At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a new digital programme to empower progressive movements and enhance their online presence.
- Company: Join NEON, a not-for-profit dedicated to social justice and progressive change.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 28-hour work week, flexible hours, generous holiday, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace culture prioritising diversity and psychological safety.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping digital strategies that challenge far-right narratives.
- Qualifications: 5-10 years in digital comms with a passion for progressive causes and innovative campaigns.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Hybrid working. Our flexible working policy requires everyone to be in our east London office for 25% of the time as a minimum because building in-person relationships is important to us (for this role we ask that you come to the office every week for the minimum of one day), but you’re welcome to be there more as many staff are.
Contract Type: Permanent, full-time, contract.
Reporting To: Co-Director of Communications
Hours: At NEON, we work a 28 hour week - the equivalent of a 4 day standard work week. This can be done over 4 or 5 days.
Benefits include: a 28-hour week, 7.5% employer matched pension, genuinely flexible working, 20 days holiday per year (25 days pro rated for a 4 day week), plus bank holidays and Christmas break, a progressive Parenting Policy, Sabbatical Policy, and a generous staff development budget.
This role requires that you are resident and have the right to work in the UK.
About NEON: NEON is a not-for-profit organisation that exists to help social justice movements win. We build capacity and infrastructure to accelerate the transition to a new economy. We work across a wide range of progressive issues including climate, housing, healthcare and migration. Across our three hubs (movement building, communications and operations) we support a network of over 1000 movement organisations working towards political and social justice in the UK.
This role is anchored within NEON’s Comms Hub. Established 10 years ago, the Comms Hub is a powerful, effective pillar of the UK’s progressive communications infrastructure. The Hub convenes, networks, and books progressive spokespeople into the media at scale (averaging 1,500-2,000 media bookings a year), produces clear, usable tested messaging guidance that cuts through, and trains comms professionals (around 500 people annually). Our team serves as a go-to resource for strategic comms advice and planning, and crisis-comms support for groups across the progressive movement.
Purpose of this role: The Head of Digital is an exciting new role at NEON. This role will be responsible for designing and running a flagship new digital programme, that will sit at the heart of NEON’s Communications Hub. The aim of the digital programme will be to help connect, strengthen and scale the UK’s progressive digital comms infrastructure.
Right now, progressive movements are losing the "air game" to far-right voices who are effectively using podcasts, social media, new media platforms and smart, aggressive, experimental digital strategies to dominate and shape national debates.
Working closely with our experienced Comms Hub team, and our trusted networks, this role is a unique opportunity to be part of building the digital comms networks, skills and strategies progressive movements need to take on the rising far right – and win.
At NEON, that would mean:
- convening and co-ordinating communities of digital comms experts, creators, editors and strategists;
- designing and delivering effective targeted digital skills training that will build capacity and confidence;
- supporting our 24/7 spokesperson and media booking team by setting up effective clipping and distribution programmes;
- identifying opportunities to collaborate with our partners to run high-impact reactive digital strategies that shift the conversation.
What you’ll be doing: The successful candidate will play an active role in shaping the strategy and focus of this programme, as well as the sequencing of the roll out of key workstreams. However, this role is likely to be anchored around the following key responsibilities:
- Lead the strategy development and delivery of the new digital comms programme, alongside the Co-Directors of the Comms Hub.
- Set up and manage a supportive, reactive social media unit within our existing Spokesperson Network, with the support of our Media and Messaging teams.
- Work closely with the whole Comms Hub team, to design and convene a powerful co-ordinated network of progressive creators and influencers.
- Design and oversee a strategic, effective suite of digital training offers, designed to upskill influential progressive spokespeople, movements and groups, at scale.
- Identify opportunities to trial and run effective digital ‘experiments’ with partners and movement groups within the Comms Hub.
- Set up a network of consultants to support and deliver the core programme workstreams.
