Associate director of partnerships jobs

Working closely with the Director of Development, this individual will be responsible for raising funds and managing relationships with prospects and donors, organising fundraising campaigns and delivering events.

You will support the Director of Development to raise philanthropic funds through major gift and regular giving fundraising to support key development projects for the College. About Us Clifton College is a leading independent day and boarding school educating over 1,200 pupils aged 3 to 18.

Founded in 1862, the College provides an all-round education, a rich heritage with modern state-of-the-art facilities. Located in the beautiful suburb of Clifton, we lead the way as one of the best independent schools in the country.

What you’ll be doing:

 Donor Relations and Stewardship

● Work closely with the Director of Development to deliver the fundraising strategy, with a focus on securing major gifts, regular giving, and corporate sponsorships.

● Build and maintain strong, long-lasting relationships with prospective and existing donors.

● Identify new prospects and funding opportunities.

● Meet with donors and prospects with the Director and alone to develop the pipeline of future support.

● Ensure timely and personalised communication with donors to acknowledge gifts, provide updates on impact, and cultivate long-term relationships.

● Write compelling proposals and impact reports.

● Work with the Head of Alumni to develop engagement strategies for legacy giving to the 1862 Club. 

 Work with marketing to create promotional materials and build our portfolio of testimonials.

Event Management

● Create engagement events for potential donors.

● Work with the alumni team to plan stewardship events for supporters.

● Support the development of parent engagement events.

● Support the Head of Alumni with the career mentoring programme. Administration

● Manage gift processing using Raiser’s Edge, including receipting and thanking supporters, and managing pledge payment reminders. ● Create tailored communication and engagement plans for prospects and donors.

● Provide regular updates on fundraising progress and donor reports for the Director of Development.

● Develop and manage fundraising budgets, ensuring all fundraising activities are cost-effective and within financial targets.

About You

The ideal candidate will be an excellent communicator, highly organised, and have fundraising experience within the education or charity sector.

Required Qualifications & experience

● Proven experience in fundraising, development, or a related field, ideally within an educational or non-profit organisation.

● Strong knowledge of fundraising best practices, including major gifts, regular giving, legacy giving, grant writing, and event management.

● Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including current and former parents, alumni, pupils, staff, Governors and donors.

● Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlineseffectively.

● A passion for education and an understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities facing independent schools.

● A team player who positively contributes to a collaborative and ambitious team culture. Adaptable and flexible to change as required.

● Experience with managing budgets and using fundraising CRM systems (preferably Raiser’s Edge).

● A proactive, results-driven attitude and a desire to make a tangible impact in a school environment.

● Proven experience of planning and implementing successful major donor fundraising programmes

● Proven experience of securing high-value major gifts

● An understanding of trends and developments across the sector and demonstrable knowledge of best practice in major donors, trusts and foundations fundraising

● A degree or equivalent.

Desirable Skills

● Experience in organising and leading fundraising events.

● Knowledge of UK charitable giving regulations

● Experience in working with high-net-worth individuals and corporate sponsors.

● Previous experience in alumni relations or school development.

What’s in it for you £38,000- £42,000 salary

• 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays • BUPA Employee Assistance Programme •BUPA Confidential counselling and advice • Career development and training • Cycle to work scheme • Discounted onsite gym and pool membership • Subsidised lunch • Enhanced Pension scheme • Life Assurance • Menopause clinic • Onsite Flu vaccine clinics • Pop up bike servicing • Refer a friend scheme • Subsided Holiday Club employee benefit which is available for children from Reception Year up to Year 8 • Wellbeing benefits

Clifton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. That’s why we apply robust selection principles to our recruitment, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE). 

Although not all the roles at Clifton College are pupil-facing, we treat all roles as regulated activity. This means we can be safe in the knowledge that we have applied the most stringent recruitment checks to safeguard our pupils. Due to the nature of the role, you will need to complete an enhanced criminal record disclosure (DBS check) and undergo our pre-employment screening. As a regulated sector we are required to ask for references prior to interview. By applying for this role, you are consenting for us to contact your referees. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 therefore you will be asked to disclose all previous convictions not exempt under amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975,2013 and 2020. If you join us, we’ll expect you to maintain an up-to-date knowledge of Safeguarding legislation, and our safeguarding policies and procedures. We’ll also ask you to maintain an up-to-date knowledge of Equality and Diversity legislation and associated policies, as well as Health & Safety legislation. But don’t worry because we’ll provide training to do this! Equal Opportunities Applications are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of ethnicity, gender, age or disability. We particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups. Clifton College is committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships. How to apply Please note that we can only accept applications via our vacancy website application form (which will also allow you to attach your CV or any other supporting information). Clifton College and the Clifton College Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, all staff and volunteers are required to share this commitment. Due to the nature of the role, you will need to complete an enhanced criminal record disclosure (DBS check) and undergo our pre-employment screening. As a regulated sector we are required to ask for references prior to interview. By applying for this role, you are consenting for us to contact your referees.

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 therefore you will be asked to disclose all previous convictions not exempt under amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. 

As Fundraising Lead- North & North Wales, you will lead Philanthropy and Corporate fundraising across your region, developing relationships with high‑net‑worth individuals, senior business leaders and corporate partners.

You will manage Centre Fundraising Managers, and support them on planning and prioritisation, work with Fundraising Boards as appropriate, and share best practice across Maggie’s. You will also help develop new fundraising opportunities.

This role requires a confident and collaborative leader who can coach teams, manage multiple stakeholders, work independently across a large region, representing Maggie’s with clarity and credibility.

There are four fundraising leads covering Scotland, North and North Wales, Midlands and South Wales and South. This role will work closely with the following centres: Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Yorkshire, Manchester, Oldham, The Wirral, North Wales, (Liverpool – not yet open).

