Policy and Communications Manager in London

Football Beyond Borders (FBB) is one of the UK's leading education and youth organisations. We exist to support young people from socio-economic disadvantage to thrive in school by building long‑term, trusting relationships with adults who believe in them. We believe every young person should have a trusted adult relationship throughout secondary school. Since launching in 2014, FBB has grown into a national organisation working with thousands of young people across schools in London, Greater Manchester and the West Midlands. We combine relationship‑based practice, education, youth work and culture to help young people feel seen, supported and successful both in and beyond school.

We are working to help build a country where every young person has access to a trusted adult relationship – and where schools, systems and organisations are designed around belonging, connection and long‑term human development. Central to this ambition is the Trusted Adult Guarantee (TAG) – a growing coalition of organisations, practitioners, policymakers and researchers committed to ensuring every young person has access to a trusted adult relationship.

This is a unique opportunity to sit at the intersection of policy, communications, public affairs and movement building. You will help shape national conversations around young people, relationships, belonging and the role trusted adults play in improving outcomes. You will work across government, education, sport, research and philanthropy sectors to build relationships, influence policy discussions and strengthen FBB’s reputation as a thought leader.

What You’ll Own

• Raising the profile of trusted adult relationships nationally
• Positioning FBB as a leading voice on trusted adult practice and policy
• Supporting the development of the Lost Boys Taskforce and Trusted Adult Guarantee
• Building relationships with policymakers, civil servants, funders and sector leaders
• Translating evidence, insight and practice into compelling policy and communications outputs
• Ensuring FBB contributes meaningfully to national conversations affecting young people

What You’ll Do

Policy & Public Affairs

• Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, civil servants and influential stakeholders
• Monitor developments across education, sport, youth, health and social policy
• Identify opportunities for FBB to influence policy discussions
• Coordinate FBB’s responses to relevant consultations, reviews and policy developments
• Represent FBB at policy roundtables, conferences and sector events
• Support engagement with Parliament, political parties and government departments where appropriate

Thought Leadership & Movement Building

• Develop FBB as the leading voice on trusted adult relationships in the UK
• Develop relationships with aligned organisations and coalition partners
• Support the growth of the Trusted Adult Guarantee network
• Convene events, roundtables, webinars and sector discussions
• Identify opportunities to strengthen collaboration across the sector

Communications & Content

• Lead the creation of high‑quality policy and thought leadership content
• Translate complex ideas, evidence and policy into accessible communications
• Write blogs, articles, briefings and opinion pieces
• Support speech writing and external communications for senior leaders
• Manage newsletters and thought leadership communications

Research, Insight & Publications

• Work closely with FBB’s Impact Team and Executive Team to develop reports and publications
• Translate evidence and learning into compelling external outputs
• Support the production of annual impact reporting
• Develop reports that strengthen FBB’s credibility and influence

Who We’re Looking For

• Passionate about improving outcomes for young people
• Believes in the transformative power of trusted adult relationships
• Politically aware and curious about how change happens
• Exceptional writer and communicator
• Can build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders
• Comfortable representing an organisation externally
• Thrives in fast‑moving and ambiguous environments

Experience We Think Will Help

• Public affairs
• Policy
• Campaigns
• Strategic communications
• External affairs
• Government relations
• Research and advocacy

What You’ll Get From Us

• 40+ days annual leave (including organisation‑wide shutdown periods)
• Wellbeing budget
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Nike staff kit
• Access to football tickets through partners
• Reflective Practice and clinical supervision
• Team socials, celebrations and residentials

Before You Apply

You do not need to meet every requirement to apply. If this role excites you and you believe you could contribute meaningfully to FBB’s mission, we would love to hear from you. We particularly welcome applications from people whose identities, experiences or backgrounds are under‑represented within leadership across the charity, education and youth sectors.

Safeguarding at FBB

Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for all young people and expect all staff to share this commitment.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a cover letter explaining why this role interests you and what you would bring to it.