Area branch development manager jobs

Job Title: Community Fundraising and Partnerships Lead

Location: Animal Centre, Hersden; (on site hybrid)

Reporting To: Branch Manager
Hours: 28 hours per week - flexed over 7 days to meet the needs of the business

Overall Purpose
The purpose of this role is to support the generation of vital community raised income to support the running costs of the Branch’s Animal Care and Rehoming services, while also developing, leading and delivering a branch-wide commercially viable, inclusive and comprehensive volunteering programme.
This is a revenue-generating management role within the charity. The effectiveness and success of the postholder will be measured against agreed financial performance, income generation, and impact KPIs, alongside people, welfare and operational outcomes.
The postholder will work closely with the Branch Manager, Board of Trustees, Employees, Volunteers and Retail Operations, playing a central role in shaping the future sustainability, culture and community impact of the Branch.
As an employee within a small, independent charity, the postholder should expect a broad, challenging and varied role, with significant opportunity to make a tangible and lasting impact on animal welfare, people development and the charity’s growth.
A full UK driving license is essential, as the role requires regular travel between the Animal Centre in Hersden, retail outlets across the Branch area, and community locations.

A more comprehensive list of the role’s duties are included below.
This job description reflects the duties of the role as of May 2026. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may be reviewed and amended in line with organisational needs and development.

Impact of the Role This role plays a critical part in strengthening the Branch’s long-term sustainability and community impact. By developing strong local partnerships, expanding community fundraising, and building a thriving and inclusive volunteering programme, the postholder will help generate the income, engagement and support required to deliver high standards of animal welfare and rehoming services. Success in this role will be demonstrated through increased community income, the development of meaningful and commercially viable partnerships, a motivated and supported volunteer network, and stronger connections between the Branch and the communities it serves. The postholder will play a key role in helping the Branch grow its reach, resilience and reputation while ensuring that more animals receive the care, protection and second chances they deserve.

Structure
Reporting to: Branch Manager
Key Tasks and Responsibilities
Community Fundraising, Partnerships & Income Generation
● In collaboration with the Branch Manager create, implement and grow an effective multi year community fundraising programme, identifying new opportunities and partnerships that benefit the branch.
● Actively seek and develop revenue-generating initiatives, preparing business cases and proposals for consideration by the Branch Manager and Trustees.
● Build and manage relationships with local businesses, corporate partners, schools, community groups and other organisations to develop mutually beneficial partnerships, sponsorship opportunities, and collaborative fundraising initiatives.
● Work collaboratively with retail shops and other teams to maximise fundraising opportunities across the Branch as required.
● Monitor fundraising performance and adapt strategies to maximise income and sustainability.
● Create a positive, inclusive, and accountable team culture aligned with the Charity’s mission and values.
Strategy, KPIs & Reporting
● Track performance against targets and take proactive action to address underperformance or emerging risks.
● Produce clear, accurate and insightful reports for the Branch Manager, including KPI performance, financial contributions, risks, opportunities, and recommendations.
● Support informed decision-making by providing data-driven analysis and proposals.
Volunteering Programme
● In collaboration with the Branch Manager, design, implement and continuously evolve a comprehensive volunteering strategy that supports operational needs, community engagement, and income generation.
● Ensure volunteer recruitment, onboarding, training, engagement, and retention are effective, inclusive and well-managed.
● Foster positive relationships with volunteers and ensure they feel valued, supported and aligned with the Charity’s mission.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Wellbeing
● Create, implement and continuously evolve an effective DEI strategy aligned with Charity values and best practice.
● Champion inclusivity across staff, volunteers and service delivery.
● Develop and embed a staff wellbeing strategy that enhances welfare, resilience and supports diverse needs.
● Promote a safe, supportive and respectful working environment.
Governance, Compliance & Collaboration
● Work closely with the Branch Manager and Trustees, maintaining open and effective communication.
● Ensure compliance with Branch policies, procedures, and relevant legislation.
● Contribute to cross-branch collaboration and organisational initiatives as required.
Education & Qualifications
A management or coaching qualification such as a diploma or similar certification would be desirable but is not essential.
Skills and Experience
Essential
● Minimum 3 years’ management experience.
● Proven experience of managing and coaching high-performing teams across multiple functions.
● Demonstrable experience in raising income
● Demonstrable experience developing and managing external partnerships with businesses, community organisations or corporate supporters.
● Demonstrable experience in running a range of commercially viable events and activities
● Demonstrable experience of setting, monitoring and reporting on KPIs aligned with organisational goals.
● Experience of developing and implementing a DEI strategy.
● Excellent relationship-building, communication and influencing skills with staff, volunteers, senior leaders and Trustees.
● Strong organisational and prioritisation skills.
● High level of IT competence (experience of Google Workspace preferred).
● Full UK driving licence, own vehicle and ability to travel regularly between sites.
Desirable
● Experience working within the charity or not-for-profit sector.
● Knowledge of basic HR legislation and governance.
● Confidence in managing and interpreting data to inform reporting and decision-making.
● Strong presentation skills.
Person Specification
● Passionate about animal welfare and the Charity’s mission.
● Ability to identify opportunities where community engagement, partnerships and fundraising activity can generate sustainable income while strengthening the charity’s mission and visibility.
● Positive, proactive and solution-focused approach.
● Flexible and adaptable. Comfortable working in a fast-paced, varied environment.
● Resourceful, resilient and able to work effectively on own initiative.
● Commercially minded with a strong sense of accountability for outcomes.
 

