SENIOR OFFICER (STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS & CAMPAIGNS)
- Salary: £37,000 – £40,000 per annum
- Reports to: Senior Manager (Strategic Communications & Campaigns)
- Department: Policy, Information and Communications
- Contract: Permanent
- Hours: 35 hours per week
- Location: Stratford, with high-flex (1-2 days per week in the office)
- Closing date: Sunday, 1 December 2024, 23:55
Please note: Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK as Cancer Research UK is unable to provide visa sponsorship.
About Cancer Research UK
At Cancer Research UK, our mission is to beat cancer.
We are driven by purpose, making progress every day in our fight against cancer. But to succeed, we need to go further and faster. That’s why we’re seeking talented individuals who share our vision—someone like you.
We are excited to offer a unique opportunity for a Senior Officer (Strategic Communications & Campaigns) to join our team. In this role, you’ll play a key part in delivering impactful national communications, media, and PR campaigns, all aligned with our wider organisational objectives. You’ll work within a dynamic team, shaping the charity’s public image through targeted, high-profile corporate and consumer PR initiatives.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Supporting the planning and execution of national media and PR strategies that align with Cancer Research UK’s mission and organisational priorities.
- Leading the development and delivery of corporate and consumer PR campaigns, supporting fundraising events, partnerships, and corporate communications.
- Taking ownership of specific media, PR, and communication projects, collaborating with senior leaders to deliver outstanding campaigns.
- Building and nurturing relationships with national media to secure coverage that enhances the charity’s reputation and reach.
- Creating innovative, engaging, and bold content—such as press releases and pitches—that resonates across traditional and digital platforms.
- Using data and audience insights to inform campaign strategies, ensuring all communications are evidence-based and impactful.
- Acting as a primary contact for media inquiries, proactively identifying opportunities, crafting compelling stories, and managing placements to ensure positive publicity.
- Collaborating with internal teams to source case studies and leverage celebrity supporters, amplifying the personal stories behind the charity’s work.
- Guiding and supporting team members, contributing strategic input in team meetings, and ensuring smooth and consistent campaign execution in partnership with senior managers.
What Skills Do You Need?
- Communications expertise: Proven experience leading high-profile national PR campaigns with a strong understanding of media trends, audience insights, and best practices.
- Problem-solving: Confident in identifying and resolving issues independently, with resilience in handling challenges.
- Decision-making: Able to prioritise tasks, meet deadlines, and make informed decisions within established policies and guidelines.
- Communication: Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, paired with a high degree of self-awareness.
- Influence: Skilled in engaging and influencing colleagues and senior stakeholders with clear communication and a collaborative approach.
- Strategic planning: A strong understanding of how the role contributes to broader organisational goals.
- Experience: Demonstrated success in national PR, either in-house or agency, with a proven track record of securing high-profile media coverage and managing relationships with national outlets.
What You’ll Gain
At Cancer Research UK, every employee contributes to our progress in the fight against cancer. We believe this work is extraordinary, and in return, we ensure our employees feel supported through:
- A generous benefits package that includes a substantial retirement plan, flexible leave allowances, discounts (from travel to technology), gym memberships, and more.
- A commitment to career development, providing tools, policies, and processes to help you excel.
- Annual pay reviews to recognise individual performance and achievements.
- A culture of flexible working, encouraging a healthy work-life balance.
By joining us, you’ll be part of a team whose efforts—from cutting-edge research to shaping public policy—are creating real-world impact.
How to Apply
We use an anonymised shortlisting process to support our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. While CVs are required, they will only be reviewed if you are invited for an interview. To apply, complete the work history section of our online application form, which allows us to assess candidates fairly and objectively. You will also need to answer a short screening question.
We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, especially from under-represented groups, including ethnic minorities.
If you require any adjustments to perform your best during the application or interview process, or while working with us, please contact recruitment@cancer.org.uk or call 020 3469 8400 as soon as possible.
Please note: We cannot hire individuals under the age of 18 due to safeguarding and health & safety considerations.
