Head of Public Affairs and Communications

London, UK (On-site)

Salary Not AvailableSenior LevelFull time

Posted 2 months ago

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Job Summary

Own and drive a comprehensive communications and advocacy program to advance a health, activity, and equity agenda, shaping policy engagement, partner collaboration, and trusted public messaging.

  • Lead the development of a strategic communications plan aligned to mission and funding priorities.
  • Coordinate a public affairs program with monitoring of policy and sector developments to grow influence.
  • Foster partnerships with sector bodies, government stakeholders, and collaborators to advance joint objectives.

Job Description

Responsibilities

  • Lead the development and delivery of a communications and advocacy plan aligned with the Foundation’s mission, grant-making priorities and funding for direct delivery.
  • Help to position the Foundation as a trusted voice on the importance of physical activity, reducing inequalities and creating healthier, more connected communities.
  • Deliver a public affairs programme, including monitoring and reporting on relevant policy, research and sector developments.
  • Develop an advocacy agenda to strengthen the Foundation’s influence on issues including school sport, physical activity inequality and community infrastructure.
  • Develop and manage relationships with partners, sector bodies and government stakeholders, advisers and officials.
  • Work with London Marathon Events to identify opportunities for collaboration and integration of messaging on joint objectives, such as our work with children and young people.
  • Oversee external communications across media, digital channels, publications and events.
  • Support internal communications and equip staff and trustees with messaging and briefing materials.
  • Manage the Communications & Engagement Manager and oversee budgets, planning cycles and performance measurement.

Requirements

  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong political and stakeholder awareness and relationships.
  • Ability to translate complex issues into compelling narratives.
  • Excellent relationship-building skills.
  • Strategic thinking with the ability to deliver at pace.
  • Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
  • Senior-level experience in external affairs, communications, public affairs or advocacy.
  • Proven track record of shaping and delivering communications that drive influence and visibility.
  • Experience managing media relations, corporate communications and reputation issues.
  • Strong understanding of UK policy landscapes, particularly relating to health, physical activity, communities or inequality.

Preferred

  • Experience in the charity, foundation, sport, health or community sectors.
  • Experience of working on issues related to physical activity, inequality or community development.
  • Experience of managing people and overseeing budgets.
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London Marathon Events

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London Marathon Events (LME), together with its parent charity, the London Marathon Foundation, works to inspire activity in all ages, abilities and demographics. LME is a world-leading mass participation events organiser and every year more than 500,000 people take part in its mass or virtual events, primarily in running and swimming. The company and charity were created by Chris Brasher and John Disley, co-founders of the London Marathon. First held on 29 March 1981, the London Marathon has grown into the most popular marathon on the planet, with more than half a million people now applying for a place in the ballot. It is the world’s biggest one day annual fundraising event and has raised more than £1.1 billion for charity. LME now organises more than twenty mass participation events each year and passes its surplus through corporate gift aid to the London Marathon Foundation, which has awarded grants totalling more than £100 million to projects that inspire people to become and remain active.LME’s event portfolio includes:•TCS London Marathon, TCS London Marathon My Way, TCS Mini London Marathon and TCS Mini London Marathon in schools•Brighton Marathon Weekend (Brighton Marathon, Brighton & Hove 10K and Brighton Miles)•Big Half, Big Relay and Big Mile•Swim Serpentine•Vitality London 10,000•Vitality Westminster Mile•The Royal Parks Half•Standard Chartered Great City RaceWe hold four values at the heart of our work: - Caring: We value each other, our customers and the positive impact we make- Curious: We open our minds to new ideas, perspectives and ways of working - Exceptional: We strive to be the best and to redefine the art of the possible- Fun: We create joy, happiness and memories that last a lifetime

Founded in 1981
London, England, GBR
235 employees (55 in marketing)
0% recommend to a friend

Traffic Signals

Monthly Visitors
7K
Traffic Source Mix
Search
23.7%
Direct
61.8%
Referral
8.6%
Social
4.7%
Paid
1.2%

Headcount Trend

Current headcount: ~237

Marketing Team

Marketing Team Size
45 (19% of company)

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