Lead Strategic Communications - Science Campaigns
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Lead Strategic Communications - Science Campaigns
£63,000 - £65,000 plus benefits
Reports to: Head of Strategic Communications and Campaigns
Directorate: Policy, Information and Communications
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time 35 hours per week - open to flexible working such as compressed hours
Location: Location Office-based with high flexibility (1-2 days per week in the office)
Closing date: 7 June 2026 23:55
Visa sponsorship: You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. Cancer Research UK is not able to offer visa sponsorship.
Recruitment process: 2 stage interview process, 2nd stage to include task
At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.
Cancer Research UK have a new opportunity for a Lead -Strategic Communications -Science Campaigns to head up a new team within our Policy Information and Communication directorate (PIC) This senior role shapes the strategic direction of CRUK’s science campaigns portfolio — from CRUK Science and Children & Young People’s Cancers to policy, international and awareness activity.
We are looking for a proactive and solutions focused senior communication and campaigns professional to drive an insight‑led, innovative approach that aligns with organisational priorities, strengthens our brand, and delivers impact through a high‑performing management team.
This is a great opportunity to make a real impact, shape a brand‑new role and team and lead high‑profile science campaigns that build public support and drive positive change across press, digital, social and the full marcomms mix.
What will I be doing?
Set the strategic direction for science campaigns at CRUK, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities, brand strategy and corporate narrative.
Lead the design and delivery of integrated, insight-led, multi-channel science campaigns that showcase CRUK’s impact. Ensure shared messaging, strategic coherence, and joined-up delivery across workstreams.
Lead cross-channel integration, collaborating with other business area’s to maximise reach and impact of science campaigns.
Ensure high-quality content across all campaign assets, including comms strategies, plans, media materials and multimedia content.
Monitor external environment, media trends, cultural moments and audience behaviour to shape future campaign development and keep CRUK’s campaigns at the forefront of best practice.
Oversee and lead on planning and evaluation frameworks for science campaigns, embedding continuous improvement and accountability.
Line manage and develop the science campaigns function; creating a collaborative, inclusive and high performing culture
What are we looking for?
Proven leadership of strategic science/research communications and integrated campaigns.
Expertise in simplifying complex scientific information for diverse audiences.
Proven experience in designing and delivering integrated communication campaigns and multi-channel activations.
Experienced in using data, audience insight and evaluation to inform communications strategy.
Strong strategic planning skills; ability to translate vision into actionable plans.
Excellent leadership and stakeholder management skills, including influencing at senior level and the ability to inspire confidence and build credibility with senior leaders.
Expertise in working collaboratively, in a matrix structure.
Outstanding communication skills – written, verbal, and presentation.
Strong negotiation, problem-solving and decision-making skills; able to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.
Our organisation values are designed to guide all that we do.
Bold: Act with ambition, courage and determination
Credible: Act with rigour and professionalism
Human: Act to have a positive impact on people
Together: Act inclusively and collaboratively
We’re looking for people who can believe in and embody these organisation values and can use them to drive forward progress against our mission to beat cancer.
If you’re interested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills and experience we’d still love to hear from you.
What will I gain?
We create a working environment that supports your wellbeing and provide a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools
You can explore our benefits by visiting our careers web page.
How do I apply?
We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. CVs are required for all applications; but we won’t be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to complete the work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively.
For more information on this career opportunity please visit our website or contact us at recruitment@cancer.org.uk.
For more updates on our work and careers, follow us on: Linked In
Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in, the work we do. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented.
We want to see every candidate performing at their best throughout the job application process, interview process and whilst at work. We therefore ask you to inform us of any concerns you have or any adjustments you might need to enable this to happen. Please contact recruitment@cancer.org.uk or 020 3469 8400 as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, we are unable to recruit anyone below the age of 18, so that we can protect young people from health & safety and safeguarding risks.