Our passionate Regional Casework Coordinators are SSAFA’s front line of support for members of the armed forces community in need. They are the first point of contact for all beneficiaries into the Regional office, assessing needs and allocating the case to one of our volunteer caseworkers.

You will sometimes handle complex problems from individuals who may be distressed, identifying the presenting and potential underlying needs to determine the best way to support the beneficiary. You will have ownership of cases from beginning to end, coordinating the casework process in a timely manner and ensure that the beneficiary journey is at the centre of the Service. You will have the opportunity to shape processes and procedures within the office which will lead to improvements in the service offered to clients.

To help you establish yourself in this new post you will receive excellent training and induction to SSAFA.

Whilst the post is homebased, to be eligible for this role you are required to live in the North West region, which include Lancashire, Merseyside, Cumbria, Greater Manchester and Chesire. There will be occasional travel around the North West  and you may be required to travel at short notice for face to face meetings.

About the team

The team work remotely and pride themselves in maintaining a close working bond which ensures the smooth operation of the office. You will work closely with volunteers from the eight SSAFA branches in the North West, supporting them to administer casework for SSAFA beneficiaries. The wider support team includes a Casework Manager and a Regional Operations Support Manager.

About you

To carry out this role successfully you will have a track record of providing welfare advice in key areas such as, housing benefits, debt, disability, mobility or immigration issues. You will have knowledge of safeguarding and GDPR and experience in dealing with sensitive information and people in vulnerable situations. You will be able to provide excellent customer service by telephone, e-mail and face to face. You will have used Microsoft Office 365 to a high standard. It is important that you have experience of planning and managing your own workload, with minimal supervision.

It would be advantageous if you have an understanding of the way of life for today’s Armed Forces, veterans and their families and if you have experience of recruiting and supporting volunteers. An understanding of the voluntary sector and preferably the military charity sector landscape across the North West would be valuable.

About SSAFA

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity is a trusted source of support for the Armed Forces community in their time of need. In 2024 our trained teams of volunteers and employees helped more than 53,000 people, including veterans, serving personnel (regulars and reserves) and their families.

SSAFA understands that behind every uniform is a person. And we are here for that person and their family, any time they need us and in any way they need us..

Diversity and Inclusion at SSAFA

SSAFA exists to support a diverse range of beneficiaries within the armed forces community, and we believe diversity within our teams is key to ensuring we can deliver our services effectively. We thrive on differences and believe it is critical to our success as a worldwide charity. SSAFA is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace that seeks to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We therefore encourage applications from all genders, races, religions, ages and sexual orientations, as well as parents, veterans, people living with disabilities, and any other groups that could bring diverse perspectives to our business.

SSAFA is committed to using the Disclosure & Barring Service to ensure we, as an employer, safeguard those we serve.

Closing date: Midnight on 09 July 2026 SSAFA reserves the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Interviews: 22/23 July 2026

We have an opportunity for two dedicated Case Officers to join our North East casework team to manage and provide direct support, advice, and guidance to RBL beneficiaries across the North East on a wide range of issues including health, social care, employment, benefits, statutory support, and housing.

