Academic development manager jobs

Key information

Location: Manchester, Bristol, Newcastle, Nottingham, or London

Hours: 37.5 hours per week (full time)

Start date: ASAP (we are happy to work with notice periods)

Duration: Permanent

Salary: £30,025 per annum if based in London. £27,375 per annum if based in Bristol, Manchester, Newcastle or Nottingham, plus a £312 yearly tax-free work from home allowance.

Application deadline: 12 noon, Friday 16th January 2026

About upReach 

Do you think that your socio-economic background should determine your career prospects?

upReach’s vision is of a society in which everybody has an equal opportunity to realise their full career potential. Our work is important because right now a student from disadvantaged background who gains a first-class degree from a top university is less likely to secure an elite job than a more privileged student with a 2.2. 

We are an award-winning charity employer working to address this issue in partnership with employers and universities. We help undergraduates from lower socioeconomic backgrounds achieve their career potential by providing an intensive programme of support that addresses socio-economic barriers to graduate employment. 

To find out more about our work, visit our website and read our Annual Report, and Impact Report. 

ROLE SUMMARY

The Mentoring Coordinator will contribute to upReach's mission, by helping to manage the day to day running of our professional mentoring programmes (Professional Mentoring and Ask an Expert). Professional Mentoring sees students on the upReach programme matched with a professional for a six month period, while Ask an Expert allows students to directly contact professionals for one-off conversations.

GRADUATE SCHEME SUMMARY

The Mentoring Coordinator role is part of upReach’s Future Charity Leaders Programme (FCLP). The FCLP provides you with a unique opportunity to:

• Work directly on the upReach mentoring programmes, supporting young people and professionals to form successful mentoring relationships (4 days per week), while also;

• Gaining exposure to various aspects of charity management through 6-month rotations (1 day per week).

• Receiving training in Leadership throughout, and have the opportunity to complete an apprenticeship in Leadership and Management after 18 months on the programme (in place of rotations). 

The FCLP is designed either for high-calibre graduates from any university, academic subject and background - or for those with experience in the corporate world who are looking for a career change and experience in the charity sector. 

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Please note that it is not possible for the job description to cover the exhaustive list of responsibilities of your role due to the varied nature of the role. The job description aims to provide an overview of your remit and core responsibilities. 

The Mentoring Coordinator will be responsible for ensuring that upReach’s mentoring programmes (Professional Mentoring/Ask an Expert) operate smoothly and effectively, and will report to the Volunteering Programme Manager. You will work alongside the Programmes and Partnerships teams to ensure that matches are successful, and that both mentors and mentees have a positive experience of mentoring at upReach.

1) Supporting the smooth running of mentoring programmes:

• Deliver day to day operational tasks, including making mentor and mentee matches and responding to professional/student queries received via the Mentoring inbox and the mentoring platform;

• Act as the primary point of contact for mentors/professional volunteers and students using the upReach mentoring platforms, and take action to resolve any issues raised;

• Proactively monitor the success of all mentoring relationships/interactions using mentoring platform data, identifying any concerns and taking action to resolve them;

• Develop and deliver training sessions and resources with the support of the Volunteering Programme Manager to ensure that mentors, professionals and mentees have a high-quality experience.

2) Supporting Partnerships and Programmes teams:

• Work with the Programmes team to encourage Associates to register for and participate in the mentoring programmes;

• Work in collaboration with the Programmes and Partnerships teams to help ensure that all mentoring outputs are delivered effectively and on time, and support them with reporting back to partners;

• Act as the point of contact for employer partners whose primary activity is mentoring, and provide updates on impact measurement for these partners.

3) Rotations in different areas of charity management  

• As part of the FCLP programme, work on rotational projects designed to give you a greater exposure and understanding of the different areas of charity management;

• You will have a six month rotation in each of the following areas during your first 18 months on the programme: (1) Fundraising, Partnerships and Comms, (2) Operations and Strategy (3) Project and Product Management;

• Each week you will work on projects related to your current rotation (7.5 hours per week). These projects will be agreed with your Rotation Manager, in line with the learning objectives for each rotation.

4) Leadership training and development

• Participate in training every six weeks on different soft skills within Leadership through an external training provider during your initial 18 months on the programme. This training will take place through a mixture of online and face to face sessions. Training sessions will include:

  • Communication

  • Understanding different working styles

  • Conflict Management

  • Emotional Intelligence

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

The ideal candidate for Mentoring Coordinator should display these skills: 

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal;

• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to prioritise a varied workload, manage competing demands and deliver to tight deadlines;

• Good problem-solving skills;

• Self-motivation and an ability to work in a small team as well as independently;

• Ability to engage and communicate confidently with stakeholders, such as beneficiaries, upReach partners and all levels of employees across the organisation. 

To be successful, it is anticipated that you would have experience in:

• Communicating with a variety of stakeholders, through written and verbal communication;

• Managing and prioritising a varied workload.

Team Culture & Benefits: 

We offer: 

• Flexible and hybrid working.

• Statutory Holiday Entitlement of 25 days and bank holidays. This increases to 2 additional days after 2.5 years and then to 3 additional days after 5 years of working with us. 

• Birthday leave and Volunteering leave

• Enhanced Parental Leave beyond statutory requirements for all team members. 

• 3% Pension Contribution, which increased to 5% after 5 years of working with us. 

• Cycle-to-work scheme.

