At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic communications for the DARE UK programme and shape its future direction.
- Company: Join a dynamic team focused on impactful communications in the UK.
- Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities for travel and professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on building relationships across organisations.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by translating complex ideas into engaging narratives.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in communications strategy and excellent writing skills.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
- Full Time, Fixed Term Contract to March 2028
- Location
Must be willing and able to travel to London and elsewhere (mainly UK) in connection with the role
The Senior Communications Manager will lead the strategic development and delivery of communications for the DARE UK programme.
As DARE UK looks ahead to its next phase, the post-holder will play a pivotal role in shaping the programme’s future communications direction.
They will start by working collaboratively with an external agency commissioned to review DARE UK’s communications, helping to shape the review, engage key stakeholders and translate its findings into a clear, evidence-led strategy that supports the programme’s longer-term ambitions.
The longer-term role will combine strategic leadership with close collaboration across DARE UK’s partner organisations.
The post-holder will develop a compelling programme narrative, align communications plans and messaging, and identify opportunities to maximise the collective reach and impact of the programme.
A central purpose of the role will be to translate complex concepts into clear, accurate and engaging communications.
The post-holder will tailor narratives and messaging for different audiences – including researchers, technical specialists, policymakers, delivery partners and the public – without losing important nuance.
We are seeking an experienced communications professional who can lead strategic communications planning, with excellent writing and content-production skills and the ability to influence stakeholders, support advocacy and adoption, and coordinate the collaborative delivery of communications across organisational boundaries.
- Main responsibilities
- Work in partnership with the commissioned external agency to shape and support a strategic review of DARE UK’s communications, coordinating input from programme leadership, partners and key stakeholders.
- Lead the development and delivery of DARE UK’s longer-term communications strategy, ensuring alignment with programme objectives and priorities.
- Translate the review’s findings and recommendations into a clear, actionable communications strategy and roadmap, supporting DARE UK’s transition towards Phase 3 in March 2028.
- Work with public involvement colleagues, representatives and community partners to support inclusive two-way engagement and communicate the responsible use of sensitive data for public benefit.
- Develop and maintain a compelling programme narrative, key messages and communications framework that articulate DARE UK’s purpose, progress and impact, translating complex concepts into clear and engaging communications for diverse audiences.
- Develop audience-informed advocacy and engagement approaches that build support among decision-makers, delivery partners and professional communities for the adoption of new capabilities and system-wide change.
- Work with programme leadership to anticipate communications needs, plan for key milestones and identify opportunities to raise DARE UK’s profile.
- Establish effective ways of working with partner communications teams, coordinating forward plans, aligning messaging and delivering joint communications activity.
- Identify opportunities to amplify content through partner networks and channels, maximising reach and avoiding duplication.
- Oversee the development of engaging, accessible multimedia content, including news articles, blogs, reports, infographics and videos, across digital, media and other channels.
- Advise senior colleagues on communications strategy, advocacy messaging, stakeholder engagement and reputational risks.
- Coordinate media and engagement opportunities with relevant partner communications teams.
- Monitor and evaluate communications effectiveness, using audience insight and engagement data to refine strategy and demonstrate impact.
- Manage communications projects, budgets and external suppliers, ensuring delivery to agreed timescales and standards.
- Planning and collaborative working
The post-holder will balance long-term strategic planning with the delivery of communications activity in a fast-moving programme environment.
A key early priority will be working alongside the commissioned external agency and programme partners to review current communications, identify strategic opportunities and agree a future direction for DARE UK as it moves to its next programme phase.
The post-holder will help ensure the review is informed by programme objectives, audience insight and partner perspectives, and that its recommendations translate into a practical, prioritised and measurable strategy.
Collaborative working will be central to the role.
The post-holder will build trusted relationships with partner communications teams, establish shared planning processes and align activity across organisational boundaries, influencing without necessarily having direct authority over those involved.
Please note, as we are a UK-based organisation, applicants must be living in, and eligible to work in, the UK.
We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.
- For more information, please download the Job Description
- Senior Communications Manager, DARE - Job Description
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Communications Manager, DARE UK in London employer: HDR UK
DARE UK is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking to make a meaningful impact. With a focus on employee growth and development, the Senior Communications Manager will have the opportunity to shape strategic communications while working alongside diverse stakeholders across the UK. The role offers a unique chance to engage with influential partners and contribute to a programme dedicated to advancing public benefit through effective communication.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Communications Manager, DARE UK in London
✨Show Your Creative Side
In marketing communications, standing out is key. Get creative with your application! Consider designing a mini-campaign or pitch that highlights your skills and understanding of the brand. Tailor it for HDR UK and show them what you can bring to the table.
✨Engage in Marketing Communities
Get involved in local or online marketing communications groups. Check out platforms like Meetup for events and workshops. Networking here can lead to hidden job openings and valuable insights into the industry trends—this is where we often discover what companies like HDR UK are looking for.
✨Leverage Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to showcase your passion for marketing communications. Share insights, articles, and your own content that resonates with the industry. Tagging or interacting with HDR UK on these platforms can catch the eye of recruiters and show you're genuinely interested in them.
✨Attend Industry Events
Keep an eye out for marketing conferences and workshops. These are great places to meet potential employers face-to-face and make connections that could land you a full-time role at HDR UK. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Communications Manager, DARE UK in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft an Impactful Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Focus on your passion for marketing communications and how your previous experiences can benefit HDR UK. Make sure to mention specific campaigns or projects you’ve worked on that showcase your creativity and strategic thinking.
Showcase Your Writing Skills:As you're diving into a marketing communications role, your writing ability is crucial. Include samples of your work, like blog posts, press releases, or social media campaigns in your application. This lets us see your style and how you engage with different audiences.
Tailor Your CV to Marketing:Your CV should highlight relevant marketing skills and experiences! Include specific tools or platforms you’ve used, like Google Analytics or social media management software. Mention any certifications or workshops related to marketing that you've completed – they can give you an edge!
Demonstrate Your Understanding of HDR UK:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about HDR UK’s marketing approach or any recent campaigns that caught your attention. This can reveal your enthusiasm for the role and your genuine interest in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at HDR UK
✨Showcase Your Creative Campaigns
Get ready to flaunt your portfolio! Include examples of previous marketing campaigns you've worked on, especially those that showcase your creativity and strategy. Recruiters at HDR UK will be keen to see how you conceptualise and execute campaigns, so highlight any measurable outcomes to back up your claims.
✨Know Your Digital Tools Inside Out
If you’re heading into a marketing-communications role, make sure you're comfortable discussing key digital marketing tools like Google Analytics, HubSpot, or Hootsuite. Expect some technical questions about how you've used these tools in the past, as they'll want to gauge your hands-on experience and how you analyse data to drive marketing decisions.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
At HDR UK, they may throw some scenario-based questions your way, aimed at testing your problem-solving skills in real-life marketing situations. Think through potential challenges you’ve faced, how you navigated them, and be prepared to discuss your thought process and outcome.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Marketing
As you’re applying for a full-time position, show that you're not just looking for a job, but a career in marketing. Talk about the latest trends in marketing communications, your favourite campaigns, and why they inspire you. Your enthusiasm can really make you stand out and demonstrate that you’re committed to growing within the field.