Our Casework Services team plays a vital role at RBL in supporting the Armed Forces community, helping beneficiaries to lead better, more fulfilling lives. Each year, we assist around 12,000 people both in the UK and abroad. By collaborating with various departments within RBL and across a wide network of external partners, we ensure that our beneficiaries receive the support they need, regardless of their circumstances.

Come and be part of the leading Armed Forces charity, making a difference to the lives of those who have served to keep us safe and protect our way of life.

Based in a friendly and established team, your role will be to ensure that beneficiaries receive appropriate welfare support and advice in an integrated and seamless way, providing a person-centred solution based on a thorough analysis of circumstances and needs.

Reporting to the area Casework Services Manager, key responsibilities will include:

- Manage casework support, providing direct support, advice and guidance to beneficiaries,
- Assess beneficiaries’ needs and draw on support from the regional specialist team and other providers as necessary, ensuring that support is made available in an integrated way that best meets the beneficiaries’ needs
- Support the Casework Services Manager and Head of Welfare in better understanding the needs of the beneficiaries in your area to inform the commissioning of specialist services
- Advise beneficiaries of support which may be available to them and assist them in accessing this support as necessary
- Work in close collaboration with other providers of welfare support services within the local area, developing an understanding of each other’s services to facilitate appropriate referrals and support
- Develop effective working relationships with other Legion services within the area in question (e.g Specialist Service teams, Recovery team, Branch Community Support supporters, care homes, Remembrance.).

The role is primarily homebased and will have regular travel around the North East area for meetings and visiting beneficiaries, therefore you will need to live in a location that allows reasonable travel around this area. There will also be occasional travel nationally to attend training or meetings.

A valid UK Driving Licence is an essential requirement for this role. The successful applicant will require an Enhanced DBS check to be undertaken as part of the pre employment checks process.

Employee benefits include –

- 28 day’s paid holiday (plus bank holidays) increasing with service, with optional annual leave purchase scheme of up to 5 working days
- Generous pension contributions, with Employer contributions ranging from 6% to 10%
- Range of flexible working options may be available, depending on your role
- Employee Assistance Programme providing confidential counselling, financial and legal advice
- Range of courses delivered by learning specialists to support your development goals and objectives
- Opportunities to volunteer
- Travel loans, Cycle to Work, and more!

For more detailed information about the role, please see the Job Description attached to our direct advert. Our teams take a personalised approach to shortlisting, which is carried out without the use of AI and is based on the evidence provided in your application against the essential and desirable criteria in the Person Specification.

RBL is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive organisation, reflecting the diversity of the armed forces community and of wider society. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and personal characteristics.

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer interview schemes for candidates who declare an Armed Forces connection and/or a disability. However, candidates are only eligible for this scheme if their application clearly demonstrates that they meet all of the essential criteria listed in the Person Specification for the role.

Interview Dates:        week commencing 13th July 2026

We may close this vacancy early if we believe we have enough strong applications to be able to successfully fill the role. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

We have an opportunity for a dedicated Case Officer to join our South East casework team to manage and provide direct support, advice, and guidance to RBL beneficiaries across South East on a wide range of issues including health, social care, employment, benefits, statutory support, and housing.

Our Casework Services team plays a vital role at RBL in supporting the Armed Forces community, helping beneficiaries to lead better, more fulfilling lives. Each year, we assist around 12,000 people both in the UK and abroad. By collaborating with various departments within RBL and across a wide network of external partners, we ensure that our beneficiaries receive the support they need, regardless of their circumstances.

Come and be part of the leading Armed Forces charity, making a difference to the lives of those who have served to keep us safe and protect our way of life.

Based in a friendly and established team, your role will be to ensure that beneficiaries receive appropriate welfare support and advice in an integrated and seamless way, providing a person-centred solution based on a thorough analysis of circumstances and needs.