• Monthly socials and annual wellbeing days

• Dedication to Staff Wellbeing through our Employee Assistance Programme and Mental Health First Aid Training. 

• Personal Development Budget, activated after 6 months in the role.

• The opportunity to participate in our fantastic staff networks: 

  • Disability and Inclusion Network

  • Diverse Roots Network 

  • Green Network 

  • LGBTQ+ Network

  • Mindfulness Network

  • Parents and Carers Network

  • (Im)Migrants Network 

Ready to apply?

We are committed to making our recruitment process inclusive. All applications will be blind screened, and our job packs are available in Braille, large text or another format upon request. We can provide reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment application process and on the job, and we'll always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible.

Applications close on Friday 16th January at 12:00 noon.

Equal Opportunities

At upReach, we are committed to being an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate in employment matters on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, disability, social background or any other protected class. We celebrate and value the diverse perspectives that people from all backgrounds bring to our team. We are passionate about creating a workplace that is inclusive and reflects the diversity of communities across the UK. Thus, we encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented groups, including Black, Asian and other ethnic minority backgrounds, those with disabilities, those who are care-experienced, those from low socio-economic backgrounds, and those who are LGBTQIA+.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Heritage Activity and Evaluation Consultant to support the delivery and evaluation of our tower restoration and heritage project funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. This role is crucial in ensuring the project meets its approved purposes and outcomes, while providing valuable insights for future development.

Scope of Work

1. We expect that the appointed Heritage Activity Consultant will deliver the following:

· Lead on the successful delivery of the heritage engagement activities as per the Project Plan to achieve The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s outcomes and approved purposes

· Lead on the promotion and publicity of the project

· Lead on the recruitment and management of volunteers

· Liaise with the project partners listed in the Project Plan, as well as any other connections that are created through the project

· Maintain high quality records of all project activities

· Submit Progress Reports and Grant Claims to the Heritage Fund

· Support the Evaluation Consultant with the evaluation of the project

2. Regular Monitoring Support

· Assist the church with the submission of The National Lottery Heritage Fund grant reports and payment claims.

· Work closely with the Heritage Activity Consultant to collect data on project events and activities, monitoring progress against agreed plans.

· Support any project reviews and help implement necessary changes.

· Provide general project support as required.

3. End-of-Project Evaluation

· Produce a comprehensive evaluation report assessing the achievement of the project’s approved purposes and outcomes.

· Document major successes and any areas that did not go as planned.

· Record changes implemented during the project.

· Identify lessons learned and make recommendations for future projects or opportunities arising from this work.

Requirements:

Essential:

· Proven experience in project evaluation, preferably within heritage or community projects.

· Familiarity with evaluation and reporting guidelines (or willingness to learn quickly).

· Strong analytical, reporting, and communication skills.

· Ability to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders.

Desirable:

· Experience of working with project’s funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund or similar funding bodies.

· An understanding of evaluation and reporting guidance.

Closing Date: Monday 29th December 2025

Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage. Telling the Story of St Nicholas Berden is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to raise funds to support the restoration of the tower at St Ncholas church, Berden and link this historic building to the history of the small village that it sits at the heart of. The project involves the local community in the story telling of this beautiful village whilst linking the past to the present through re-enactments, storytelling and the physical, built, environment.

We’re seeking a part time, 20 hours per week Union Administrator to coordinate key internal meetings and provide executive support to our CEO. You’ll be responsible for preparing agendas, presentations, taking minutes, tracking actions, and ensuring smooth communication across departments. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain insight into high-level organisational operations while developing your professional skills. If you thrive on keeping things running behind the scenes, we’d love to hear from you. Join us and play a central role in supporting strategic decision-making and operational excellence.

Purpose of the job

This role is responsible for the design of UK Youth’s support to young people, youth organisations and youth workers. This could include structured youth work programmes, funding and grants+ programmes, professional development programmes, and campaigns.

You will lead and oversee end-to-end design processes, ensuring that UK Youth develops fully packaged offers that respond to the evidence base and people’s needs, drive forward our strategy and achieve incredible impact. You will work across UK Youth teams, with external design partners, and meaningfully involving young people and the professionals who support them in the design process.

You will be experienced in developing high quality funding propositions (proactively and in response to new business opportunities). You will be confident in taking a human-centred design approach to tackle some of the youth sector’s knottiest problems.  You will design solutions to important problems, ensuring that they are feasible, equitable, impactful and scalable.

In 2026, our priority topics for youth work programmes and network development are: mental health and wellbeing, employability, social cohesion and community safety.

 As a leader, you will work closely with research, evaluation, policy, service delivery, network development, and fundraising teams. You will help to improve the skills and confidence of colleagues across UK Youth to apply design methods in their own work and collaborate effectively with the Design team.

Why work at UK Youth?

UK Youth wants all young people to be equipped to thrive and empowered to contribute at every stage of their lives. Youth work can be life changing (and even life saving.) In 2026, we will be launching our new strategy, positioning UK Youth to unlock youth work so that every young person in the UK can benefit. We work with others to ensure that the youth sector is strengthened and that provision is youth-led, evidence-informed, and delivers high-quality outcomes.

 UK Youth plays a unique role in addressing the lack of investment in the youth sector, the lack of cross-sector understanding in how youth work makes a difference, and the limited opportunities to embed effective solutions. These factors lead to mass inequality of access to youth services for young people. Come and be part of this change in a driven and supportive team that puts evidence at the heart of our work.

