Communications Officer

Overview

The Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES) is the national organisation for local economies. We are recruiting a Communications Officer to join our Manchester-based team, with hybrid working and office attendance at least one day per week.

Now is an exciting time to join us. In 2026 we will celebrate our fortieth year, launch our new-look brand and website, and step up our news and advocacy profile. To help us achieve this, we are looking for a Communications Officer to join our team, based out of our Manchester office.

Salary: £32,000 FTE (based on a four-day working week). We are open to applications for either full time or part time working. The part-time salary for three days per week would be pro-rated to £24,000 per year.

Location: Based in our Manchester office. We offer hybrid working but this post will require attendance in the office on at least one day per week.

• Deliver the communications workstream, including creating engaging digital content, high quality publications, and inspiring events.
• Collaborate with the Associate Director of External Affairs and the whole CLES team to give a voice to local economic transformation.
• Help develop and implement communication plans to support think tank external affairs activities and raise the organisation’s profile.

We are the Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES) – an independent economics think tank and charity. We work collaboratively across the UK and beyond to develop solutions to ensure economies are rooted in the places people call home. We are internationally recognised experts in Community Wealth Building, which we use to improve public services, strengthen social infrastructure, accelerate innovation and facilitate a just climate transition.

Reporting to the Associate Director of External Affairs and working with the whole CLES team, you will help us give a voice to local economic transformation, through the delivery of our communications workstream.

CLES is a registered charity No. 1089503. Company limited by guarantee No. 4242937. VAT No.