Head of Communications and External Affairs

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of Kids' communications and external affairs strategy.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government stakeholders, decision-makers, media and sector partners.
• Ensure Kids is recognised as a leading voice on children's disability and SEND issues.
• Advise senior leaders on reputation management, external communications and emerging risks.
• Drive brand awareness, profile and engagement through compelling campaigns, media activity and digital communications.
• Oversee content creation across multiple channels, including website, social media, email marketing, campaigns and publications.
• Lead the organisation's approach to youth voice positioning and engagement.
• Manage media enquiries, crisis communications and spokesperson preparation.
• Work closely with fundraising and operational teams to deliver integrated campaigns and supporter engagement activity.
• Lead, develop and inspire a high-performing team while managing budgets and external suppliers.

Requirements

• Significant experience leading multi-channel communications within a charity or values-driven organisation.
• Experience translating policy and influencing priorities into engaging public-facing messages.
• A strong understanding of the political and public affairs landscape.
• Expertise in digital communications, brand management and storytelling.
• A proven track record of securing impactful media coverage and building relationships with journalists.
• Experience managing sensitive, high-profile or crisis communications.
• Strong leadership skills with experience developing and motivating teams.
• The ability to influence and advise senior stakeholders with confidence and credibility.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred

• Experience of working with beneficiaries or communities, fundraising communications, safeguarding and ethical storytelling, or within the charity sector would be advantageous.