Communications officer

Location: York/ hybrid (in office once or twice a week)
Contract: Two-year fixed term, 35 hours a week
Salary: £46,063 
Reports to: Head of communications
Closing date: Friday, February 20, 2026, at 9am

Main purpose and scope of the job 

The communications officer is responsible for clear, consistent, and engaging internal and external communications that convey JRCT’s mission and values and support the work of the people and organisations we fund.

About us

The Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust – a grant-making organisation working for a more peaceful and just society - is recruiting for a communications officer.

JRCT is a funder supporting more than 300 individuals and organisations doing charitable work for meaningful social change.  From grassroots community groups to well-established charities working to build a peaceful and just world, we fund those addressing the root causes of conflict and injustice, with a focus on long-term, systemic impact. 

Effective communication is essential to our work at JRCT. We’re committed to sharing clear, consistent information, building strong and meaningful engagement with the audiences that matter most, and amplifying the voices, insights, and impact of the people and organisations we support.

We are seeking a skilled and motivated communications officer who can think strategically to deliver communications that clearly articulate our purpose and activities, and centre the people and organisations we support. You will have excellent written skills and strong analytical and interpersonal skills. You will have a good awareness of current affairs and a genuine care for, and interest in, the work we support.

Your role will engage internal and external audiences, ensuring our messaging is clear, consistent, and compelling across all channels. 

You will enjoy a mix of independent working – completing the day-to-day administrative tasks that keep our communications running smoothly - while also contributing thoughtfully to projects within our agreed priorities, and will be confident building positive working relationships with colleagues and grant holders as required. 

It is an exciting time to join JRCT as we undertake a strategic review that will shape the future direction of our charitable work and further strengthen our communications approach. We are seeking someone adaptable and flexible, who is comfortable working in a changing environment and contributing to new opportunities as they emerge.

  • Job description

    Duties and key responsibilities 

    To implement communications strategies that engage both internal and external audiences.

    Content creation and storytelling

    • Create, edit, and enhance high-quality written and digital content, including news pieces, case studies, and multimedia materials, ensuring all messaging is clear, consistent, and reflective of our mission and values across all channels.
    • Partner with grant holders to develop case studies, quotes, and materials that reflect their voice and perspective.
    • Support work to actively amplify the work of grant holders. Identify opportunities to showcase stakeholder voices, expertise, and learning.
    • Work with colleagues to ensure all learning is consistently shared in accessible, meaningful terms.
    • Design, compile, and write external newsletters.
    • Continue improving website content, including sourcing images and writing copy, and assist with site refreshes.

    Social media and digital engagement

    • Daily running of social media accounts, including monitoring, scheduling, and creating engaging posts.
    • Produce design-led assets and infographics using Canva or similar tools.
    • Maintain and grow social media presence, sharing news from grant holders and JRCT.
    • Research peer digital content and stay updated on social media trends
    • Monitor and analyse web and social media performance to evaluate and refine approach.

    Internal communications and administration

    • Work with the head of communications to deliver internal communications, including staff updates, newsletters, and intranet content.
    • Complete administrative tasks to regularly maintain and update digital resources in compliance with GDPR guidelines (including social media lists, website, image library, newsletter mailing lists).
    • Assist with and contribute to the ongoing development of the communications strategy, including projects like brand work and website redesign as they arise.
       

    General responsibilities 

    • Work constructively with administrative or other communications colleagues, offering guidance and support where appropriate.
    • Work at all times within the values, mission and charitable purposes of JRCT.
    • Be proactive in keeping up to date with developments affecting your work - including the social and political environment JRCT grant-holders are working in - and maintaining and improving personal competence.
    • Take direction on projects and priorities from your line manager, which may vary from time to time and carry out other associated duties as may arise, develop or be assigned.
    • Participate in effective collaborative working with other teams across JRCT.
    • Prepare for and participate in appraisal meetings and engage with and contribute to meetings with colleagues. 
    • Work to administration and communication protocols efficiently to ensure that organisational systems and procedures are implemented.
    • Abide by all organisational policies, codes of conduct and practice. 
    • Support diversity and equality of opportunity in the workplace.
    • Carry out other associated duties as may arise, develop or be assigned.  
  • Person specification

    This person specification sets out the qualities we are seeking for this post. Please ensure that your application demonstrates how you meet these criteria. You may include voluntary and paid work.  

