Design and Communications Officer in Cardiff

Report to: Head of Communications, Engagement and Policy

Duration: 1-year fixed-term contract/ Secondments welcome.

Hours: 35 hours per week. Normal office hours are 9am–5pm, but this role may involve some agreed out-of-hours activity including community events and occasional travel across Wales.

Location: The roles main base is our Cardiff office. 1 day minimum in office.

Annual benefits pro rata: 27 days leave, increasing by 1 day pa to a maximum of 30 days; Up to 2 days paid volunteering leave; Up to 3 days paid carers leave; Up to 5 days paid study leave relating to role; Wellbeing: Access to company paid counselling support and cash back plan for healthcare; Enhanced maternity pay.

We are the Welsh Refugee Council. You will be joining us at an exciting time in our journey, helping us and the sector to support those who are forced to seek safety. With over 35 years’ experience, we are trusted by the communities we serve and are seen as the lead organisation in Wales for sanctuary seekers and refugees. You will work with amazing like-minded people who strive to make a difference every day and challenge hostile practices that limit people’s potential. We are an award-winning charity.

Purpose of the post: As our Design and Communications Officer, you'll help people understand who we are, what we do and why it matters. Working as part of our Communications, Engagement and Policy Team, you'll create engaging content that tells the stories of sanctuary seekers and refugees, celebrates our impact and encourages people to take action. No two days are the same. One day you might be designing an impact report or creating social media graphics. The next, you could be responding to a media enquiry, drafting a press release or supporting a campaign launch. You'll work across design, digital communications, media and campaigns, making sure everything we produce is clear, creative, accessible and on brand. Your work will help us reach more people, challenge misinformation, strengthen our reputation and influence change across Wales.

We're looking for someone with a passion for communications, creativity and storytelling. Whether you've built your experience through work, volunteering, university or placements, we'd love to hear from you if you can show us examples of your work.

You’ll thrive in this role if you:

• Enjoy creating engaging graphics, publications and digital content.
• Have a strong eye for design, branding and visual storytelling.
• Can write confidently for different audiences, from social media posts to media briefings and press releases.
• Feel comfortable managing media enquiries and building positive relationships with journalists.
• Know how to create accessible content across websites, email and social media.
• Can balance creativity with organisation, managing multiple deadlines and priorities.
• Like learning and enjoy trying new ideas, technologies and creative approaches.
• Take pride in producing high-quality work that reflects our values and strengthens our reputation.

In return, you’ll receive a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and the opportunity to test new ideas, develop your skills and make a meaningful impact.

Major duties and responsibilities:

• Design and creative content: Design eye-catching graphics for social media, campaigns and organisational communications. Produce infographics and visual content that explain complex issues clearly. Maintain our visual identity and ensure all materials follow our brand guidelines.
• Digital communications: Plan, create and publish content across our social media channels. Manage our social media calendar and schedule content. Track performance and use insights to improve future content.
• Media and public relations: Respond to media enquiries and coordinate interviews. Draft press releases, media statements and reactive communications. Prepare media briefings, key messages and spokesperson notes.
• Website and written communications: Write and update website content, news stories and blogs. Draft newsletters, briefings and organisational updates.
• Campaigns and events: Support communications for campaigns, events and public engagement activities. Capture photography and video where appropriate. Work with colleagues to share stories that inspire action while treating lived experience with dignity and respect.
• Communications support: Provide communications advice and design support to teams across the organisation. Maintain image libraries, templates and communications resources.

Interviews will likely be held on 14 September 2026 at our Cardiff office.