Overview
The Science Communications Manager leads an expert team that inspires and informs the public, donors and researchers about dementia research, the progress being made, wider developments in the field and the impact of Alzheimer’s Research UK (ARUK) funding. The postholder works closely with the Research and Philanthropy teams to create impactful research content and support engagement activities. They will be an effective and inspiring communicator, creating and landing content covering ARUK research, impact and commentary across multiple communications channels and audiences. This is a challenging, creative and busy role that oversees a critical function for ARUK and its mission. This is a 12 month fixed term contract, or on return of the substantive postholder, to cover a period of maternity leave.
Key Responsibilities:
* Work with the Senior Science Communications Manager and the Head of Communications, and colleagues in the Research team, to plan and implement inspirational science communications programmes that support the charity’s 10-year strategy.
* Lead and develop a team of two Officers, working closely across the wider science communications team.
* Develop and maintain a first-rate working knowledge of the dementia research field, including ARUK’s portfolio, strategy, impact and history, and act as a go-to person for the latest information and insight in dementia research and communicate it effectively.
* Ensure the team develops and maintains relationships with a wide network of experts from across the dementia research field, including attending conferences and representing ARUK.
* Work with the Research team and wider Sci Comms team to develop and implement communications plans for dementia research stories – ARUK-funded and responses to other stories in the news.
* Responsible for regular out-of-hours science sign-off, alongside the wider science communications management team (on-call rota, and occasional ad hoc).
* Support the Philanthropy and Gifts in Wills teams by ensuring progress reports are delivered on time and meet the required brief, producing other engaging research content when needed.
* Oversee the charity’s work to engage researchers, grow the field, share best practice, and coordinate events and development opportunities to ensure the UK remains a world-class place to conduct dementia research.
* Develop high-level narrative documents that make the case for research and ARUK’s work, and devise innovative communications products and campaigns based on this narrative.
* Manage and evolve the ‘News and Views’ sections of the ARUK website, ensuring engaging and up-to-date content, video and graphics, and monitor the performance of digital content.
* Support public-facing communications for major research initiatives such as the Drug Discovery Alliance, Clinical Accelerator programme and other funding initiatives.
* Represent ARUK at a high level within key relationships and partnership projects.
* Manage multiple short- and long-term projects, working with teams within the charity and external stakeholders.
* Ensure activities comply with ARUK’s branding and style guide.
What we are looking for
* Educated to Degree Level in life sciences or relevant experience.
* Experience of working with the media at a national level.
* Experience of developing multi-media communications including film content and infographics for a variety of audiences.
* Experience creating social media and digital content (blogs, website summaries); managing progress reporting for a philanthropic audience and creating content for supporter and researcher newsletters.
* Ability to identify and develop creative and engaging public communications opportunities from scientific research.
* Ability to lead and manage a team, with responsibility for performance and career development.
* Creativity and innovation in communications.
* Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage many tasks to multiple deadlines.
* Ability to communicate effectively with people affected by dementia and their families.
* Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills; able to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders.
* First-rate editorial and writing skills, with strong journalistic sense.
* Confident and friendly; comfortable representing the charity to a range of audiences at a high level.
* Driven, independent, with initiative, curiosity about dementia research.
* Willingness and ability to travel in the UK and beyond; able to work outside regular hours when needed.
Additional Information
Ways of working: As part of Agile ways of working you will be required to work approximately 2 days a week from the office, with flexibility on where you work. No mileage/travel, accommodation or meals costs are claimable while on Agile work.
Our Office: 3 Riverside, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AD.
Please download the Vacancy Pack on our website for more information.
Closing date: 19th October 2025. Interviews arranged after shortlisting. If you cannot attend a proposed interview date, please indicate in your covering letter. Applications are encouraged at the earliest opportunity as interview dates may be moved in exceptional circumstances.
Equality, diversity and inclusion: We value diversity and are committed to an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, especially from ethnic minority groups currently under-represented. Right to work in the UK is required for employment.
How to apply: Create an online account via our Online Recruitment Platform on the Job Vacancies page, attach your CV and track your application.
About Alzheimer’s Research UK: Alzheimer’s Research UK is the UK’s leading dementia research charity. Our mission is to accelerate progress towards a cure. ARUK looks after its people and offers opportunities to make a difference. For more details about working for us and our benefits, please visit Alzheimer’s Research UK.
#J-18808-Ljbffr