Please note that first stage interviews will be held on Tuesday 9th June through Microsoft Teams. Second stage interviews will be held in person. Date and location TBC.

Please note that the salary advertised does not include London Weighting, however, this will apply if the post holder is London based.

As Fundraising Lead- South, you will lead Philanthropy and Corporate fundraising across your region, developing relationships with high‑net‑worth individuals, senior business leaders and corporate partners. 

You will manage Centre Fundraising Managers, and support them on planning and prioritisation, work with Fundraising Boards as appropriate, and share best practice across Maggie’s. You will also help develop new fundraising opportunities. 

This role requires a confident and collaborative leader who can coach teams, manage multiple stakeholders, work independently across a large region, representing Maggie’s with clarity and credibility.

There are four fundraising leads covering Scotland, North and North Wales, Midlands and South Wales and South. This role will work closely with the following centres: Barts, Royal Marsden, West London, Royal Free, Cambridge and Southampton (Kent, Poole, Bristol – not yet open).

Please note that first stage interviews will be held on Tuesday 9th June through Microsoft Teams. Second stage interviews will be held in person. Date and location TBC.

As Fundraising Lead- Midlands & South Wales, you will lead Philanthropy and Corporate fundraising across your region, developing relationships with high‑net‑worth individuals, senior business leaders and corporate partners.

You will manage Centre Fundraising Managers, and support them on planning and prioritisation, work with Fundraising Boards as appropriate, and share best practice across Maggie’s. You will also help develop new fundraising opportunities.

This role requires a confident and collaborative leader who can coach teams, manage multiple stakeholders, work independently across a large region, representing Maggie’s with clarity and credibility.

There are four fundraising leads covering Scotland, North and North Wales, Midlands and South Wales and South. This role will work closely with the following centres: Cardiff, Swansea, Cheltenham, Nottingham, Oxford, Northampton, (Birmingham, Coventry – not yet open).

Please note that first stage interviews will be held on Tuesday 9th June through Microsoft Teams. Second stage interviews will be held in person. Date and location TBC.

Job Title: Investment Associate

Reports to: Investment Director

Grade and Salary: £50,400 - £55,000 based on experience

Contract: Full time; Permanent

Location: Hybrid - London, EC1Y and homeworking

About Better Society Capital

Better Society Capital (BSC) is the UK's leading social impact-led investor.  Our mission is to grow the amount of money invested in tackling social issues and inequalities in the UK; we do this by investing ourselves and enabling others to invest for impact too.  Since 2011, we have helped the social impact investment market grow twelve-fold to over £10 billion.  This capital has financed social purpose organisations tackling everything from homelessness to mental health and fuel poverty.  BSC manages £634m of its own investments as well as acting as portfolio manager for the Schroder BSC Social Impact Investment Trust (SBSI) managing its £83m portfolio.  As BSC begins delivering its next five-year strategy, the organisation is embarking on a period of significant opportunity, growth and impact.

The opportunity:

We have a unique opportunity to accelerate your career in Social Impact Investment through Better Society Capital’s Investment Associate Development Programme. Whilst playing a key role as part of a dynamic and supportive team, you will develop your impact investment management skills, knowledge of social issues and your strategic and design thinking in order to help solve some of the UK’s most entrenched social issues.

This is an exciting time to join BSC as we begin delivering our strategy for 2025-30, building upon what we have learnt since we started our impact investing journey in 2012.  Our team comes from a wide range of backgrounds, and are driven by transforming the way mainstream financial markets help deliver deep and lasting impact on people in the UK.

If you are someone who shares our passion to improve people’s lives, and who is enthusiastic about designing and developing creative solutions to complex problems, we would love to hear from you.

What you will do:

Help us make and manage investments through research and analysis, including:

• Undertaking research and detailed analysis to help us understand social issues and market gaps where social impact investment can help support a solution, within our market systems (social property, social lending, impact venture and social outcomes); synthesize and present these; and monitor relevant market data and update the team on relevant developments in the market systems, for example related to the issues, asset classes and policy areas.

• Undertaking supplementary analysis of performance, benchmarks and other research that helps enhance our understanding of performance of the portfolio.

Support prospective investments through our investment process across our market systems, including:

• Undertaking detailed investment analysis, including of the market, the prospective investee, and the financial, social impact and systems change cases;

• Assisting in preparing and presenting investment recommendations to our Investment Committee;

• Project management such as ensuring the consistent application of our investment process and the tracking of new investment opportunities in the pipeline; and,

• Helping deal leads and legal team negotiate legal documents and close transactions.

  This will likely involve specialising in one market system for a period of time.

Support management of our existing portfolio investments, including:

• Supporting and co-ordinating fund manager reporting of that helps BSC to assess the contribution of the investments to our systems change, impact and financial goals across our portfolio and in the relevant market system

• Undertaking data gathering, aggregation and detailed analysis to evaluate impact and financial performance across portfolios of investments in our market systems, including working with fund managers on individual investments

Systems change agent

• Supporting delivery of key strategic projects in BSC’s market systems, including through project management

• Supporting our engagement work with investors and with charities and social enterprises to deliver on our market system goals, for example helping to co-ordinate networks and events in partnership with Investment Networks and Engagement teams .

Team and approach

• Helping to build a world class social impact investment team and approach at Better Society Capital, such as acting as a champion for part our investment management approach or being part of a working group to deliver a strategic priority

• Contributing to organisation-wide initiatives that help us deliver our mission such as working groups to improve the way we work or how we engage with certain stakeholders.

