Policy Communications Officer

The Policy Communications Officer will assist in increasing the visibility of Alzheimer’s Research UK (ARUK) to external audiences, with a particular focus on influencing key political stakeholders, such as the next UK government, to support policy change.

The Policy Communications team sits within the Communications Department but works closely and collaboratively with the Policy and Public Affairs Department to maximise the success and influence of their work by gaining cut-through with key audiences and inspiring positive, urgent action. This is a varied role, covering areas across diagnosis, treatment and prevention. The postholder will also assist with efforts to shape public health policy around dementia, including dementia risk reduction and brain health messaging.

The postholder will develop engaging and compelling content for a range of communications channels, with the aim of developing the charity’s voice as an expert commentator on dementia policy and establishing the charity as a thought leader in the UK.

Main duties and responsibilities of the role:

· Working with the Policy Communications Manager to lead on the creation and delivery of communications and content to support ARUK's policy and public affairs activity, working through multiple channels including national media, newsletters, website content and social media.

· Develop effective relationships with ARUK’s Communications Department, Policy & Public Affairs Department, and with external stakeholders and partners, in order to identify and deliver on communications needs.

· Help find, develop and pitch news stories, press releases, thought leadership pieces and other content to national press on ARUK’s policy and public affairs activity, bringing the charity’s expertise and key messages to the forefront.

· Support the running of ARUK’s press office by co-ordinating responses to breaking news stories relating to relevant dementia policy developments, including drafting reactive comments, briefing spokespeople and accompanying spokespeople to interviews when appropriate.

· Monitor relevant media coverage; keep up to date with policy, social, scientific and charitable sector issues which could benefit, or have relevance to, ARUK.

· Assist with the organisation and delivery of events, including ARUK’s research conference and events in parliament.

· Develop effective working relationships with relevant members of the media, government and NHS communications contacts; respond promptly to queries, including occasional out-of-hours queries.

· Work with the Public Affairs team to build on existing relationships with ARUK’s campaigners and parliamentary advocates, developing engaging content to strengthen our communications with these groups.

· Work with the Internal Communications team to create and disseminate materials to support staff across the organisation in engaging their stakeholders and the wider public with ARUK's policy and public affairs work, including toolkits and Q&As.

· Liaise with the Social Media team to develop compelling content in support of the charity’s policy and public affairs work.

· Ensure activities comply with ARUK’s branding and style guide.

· Undertake any other relevant duties and projects delegated by the Policy Communications Manager in line with the responsibilities of the post. 

What we are looking for:

· Educated to degree level in related subject or equivalent level of experience.

· Experience of working with national media on health/science or policy issues.

· Experience of working with external stakeholders and partners.

· Experience of delivering communications programmes through a variety of media (e.g. press, social media, email, events).

· Confidence working with computers; knowledge of Microsoft office packages and databases, good keyboard skills.

· Understanding of the UK political landscape, its potential impact on health policy and the role communication plays in policy change.

· Excellent journalistic skills and news sense.

· Ability to understand and translate complex policy into consumable communications for journalists and the public.

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a high standard of accuracy and attention to detail.

· Excellent organisational skills; the ability to manage many tasks with internal and external stakeholders to multiple deadlines.

· Ability to communicate appropriately and effectively with a broad range of people, including journalists, policymakers, representatives from partner organisations, and people affected by dementia.

· A confident and friendly manner; would feel at ease representing the charity to a range of audiences.

· Working with independence, intelligence, drive and initiative.

· Willingness and ability to travel independently in the UK and to work outside of regular office hours when needed.

Additional Information:

Ways of working: As part of our Agile ways of working you will be required to work approximately 2 days a week from the office, which is subject to the requirements of the role and the business needs. Flexibility on where you work can be split between working from home and our office.

Roles that are classed as part of the Agile ways of working are not able to claim any costs for Mileage/Travel on Public Transport, Accommodation and/or Meals. This includes when attending the office for various meetings/events.

Our Office: Our office is at 3 Riverside, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AD. 

Salary: Circa £30,000 per annum, plus benefits

Please download the Vacancy Pack for more information.

The closing date for applications is the 7th July 2024, with interviews likely to be held week commencing the 15th July 2024. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity as the closing date may be brought forward at any time. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential.  We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented.  Any offer of employment is however subject to you having the right to work in the UK.

As part of our commitment to be an inclusive employer and ensure fairness and consistency in selecting the best candidate for this role, your CV will be anonymised as part of the selection process.  Should you need any adjustments at either the application or interview stage, then please do contact us via our website. 

How to apply: Please create an online account using our Online Recruitment Platform which can be accessed through our Job Vacancies page. You will be able to attach your CV to your application and track the status of your application.

About Alzheimer’s Research UK:

Alzheimer's Research UK is the UK's leading dementia research charity. Our mission is to accelerate progress towards a cure.  Today 1 in 2 people will be impacted by dementia, either through caring for a loved one, developing it themselves or tragically both. But there is hope. 

There has never been a more important and exciting time in dementia research. With promising new drugs in clinical trials that slow the progression of the diseases that cause it, and revolutionary new ways to diagnose them on the horizon, we are now at a tipping point. Working with the smartest minds globally and across the UK, with industry and academia, Alzheimer’s Research UK is uniquely placed to invest in the very best research identifying barriers to a cure and knocking them down so that there are more and better treatments for everyone with dementia. For the first time in history, we can see a future where people with dementia can get a swift and accurate diagnosis, and effective treatments that could slow or even stop their disease. We stand for everyone affected by dementia. We stand for a cure. 

In 2022, we were incredibly proud to be awarded a 3-star accreditation by Best Companies which recognises ‘World Class’ levels of workplace engagement and were also listed in the prestigious Best Companies lists:

• 48th in the 100 Best Large Companies to Work For in the UK.

• 19th in the 100 Best Companies to Work For in the East of England.

• 3rd in the 50 Best Companies to Work For in the Charity Sector.

In addition, we were also shortlisted for a special award recognising the work undertaken on reducing our environmental impact.

In 2021, we were awarded the HR Management award by The Charity Times for our Wellbeing initiatives throughout the pandemic.

In 2020, we demonstrated our commitment to changing the way we think and act about mental health in the workplace and signed the Time to Change Employer Pledge. 

ARUK really does look after its people, where you will be able to add value and make a difference. 

To view further details about working for us and the benefits we offer, please visit Alzheimer’s Research UK