At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative science campaigns to drive public support and positive change.
- Company: Join Cancer Research UK, a leading charity dedicated to beating cancer.
- Benefits: Generous benefits package, flexible working, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diversity and encourages all backgrounds to apply.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the fight against cancer while shaping a new team.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in strategic communications and integrated campaigns.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 65000 £ per year.
£63,000 - £65,000 plus benefits
Reports to: Head of Strategic Communications and Campaigns
Directorate: Policy, Information and Communications
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time 35 hours per week - open to flexible working such as compressed hours
Location: Office-based with high flexibility (1-2 days per week in the office)
Closing date: 7 June 2026 23:55
Visa sponsorship: You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. Cancer Research UK is not able to offer visa sponsorship.
Recruitment process: 2 stage interview process, 2nd stage to include task
At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.
Cancer Research UK have a new opportunity for a Lead -Strategic Communications -Science Campaigns to head up a new team within our Policy Information and Communication directorate (PIC). This senior role shapes the strategic direction of CRUK’s science campaigns portfolio — from CRUK Science and Children & Young People’s Cancers to policy, international and awareness activity.
We are looking for a proactive and solutions focused senior communication and campaigns professional to drive an insight‑led, innovative approach that aligns with organisational priorities, strengthens our brand, and delivers impact through a high‑performing management team. This is a great opportunity to make a real impact, shape a brand‑new role and team and lead high‑profile science campaigns that build public support and drive positive change across press, digital, social and the full marcomms mix.
What will I be doing?
- Set the strategic direction for science campaigns at CRUK, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities, brand strategy and corporate narrative.
- Lead the design and delivery of integrated, insight-led, multi-channel science campaigns that showcase CRUK’s impact.
- Ensure shared messaging, strategic coherence, and joined-up delivery across workstreams.
- Lead cross-channel integration, collaborating with other business areas to maximise reach and impact of science campaigns.
- Ensure high-quality content across all campaign assets, including comms strategies, plans, media materials and multimedia content.
- Monitor external environment, media trends, cultural moments and audience behaviour to shape future campaign development and keep CRUK’s campaigns at the forefront of best practice.
- Oversee and lead on planning and evaluation frameworks for science campaigns, embedding continuous improvement and accountability.
- Line manage and develop the science campaigns function; creating a collaborative, inclusive and high performing culture.
What are we looking for?
- Proven leadership of strategic science/research communications and integrated campaigns.
- Expertise in simplifying complex scientific information for diverse audiences.
- Proven experience in designing and delivering integrated communication campaigns and multi-channel activations.
- Experienced in using data, audience insight and evaluation to inform communications strategy.
- Strong strategic planning skills; ability to translate vision into actionable plans.
- Excellent leadership and stakeholder management skills, including influencing at senior level and the ability to inspire confidence and build credibility with senior leaders.
- Expertise in working collaboratively, in a matrix structure.
- Outstanding communication skills – written, verbal, and presentation.
- Strong negotiation, problem-solving and decision-making skills; able to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.
Our organisation values are designed to guide all that we do. Bold: Act with ambition, courage and determination. Credible: Act with rigour and professionalism. Human: Act to have a positive impact on people. Together: Act inclusively and collaboratively.
We’re looking for people who can believe in and embody these organisation values and can use them to drive forward progress against our mission to beat cancer.
If you’re interested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills and experience we’d still love to hear from you.
What will I gain?
We create a working environment that supports your wellbeing and provide a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools. Our policies and processes enable you to improve your work-life balance, take positive steps in your career and achieve your personal wellbeing goals. You can explore our benefits by visiting our careers web page.
How do I apply?
We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. CVs are for all applications; but we won’t be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to complete the work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively.
For more information on this career opportunity please visit our website or contact us at recruitment@cancer.org.uk.
For more updates on our work and careers, follow us on: Linked In, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in, the work we do. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented. We want to see every candidate performing at their best throughout the job application process, interview process and whilst at work. We therefore ask you to inform us of any concerns you have or any adjustments you might need to enable this to happen. Please contact recruitment@cancer.org.uk or 020 3469 8400 as soon as possible. Unfortunately, we are unable to recruit anyone below the age of 18, so that we can protect young people from health & safety and safeguarding risks.
Lead Strategic Communications - Science Campaigns employer: Cancer Research UK
At Cancer Research UK, we are dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment that empowers our employees to thrive. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to personal and professional development, we offer a unique opportunity to lead impactful science campaigns that drive positive change in the fight against cancer. Join us in a role where your expertise will not only shape our strategic communications but also contribute to a mission that truly matters.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Strategic Communications - Science Campaigns
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those already working at Cancer Research UK. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info on the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that second stage interview task! Brush up on your strategic communication skills and think about how you can showcase your ability to simplify complex scientific info for diverse audiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your leadership chops! Be ready to discuss how you've led successful campaigns before and how you can inspire a high-performing team at CRUK.
✨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 genuinely excited about joining us!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Strategic Communications - Science Campaigns
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the Lead Strategic Communications role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of your successes in previous roles. We want to see how you've made an impact, especially in strategic communications and campaigns.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role, and make sure your passion for our mission shines through!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cancer Research UK
✨Know Your Campaigns
Before the interview, dive deep into Cancer Research UK's recent science campaigns. Understand their objectives, target audiences, and outcomes. This will not only show your genuine interest but also allow you to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership in strategic communications. Think about times when you've led a team through a complex project or campaign. Be ready to discuss how you inspired your team and navigated challenges.
✨Master the Art of Simplification
Given the role's focus on simplifying complex scientific information, practice explaining intricate concepts in layman's terms. This will demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, a key requirement for the position.
✨Be Data-Driven
Familiarise yourself with how data and audience insights can shape communication strategies. Prepare to discuss specific instances where you've used data to inform your campaigns, showcasing your analytical skills and strategic planning abilities.