What you will bring:

Skills, Abilities and Attributes

• Structured thinker - able to deal with complexity and uncertainty

• Innovative, creative and strategic approach to problem solving

• Solves problems with multiple stakeholders in an open and empathetic way

• Collegial team player - Flexible and willing to work with and contribute to a team

• Self-starter - able to work under own initiative and source new opportunities

• Relationship management – excellent interpersonal skills and able to build relationships at all levels

• A confident and effective communicator when writing and speaking

• Hunger for continued learning and development, including developing others

Embody Better Society Capital core values:

Ø  Purposeful –We are passionate and energetic in our work to bring about our long-term vision of a thriving social investment market that enables positive social impact.

Ø  Pioneering Spirit - We give our team the autonomy and flexibility to be entrepreneurial and creative. We have the courage to push boundaries and a restless drive for change

Ø  Openness - We listen, learn, experiment and collaborate.  And we are adaptive and flexible in responding to what we learn.

Ø  Rigorous - We take a rigorous approach in all we do.  We expect the highest standards and continually strive for excellence

Ø  Respectful - We are genuine in both our approach and aspiration.  We value each member of our team and our partners for what they bring.

Experience

Experience (essential)

• A passion and demonstrable commitment to improving lives in the UK

• Experience of undertaking detailed analysis of social issues and/or financial considerations

• Work experience that faces the financial, social or public sector

• Proven relationship building and influencing skills

Experience (desirable)

• Work experience in social impact investment

• Proven project management skills

• Knowledge of housing or real estate, venture investment, social outcomes contracts or lending

Don’t meet every requirement? Studies have shown that women and people from racialised communities are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

How to apply:

Closing Date:  11.59pm on Sunday 10th May 2026

Please apply via Applied which is designed to minimise unconscious bias in recruitment. We will review your CV and a short cover letter which should answer the following:

Think of one piece of professional work from the last 3 years that best demonstrates why you’d be a strong fit for this role at Better Society Capital. Please cover:

- Context: Where were you working and what was the goal?

- Your role: What were you personally responsible for?

- Two key decisions you made: What options did you consider, and why did you choose the path you did?

- Impact: What changed as a result? Please include any concrete outcomes (numbers, stakeholder feedback, decisions taken, etc.).

- Looking back: What, if anything, would you do differently now, and why?

Your CV will be anonymised and reviewed by the hiring panel to help minimise unconscious bias.

NB we screen for answers and CVs generated by Gen AI. To get a 5 star score, we ask that your statement and CV are authentic and reflect your own knowledge, skills and motivations.

Interviews

Initial Screening calls: w/c 18 May 2026

Round 1 virtual interviews: w/c 01 June 2026

Round 2 in-person interviews: w/c 08 June 2026

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an initial telephone interview for all candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the job. We are defining a disability in accordance with the Equality Act 2010, as a person who has a physical or mental impairment, and the impairment has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. You will be asked in your Applied application whether this applies to you.

If you have a disability or other access needs and require any support to assist you through the recruitment process, please get in touch.

You can find out more about our recruitment approach here

Other terms

Location: We are a UK-based business with an office in the Old Street area of London, accessible via a number of public transport links. Colleagues typically spend 40% - 60% of their working hours in the office, and the remainder from home. However, the exact requirements for this role can be discussed at interview. We hope that this working pattern encourages Better Society Capital employees to achieve a healthy balance between work and personal life, as we adapt to the needs of our diverse workforce.

Right to work: Unfortunately we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application and for the duration of employment.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: Better Society Capital is committed to being a diverse organisation that is truly representative of the communities we serve. We therefore welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, particularly those under-represented in the social impact investment sector (e.g. people from LGBTQIA+, racialised, disabled, or under-served communities).

We are an equal opportunities employer with an inclusive environment where all employees can contribute to their fullest potential. We want every colleague to be able to deliver their work with dignity, equality, comfort and independence. Our office is fully accessible with step-free access and an open-plan set up. We are open to accommodation requests regarding assistive technologies, accessibility tools, flexible working or any other reasonable adjustments that will make working or visiting here more accessible for you. If you have a disability or other access needs and require any support to assist you through the recruitment process, please get in touch.

Are you a commercially minded fundraiser, passionate about garnering support for a cause you love? Come and join #TeamMercury as our new Head of Development and Partnerships.

We are looking for someone with a strong track record in identifying and securing funding, building commercial partnerships, and nurturing meaningful strategic relationships that drive sustainable growth.

The successful candidate is creative, highly collaborative and forward-thinking. You will bring experience across a range of fundraising approaches and the ability to make the most of a mix of commercial streams. We would love to hear from you!

To find out more, download the candidate pack.

Applications close at 10am on Monday 18 May 2026. First round of interviews will take place on Wednesday, 27 May 2026.

Position Title:  Senior Lead Gender Coalition

Level: Level 5

Salary: £39, 000 - 44, 000 (FTE yearly)

Reports to: Associate Director of Partnerships

Location: Liberation centre Brixton, London (New office in Brixton)/ Remote working within the UK with at least 2 days’ work from our office (Pro rata for part time)

Contract: Fulltime (40hrs/weekly), fixed-term project contract for 1 year with potential for Part time (e.g., 32hrs/weekly) extension subject to funding.

Hours: TAA has flexible working hours, with some expected evenings (e.g., one 9pm finish once every two weeks) and weekends due to the nature of the role. All extra hours are reimbursed as Time off in Lieu (TOIL).

Start date: As soon as possible (potentially June with consideration for notice period)

Benefits:  TAA laptop and phone, (employee assistance and health cash package including staff supervision, counselling, dental, optical care and more.).

The Advocacy Academy is an activist youth movement. We serve as the political home for grassroots youth organising and the catalyst for collective action. The lives of the young people we work alongside have been directly shaped by living in an unjust world, and we exist to turn their anger into action.

Young people are often the catalysts for major social change, from the Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee at the heart of the Civil Rights Movement, to the Soweto Uprising mobilising young people to resist the apartheid regime's education policies, to the Sunrise Movement redrawing the electoral map across America, and more recently encampments and protests across the world protesting the genocide in Palestine. How successfully they achieve real and lasting change depends on whether they are organised and whether they have the right strategy and tactics to be effective. 

