People Communications Lead

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: People Communications Lead

🔹 Company: World Resources Institute

🔹 Location: London, United Kingdom

🔹 Job Type: Hybrid, Full-time, Limited Term

🔹 Category: Non-profit Organizations

🔹 Date Posted: 2025-06-20

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (8 days per month in the office)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and executing a global People communications strategy
• Strengthening WRI's employer brand and ensuring values and culture are reflected in communications
• Collaborating with various teams to integrate People narrative across the organization
• Leading communications for major people-related change initiatives, such as digital system implementations
• Crafting messaging that supports mindset shifts, behaviour change, and long-term adoption among staff

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic thinker with hands-on content creation skills to advance WRI’s mission and engage diverse audiences. The ideal candidate will have experience leading internal communications in a complex, global organization and managing communications for enterprise systems.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Lead the development and execution of a global People communications strategy aligned with WRI’s values, culture, and People Vision

✅ Define and maintain a cohesive People brand identity—voice, tone, and visuals—across countries, functions, and staff levels

✅ Strengthen WRI's employer brand ensuring our values and culture are reflected in how we attract and retain talent

✅ Advise the Chief People Officer and People leadership on strategic messaging and internal positioning

✅ Lead communications support for the CPO, including speech writing, presentation development, and a social media strategy. Develop executive messaging that aligns with WRI’s narrative

✅ Create compelling narratives and storytelling to highlight People priorities and impact

✅ Position People as a trusted, strategic partner through clear, consistent messaging

✅ Maintain a communications calendar tied to key internal and external people-related events

✅ Collaborate across WRI functions, programs, and offices to integrate our People narrative

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong project management skills to coordinate with various teams and ensure communications are timely, relevant, and engaging.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: A qualification in communications, journalism, or a related subject. Relevant work experience in lieu of a degree is accepted.

Experience:

• Communications experience, including leading internal communications, preferably in a complex, global organization
• Experience designing and managing communications for enterprise systems (e.g., Workday, SAP) or large change initiatives
• Experience drafting narratives and telling stories
• An inclusive approach that promotes diversity and equity
• Experience in managing People campaigns
• Ability to translate complex data and policies into compelling narratives for diverse audiences
• Proven leadership and track record of creating and implementing brand and communications strategies
• Experience producing compelling written documents, editing, speechwriting and proofreading
• Demonstrable familiarity with digital channels and strategies
• Familiarity with People processes and systems
• Experience in performance management, employee engagement, and organizational development communications
• Familiarity with visual communications, intranet content, and HRIS platforms

Preferred Skills:

• Fluency in additional languages
• Experience working in a non-profit or international organization

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of global communications trends and best practices, as well as the ability to work effectively in a matrixed organization.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £54,000 - £68,000 (commensurate with experience and other relevant factors)

Benefits:

• Access to the WRI global network with the opportunity to exchange with and learn from passionate colleagues working at the cutting edge of their fields across Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the US
• The chance to have an impact and to develop your career within a mission-driven organization with access to varied learning and training opportunities
• A workplace that strives to put diversity and inclusion at the heart of our work
• The opportunity to join and get involved in different working groups and affinity groups to shape the future of WRI
• Commitment to a hybrid working model with flexible working hours
• Generous leave days that increase with tenure

ASSUMPTION: WRI offers a competitive salary and benefits package that reflects the organization's commitment to supporting its employees' well-being and professional growth.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Non-profit Organizations

Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees

Founded: 1982

Company Description:

• WRI works to improve people’s lives, protect and restore nature and stabilize the climate. As an independent research organization, we leverage our data, expertise and global reach to influence policy and catalyze change across systems like food, land and water; energy; and cities.
• Our 2,000+ staff work on the ground in more than a dozen focus countries and with partners in over 50 nations.

