Communications Officer – Third Age Trust (u3a)

Department: Marketing

Reports to: Communications Manager

Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week

Salary: £36,500

Contract: Permanent

Location: Hybrid – 2 days a week in Blackfriars, London, with monthly travel

About the role

It’s an exciting time to join the Third Age Trust as we develop our marketing and communications to promote u3a, attract new members and support u3as across the UK.

Reporting to the Communications Manager, you’ll work with the existing Communications Officer and Digital Marketing Manager to develop engaging content and campaigns that raise awareness of u3a and inspire people to join. We’re looking for a creative communicator who can find stories, develop ideas from concept to publication and choose the right channels for different audiences.

You’ll bring hands-on experience of email, social media, writing, imagery and short-form video, plus experience working with a PR agency. You’ll build relationships with members and volunteers, use feedback and results to improve communications, and deliver accurate, engaging work within agreed priorities.

Key responsibilities

• Develop written, visual and digital content for the u3a website, email, newsletters, social media, reports, blogs, publications and PR.
• Turn research, insight, data, policy and member activity into accessible, accurate communications for members, prospective members, media and other audiences.
• Identify stories, case studies, evidence and content angles; support the Communications Manager and PR agency with research-led and member stories.
• Plan and deliver communications activity around research, insight, impact and policy outputs.
• Write and deliver the monthly u3a Friends newsletter and other Trust newsletters.
• Contribute to organic social media and work with Digital Marketing to improve content, messaging and calls to action using performance insights.
• Ensure publications, reports and publicity materials are clear, accessible and consistent with u3a’s brand.
• Use CMS, email/e-CRM, social platforms and Adobe Creative Suite/Canva or similar tools to produce content.
• Build strong relationships with staff, volunteers, members, trustees, suppliers and external partners; support other departmental projects as needed.

Person specification

Essential

• Experience in communications, content, marketing or research communications, creating material for different audiences across web, newsletters, email, social media, reports, publications or PR.
• Ability to identify strong stories and work with colleagues and stakeholders to turn them into content.
• Strong editorial judgement, writing, editing and proofreading, with excellent attention to detail.
• Able to translate complex research, insight, data and evidence into clear, engaging, accurate and accessible communications.
• Skilled in digital content creation, prioritising multiple projects and deadlines, and building constructive working relationships.
• Understanding of audience-focused communication, brand consistency, accessibility, inclusion and the use of research and evidence in PR and engagement.
• Familiarity with CMS, email and social media tools and Adobe Creative Suite or similar. A marketing or communications qualification is advantageous; equivalent experience is accepted.
• Creative, curious, collaborative and proactive; sound judgement, care with evidence, flexibility and a commitment to presenting u3a as active, relevant and welcoming.

Desirable

• Experience in a charity, membership organisation, public sector or education setting.
• Experience creating infographics, animations, images or short-form video, including editing.
• Experience using Mailchimp or similar email platforms, Joomla or another CMS, and channel performance data to improve content.
• Knowledge of lifelong learning, volunteering, community participation, positive ageing and the age agenda.

First six months

• Learn the Trust’s content tools and build relationships across Marketing, Communications, Digital Marketing, Policy and Research.
• Connect research and policy with communications, translating insight into compelling, accurate content.
• Use performance data to improve messages and calls to action, newsletters, web, social, PR and publications.
• Make better use of research and impact evidence to support awareness, engagement and membership growth.

How to apply

Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining how your skills and experience match the job description. In your letter, include a short answer to each question:

1. What interests you about u3a and the Third Age Trust, and why does this role appeal to you at this point in your career?

2. Describe a recent campaign or project that showcased your skills. What made it a success and why?

3. This role will work closely with members and u3as to find engaging stories. How do you build strong working relationships, and get people talking?

Deadline for applications: 5pm Monday 30 November 2026.

Shortlisted applicants notified by: Friday 4 December 2026.

Initial online interviews: Week commencing 7 December 2026.

This job description provides a general overview of the role and responsibilities and may be reviewed in line with organisational needs.