Senior Media and External Engagement Manager

Contract type: Permanent, full time (35 hours per week with some flexible working options available including less than full time with a minimum of 0.8 FTE). Please note that some out-of-hours working may be required for which time off in lieu will be granted.

Location: Central London / hybrid

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity to lead The King’s Fund’s media, stakeholder and political engagement work at a time of significant challenge and change in health and care. As Senior Media and External Engagement Manager, you will head up a small but high-performing team responsible for shaping the Fund’s external profile, driving our media presence and building influential relationships across the health and care sector, government and Parliament. You’ll work closely with senior colleagues and subject experts to identify opportunities to influence public debate, respond to fast-moving policy developments, and amplify the impact of our research, analysis and commentary. The role sits at the heart of our External Affairs team, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to national conversations on health and care – and to represent an organisation widely recognised as an authoritative and independent voice. Some out-of-hours work, travel and occasional overnight stays may be required.

What you’ll do

• Lead and develop The King’s Fund’s media and external engagement function, ensuring high-quality, high-impact proactive and reactive media coverage.
• Build strong relationships with journalists, and support the organisation’s relationships with senior stakeholders, politicians and Parliamentarians, acting as a trusted adviser to senior leaders within the Fund.
• Shape and oversee delivery of our media strategy and key communications plans for major policy, research and thought-leadership outputs.
• Provide expert advice on how the Fund should respond to emerging policy and political developments.
• Oversee delivery of political party conference activity and senior stakeholder engagement events.
• Support the design and execution of parliamentary and stakeholder engagement strategies to help achieve our influencing aims.
• Manage, support and develop a talented team while overseeing budgets and work programmes.
• Promote inclusive practice and ensure diverse voices are represented in our work.

About you

We’re looking for someone who brings:

• Significant experience in senior media relations, with a strong track record of shaping national media coverage and working directly with journalists.
• Experience of stakeholder relations, public affairs and parliamentary engagement, ideally within a public policy, health and care, or related context.
• Outstanding writing, editing and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex issues into compelling, accessible messages.
• Excellent judgement, especially in politically sensitive or fast-paced situations.
• Strong relationship-building skills and the confidence to engage senior internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience leading and developing people, and managing competing priorities under pressure.
• A commitment to The King’s Fund’s values and to fostering an inclusive and respectful culture.

You will play a key leadership role within a respected and influential organisation, shaping national debate and helping ensure our work makes a difference to people’s lives through our vision that everyone can live a healthy life. We offer a supportive, collaborative and flexible working environment, generous benefits and a strong focus on learning and development.

The Fund has an ambition to increase the diversity of our workforce and introduce careers in health and care policy to a broader range of people. We encourage applicants from all sections of the community, including those from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds, those with disabilities and from the LGBTQ+ community. We believe that diversity of background and experience contributes to a broader collective perspective that will improve the way we influence health and social care policy.

What you’ll get in return

The King’s Fund is committed to a hybrid working model that meets the organisation’s needs, while giving staff flexibility to choose between office and home working. In keeping with our current policy, the post-holder will be required to work a minimum of two days per week from our central London office (pro rata, averaged over a month). In addition to a competitive salary, The King’s Fund offers generous holiday entitlements, a £3 daily discount in our café and an on-site gym.

How to apply

To apply, please read our supplementary guidance documents below, then download and fill in our application form. If completing the application form presents any challenges, contact us by email (recruitment@kingsfund.org.uk) so we can discuss options. Please note that in order to apply, you must have existing documented proof of your right to live and work in the UK. The deadline for receipt of applications is 6 January 2026 at 9am. Late applications will not be considered. We regret that we cannot respond individually to all applicants due to the high number of applications we receive. If you have not been contacted within three weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted for interview. First interviews will be held week commencing 12 January, but the panel can be flexible for a particularly strong candidate. Second interviews are scheduled for 22 January. The role is available to start as soon as possible thereafter.

Equality of opportunity

The King’s Fund is committed to equal opportunities in all its activities, and appointments will be determined solely on merit. Applications are welcomed from all sections of the community, including those from minority ethnic groups and those with disabilities.