Campaigning Manager

Research is key to beating cancer, but we also need to make sure the policy environment is one that supports cancer research and improve outcomes for people affected by cancer.  Our policy campaigns work is critical to achieving that. 

£45,000 - £49,000 (+ Benefits)

Grade: P2

Directorate: Policy, Information and Communications

Reports to:  Head of Public Affairs and Campaigning

Contract: 14 month fixed-term contract

Hours: Full Time 35 hours per week

Location: Stratford, London . Office-based with high flexibility (1-2 days per week in the office)

External closing date: 28/06/2026

Internal closing date: 05/07/2026

Recruitment process: competency-based interviews with a written task

Interview date: W/C 15th July 2026

How do I apply? We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. CVs are required for all applications; but we won’t be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to fully complete the work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you quickly, fairly, and objectively.

We have an exciting opportunity for you to join us as a Campaigns Manager (maternity cover) to lead our policy Campaigns team. We’re looking for someone who is proactive, creative and experienced in building strong, influential relationships and committed to ensuring that cancer is a key priority for all political parties in the UK. 

What will I be doing? 

• Ensuring that improving cancer outcomes remains a key policy and political priority by leading the public facing policy campaigning function for Cancer Research UK.  

• Working closely with the Ambassador Manager and Public Affairs Managers in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales to effectively support and engage Cancer Research UK volunteers and campaigners in key campaign activity. 

• Managing, leading and developing the campaigns team and building effective internal and external networks to support Cancer Research UK’s goals. 

• Leading and driving the maximisation of digital channels and AI to improve effectiveness of our campaigns and engagement with our supporters. 
• Leading the policy campaigning function for Cancer Research UK, including national high-profile campaign activity, alongside local and constituency-based engagement. 
• Manage the campaigns team and build effective internal and external networks to support Cancer Research UK’s goals. 

What skills are you looking for? 

• Strong experience of designing, planning, delivering and evaluating policy campaigns 

• Demonstrable line management, team leadership and volunteer engagement experience 

• Experience of budget management, agency relations and stakeholder engagement 

• Previous experience in, or exposure to, Government, the health service and/or science and research environments is beneficial but not essential 

• Ability to write persuasive, compelling and punchy comms 

• A passion for politics, current affairs and improving people’s lives. 

At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.

Our organisation values are designed to guide all that we do.

Bold: Act with ambition, courage and determination  

Credible: Act with rigour and professionalism   

Human: Act to have a positive impact on people  

Together: Act inclusively and collaboratively

We’re looking for people who can believe in and embody these organisation values and can use them to drive forward progress against our mission to beat cancer.

If you’re interested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills and experience we’d still love to hear from you.

Internal eligibility criteria 

Internal candidates should ideally have completed their 6-month ‘getting started’ period before applying for other roles. You should also advise your current line manager at the point you make an internal application, or at the latest, at the point of being invited for an interview. 
 

All internal candidates applying for a secondment, must have: 

• Completed their getting started period 
• Discussed their intention to apply and gained approval to apply with their line manager  
• Been in their substantive (home) role for at least 6 months (this is only applicable if you have previously been on secondment) 

If you do not confirm that you meet these requirements, we will not be able to progress your application. 

 
For information about internal learning and development at Cancer Research UK please visit Fuse. 

What will I gain?

We create a working environment that supports your wellbeing and provide a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools. Our policies and processes enable you to improve your work-life balance, take positive steps in your career and achieve your personal wellbeing goals.

You can explore our benefits by visiting our careers web page.

Additional Information

For more information about working with us please visit our website or contact us at [email protected].  

For more updates on our work and careers, follow us on: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

There’s a place for everyone at Cancer Research UK. Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in, the work we do. We're committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. 

We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented, and believe that a diverse workforce will help us to beat cancer sooner. 

If you’re interested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills and experience we’d still love to hear from you. We don’t expect everyone to meet all of the criteria listed.

We want to see every candidate performing at their best throughout the job application process, interview process and whilst at work. We therefore ask you to inform us of any concerns you have or any adjustments you might need to enable this to happen by emailing us at [email protected]. 

Unfortunately, we are unable to recruit anyone below the age of 18, so that we can protect young people from health & safety and safeguarding risks.