Role Responsibilities

• Designing Solutions

• Developing new business and funding propositions

• Embedding Human Centred Design

• Building a strong external network to support the Design team’s work

• Operations

Experience we're after

• Significant experience of leading and overseeing the development of new business propositions and proposals to time-limited funding opportunities

• Significant experience of designing interventions (digital and/or physical) for young people and/or those who support them 

• Experience using human-centred-design methods and mindsets; managing projects across the end-to-end design process

• Proven track record of inspiring and motivating diverse teams and improving collaborative ways of working across teams and departments

• Experience of developing high quality programme content and curricula for young people, youth workers and/or outdoor learning instructors (desirable)

• Experience of commissioning and managing external design freelancers and consultants (desirable)

• Experience of designing and/or delivering professional development programmes (desirable)

What we can offer you

We offer a competitive range of benefits, good work/life balance, excellent learning and development opportunities and vibrant organisational culture:

• Flexible/Agile Working

• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time employees)

• Funded training provided in; Safeguarding, GDPR, Information and Cyber Security & Equality & Diversity

• Other training available in support of your personal and professional development

• Pension scheme (currently UK Youth match employee contributions up to 5%)

• Membership of our life insurance scheme which would pay-out up to 4 times your salary

• Employee Assistance Programme to support employees both professionally and personally

• 20% discount off bookings at Avon Tyrrell, our New Forest Outdoor Centre, including camping, lodges and outdoor activities.

• IT equipment provided for the duration of contract

• CycleScheme and TechScheme

How to apply

If you would like to be considered for this fantastic opportunity, please complete an application via our completely anonymised recruitment system provided by Applied which looks to create a fair and unbiased application process for all. Scroll to the top of the page and start your application.

Closing date: Sunday 4th January 2026 at 23:59pm

Provisional Interview Dates: 12th and 13th January 2026

As this role involves working in a regulated environment with young people, any offer will be conditional to satisfactory background checks, which include criminal record check and employment reference.

About Speakers Trust
Speakers Trust is the UK’s leading public speaking and youth voice charity. Every year, we empower over 40,000 young people to find their voice, share their stories, and build the confidence to be heard. We are creative, ambitious, and exist to make a real impact.

What Makes This Role Special

Speakers Trust works with over 700 schools as well as partners and supporters from across the third-sector. You will be part of our central team, supporting us to manage these relationships and build new ones. This role will be vital both in helping us reach more young people – and helping ensure that those we do reach are heard and listened to.

The Role

The purpose of this role is to recruit schools to participate in our programmes and coordinate workshops and events in schools and with other third sector organisations and cultural institutions.

Your Key Responsibilities

Manage School Relationships:

• Support on the recruitment of state schools and partners across the UK to participate in all training programmes including all “Speak Out Challenge” programmes;
• Support schools to engage with our resources;
• Maintain and build school and teacher relationships;
• Liaise with schools before workshop delivery;
• Follow up with schools after workshop delivery;
• Assist in the assessment, monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of the programme;

Liaise With Freelance Delivery Team:

• Liaise with trainers to match availability to workshop dates;
• Coordinate the day-to-day trainer delivery of the training programmes with the rest of the Programmes Team;
• Ensure trainer team has adequate resources and supplies to deliver their training;
• Assist in trainer team administration including invoicing and feedback.

Coordinate Events:

• Support the delivery of regional events such as competitions, launches, promotional and networking events;
• Manage competition entries across programmes- ensuring we have all relevant information and permissions including parental consent;
• Liaise with freelance staff delivering events and external event teams, ensuring they have all the correct resources and information required;
• Help implement quality assessment protocols as agreed with funders.

You will also get the opportunity to develop the role by supporting organisation wide initiatives to extend the reach of our programmes to those who most need it and raise the profile and support of the organisation.

What We’re Looking For

A team player. We are a small charity that thrives through collaboration. As part of our team, you will follow organisation policies and procedures and be willing to assist with a wide range of tasks as needed. This includes maintaining our CRM and Project Management systems, ensuring compliance with child safeguarding procedures, and supporting at office training events. We also believe in playing to people’s strengths.

What We Offer

• Salary: £25,000–£30,000 per annum pro rata for any reduced hours. Employed on a fixed term contract (starting asap) for 6 months. Full or Part time contract available - with a minimum of 3 days a week.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata)
• Pension scheme with auto-enrolment
• Central London office (2-3 days/week), plus flexible hybrid working
• Supportive, inclusive, and creative team environment

Community Fundraiser - London​

Are you ready to take on a new challenge with a leading charity making a real difference in brain tumour research? ​

Brain Tumour Research is seeking an experienced and motivated fundraiser to join our team. As a key part of our fundraising efforts in our high-performing East region, you will have the opportunity to drive income generation through a variety of initiatives, including challenge events, fundraising groups, and corporate partnerships such as charity of the year. You will also be responsible for driving initiatives to increase our profile and supporter base within London.​

Key Responsibilities: ​​​

• Generate income across a range of community fundraising initiatives and events, with the opportunity to lead on key projects 
• Steward supporters to help drive the charity’s fundraising activities and growth 
• ​Work with the fundraising team to develop and maintain strong relationships with fundraisers, donors, partners, and key stakeholders ​
• Contribute towards the growth and success of fundraising efforts, ensuring a sustainable income stream for the vital ongoing funding of brain tumour research ​​

Requirements: ​​

• At least one year of fundraising experience, with a proven track record in income generation 
• Strong experience in supporter stewardship  
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage and inspire supporters and partners alike ​
• Passion for Brain Tumour Research and its mission to fund research and ultimately find a cure 

​

If you are looking for a fulfilling and impactful role and have the level of experience and skill we are looking for, we welcome your application.​​

​For this role, the successful candidate must live in the London area.​​

​We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.

