At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead social media strategy and create impactful campaigns for British farmers.
- Company: Join the NFU, the UK's largest farming organisation, advocating for farmers' rights.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, health plans, flexible working, and discounts on various services.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in policy change while working in a collaborative, inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in communications or extensive PR experience with strong campaign management skills.
- Other info: Opportunities for personal development and a chance to influence key issues in agriculture.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 54000 £ per year.
Salary: c.£45,000
Location: Stoneleigh, Warwickshire with agile working
Working Hours: 35 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent
Are you an experienced strategic communications specialist who is passionate about positively influencing policy change at the heart of government? We are looking for someone who has a keen interest in public affairs coupled with strong social media and digital skills, who is up for the challenge of making a difference for British farmers and growers.
The National Farmers Union (NFU) is the biggest farming organisation in the UK. We are proud to make a difference for all our members, by shaping attitudes towards British farming and leading the charge on a range of major issues, from climate change and food standards to rural crime and broadband rollout.
Purpose of the role & how you will contribute:
As Communications Manager, you will lead the strategy and content creation for social media channels, developing impactful multi-media campaigns that align with NFU priorities. This role is responsible for ensuring measurable campaign success, engaging key audiences, and supporting policy objectives, while managing a dynamic team and fostering continuous improvement across all platforms. Along with social media campaigns, you will also support the NFU's wider campaigning activity across events, advocacy, supporter recruitment and the wider communications and external affairs mix.
What you'll bring:
- You will have a degree (or equivalent) in a communications related discipline, or extensive PR and communications experience, with a proven track record in developing and delivering impactful multi-media campaigns, especially on organic and paid-for social media.
- You will have strong stakeholder management and team leadership skills.
- You excel at strategic planning, KPI setting, and campaign budget management, ensuring campaigns are effective and cost-efficient.
- Your ability to translate complex policy issues into compelling messages, combined with excellent communication skills and a proactive, creative approach, will drive the success of our campaigning and engagement efforts.
Why choose us?
Join us and you'll find an organisation that encourages and enables you to achieve your full potential. In return you will be rewarded with a full range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday allowance (starting at 25 days a year pro rata + Bank Holidays, rising to 30 days pro rata with length of service), plus 1 annual Christmas company day
- Option to buy and sell up to 5 days annual leave
- Company funded health Cashplan
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and shared parental leave
- Performance-related pay
- Competitive Pension and Life assurance
- Access to interest-free loans for cars, bikes, season tickets and driving lessons
- Employee Assistance program to help you deal with life's challenges
- Discounts on a range of new vehicles, holiday rentals, wellbeing and lifestyle and many more
- Attractive, modern office, with on-site restaurant and free parking
Every day, we're the voice of around 44,000 British farmers and growers who produce food, making sure their concerns are heard at the heart of government both online and locally. This means developing strong relationships with everyone from NFU colleagues to government ministers. So, as well as having a high profile in both the media and Westminster, we work with and support local members through a network of regional and county offices across England and Wales.
Working within our Communications team involves dealing with the media, running our social media accounts and lobbying MPs, to connecting with NFU members through magazines, our website and at meetings, everything we do is about communicating the NFU's views effectively. Join us and you'll enjoy a wide variety of work in a collaborative atmosphere, with opportunities to connect with people across the organisation and beyond. All in an open, inclusive environment, where we all pull together to support our members.
We are committed to recruiting a diverse and highly talented workforce. We'll support you by providing you with extensive learning and development opportunities and build a career that balances your professional ambitions with your personal commitments including discussions around agile and flexible work options. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. If we decide we've found the right person for the role, we reserve the right to withdraw this advert and close applications before the closing date.
You may also have experience in the following: Communications Officer, Media Manager, PR, Public Relations, Public Relations Officer, Communications Manager, Marketing Communications, Campaign Manager, Project Management, etc.
Communications Manager employer: NFU
Contact Detail:
NFU Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Communications Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the National Farmers Union's current campaigns and priorities. Understanding their key issues, such as climate change and food standards, will help you tailor your discussions and demonstrate your genuine interest in their mission during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your social media expertise by preparing examples of successful campaigns you've led. Be ready to discuss how you measured their success and engaged audiences, as this role heavily relies on impactful multi-media strategies.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the public affairs and communications sectors. Attend relevant events or webinars where you can meet people who work in similar roles or within the NFU, as personal connections can often lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experience managing teams. The role requires strong team management skills, so be ready to share specific examples of how you've fostered collaboration and continuous improvement in previous positions.
We think you need these skills to ace Communications Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in strategic communications, social media management, and campaign development. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to influence policy change and engage key audiences.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for British farming and how your skills align with the NFU's mission. Mention your experience in leading multi-media campaigns and your understanding of public affairs to show you are the right fit for the role.
Showcase Your Achievements: Include quantifiable achievements in your application, such as successful campaigns you've led or metrics that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. This will help illustrate your capability to deliver measurable campaign success.
Research the Organisation: Familiarise yourself with the NFU's priorities and recent campaigns. This knowledge will allow you to tailor your application and demonstrate your understanding of their work and how you can contribute to their goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at NFU
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, research the National Farmers Union and understand their mission, values, and current campaigns. Tailor your responses to show how your skills and experiences align with their goals, especially in influencing policy change.
✨Showcase Your Campaign Successes
Prepare specific examples of past multi-media campaigns you've led. Highlight measurable outcomes and how you engaged key audiences, as this role requires a proven track record in delivering impactful communications.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Management Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience in managing relationships with various stakeholders. Provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with teams or external partners to achieve campaign objectives.
✨Prepare for Strategic Questions
Expect questions about strategic planning and KPI setting. Think about how you would approach developing a communications strategy for the NFU, including budget management and measuring success.