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 to support policy change.

The Policy Communications team sits within the Communications & Engagement, Brand & Digital Department but works collaboratively with the Policy & 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 such as diagnosis, dementia research, and access to new, innovative treatments. 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 media, newsletters, blog posts and social media.
• Develop effective relationships with ARUK’s Communications & Engagement, Brand & Digital 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, regional and trade 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 annual Clinical Conference and events in parliament.
• Develop effective working relationships with relevant members of the media and government 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.

What we are looking for:

• Educated to degree level in biology, biomedical science, health policy or public health or equivalent level of work experience.
• 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.
• 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).
• 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 to travel in the UK and work away from the office, outside of core working hours, when required.

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 Abingdon, Cambridge, CB21 6AD.

Salary: Circa £28,000 per annum, plus benefits.

The closing date for applications is the 7th May 2023, with interviews likely to be held week commencing the 22nd May 2023. 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 is able to be themselves and reach their full potential. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures. Should you need any adjustments to the recruitment process, at either the application or interview stage, please contact us at recruitment@alzheimersresearchuk.org

How to apply:

Please create an online account using our Online Recruitment System which can be accessed through our Job Vacancies page. You will be able to attach your CV and covering letter 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 dedicated to diagnosis, prevention, treatment and cure. Backed by our passionate scientists and supporters, we’re challenging the way people think about dementia, bringing together the people and organisations who can speed up progress, and investing in research to make life-changing breakthroughs possible.

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.