Assistant director of development jobs

Women’s Homelessness Lead (12 months maternity cover)

Location: Exeter
Salary: £34,000 - £41,000 per annum (depending on experience)
Hours: Full-time (some flexibility with hybrid working)

Are you ready to make a lasting impact in the lives of women experiencing homelessness? Do you have a heart for social justice, a knack for building partnerships, and a passion for creating safe, supportive spaces? If so, Keychange Charity invites you to join us as our Women’s Homelessness Lead in Exeter for a 12 month contract.

About Us

At Keychange, we’ve been supporting women in vulnerable situations for over 100 years. Rooted in Christian values, our work is grounded in the belief that every person deserves fullness of life, community, and unconditional love. Our Women’s Homelessness Service in Exeter is a specialist 5-bed accommodation, offering not just a roof, but holistic, person-centred support that addresses trauma, health, wellbeing, education, and employment.

About the Role

This exciting role combines service delivery, strategic leadership, and community partnership building. As our Women’s Homelessness Lead, you’ll:

• Provide personalised, trauma-informed keyworking to a small caseload of women, empowering them to achieve personal goals and move toward independence.

• Develop strong partnerships with churches, local charities, housing providers, and funders to create wrap-around support for residents.

• Design and refine the service model, ensuring it remains co-produced, high-quality, and responsive to the unique needs of homeless women.

• Lead housing management and safety protocols, ensuring a clean, safe, and welcoming environment.

• Represent Keychange in the wider community, promoting our mission and developing opportunities for future service delivery.

 Essential Criteria

• Substantial experience supporting women experiencing homelessness or disadvantage

• Deep understanding of the unique challenges homeless women face

• Proven ability to build partnerships with churches, charities, and local authorities

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written

• Strong understanding of church networks and Christian community engagement

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in accommodation-based service delivery

• Existing relationships with VCSE organisations or churches in Exeter

Occupational Requirement

This post is subject to an Occupational Requirement (OR) under Schedule 9, Part 1, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010 that the post-holder must be a woman. Our aim is to provide a safe, private and comfortable environment for women affected by homelessness. This requirement is necessary and proportionate in light of the responsibilities of the role, which include:

• Providing keyworker support to at-risk female service users

• Maintaining the cleanliness, health, and safety of bedsits occupied exclusively by women

• Engaging in discussions on personal topics including trauma recovery, health and wellbeing, domestic abuse, and relationships support

Why Join Keychange?

• Competitive salary: £34,000 - £41,000 per annum (depending on experience)

• Generous leave: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

• Hybrid working: Some flexibility, with regular site/community days

• Employee assistance programme and life insurance

• Contributory pension scheme with matched employer contribution

• Personalised development: Tailored learning and growth opportunities

• A vibrant and supportive team environment

How to Apply

Please send us:

1. A cover letter sharing your story and how you meet the essential and desirable criteria

2. An up-to-date CV, focusing on your relevant experience

Closing Date: 13th February 2026
Interviews will take place: w/c 23rd February 2026
Starting Date: 9th March 2026

The Difference is an education charity, founded to change the story on lost learning. Our vision is to see lost learning falling nationally by 2030 and for schools to be better equipped to support all children, particularly those most vulnerable.

Leading national policy strategy

As Head of Policy and Public Affairs, you will work closely with the CEO to develop and execute a four-year influencing plan.  Together we’ll aim to shift local and national incentives on inclusion by 2030, which see the national trend of rising suspension and absence begin to fall. 

You will hold relationships with the Department for Education and Ofsted and advise on policy priorities ahead, such as:

• Widening the definition of inclusion beyond special needs, recognising the needs of those young people historically or currently interacting with social services

• Reducing perverse incentives for schools to alter their school roll through admissions and pupil exits

• Expectations for multi-academy trusts in capturing and analysing data on lost learning, including how it disproportionately affects different groups

• Improving local alternative provision eco-systems, to improve outcomes for young people

• National standards for inclusive school practice, at a universal and targeted level

• Professional development standards for school inclusion

Developing implementation expertise in the middle tier

In your first six months, you will advise on the internal development of a new programme for middle tier policy actors: multi-academy trust and local authority leaders.  You will support the Programme team in its design, to plan strategically for the recruitment of trusts and local authorities, and you will plan the research and influencing work which will seek to share their success nationally.