We want youth organising to be enshrined in the UK for generations to come, and for young people to have tangible political power to influence national policy. That’s why we have launched two national coalitions, one around climate, and the other around gender. Each will train organisations across the country to become youth organisers and work together to bring 100 young people together to identify the strategy and tactics needed to achieve change. These young leaders will organise others and work collectively to build a campaign which shakes the status quo.

We want youth organising to be enshrined in the UK for generations to come, and for young people to have tangible political power to influence national policy. That’s why we have launched two national coalitions, one around climate, and the other around gender. Each will train organisations across the country to become youth organisers, and work together to bring 100 young people together to identify the strategy and tactics needed to achieve change. These young leaders will organise others and work collectively to build a campaign which shakes the status quo.

We are looking for a Senior Lead Gender Coalition who believes in this vision and is capable of building the leadership in youth workers and young people alike that enables them to turn the resources they have into the power they need to make the change they want. It will be your job to help grow this programme, organise our partners, create magic and spark the hope for something more! If this excites you, then please apply.

Before you skim the job description, please remember you don’t have to tick all the boxes for each role to apply. Charity experience is not a requirement! We all experience a bit of imposter syndrome, including the staff here at The Advocacy Academy. Let’s name it for what it is - a manifestation of the oppression many of us face on a day to day. If this role pulls you and you believe you could make a difference, then apply anyway or reach out to us to discuss more!

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

1. You will coordinate our Gender Coalition – Power in Balance. You will be accountable for the development and delivery of our Gender Coalition programme Power in Balance, including but not limited to:

• Coordinating efforts to set the strategic direction and priorities for the Programme, working primarily with the Director of Programmes and Partnerships and Associate Director of Partnerships, and in connection with others that need to feed into the programme.
• Proactively build relationships with our coalition partners. This involves: 
  • Holding regular 1:1s and relational meetings that strengthen our connection, supporting partners to identify and act on their developing political interests, and ensuring they meet coalition milestones
  •  It also includes providing ongoing support around campaigns and community organising, enabling partners to lead and deliver local actions following the Summer Camp.
• Lead the Youth Steering Group. This involves: 
  • Providing strategic oversight and facilitation of the Youth Steering Group, ensuring consistent engagement, strong attendance, and meaningful youth voice throughout the programme.
  • Setting clear agendas, supporting members to contribute confidently, and ensuring insights are captured and translated into programme design and delivery. 
  • Working closely with partners to maintain alignment and ensure the group reflects the diversity and needs of the young people Power in Balance serves.
• Lead the development of the Summer Camp. As part of this, you will be required to attend the Power in Balance Summer Camp (15th - 19th August 2026) to build your understanding of the model, support delivery, and become familiar with best practice in preparation for future leadership of the programme. In addition, you will:
  • Work closely with the Associate Director of Partnerships to oversee the delivery of the Power in Balance Summer Camp, ensuring all elements are well-coordinated, high-quality, and aligned with programme outcomes.
  • Take ownership of key logistics, including timelines, partner coordination, and on-the-ground delivery, ensuring a smooth and inclusive experience for all participants. 
  • Support and enact mechanisms to capture learning and feedback throughout, ensuring insights are gathered effectively to inform real-time improvements and future iterations of the camp.
• You will ensure that Power in Balance runs like a well-oiled machine by pulling in the right people at the right time to ensure key milestones are met:
  • Coordinate and maintain a suite of behind-the-scenes systems, processes and resources to keep things running like clockwork and provide transparency and help build trust
  • Coordinate the holding of safeguarding, risk management standards and ensure Health and Safety standards are met.
  • Maintain the clear monitoring and evaluation frameworks for your work which allow you and your team to learn, test, and re-test as you build, in partnership with young people and other partners
• Hold the budget for the Power in Balance Programme, ensuring that all activities are run within financial targets, working closely with the Director of Programmes and Partnerships and Associate Director of Partnerships to maintain oversight, identify efficiencies and potential savings, and proactively flag any risks or opportunities that may impact delivery or budget adherence.

2. You will support our wider partnerships work. Support the Associate Director of Partnerships to deliver our overall partnerships strategy. This will include, but is not limited:

• Working closely with the Senior Lead for Climate Coalition to identify opportunities for collaboration and reducing duplication
• Work closely with the Programmes, Organising and Campaigns, and Community teams to develop training on organising and campaigning.
• Deliver ad hoc workshops and meetings, holding space effectively and designing and delivering creative learning journeys for young people.

3. You will be a key member of the Programme Team, including but not limited to:

• Support efforts to set the strategic direction and priorities for the Programmes Team each financial year.
• Support the Director of Programmes and Partnerships and Associate Director of Partnerships with the management and mitigation of organisational risks presented by the Coalition by escalating issues in a timely manner and contributing to effective problem solving.
• Contribute to the delivery of wider organisational programmes beyond Power in Balance, including providing support to initiatives such as Ignite and other internal programme delivery as required, ensuring alignment with team priorities and organisational goals.

