At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead dynamic communications for new Youth Zones, managing projects and stakeholder relationships.
- Company: Join a national charity dedicated to empowering young people in disadvantaged areas.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and support for your well-being and development.
- Other info: Hybrid working with opportunities for growth and mentoring within a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your communications skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in integrated communications, PR, and digital platforms is essential.
We are looking for an experienced, hands-on communications all-rounder with a breadth of skills to lead all regional and local communications activities in the areas where we are developing new Youth Zones. The breadth of this role means no two days are the same, which is why we are seeking somebody organised, dynamic and self-motivated with exceptional project management and stakeholder management skills.
Working for an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applications from under-represented groups; in particular from Black, Asian, Mixed Race & other ethnically diverse individuals, people with disabilities, and members of LGBTQ+ communities.
Location: Hybrid working: two days a week in an OnSide office combined with home-working and travel across our Youth Zones Network (including those in development) plus occasional other travel as required.
Salary: £40 - £45k per annum
Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours/week)
Contract: Permanent
Benefits: Agile working with flexibility in working hours; 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (rising to a maximum of 30 days); birthday leave, additional annual leave purchase scheme; company matched pension; company sick, maternity, paternity & adoption pay; Employee Assistance Programme, active and engaged networks to join (including Equity, Diversity & Inclusion) and access to Charity Worker discounts.
Closing Date: 12 noon on Monday 13 July 2026 (We may close this role early if we receive a high volume of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.)
First stage interviews (virtual): Thursday 16 July 2026
Second stage interviews (in-person): Thursday 22 July, Location TBC
About the Role: With 19 Open Youth Zones, supporting 60,000 young people, the organisation is moving into a period of steady growth towards their long-term goal of 35 Youth Zones by 2035. This role will take sole responsibility for communications activity across live and established projects including Thurrock, Wakefield, Burnley and Wrexham. This is a key role within the communications team that will see you create understanding and awareness between the charity and the key local and regional audiences that matter to us.
This role will involve managing a portfolio of end-to-end integrated communications and PR programmes across multiple Youth Zones at various stages of development. You will work closely with the teams, each Youth Zone’s relationship managers and fundraisers, as well as its CEO, Trustee Board, and Young People's Development Group, acting as their trusted communications advisor. You will also collaborate with local stakeholders including Local Authority communications leads and supporters, to help establish the new Youth Zones as independent charities.
It is important to note that this role lays the foundations for each new Youth Zones’ ongoing communications approach. For each project you will be required to effectively and smoothly handover to the Youth Zones full time communication resource once in place while continuing to provide light touch ongoing support - so some experience mentoring or coaching and supporting others is beneficial.
About You: We will be looking for someone that can demonstrate a broad range of communications skills from brand development to working with local media to place newsworthy, positive stories around the Youth Zone development, to supporting the development of new Youth Zone websites and the launch of social media channels.
You will have experience of:
- Communications, either in agency or in house
- All-round integrated communications experience, including PR, copywriting and digital
- Building relationships with journalists and working with the media
- Advising internal and external teams and stakeholders at all levels
- Working directly with young people
- Using digital platforms and tools such as MailChimp, Hootsuite, WordPress and Google Analytics
- Managing creative/design/digital agencies and briefing design and print teams
If you are as confident pitching a story to media as you are managing a branding project or overseeing an event, then this could be the role for you.
About the Organisation: A national charity that believes all young people should have the opportunity to discover their passion and their purpose that fund and build state-of-the-art, multimillion-pound youth centres called Youth Zones in the country’s most economically disadvantaged areas. The organisation trains the amazing people that run them and offers continuing support to youth zones nationwide through a national network of independent youth charities.
It’s about opportunity.
Regional Communications Manager in London employer: OnSide Youth Zones
As a leading national charity dedicated to empowering young people, we offer a dynamic and inclusive work environment where creativity and collaboration thrive. Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our flexible working arrangements, generous leave policies, and robust support networks, ensuring that every team member can grow both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact in their communities. Join us in shaping the future of youth engagement across the UK, with opportunities to lead innovative communications strategies in a role that truly matters.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Regional Communications Manager in London
✨Get Involved in PR Events
Dive into local PR meetups and workshops. Events like these are perfect for getting your face out there, chatting with industry pros, and spotting potential job openings at companies like OnSide Youth Zones. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to learn about trends and make lasting connections.
✨Showcase Your PR Skills
Start building your personal brand as a PR ace. Use platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to share your thoughts on current events or PR campaigns you admire. Tagging companies you want to work for, like OnSide Youth Zones, can catch their eye—especially if your insights resonate!
✨Leverage Your Network
Reach out to friends, family, or connections in the PR field. Even a casual chat can lead to opportunities. If you've got mutual contacts, ask for introductions when applying. Personal recommendations can give your application a nice little boost!
✨Tailor Your Approach
When applying for a full-time PR role, make sure to research OnSide Youth Zones inside and out. Understanding their campaigns, values, and style allows us to directly align our application and impress during interviews. Don't hesitate to apply through our website—going direct can make a real difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Regional Communications Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Your Story Straight:In public relations, storytelling is everything! Make sure your CV highlights your experience in crafting compelling narratives and managing media relations. Share specific examples of campaigns you've worked on, and don’t forget to include any press coverage you've generated—it's impressive proof of your skills!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since PR is all about communication, we want to see your best writing samples. Include pieces like press releases, blog posts, or social media content that you've created. This gives us a taste of your voice and your ability to convey messages clearly and effectively, which is crucial for a role in this field.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a recap of your CV; it’s your chance to shine! Emphasise why PR excites you and how your background fits with the mission of OnSide Youth Zones. Show us that you’ve done your homework and speak to why you’re passionate about the work we do.
Connect the Dots:When you’re writing your application, think about how your past experiences link to the responsibilities of the role. Mention any internships, volunteer work, or projects that involved public speaking, event planning, or strategic communication. This will help us see how you can seamlessly bring your skills into a full-time position at OnSide Youth Zones.
How to prepare for a job interview at OnSide Youth Zones
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
In public relations, storytelling is key. We should prepare compelling narratives about past campaigns or projects we’ve worked on. Think about how we can illustrate our impact and creativity in those stories—be ready to discuss specific examples that showcase our skills in managing media relationships and crafting messages.
✨Know Your PR Tools Inside Out
Familiarity with PR tools like Cision or Meltwater is crucial. We need to be able to discuss how we’ve used these tools in past roles or projects. If we've worked on media lists, press releases, or analytics reports, let’s have those experiences ready to share along with metrics we’ve achieved to back up our claims.
✨Stay Current with Industry Trends
We’ve got to stay sharp on the latest trends and events impacting the public relations field. Having a few insights ready about recent campaigns or shifts in media landscapes can show that we’re engaged and knowledgeable. This will also help us make connections between our experiences and the current state of the industry.
✨Showcase Our Versatility
As full-time PR professionals, we need to demonstrate our adaptability. Be ready to talk about how we've handled challenging situations, managed crises, or adapted strategies on the fly. Employers will appreciate our ability to pivot and find solutions under pressure, so let’s have those scenarios at our fingertips to discuss.