Building the evidence base

In your second six months, you will work with the CEO to build out our research function. Your influencing plan will include how The Difference can learn from the work across our multi-academy trust, local authority and internal AP pioneer partners over the next four years, to develop influential publications. Research work ahead will include publishing sector-facing publications of The Difference’s own research, carried out by our research lead and associates; alongside managing external contractors and internal colleagues to bid for and deliver aligned research disseminating our ideas.

Raising your voice

This is an exciting opportunity for someone committed to inclusive policy change. The Difference has always punched above our weight in national and sector press reach. In post,  you will publish blogs and comment pieces, disseminating our shared ideas.  You will be a prominent voice on inclusion.

The Difference is still a small and growing charity. This means that our work is fast-paced, our roles are broad, and there is a culture of being highly autonomous, reactive and flexible, as the needs of the organisation evolve. If this sounds exciting rather than daunting, then this could be the role and team for you!

The Role
This is an exciting time to join The Difference as we increase our impact, reach more schools, and develop our influencing strategy. As Head of Policy and Public Affairs you will: 

Design and execute an impactful influencing plan 

• Design an influencing plan - Identify via horizon scanning opportunities to influence national policy using open policy windows, or by nudging/creating new ones. 

• Execute an influencing plan - Utilise own assets and assets across the organisation, including the Director team, to deliver against the influencing plan.

• Relationship building - Build highly credible and impactful relationships with a variety of stakeholders who hold power. This will include policy makers in national governments, local government officials, politicians, other third sector organisations and think tanks. 

• Leadership - Play a significant role internally and externally in communicating the organisation’s policy position, raising organisational and own brand.

Build policy capacity and credibility across the organisation

• Policy positions and solutions- Use the concepts, work and experience of The Difference’s programmes to develop new, and refine existing, national policy positions to shift incentives. 

• Thought leadership - Be the organisation’s education policy and political expert. 

• Generating income - Use own and team’s expertise and credibility to generate income via speaking engagements and consultancy to support the organisation’s financial sustainability. 

Person Specification

Essential – We are looking for someone with the following knowledge, experience and skills, though you may be stronger in some areas than others:

• Deep expertise in education policy, particularly on the topic of lost learning and the various policy and political debates, including areas of controversy, surrounding this policy topic. 

• Strategic thinker with a proven track record in identifying policy windows and designing activities that lead to meaningful national policy change. 

• Excellent relationship builder, who brings with them their own network of influential stakeholders and has a plan for building new relationships. Adept at navigating tricky situations and explaining complex, sometimes difficult, messages.

• Expert convener with a strong knowledge of the education sector, including which schools, trusts and local authorities are influential and experience in bringing a variety of perspectives together to generate consensus. 

• Persuasive and clear writing style for publication, including reports, press, blogs and ghost writing for members of the senior leadership team, often based on consensus positions, and designed to communicate key messages for impact. 

• Confidence and credibility in communicating nuanced messages in a contentious landscape, in writing, verbally and in public (e.g. on panels), to raise the profile of The Difference. 

• Strong project manager who can design systems and processes to keep self, team and other stakeholders on task and on time. Experience of designing programmes of work and monitoring their effectiveness. Flexible project management style that can adapt to a changing environment. Confidence in managing a variety of stakeholders and supporting them to deliver on time. 

Desired – You are more likely to be successful in your application if you have one or more of the following: 

• Familiarity with The Difference’s programmatic work, theory and practice. 

• Lived experience or insight into the school experiences of marginalised young people (e.g. those with experience of the care system, mental ill health, special educational needs, exclusion, and racism).

We know that some people, especially those from marginalised backgrounds, may hesitate to apply unless they meet every listed requirement. If this role excites you and you believe you could make a strong contribution, we warmly encourage you to apply. 
We actively welcome applications from people whose backgrounds are under-represented in the charity sector, including but not limited to: people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, people with experience in the case system, non-graduates and first-in-family graduates.

Reporting to, and working closely with, the Head of Fundraising and Engagement, the Senior Philanthropy and Partnerships Lead will shape and implement innovative strategies, driving growth in philanthropic giving, secure corporate partnerships and obtain critical funding. With a focus on cultivating mutually beneficial, long-term relationships, you’ll craft compelling proposals, develop tailored stewardship plans, and create sponsorship opportunities that inspire ongoing support.

You’ll lead the way in securing multi-year corporate partnerships and nurturing donor relationships to meet ambitious income targets. As a key player in the senior fundraising team, you’ll contribute to strategic planning, represent the charity at events, and champion new approaches to fundraising.

