At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic communications to influence mental health research and engage diverse audiences.
- Company: McPin Foundation, a charity transforming mental health research with lived experience at its core.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, wellbeing support, training budget, and healthcare cash plan.
- Other info: Inclusive environment encouraging applications from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
- Why this job: Make a real-world impact in mental health while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Proven communications leadership and strategic skills, with a passion for mental health.
The predicted salary is between 46637 - 46637 £ per year.
Type: Fixed term contract
Duration: 2 years
Location: A mix of working remotely and in the McPin office (Bethal Green, London).
Salary: Starting from £46,637 per annum FTE (point 22).
Hours: 37.5 hours per week.
Do you want to ensure mental health research has a real-world impact? Can you lead strategic communications that influence researchers, policy makers and the public? Are you an experienced, values-led communications leader who can support and inspire a busy team?
The McPin Foundation is looking for a Senior Communications Manager to lead our communications function at an exciting point in our growth. This strategic, hands-on role suits someone with excellent communications skills and strategic leadership and communications experience.
McPin is a mental health research charity working to transform how research is done by putting the expertise of people with lived experience at its heart. We believe this makes research more relevant, meaningful and likely to create real-world change. Recent work has included young people’s mental health, digital mental health and virtual reality, inequalities, data sharing and artificial intelligence.
As Senior Communications Manager, you will ensure McPin’s work reaches the right audiences and has the greatest possible impact. You will lead our communications strategy, support influencing and impact work, and help colleagues translate complex research into engaging and accessible content. You will manage and develop a communications team (two people), oversee consultants for specific projects, and work closely with colleagues, partners, people in our networks and external stakeholders.
As part of the charity’s senior leadership, you will help shape organisational strategy, strengthen internal working practices and support other McPin colleagues to develop their own media and communications skills. You will support delivery of McPin’s communications strategy, strengthen how we capture and demonstrate impact and grow our supporter base. You will bring strategic confidence, creativity and practical delivery skills, whilst working in a way that reflects McPin’s values.
Currently, most staff at the McPin Foundation are working remotely, although office spaces in London are open and available for use. This post will involve a mix of working remotely and working in London. Our team is committed to transforming mental health research through collaboration, inclusion and a belief in equity and anti-oppressive behaviours.
We strongly encourage applications from Black people, People of Colour, people who are LGBTQIA+, those with a disability and those who identify themselves in marginalised groups, as well as people with lived experience of mental health issues.
We offer benefits including:
- a competitive salary
- hybrid/flexible working
- a NEST Pension scheme with 6% employer contribution
- wellbeing support and mentoring scheme
- an individual training budget
- access to an Employee Assistance Programme
- healthcare cash plan with Hospital Saturday Fund
Please see the full Job Description for more information. The closing date for applications is Monday 21st September 2026 at 9.00 am. The first stage of Interviews will take place week commencing 28th September. In line with our values, McPin does not use AI in its recruitment processes, all applications will be read by our team. Queries to vanessapinfold@mcpin.org, if you have any questions about the post.
Senior Communications Manager employer: The McPin Foundation
The McPin Foundation is an exceptional employer, dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the mental health sector. With a supportive work culture that values collaboration and innovation, employees are encouraged to grow through professional development opportunities while contributing to vital research communication. Located in a vibrant community, the Foundation offers a unique chance to be part of a mission-driven team that prioritises mental health awareness and advocacy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Communications Manager
✨Join PR Communities
Get involved in local PR groups or online communities where professionals gather to share opportunities and insights. Engage in conversations on platforms like Twitter or LinkedIn—spotting temporary roles often happens in these spaces.
✨Attend PR Events
Look for industry events, workshops, or conferences that focus on public relations. Not only will you learn from the pros, but you might also meet someone who's looking for temporary help, which is perfect for a gig like this!
✨Showcase Your Skills
Create a portfolio that highlights any past PR work, campaigns, or even university projects. Share it on your social media or PR forums—you want to make sure your great work is visible when the right temporary role comes up.
✨Apply Directly on Our Website
When you spot a temporary PR role with companies like The McPin Foundation, don't hesitate to apply directly through our website. You'll be on the front line, making it easier for you to get noticed!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Communications Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:When you're applying for a temporary role in public relations, your cover letter is your chance to show off your passion for the field. Highlight any relevant PR experience you have, even if it's just through internships or volunteer work. Tell us why you're excited about the opportunity at The McPin Foundation and how you can help make an impact, even in a short time!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Public relations is all about communicating effectively, so make sure your CV reflects this! Use clear, concise language and showcase any writing samples you might have, such as press releases, blog posts, or social media campaigns. Including a link to a portfolio could really set you apart from other candidates.
Demonstrate Flexibility and Adaptability:Since this is a temporary role, we want to see how quickly you can jump in and start contributing. Mention past experiences where you successfully managed multiple tasks or quickly adapted to changing situations. It’s these qualities that will show us you can thrive at The McPin Foundation even on a short-term basis!
Research The McPin Foundation and the Industry:Before submitting your application, take some time to learn about The McPin Foundation and its approach to PR. Mention anything specific you like about their campaigns or strategies in your cover letter. This extra effort shows us you're genuinely interested and ready to bring your unique perspective to the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The McPin Foundation
✨Brush Up on Your Crisis Management Skills
In public relations, handling crises is key. Be ready to discuss past situations where you managed communication challenges effectively. Bring examples that showcase your quick thinking and strategic response – they want to see you in action!
✨Show Off Your Portfolio of Campaigns
Since this is a temporary role, showcasing your portfolio is crucial. Make sure you have a collection of your best press releases, campaign plans, or media coverage. You want to prove you can hit the ground running and bring valuable experience to The McPin Foundation right away!
✨Know Your Media Landscape
A strong PR candidate should be familiar with the media landscape. Brush up on key journalists, publications, and current trends in communications. Think about how you’d tailor messages to different media outlets – you might get asked about this during the interview!
✨Be Ready to Discuss Networking Strategies
Networking is a big part of PR work, especially in a temporary role. Be prepared to chat about your previous networking experiences or how you plan to build key relationships quickly at The McPin Foundation. They’ll want to know you can create buzz and leverage your connections immediately!
