Ellie Thompson
Ellie leads strategic development and creative delivery at Ave, combining insight-led brand strategy with practical execution across digital, print and campaign environments. She also contributes to sector learning through guest lectures at institutions including University of Roehampton and The Working Men’s College, and shares insight publicly via thought leadership initiatives such as On Purpose.
Coaching and mentoring, Communications, Fundraising and income generation, Marketing and PR
Animal welfare, Arts, culture, heritage, Children, young people and families, Criminal justice, Education, Environment and climate crisis, Housing and homelessness, LGBTQI+, Mental Health and Counselling, Women
Clients
WWF, Macmillan, NHS, Shelter, Camden Council, BookTrust, NSPCC, Genomics England, Cancer Research UK, South West Ambulance Service, NHS Lothian
Qualifications
Clore Social Leadership, Experienced Leader Programme
Getting on Board, Charity Board Leadership Programme
General Assembly, User Experience Design, UX/UI
Goldsmiths College, U. of London, MA Brands, Communication and Culture
London School of Marketing, CAM Diploma, Digital Media and Branding
University of the Arts London, BA (hons), Graphic Design
Experience
Ellie is the Founder and Director of Ave, an agency she established over 12 years ago to deliver thoughtful, impactful design for charities, not-for-profits, and public sector organisations. With a background in graphic design and a Master’s in charity brand strategy, Ellie has built a career rooted in helping purpose-driven organisations communicate more clearly and connect more meaningfully with their audiences.
Ellie leads on strategy and innovation, overseeing the creative delivery, and nurturing strong relationships across the charity and not-for-profit sector. She is passionate about the role good design plays in driving positive change and shaping inclusive, accessible experiences.
Ellie completed the Clore Experienced Leadership Programme in 2026, further deepening her leadership practice and commitment to the sector. Alongside her work at Ave, she is a mentor with CharityComms and supports mums navigating career transitions via Mentor Mums. She has recently completed trustee training through Getting on Board, strengthening her understanding of governance and the vital role trustees play in the sector.
In 2025, she launched On Purpose, a new programme of thought leadership and knowledge sharing designed to support professionals working in the charity and not-for-profit space. It’s an evolving platform focused on equipping others with the tools, insight, and confidence to make design and communications work harder for social impact. Whether through client work, mentoring, or sector-wide initiatives, Ellie is committed to championing a more thoughtful, collaborative, and effective approach to creative communications in the sector.