At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and evolve research communications strategy, making complex science accessible and engaging.
- Company: Join Alzheimer's Society, the UK's leading dementia charity, making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days leave, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Home-based role with occasional travel; dynamic environment focused on equity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Shape impactful narratives that resonate with diverse audiences and drive change in dementia research.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in research communications and team leadership required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 € 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.
Senior Research Communications Manager employer: Alzheimers Society
Alzheimer's Society is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. As a home-based role, the Senior Research Communications Manager position allows for flexibility while providing access to comprehensive benefits, including a generous pension scheme, extensive annual leave, and mental health support resources. Join us in making a meaningful impact on dementia research and advocacy, where your contributions will be valued and celebrated.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Communications Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. The more you engage, the better your chances of landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its mission. Understand their values and how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they're about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share your experiences in a way that highlights your achievements and how they relate to the role. Remember, it's all about making complex ideas accessible and engaging.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Communications Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Research Communications Manager role. Highlight your experience in translating complex research into engaging content, as this is key for us at Alzheimer's Society.
Showcase Your Storytelling Skills:We want to see how you can turn scientific jargon into relatable stories. Include examples of past work where you've successfully communicated complex information to non-specialist audiences.
Demonstrate Leadership Experience:As a senior role, we’re looking for someone who can inspire and manage a team. Share your experiences in leading teams and how you've fostered a collaborative environment in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Alzheimers Society
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, think about who you'll be speaking to. Research the Alzheimer's Society and understand their mission and values. Tailor your responses to show how your experience in research communications can directly benefit their goals, especially in making complex scientific information accessible.
✨Showcase Your Storytelling Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully translated complex research into engaging narratives. Be ready to discuss specific projects where your communication strategies made a significant impact. This will demonstrate your ability to craft compelling stories that resonate with non-specialist audiences.
✨Highlight Leadership Experience
As a Senior Research Communications Manager, you'll need to manage and inspire a team. Share your experiences in leading teams, fostering collaboration, and developing high-performing individuals. Discuss how you create an environment that encourages creativity and continuous improvement.
✨Be Data-Driven
Emphasise your ability to use insights and performance data to evaluate and refine communication strategies. Prepare to discuss how you've used feedback to improve messaging and reach in past roles. This shows that you're not just creative but also strategic in your approach to research communications.
