Job Description: Head of Marketing

Location: Hybrid – London and remote working
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Direct reports: Marketing and Communications team
Salary: [To be confirmed]
Contract: Permanent, full-time

About the Third Age Trust

The u3a movement is one of the largest member organisations in the UK with over 400,000 active members. Each u3a, is an independent charity and they have locally run interest groups, providing a wide range of engaging opportunities to come together and learn for fun.

The Third Age Trust is the national charity which supports the 1,000+ u3as. We provide advice, guidance and training to u3as and their committees, to help them have the greatest impact locally. The Trust also seeks to raise the profile of the movement nationally, developing partnerships and running campaigns for the benefit of the membership. We advocate for a positive approach to later life and promote the benefits that come from membership of the u3a movement.

The office is based in central London and the staff team is enthusiastic and hardworking. We work closely with the volunteers and members of the movement to achieve its aims and objectives. Our mission is to raise awareness of the u3a movement, grow membership, and strengthen our role as the national voice for positive ageing and lifelong learning.

Purpose of the Role

The Head of Marketing will lead the development and delivery of the Third Age Trust’s marketing, communication and brand strategy, the role also manages our small policy team. This pivotal role will shape how u3a is positioned, communicated, and understood by key audiences – including current and prospective members, key stakeholders, government and the wider public.

The postholder will oversee all aspects of marketing, PR, communications, and digital engagement, working closely with colleagues, volunteers, u3as, and external partners to enhance the visibility and impact of the u3a movement.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop, own, and deliver a comprehensive marketing strategy aligned with the charity’s vision, brand values, and strategic objectives.
• Strengthen awareness and understanding of the u3a movement among target audiences.
• Work with the CEO, senior leadership team, and trustees to ensure marketing activity supports growth in awareness and engagement.
• Use data, audience insight, and creative storytelling to inform decision-making and demonstrate impact.

Brand, Communications & PR

• Lead on brand positioning, ensuring consistency of message and tone across all channels and materials.
• Oversee the delivery of u3a Magazine and provide line management support to the Editor
• Develop and manage relationships with PR agencies and media partners to secure positive coverage and promote thought leadership.
• Develop and implement integrated PR and communications campaigns that demonstrate the impact of the u3a movement.
• Champion the voice of u3a members in all marketing and communications activity.

Digital & Content Marketing

• Oversee all digital marketing activities, including social media strategy, SEO, PPC, and email marketing.
• Ensure the u3a website is dynamic, user-focused, and aligned with brand goals.
• Deliver segmented and effective email campaigns to engage existing and prospective members.
• Lead the creation and distribution of compelling digital content.

Policy

• Support the CEO to manage the organisation’s public affairs activities enabling the Trust to play a meaningful role in shaping future policy and practice.
• Develop and implement strong and engaging influencing strategies across our key policy themes
• Develop systems to keep abreast of the policy changes
• Support the development of the organisations long term policy and influencing strategy

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead, coach, and develop a small marketing and communications and policy team to deliver impactful campaigns.
• Foster collaboration across departments and with local u3as to share best practice and amplify the movement’s reach.
• Build strong relationships with volunteers, u3as, and partners to support joint initiatives.

Measurement & Budget Management

• Create and manage the marketing budget, ensuring spend is aligned with strategic objectives and delivers measurable ROI.
• Track and report on key marketing KPIs and campaign effectiveness.
• Continually assess and refine strategies based on data and insight.

Person Specification

Essential Skills and Experience

• Proven experience in a senior marketing or communications leadership role, ideally within the charity or membership sector.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver marketing strategies that drive awareness, engagement, and growth.
• Strong understanding of brand development and audience engagement across digital and traditional channels.
• Experience leading, motivating, and developing a small team.
• Excellent storytelling and communication skills.
• Analytical mindset with experience measuring campaign performance including across digital channels
• Proven ability to manage budgets effectively.
• Experience managing agencies and suppliers.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Experience working within a federated or volunteer-led organisation.
• Knowledge of the ageing, lifelong learning, or community engagement sectors.
• Understanding of how to engage older audiences through inclusive and inspiring campaigns.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role and why you’re passionate about supporting the u3a movement.