Location : Reading, Hybrid Hours : 37 per week Salary : £66,000 Contract Type : Permanent Campaign Closes: 11th November 2025 First Stage Interviews: 17th & 19th November 2025 Second Stage Interviews: 24th November 2025 Make-A-Wish UK is entering a bold new chapter. With an ambitious five-year strategy to scale the number of wishes we grant and reach every eligible child, we’re looking for a visionary leader to help us tell our story like never before. As our Head of Brand, Communications & Entertainment, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping how the nation sees, hears, and connects with Make-A-Wish UK. You’ll lead a talented team of creatives, communicators, and digital experts to build a brand that inspires action, deepens engagement, and drives transformational impact. This is more than a communications role, it’s a chance to lead a movement. You’ll develop and deliver a powerful brand and communications strategy, forge high-impact partnerships with media and entertainment leaders, and ensure our message resonates across every channel and audience. From internal culture to national campaigns, your leadership will help us reach more children, faster. We’re looking for someone who brings strategic vision, creative flair, and an understanding of how to lead change and embed new delivery models. If you’re passionate about storytelling, brand building, and making a real difference in children’s lives, we’d love to hear from you. Core Purpose This leadership role is part of the Make-A-Wish UK Extended Leadership Team (ExLT) and is responsible for shaping and driving Make-A-Wish UK’s brand, communications and entertainment strategy. Ensuring the charity is powerfully positioned in the hearts and minds of the public as an organisation to support and donate to. Leading a team of expert communications, content and digital specialists, the role will champion a strategic and scalable approach to brand, content, and communications. It will ensure our messaging cuts through across all internal and external touchpoints, consistently reflecting our mission to grant a wish for every eligible child. The Head of Brand, Communications and Entertainment will also oversee the strategic development of key entertainment relationships, including celebrity talent, influencers, media partners, and broadcasters, to amplify our brand presence and support wider organisational objectives. As a key member of the ExLT, this role will collaborate across departments to strengthen Make-A-Wish UK’s profile, build meaningful connections with stakeholders, and inspire audiences to engage with and support our cause. Essential Criteria Proven experience (5 years) within senior level brand role including Head of Department or communications/strategy roles, ideally within the charity or not for profit sector. Demonstrated success in developing and delivering integrated communications strategies that drive awareness, engagement, and support. Proven experience leading organisations through change and successfully embedding new delivery models to improve impact, efficiency, or engagement Knowledge of how to develop a consistent brand voice and style. Ability to conduct market research, competitive analyses and research on potential target audiences. Strong understanding of digital communications, including social media, email marketing, and website content strategy. Experience managing crisis communications and safeguarding organisational reputation. Understanding of how marketing strategies relate to charity and income targets. Expertise in project management and ensuring teams meet timeline and budget objectives Demonstrable experience of leading and managing high-performing teams. Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to inspire, coach, and develop others. Ability to pivot between project details and big-picture goals. Strategic thinker with the ability to translate insights and data into actionable plans Collaborative mentality and openness to work with different stakeholders, internally & externally. Analytical mindset well-versed in quickly spotting trends Exceptional stakeholder management experience and proven track record of working strategically with media, influencers, and entertainment partners to amplify brand messaging. Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment, demonstrating flexibility and resilience. Strong understanding of the charity sector and Make-A-Wish’s mission. Proficiency in analytics and data-driven decision making. Excellent networking and relationship building skills to meet strategic objectives Key Responsibilities Brand Leadership Lead the development and implementation of Make-A-Wish UK’s brand strategy, ensuring it reflects our mission, values, and commitment to children and families. Act as brand guardian, maintaining consistency and integrity across all communications and channels, and ensuring alignment with Make-A-Wish International guidelines. Use audience insights and market trends to evolve brand positioning, ensuring it remains relevant, compelling, and inclusive. Champion brand understanding across the organisation, enabling teams, volunteers, and partners to represent Make-A-Wish UK authentically and effectively. Identify and cultivate strategic relationships with media and brand partners, that amplify brand visibility and engagement. Leverage these collaborations to enhance brand equity, reach new audiences, and support long-term brand development goals. Communications Strategy Develop and deliver a communications strategy that builds public awareness, deepens understanding of our mission, and inspires support. Lead the creation of impactful campaigns and storytelling that highlight the transformative power of a wish and the voices of children, families, and supporters. Lead on providing expert guidance to teams on integrated communications planning and execution, ensuring alignment across all public-facing activity. Manage crisis communications, safeguarding the charity’s reputation and ensuring clear, compassionate responses. Lead the development of a scalable and strategic framework for the delivery of organisational campaigns including service delivery, volunteering, fundraising and internal communications. Lead the development and implementation of a cohesive internal communications strategy and framework that fosters alignment, engagement, and a strong organisational culture Entertainment & Talent Engagement Strategically manage relationships with entertainment partners, influencers, and public figures to amplify our message and support wish granting, fundraising, and events. Oversee entertainment-related activity, working with the team to develop consistent processes and high standards of engagement. Support the Talent Manager to cultivate new strategic partnerships with agencies and representatives to expand opportunities and increase visibility, ensuring alignment with our values and goals. Digital & Media Engagement Lead the charity’s digital communications strategy, ensuring a vibrant, engaging presence across all platforms. Oversee the integration of digital marketing to support fundraising, awareness, and community building, Build and maintain relationships with media outlets, influencers, and partners to maximise positive exposure and advocacy. Team Leadership & Collaboration Provide inspiring leadership and development for the Brand, Communications & Entertainment team, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing culture. Support and role-model cross-functional collaboration, ensuring communications activity aligns with organisational priorities and supports other teams effectively. Represent Brand, Communication and Entertainment at the Extended Leadership Team (ExLT), contributing to cross-charity strategy, insight sharing and project delivery. Represent Make-A-Wish UK and nurture key relationships as required. Measurement & Insight Work with the Head of Insights and Innovation to develop and apply insights to inform strategic planning. Define and track key performance indicators to assess the effectiveness of brand and communications activity, presenting to the senior Leadership Team and Board as required. Capture and report on data and learnings, embedding continuous improvement and sharing best practice across the organisation.