​

We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process.  Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.

Closing Date: 04th January 2026

​

We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.

​

Chief Executive Officer - FoodCycle
Location: Vauxhall, London (flexible working; regular travel to Projects and for meeting with key stakeholders required)
Salary: circa £75,000
Contract: Permanent, full-time (35–37.5 hours per week)

Are you ready to lead FoodCycle through a period of consolidation and sustainable growth, protecting its volunteer-led, guest-centred model while building reliable income streams and scaling proven pilots?

About FoodCycle
FoodCycle is a national charity running volunteer-powered community dining projects that combine rescued surplus food, spare kitchen space and local volunteers to deliver free, hot, sociable three-course meals. Our work sits at the intersection of food-waste reduction, food-poverty relief and loneliness prevention. Nationally scaled but locally delivered, FoodCycle has grown rapidly, enjoys strong volunteer goodwill and is developing promising trading and schools pilots to strengthen sustainability.

As our next CEO you will:

• Shape strategy & impact - co-create and implement a clear 3–5 year strategy and a focused 12-month operational plan with measurable milestones.

• Stabilise leadership & culture - provide visible, warm and practical leadership across Projects; develop the senior team and protect volunteer trust.

• Secure financial sustainability - own the income strategy, diversify revenue across trusts, individual giving, corporate partnerships and trading, and present credible cashflow plans to the board.

• Build commercial & trading capacity - drive Manor House and other trading pilots towards viable, repeatable income models.

• Safeguard quality & risk - ensure robust safeguarding, food-safety and operational thresholds for opening new Projects.

• Raise profile & partnerships - act as FoodCycle’s principal ambassador to corporates, funders, local authorities and policy audiences.

Who you are

• A senior leader with experience stabilising and growing people-facing, delivery-focused organisations.

• Proven at generating income from multiple streams, with commercial fluency to develop simple trading models and convert corporate engagement into lasting partnerships.

• Financially literate - comfortable owning budgets, forecasting and discussing risk with trustees.

• Excellent at people and change management - able to build and motivate small national teams and large volunteer cohorts.

• Data-driven, curious and pragmatic - tests pilots, embeds what works and sets clear go/no-go criteria for scale.

• Values-driven and visible - passionate about food justice, guest dignity and volunteer leadership.

• Right to work in the UK and satisfactory DBS checks required.

Why FoodCycle?

• Lead a nationally recognised, volunteer-led movement tackling food waste, food poverty and social isolation.

• Play a pivotal role growing promising trading and schools pilots to create sustainable income.

• Work with an engaged Chair and committed board, and a small, passionate national team.

• Be part of a friendly, non-hierarchical culture where leaders are visible in Projects.

For full details of the role including how to apply, please download the full appointment brief. For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny Hills at Harris Hill at via the apply button with times to speak and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile which will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 19th January 2026

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

Purpose of the job 

 In UK Youth’s Impact department, we find, create and use evidence to respond to the needs and preferences of young people and the professionals who support them. We conduct research and evaluations to prove and improve the impact of youth work, and we co-design high-quality programmes and support offers that can be scaled. This new role will work across these areas, supporting research and evaluation projects with real implications for policy and practice. 

 Reporting to the Evaluation & Learning Manager, you will be responsible for supporting the delivery of a portfolio of research and evaluation projects. This will involve conducting research in-house and coordinating with external partners and the organisations we fund to build and share high-quality evidence. There will be opportunities to lead on fieldwork, data analysis, reporting and insight sharing with strategic guidance and hands-on support from other members of the team. 

 You will be organised, keen to develop your research skills and have a passion for working with data. You will support high profile research and evaluation projects, including the evaluation of the Adventures Away From Home Fund – a major, Government-funded outdoor learning programme. You can expect to support other projects, gathering and sharing insights from our network and young people and helping the team to work efficiently and effectively. 

Why work at UK Youth? 

We want all young people to be equipped to thrive and empowered to contribute at every stage of their lives. Youth work can be life changing (and even life saving). Our strategy positions UK Youth to unlock youth work so that every young person in the UK can benefit. We work with a network that shares this ambition to build cross-sector understanding of youth work’s transformational potential, secure sufficient investment for sustainable provision, and help to embed effective solutions that will increase the quality as well as accessibility of youth work. Come and be part of this change. 

Responsibilities

• Evaluation and Learning

• Knowledge and Data Management

• Research and Horizon Scanning

Experience we're after

• Experience of managing datasets on digital platforms/software (quantitative and/or qualitative)

• Experience of leading or supporting quantitative and/or qualitative research and data analysis in any setting

• Experience of conducting literature reviews to analyse existing evidence on specific topics

• Experiencing of working across multiple projects and competing priorities and managing your time and tasks proactively

What we can offer you

We offer a competitive range of benefits, good work/life balance, excellent learning and development opportunities and vibrant organisational culture:

• Flexible/Agile Working

• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time employees)

• Funded training provided in; Safeguarding, GDPR, Information and Cyber Security & Equality & Diversity

• Other training available in support of your personal and professional development

• Pension scheme (currently UK Youth match employee contributions up to 5%)

• Membership of our life insurance scheme which would pay-out up to 4 times your salary

• Employee Assistance Programme to support employees both professionally and personally

• 20% discount off bookings at Avon Tyrrell, our New Forest Outdoor Centre, including camping, lodges and outdoor activities.