With our newly formed Development Board, the Senior Philanthropy and Partnerships Lead will identify and utilise key networks to grow our philanthropic supporter base across corporate and major donor income streams. With strong writing skills, this person will also craft tailored and compelling corporate proposals and trust and foundation applications.

Who are we looking for?

To support our vision and ensure the achievement of ambitious income targets to support children and families affected by neuroblastoma, we are looking for a strategic and results-driven high-value fundraiser to join our team.

We are particularly keen to speak with interested candidates who enjoy cultivating high-value relationships from scratch and stewarding five- and six-figure corporate partnerships, and/or major donor relationships.

Person specification:

• Demonstrable significant experience working in corporate fundraising (experience in major donor and trusts & foundations fundraising would also be of benefit).
• Strategic thinker with significant experience at a managerial level, developing strategic plans to grow and optimise high-value fundraising.
• A proven record of being results-driven and working to achieve income targets, KPIs and outcomes.
• Proven ability to proactively identify, cultivate and secure new corporate relationships, demonstrate strong new business development acumen and confidence opening new opportunities.

See our Recruitment Pack for the full role description and specification and for information about Solving Kids' Cancer UK. 

Location: Home-based within England with regular travel to London and elsewhere in the UK as required
First stage interviews: Thursday 26th February
Second stage interviews:  Wednesday 4th March

As a safeguarding charity whose work and practice are underpinned by safeguarding principles to protect children and young people and enhance their welfare, we always work in accordance with legislation, statutory guidance, and best safeguarding practices. All our roles require a basic criminal record check.

This is a centre-based role with some travel to other animal centres, branches and adopter’s homes. There will be a requirement to work with diverse teams and in potentially dangerous (due to the animals they may encounter) and emotionally demanding situations. 

Role Purpose

Responsible for assessing and monitoring the behaviour and welfare of dogs, cats and small animals (depending on need and competence) in Danaher’s care. This will include devising behavioural plans, and carrying out or overseeing environmental and behavioural and training interventions in agreed circumstances, to maintain high standards of welfare, support successful rehoming and reduce return rates. The post holder will also be required to support and train other staff and volunteers in the care, management and behaviour modification of the animals in their care.  

Behaviour, welfare and training plans for dogs and cats (other species depending on RSPCA need and professional competence). Decisions to escalate animals for RCAB attention (according to agreed criteria). Sign off of staff/volunteer competency to handle dogs with more complex behavioural needs (according to agreed criteria). Record-keeping.

The Stag operates through a low-risk hall-hire business model. It is not allowed to promote its own shows – it provides the professional facilities for others to hire space and put on shows.

Reporting to the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, the CEO leads a small, professional and dedicated team (currently 20 employees (17.8 FTE)) boosted with part-time casuals in the box office plus a team of volunteers at events. The CEO will ensure the charity fulfils its mission and achieves its charitable objectives whilst maintaining the strong financial sustainability it now enjoys.

The role requires the CEO to a be a BIIAB personal licence holder and to act as Designated Premises Supervisor as well as being the Company Secretary. More details from The Stag's website.

As an interim Supervising Solicitor in Public Law, you will supervise and carry out CPAG’s public law legal aid cases, to benefit families and children in poverty. You will play an active role in managing CPAG’s legal practice and conduct high-profile public law litigation. 

We are looking for someone who is passionate about using the law to advocate for the rights of, and directly improve the lives of, families in poverty. The ideal candidate will be a solicitor (E&W qualified) with experience of conducting public law litigation and legal aid (publicly funded) work. You will be able to supervise the casework of colleagues, such as CPAG’s junior or trainee solicitor(s) and welfare benefit advisers. You may have experience of working with clients in vulnerable situations or with additional needs, for example, survivors of domestic abuse, refugees, disabled people or children and young people.

We welcome applications from individuals with the skills and experience outlined and we can be flexible about working arrangements. We operate a hybrid working system and would be happy to discuss any flexibilities required. CPAG is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion which you can read more about in the job pack. 

We welcome applications on a secondment basis.

For more information about this post and to apply download the Supervising Solicitor - Public Law (Interim)

Company Description

At Catch22, we are proud of our reputation as a modern and progressive employer. Our 1,300 colleagues and 300 volunteers work at every stage of the social welfare cycle, supporting over 60,000 individuals from cradle to career. 

Catch22 exists to help build a society where everyone has a good place to live, good people around them, and a fulfilling purpose. We call these our '3Ps'. We achieve this in two ways. First we improve lives on the frontline through delivery of public services. Secondly, we use our knowledge to change 'the system', to fix the complex web that can trap and disempower those it was set up to help. With the heart of a charity and the mindset of a business, we are uniquely placed to deliver on this challenging agenda.