4.Share responsibilities for achieving our strategic objectives by upholding our vision, mission, strategy, ideology, and cultural values within your area and across TAA, supporting on cross-departmental projects as needed:

• Embody our commitment to social and economic justice, ensuring this is consistently reflected in decision-making, delivery and partnerships
• Role model and actively steward our culture and value expectations across the organisation including but not limited to: leading by example across departments and during team days and role-modelling leadership
• Proactively identify and surface opportunities that strengthen organisational impact, working closely with senior leadership, including the Director of Finance, HR and Ops, and contributing to strategic thinking and direction
• Hold responsibility for identifying and addressing risks to our integrity, authenticity and alignment with our ideology and culture, taking appropriate and timely action
• Strengthen collaboration across departments by creating and enabling opportunities for joint working, ensuring teams are aligned, resourced and working in tandem
• Contribute to a culture of openness and care by communicating your wellbeing needs to your line manager, shaping and feeding back on TAA wellbeing initiatives, and supporting others to engage with and uphold this culture
• Take ownership of your ongoing development, actively seeking opportunities to deepen your leadership, knowledge and areas of specialism

5.Governance and Compliance

• Work with your team and the Finance, HR and Operations team to prioritise and centre risk management in your portfolio: feeding into risk analysis and mitigation, identifying and escalating risks to the strategic objectives, taking the lead to mitigate risks early and thoroughly.
• Hold oversight of risk within your area, ensuring appropriate systems and practices are in place and consistently applied
• Ensure understanding and compliance with TAA policies and practices and take the lead on their implementation within your portfolio

A BIT ABOUT YOU

• You are passionate about, and committed to, creating a more fair, just and equal world. 
• You believe in the potential of young people to challenge the status quo and are dedicated to helping them become more powerful citizens.
• You’ve got a deep understanding of, and a personal relationship with, issues of social justice. From racism to the housing crisis to climate justice, you’ll be aware of how systemic injustice operates in our society, clued-up and well-informed on the big issues of our time, and committed to changing them.
•  You’ll be comfortable managing a “to-do” list of competing priorities and balancing your workload to meet competing deadlines.
•  You’re a sensitive and thoughtful relationship-builder who is interested in building a network of relationships to support the Advocacy Academy’s work. You’re a great listener, and remember people’s names, faces, and stories. 
• You’re a confident written and verbal communicator, who is comfortable with tailoring communication to reach a diverse range of audiences and stakeholders.
• You’re proactive, organised, and eager to learn, whether that’s chatting with potential funders, researching new opportunities or collaborating with teammates.

IDEAL SKILLS & EXPERIENCE  

• At least 5 years of experience in programmes delivery on issues of social justice working with young people and/or 
• At least 5 years of experience in supporting people to be more confident and comfortable developing and implementing organising or campaign efforts.
• Detail oriented
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
•  Experience working with different audiences or types of stakeholders 
•  Strong project management and experience working collaboratively across teams both in person and online
• Excellent organisational skills with confidence managing multiple tasks at the same time/ balancing multiple priorities to meet deadlines
• Experience with our existing systems e.g., Gmail/ Google Doc/ Google Sheets/ Canva/ Slack
• Confidence working in a fast-paced environment 

This is an outline of the responsibilities and duties of the Senior Lead Gender Coalition role, it is not intended as an exhaustive list and may change from time to time to meet the changing needs of the Liberation Centre and our young people. Any changes will be made in consultation with the post holder.

HOW TO APPLY  

Candidates will be asked to provide a CV and a Cover Letter OR a supporting video application addressing the following questions (no more than 1000 words or 10 minutes for all questions).

• Tell us about a gender justice issue that makes you angry and why it matters to you?
• Our Senior Lead for Gender Coalition will train young people and organisations to become confident Gender organisers. Tell us about a training programme you were part of, what it achieved, what it didn’t, your role in that effort and any reflections you have about being part of it?
• Our Senior Lead Gender Coalition will support people to act on their developing political interests. Tell us about a time when you helped someone learn and develop their capacity to make change in the world?
• Include anything else you would like us to know as we consider your candidacy for the Senior Lead Gender Coalition role.

​In addition, please also provide information on your notice period and your availability for interview. You may also attach any other content that would be relevant for us to have in order to showcase interest and experience. The content can come in any form of media, including but not limited to - a mind map of ideas, a timeline or portfolio of your work, life or experiences; a recording; a Powerpoint or other form of presentation; a song, article, poem or other writing samples

DATES

• Closing Date: The deadline for applications 18th May 2026 by 10am.
• Task: If shortlisted you may be required to complete a brief facilitation activity with young people around organising or campaigns.
• First Round of Interviews: will be scheduled for w/c 18th May 2026 (Dates are subject to change).
• Second Round of Interviews: will be scheduled for w/c 01 June 2026 (Dates are subject to change).

Please be aware that we will be interviewing as we receive applications. The application date might be brought forward if we find the right person.

Position Title:  Senior Lead Climate Coalition

Level: Level 5

Salary: £39, 000 - 44, 000 (FTE yearly)

Reports to: Associate Director of Partnerships

Location: Liberation centre Brixton, London (New office in Brixton)/ Remote working within the UK with at least 2 days’ work from our office (Pro rata for part time)

Contract: Fulltime (40hrs/weekly), fixed-term project contract for 1 year with potential for Part time (e.g., 32hrs/weekly) extension subject to funding.

Hours: TAA has flexible working hours, with some expected evenings (e.g., one 9pm finish once every two weeks) and weekends due to the nature of the role. All extra hours are reimbursed as Time off in Lieu (TOIL).

Start date: As soon as possible (potentially June with consideration for notice period)

Benefits:  TAA laptop and phone, (employee assistance and health cash package including staff supervision, counselling, dental, optical care and more.).

The Advocacy Academy is an activist youth movement. We serve as the political home for grassroots youth organising and the catalyst for collective action. The lives of the young people we work alongside have been directly shaped by living in an unjust world, and we exist to turn their anger into action.

Young people are often the catalysts for major social change, from the Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee at the heart of the Civil Rights Movement, to the Soweto Uprising mobilising young people to resist the apartheid regime's education policies, to the Sunrise Movement redrawing the electoral map across America, and more recently encampments and protests across the world protesting the genocide in Palestine. How successfully they achieve real and lasting change depends on whether they are organised and whether they have the right strategy and tactics to be effective. 