• IT equipment provided for the duration of contract

• CycleScheme and TechScheme

How to apply

If you would like to be considered for this fantastic opportunity, please complete an application via our completely anonymised recruitment system provided by Applied which looks to create a fair and unbiased application process for all. Scroll to the top of the page and start your application.

Closing date: Tuesday 6th January 2026 at 09:00am

Provisional Interview Dates: 14th and 15th January 2026

As this role involves working in a regulated environment with young people, any offer will be conditional to satisfactory background checks, which include criminal record check and employment reference.

This is an exceptional opportunity to join Belong’s Senior Leadership Team as Director of Policy & Research, a role that sits at the heart of our mission to shape national conversations on cohesion and integration. You will lead Belong’s policy development, research strategy, and national partnerships, ensuring our work is grounded in robust evidence and lived experience. This position offers the chance to influence systemic change, amplify Belong’s voice with policymakers and opinion formers, and ensure our insights drive real-world impact.

As Director of Policy & Research, you will:

• Lead the development of Belong’s policy and research agenda, aligning it with organisational strategy and national priorities.
• Produce high-quality policy outputs, including reports, briefings, consultation responses, and thought leadership pieces.
• Oversee the design and delivery of research projects, including commissioning and partnership work, ensuring rigor and inclusivity.
• Translate research findings into actionable policy recommendations and advocacy strategies.
• Foster strong collaboration between the Policy & Research team and Programme Delivery team, ensuring insights inform both policy and practice.
• Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians, journalists, and opinion formers.
• Represent Belong externally at high-level meetings, events, and in the media, amplifying our impact and reach.
• Develop strategic messaging and narratives that position Belong as a thought leader in social cohesion.
• Support campaigns and public engagement initiatives that promote Belong’s policy goals.
• Contribute to organisational development, strategic planning, and income generation through proposal development and funder engagement.
• Line manage policy and research staff, providing leadership, support, and professional development.

This is a senior leadership role for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and wants to drive systemic change at scale.

About You
We are seeking a strategic and insightful leader with:

• Proven experience in policy development and research leadership.
• Experience working in or with government, think tanks, or advocacy organisations.
• Strong understanding of social policy and influencing processes.
• Knowledge of cohesion, integration, and community relations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including media engagement and public speaking.
• Ability to translate complex research into accessible policy messages.
• Familiarity with participatory and applied research methods.
• Strong strategic thinking and planning abilities.
• Relevant qualification in public policy, social research, or a related field.
• Experience managing teams and budgets, and supporting income generation through fundraising and proposal development.

Personal Qualities

• Passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK.
• Strategic and visionary thinker.
• Collaborative and inclusive leader.
• Politically astute and intellectually curious.
• Practical, focused, and reliable.
• Committed to personal and professional development.

Why Join Us?
At Belong, you’ll be part of a dynamic, values-driven team united by a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and connected society. We offer:

• 30 days’ annual leave
• Hybrid working (typically 3 days in the office)
• Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies
• 3% pension contribution
• Opportunities for professional development and growth

Join us and help shape national policy and research that builds stronger, kinder, and more connected communities across the UK.

Salary: £65,000–£70,000
Location: UK-wide (regular travel across England and Wales)
Contract: Permanent, Full-time

About Belong
Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is the UK’s leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to building a more united and less divided society. Established in 2019, we work across sectors to strengthen trust, belonging, and resilience in communities. Through research, policy influence, and place-based programmes, we connect people, places, and organisations to share learning and drive systemic change. Our growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society, and businesses. Belong is collaborative, evidence-led, and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Our office is based in Manchester and we offer hybrid working for those able to travel there. However, this role is open UK-wide and can be worked remotely, with regular travel across England and Wales required.

The Politics Project is looking for an organised and proactive Programme Coordinator – to support our digital presence, office operations and programme delivery. If you love making systems run smoothly, enjoy managing websites, and want your work to have real social impact, this is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in a fast-growing, purpose-driven organisation.

ABOUT THE POLITICS PROJECT

The Politics Project supports young people to use their voice by providing them with outstanding democratic education. We work with young people, teachers, youth practitioners and politicians to help them learn, teach and engage in democracy. We are a non-partisan organisation working across the UK. 

ABOUT DEMOCRACY CLASSROOM

Democracy Classroom is a partnership of over 100 civil society organisations from the youth, education and democracy sectors working together to support young people to engage in elections and democracy. 

The network is supported by the Democracy Classroom platform, which brings together over 1000 free educational resources for teachers and youth practitioners.

Democracy Classroom is a non-partisan, UK-wide initiative and a leading voice for the sector, reaching teachers and youth practitioners in 95% of the UK’s parliamentary constituencies. It coordinates the collective voice of organisations committed to democratic education, including through its joint submission to the Department for Education’s Curriculum and Assessment Review and the publication of The Roadmap to Votes at 16, a collaborative vision for the implementation of Votes at 16.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As Programme Coordinator, you’ll support the work of our Communications and Networks Team while helping keep our office and digital platforms running seamlessly. 

