Head of Communications

Over 1.1 billion people live with vision loss in the world today. Yet for a staggering 90% of these people, visual impairment is treatable or could have been prevented. 

Our vision is to transform lives through the prevention and treatment of blindness. With our network of partners, we mentor, train and inspire local teams so they can save sight in their communities. Through long-term programmes as well the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital, a stateof-the-art ophthalmic teaching hospital on board a customised aircraft, we have helped to treat and prevent vision loss for millions of people since we were founded over 40 years ago.

Title: Head of Communications Directorate: Fundraising and Communications 
Manages: Senior Content Producer, Senior Communications Manager & Communications & Engagement Officer 
Reports to: Deputy Director, Public Giving & Communications 
Location: Hybrid (2 days a week required in London, UK (Near Charing Cross)) 
Contract: Full time – 37.5 hours per week Permanent Grade: Professional Level 4 Salary: £48,183 per annum FTE

As the head of communications at Orbis UK, you will lead the development and delivery of an integrated communications strategy that increases awareness, consideration and engagement across our priority audiences. You will define our brand narrative, ensure consistent and compelling messaging across all channels, and coordinate content, media, and digital activity to support organisational and fundraising goals. 

You will take a strategic and hands-on role overseeing planning, messaging, and performance, while ensuring communications activity is insight-led, audience-focused, and aligned with organisational priorities. You will also identify opportunities to strengthen Orbis’s presence across traditional media, influencers, partners, and digital channels, and drive the adoption of innovative approaches including AI-enabled tools. 

You will bring substantial experience in leading multi-channel communications, with a strong grounding in brand, messaging and audience engagement. You will be able to translate organisational goals into clear strategic direction, while also providing hands-on support in the planning and delivery of content, media and digital activity. You will have the judgement to prioritise high-impact opportunities, the creativity to shape compelling stories, and the analytical skills to use data and insight to guide decisions. You will be confident co-ordinating across teams, managing suppliers, and representing communications at a senior level in key relationships, and you will be comfortable adopting new tools and approaches such as artificial intelligence to improve quality, efficiency and performance.

• Competitive Salary benchmarked annually
• Minimum 25 days holiday pro-rated increasing with length of service
• Life Assurance Policy (4 x salary)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• E-learning Courses
• Social Activities
• Flexitime
• Free Sight test

Plus, following successful completing of your probation:

• Matched employer pension contribution up to a maximum of 10% of basic salary
• Interest free season ticket loan
• Cycle to work scheme
• Contribution to cost of new prescription glasses
• Possibility of an overseas project visit after 3 years’ service

Closing Date:

All applicants will need to provide proof of their legal right to live and work in the UK.

Orbis UK is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from any suitably qualified persons. We operate an anonymised recruitment procedure so that no job applicant receives less favourable treatment either directly or indirectly, on the grounds of age, gender reassignment, being married or in a civil partnership, being pregnant or on maternity leave, disability, race including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. This aims to ensure all applicants are assessed solely on the strength of their application and not be affected by unconscious bias or confirmation bias.

Orbis UK acknowledges and recognises the disadvantages and barriers people from underrepresented and socially diverse groups face in the workforce. Orbis UK is committed to addressing this issue and we strongly encourage those from underrepresented and socially diverse groups (Black and Ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ and candidates with disabilities) to apply.

Safeguarding: Orbis UK is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and criminal records checks. Orbis UK is also a member of the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS).

Application is via curriculum vitae and covering letter, detailing why you believe you are suitable for the position, referring to your experience and qualification. Please apply via email to [email protected].