Our mission is to help children and young people have a fair chance to be who they want to be. We do this by providing a safe home, increasing life skills and self-confidence, and improving emotional wellbeing and mental health.

Our Fundraising and Communications team builds meaningful connections with supporters, partners, and the public to raise vital funds and awareness for our work with children and young people. Through strategic campaigns, compelling storytelling, and strong brand management, we champion our mission and amplify youth voices across all channels.

We’re looking for a skilled and creative Communications Manager to lead external communications at YMCA DownsLink Group. This is a fantastic opportunity to shape our messaging, manage media relations, and deliver high-quality content that supports our mission and enhances our reputation. You’ll play a key role in developing campaigns, coordinating communications across platforms and working with partners to raise awareness of our work across Sussex and Surrey. If you’re confident, collaborative, and ready to take ownership of strategic communications, we want to hear from you.

Qualifications, knowledge, and experience

• Proven experience in a communications role, including managing a team.
• Track record of successful multi-channel communications campaigns (media/PR, social media, website, publications, email marketing).
• Experience in crisis communications.
• Charity, not-for-profit, or housing association experience (desirable)
• Exceptional writing and presentation skills tailored to diverse audiences.
• Strong relationship-building and negotiation skills.
• Creative thinker with a flair for engaging content and storytelling.
• Proficient in Microsoft Teams, Word, PowerPoint, Canva, Mailchimp, Google Analytics, Google Ads.