We want youth organising to be enshrined in the UK for generations to come, and for young people to have tangible political power to influence national policy. That’s why we have launched two national coalitions, one around climate, and the other around gender. Each will train organisations across the country to become youth organisers and work together to bring 100 young people together to identify the strategy and tactics needed to achieve change. These young leaders will organise others and work collectively to build a campaign which shakes the status quo.

 We want youth organising to be enshrined in the UK for generations to come, and for young people to have tangible political power to influence national policy. That’s why we have launched two national coalitions, one around climate, and the other around gender. Each will train organisations across the country to become youth organisers, and work together to bring 100 young people together to identify the strategy and tactics needed to achieve change. These young leaders will organise others and work collectively to build a campaign which shakes the status quo.

We are looking for a Senior Lead Climate Coalition who believes in this vision and is capable of building the leadership in youth workers and young people alike that enables them to turn the resources they have into the power they need to make the change they want. It will be your job to help grow this programme, organise our partners, create magic and spark the hope for something more! If this excites you, then please apply.

Before you skim the job description, please remember you don’t have to tick all the boxes for each role to apply. Charity experience is not a requirement! We all experience a bit of imposter syndrome, including the staff here at The Advocacy Academy. Let’s name it for what it is - a manifestation of the oppression many of us face on a day to day. If this role pulls you and you believe you could make a difference, then apply anyway or reach out to us to discuss more!

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

1. You will coordinate our climate Coalition – Roots to Rise. You will be accountable for the development and delivery of our Climate Coalition Programme; Roots to Rise, including but not limited to: 

• Coordinating efforts to set the strategic direction and priorities for the Programme, working primarily with the Director of Programmes and Partnerships and Associate Director of Partnerships, and in connection with others that need to feed into the programme.
• Proactively build relationships with our coalition partners. This involves: 
  • Holding regular 1:1s and relational meetings that strengthen our connection, supporting partners to identify and act on their developing political interests, and ensuring they meet coalition milestones. 
  •   It also includes providing ongoing support around campaigns and community organising, enabling partners to lead and deliver local actions following the Summer Camp.
• Lead the Youth Steering Group. This involves: 
  • Providing strategic oversight and facilitation of the Youth Steering Group, ensuring consistent engagement, strong attendance, and meaningful youth voice throughout the programme.
  • Setting clear agendas, supporting members to contribute confidently, and ensuring insights are captured and translated into programme design and delivery. 
  • Working closely with partners to maintain alignment and ensure the group reflects the diversity and needs of the young people Roots to Rise serves.
• Lead the development of the Summer Camp (15th - 19th August 2026), ensuring availability across these dates: 
  •  Work closely with the Associate Director of Partnerships to oversee the delivery of the Roots to Rise Summer Camp, ensuring all elements are well-coordinated, high-quality, and aligned with programme outcomes.
  • Take ownership of key logistics, including timelines, partner coordination, and on-the-ground delivery, ensuring a smooth and inclusive experience for all participants. 
  • Support and enact mechanisms to capture learning and feedback throughout, ensuring insights are gathered effectively to inform real-time improvements and future iterations of the camp.
• You will ensure that Roots to Rise runs like a well-oiled machine by pulling in the right people at the right time to ensure key milestones are met:
  • Coordinate and maintain a suite of behind-the-scenes systems, processes and resources to keep things running like clockwork and provide transparency and help build trust
  • Coordinate the holding of safeguarding, risk management standards and ensure Health and Safety standards are met.
  • Maintain the clear monitoring and evaluation frameworks for your work which allow you and your team to learn, test, and re-test as you build, in partnership with young people and other partners
•  Hold the budget for the Roots to Rise Programme, ensuring that all activities are run within financial targets, working closely with the Director of Programmes and Partnerships and Associate Director of Partnerships to maintain oversight, identify efficiencies and potential savings, and proactively flag any risks or opportunities that may impact delivery or budget adherence.

2. You will support our wider partnerships work. Support the Associate Director of Partnerships to deliver our overall partnerships strategy. This will include, but is not limited:

• Working closely with the Senior Lead for Gender Coalition to identify opportunities for collaboration and reducing duplication
• Work closely with the Programmes, Organising and Campaigns, and Community teams to develop training on organising and campaigning.
• Deliver ad hoc workshops and meetings, holding space effectively and designing and delivering creative learning journeys for young people.

3. You will a key member of the Programme Team, including but not limited to:

• Support efforts to set the strategic direction and priorities for the Programmes Team each financial year.
• Support the Director of Programmes and Partnerships and Associate Director of Partnerships with the management and mitigation of organisational risks presented by the Coalition by escalating issues in a timely manner and contributing to effective problem solving.
•  Contribute to the delivery of wider organisational programmes beyond Roots to Rise, including providing support to initiatives such as Ignite and other internal programme delivery as required, ensuring alignment with team priorities and organisational goals.

4. Share responsibilities for achieving our strategic objectives by upholding our vision, mission, strategy, ideology, and cultural values within your area and across TAA, supporting on cross-departmental projects as needed:

• Embody our commitment to social and economic justice, ensuring this is consistently reflected in decision-making, delivery and partnerships
• Role model and actively steward our culture and value expectations across the organisation including but not limited to: leading by example across departments and during team days and role-modelling leadership
• Proactively identify and surface opportunities that strengthen organisational impact, working closely with senior leadership, including the Director of Finance, HR and Ops, and contributing to strategic thinking and direction
• Hold responsibility for identifying and addressing risks to our integrity, authenticity and alignment with our ideology and culture, taking appropriate and timely action
• Strengthen collaboration across departments by creating and enabling opportunities for joint working, ensuring teams are aligned, resourced and working in tandem
•  Contribute to a culture of openness and care by communicating your wellbeing needs to your line manager, shaping and feeding back on TAA wellbeing initiatives, and supporting others to engage with and uphold this culture
•  Take ownership of your ongoing development, actively seeking opportunities to deepen your leadership, knowledge and areas of specialism

