Senior External Communications and Media Manager

We’re looking for an experienced Senior External Communications & Media Manager to shape Hft’s voice, influence and reputation. You’ll lead how we tell our story, champion the voices of learning disabled people and ensure Hft is heard in the conversations that matter most.

About the role

This is a high-profile role at the heart of Hft, embedded within the CEO’s Office and working closely with the CEO, Senior Leadership Team, Trustees and external stakeholders.

You’ll lead Hft’s external communications, media, digital communications and marketing activity, shaping how we tell our story and how our audiences understand the difference we make.

You’ll be both a strategic communications leader and a hands-on expert communicator — someone who can develop a long-term communications strategy, provide trusted counsel to senior leaders and get stuck into the detail when needed.7

From securing impactful media coverage and leading integrated campaigns, to managing our reputation during sensitive situations, you’ll play a key role in ensuring Hft is visible, credible and influential.

Most importantly, you’ll ensure that the voices and lived experiences of the people we support are at the heart of our communications.

What you’ll be doing You’ll lead Hft’s communications and reputation strategy, ensuring our activity supports our organisational priorities and creates meaningful impact.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Developing and delivering Hft’s external communications strategy, aligned to our wider organisational objectives.
• Leading our national and regional media strategy, securing proactive and reactive coverage and managing our reputation.
• Acting as a trusted communications adviser to the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and Trustees, including on sensitive and high-profile issues.
• Developing compelling content and campaigns that raise awareness of Hft, our work and the issues affecting learning disabled adults.
• Leading integrated communications campaigns that support our strategic priorities, influencing work and fundraising activity.
• Overseeing digital communications, including website, social media and campaign activity.
• Leading crisis communications and reputational risk management, identifying emerging issues and ensuring Hft is prepared to respond effectively.
• Preparing and supporting organisational spokespeople for media interviews and high-profile communications.
• Working collaboratively with fundraising, internal communications and colleagues across Hft to maximise the impact of our communications.
• Building strong relationships with external partners, including sector organisations and networks such as VODG.
• Leading, motivating and developing a high-performing communications team.
• Managing communications budgets, external agencies and specialist suppliers.
• Overseeing the delivery of Hft’s Annual Review and AGM.
• Ensuring our brand, messaging and communications are consistent, compelling and reflective of our values.

About you

We’re looking for an experienced communications leader who combines strategic thinking with excellent writing, strong judgement and the ability to get things done. You’ll bring significant senior-level experience in communications, media relations, corporate affairs or a closely related field, alongside a proven track record of developing and delivering successful communications strategies.

You’ll have experience of:

• Leading communications strategies and integrated campaigns.
• Building strong media relationships and securing impactful coverage.
• Managing organisational reputation and crisis communications.
• Advising senior leaders, boards or trustees, particularly in sensitive or high-profile situations.
• Leading and developing teams.
• Managing budgets, agencies and external suppliers.
• Working across complex stakeholder environments and partnerships.
• Developing engaging content for a range of audiences and channels.
• Influencing confidently at all levels, including managing upwards.

You’ll also be an exceptional writer and communicator, with the ability to adapt your style for different audiences and communicate clearly and accessibly, including with learning disabled adults. Most importantly, you’ll share our commitment to creating positive change for learning disabled people and understand the importance of ensuring their voices and experiences are represented authentically in our communications.

Why join Hft?

This is an opportunity to take a leading role in shaping the voice and reputation of a national organisation with a clear social purpose.

You’ll have the opportunity to:

• Shape Hft’s external communications strategy and influence how we are seen nationally.
• Work directly with senior leaders, including our CEO and Trustees.
• Lead a talented and specialist communications team.
• Develop campaigns that raise awareness and influence conversations around issues affecting learning disabled adults.
• Bring creativity, insight and new ideas to how Hft communicates.
• Use your expertise to help ensure the voices of the people we support are heard.

If you’re an experienced communications professional who wants to use your expertise to create meaningful change, we’d love to hear from you.

Working arrangements

This is a national hybrid role with regular travel to Hft services and other locations across the organisation.

Recruitment Process

Applications close on: Monday 2nd November 2026.

Following your application, you’ll have an initial pre-screen call with a member of our Recruitment team before progressing to the formal interview stage. Interviews will take place via Microsoft Teams, with the Hiring Manager and a member of Hft’s Executive Team.

Hft is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process where required. If you require any support with your application