Alumni engagement manager jobs in edinburgh

At the heart of the 2027 programme is a paid, 12-month role within a leading foundation, trust, or social investment organisation. You’ll be employed full-time in a grant-making or related position with one of our dynamic host organisations across the UK. In this role, you’ll contribute directly to improving the communities your host serves while earning a salary of at least £25,000 (or £25,642 if based in London).

Alongside your placement, you’ll take part in an acclaimed development programme designed to build the knowledge, skills, and experience needed for a successful career in the funding sector. Through this, you’ll explore the challenges within grant-making and social investment, develop your leadership potential, and work alongside peers to imagine and create a more equitable and effective funding system. The programme supports you not only to thrive in your new role but also to grow into a future changemaker in the sector.

This unique blend of training, professional experience, and network-building will equip you to take the next step toward a decision-making role in a foundation, trust, or social investment organisation—helping to shape how resources are used to create lasting change in communities.

Why 2027 exists

Launched in 2017, 2027 was born out of a desire to shift power in the grant-making sector. It aims to bridge the gap between funders and the communities they serve—particularly by addressing the lack of people with lived experience of working-class communities in decision-making roles. 2027 helps change who is involved in making funding decisions and how those decisions are made.

The Job

In your placement, you could be:

• Managing parts of a grant portfolio
• Building relationships with community partners
• Making funding recommendations
• Preparing reports and updates for trustees
• Engaging with the funder’s broader organisation to inspire interest in community work
• Ensuring legal and compliance obligations are met
• Representing your host externally and bringing in outside learning

Each role will vary slightly depending on your host organisation. We’ll work with you to ensure a placement that aligns with your goals and development.

Who You’ll Work For
You’ll be matched with a respected host organisation—one of the UK’s leading foundations, trusts, or social investment organisations—based on your location preferences and interests. Previous hosts have included:

• BBC Children in Need
• National Lottery Community Fund
• Joseph Rowntree Foundation
• Sport England
• Better Society Capital
• City Bridge Trust
• NHS Charities Together

The Development Programme
As part of your role, you’ll participate in a comprehensive professional development programme led by sector experts. It includes:

• Residentials: Two in-person events for deep learning and peer connection.
• Masterclasses: Online, expert-led sessions exploring key sector topics.
• Peer Support Sessions: Monthly confidential spaces to reflect and share learning.
• Mentoring: Each Associate is paired with an experienced sector mentor.
• Self-Directed Learning: Curated content for reflection and growth between sessions.
• Peer Coaching: Training and monthly sessions to build coaching skills and mutual support.
• 360 Review + 1:1 Coaching: Holistic feedback and personalised coaching to support your development.
• 2027 Connect: A mix of events to connect with the wider 2027 community, including alumni, hosts, and mentors.

Career Progression
By the end of the programme, you’ll have built the experience, confidence, and insight to take on more senior or decision-making roles in the funding sector—playing a meaningful part in shaping how money is invested for social good.

Job description

• Job Title: 2027 Associate
• Salary: Minimum of £25,000 (£25,642 if based in London)
• Employer: One of our host foundations, trusts, or social investment organisations
• Location: Opportunities across England and Scotland (you’ll share your preferences)
• Hours: Typically 9am–5pm, with some flexibility
• Contract: 12-month fixed term, starting October 2025

*Foundations and trusts are grant-making charities that fund individuals, groups or organisations to run projects that benefit communities. Social investment organisations provide repayable finance to charities and enterprises working to create long-term social change.