You will:

Website and digital

• Maintain and update the Democracy Classroom website with resources and programme content.

• Work with colleagues to upload reports, blogs and event details.

Operations

• Oversee day-to-day office administration, including supplies, IT support liaison and record-keeping.

• Support finance processes, including invoices, expenses and financial tracking.

• Maintain key operational systems such as our CRM, database and filing systems.

Events and programmes

• Coordinate logistics for meetings and events (online and in-person), including venues, catering and participant communications.

• Support programme delivery by liaising with facilitators, partners and participants.

Team support

• Provide diary management and scheduling support for senior staff where needed.

• Prepare meeting agendas, take minutes and track actions.

• Assist with recruitment, onboarding and HR processes.

You’ll also have opportunities to contribute to wider organisational projects and learn new skills as our work evolves.

The job is based on a 14 month fixed term contract (including a 6-month probation period), with opportunities for extension. 

The Politics Project is based in central London, with a mixture of in person and remote working. The hours of work are 37.5 hrs per week. Occasional travel to elsewhere in the UK and working unsocial hours in evenings and at weekends may be required. 

Benefits:

• 33 days’ holiday plus Bank Holidays (inclusive for 3 days leave between Christmas and New Year. 

• 4% company pension contribution. 

• Friendly and inclusive environment.

• Professional development opportunities, to upskill and train you.

• Hybrid working from our central London office.

• The opportunity to make a real difference to young people’s lives, helping them to develop the skills and knowledge they need to give them a voice in their society and shape their communities.

ABOUT YOU

You are reliable, enthusiastic and highly organised, with a strong attention to detail. You have outstanding organisational and administrative skills. You enjoy solving problems, improving systems and supporting a mission-driven team. You thrive working both independently and collaboratively, and you’re comfortable managing multiple priorities at once.

Above all, you care about supporting young people’s democratic engagement and believe in the values and mission of The Politics Project.

Skills & Experience: 

Essential

• Strong administrative and organisational skills with excellent attention to detail.

• Experience of updating and maintaining websites.

• Confident with IT systems, databases, and Microsoft Office/Google Workspace.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to manage competing priorities and work to deadlines.

• A proactive, flexible, and collaborative approach.

• A passion for youth democratic engagement, education and politics.

Desirable

• Knowledge of CRM systems and basic data management.

• Knowledge and understanding of the UK education system.

In accordance with our Child Protection and Safeguarding procedures, this position requires an enhanced DBS check that we will provide.

TO APPLY: 

To apply please submit a CV and a covering letter. The covering letter should be no longer than one side of A4  / a maximum of 500 words. In the letter can you:

• Tell us about your biggest personal, academic or professional achievement.

• Tell us why you think youth engagement in politics is important.

• Outline how your experience matches the essential and desirable skills and experience outlined in the job description - don’t just repeat your CV.

• Give an explanation for any gaps on your CV.

If you use AI tools, please use them thoughtfully. We want to get a true sense of you, your skills and your experiences through your application. Please ask if you need any assistance or require any reasonable adjustments throughout the process.

Please submit your application via Charity Job. 

The closing date is 11:59pm, Sunday 11th January. Initial interviews planned for the week beginning 17th January.

Lead policy and research projects that shape national conversations on cohesion and integration. Join Belong and help create lasting change across the UK.

This is an exciting opportunity to take a pivotal role in delivering high-impact projects that inform practice and influence decision-makers. As Belong enters its next phase of growth, we are determined to deepen our impact, strengthen our resilience, and champion cohesion and integration at scale.

About Belong
Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is the UK’s leading not-for-profit organisation focused on building a more united and less divided society. Established in 2019, we work across sectors to strengthen trust, belonging, and resilience in communities. Through research, policy influence, and place-based programmes, we connect people, places, and organisations to share learning and drive systemic change. Our growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society, and businesses. Belong is collaborative, evidence-led, and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

The Role
As Policy and Research Lead, you will design and deliver research and policy projects that inform practice and influence decision-makers. You will produce high-quality outputs, translate evidence into actionable recommendations, and contribute to Belong’s thought leadership. This role combines strategic insight with hands-on delivery and offers the chance to shape national conversations on social cohesion.

Key Responsibilities

• Policy and Research Leadership

  • Lead the design and delivery of policy and research projects, ensuring quality, relevance, and impact.
  • Produce policy briefings, reports, consultation responses, and thought leadership pieces.
  • Translate research findings into actionable recommendations for policymakers and practitioners.
  • Ensure projects are inclusive, participatory, and informed by lived experience.
  • Monitor policy developments and contribute to strategic positioning and horizon scanning.

• Stakeholder Engagement

  • Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, researchers, funders, and sector leaders.
  • Represent Belong at external meetings, events, and networks.
  • Support collaborative research and policy initiatives with partners and commissioners.
  • Contribute to dissemination of Belong’s work through events, media, and digital channels.

• Internal Collaboration

  • Support the Director of Policy & Research in developing Belong’s policy influencing strategy.
  • Contribute to organisational learning and cross-team collaboration.
  • Assist with proposal development and funder engagement.
  • Line manage junior staff or associates as required.