5.  Governance and Compliance

• Work with your team and the Finance, HR and Operations team to prioritise and centre risk management in your portfolio: feeding into risk analysis and mitigation, identifying and escalating risks to the strategic objectives, taking the lead to mitigate risks early and thoroughly.
• Hold oversight of risk within your area, ensuring appropriate systems and practices are in place and consistently applied
• Ensure understanding and compliance with TAA policies and practices and take the lead on their implementation within your portfolio

A BIT ABOUT YOU

• You are passionate about, and committed to, creating a more fair, just and equal world. 
• You believe in the potential of young people to challenge the status quo and are dedicated to helping them become more powerful citizens.
• You’ve got a deep understanding of, and a personal relationship with, issues of social justice. From racism to the housing crisis to climate justice, you’ll be aware of how systemic injustice operates in our society, clued-up and well-informed on the big issues of our time, and committed to changing them.
•  You’ll be comfortable managing a “to-do” list of competing priorities and balancing your workload to meet competing deadlines.
•  You’re a sensitive and thoughtful relationship-builder who is interested in building a network of relationships to support the Advocacy Academy’s work. You’re a great listener, and remember people’s names, faces, and stories. 
• You’re a confident written and verbal communicator, who is comfortable with tailoring communication to reach a diverse range of audiences and stakeholders.
• You’re proactive, organised, and eager to learn, whether that’s chatting with potential funders, researching new opportunities or collaborating with teammates.

IDEAL SKILLS & EXPERIENCE  

• At least 5 years of experience in programmes delivery on issues of social justice working with young people and/or 
• At least 5 years of experience in supporting people to be more confident and comfortable developing and implementing organising or campaign efforts.
• Detail oriented
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
•  Experience working with different audiences or types of stakeholders 
•  Strong project management and experience working collaboratively across teams both in person and online
• Excellent organisational skills with confidence managing multiple tasks at the same time/ balancing multiple priorities to meet deadlines
• Experience with our existing systems e.g., Gmail/ Google Doc/ Google Sheets/ Canva/ Slack
• Confidence working in a fast-paced environment 

This is an outline of the responsibilities and duties of the Senior Lead Climate Coalition role, it is not intended as an exhaustive list and may change from time to time to meet the changing needs of the Liberation Centre and our young people. Any changes will be made in consultation with the post holder.

HOW TO APPLY  

Candidates will be asked to provide a CV and a Cover Letter OR a supporting video application addressing the following questions (no more than 1000 words or 10 minutes for all questions).

• Tell us about a climate justice issue that makes you angry and why it matters to you?
• Our Senior Lead for Climate Coalition will train young people and organisations to become confident climate organisers. Tell us about a training programme you were part of, what it achieved, what it didn’t, your role in that effort and any reflections you have about being part of it?
• Our Senior Lead Climate Coalition will support people to act on their developing political interests. Tell us about a time when you helped someone learn and develop their capacity to make change in the world?
• Include anything else you would like us to know as we consider your candidacy for the Senior Lead Climate Coalition role.

In addition, please also provide information on your notice period and your availability for interview. You may also attach any other content that would be relevant for us to have in order to showcase interest and experience. The content can come in any form of media, including but not limited to - a mind map of ideas, a timeline or portfolio of your work, life or experiences; a recording; a Powerpoint or other form of presentation; a song, article, poem or other writing samples.

DATES

• Closing Date: The deadline for applications 18th May 2026 by 10am.
• Task: If shortlisted you may be required to complete a brief facilitation activity with young people around organising or campaigns.
• First Round of Interviews: will be scheduled for w/c 18th May 2026 (Dates are subject to change).
• Second Round of Interviews: will be scheduled for w/c 01 June 2026 (Dates are subject to change).

Please be aware that we will be interviewing as we receive applications. The application date might be brought forward if we find the right person.

This is an exciting opportunity to establish RLSS UK’s first-ever corporate fundraising function. The Corporate Partnerships Manager will build, lead, and deliver a new programme that maximises income from corporate supporters and aligns partners with our mission to save lives. You will be responsible for developing the strategy, creating the tools and foundations, proactively generating new business, and delivering excellent stewardship as partnerships are secured.

This role requires a commercially aware, results-driven individual who understands how to position partnerships in a way that delivers mutual value and translate opportunity into income through focused action, strong relationship building, and a clear understanding of corporate priorities.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a build from scratch environment, combining strategic thinking, creativity, and hands on delivery.

ROLE OVERVIEW

As the Corporate Partnerships Manager, you will lead the development and delivery of RLSS UK’s new corporate fundraising function, create a sustainable strategy, and build a strong pipeline from the ground up.

You will identify, secure, and grow high-value partnerships that align with corporate priorities, producing compelling and commercially compelling propositions that demonstrate clear mutual benefit. Working collaboratively across the organisation, you will ensure partnerships support RLSS UK’s mission and contribute to long term income growth.

KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy and Planning

• Develop and deliver RLSS UK’s first corporate partnerships strategy, setting clear priorities and income targets for year one and beyond.
• Lead the development of a corporate partnerships income stream, building a sustainable portfolio of partnerships and relationships.
• Create the foundations for growth including a case for support, stewardship framework, pitch decks and templates and KPI and reporting tools.
• Establish systems and internal processes required for a corporate fundraising function.
• Use sector insights, benchmarking, and data to inform strategy and identify opportunities for growth.

