Director of Communications & Advocacy

The Director of Communications and Advocacy is a key role within the Trust, overseeing all aspects of the Trust’s media, communications, campaigning, and public affairs work, ensuring that the profile of the Trust remains high and that we have influence and impact with decision-makers.

You will have a deep commitment to educational equality and social mobility, and a significant track record of leading an impactful communications, campaigning and public affairs function. Knowledge of education policy is desirable but not essential. You will bring strategic vision, evidence of managing stakeholder relationships at the highest level, and track record of delivering high-profile impact

Main duties

Communications and Advocacy

• Leading all aspects of the media, communications, campaigning and public affairs work within the Trust
• Developing a strategic approach to communications, campaigning and public affairs to ensure the Trust further builds its high-profile presence and its influence with key policymakers, stakeholders and decision-makers
• Overseeing the Sutton Trust brand, ensuring that it is clear and consistent across all external channels
• Delivering high quality communications materials across digital, social and traditional media, ensuring that the Trust has a clear, distinctive and authoritative voice
• Securing high-profile media coverage and overseeing the Trust’s relationships with the media, building key contacts and supporting the CEO and other spokespeople as necessary
• Overseeing a compelling events programme, ensuring online and in-person events that position the Trust as a key convenor and thought leader
• Leading a high-performing digital comms function, with a strategic approach to expand reach and engagement
• Managing and leading on external relationships as needed, e.g., with other charities and organisations in our sector
• Proactively identifying public affairs opportunities and planning and overseeing related campaigns & events
• Managing risk and the Trust’s reputation through all external channels
• Working with the Development team to integrate fundraising messaging into our identity and wider comms including website, social media etc., including planning calls to action for relevant stakeholders
• Supporting and advising the Programmes team on communications to position the value of our programmes in the wider sector
• Working closely with the Director of Research and Policy to ensure the team operates effectively and in a joined-up manner, including direct line management, team meetings, pastoral support, appraisals and recruitment
• Working with the CEO and Director of Finance & Operations on the Trust's internal communications plan
• Working with the Director of Finance and Operations to oversee the Trust’s communications budget

Trust-wide

• Working with the CEO and senior leadership team to shape the strategy for the Trust and oversee its implementation
• Contributing to the senior leadership of the organisation, including updating senior leadership, and Trustees on media and communications, and consulting on key decisions
• Representing the Trust at internal and external events as required
• Undertaking or overseeing specific projects for the CEO
• Proactively contributing to discussions spanning the Trust’s work, including operations, development, research, policy, and communications
• Acting as a representative and ambassador of the Sutton Trust when interacting with external contacts and particularly (prospective) donors
• Engaging with fundraising and/or donor-related activities as required (e.g., contributing to funding proposals, reports or donor meetings)

Person Specification

We welcome applications from individuals who have demonstrable experience in:

• Extensive experience of public affairs and campaigning and communications work, including strategic communication campaigns and media work, ideally in education and social mobility
• Good political antennae, and an ability to position the Trust’s work for maximum impact with decision-makers, anticipating future trends
• A strong ability to translate research findings and policy proposals into appealing and engaging messages, particularly for the media
• Excellent written communication skills
• Good knowledge of digital communications strategies and best practice
• Line management/team leadership experience

We are also looking for an individual who:

• Can display commitment to the work and mission of the Trust
• Able to operate at both the strategic-level, and hands on with delivery
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple competing commitments
• Flexible, pragmatic and discreet – ability to fit into a small high performing team
• A strong network of relevant contacts
• Has knowledge and experience of the higher education and/or education sectors;
• Has excellent attention to detail;
• Has first-class interpersonal skills – a natural ambassador able to represent the Sutton Trust in a range of settings;
• Is eligible to work in the UK (see here for information about right to work)

Terms of Appointment

• Contract: Full-time, Permanent
• Salary: £77,000 – £90,000
• Working location: Minimum of 2 office days per week, but further flexibility may be required given the external-facing nature of the role
• Office location: The Sutton Trust, 9th Floor, Millbank Tower, 21-24 Millbank, London, SW1P 4QP. Our home working policy gives staff the option to work from home for up to 60% of the time, with approval from their line manager.
• Hours: The standard working hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday and may also be required to attend events / meetings outside of their normal working hours during weekday evenings and occasionally at weekends. This role also shares primary responsibility for monitoring the out of hours media line with the Head of Communications and Public Affairs.
• DBS check may be required

To Apply

To apply, please upload your CV and cover letter, covering how your experience, skills and qualifications meet the requirements of this role. Please focus your response on the abilities and/or competencies giving evidence of your experience to date (maximum of 2 A4 sheets). The information you provide will be the basis for shortlisting.

Interviews

Applications should reach us by 23:59, Sunday 2nd February , with first round interviews held on Tuesday, 11th February , and second round interviews held on Thursday, 20th February . Both rounds will be held at our London offices.

Interviews

Applications should reach us by 23:59, Sunday 2nd February , with first round interviews held on Tuesday, 11th February , and second round interviews held on Thursday, 20th February . Both rounds will be held at our London offices.