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Friends of Ibba Girls School (FIGS), which supports Ibba Girls’ Boarding School in South Sudan, is seeking a highly experienced Director of Fundraising and Communications to develop its fundraising strategy, secure new donors, meet ambitious fundraising targets and raise awareness of and support for FIGS through a variety of communication methods.

Friends of Ibba Girls School, South Sudan (FIGS)

Friends of Ibba Girls School, South Sudan (FIGS) was set up in 2011 in response to a specific request from local community leaders to help them translate into reality their vision to build and develop a girls’ boarding school in South Sudan in order to enable girls to complete primary and secondary education rather than drop out of school due to poverty and family pressures.

FIGS has raised over £4.9 million over the last 10 years, particularly through relational fundraising from the wide network of individuals who donate through regular giving, mainly in the UK but also internationally.  Other sources of funds include schools, churches, trusts and foundations, corporates, and business philanthropists, as well as a yearly campaign through the Big Give Christmas Challenge.

FIGS has a committed and hardworking body of trustees, chaired by Chris Trott, former British Ambassador to South Sudan, and now British Ambassador to the Holy See based in the Vatican City, Rome.  The charity currently employs 2 staff who work on fundraising, communications and administration.

In 2023 FIGS Trustees commissioned Windle Trust International (a well-managed UK charity with a long track record of effective work in South Sudan and sub-Saharan Africa) to act as FIGS managing agents in South Sudan, and to provide professional, technical and management advice and support to Ibba Girls Boarding School (IGBS). 

Ibba Girls Boarding School (IGBS)

Ibba Girls Boarding School (IGBS) now educates over 300 primary and secondary school girls from across the whole of Western Equatoria State (an area the size of Scotland but less densely populated) and employs 42 staff (teachers, matrons, cooks, grounds maintenance, night guards and other support staff). The school is on a large, 100-acre green campus and provides not only high-quality teaching in the core subjects on the national curriculum, but also a wide range of co-curriculum subjects like drama, debating, sewing, and farming.

Since its opening in 2014, IGBS has become recognised as a tried and tested visible demonstration of the benefits of boarding school education in South Sudan, where most girls drop out from school before the end of primary and very few complete their secondary qualifications.  IGBS is making a substantial impact across South Sudan, by providing good quality “all-through” integrated girls’ schooling, for both primary and secondary girls, from any background and of any faith or none.

IGBS is achieving both tangible and intangible measures of success, including reduced drop out from school; excellent exam results; a safe, stimulating, happy and nurturing culture; empowering young women who can exercise leadership locally and nationally for this new nation (independent since 2011). IGBS is now attracting widespread recognition in South Sudan for lifting standards of teaching and learning, and acting as a beacon of light and hope, whose example can gradually ripple out to other schools across South Sudan. 

The Opportunity

This is a great moment of opportunity for a highly experienced fundraising and communications professional with a strong and demonstrable track record to play a crucial role (alongside a subgroup of trustees and two paid staff) in reviewing and refreshing FIGS’ fundraising strategy for the short, medium and longer term, and in raising FIGS’ profile through strategic communications. This will support FIGS to reach ambitious fundraising targets to allow us to increase the number of girls in the school to full capacity and implement multiple capital projects on the school campus over the next 5 years. The fundraising challenge also includes deepening and expanding FIGS’ donor base, while sustaining and engaging the large network of existing supporters and loyal donors, supported by effective communications and PR. You will lead and direct the fundraising work and will use your skills across a wide range of fundraising functions, including cultivating gifts from wealthy philanthropists, and through wills and bequests. You will also lead on delivering FIGS’ communications strategy, identifying opportunities to raise its profile with target audiences using a variety of relevant communications channels. You will have experience of digital and social media campaigns, and will oversee the development and dissemination of strategic communications materials in support of FIGS’ fundraising and profile-raising objectives. You will ideally have experience working on projects in fragile or developing contexts and an interest in education and gender equity.

There is plenty to enjoy in the varied work, where one can see visible results not only in FIGS’ fundraising targets, but also in the impact it has on the school, its students and staff, parents and communities across Western Equatoria State and across the nation of South Sudan.

Key Responsibilities

• To support the design and delivery of FIGS’ fundraising strategy and action plan, achieving or exceeding targets and KPIs, both financial and non-financial, as agreed with the Chair of FIGS Trustees, Treasurer and Chair of its fundraising sub-group
• To oversee and deliver FIGS’ communications strategy, and raise its profile with existing and new audiences through strategic communications and PR
• To widen the existing network of donors, based on relationship development and management
• To maintain active engagement with existing supporters and donors
• To identify and generate new fundraising opportunities, from the corporate and philanthropic sectors, as well as from other organizations, groups and individuals
• To generate a pipeline of activities across a range of fundraising streams
• To undertake PR and communications work in order to support the fundraising strategy
• To lead the design and distribution of PR and comms materials, including website, regular newsletter, leaflets, social media.
• To line manage FIGS fundraising and comms staff
• To produce progress reports for FIGS Trustees about fundraising in relation to targets and budget and make recommendations for future workstreams
• To attend key fundraising and supporter events to generate significant income, support and profile
• To act as an ambassador for FIGS
• To ensure fundraising and comms activities are in line with FIGS’ values and policies, relevant legislation and the Fundraising Regulator Code of Practice.