Beacon Victim Care Service

Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner has appointed Catch22 to deliver the Beacon Victim Care Service across the county. Catch22 Victim Services provide tailored support to individuals, to empower them to cope, and to recover, from the impact of crime.

Job Description

As Beacon Team Leader, you will be a member of the local management team within the victim service, managing a team of Beacon Support Workers as part of a multi-disciplinary team ensuring the effective delivery of end to end support for victims in line with contractual expectations. You will provide line management support, supervision and guidance to the team in line with Catch22’s policies and procedures.

You will ensure that victims receive a high quality service through the effective management of the team’s performance, maintaining organisational and professional standards expected of the victim service. You will ensure that victims’ needs are reviewed and met in line with the key targets and contractual expectations.

You will maintain a close working relationship with police partners, statutory services and voluntary agencies ensuring relationships are effectively managed and pathways of support for victims remain seamless to provide a high quality and consistent service. You will provide management oversight of presenting risks and needs ensuring matters are managed and escalated appropriately and actions taken expediently as deemed appropriate to the presenting situation.

Qualifications

As Beacon Team Leader, with responsibility for the effective running of the Victim Service on a day-to-day basis, you will have a great opportunity to be involved in a number of varied projects working at the heart of the delivery of our strategic ambition. This post currently (can change subject to contract changes) will be managing team members who are working with:

Children and Young people affected by Crime including Domestic Abuse and Sexual Abuse 
Families affected by Child on Parent Violence 
Anti-social behaviour victims

Good will look like the following:

A confident, professional, and creative individual with a ‘can-do’ approach 
Some experience/skills or qualifications around working with children and young people. 
Responsive to pressure and change – flexible and adaptable to sustain performance.
Ability to build and manage relationships, share knowledge and skills to deliver shared goals
Working collaboratively across the whole of Catch22 to ensure we make best use of our wealth of skills and experience.
Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence key stakeholders and retain confidentiality at all times.

Additional information

Those interested in applying for this opportunity should review the Job Description & Person Specification to find out more. If you have any questions about the role or recruitment process, please see our contact information on the Candidate Help Page. Please use reference REF3754J in your message so that we can identify the opportunity.

Salary: £32,620 per annum
Hours of work: Full time, 37.5 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Flexibility: Flexible working options available, where service delivery allows - blended approach of office working, home working, and occasionally supporting with visits across Hertfordshire.
Closing Date: 11th February (Could close earlier if sufficient quality applications received)
Interviews: TBC

To Apply: Please provide your CV and cover letter, along with the completion of the screening questions to express your interest in this role. 

Screening: Successful admission to post subject to enhanced DBS check, police vetting check, and employer Right To Work in the UK check. Please note, in the interest of safer recruitment and ensuring that applicants are a right fit for the role, submitted applications must contain a CV, satisfactory responses to the screening questions, and information detailing interest in the role, to be considered for this position.

*Vetting and Clearance Requirements: NPPV 2 (Police Vetting), Enhanced DBS check.

*Access to work is 25 minutes from King's Cross Station.

Unless otherwise stated, interviews will be arranged as suitable candidates are identified, so early application is strongly advised.

AI generated applications are not acceptable and could lead to a disqualification of your current and future applications across Catch22 jobs. In order to ensure that applications are fair, genuine, and representative of the candidate applying, our teams may use a number of tools to identify occurrences where candidates have not given an honest response during the application process.

At Catch22 we value equality, diversity and inclusion. We are wholeheartedly committed to the principle of equality of opportunity, both as an employer and as a provider of services. Diversity and Inclusion is part of what we do every day, working to deliver our vision to build a strong society where everyone has good people around them, a purpose, and a good place to live.

Within the Justice hub at Catch22 we are extremely proud of our strong focus and track record in developing our people. As of September 2022, 73% of our management group have progressed from frontline roles within Catch22, which allows us to offer progression opportunities for staff under the leadership of managers with frontline experience.

Catch22 Justice requests no contact from agencies or media sales

Benefits / Apply for Opportunities / recruitment process / Recruitment Policy / Set up Job Alerts

Catch22 is committed to rigorous safeguarding and safer recruitment practices; ensuring that every individual within the organisation has been safely and appropriately checked.