Company Specialties:

• people & ecosystems
• climate change
• energy & transportation
• markets & enterprise
• governance & access to environmental information
• research
• data
• climate change
• food systems
• ghg emissions
• nonprofit
• ecosystem restoration
• forests
• cities
• renewable energy
• research
• environment
• clean energy
• nonprofit
• landscape restoration
• sustainable food
• ocean
• climate finance
• and nature-based solutions

Company Website: https://go.wri.org/FJZXVW

ASSUMPTION: WRI's mission and values guide its work, and the organization is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-career

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Chief People Officer and collaborates with various teams across WRI functions, programs, and offices

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (8 days per month in the office)

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to work on high-impact projects and initiatives across WRI's global network
• Opportunities to develop leadership and management skills through collaboration with senior stakeholders
• Chance to contribute to WRI's strategic direction and influence organizational change

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to expand their skills and advance their career within WRI.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid (8 days per month in the office)

Office Location(s): London, United Kingdom

Geographic Context:

• London is a global hub for various industries, including non-profit organizations
• The city offers a diverse range of cultural, social, and professional networking opportunities
• WRI's London office is located in a vibrant, central neighborhood, providing easy access to amenities and public transportation

Work Schedule: Flexible, with the ability to work remotely for some days of the week

ASSUMPTION: WRI's London office provides a dynamic and collaborative work environment, with opportunities for employees to engage with diverse colleagues and stakeholders.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening
• In-depth interview with the hiring manager and relevant stakeholders
• Final round interview with senior leadership

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication skills, both written and verbal
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Cultural fit and alignment with WRI's mission and values
• Expertise in internal communications and change management
• Understanding of global communications trends and best practices

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
• Demonstrate your understanding of WRI's mission and values, and how your skills and experiences align with the organization's goals
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your communication skills, leadership abilities, and problem-solving strategies

ATS Keywords: Internal Communications, Change Management, Global Communications, Strategic Communications, People Communications, Brand Strategy, Storytelling, Digital Channels, Employee Engagement, Performance Management, HRIS Platforms, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Non-profit, International Organization

ASSUMPTION: WRI's recruitment process is designed to assess candidates' skills, experiences, and cultural fit, and to ensure the organization selects the best candidate for the role.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
• Social media platforms (e.g., LinkedIn, Twitter)
• HRIS platforms (e.g., Workday, SAP SuccessFactors)
• Design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud)

ASSUMPTION: WRI provides the necessary tools and technologies for employees to perform their jobs effectively and efficiently.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Independence
• Integrity
• Impact
• Partnership
• Care

Work Style:

• Collaborative and inclusive
• Adaptable and flexible
• Results-driven and innovative
• Committed to WRI's mission and values

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you align with WRI's values, particularly 'Independence' and 'Impact'?
• How do you approach working in a hybrid environment, balancing remote work and office presence?
• How do you ensure your communication style is inclusive and engaging for a diverse, global audience?

ASSUMPTION: WRI seeks candidates who are passionate about its mission, values, and work, and who can thrive in a dynamic, global organization.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing communications for a global organization with diverse stakeholders and time zones
• Balancing the need for strategic, long-term communications with immediate, tactical responses to organizational changes
• Ensuring consistent messaging and branding across various channels and platforms
• Adapting to a hybrid work environment and managing remote team dynamics

ASSUMPTION: WRI's global nature and hybrid work arrangement present unique challenges, but also offer opportunities for growth and learning.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other internal communications roles, this position requires a stronger focus on global strategy, change management, and storytelling
• Unlike roles in for-profit organizations, this role emphasizes WRI's mission-driven approach and commitment to environmental and social impact
• This role offers more opportunities for international collaboration and global influence than similar roles in smaller, domestic organizations

ASSUMPTION: This role is unique in its focus on global communications strategy, change management, and mission-driven impact, setting it apart from similar positions in other organizations.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a global internal communications strategy for a major HRIS implementation (e.g., Workday)
• Creating a compelling narrative and visual identity for WRI's People function, highlighting its impact and value to employees
• Managing a cross-functional team to deliver a high-profile change initiative, such as a rebranding or organizational restructuring

ASSUMPTION: WRI offers opportunities for candidates to work on high-impact projects that align with their skills and interests, and that contribute to the organization's mission.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role support WRI's mission and values?
• What are the key priorities for the first 90 days in this role?
• How does this role collaborate with other teams and functions within WRI?
• What are the biggest challenges facing the People Communications function, and how can this role address them?
• How does WRI support the professional development and growth of its employees?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, insightful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and organization, and helps you assess whether it's the right fit for you.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your resume and cover letter by 28 July 2025
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
• Prepare for a phone or video screening, followed by in-depth interviews with the hiring manager and relevant stakeholders
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after your final interview to inquire about next steps

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.