    Overview 

    JRCT is looking for a person with a commitment to the mission and values of the Trust to deliver clear, consistent, and engaging internal and external communications that convey JRCT’s mission and values and support the work of the people and organisations we fund.

    Qualifications 

    • A degree related to this role (for example in communications, public relations, journalism, English or a related field) or comparable qualification or work experience. 

    Experience 

    You will have experience of:

    • Delivering communications strategies that effectively engage target audiences, supported by an understanding of communications best practice.
    • Producing high-quality written and verbal communications, including compelling stories, news pieces, and social media content, and translating complex information into accessible messages for different audiences.
    • Running social media channels, with an understanding of social media trends, analytics, and engagement strategies.
    • Using content management systems, email platforms, and social media tools to create and publish content.
    • Holding multiple projects simultaneously, with strong organisational skills and the ability to balance long-term strategic projects with routine or practical day-to-day tasks.
    • Following processes and guidance while also taking initiative to improve communications outputs and systems within organisational priorities.
    • Being a collaborative, proactive team member with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to navigate sensitive topics with care.
    • Taking guidance and direction while using initiative to identify opportunities, solve problems, and enhance our communications. 
       

    Skills 

    • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
    • Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to assess complex information and exercise sound judgement.
    • A strong interest in current affairs, the third sector, and the causes we fund.
    • A high and consistent level of accuracy, integrity and ethical standards in all aspects of work.
    • A positive, professional attitude when approaching tasks and working with others. 
    • Being patient and resilient, staying focused when managing routine tasks, evolving priorities, or sensitive subject matters.
    • Ability to navigate sensitive topics with care and good judgement.
    • Ability to work effectively to adapt to guidance and developing priorities.
       

    Other  

    You will:

    • Have a commitment to the Quaker values that underpin the work of the Trust
    • Be willing to work occasionally on evenings and weekends, planned in advance. 
  • Guidance and application process 

    If you would like to apply for this post, please send your CV and supporting statement (maximum of 2 sides of A4) to recruitment@jrct.org.uk 

    In your supporting statement, you should ensure that you try to address the criteria set out in the person specification for the role. Make sure you give evidence which shows how you meet the criteria, not just telling us that you did it. 

    Please ensure that you complete your application by the closing date.  

    Closing date:   Friday, February 20, 2026, at 9am

    Interviews will be held week commencing March 9, 2026, with the possibility of second round interviews online the following week (w/c March 16).

    Appointment process  

    After the closing date has passed, the interview panel will shortlist applicants who have demonstrated that they meet the essential criteria set out in the person specification. Only shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews. Normally applications received after the closing date are not considered 

    Interview    

    If you are shortlisted for interview, you will be invited to a selection process. A panel of two or more conducts all interviews. If there are any special arrangements associated with the selection process e.g. tests or presentations, you will be informed accordingly.  

    Interview outcome  

    If you are invited to attend an interview, you will be informed either verbally or in writing of the outcome. The successful candidate will have the decision confirmed in writing as an offer of employment. Unsuccessful candidates will be offered the opportunity for feedback.  

    References  

    If you are successful in your application, you are asked to provide us with the details of two referees. We only contact referees with your permission after an offer of employment has been made.  

    All offers of employment are conditional upon the receipt of references that are satisfactory to JRCT, verification of right to work in the UK and where applicable, verification of qualifications and Disclosure and Barring Service (where required).  

    Personal information 

    The personal information that you have supplied will only be used for recruitment and selection purposes. You should refer to the Privacy Notice on our website, which sets out how JRCT will deal with the personal and sensitive data you have provided in your application form and supporting information.  

    Equality and diversity  

    We welcome all applicants and are keen to enhance our team to reflect the diversity of the UK and the communities we serve.  We would like to encourage applications from disabled people, those from LGBTQIA+ and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and those experiencing other forms of marginalisation, as they are underrepresented at this level. 

    Accessible recruitment 

    JRCT is committed to making our recruitment process and workplace accessible to all. If you are an applicant with a disability and/or have any specific needs or adjustments that you would like us to consider, at application, interview or appointment stage, please contact recruitment@jrct.org.uk 

    Queries  

    If you require further information or wish to raise any matters with regard the appointment process, please contact recruitment@jrct.org.uk 

    Complaints  

    Applicants for posts within JRCT have the right to complain if they feel they have been unfairly treated or discriminated against during the recruitment process. If you feel that this is the case, you should contact sarah.smith@jrct.org.uk.