Communications Manager, Research

The Communications team is responsible for informing, inspiring and engaging the public by showcasing Alzheimer's Research UK's work, impact and mission across all channels. We lead the charity's media and strategic communications activity-ensuring consistent, accurate and compelling storytelling that supports research, fundraising and organisational priorities.

We are seeking a Communications Manager, Research to join our Communications Team and line manage the Research Communications team. The Communications Manager, Research, leads the development and delivery of communications that promote and explain the charity's research strategy, programmes and scientific impact. They act as the primary communications partner to the Research Directorate, shaping research narratives and overseeing high quality content that brings our science to life for diverse audiences.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Planning

Lead the development of communications strategies and plans for major research programmes, including:
Blood Biomarker Challenge, Dementia Frontiers Fund, Clinical Accelerator, GRB, DDA, and research partnerships.

Act as the senior communications partner to the Research Directorate, advising on messaging, positioning, risks and opportunities.

Shape and maintain the overarching research narrative and storyline, feeding into organisational messaging, master slide decks and presentations.

Ensure research communications plans align with organisational strategy and cross team communications activity.

Delivery & Oversight

Oversee the creation of key research communications materials:
Communication plans, FAQs, messaging documents, web content, reports and updates.

Ensure content is scientifically accurate, engaging and accessible for a range of audiences, including supporters, partners, researchers and policymakers.

Oversee communications planning around scientific conferences (e.g., AAIC, AD/PD), ensuring identification of key research outputs and coordinating content production.

Work with the Content Team to deliver researcher friendly content and impact stories that articulate the charity's scientific contribution.

Cross Team Collaboration

Collaborate with Press, Content, Corporate Comms and Digital teams to ensure consistent messaging on research across all channels.

Act as a research communications expert internally, supporting colleagues who need scientific context, messaging or guidance.

Lead the planning and delivery of research specific social media content in partnership with digital colleagues.

Team Leadership & Management

Line manage, coach and develop members of the Research Comms team, ensuring high performance, prioritisation and skills development.

Translate broader departmental strategy into clear objectives and work plans for the team.

Provide guidance and support on complex communication tasks and ensure quality assurance across all team outputs.

Encourage continuous improvement in processes, systems and ways of working.

Governance, Risk & Resource Management

Provide input into setting budgets for research communications activity and work within allocated resources.

Identify comms risks around research announcements or projects and advise on mitigation strategies.

Ensure compliance with organisational policies and regulatory requirements.

Work with Metrics & Insights colleagues to set KPIs and evaluate performance of research communications activity.

Knowledge, skills and experience needed:

Significant experience in communications, science communication or research engagement

Scientific background or qualification

Experience developing comms strategies

Strong track record translating scientific information

Experience managing staff or projects

Experience advising senior stakeholders.

Excellent written and verbal communication

Strategic thinking

Project management

Ability to influence and build relationships

Sound judgement

Proactive, solution focused approach.

Additional Information:

Ways of working:

As part of our Agile ways of working you will be required to work approximately 2 days a week from the office, which is subject to the requirements of the role and the business needs. Flexibility on where you…