Interim Head of Communications

Interim Head of Communications

We’re seeking an Interim Head of Communications to join our Communications team for a 4-month fixed term contract.

As a mission-based organisation, we believe businesses have the power to be a force for good. Our members include a

range of tea companies, from start-ups to multi-nationals who have joined us to address the complex systemic issues that the tea sector faces. We convene and facilitate collaboration between communities on the ground, our members, businesses, governments, and civil society, enabling us to mobilise our resources and deliver our transformational strategy.

Position: Interim Head of Communications

Location: E2, near Bethnal Green (London). Hybrid, minimum 3 days in the office.

Hours: 37.5 hours per week (full-time), Monday to Friday.

Contract: Fixed-term Contract from March to July 2025 (parental leave cover)

Salary: £60,000 to £62,000 per annum, depending on experience + company benefits.

Closing date: Sunday 23rd February 2025

Interviews: Week commencing 24th February

About the role:

The role will be reporting to the Executive Director, you’ll oversee and deliver integrated communications campaigns across fundraising, corporate partnerships, media, internal communications, and events. Collaborating with diverse internal and external stakeholders, you’ll ensure all communications align with the strategic goals and maintain the highest standards. From managing creative projects to leading a talented Communications Manager, this role offers variety, creativity, and purpose.

Key areas of responsibility include:  

• Oversee the implementation of the communications strategy, ensuring that the team deliver accessible and impactful messaging about the organisation and our work.
• Develop, maintain and implement the annual operating plan for the organisations communication activity.
• Raise the profile of the organisation and its work and ensure that it is viewed as a leading voice.
• Manage the reputation by ensuring that the organisation is well-prepared for any potential crisis situations and able to respond quickly and effectively.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge and understanding of the tea sector to ensure that communications reflect the priorities and needs of its members and the sector.
• Oversee our internal communications, ensuring staff and the Board of Directors are well briefed on key issues, branding, and any communications policies and procedures.
• Oversee the implementation, strategic direction and follow-ups for our regular event series and ensure progress with planning for our flagship international Forums and member events (such as Members’ Strategy Day).
• Manage and develop relationships with media outlets and journalists, ensuring effective communication and timely responses.
• Oversee the writing, editing, design, production and distribution of all internal and external communications, including member and stakeholder newsletters.
• Oversee website management, including maximising functionality, monitoring performance and ensuring that all content is up to date, engaging and accessible.
• Line manage one direct report – the Communications Manager, who oversees content planning and development as well as social media for the organisation.

About you:

• Substantial, proven experience in a senior communications role, preferably within an agricultural supply chain, with strong experience in strategy implementation.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including proofreading and editing.
• Experience across all areas of communications, including media engagement, crisis communications, digital and social media planning. 
• Experience of communicating social and environmental impact stories to a wide range of audiences. 
• Experience of successfully developing and managing effective working relationships with internal and external senior stakeholders, including senior journalists.
• Excellent line management and/or project management skills, able to inspire and motivate staff to deliver through a supportive and collaborative approach.
• Experience of developing compelling thought leadership content (ideally within the sustainability or agricultural supply chain field), accurately conveying information and engaging with a wide range of stakeholders.

Desirable:

• Demonstrable media relations expertise; experience of developing and delivering comprehensive media strategies across a range of platforms for a range of audiences.

• Competent in Adobe Suite design software.
• Knowledge of tea sector and/or global agricultural supply chains.

To apply for this position, please submit your online application form through this website and ensure you include your CV and a cover letter (maximum of 1 page) outlining your motivation for applying and relevant experience.

About the organisation:

Founded in 1997, this not-for-profit membership organisation with 38 diverse members, collaborates with members and third-party grantors to implement impactful, long-term programs in tea-producing countries, improving the lives of farmers, workers, and communities.  

The projects address critical issues in the tea supply chain, including poverty, gender-based violence, human rights violations, deforestation, and inadequate access to services. By partnering with corporate members, funders, and local implementers, they deliver tailored interventions and drive responsible business practices. Leveraging their unique position, they bring together the right stakeholders to tackle key challenges with actionable solutions.

You may also have experience in areas such as: Communications, Media, Communications and Engagement, Engagement, Digital, Digital Communications, Content, Marketing, Marketing and Communications, Head of Marketing, Head of Communications, Head of Media, Marketing Manager, Communications Manager, etc…

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.