Job Description

Job Title: Fundraiser - Volunteer Board Fundraising

Directorate: Engagement & Fundraising (Philanthropy & Partnerships)

Team/Department: Volunteer Board Fundraising (Supporter Led Fundraising)

Location: Wales (home based or hybrid)

Salary: £31,171 - £36,631 dependent on experience

Date last amended: January 2026

Context and Background

The NSPCC relies on voluntary income for the majority of its work to keep children safe,

prevent abuse and ensure every child has a voice. To secure long -term sustainability, the

charity has reshaped how it engages supporters through the Engagement and Fun draising

Directorate. Within this, the Philanthropy and Partnerships Department brings together

high -value audiences and supporter -led income. The Volunteer Board Fundraising team

leads income generation through regional and national volunteer boards , volunteer -led

fundraising initiatives and delivery of special events through our high value event

committees . These activities play a vital role in maximising sustainable income, engaging

senior volunteers, and supporting long -term supporter relationships.

The volunteer boards are made up of influential and successful senior stakeholders who feel

passionately about the NSPCC and volunteer their time to help the NSPCC generate income

and awareness. They employ a range of fundraising techniques to reach their goals focus being to use their networks and influence to secure income generating opportunities

via events, corporate partnerships and major gifts from individuals.

– their

This role will support , and lead the growth and development of, the s uccessful Wales

Fundraising Board which has been established for over 25 year s, initially as the NSPCC Full

Stop Appeal Board for Wales. The board has helped to lead and organise balls and dinners ,

overseas fundraising challenges and a variety of events in Wales and the rest of the UK. The

board’s ‘Building Brighter Futures’ appeal secured funding to build the NSPCC’s d edicated

Wales hub in Cardiff , Diane Engelhardt House , opened in 2010. The key focus of the current

board is to support the raising of over £1m annually from a range of supporter audiences

and promote the NSPCC across Wales by organising events (both fundraising and

engagement), establishing new contacts - primarily high net worth individuals and corporate

partners - and supporting the delivery of NSPCC services including recruitment of

volunteers and supporting access to NSPCC services.The team works closely with colleagues in Philanthropy and Partnerships (corporate

partnerships , major gifts, trusts and statutory ), Public Engagement (marketing, brand,

digital), and Fundraising Operations (data, compliance, finance, procurement) to ensure

volunteer fundraising is integrated into supporter journeys, delivers excellent experiences,

and achieves strong ROI.

The role of the Fundraiser is to cultivate and steward key relationships and deliver special

projects across the volunteer board and their network to deliver against annual income

plans .

Job purpose

• To contribute towards the delivery of sustainable income through the Wales

Fundraising Board

• To contribute towards the delivery of annual income and engagement plans,

ensuring volunteer activity is high -quality, compliant, and supporter -centric

• Build and manage relationships with senior volunteers and board members,

maximising long -term support and value

• Provide operational support and management of volunteer partnerships & projects

Key relationships - Internal

• Member of the Volunteer Board Fundraising team

• Reports to a Fundraising Manager, Volunteer Board Fundraising

• Works with colleagues across Philanthropy & Partnerships, including Corporate

Partnerships, Major Gifts , Trusts and Statutory and Supporter Relationship

Fundraising.

• Member of the Wales Leadership Group, supporting the Assistant Director for

Wales and other Wales -based colleague s and teams.

• Collaborates with Public Engagement (marketing, brand, digital) to support

volunteer fundraising campaigns and engagement

• Works with Fundraising Operations (data, compliance, finance, procurement) to

ensure processes are efficient and compliant

Key relationships - External

• Volunteer board chair, members and regional ambassadors including Wales

Fundraising Board members and senior advocates

• NSPCC’s Trustee for Wales

• Senior supporters and networks (individuals and organisations ) engaged through

volunteer -led activity

• Agencies, venues and suppliers supporting volunteer fundraising

• External peers and networks within the volunteer fundraising secto rMain duties and responsibilities

Contributing to Volunteer Partnerships Strategy and Income

• Contribute to the delivery of the Volunteer Partnerships annual business plan to

maximise net income and long -term value through the volunteer boards

• Support the Wales Fundraising Board and their networks , ensuring their fundraising

and engagement delivers sustainable income and long -term value

• Lead on delivery of specific fundraising projects .

• Support a portfolio of fundraising and stewardship events led by the Wales

Fundraising Board to engage with new and existing supporters both in and outside

of Wales.