Reporting to the area Casework Services Manager, key responsibilities will include:

- Manage casework support, providing direct support, advice and guidance to beneficiaries,
- Assess beneficiaries’ needs and draw on support from the regional specialist team and other providers as necessary, ensuring that support is made available in an integrated way that best meets the beneficiaries’ needs
- Support the Casework Services Manager and Head of Welfare in better understanding the needs of the beneficiaries in your area to inform the commissioning of specialist services
- Advise beneficiaries of support which may be available to them and assist them in accessing this support as necessary
- Work in close collaboration with other providers of welfare support services within the local area, developing an understanding of each other’s services to facilitate appropriate referrals and support
- Develop effective working relationships with other Legion services within the area in question (e.g Specialist Service teams, Recovery team, Branch Community Support supporters, care homes, Remembrance.).

The role is primarily homebased and will have regular travel around the South East area for meetings and visiting beneficiaries, therefore you will need to live in a location that allows reasonable travel around this area. There will also be occasional travel nationally to attend training or meetings.

A valid UK Driving Licence is an essential requirement for this role. The successful applicant will require an Enhanced DBS check to be undertaken as part of the pre employment checks process.

Employee benefits include –

- 28 day’s paid holiday (plus bank holidays) increasing with service, with optional annual leave purchase scheme of up to 5 working days
- Generous pension contributions, with Employer contributions ranging from 6% to 10%
- Range of flexible working options may be available, depending on your role
- Employee Assistance Programme providing confidential counselling, financial and legal advice
- Range of courses delivered by learning specialists to support your development goals and objectives
- Opportunities to volunteer
- Travel loans, Cycle to Work, and more!

For more detailed information about the role, please see the Job Description attached to our direct advert. Our teams take a personalised approach to shortlisting, which is carried out without the use of AI and is based on the evidence provided in your application against the essential and desirable criteria in the Person Specification.

RBL is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive organisation, reflecting the diversity of the armed forces community and of wider society. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and personal characteristics.

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer interview schemes for candidates who declare an Armed Forces connection and/or a disability. However, candidates are only eligible for this scheme if their application clearly demonstrates that they meet all of the essential criteria listed in the Person Specification for the role.

Interview Dates:        3rd and 6th July 2026

We may close this vacancy early if we believe we have enough strong applications to be able to successfully fill the role. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

We have an opportunity for a dedicated Case Officer to join our Greater Manchester casework team to manage and provide direct support, advice, and guidance to RBL beneficiaries across Greater Manchester on a wide range of issues including health, social care, employment, benefits, statutory support, and housing.

Our Casework Services team plays a vital role at RBL in supporting the Armed Forces community, helping beneficiaries to lead better, more fulfilling lives. Each year, we assist around 12,000 people both in the UK and abroad. By collaborating with various departments within RBL and across a wide network of external partners, we ensure that our beneficiaries receive the support they need, regardless of their circumstances.

Come and be part of the leading Armed Forces charity, making a difference to the lives of those who have served to keep us safe and protect our way of life.

Based in a friendly and established team, your role will be to ensure that beneficiaries receive appropriate welfare support and advice in an integrated and seamless way, providing a person-centred solution based on a thorough analysis of circumstances and needs.

Reporting to the area Casework Services Manager, key responsibilities will include:

- Manage casework support, providing direct support, advice and guidance to beneficiaries,
- Assess beneficiaries’ needs and draw on support from the regional specialist team and other providers as necessary, ensuring that support is made available in an integrated way that best meets the beneficiaries’ needs
- Support the Casework Services Manager and Head of Welfare in better understanding the needs of the beneficiaries in your area to inform the commissioning of specialist services
- Advise beneficiaries of support which may be available to them and assist them in accessing this support as necessary
- Work in close collaboration with other providers of welfare support services within the local area, developing an understanding of each other’s services to facilitate appropriate referrals and support
- Develop effective working relationships with other Legion services within the area in question (e.g Specialist Service teams, Recovery team, Branch Community Support supporters, care homes, Remembrance.).

The role is primarily homebased and will have regular travel around the Greater Manchester area for meetings and visiting beneficiaries, therefore you will need to live in a location that allows reasonable travel around this area. There will also be occasional travel nationally to attend training or meetings.

The successful applicant will require an Enhanced DBS check to be undertaken as part of the pre employment checks process.

