Job Title – Communications & Engagement Lead
Responsible to – Chief Executive Officer
Salary – £23,000 (based on £31,500 full time)
Contract – Part-Time (28 hours per week). You may be required to work evenings and weekends; these will be communicated in advance and compensated in lieu. We expect in-person work 60% of the time at MediaCity or Greater Manchester delivery locations. This is a one-year fixed-term contract, renewal subject to funding availability.
- 5 July 2026 – Applications to be received by 11 pm
- 9 July 2026 – Video Screening to be complete by 11 pm
- 20 & 21 July 2026 – Interviews held in MediaCity
About Youth Leads UK
Youth Leads UK is an award‑winning charity that supports young people furthest from opportunity, building skills, creating change, and shaping decisions that affect their lives. We run leadership programmes, deliver social action projects, and publish Youth Leads Magazine – a platform for youth voice and creativity.
Why Work With Us
We offer 30 days of annual leave (including bank holidays) and a part‑closure over Christmas and New Year. Our wellbeing programme includes regular socials and mental health initiatives. We are a Living Wage Employer and signatory to the Greater Manchester Good Employer’s Charter. Inclusivity is central; we guarantee interviews for Youth Leads UK alumni, care experienced or disabled individuals.
Role Summary
This is the lead communications role at Youth Leads UK – shaping our stories and ensuring the world hears what our young people are doing and why it matters.
What You’ll Be Doing
Strategy and Brand
- Own the communications strategy, ensuring channels, campaigns, and content are coherent, consistent, and purposeful.
- Maintain brand voice, tone, and visual identity across all outputs.
- Align communications activity with organisational priorities and the Generation:NOW strategy.
- Analyse performance across channels and use insight to inform future actions.
Campaigns and Content
- Lead youth‑led campaigns on issues such as mental health, civic participation, cost of living, and representation.
- Oversee planning and production of Youth Leads Magazine – three editions per year, created by and for young people.
- Lead on long‑form strategic content: press releases, impact reports, website articles, stakeholder communications.
- Set briefs for social media content and oversee delivery by Youth Content Creators.
- Manage email communications including newsletters and stakeholder updates.
Media and Public Profile
- Build and maintain relationships with journalists, editors, and media contacts at local, regional, and national outlets.
- Draft and issue press releases, media statements, and reactive comments.
- Identify opportunities to place youth voice in public debate – opinion pieces, broadcast appearances, panel contributions.
- Support CEO and young people for media appearances and public engagements.
Communicating Our Impact
- Translate programme outcomes, data, and stories into compelling content for partners, funders, and the public.
- Maintain dynamic digital presence – website, social channels, email – reflecting quality and ambition.
- Provide daily communications direction to two Youth Content Creators through briefs, review, and brand consistency.
- Mentor and develop Youth Content Creators, building their skills and confidence.
- Champion youth voice across all outputs, ensuring authentic representation.
Other Areas of Responsibility
- Ensure young people play a strong leadership role across work.
- Keep up to date on sector developments and trends.
- Administrative duties: minute‑taking, travel arrangements, venue booking.
- Represent Youth Leads UK at conferences and events.
- Act as ambassador for the organisation.
- Adhere to Health & Safety, Safeguarding, and other policies.
- Take reasonable care of own health and safety and that of others, as per law.
- Commit to safeguarding principles, focusing on welfare of children and young people.
- Acknowledge inclusion of all staff, partners, and young people irrespective of race, gender, sexuality, age, religion, ability, identity and experience.
- Promote equality, diversity, and an inclusive culture.
- Accountable for key work areas.
Knowledge and Skills Required
Essential
- Strong writing skills – content across social media, press releases, long‑form articles.
- Experience developing and delivering communications strategies or campaigns.
- Solid understanding of brand, voice, and audience consistency.
- Managed or overseen social media channels.
- Use analytics to evaluate performance and inform decisions.
- Experience writing press releases and media engagement.
- Build relationships with journalists and stakeholders.
- Excellent organisational skills – multiple priorities, deadlines, quality.
- Commitment to youth empowerment, social justice, amplifying underrepresented voices.
- Experience with video content production or editing.
- Understanding of safeguarding principles when working with young people.
Desirable
- Proficiency in Canva.
- Experience with email marketing tools.
- Experience with Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, or similar.
- Experience in charity, public, or youth sector.
- Understanding of civic leadership, social action, or community engagement.
- Experience directing, briefing, or supporting communications work.
- Familiarity with website content management systems.
- Experience mentoring or developing junior colleagues or young people.
We recruit based on potential, so if one or two of the above are missing we can teach.
Organisational Information
Youth Leads UK has a small yet powerful team; you may be required to take on other duties and responsibilities from time to time.
Employment Conditions
All staff are expected to: adhere to the policies and procedures in the staff policy handbook; maintain confidentiality; complete an enhanced DBS check and provide references before appointment; promote an inclusive culture.
You must have confirmation of eligibility to work in the UK (provide documentary evidence before a job offer).
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