At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic science campaigns and ensure alignment with organisational priorities.
- Company: Join Cancer Research UK, a leader in impactful science communication.
- Benefits: Generous salary, flexible working, and extensive career development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in science communication and inspire change.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in strategic communications and experience in integrated campaigns.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 65000 £ per year.
Salary: £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 with flexible working options.
Location: Office‐based with high flexibility (1–2 days per week in the office).
Closing date: 7 June 2026.
Visa sponsorship is not available; applicants must be eligible to work in the UK.
Responsibilities
- 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 and cross‐channel integration with other business areas.
- Maintain high‐quality content across all campaign assets, including communication 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 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.
Requirements
- Proven leadership of strategic science/research communications and integrated campaigns.
- Expertise in simplifying complex scientific information for diverse audiences.
- Experience designing and delivering integrated communication campaigns and multi‐channel activations.
- Evidence of using data, audience insight and evaluation to inform communications strategy.
- Strong strategic planning skills with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans.
- Excellent leadership and stakeholder management skills, including influencing at senior level and inspiring confidence with senior leaders.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a matrix structure.
- Outstanding written, verbal and presentation communication skills.
- Strong negotiation, problem‐solving and decision‐making capabilities, able to work under pressure and tight deadlines.
Benefits
We provide a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities, high‐quality tools, and policies that support work‐life balance and personal wellbeing.
Equal Opportunity Employer
We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under‐represented. We ask candidates to inform us of any concerns or adjustments they may need to support their application or interview process. Recruitment is not available to individuals under the age of 18.
For more information, please contact recruitment@cancer.org.uk or 020 3469 8400.
Lead Strategic Communications - Science Campaigns in London employer: Cancer Research UK
At Cancer Research UK, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and inclusivity. With flexible working options and a commitment to employee development, we empower our team to thrive while making a meaningful impact in the field of science communications. Join us in a role where your expertise will shape innovative campaigns and contribute to our mission of beating cancer sooner.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Strategic Communications - Science Campaigns in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its campaigns. We want you to be able to discuss how your skills align with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re the one they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family. We can’t stress enough how important it is to feel confident and articulate when discussing your experience and ideas.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, we love seeing candidates take initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Strategic Communications - Science Campaigns in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the role. We want to see how you can lead strategic communications and deliver impactful science campaigns, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant skills!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading a team and managing campaigns, it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've inspired teams or influenced stakeholders in previous roles. We love seeing how you can bring people together!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured content that gets straight to the point, especially when it comes to complex scientific information.
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 the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do – just follow the prompts and you’ll be all set!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cancer Research UK
✨Know Your Campaigns
Before the interview, dive deep into CRUK's recent science campaigns. Understand their objectives, target audiences, and the impact they've made. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you discuss how your experience aligns with their strategic direction.
✨Simplify the Complex
Given the role's focus on simplifying complex scientific information, prepare examples of how you've done this in the past. Think about specific campaigns where you translated intricate data into engaging content for diverse audiences. This will demonstrate your expertise and ability to communicate effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in previous roles. Highlight instances where you fostered collaboration and inclusivity, as well as how you inspired confidence among senior stakeholders. This is crucial for a role that involves line management and strategic oversight.
✨Stay Ahead of Trends
Research current media trends and cultural moments relevant to science communications. Be prepared to discuss how these insights could shape future campaigns at CRUK. Showing that you can monitor and adapt to the external environment will position you as a forward-thinking candidate.