Employee benefits include –

- 28 day’s paid holiday (plus bank holidays) increasing with service, with optional annual leave purchase scheme of up to 5 working days
- Generous pension contributions, with Employer contributions ranging from 6% to 10%
- Range of flexible working options may be available, depending on your role
- Employee Assistance Programme providing confidential counselling, financial and legal advice
- Range of courses delivered by learning specialists to support your development goals and objectives
- Opportunities to volunteer
- Travel loans, Cycle to Work, and more!

For more detailed information about the role, please see the Job Description attached to our direct advert. Our teams take a personalised approach to shortlisting, which is carried out without the use of AI and is based on the evidence provided in your application against the essential and desirable criteria in the Person Specification.

RBL is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive organisation, reflecting the diversity of the armed forces community and of wider society. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and personal characteristics.

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer interview schemes for candidates who declare an Armed Forces connection and/or a disability. However, candidates are only eligible for this scheme if their application clearly demonstrates that they meet all of the essential criteria listed in the Person Specification for the role.

We may close this vacancy early if we believe we have enough strong applications to be able to successfully fill the role. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

We have an opportunity for a dedicated Case Officer to join our South West casework team to manage and provide direct support, advice, and guidance to RBL beneficiaries across Dorset, Hampshire and Isle of Wight on a wide range of issues including health, social care, employment, benefits, statutory support, and housing.

Our Casework Services team plays a vital role at RBL in supporting the Armed Forces community, helping beneficiaries to lead better, more fulfilling lives. Each year, we assist around 12,000 people both in the UK and abroad. By collaborating with various departments within RBL and across a wide network of external partners, we ensure that our beneficiaries receive the support they need, regardless of their circumstances.

Come and be part of the leading Armed Forces charity, making a difference to the lives of those who have served to keep us safe and protect our way of life.

Based in a friendly and established team, your role will be to ensure that beneficiaries receive appropriate welfare support and advice in an integrated and seamless way, providing a person-centred solution based on a thorough analysis of circumstances and needs.

Reporting to the area Casework Services Manager, key responsibilities will include:

- Manage casework support, providing direct support, advice and guidance to beneficiaries,
- Assess beneficiaries’ needs and draw on support from the regional specialist team and other providers as necessary, ensuring that support is made available in an integrated way that best meets the beneficiaries’ needs
- Support the Casework Services Manager and Head of Welfare in better understanding the needs of the beneficiaries in your area to inform the commissioning of specialist services
- Advise beneficiaries of support which may be available to them and assist them in accessing this support as necessary
- Work in close collaboration with other providers of welfare support services within the local area, developing an understanding of each other’s services to facilitate appropriate referrals and support
- Develop effective working relationships with other Legion services within the area in question (e.g Specialist Service teams, Recovery team, Branch Community Support supporters, care homes, Remembrance.).

The role is primarily homebased and will have regular travel around the Dorset, Hampshire and Isle of Wight area for meetings and visiting beneficiaries, therefore you will need to live in a location that allows reasonable travel around this area. There will also be occasional travel nationally to attend training or meetings.

A valid UK Driving Licence is an essential requirement for this role. The successful applicant will require an Enhanced DBS check to be undertaken as part of the pre employment checks process.

Employee benefits include –

- 28 day’s paid holiday (plus bank holidays) increasing with service, with optional annual leave purchase scheme of up to 5 working days
- Generous pension contributions, with Employer contributions ranging from 6% to 10%
- Range of flexible working options may be available, depending on your role
- Employee Assistance Programme providing confidential counselling, financial and legal advice
- Range of courses delivered by learning specialists to support your development goals and objectives
- Opportunities to volunteer
- Travel loans, Cycle to Work, and more!

For more detailed information about the role, please see the Job Description attached to our direct advert. Our teams take a personalised approach to shortlisting, which is carried out without the use of AI and is based on the evidence provided in your application against the essential and desirable criteria in the Person Specification.

RBL is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive organisation, reflecting the diversity of the armed forces community and of wider society. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and personal characteristics.

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer interview schemes for candidates who declare an Armed Forces connection and/or a disability. However, candidates are only eligible for this scheme if their application clearly demonstrates that they meet all of the essential criteria listed in the Person Specification for the role.

Interview Dates:        13th and 14th July 2026

We may close this vacancy early if we believe we have enough strong applications to be able to successfully fill the role. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.