Strategic Communications Planning Lead in Ewell

Strategic Communications Planning Lead — Samaritans

Join Samaritans and help shape our communications planning during a time of transformation.

Samaritans is undergoing a significant change programme to ensure we are fit for the future and able to reach more people who need us. We are looking for a Strategic Communications Planning Lead to play a pivotal role in helping us tell the story of our future and ensure all communications activity aligns with our vision that fewer people die by suicide.

This is a unique opportunity to influence how we communicate during a critical period of transformation and make a real impact on our ability to save lives.

Contract

• Fixed Term Contract (12 months)
• Hybrid working with link to Ewell office
• We are passionate about flexible working, talk to us about your preferences

What you’ll do

• Drive strategic communications planning across the organisation.
• Oversee and improve planning processes, implementing tools and inspiring collaboration across teams.
• Support the development of integrated campaign planning across different channels.
• Support the delivery of communications plans for future-proofing projects and organisational change, ensuring sensitivity to our callers and volunteers.
• Champion consistency in narrative and scheduling across all communications activity.

What you’ll bring

• Proven experience in strategic communications planning and integrated campaign delivery.
• Strong ability to craft key messages for complex projects and multiple audiences.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate, influence, and negotiate in a complex organisation.
• Creative problem‑solving and strategic thinking skills.
• Experience in using data and audience insight to shape impactful communications.
• Knowledge of brand management and reputation management.
• Experience in change management and preferably working with volunteers.

Full Job Description and Person Specification here

Why Samaritans?

At Samaritans, you’ll be part of a people‑first organisation deeply committed to inclusion, compassion and learning. You’ll contribute to a team where your voice matters, your expertise makes a difference, and your work helps save lives.

We welcome applications from individuals with lived experience and encourage those from underrepresented communities to apply. We are committed to creating an environment where all our people feel seen, heard and supported.

You’ll join a values‑led organisation with a powerful mission and a collaborative culture. We offer flexible hybrid working, excellent benefits, and the chance to make a tangible difference in suicide prevention across the UK and Ireland.

We recognise the enormous benefits and the social justice imperatives of ensuring diversity at every level of our organisation. Samaritans is wholly committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture and environment where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are. To ensure Samaritans is representative of those we support and who support us, we particularly welcome applications from disabled, racialised minority and LGBTQ+ candidates, as these people are under‑represented at Samaritans.

Apply now

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, please apply. You will be asked to answer some short application questions and to upload your CV and covering letter.

We kindly ask that you don’t rely on AI tools for your application answers, or to generate interview answers. We want to see your own unique ideas and writing skills. We want your application to stand out from the rest and showcase your own strengths.

Interviews: Monday 8th, Tuesday 9th December