The selection process and how to apply 

The post can be undertaken on a full-time or part-time basis (where part-time is at least 24 hours a week).  Hours can be flexible by arrangement. The person will work mainly from home, liaising online with FIGS and WTI Trustees, staff, and volunteers and with the Board of Governors and Head Teacher of the school in South Sudan.

Some travel to fundraising and communications events in London and elsewhere will be needed. A three-year rolling contract will be offered in the first instance, with annual review and the potential for extension, subject to achievement of agreed performance measures and targets. The salary is in the range of £45-70K (or pro rata) depending on track record and experience. 

To apply please submit your CV and a statement of up to 500 words explaining how you can contribute to FIGS’ fundraising and communications work, including evidence of your fundraising and communications experience, achievements and approach.  Please provide the names and email addresses of two referees who would only be contacted after a job offer.  Please apply by 9 am 29th October 2025 through CharityJob.

First and second round interviews will take place during November. 

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from a wide range of identities and backgrounds.

Job Title: Communications Director

Reporting To: CEOs

Location: Remote, with preference for candidates based in the Global South (occasional travel as required)

Contract Type: Full-time

Duration: 1 year

Compensation: $90,000 - $105,000

WHO WE ARE:

 .

“Remaking the world with and for girls”

Purposeful is a movement-building hub for adolescent girls. We amplify girls’ voices, resource their resistance, build solidarity between and across girls’ movements, catalyse collaborative philanthropy and support innovation in grassroots programming with and for girls.

Our work is both global and deeply local. In Sierra Leone, we bring our work together into one integrated strategy, sparking a groundswell of girls who can access and imagine new possibilities for themselves and their communities. Across the world we support girls’ organising and activism through a girl-led participatory grant-making process called the With and For Girls Awards. No matter where we are, we work so that girls and their allies can access the resources, networks and platforms they need to remake the world for themselves.

Purposeful is a proudly feminist organisation, with a strong intersectional power analysis. We pursue strategies that prioritise the collective liberation of girls. We are looking for team members who share our feminist ideals.

We believe the best work happens in dialogue, and we value collective decision-making. We believe in celebrating success, amongst staff and partners alike. We are looking for team members with a deep commitment to collaborative working, and who bring a sense of joy and humour to what can be challenging work.

We pride ourselves on our diversity, the multiple languages we speak and places we live. We are all parents or have other caring responsibilities. We prioritise work-life balance, many of us have other projects and passions outside of Purposeful. As a team we prioritise opportunities for learning, sharing, and embedding different worldviews. We are looking for team members who thrive in diverse and cross-cultural contexts, and who bring passion, creativity and a thirst for learning to their work.

We are our partnerships. We are most proud of the shared vision we have built with our partners - rooted in mutuality, trust, and collaboration. After years of informal and formal support to the Sierra Leone Adolescent Girls Network, we are proud to be part of a growing ecosystem of organisations working with and for girls. We are looking for team members who will work tirelessly to rebalance power disparities in funder-partner relationships, acting as responsible stewards of resources of and for our movements.

CONTEXT OF THIS ROLE:

At Purposeful, communications is political. It is how we amplify girls’ voices, sharpen feminist narratives, and push back against regressive agendas. The Communications Director will sit at the heart of this work - shaping and delivering a bold communications strategy aligned with Purposeful’s vision, mission, and growth.

This role leads the stewardship of Purposeful’s voice, visual identity, and storytelling practice, ensuring that everything we produce - whether op-eds, reports, campaigns, or digital content - carries our politics with clarity and conviction. The Communications Director will work closely with the Co-CEOs and across all Purposeful teams, including Advocacy, grant-making, Learning & Insights, Programmes, and Resource Mobilisation, to amplify girls’ organising, showcase our impact, and influence the broader philanthropic and activist ecosystem.

This is both a strategic and hands-on role, requiring a deep commitment to feminist movements, an instinct for storytelling as political practice, and a proven track record of positioning organisations on the global stage.

SCOPE OF WORK

1. Communications Strategy & Leadership

• Lead on delivery and implementation of a new communications strategy, building on 2025 planning foundations.

• Work closely with the Co-CEOs and director team to horizon scan and adapt strategy in response to organisational vision and external landscape.

• Provide leadership to a small team of staff and consultants (designers, digital specialists, artists) and work collaboratively with partner communications leads on joint campaigns and initiatives.

• Meticulously manage and forecast the communications and editorial budget, ensuring value for money and strong planning.

• Track and analyse content performance, using insights to refine reach and engagement.

2. Storytelling & Content Development

• Oversee the creation of compelling storytelling content that highlights Purposeful’s impact, amplifies girls’ and young feminists’ voices, and influences funders.

• Lead editorial planning and content workflows, balancing evergreen storytelling with crisis-response or time-sensitive outputs.

• Oversee production and capture of content from live and digital events (webinars, IG Lives, panels, etc.).

• Coordinate brand refresh projects, including a website refresh, and strengthen Purposeful’s digital visibility with a focus on graphic-led content across social platforms.

