We are hiring a Co-Head of Communications to join our existing Co-Head in a permanent job share arrangement.
About us
The Henry Smith Foundation is one of the UK’s largest grant-making foundations. We back organisations and their leaders with bold ideas dedicated to making social change now.
We’ve recently launched a new strategy with sharper funding priorities, a refreshed brand, and a more inclusive, accessible tone of voice.
Communications is central to how we create impact for our grant holders, amplifying their voices, influencing systems connecting us with the people and communities we support.
The role
We are looking for a Co-Head of Communications to join our existing Co-Head in a permanent job share arrangement.
This is a senior leadership role, shared equally between two people working three days a week each, with collective responsibility for leading our communications function.
Together, the Co-Heads will:
- Lead the strategic development and delivery of our communications, ensuring they reflect our values and priorities.
- Act as stewards of our voice, narrative, and brand.
- Build and manage relationships with media, funders, policymakers, and sector leaders.
- Amplify the perspectives of grassroots and community organisations we fund.
- Oversee our media, communications and digital strategy, channels, campaigns, events, and content.
- Co-manage and develop a (new) Communications Officer, budget, and external suppliers.
This is a “twins model” job share: you’ll work collaboratively and seamlessly with your counterpart to cover the full scope of the role. Each Co-Head brings complementary strengths, one focusing more on digital, content and brand, the other on media, PR and policy, but both share joint accountability for the whole.
You will typically work Wednesday–Friday, with a minimum of one overlap day each week for joint planning, handover, and collaboration. To colleagues and external partners, the role should feel seamless: “one role, one voice.”
About you
We’re looking for someone who:
- Has significant experience in a senior communications or engagement role, ideally in a charity, social impact or systems change environment.
- Brings strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills across multiple platforms.
- Can confidently manage media relations and external representation.
- Understands co-production and participatory approaches to communications.
- Is an enabling leader, helping others across the organisation communicate clearly and confidently.
- Is values-driven, collaborative, and committed to equity, diversity and inclusion.
- Thrives working in partnership. You’ll bring curiosity, generosity, and adaptability to making the job share succeed.
What we offer
- A senior leadership role in a forward-thinking, values-led organisation.
- The opportunity to shape the voice and influence of one of the UK’s largest independent funders.
- A supportive and flexible working environment, with hybrid arrangements.
- A collaborative leadership model and a chance to bring fresh thinking to how communications is led.
To find out more and apply, visit the job advert on the Prospectus website.
