Director of Advocacy and Communication

Director of Advocacy and Communications. £65,000 – £72,000 London

About the role

This role is to lead the Advocacy and Communications function at a charity focussed on increasing participation in democracy. The successful candidate will report to the CEO and will be part of the Management Team, which includes the leads of all key functions. The Management Team is made up of the following roles:

• CEO
• Director of Innovation & Practice
• Director of Finance & Support Services
• Director of Capacity Building & Standards

The Advocacy and Communications function includes two reports in the Communications team. The Director will potentially manage others in different functions, as the organisation operates with a matrix line management structure. We also collaborate with a group of associate freelancers.

There is potential for the Advocacy & Communications team to be developed in line with the Director’s vision for achieving the strategy.

Core Accountabilities

Strategy and Fundraising

• Lead the delivery of the organisation’s current strategy and business plan for the Advocacy and Communications work,
• Develop future strategies to support the achievement of the organisation’s purpose.
• Develop a compelling narrative that positions the organisation at the cutting edge of democratic innovation and participatory democracy, to be applied in policy, practice, fundraising, and other contexts.
• Establish and maintain a sustainable and diversified funding base for advocacy and communications activities.

Delivery

• Oversee the delivery of both proactive and reactive Communications activity across multiple media.
• Ensure impactful and influential communications, particularly in the media and commentariat.
• Lead the execution of influencing strategies across various regions and institutional areas, ensuring alignment and accountability across functions.
• Collaborate with the Director of Capacity Building and Standards to develop and implement a research strategy that highlights the evidence and practice of public participation, engages in democratic reform debates, and produces data to support advocacy and communications.
• Develop policy proposals that further the organisation’s mission and vision.
• Work collaboratively with peers to ensure that practice work is fully advocated and achieves maximum impact.

Leadership, Business Planning, and Management

• Contribute to the corporate management and direction of the organisation as part of the Management Team.
• Participate in the budget formulation and approval process and work within allocated budgets, income, and funding targets.

Team

• Build a high-performing team committed to the organisation’s mission and strategy, embodying its values, and equipped to excel in their roles.
• Manage and task manage staff in the Advocacy and Communications team, serving as a role model for other managers.
• Support the team’s learning and development activities through training and team-building events.

Person Specification

Part One – Knowledge and Experience

• Proven track record in developing and delivering creative, effective campaign and advocacy plans, with an emphasis on building influential advocates.
• Experience raising profile in the media and running effective media campaigns using a broad network across the political spectrum.
• Successful track record in strategic communications.
• Experience working within government systems or influencing the policies of government agencies, private sector organisations, or donor organisations.
• Proven success in securing funding in challenging financial climates (grants and high-net-worth individuals ideally).
• Experience in strategic communications, marketing, and/or PR.
• Policy and research experience.

Part Two – Skills, Abilities, and Personal Style

• Excellent written communication skills.
• Strong analytical capability.
• Influences with impact.
• Collaborative work style.
• Strategic thinker.
• Results-oriented.
• Able to lead high-performing teams.
• Excellent project management skills, including managing budgets and reporting.
• Passionate about democratic reform, particularly participatory and deliberative democracy.

Terms of Appointment

Purpose of Role: To lead and manage the organisation’s Advocacy and Communications activities, promoting the value of participation and deliberation for a healthy modern democracy and ensuring that those in power support their use.

Reporting To: Chief Executive

Appointment: Permanent, full-time (compressed hours and part-time considered)

The role offers core working hours of 10am-4pm with flexibility outside these hours. Standard working hours are 35 per week, though occasional out-of-hours work may be required.

Location: The organisation is headquartered in London, though the role offers flexibility regarding remote working. Travel across the UK will be required for face-to-face meetings and compulsory awaydays (three per year).

Pension: Workplace pension scheme with 5% employer contribution.

Holiday: 25 days plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff), and additional days between Christmas and New Year.

Diversity and Equality: We value diversity and welcome applications from candidates from underrepresented backgrounds, particularly those from disabled and Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities.

Other Benefits:

• Employee Assistance Programme
• Phone/data allowance
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• Access to external and internal training opportunities.