• Contribute to KPIs for income, supporter experience and ROI, addressing risks and

identifying opportunities for growth

• Lead on the delivery of business cases for new volunteer -led initiatives by the Wales

Fundraising Board

Managing Volunteer Relationships

• Steward senior volunteers and board members, ensuring they feel supported,

inspired and connected to the NSPCC’s mission

• Provide tools, resources and guidance to volunteers to support their fundraising

and advocacy

• C arry out research through a range of sources, to contribute to proposals, donor

strategies and fundraising communications.

• Develop and create engaging materials for external audiences

• Ensure compliance with NSPCC policies, fundraising regulations and best practice

in all volunteer -led activity

Collaboration and Centre of Excellence

• Act as a centre of expertise for volunteer -led fundraising across the NSPCC

• Collaborate with colleagues across Engagement & Fundraising to embed volunteer

fundraising within wider supporter journeys and campaigns

Budgeting , Finance and Evaluation

• Contribute to the budgets for volunteer fundraising activity, whilst supporting the

Fundraising Manager to accurately monitor income and expenditure

• With the support of the Fundraising Manager , ensure accurate data capture and

reporting

• To provide financial administrative assistance to budget holders, including

processing invoices, placing orders, undertaking financial analysis, cash handling

and banking in line with NSPCC policies and procedures.Responsibilities for all Staff within the Income Generation

directorate

• To update databases and supporter information systems as directed, in line with

Data Protection legislation and NSPCC policy and procedures.

• To actively participate in regular department and team meetings, contributing to

strategy, discussions and decisions which will be beneficial to the Directorate and

wider NSPCC activities.

• To adhere to all the NSPCC’s standards, policies and procedures.

• To evidence an understanding of and commitment to the NSPCC’s values and

behaviours.

• To maintain an awareness of and comply with data protection regulations and

internal data protection policies.

• To be responsible for personal learning and development, to support the learning

and development of others and the whole organisation.

• To work in a manner that facilitates and encourages inclusion.

• To be proactive in identifying ways to improve personal and team performance

• To maintain an awareness of own and others’ Health and Safety and comply with the

NSPCC’s Health and Safety policy and procedures

• To take personal responsibility for keeping up to date with NSPCC work to

end cruelty to children, including securing updates on project and service developm

ents and general NSPCC news

• A commitment to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people

Person specification

1. Experience of building effective relationships through face to face interactions with

existing and new high -level individuals and/or organisations, leading to securing

fundraising income via long -term partnerships.

2. Commercially minded; ability to apply commercial knowledge and understanding to

fundraising partnerships ensuring that NSPCC activity has a competitive edge in

the market place. NSPCC fundraising activity must be appealing and commercially

viable.

3. Exceptional project management skills; ability to see a project through from start to

finish, reaching a desired income target. Must have meticulous planning skills and

show great attention to detail. Must be self -motivated and highly proactive.

4. Target driven with proven financial management and reporting skills, including

accurate budgeting and contingency planning. A track record of achieving financial

and departmental objectives.5. Knowledge of corporate social responsibility and individual philanthropic

motivations and current trends in high value and corporate fundraising across the

UK.

6. Excellent written and verbal communication skills to deliver fundraising pitches,

ideas and project updates to a range of audiences in a clear, inspiring and confident

way.

7. Able to work harmoniously with internal colleagues across teams to achieve joint

objectives. Working collaboratively; demonstrating an understanding of other

team’s goals and priorities. Able to negotiate successfully with others to achieve a

desired outco me.

8. Ability to organise and plan own work, juggle competing demands, manage projects

and establish clear timelines and priorities in order to meet agreed objectives.

9. Proven ability to demonstrate initiative and creativity.

10. Experience of provided.

a fundraising CRM package is desirable but not essential; training

The ability to engage this role .

in communications using the Welsh language is also desirable in

Safer Recruitment

As an organisation, we are committed to creating and fostering a culture that promotes

safeguarding and the welfare of all children and adults at risk.

Our safer recruitment practices support this by ensuring that there is a consistent and

thorough process of obtaining, collating, analysing and evaluating information from and

about candidates to ensure that all persons appointed are suitable to work with children and adults.

our

The recruitment and selection of our people will be conducted in a professional, timely

and responsive manner and in compliance with current employment legislation, and

relevant safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance .Our principles:

• Always seek to recruit the best candidate for the role based on merit including their

skills, experience, motivation and competencies. Our robust recruitment and

selection process should ensure the identification of the person best suited to the

role and th e organisation .

• C ommitted to diversity and equality of opportunity and will interview all applicants

(internal and external) who self -declare at application as having a disability and who

meet the minimum requirements in the person specification of the vacancy they are

app lying for.

