Marketing, Media & Communications Manager in Birmingham

The Humanitarian Academy for Development (HAD), established in 2013 as an award-winning Strategic Business Unit, aims to enhance knowledge and skills in the humanitarian sector through capacity building, applied research, and leadership development. Originating from Islamic Relief (IR), a global NGO serving humanity for over 40 years, HAD initially supported the IR Family but now strives to develop the wider NGO sector. HAD envisions itself as a hub for humanitarian and development studies, training future leaders, undertaking applied research, and advocating for effective aid and development from an Islamic perspective.

Humanitarian Academy for Development (HAD) is actively recruiting for the position of Marketing, Media & Communications Manager to be based from its office in Birmingham, UK. The organisation currently operates to a hybrid working model.

Purpose of the role:

The Marketing, Media & Communications Manager will lead the strategic development and delivery of HAD Academy’s marketing, communications, and media initiatives. This role will increase HAD’s visibility, engage key stakeholders, strengthen the brand, and support the Academy’s mission to influence and enhance humanitarian practice globally.

The post holder will manage external and internal communications, oversee digital and traditional media channels, and develop campaigns that reflect HAD’s values and objectives.

The successful candidate must have or be:

• Degree in Marketing, Communications, Media, Public Relations, or related field.
• Professional qualifications in digital marketing, media management, or PR are desirable.
• Proven experience in marketing, communications, or media management, preferably in NGO, education, or development sectors.
• Demonstrated success in digital marketing, social media management, and content creation.
• Experience in branding, campaign development, and stakeholder engagement.
• Familiarity with website management, SEO, and digital analytics tools.
• Strong project and budget management experience, including monitoring and administrative financial tasks.
• Track record of delivering measurable results and maintaining high standards of professionalism.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and visual communication skills, including storytelling for diverse audiences.
• Ability to plan, coordinate, and execute marketing campaigns and communications projects end-to-end.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret engagement metrics and provide actionable insights.
• Excellent project management skills, including prioritisation, scheduling, and meeting deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills to liaise effectively with internal teams, external partners, media, and stakeholders.
• Leadership and team management experience, including guiding staff or contractors.
• High digital literacy: Microsoft 365, social media management tools, and online collaboration platforms.
• Skilled in maintaining brand integrity across all channels and materials.
• Experience in the NGO, education, or development sectors is advantageous.
• Additional languages (especially Arabic) beneficial for international communications.

Islamic Relief promotes equality and meritocracy, and seeks individuals who are sympathetic to the IR values of; Sincerity, Excellence, Compassion, Social Justice and Custodianship together with our policy standards on Anti-Bribery, Child Protection and Code of Conduct. If you would like to be a part of an organisation striving to make a difference in the world and are looking for a meaningful career, we will be glad to hear from you.

Please Note: Interviews are expected to take place in January 2026.

Pre-employment Checks:

• screening clearance
• proof of eligibility to live and work within the UK
• receipt of satisfactory references

For UK based roles, we are only able to accept applications from candidates who have the right to work in the UK. We are unable to progress applications which would require sponsorship.

By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

HAD is an equal opportunities employer.