At a Glance
- Tasks: Craft impactful messages on vital housing issues and manage your own projects.
- Company: Join the National Housing Federation, the voice of housing associations in England.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, flexible working, private healthcare, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with strong support for underrepresented groups.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in housing while developing your communication skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in communications planning and excellent writing skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35850 - 35850 € per year.
Salary: £35,850 (London) / £32,109 (National) per annum
Hours: 35 hours per week
Contract: Fixed-term (maternity cover until August 2027)
Benefits:
- 27 days’ annual leave + statutory holidays + three closures days over the Christmas period.
- Flexible working for all staff including working from home/hybrid working, and flexitime/TOIL scheme.
- Attractive family friendly policies.
- Private healthcare cover.
- Season ticket loans.
- Employee awards, and training and development opportunities.
Office locations: London or Bristol
Please note, the successful candidate will be expected to carry out two days in-person working per week on average which will include attendance at your office location. Flexible working arrangements can be discussed and agreed with the line manager subject to role and business needs.
An exciting opportunity has arisen at the National Housing Federation (NHF) for a Communications Officer. The NHF is the voice of housing associations in England. We are the trade body to almost 600 housing associations, who have grown from philanthropic roots to provide 2.6 million homes to around six million people.
Key elements of the role:
- You will have the opportunity to craft messages on our vital work, ranging from ending homelessness to building safety.
- You will be responsible for your own project areas, creating and implementing communications plans and strategies.
- You will manage your own newsletters and be responsible for content on the website on your projects.
- With your strong writing skills, you will take complex information and share it with our members.
The successful candidate will:
- Have experience of developing and implementing communications plans to support projects and campaigns.
- Be able to devise and deliver content and communications plans.
- Have excellent writing and copywriting skills.
- Be able to advise colleagues on how to communicate effectively with target audiences.
- Be skilled in summarising complex information into clear coherent messages that different audiences can understand.
- Be capable of measuring communications impact and evaluating reach.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
The NHF has published its equality, diversity and inclusion strategy, which was co-created with staff. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and we value the contribution each individual makes to our work. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and are working to increase the diversity profile of our workforce. We are currently under-represented by ethnic minorities, people with a disability or disabilities and LGBTQ+, and would particularly welcome applications from people in these groups.
Disability confident employer
We are a disability confident employer and if you are a disabled person who meets the skills and experience we consider essential for the role, we will offer you an interview. Please note: there may be occasions where it is not practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the job. In certain recruitment situations such as high-volume of applications, we may be required to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. In these circumstances the NHF will select the disabled candidates who best meet the minimum criteria for the job rather than all of those that meet the minimum criteria, as we would do for non-disabled applicants. This is in line with the Disability Confident guidelines.
We are happy to consider reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process if you have a disability or have a condition that you feel may affect your performance during the recruitment process. Please contact the People team with your request or to arrange a time to discuss in more detail.
Completing our Application Form
To apply for this role, please complete our online application form. The application form includes your employment and education history plus you will be asked to answer questions in relation to your knowledge, skills and experience, why you are applying for the role and questions in relation to our values. The application form is anonymous and will not require you to upload a CV or cover letter. This will help us to shortlist candidates for interview based solely on their knowledge, skills and experience.
Right to work in the UK/UK VISA sponsorship
You must have the right to work in the UK and it is important to note that the NHF does not sponsor individuals to work in the UK.
Closing date for applications: 31 May 2026
Interview dates: w/c 8 June 2026
Communications Officer (fixed-term) employer: National Housing Federation
The National Housing Federation (NHF) is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises flexibility and employee well-being. With generous benefits such as 27 days of annual leave, private healthcare, and opportunities for professional development, NHF fosters an inclusive environment where diverse voices are valued. Located in vibrant cities like London and Bristol, employees can enjoy a dynamic urban lifestyle while contributing to meaningful initiatives that address critical housing issues.
Contact Detail:
National Housing Federation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Communications Officer (fixed-term)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the housing sector or those who work at NHF. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by researching NHF's recent projects and campaigns. Show us you’re passionate about their mission and ready to contribute your communication skills to make a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! We want to see how you can take complex information and turn it into engaging content. Think of examples from your past work that showcase this talent.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there.
We think you need these skills to ace Communications Officer (fixed-term)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know the Role:Before you dive into the application, make sure you really understand what being a Communications Officer at NHF entails. Check out the job profile and person specification on our website to get a feel for the key responsibilities and skills we’re looking for.
Show Off Your Writing Skills:Since strong writing is a must for this role, use your application to showcase your best writing. Whether it’s crafting clear and concise answers or summarising complex information, let your writing shine through in every response.
Be Authentic:We want to know the real you! When answering questions about your experience and why you’re applying, be genuine. Share your passion for communications and how it aligns with our mission at NHF. Authenticity goes a long way!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to complete your application through our online form. It’s designed to help us focus on your skills and experience without the distraction of CVs or cover letters. Plus, it’s super straightforward!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Housing Federation
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the National Housing Federation's mission and recent projects. Familiarise yourself with their communications strategies and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will show that you're genuinely interested and prepared.
✨Showcase Your Writing Skills
Since strong writing is key for this role, be ready to discuss your previous work. Bring examples of your communications plans or content you've created. If possible, prepare a short piece on a relevant topic to demonstrate your ability to simplify complex information.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle specific communication challenges. Think of scenarios where you've had to devise a strategy or manage a project. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Ask about the team dynamics, upcoming projects, or how success is measured in the role. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the NHF is the right fit for you.