About You
We are seeking a strategic and thoughtful leader with:

• Proven experience in leading policy and applied research programmes.
• Experience working in or with government, think tanks, or advocacy organisations.
• Strong analytical and writing skills.
• Knowledge of cohesion, integration, and community development.
• Excellent project management and organisational abilities.
• Familiarity with participatory and inclusive research methods.
• Experience in income generation or bid development.
• Relevant qualification in public policy, social research, or related field.
• Ability to translate complex ideas into accessible messages.
• Politically aware and intellectually curious.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills.

Personal Qualities

• Passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK.
• Strategic and solutions-focused.
• Collaborative and inclusive.
• Practical, reliable, and detail-oriented.
• Committed to personal and professional development.
• Able to thrive in a fast-paced and evolving environment.

Why Join Us?
At Belong, you’ll be part of a dynamic, values-driven team united by a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and connected society. We offer:

• 30 days’ annual leave (plus bank holidays)
• Hybrid working
• Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies
• Opportunities for professional development and growth

Join us and help shape policy and research that builds stronger, kinder, and more connected communities across the UK.

Our office is based in Manchester and we offer hybrid working for those able to travel there. However, this role is open UK-wide and can be worked remotely, with regular travel across England and Wales required.

As our Union Operations & Admin Co-ordinator, you’ll be the friendly face and steady heartbeat of JMSU. From welcoming students at reception to helping them find the support they need, you’ll make every interaction feel positive, accessible, and engaging.

Behind the scenes, you’ll keep our operations running smoothly - supporting day-to-day processes, ensuring our spaces remain welcoming, accessible and safe and, guiding our brilliant team of part-time student staff. With a focus on excellence, you’ll recruit, develop, and support them, empowering our students to grow in confidence, build new skills, and deliver exceptional service across JMSU in a positive, inclusive environment.

You’ll bring strong administrative experience, excellenaddt organisation, and a keen eye for compliance. If you’re proactive, people-focused, and energised by the buzz of a student-led environment, this is your opportunity to make a real impact at the heart of JMSU.

To find out more about this role, working for JMSU and to apply, please visit the 'work for us' section of our website.

Interviews will be held on either 28th or 29th January 2025

About JMSU

It’s our job is to make sure students get the most out of their University experience.  We put our students at the heart of everything we do – whether it’s empowering the student voice, planning events, helping to develop campaigns, providing them with opportunities to make friends and learn something new, and everything in between.

I IIf you’re on the lookout for a role in a friendly, hard-working environment which offers bucketloads of autonomy, support and fun, we want to hear from you. 

Taking Action on Inclusion  

At JMSU, we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We're proud to be a welcoming, friendly and inclusive team and want all our people to feel safe and confident to be themselves and feel they belong.  

We are also not scared to admit this is a work in progress! We know the importance that students see themselves reflected by our staff team and we welcome applications from all backgrounds.  We particularly encourage applications from Ethnically Diverse candidates who are under-represented within our core staff team and operate a Guaranteed Interview where the minimum essential criteria are met.

You can read more about this and our commitment to Equality Diversity and Inclusion on the 'work for us' section of our website.

Don’t meet every single requirement? 

If you are excited about this but there are criteria you don’t match exactly, please don’t be put off applying. It may not be a deal breaker - just make sure you get across why you think you're right for it and how the gaps may be approached. Even if not right for this role, you might be perfect for another.

We have some great staff benefits 

• Location, Location, Location: We’re right in the centre of Liverpool and surrounded by everything the City has to offer
• Commuting made easy: Our main office is a few minutes walk from both Lime Street and Liverpool Central train stations
• Office goals: Our modern, open-plan office offers good space, staff chat and city views

• Hybrid Working: Enjoy the best of both worlds - mix up your working week between the office and your home space
• Annual leave aplenty: Make the most of 32 days of annual leave (plus public holidays) and enjoy regular time off
• ‘Tis the season to be off work: We’re closed for Winter break, so you can take a rest or enjoy some seasonal activities
• Flexibility: We offer a range of flexible working options for when life gets in the way of working 9-5, Monday to Friday, and are happy to consider any specific needs
• Every day is a school day: There’s plenty of learning and development opportunities to explore and help you grow, and we have access to all LJMU staff development
• Carer perks: We offer enhanced parental leave and pay options, including grandparents leave, shared parental leave, adoption leave, maternity and paternity leave, paid emergency time off for carers and paid Carer’s Leave
• Paid Volunteer Leave: Support your cause with 3 days of paid leave for volunteering
• Get active for less: All staff can make the most of reduced LJMU gym membership, which includes classes too
• Discounts aren’t just for students: Save extra pennies with access to student discount schemes including Student Beans, Unidaysand others
• Wellbeing covered: We offer an Employee Assistance Programme, a Voluntary Healthcare Scheme, Individual wellbeing plans and a day one sick pay scheme to help take the extra stress out your life
• Nest Pension Scheme: We will contribute 6%
• Cycle to Work Scheme; good for sustainability, your pocket and your healthy lifestyle goals!

Please Note: We do not accept applications via external websites or CVs via email. Please apply via our website.

Are you someone who thrives on helping others, solving problems, and making a tangible difference in people’s lives? We’re looking for a committed and empathetic Student Advisor to join the Advice Service team at the University of Manchester Students’ Union (UMSU). 

In this vital role, you’ll provide free, independent, and confidential advice to students across a range of key areas. We are looking for someone who will be able to support students professionally and with a high level of empathy, ensuring they feel heard, informed, and empowered to take the next steps. 