• We will make reasonable adjustments at all stages of the recruitment process in

order to enable successful candidates who declare disabilities to start working or

volunteering their time with us.

• Any current member of staff or volunteer who wishes to apply for vacancies and is

suitably qualified will be considered and addressed fairly and objectively based on

their merit.

• As an organisation committed to safeguarding, we will ensure all under 18’s joining

the organisation will have ongoing risk assessments to ensure their role and

activities are safe and appropriate.

• All documentation relating to candidates will be treated confidentially in accordance

with the GDPR legislation.

Citizens UK 

Citizens UK is the UK’s biggest, most diverse and most effective people-powered alliance. We bring communities and local organisations together to work on issues that matter; from campaigning for zebra crossings on dangerous roads, to reforming the immigration system, to the Living Wage campaign. We have a track record of winning change through hundreds of local and national campaigns. We know everyday people have the ability to shape the world around them. We believe that through developing local leaders, we can drive nationwide change and create community-led solutions to big and small problems.

Citizens UK has played a pioneering role in introducing and developing community sponsorship of refugees in the UK. In response to the Syrian refugee crisis in 2015, we campaigned successfully for the introduction of community sponsorship in the UK. Citizens UK was then instrumental in proving the model can work in the UK and through training, advocacy, and coordination, we have helped hundreds of local groups welcome thousands of refugee families. In 2022, Citizens UK expanded its work by launching the Communities for Ukraine programme, matching Ukrainian refugees with UK hosts and most recently has run Communities for Afghans, resettling dozens of refugees. Throughout, it has combined grassroots organising with national advocacy to build a sustainable, community-led model of refugee resettlement. In 2025, we campaigned successfully to persuade the Government to introduce ‘named sponsorship’, giving communities greater choice in who they would sponsor. This creates a huge opportunity to grow community sponsorship and to enable UK civil society to step up and honour our proud tradition of offering sanctuary.

Head of Community Sponsorship Role 

This is a rare opportunity to lead Citizens UK’s community sponsorship campaign and help build the movement that will be at the heart of a community-led welcome.

This new role comes at an exciting and crucial time, as we seek to build and embed this new form of named community sponsorship in the UK. As Head of Community Sponsorship you will lead on our strategy to develop named sponsorship as a transformative part of the UK’s approach to refugee resettlement and community power. This will involve building a broad-base of civil society partners ready to sponsor refugees and to add their voice to the campaign. You will lead on the campaigning and advocacy strategy as we ensure quality in the Government policy and cross-Party political support. Citizens UK acts as the Lead Sponsor for local community sponsorship groups and you will oversee their ongoing support and further engagement.

The role foster collaboration with Citizens UK Organisers and alliances, develop sustainable funding strategies, and ensure alignment with Citizens UK’s broader migration and transformation goals. The role will work alongside Citizens UK’s Migrant and Refugee Organising Team and will contribute to the efforts to build the power to create a more welcoming country. You will lead on relationships with senior stakeholders, policy makers, and funders, and support the creation of campaigns and resources to expand public awareness and support for community sponsorship. With responsibilities spanning communications, and external representation, the role is key to shaping Citizens UK’s refugee resettlement strategy and building its national impact as a driver of cohesion. 

Working as the Head of Community Sponsorship for Citizens UK, reporting to the Assistant Director for Migrant and Refugee Organising (MARO), your main responsibilities will include: 

Career Pathway Headings 

Objectives 

Contribute to Citizens UK and Project Strategic Objectives 

• Build a broad and deep engagement across civil society in named sponsorship, demonstrating the potential for scale and the big tent of support.

• Develop and implement campaign approaches that secure policy goals and build cross-Party political support.

• Develop strategy that develops the leadership of local Citizens members and refugees, strengthens civic institutions and builds trust across difference.

Build and Manage Projects & Achieve Work Targets Effectively 

• Oversee multiple work strands, working in partnership. 

• Develop and manage project workplans, KPIs and budgets, ensuring delivery to time, standard, and impact goals. 

• Establish systems for performance tracking, evaluation, and continuous improvement across project streams. 

Learning, Expertise, Wellbeing & Inclusion 

• Act as a senior expert in sponsorship strategy; coach and mentor staff and partners, and facilitate learning across departments and projects. 

• Influence and lead the integration of equity, wellbeing and refugee voice into strategic decisions and delivery frameworks. 

