Head of Communications

About the Organisation

Marie Curie is the UK’s leading charity focused on end-of-life care. It is the largest non-NHS provider of this care in the UK and the only organisation operating across all four nations. The charity delivers community nursing and end-of-life support, alongside information and guidance on dying, death, and bereavement. Its research work aims to expand understanding of high-quality end-of-life care, while its campaigning seeks to improve quality of life for people living with illnesses that may be life-limiting.

Role Overview

The communications team is responsible for creating and delivering Marie Curie’s external communications strategy, helping to strengthen the organisation’s identity and reputation among the public, stakeholders, communities, media, and regulatory audiences.

In the role of Head of Communications, you will take a senior lead in helping Marie Curie grow its profile as a trusted voice in end-of-life care. You will support audience growth, expand influence, and help shape public discussion through strategic communications that support meaningful change in a mission-led environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, deliver, and oversee external communications activity that reflects the organisation’s strategy and values.
• Work across directorates and initiatives to ensure messaging remains consistent, aligned, and effective.
• Partner with the Director of Corporate and Strategic Communications and the Head of PR and Media to support crisis communications, including response planning and development of key messages.
• Provide leadership, direction, and development support to the communications team.

Key Criteria

• Proven experience in a comparable leadership role, delivering organisation-wide communication plans that contribute to business goals.
• Strong background in leading major communication campaigns, including internal or external change communications.
• Experience of managing, coaching, and developing a team.
• Comfort working in a complex organisation and bringing multiple departments into alignment.
• Excellent relationship-building, interpersonal, and leadership abilities, with confidence influencing at all levels.
• Strong project management capability, including coordinating campaigns, projects, and products against organisational priorities.

Additional Information

The full job description is available separately.

Application Process

• Applicants will need to submit a CV and additional supporting details with the online application. The organisation asks candidates to review the advert and job description carefully and describe the experience, knowledge, and strengths most relevant to the role.
• The application deadline is Monday 29 June, although the advert may close earlier if a sufficient number of applications is received.

Contract and Location

This is a permanent, full-time position.

The role is based from home within the UK, with occasional travel to the London headquarters required.

Salary

The salary range is £58,500 to £65,000, depending on experience.

Values, Safeguarding, and Inclusion

Marie Curie states that its values guide how it cares for people, collaborates internally, and makes decisions. The organisation is committed to providing a workplace that is safe, supportive, inclusive, and rewarding for staff and volunteers.

It also takes safeguarding seriously and uses robust checks to help ensure people appointed to the organisation are suitable for their roles. Sustainability is part of everyday decision-making, reflecting the charity’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact.

Marie Curie emphasises diversity, equity, and inclusion, recognising both the justice value and the strength of a diverse workforce. Applications are welcomed from people with varied cultures, perspectives, and lived experiences.

Reasonable adjustments can be made during the recruitment process. Candidates needing support may contact recruitment@mariecurie.org.uk.

Every application is reviewed personally by the Talent Acquisition team, and candidates are encouraged to submit an application that genuinely reflects their experience, perspective, and voice.