- Provide on-going 1:1 support to our spokespeople and allied organisations, particularly during moments of crisis.
- Provide regular insights to our partners on the digital trends shaping public opinion and national discourse.
- Play an active role in the wider Comms Hub strategy and day-to-day operations.
- Oversee the digital programme’s finances and budget on a month-to-month basis, and the programmes’ Fundraising Strategy.
- Play an active part in the wider NEON team, contributing to organisation-wide plans.
Who you are: You will be someone with:
- 5–10 years’ experience in digital comms, including developing and deploying a strategy for multi-year multi-project programmes of work.
- A track record of creating innovative, high-impact digital campaigns and content that push forward a progressive agenda.
- Hands-on experience of creating shareable and persuasive video and digital content, campaigns and strategies.
- A strong understanding of digital media, and a natural enthusiasm for tracking and responding to new trends.
- Experience developing the tone, positioning and personal brand of an organisation, spokesperson or individual online.
- A strong understanding of the news agenda.
- Experience collaborating with creators, influencers, and a range of partners.
- A strong understanding of different audience types, and experience adapting messaging.
- Experience designing and running effective, inclusive training for diverse groups of people.
- Politically aware and motivated by progressive causes.
- Excellent team-working and relationship-building skills.
- Experience of fundraising, including building and maintaining funder relationships.
We particularly welcome applications from marginalised groups, especially people of colour and other ethnic minorities, people who identify as LGBTQIA, Disabled people and those who identify as working class or have done so in the past.
There are no formal education requirements for this role. As long as you can show us you have the skills we don’t mind where you got them from! Also important to us is your potential to learn and grow in the role.
Interview dates: First round of interviews: 7th & 8th July 2026, second round of interviews: 15th July 2026.
Head of Digital Communications in London employer: New Economy Organisers Network
At NEON, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions social justice and progressive causes. Our hybrid working model fosters a supportive environment where employees can thrive, offering a 28-hour work week, generous holiday allowances, and a commitment to professional development. With a focus on inclusivity and flexibility, NEON provides unique opportunities for growth and collaboration within a dynamic team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the community.
Contact Details:
New Economy Organisers Network Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Digital Communications in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show up and shine! If you get the chance for an informal chat or coffee with someone at NEON, take it. This is your moment to showcase your personality and passion for digital communications. Remember, they want to see the real you!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out to NEON directly, express your interest in the Head of Digital Communications role, and share how you can contribute to their mission. It shows initiative and enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the interview like it’s game day! Research NEON’s work, especially the Comms Hub, and think about how your skills align with their goals. Bring ideas to the table on how you can help them tackle the challenges they face in digital communications.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Digital Communications in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff:Before you start writing, make sure you really understand the role and what NEON is all about. Dive into our mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with them. This will help you craft a tailored application that stands out.
Be Authentic:We want to hear your voice! Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for digital communications and social justice, and show us why you're the perfect fit for this role.
Showcase Your Experience:Highlight your relevant experience in digital comms clearly. Use specific examples of campaigns you've worked on or strategies you've developed. This helps us see the impact you've made and how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at New Economy Organisers Network
✨Know Your Digital Landscape
Before the interview, dive deep into NEON's current digital communications strategies and the challenges they face. Familiarise yourself with recent campaigns and trends in progressive digital media. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also help you discuss how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples of your past work in digital communications that align with NEON's goals. Highlight innovative campaigns you've led or contributed to, especially those that pushed a progressive agenda. Be ready to discuss the impact of your work and how it relates to the role you're applying for.
✨Engage with Their Values
NEON is all about social justice and inclusivity. During the interview, express your commitment to these values. Share experiences where you've championed anti-oppression or worked with marginalised communities. This will resonate well with their ethos and demonstrate that you're a cultural fit.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the organisation. Inquire about their vision for the new digital programme or how they measure the success of their digital campaigns. This shows your genuine interest and helps you gauge if NEON is the right place for you.