External Communications Manager
FitzRoy is a British charity supporting people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health needs to live lives rooted in choice, meaning and happiness.
As it strengthens its external voice, FitzRoy is looking for a confident, perceptive and warm communicator to help more people understand its work, expertise and impact.
This is a pivotal moment for social care. FitzRoy is committed to playing a more active role in shaping the future of the sector, ensuring that the people at the heart of it are seen, heard and involved in the decisions that affect their lives.
About the Role
As External Communications Manager, you will help build FitzRoy’s profile and reputation by identifying and sharing the stories, insights and opportunities that demonstrate what high-quality support looks like in practice.
Working closely with the Head of Communications, as well as colleagues across fundraising, business development and operations, you will turn communications priorities into practical plans, compelling content and meaningful opportunities for engagement.
This is a hands-on delivery role with genuine influence. While you will not be expected to set FitzRoy’s external communications strategy alone, you will play an important role in generating ideas, advising colleagues, shaping plans and turning opportunities into action.
Key Responsibilities
You will:
Develop proactive external communications activity that raises awareness of FitzRoy’s work, expertise and impact.
Identify opportunities for FitzRoy to contribute constructively to conversations across the social care sector.
Secure realistic opportunities for media, sector press, partner and local coverage.
Gather stories, photographs, video content and quotes that bring the impact of good support to life.
Use social media, website content, audience insight and analytics to strengthen FitzRoy’s external profile.
About You
You may come from a background in charity communications, PR, journalism, public affairs, stakeholder engagement or another external communications discipline.
Previous experience in social care is not essential. However, you will be genuinely interested in people, quick to learn, and able to handle stories about people’s lives with care, respect and sound judgement.
FitzRoy is looking for someone who is:
An excellent writer and editor.
Confident creating clear, accessible content for a range of audiences.
Warm, curious and able to build strong relationships quickly.
Skilled at identifying compelling stories, ideas and opportunities.
Experienced in creating social media and website content informed by audience insight.
Comfortable working independently and managing competing priorities.
Able to think strategically about audiences and influence while remaining practical and delivery-focused.
Confident gathering content, including photographs, videos and quotes.
Willing and able to travel to FitzRoy services and meetings when required.
A full clean driving licence and access to a car for work travel are essential, as some services are not easily accessible by public transport.
Why Join FitzRoy?
You will become part of a small, friendly communications team with ambitious plans for the future. This role offers a rewarding mix of planning, writing, relationship-building, story gathering and hands-on delivery.
Most importantly, you will help showcase the difference great support can make, ensuring the voices, experiences and achievements of people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health needs are seen, heard and valued.