inspiring stories, positioning Alzheimer's Society as a trusted leader in dementia research and motivating more people to join us in driving change.
In this new role, you will lead our organisational approach to research communications, working strategically and collaboratively across the charity to embed research narratives across major organisational priorities and campaigns. You will manage and develop the research communications team, creating an environment where people feel supported, empowered and able to contribute their best work.
Your leadership and in-house expertise will ensure that research communications activity is insight-led and effectively integrated with wider communications channels and audiences. You will oversee the translation of complex research portfolios into clear, audience-led messaging. By representing Alzheimer's Society at conferences, events and in the media, you will help to raise the profile of our research and ensure it resonates across internal and external audiences.
About you: Joining us, you'll have extensive experience in research communications in a research, academic or charity environment. You'll have the ability to translate complex scientific or research information, in an engaging and accessible way, for non-specialist audiences. You'll be able to oversee the development and delivery of insight-led communications strategies and plans, designed to support wider organisational priorities.
Crucially, you'll be a credible and persuasive communicator with the ability to influence others, manage and develop high-performing teams and build positive, collaborative relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. You'll also have experience of evaluating communications activity and using insight to improve reach, quality and impact.
This position will play a vital role in ensuring that research resonates across internal and external audiences, ultimately helping us to end the devastation caused by dementia.
What you'll focus on:
- Leading, and evolving the organisation-wide strategy for research communications, ensuring research is positioned as a core organisational asset that advances the charity's strategy and mission.
- Ensuring that research communications support our research strategy by engaging and inspiring a wider range of researchers across disciplines and career pathways.
- Acting as a senior expert on research communications internally, providing strategic leadership, influencing and advising across the organisation, including at a senior level.
- Working collaboratively and autonomously across the charity to ensure research communications are embedded strategically into major organisational campaigns, moments and corporate storytelling, including across fundraising, brand, media, policy and influencing.
- Setting the direction and tone for how complex research is communicated to our external audiences, ensuring clarity, accuracy and relevance.
- Using insight and performance data and feedback to evaluate the impact of research communications activity, to continuously refine messaging, formats and channels.
- Managing, inspiring and developing a high performing research communications team, building depth of expertise and strategic confidence and embedding a culture of test, learn and continuous improvement.
About Alzheimer's Society - who are we and what's our mission? Dementia is the UK's biggest killer. One in three people born in the UK today will develop dementia in their lifetime. At Alzheimer's Society, we're the UK's leading dementia charity and the only one to tackle all aspects of dementia by giving help and hope to people living with dementia today and in the future. We give vital support to people facing the most frightening times of their lives, while also funding ground-breaking research and campaigning to make dementia the priority it should be. Together with our supporters, we're working towards a world where dementia no longer devastates lives.
Our commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging: We need to ensure the voices around our table better reflect and understand the communities we exist to serve. We strongly encourage individuals to apply who have a disability, impairment or health condition or individuals who identify as part of a minority ethnic background, as these groups are currently under-represented at Alzheimer's Society.
Our hiring process: We want you to bring your whole self to the process. Applications are anonymised until interview stage, and we're happy to support any adjustments. Share your feedback via our candidate survey when applying to help us improve. We may close early if we receive high interest (with 48 hours notice). Some roles may require a DBS check as part of our safer recruitment commitment.
Giving back to you: At Alzheimer's Society, we value our people and take a total reward approach to pay and benefits. You'll enjoy a generous double-matched pension scheme, 27 days annual leave (plus bank holidays and wellbeing days), and access to a free Health Shield Cash Plan, 24/7 EAP, Thrive mental wellbeing support, and virtual GP services. Our Society Plus platform offers exclusive discounts, wellbeing resources, and recognition schemes, while our flexible working, family-friendly policies, and life assurance provide peace of mind and work/life balance. We also offer a free Will-writing service and long service awards to recognise your ongoing commitment.
Locations
Senior Research Communications Manager in Chelmsford, Essex employer: Alzheimers Society
Alzheimer's Society is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and empowering work culture that prioritises employee growth and well-being. As a home-based role, the Senior Research Communications Manager will benefit from flexible working arrangements while contributing to meaningful research that impacts lives affected by dementia. With a generous benefits package, including a double-matched pension scheme and extensive leave, employees are encouraged to thrive both personally and professionally in a collaborative environment dedicated to making a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Communications Manager in Chelmsford, Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the research communications field, especially those connected to Alzheimer’s Society. Attend relevant events and conferences to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your storytelling skills! Prepare a few engaging narratives about complex research topics you’ve tackled before. This will help you demonstrate your ability to translate scientific information for non-specialist audiences during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to the hiring team at Alzheimer’s Society through our website and express your interest in the Senior Research Communications Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching Alzheimer’s Society’s current campaigns and initiatives. Being knowledgeable about our work will show your genuine interest and help you align your experience with our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Communications Manager in Chelmsford, Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for research communications shine through. We want to see how much you care about making complex science accessible and engaging for everyone, especially those affected by dementia.
Tailor Your Message:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Senior Research Communications Manager role. Highlight your experience in translating complex information and how you've successfully engaged non-specialist audiences in the past.
Be Authentic:Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your writing. We value authenticity, so share your unique perspective and experiences that make you a great fit for our team at Alzheimer’s Society.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our website. This helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Alzheimers Society
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, research who you'll be speaking with. Understand their roles and how they relate to the Senior Research Communications Manager position. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.
✨Showcase Your Storytelling Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully translated complex scientific information into engaging narratives. Use specific instances where your communication made a real impact, especially in contexts relevant to dementia or similar fields.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Be ready to discuss your experience in managing teams and developing high-performing individuals. Share how you've fostered a collaborative environment and driven strategic initiatives that align with organisational goals.
✨Use Data to Back Up Your Claims
Highlight your ability to evaluate communications activity using insights and performance data. Prepare to discuss how you've used feedback to refine messaging and improve outreach, showcasing your analytical skills alongside your creative ones.
