Communications Manager

We are a dynamic multi-stakeholder initiative, dedicated to connecting UK companies to the United Nations Global Compact, the world’s largest responsible business initiative. The Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact provide a robust foundation and comprehensive framework for corporate sustainability and business action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our mission is to champion sustainability leadership to create a world we want to live and do business in, by inspiring ambition, enabling impactful action, and collaborating to reshape the business environment for the better.

The UN Global Compact Network UK has over 900 participating companies, with a team of 31 people, and is growing quickly. Our work is guided by the core values of the UN – Integrity, Respect for Diversity, and Professionalism – alongside nine additional values and behaviours of the UN Global Compact. During a recent review, the team described our workplace as friendly, inclusive, supportive, passionate, and hard-working.

About the role: We are seeking a strategic, creative, and proactive Communications Manager to elevate the visibility and impact of the UN Global Compact Network UK’s work. This is a unique opportunity to help shape our new communications strategy in a meaningful role at the heart of the UK’s responsible business movement. You’ll work closely with key stakeholders in the intersection of business and civil society to align our communications with Network UK’s mission and goals, manage our communications output, work with advocacy and programme colleagues to identify opportunities, and oversee a Communications Coordinator. This is an exciting opportunity for a communications professional passionate about sustainable business, responsible leadership, and the power of storytelling to drive change.

Who we are looking for:

• A communications professional with deep experience in sustainability, responsible business, or impact-driven storytelling, able to translate complex ideas into compelling narratives.
• A strategic thinker skilled in developing and delivering communications plans, managing media relationships, and supporting advocacy or policy-focused work.
• A hands-on digital communicator confident in running social media channels, driving engagement, and using AI tools to enhance content and insights.
• A proven collaborator who can build strong stakeholder relationships and has experience mentoring or managing others.

In your first 6 months: To help you settle quickly, we will provide a thorough and comprehensive onboarding. Through meetings with key colleagues and online training, we will help you to become familiar with our way of working and our value proposition.

Key Responsibilities after onboarding:

• Lead the development and delivery of an integrated communications strategy, ensuring clear, consistent messaging and high-quality content across press, digital, and events.
• Translate complex sustainability topics into accessible, engaging narratives tailored to diverse UK audiences, including business stakeholders, media, and partners.
• Manage and grow the organisation’s digital presence, using analytics and responsible AI tools to enhance content, optimise engagement, and improve workflows.
• Build strong relationships with member companies, partners, and journalists to amplify the organisation’s initiatives, promote events, and support advocacy and marketing activities.
• Contribute to smooth organisational coordination by supporting planning and internal communications.

What we offer:

• Hybrid working – After onboarding, a minimum of two days in the office per week, working from home 3 days per week.
• Flexible working once discussed with your line manager. Our core/active hours are 10am to 4pm.
• Employee Assistance Programme for you and your immediate family.
• 22 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) increasing with length of service.
• Three discretionary days off in December in addition to annual leave.
• One additional day off for mission-related volunteering.
• Season ticket loan.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• This is a full-time position (37.5 hours per week). The salary offered is £37 - £44,000 per annum depending on experience.

Before applying: We value originality and encourage all applicants to answer any questions without the use of AI. The UN Global Compact Network UK is an equal opportunities employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability or any other status protected by law. Our hiring process aims to eliminate bias by using a software called Applied. To do this, we do not engage candidates outside the Applied programme until the final stages. The UN Global Compact Network UK is not able to sponsor work visas. We will only consider applications from candidates who already have the right to work in the UK. While this role is within the UN Global Compact Network UK Secretariat, the successful candidate will not be formally employed by the United Nations.

Next Steps: Closing date is 16 February 2026. The application process includes the following steps: Upload your CV. Longlisted candidates will be asked to complete a written test which includes questions designed to test your ability to excel in this role. Your answers will be scored by people, not AI tools. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview with the Chief of Staff and HR. Final candidates will be invited to an informal, in-person meeting.