Head of Communications and Engagement
Hybrid – remote with travel to head office (DE4 3YH) and around the network
Permanent contract, full time, 37.5 hours per week, £50,000 per annum
YHA is looking for an experienced and strategically minded Head of Communications and Engagement to lead how our story is told through a period of organisational change. This role owns our corporate narrative and shapes compelling communications that strengthen YHA’s voice and influence.
Working across the organisation and with external partners, you’ll develop and deliver integrated corporate communications that inspire engagement from staff and stakeholders, and ensure coherent and consistent messaging which amplifies YHA’s impact as a leading youth charity, social enterprise and force for good, and support income growth.
Why work for YHA?
- 10 nights free hostel stays per year for you and up to 3 friends or family
- Access to YHA’s staff discount and cash back portal
- Free YHA Membership each year
- Access to support via our Employee Assistance Program
What will you be doing as Head of Communications and Engagement?
- Own YHA’s corporate narrative, tone of voice and organisation‑wide communications strategy
- Lead integrated internal and external communications that strengthen brand, impact and income growth through a period of strategic transformation.
- Develop and deliver strategic messaging to support YHA’s organisational transformation and long‑term objectives
- Champion communications best practice across the organisation, working closely with the marketing team, digital team and senior leaders
- Plan, coordinate and oversee corporate content, publications and communications scheduling across all channels
- Line manage the Internal Communications Manager
- Lead on media relations and press engagement, including external agency support and spokespeople
- Strengthen YHA’s external presence, reputation and profile as a national youth charity and social enterprise
- Lead stakeholder engagement, partnerships, policy influence and horizon scanning for emerging risks and opportunities
- Manage crisis communications strategy and process
- Steward and leverage YHA’s heritage and archives to support impactful storytelling ahead of the 100‑year anniversary
What Skills and Experience do you need?
- Experience in communications, with a proven track record of developing and delivering strategic, organisation‑wide communications in a complex national organisation
- Strong ability to shape and communicate clear, compelling messages for diverse audiences across multiple internal and external channels
- Demonstrable experience of leading media relations, PR campaigns, stakeholder engagement and reputation management, including crisis communications
- High‑level writing, editing and content‑planning skills, with a creative and audience‑focused approach
- Ability to interpret complex organisational information and translate it into engaging, accessible and inspiring communications
- Experience influencing and advising senior leaders, bringing authority, constructive challenge and a cross‑organisational perspective
- Proven ability to identify reputational risks, anticipate emerging issues and recommend strategic communications responses
- Experience building productive partnerships and relationships with senior stakeholders, partner organisations, public bodies and agencies
- Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, work to deadlines and find solutions under pressure
- Demonstration of our HEART values – they’re part of everything we do, and we look for people who bring them to life
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
All relevant checks are in place to ensure safeguarding and legal requirements of safer recruitment are adhered to. We do reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
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