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- Tasks: Lead strategic communications and PR for a charity focused on reducing alcohol harm.
- Company: Join Drinkaware, a leading charity making a real difference in society.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, 30 days leave, and wellbeing grants.
- Why this job: Make an impact while enhancing the reputation of a vital social cause.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic communications and strong media relations skills required.
- Other info: 9-month contract with excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 67000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Head of Strategic Communications (9-Month Contract) role at Drinkaware.
The organisation: Ellwood Atfield is thrilled to partner with Drinkaware, a leading charity dedicated to reducing harm from alcohol. Drinkaware achieves this by providing impartial, evidence-based information, practical advice and resources, raising awareness of alcohol-related harms, and working in partnership with others to deliver behaviour change through effective tools and interventions.
The opportunity: The Head of Strategic Communications will lead Drinkaware’s strategic communications activity, ensuring the organisation maintains a strong, credible and trusted external profile. This role is responsible for building and safeguarding Drinkaware’s reputation through a cohesive and integrated communications strategy that balances opportunity with risk, while supporting the organisation’s wider mission and objectives. Leading a small and skilled media and communications team, the role oversees activity across media relations, PR, stakeholder engagement and internal communications. The postholder will also work closely with colleagues to contribute to social media and content activity, ensuring consistent, high-quality messaging across all channels.
Responsibilities:
- Lead and deliver Drinkaware’s strategic communications approach and PR activities, ensuring all media, corporate, stakeholder, internal and content activity is aligned with organisational values, goals and designed to enhance our reputation.
- Protect and enhance Drinkaware’s external reputation, acting as a trusted and independent voice on alcohol through proactive and reactive media relations, crisis communications planning and day‑to‑day reputational risk management.
- Manage and develop media engagement and presence, including leading the press office, amplifying expert spokespeople, building strong journalist relationships across all channels, and maximising high-quality media coverage.
- Oversee key communications projects and outputs, including organisational messaging and Lines to Take, integrated communications campaigns, stakeholder and internal communications, and commissioning the Annual Report and Accounts.
Person specification:
- Demonstrable experience leading strategic communications and PR campaigns that raise profile and strengthen the reputation of a social impact organisation.
- Excellent and adaptable writing and editing skills across a wide range of formats, from press releases and communications plans to Annual Reports and digital content, with the ability to brief and manage internal and external writers.
- Proven ability to manage reputational risk and lead crisis communications and escalation processes, advising senior executives and organisational leaders.
- Strong media expertise, including managing a press office, identifying and selling media opportunities, building trusted journalist relationships, and a strategic understanding of the UK media landscape and public concerns.
- Effective senior‑level stakeholder engagement skills, including advising the CEO, Chair and Chief Medical Advisor, building internal and external relationships, and delivering internal, corporate and stakeholder communications grounded in research and evidence.
Benefits and Additional information:
- Salary up to £66,755
- Office based in London (EC1Y 4SE)
- Hybrid working (2 days per week in the office)
- 9 Month contract
- 30 days annual leave (plus Bank Holidays)
- Matched company pension scheme
- Life assurance cover
- Wellbeing and learning grants
How to apply:
To apply, please submit the form on our website and include a copy of your CV. Closing date: January 12, 2026.
Head of Strategic Communications (9-Month Contract) employer: Drinkaware
Contact Detail:
Drinkaware Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Strategic Communications (9-Month Contract)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals 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 organisation thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. We want you to walk in there feeling confident and ready to show how you can contribute to their goals!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You should be able to clearly articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role. We recommend rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror to nail that delivery.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the position. And remember, apply through our website to make sure your application gets the attention it deserves!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Strategic Communications (9-Month Contract)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Strategic Communications role. Highlight your experience in strategic communications and PR campaigns, as well as any relevant achievements that align with Drinkaware's mission.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Use it to showcase your writing skills and explain how your background can help enhance Drinkaware’s reputation and strategic communications.
Showcase Your Media Expertise: Since media relations are key for this position, be sure to include examples of your experience managing press offices or building journalist relationships. This will demonstrate your understanding of the UK media landscape.
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. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Drinkaware
✨Know the Organisation Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly research Drinkaware. Understand their mission, values, and recent campaigns. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
As the Head of Strategic Communications, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to think strategically. Prepare examples of past campaigns you've led, focusing on how you balanced opportunities with risks. Be ready to discuss how you would approach Drinkaware's communications strategy.
✨Prepare for Crisis Scenarios
Given the nature of the role, it's crucial to be prepared for questions about crisis communications. Think of potential scenarios that could impact Drinkaware's reputation and outline how you would manage them. This will highlight your expertise in reputational risk management.
✨Engage with Media Expertise
Since media relations are a key part of this role, be prepared to discuss your experience in managing press offices and building journalist relationships. Bring examples of successful media coverage you've achieved and how you plan to amplify Drinkaware’s voice in the media landscape.
