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Job summary

Main area
Director of Strategic Communications, Policy and Influencing
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Full time
Employer
Parkinson's UK
Employer type
NGO
Town
London Office
Salary
£105,000 - £115,000
Closing
16/10/2026 23:59

Employer heading

Parkinson's UK logo

Director of Strategic Communications, Policy and Influencing

Are you looking to use your strategic communications, policy and influence experience to make a real impact?

We are about to embark on our ambitious vision to STOP Parkinson’s. We believe we are on the cusp of major research breakthroughs for Parkinson’s that could change lives forever but are fearful that in a broken NHS system this could mean new treatments and appropriate care will not be provided to those who need it most. So we need to shift from simply working with the system to fearlessly challenging unfit healthcare structures, holding decision-makers accountable, and driving national conversations to make change happen and deliver for our community.

The Parkinson’s community has a strong voice, and we want to make sure more people hear it. This exciting new role will lead the transformation of Parkinson’s UK’s external voice, policy influence, and public profile. We want to make sure we are influencing at the right level with authority, credibility and determination.

We want change. We want decision makers to be behind us and funders to support us. We want to make the greatest impact for the 166,000 people currently living with Parkinson’s.

Reporting into the Chief Executive and working as a key member of the Parkinson’s UK Executive Team, you will be responsible for leading this transformation.

As the custodian of Parkinson’s UK corporate narrative and reputation, you will lead, galvanise and embed our united message across the organisation to:

  • Transform Parkinson’s UK into a bold, highly credible, evidence-led authority that actively sets the agenda across government, the NHS, and media.

  • Translate policy demands into sharp political leverage—focusing relentlessly on prevention, non-motor symptoms, and preventable deaths.

  • Be a strategic adviser to the CEO, Chair, Board, and high-profile ambassadors, arming them with unified positioning to open doors, influence decision-makers and grow funding networks.

  • Drive National Conversations: Leverage tier-one media, parliamentary networks (APPGs), and strategic coalitions to make Parkinson's impossible for policymakers to ignore.

If you are ready to bring political strategy, campaign discipline, and sharp advocacy to our ambitious mission to STOP Parkinson's, we want to hear from you.

What you’ll bring

We are specifically looking for a senior leader with significant experience within a lobbying consultancy, public body, healthcare organisation or major charity, who can demonstrate a successful track record of driving strategy and organisational change.

In addition to the above, we are looking for:

  • A proven track record of shifting organisational voice from passive to proactive, planning and driving sharp uncompromising positions that constructively challenge healthcare bodies, government and the NHS.

  • Deep understanding of the UK political landscape, parliamentary dynamics, and health policy frameworks.

  • The ability to convert complex scientific, clinical and population data into sharp, high-impact campaigns that force response.

  • High-level networks across government bodies, NHS bodies and tier-one media and sound crisis management experience.

  • Exceptional communication skills, capable of drafting high-stakes briefings, keynotes, and strategic positions for a wide range of stakeholders.

Please apply by sending us your CV and a detailed cover letter explaining how you meet the criteria in the "What you'll bring" section of the job description.

Applications close on 16 October 2026.

Interviews for this role will be held on 23 October and 4 November 2026.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Applicant requirements

The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

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