Senior Communications and Engagement Manager

Ellwood Atfield is proud to be partnering with the Road Safety Trust, the UK's leading independent grant-giving charity dedicated to making roads and streets safer for everyone.

Since 2014, the Road Safety Trust has invested more than £13 million in research, innovation and practical interventions that help reduce deaths and serious injuries on UK roads. As the organisation delivers its ambitious 2025–2028 strategy, communications and engagement have become central to achieving its mission of ensuring robust evidence influences policy, professional practice and decision-making across the road safety sector.

Working for the Road Safety Trust means helping ensure that high-quality research translates into policies and practices that save lives. You will join a respected, ambitious organisation with a growing profile and play a leading role in shaping how it communicates with government, practitioners, researchers, funders and the wider road safety community.

The opportunity:

The Senior Communications and Engagement Manager will be the operational lead for communications delivery and play a pivotal role in bringing the Communications and Engagement Strategy to life. Reporting to the Deputy CEO / Director of Communications and Engagement, you will translate strategic priorities into high-quality, well-planned communications that strengthen the Trust's influence and reputation.

This is a varied and rewarding leadership role for someone who enjoys combining strategic thinking with hands-on delivery. You will oversee communications planning, media relations, digital channels, editorial standards, stakeholder engagement, events and knowledge-sharing activity, ensuring every piece of communication is evidence-led, accurate and impactful.

Main responsibilities:

• Lead the delivery of the Trust's Communications and Engagement Strategy, ensuring communications align with organisational priorities and objectives.
• Drive media relations and high-quality content, translating complex research into engaging, evidence-led communications across multiple channels.
• Manage the Trust's digital and stakeholder communications, including the website, social media, newsletters and communications planning.
• Coordinate communications across colleagues, partners and suppliers, ensuring high-quality, timely delivery of campaigns, events and engagement activities.
• Measure communications impact and drive continuous improvement, using insight and performance data to enhance reach, influence and effectiveness.

Key skills and experience required:

• Proven experience in senior communications, media relations and stakeholder engagement, ideally within a charity, public sector, research, policy or other evidence-led organisation.
• Exceptional writing and editorial skills, with the ability to translate complex research, policy and technical information into engaging communications for a range of audiences.
• Strong strategic planning and project management skills, with experience delivering integrated communications plans, managing multiple priorities and coordinating internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience managing media, digital and external communications, including websites, social media, newsletters, media enquiries and agency or supplier relationships.
• A self-starter with excellent judgement and relationship building skills, with the confidence to work with senior leaders, manage reputational issues and deliver high-quality communications in a collaborative environment.
• We are open to applications from candidates who wish to work full-time or 4-days/30-hours per week.
• 28 days annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays (Pro rata for part-time staff)
• Critical Illness Cover
• 28 days full contractual sick pay and sickness income protection from the 15th week of illness.
• Life Insurance (four-time annual salary)
• Access to a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), including GP appointments, medical support and a range of additional services and rewards
• We cover the cost of eyesight tests and contribute up to £300 towards eyewear (glasses or contact lenses) every two years
• We cover the cost of hearing tests and contribute up to £300 towards hearing aids every two years
• Flexible Company Pension Scheme with optional scale contributions
• Support for Professional Development and appropriate training in addition to paid study leave

Please note that the benefits outlined are non-contractual and may be amended or withdrawn at the organisation’s discretion.

The deadline for applications is 11.59pm on Sunday 9 August 2026, however we may close the advert earlier if we receive sufficient applications, so we would encourage you to apply sooner rather than later.