3. Writing & Editorial Oversight

• Review and edit all external content to ensure quality, editorial standard, and alignment with Purposeful’s voice and values.

• Write op-eds, blogs, social media posts, campaign messaging, press materials, and executive summaries.

• Collaborate with colleagues in Learning & Insights to integrate data into storytelling and publications.

• Edit and manage the production of publications and reports, commissioning artists and graphic designers as needed.

• Provide editorial oversight for media projects, including radio, film, and animation.

4. Media Engagement & Positioning

• Cultivate strong relationships with international, regional, and local media outlets.

• Proactively position Purposeful in global and regional conversations, ensuring girls’ and feminist movements’ voices are at the centre.

• Lead on preparing and supporting spokespersons, including Co-CEOs and external partners, for media engagement.

• Design and execute media strategies for key campaigns, events, and publications.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Experience & Skills

• Proven experience developing and delivering communications strategies aligned with organisational goals.

• Demonstrated leadership in managing small teams and consultants.

• Strong hands-on skills in digital communication tools (e.g., Mailchimp, Canva, Adobe, basic video editing).

• Extensive experience in content planning and editorial workflows.

• Strong published track record (op-eds, blogs, media features) and evidence of positioning organisations in the public spotlight.

• Excellent writing and editing skills, with experience commissioning and managing creative contributors.

• Experience building and maintaining media relationships, particularly in activist and philanthropic contexts.

• Proven experience overseeing websites and digital platforms, using analytics to inform strategy.

• Strong project management and budget forecasting skills.

Closing date: 31st October 2025

Overview

At Change Grow Live, our dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of our Service Users is unwavering. We provide support, respect, and a safe environment, tailoring our approach to each individual's needs to discover the best treatment and care options.

Guided by our core values of being open, compassionate, and bold, our diverse team embodies these principles daily. We strive to empower individuals to reshape their lives, foster personal growth, and embrace life to its fullest.

Embark on a Journey as an IPS Employment Specialist at Change Grow Live

We are excited to welcome an enthusiastic individual to join our Birmingham services as an Individual Placement Support (IPS) Employment Specialist. In this role, you'll manage a small caseload of clients currently accessing structured treatment for drug and/or alcohol use, guiding and supporting them to secure meaningful employment. As part of a community-based drug and alcohol treatment service, you'll build and nurture positive relationships within the community.

Change Grow Live is a charity dedicated to the belief that we can make a difference in our Service Users' lives. We offer support and respect in a safe environment, treating each user as an individual and working with them to find the right treatment and support options.

Where: Birmingham

Hours: Full Time, 37.5 hours per week

Full Time Salary: £29,529.80 - £32,002.35 Dependent on experience, pro rata for part time hours

Contract Type: Permanent

Responsibilities

Roles and Responsibilities:

You'll undergo comprehensive IPS training under our national lead and manage a caseload of service users motivated to seek paid work within structured treatment. Employment Specialists play a crucial role in service integration, promoting IPS, and nurturing relationships with treatment service staff.

• Managing a small caseload, undergoing structured substance use treatment, facilitating their motivation for work.
• Implementing the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) methodology, providing necessary training.
• Engaging clients to identify work skills, goals, and aspirations, and developing tailored job search plans.
• Assisting with job search, CV creation, applications, interviews, and career development, including targeted employer interactions.
• Creating In-Work Support Plans to address work-related client needs, including benefits and health-related advice for employment sustainability.
• Participating in weekly clinical team meetings, fostering relationships, and encouraging client referrals to the IPS service.
• Curating job opportunities through customised searches and employer liaison to secure both advertised and hidden job placements.
• Offering ongoing support, effective monitoring, and guidance post-employment to ensure job sustainability.

About You:

For success in this role, you should possess:

• Prior employment placement experience.
• Experience or understanding of working with individuals needing substance use support or similar client groups.
• Excellent motivational, communication, and attentive listening skills. 
• Outstanding interpersonal abilities with a knack for building rapport. 
• Non-judgmental, trustworthy, and empathetic approach toward mental health support needs.

What We Offer You:

• 25 days holiday (+ bank holidays), increasing annually for first 5 years. (pro rata).
• Paid ‘Wellness’ hour each week, ‘Wellness’ hub, and Employee Assist Programme
• Contributory pension scheme
• Great benefits incl. discounts for shopping, cinema, holidays, etc.
• A supportive team passionate about their work
• Training, career development & progression opportunities
• Refer a friend scheme for successful candidates

If you're excited about this opportunity, apply now and be part of our transformative journey at Change Grow Live.

Join us in making a positive difference in people's lives.

Please review the attached Job Description and Role Specifics for a detailed outline of responsibilities and Person Specification.

Direct applications only — we will not be engaging agencies for this vacancy.

Please note: This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK at the time of application. For applicants with time-limited visas, unfortunately, we are unable to support new visa applications or extensions. 

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Salary Range (pro rata if part time)

CGL points 25 to 28 (£29,529.80 - £32,002.35)

Interview Date

3/11/2025

Closing Date

20/10/2025

This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at an enhanced level.