You’ll enjoy this role if you’re interested in the law and getting to grips with regulations, policies and procedures, so you can help students to understand their rights and resolve the problems they face. As a Student Advisor, you will be able to respond sensitively and compassionately to students in distress or facing crisis and will have an ability to give practical and emotional support. Excellent communication skills are essential. 

The Advice Service also provides a supported self-help offer and as a team we deliver promotional and preventative campaigns. This role will really suit you if you’re enthusiastic and approachable and would enjoy speaking to students and our stakeholders in a variety of settings. We’re also looking for candidates with an interest for writing social media and website copy and would like to be involved in designing and delivering presentations, interactive stalls, training and workshops. 

You’ll be part of a small, supportive and dedicated team, working in a busy, varied environment that puts student wellbeing at the heart of everything we do. You’ll have access to training and continuing professional development to help you excel as a Student Advisor. You’ll also have regular opportunities for reflection and support for your wellbeing, including access to external restorative supervision.  

Key Responsibilities 

• Deliver One-to-One Support: Provide impartial, confidential advice on academic concerns (appeals, complaints, disciplinaries), housing issues, financial support, and personal or welfare-related challenges. 
• Support in Crisis: Offer guidance and emotional support to students experiencing difficult or distressing circumstances, such as mental health issues, sexual violence, harassment, or financial insecurity. 
• Create and Share Resources: Develop accessible self-help materials (articles, videos, workshops) to empower students and reduce reliance on one-to-one services. 
• Promote the Service: Take part in outreach activities, including campaigns, events, and training, to raise awareness and improve access to advice and support. 
• Track and Report Issues: Use our case management system to record casework clearly and securely and help monitor trends in student issues to inform future campaigns. 
• Collaborate and Contribute: Work closely with colleagues across UMSU to support key periods like Welcome Week and elections, contributing to a supportive and inclusive student experience. 

We’re looking for someone who: 

• Communicates with clarity, compassion, and confidence. 
• Is emotionally resilient and able to manage sensitive or complex situations calmly. 
• Understands the importance of impartiality, confidentiality, and professionalism. 
• Is highly organised with strong attention to detail and time management skills. 
• Can create clear, engaging written resources and deliver effective presentations. 
• Is confident using IT systems and comfortable with data and record keeping. 

Previous experience in advice, welfare, support work, or student services is helpful, but we welcome applications from those with transferable skills and a genuine passion for student support.  

The Essentials 

• Salary: £27,013 - £30,237 per annum 
• Contract: Full-time, permanent (35 hours per week) 
• Location: Hybrid working – typically 3+ days per week in our Advice Office on campus 
• Eligibility: Open to applicants with relevant skills and experience who are eligible to work in the UK at the start of employment 

Recruitment Timeline

Applications opened: 5th December 2025

Applications close: 5th January 2026 23:59

Interviews: 16th January 2026 (online option available)

Role Commencing: 26th January 2026

We may close applications early if we receive a high volume of applications. We recommend that you apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Once the vacancy has closed, we’re unable to accept late applications to ensure a fair process for all candidates.

Why Join Us? 

At UMSU, you’ll be part of a supportive, inclusive, and values-driven organisation that champions student empowerment. We offer opportunities for professional development, a collaborative team culture, and the chance to make a real and lasting impact in students’ lives. 

Sound like the right fit? Apply now and join a team that’s here to make student life better. 

We’re an award-winning charity running local learning centres in the heart of the communities where the young people we support live. Our centres provide a high-impact education programme which includes practical learning support, pastoral care, and motivational and confidence-building activities for young people aged 7-18. Our aim is to enable students from the least advantaged neighbourhoods to realise their ambitions and achieve their wonderful potential.

As the UK’s leading university access organisation, our staff team is helping over 50,000 young people each year at its 44 learning centres and extension projects across England and Scotland, and we plan to scale-up our provision to 50 centres over the coming years.

We are looking for graduates who will enjoy working each day with young people and who will thrive in a frontline, community-based, fast-paced and rewarding role. You will be taking up a permanent role as an Education Worker on IntoUniversity’s Graduate Scheme, helping to change the lives of young people. 

We believe that our Graduate Scheme is one of the most exciting in the charity sector, an excellent career opportunity with exceptional training and hands-on experience, opportunities for promotion, and the chance to work with young people and colleagues who will challenge and inspire you.

Locations: We have positions available in Bradford, Nottingham and London.
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Applications close: 9am Tuesday 6th January 2026
Start date: Late January/early February 2026 – you must be eligible and available to start at this time.

Salary

£28,250 per year (plus £,200 London contribution for London based positions)

What could my day look like?

The Education Worker role is a frontline, fast-paced and rewarding role where no two weeks will look the same. A typical day will have different activities, possibly spread between the IntoUniversity centre, partner schools and the offices of a corporate partner.

In the morning, you might be setting off with resources to run a workshop for sixth-form students in their secondary school. In the afternoon you may be setting up the classroom ahead of running Primary Academic Support for young people in your IntoUniversity centre. On other days, you may be travelling to a corporate partner to run a business simulation workshop for 15 year-olds or leading a group of final year primary school students on a campus visit for their graduation.

As an Education Worker, you’ll always be delivering the programme as part of your centre team, which means that any delivery is always a team effort.