Head of Campaigns

Due to internal reorganisation, we are looking for a new Head of Campaigns. If successful, you will be responsible for leading Animal Aid’s ground-breaking and influential campaigns work. This spans a wide range of areas, including influencing policy, inspiring positive behaviour-change, working with the media and overseeing investigative work. You will be responsible for line-managing a team of four campaigners, as well as getting involved in day-to-day work to deliver effective campaigns. A key part of your role will be to lead on developing strategy, monitoring progress and evaluating the success of campaigns.

This position will involve hybrid-working – in our Tonbridge office, working from home and UK travel. Work outside normal office hours will be required (e.g. relating to media interviews, press conferences, talks and exhibitions). Time in lieu will be given as appropriate.

Salary: £42,000-£45,000, depending on experience.

To apply: Please send a CV and cover letter explaining how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role. These should be emailed to recruitment@animalaid.org.uk.

Closing date: 13th January 2025
First round interviews will take place online the week commencing 27 January 2025.

You must be legally able to work in the United Kingdom. Animal Aid cannot sponsor any kind of work visa.

Job description

1. To work, under the guidance of the Director, on the strategic planning of campaigns. This includes leading development of plans, agreeing focus and audience, setting targets and carrying out thorough monitoring and evaluation to ensure that maximum impact is achieved.
2. To oversee and co-ordinate the work of the Campaigns Department, including liaising with consultants and other organisations, engagement with policy makers, work with the media and producing printed and digital resources.
3. To line-manage all members of the Campaigns team. This will include providing support, evaluating performance and ensuring that opportunities for professional development are provided.
4. To work closely with the Head of Communications, Head of Science & Research, Head of Education and Head of Fundraising on the strategic planning and timing of our campaign initiatives to achieve maximum impact.
5. To manage our investigations work liaising with the Director.
6. To undertake research and play the leading role in the written output of the Society across a range of subject areas. This output includes special reports, investigations, press releases, articles and other key documents. Liaising with the Head of Communications on the content of all printed and digital communications and documents.
7. To represent the Society in a variety of forums, including meeting with, and giving presentations to, disparate groups such as Parliamentarians, business representatives, civil servants, college students and Animal Aid’s supporters.
8. To initiate and undertake press, radio and TV interviews and to take part in debates.
9. To keep up to date with developments in the field of Campaigns, such as new tools for digital advocacy.
10. To develop policies on emerging campaign issues, in consultation with the Director. To determine whether new initiatives, such as coalition campaigns led by other organisations, are in line with Animal Aid’s ethos.
11. To oversee the legal and administrative aspects of Animal Aid’s campaign work, such as arranging licences for media monitoring and seeking legal advice where required.
12. To campaign with integrity on a factual basis and to the highest standard, with a commitment to advance the cause of animals that is commensurate with their needs. These values are central to the Society’s ethos. Animal Aid is held in high regard by animal advocates, many professional bodies and individuals, including those in media and politics. The Head of Campaigns must maintain this reputation by embodying the Society’s ethos at all times.

Person specification

Essential

• A proven track record of strategic planning and delivering successful campaigns to influence policy and bring about positive change.
• Good experience of using digital campaigning.
• Substantial experience in working with the media, including proactively securing coverage, providing comments and taking part in broadcast interviews.
• Experience of line-managing staff, with a supportive approach that ensures high-quality work is consistently delivered.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce persuasive written content.
• Excellent negotiating and relationship building skills, with strong experience of influencing senior decision-makers
• Thorough knowledge of key animal rights issues, with the ability to remain up-to-date with key developments
• Highly organised, with the ability to plan and prioritise effectively.
• Evidence of effective project management, planning and management of resources, including finance.
• Able to identify and manage risk.
• Ability to work effectively in a team, including collaborating with colleagues in other departments on shared projects.

Desirable

• Good knowledge of legal issues that are relevant to campaigns work such as data protection and libel.
• Strong IT skills and familiarity with communications, advocacy and Customer Relations Management software.

Benefits

• Contributory pension scheme
• 23 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) and additional long service days
• Employee Assistance Programme, giving access to health and wellbeing support, counselling services and discounts
• Access to training and professional development opportunities
• Season ticket loan
• Bicycle purchase scheme

Animal Aid is an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all candidates who have the required skills and experience, regardless of gender, marital status, race, ethnic origin, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, religion or age.