Communications and PR Manager

Founded in 1681 by King Charles II, the Royal Hospital Chelsea has stood for centuries as a national symbol of gratitude to the soldiers who have served our country, and is home to the iconic Chelsea Pensioners. Today, the Hospital’s job remains to ensure that those who have served are always supported.

We are now looking for a high-performing, delivery-driven Communications and PR Manager - someone who knows how to get stories live in national media, and understands how powerful, authentic beneficiary storytelling drives fundraising and public engagement.

If you’ve worked in PR or communications at a national charity, know how to maximise national moments like Remembrance, have worked sensitively with beneficiaries, and are the person people come to when something simply needs to get done – this could be the role for you.

Where you fit in

You’ll join an ambitious marketing and communications team focused on raising the Royal Hospital’s profile, increasing fundraising income, and building new audiences through strategic, emotive and measurable communications.

Your work will directly contribute to protecting and securing the future of the Royal Hospital Chelsea - helping us reach supporters, donors, and the veteran community with stories that inspire action and demonstrate undeniable impact.

What you’ll be doing

You will lead our press and PR delivery, responsible for an ‘always-on’ approach that generates consistent local and national coverage. You’ll ensure our stories land where they matter - driving donations, admissions, brand visibility and engagement with the veteran community.

We want someone who is:

• A proven PR operator with significant experience in a national charity or large not-for-profit environment
• Exceptional at storytelling, especially beneficiary-led stories, handled with sensitivity and impact
• Good at spotting media opportunities, crafting strong angles, and who knows what journalists want
• Comfortable juggling multiple projects and deadlines without ever dropping the standard
• An experienced line manager or mentor of junior colleagues

If you love bringing powerful stories to life, know how to turn awareness into action, and have the energy and drive to elevate a national institution - this is your chance to do career-defining work.

To apply please submit your CV and a covering letter of up to 500 words to emma.sweetland@chelsea-pensioners.org.uk

Early applications are encouraged as we will be reviewing applications and interviewing candidates throughout the recruitment process.

About Us

The ethos of the Royal Hospital is one that puts a premium on selflessness and companionship. Our values of nurturing belonging, respect individuals, encourage pride and enjoy life underpin that ethos. We are united in a shared purpose, living and working together and ensuring everyone has a place in our diverse social and military community.

The Royal Hospital Chelsea is dedicated to equality, diversity, and inclusion, where all backgrounds and abilities can reach their full potential. We pride ourselves on attracting a wide range of talent, removing potential barriers, and promoting equal opportunities. We know, the more varied and inclusive our teams are, the better our organisation will be for our community. We are a Disability Confident employer dedicated to hiring diverse talent and ensuring you are treated with respect throughout the recruitment process and upon joining our community.

Our selection process

Should your application be successful you will be invited to a formal interview, where you will be asked questions relating to your experiences and key requirements of the role. If you are successful after the interviews we will:

• Ask for references from those you have listed on your application form
• Check your right to live and work in the UK
• Check any declarations you have made on your application form
• Ask you to complete a medical form
• Carry out an Enhanced DBS application.