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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 75000 - 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:
Recruitment Timetable
- Deadline for applications: 14th April.
- Interviews with Prospectus: 20-22nd April.
- Interviews with Esmée 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 in London 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 in London
✨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 opportunities!
✨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 in your approach! Don’t just wait for job postings; reach out directly to the Foundation with your ideas on how you could enhance their communications strategy. This shows initiative and genuine interest in their work.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching the Foundation’s recent projects and initiatives. Be ready to discuss how your background aligns with their goals of diversity, equity, and inclusion. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance at landing that dream role!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Communications and Learning in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how excited you are about improving the natural world and fostering communities. Share your personal connection to our mission and values.
Tailor Your Narrative: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Director of Communications and Learning role. Highlight your storytelling abilities and how you've turned complex data into impactful narratives in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: While we love a good story, clarity is key! Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to see your qualifications and achievements at a glance.
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 helps us keep everything organised on our end!
How to prepare for a job interview at Esmée Fairbairn Foundation
✨Know the Foundation Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation's mission, values, and recent projects. Understanding their goals around enhancing the natural environment and promoting social change will help you align your answers with their vision.
✨Showcase Your Storytelling Skills
As a Director of Communications and Learning, your ability to craft compelling narratives is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've turned complex data into engaging stories in your previous roles. This will demonstrate your creative and strategic approach to communication.
✨Highlight Your Leadership Experience
Be ready to discuss your senior leadership experience and how you've managed teams effectively. Share specific instances where your leadership has led to successful outcomes, especially in areas related to learning, impact, or communications.
✨Emphasise Diversity and Inclusion
Given the Foundation's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, prepare to discuss your experiences in these areas. Highlight how you've engaged with diverse communities and how this has informed your work, showcasing your alignment with their values.