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- Tasks: Lead communications and learning strategies to amplify our impact and tell our story.
- Company: Join the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, a leading independent funder for social change.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in communities while driving systemic change through storytelling.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience with expertise in communications and impact evaluation.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 100000 £ per year.
Esmée Fairbairn Foundation is a leading independent funder aiming to improve our natural world, secure a fairer future, and strengthen the bonds in communities across the UK. We provide approximately £50 million annually in grants to organisations working in the arts, children and young people, sustainable food, the environment, and social change. Alongside our £1.3 billion endowment, we have significant allocations for social and impact investment to further our mission.
We are working towards three interconnected goals: enhancing our natural environment, addressing injustice for a more equitable future, and fostering creative, self-assured communities. Under our current strategy, we provide large, long-term grants and strategic support to initiatives with brilliant ideas that drive systemic change. We are a values-led organisation, deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we believe that learning and effective communication are critical to maximising our impact.
We are seeking a creative, accomplished, and strategic Director of Communications and Learning to join our Senior Management Team and take ownership of how we tell our story, amplify learning, and strengthen our influence. The successful candidate will lead a talented, multidisciplinary team to translate complex work – spanning grants and social investments – into compelling narratives that inform strategy, practice, and public debate.
You will balance strategic direction for the Foundation’s communications and reputational management with a rigorous approach to monitoring, evaluation, and learning. As an active representative of the Foundation, you will share insights and expertise externally while fostering a robust internal learning culture.
About you
- Significant senior leadership experience, including team management and working as part of a Senior Management Team.
- Proven expertise in learning, impact, evaluation, or communications, with the ability to translate insights and evidence into organisational strategy.
- A creative and strategic approach to storytelling, with the skill to turn complex data and multi-sector work into purposeful narratives.
- Strong advocacy and interpersonal skills, with the ability to command respect and influence senior stakeholders across peer foundations and policy fields.
- A consistent commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with experience engaging professionally and inclusively with people from diverse backgrounds.
- Strong financial and operational expertise, including experience managing significant budgets for communications, learning, and grant-making.
- Crucially, you will be excited by and fully committed to the Foundation’s values and strategy, possessing a passion for using evidence and insights to drive positive change across the sector.
How to Apply
For further information, please click on the Apply button. If you have any queries please contact our retained advisors Omar Begg or Borge Andreassen via email with a copy of your CV: Omar.Begg@prospect-us.co.uk Borge.Andreassen@prospect-us.co.uk
Recruitment Timetable
Deadline for applications: 14th April. Interviews with Prospectus: 20-22nd April. Interviews with Esmee Fairbairn Foundation: First stage panel interview: (in-person) Thursday 7 May. Informal meeting with comms and learning team (online): Monday 11 May. Final stage panel interview (in-person): Wednesday 13 May.
Director of Communications and Learning employer: Esmée Fairbairn Foundation
Contact Detail:
Esmée Fairbairn Foundation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Communications and Learning
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation. Attend events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your storytelling skills! Prepare a few compelling narratives that highlight your experience in communications and learning. Tailor these stories to reflect how you can contribute to the Foundation’s mission of driving systemic change.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly through our website or social media channels to express your interest in the Director of Communications and Learning role. A little initiative can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching the Foundation’s values and recent projects. Be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with their goals of enhancing the natural environment and fostering equitable communities. Show them you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Communications and Learning
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience: Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who you're addressing. Tailor your application to resonate with the values and mission of the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation. Show us that you get what we're all about!
Tell Your Story: We love a good narrative! Use your application to weave in your personal journey and how it aligns with our goals. Highlight your experiences in communications and learning, and don’t shy away from showcasing your creative side.
Be Clear and Concise: While we appreciate creativity, clarity is key. Make sure your application is easy to read and straight to the point. Avoid jargon and keep your language accessible – we want to understand your ideas without getting lost in complex terms.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on being part of our community right from the start!
How to prepare for a job interview at Esmée Fairbairn Foundation
✨Know the Foundation's Values
Before your interview, dive deep into the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation's mission and values. Understand their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and think about how your own experiences align with these principles. This will help you demonstrate your passion for their cause.
✨Craft Your Storytelling Skills
As a Director of Communications and Learning, storytelling is key. Prepare examples of how you've turned complex data into compelling narratives in the past. Think about specific projects where your communication skills made a significant impact, and be ready to share these during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Highlight your senior leadership experience and team management skills. Be prepared to discuss how you've led multidisciplinary teams and influenced stakeholders. Use concrete examples to illustrate your strategic approach and how it has driven positive change in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Questions on Impact and Evaluation
Expect questions about your expertise in learning, impact, and evaluation. Brush up on relevant frameworks and methodologies you've used in the past. Be ready to discuss how you've translated insights into organisational strategy, as this will be crucial for the role.