Develop and Manage External Relationships 

• Lead high-level relationships with national and senior stakeholders, including government departments (e.g. Home Office), civil society institutions and funders. 

• Build and manage partnerships that advance sponsorship reform and position Citizens UK as a sector leader. 

• Ensure stakeholder experience is consistently excellent and take the lead on resolving reputational risks or tensions. 

Communications 

• Act as a senior spokesperson for Citizens UK’s sponsorship work in the media, at public events, and in government or civil society forums. 

• Lead the design and implementation of a high-profile communications strategy to influence narratives on refugee welcome and community leadership. 

• Ensure communications align with ethical storytelling principles and amplify sponsor and refugee voices responsibly. 

Develop and Manage Internal Relationships 

• Lead and develop high-performing cross-functional teams, with clear expectations, direction, and collaboration structures. 

• Effectively line manage senior staff and foster shared leadership culture across sponsorship and Citizens UK team 

• Ensure that the community sponsorship strategy is aligned with Citizens UK’s other campaigns and work closely with other members of Migrant and Refugee Organising team. 

• Contribute to senior leadership structures, including strategic planning processes and transformation initiatives. 

Generate Income and Resources 

• Initiate and grow significant and sustainable income streams to fund Citizens UK’s sponsorship work. 

• Develop and lead high-value funding partnerships with trusts, foundations and strategic donors. 

• Demonstrate strong budget oversight and ensure effective use of financial and human resources in sponsorship delivery. 

Personal Specification 

(D) Desirable, (E) Essential 

Qualifications 

• Degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field such as migration, social policy, international development, or community organising (D) 

• Management or leadership qualification, or relevant CPD in project or programme management, public policy, or team leadership (D) 

Experience 

• Proven experience in leading complex, multi-stakeholder programmes related to refugee resettlement, community organising, or social impact (E) 

• Demonstrable track record of strategic leadership in a charity or community-focused setting (E) 

• Experience of managing cross-functional teams to deliver against ambitious organisational goals (E) 

• Experience of developing and sustaining strategic partnerships with civil society organisations, local authorities, or government departments (E) 

• Experience in leading campaigning and influencing strategies to secure changes in Government policy (E) 

• Experience of designing and implementing systems for monitoring, evaluation, and learning to track progress and report to funders and or government stakeholders (D) 

• Demonstrable experience of driving collaborative campaigns or outreach efforts that engage diverse communities (E) 

Key skills and knowledge 

• Strong leadership and team coordination skills – able to motivate, direct, and support multidisciplinary teams across multiple workstreams (E) 

• Excellent project and performance management skills – able to set strategic priorities, delegate effectively, and ensure accountability (E) 

• In-depth knowledge of refugee resettlement systems, community sponsorship models, and UK migration policy, including recent developments affecting Afghan and Ukrainian pathways (E) 

• Knowledge and skills in community organising and an understanding of how community sponsorship and campaigning connect with and support the method and aims of organising (E) 

• Outstanding written and verbal communication – confident in producing compelling cases for support, policy communications, and public messaging (E) 

• Ability to design and deliver stakeholder engagement strategies, with a clear understanding of influencing policy and public opinion (E) 

• Skilled in developing and managing strategic partnerships with funders, policy-makers, and community groups (E) 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills – able to assess complex challenges, identify risks, and implement effective solutions (E) 

Personal qualities & values 

• A mission-driven leader with a passion for refugee rights, community empowerment, and social justice (E) 

• Politically astute and able to navigate relationships with stakeholders from civil society, government, and grassroots communities (E) 

• Collaborative and people-centred, able to work constructively across teams and with volunteers, refugees, and community leaders (E) 

• Committed to embedding refugee leadership and lived experience into programme design and delivery (E) 

• Resilient, adaptable, and able to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced and evolving policy environment (E) 

• Comfortable working within an accountable team culture – open to feedback, reflective practice, and continuous improvement (E) 

• Willingness to work occasional evenings or weekends, and to travel when necessary to support programme delivery (E) 

Note: 

At Citizens UK, we work with communities to develop leaders, strengthen organisations, campaign for change and organise across difference. This work is rewarding and can be challenging; it requires a personal commitment to inclusion, a willingness to listen and disagree respectfully, and an interest in working in an organisation where our staff, member institutions and leaders will come from a diversity of backgrounds and often hold views that may be very different from our own. More information about how we operate within this context and build trusted relationships across difference can be found on our website and is covered in induction. Onboarding and navigating this relational culture, and type of work, is supported by line managers and further training.