Partnership Development

• Build and actively manage a new business pipeline from scratch, ensuring consistent prospecting and follow up.
• Conduct in-depth prospect research to identify target companies, align commercial priorities, and map key decision makers.
• Develop compelling, tailored proposals, pitches, and partnership packages that clearly articulate impact and mutual value.
• Secure a diverse portfolio of partnerships including multi-year strategic, six-figure, Charity of the Year, cause-related marketing, and sponsorship agreements.
• Create cultivation journeys for high-value prospects, maintaining momentum from first contact to close.
• Represent RLSS UK externally at meetings, events, and networking opportunities, confidently positioning the organisation with senior stakeholders.
• Work closely with commercial colleagues to ensure alignment and avoid overlap with existing commercial contracts.

Account Management

• Provide effective day-to-day relationship management to ensure partners feel supported, informed, and engaged with RLSS UK’s mission.
• Deliver clear partnership growth plans that maximise income, engagement, impact, and mutual benefit.
• Identify and activate opportunities to expand partnerships across corporate philanthropy, payroll giving, strategic volunteering, sponsorship, cause-related marketing, and employee engagement.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with senior stakeholders, acting as a trusted and credible partner.
• Monitor partnership delivery against agreed KPIs and use insight to refine and strengthen activity over time.
• Produce high-quality written communications, proposals, and impact reports tailored to individual partners.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across Fundraising, Marketing and Communications, Education, and Commercial teams to ensure consistent and high-quality delivery.

Reporting and Evaluation

• Use data-driven insights and KPIs to evaluate and refine strategies for maximum impact, income growth, and return on investment.
• Ensure compliance with fundraising regulations, UK GDPR, and RLSS UK policies.
• Maintain accurate pipeline and forecasting information within the CRM system.
• Deliver annual reviews for partnerships to demonstrate impact and ensure all partnerships are meeting agreed KPIS.
• Identify emerging trends and opportunities to diversify income streams and enhance brand visibility.

Other Duties & Responsibilities

• All other duties reasonably associated with your role, as directed by the Line Manager.
• Line management responsibility for the Supporter Engagement Executive, including performance and development, assigning day-to-day tasks and projects, and providing guidance and support.
• Ensure compliance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 by complying with internal information governance policies and maintaining up-to-date documentation as part of RLSS UK’s compliance programme.
• Demonstrate and uphold the Society’s values and behavioural standards at all times.
• Help create an inclusive working environment where diversity is valued, everyone can contribute, and everyday actions ensure we meet our duty to uphold and promote equality.

This job description is not to be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive. It is intended as an outline indication of areas of activity and responsibility and will be amended in light of the changing needs of the organisation.

PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential Relevant Experience, Skills and/or Aptitudes

• Experience in business development, fundraising, partnerships, or relevant commercial roles.
• Ability to build strong relationships with senior internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience securing and managing partnerships across at least two of:
• • Charity of the Year
  • Strategic partnerships
  • Sponsorship
  • Cause related marketing/ brand licensing
• Confident pitching and negotiating with senior corporate leaders.
• Strong strategic thinking coupled with hands‑on delivery.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to create persuasive proposals and cases for support.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.
• Strong understanding of return on investment (ROI) and the ability to evaluate the effectiveness, sustainability, and value of fundraising activity.
• Strong understanding of CRM systems and fundraising technologies, and how these support effective partnership programmes.
• Understanding of fundraising regulation, GDPR, and ethical fundraising practices.
• Experience managing budgets and ensuring effective allocation of resources.
• Comfortable working in an environment where systems, processes, and programmes are being built from the ground up.

Desirable Relevant Experience, Skills and/or Aptitudes

• Knowledge and understanding of RLSS UK.
• Previous experience of line management.
• Experience of working in a charity or organisation where corporate fundraising or partnerships have been developed from the ground up, including building systems, processes, and pipeline momentum.
• Experience working in a small team or start-up environment.
• Commercially minded, with a strong understanding of the corporate landscape and the ability to shape compelling, mutually beneficial partnership opportunities that align business priorities with charitable impact.

ABOUT RLSS UK

The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) is the leading charity for water safety and drowning prevention in the UK and Ireland. Our mission is to save lives by being the leader in lifesaving, lifeguarding, and water safety education so that everyone can enjoy water safely. We share our expertise, skills, and knowledge to empower people to enjoy water safely and achieve our vision; communities free from drowning.

With increasing corporate focus on ESG, community safety, and employee wellbeing, RLSS UK is uniquely positioned to build strategic partnerships that help companies keep their people and communities safe around water.

WHAT RLSS UK CAN OFFER YOU

RLSS UK is a national Charity based in Worcester, and we offer great staff benefits including -

• Annual Leave based on 27 days + Bank Holidays + a discretionary day off for your birthday
• Private Medical Scheme*
• Enhanced Society Sick Pay*
• Eye Care*
• Employee Assistance Programme via Health Assured
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Howdens Sports Benefits/Perks at Work
• Free RLSS UK Membership
• Free tea and coffee when working from HQ, including access to our wonderful Coffee Machine
• Free on-site parking when working from HQ
• Company Events and more!

*Subject to eligibility criteria

YOUR APPLICATION

Please send your CV along with a Cover Letter outlining why you should join our Income Generation and Engagement Team 

Closing Date – 5.00pm, Wednesday 29th April 2026

Interview Date – Thursday 7th May 2026 at our Worcester Head Office (subject to change)

Should you wish to discuss the role, any reasonable adjustments you may require throughout the recruitment process, or have any questions, please get in touch where a member of the RLSS UK HR Department will be happy to help.

RLSS UK are a Disability Confident Committed Employer and an INclusive Worcestershire Leader.

Job description

Role: Partnerships and Programme Development Manager

Directorate: External Affairs

Team: Corporate Partnerships

Manager: Senior Strategic Partnerships Manager

Direct reports: N/A

Role purpose

This role supports the development of WorldSkills UK’s income and partnership activity by turning programmes and ideas into clear, compelling funding opportunities. You will work across teams to develop proposals, manage partnerships, and support reporting and planning processes that contribute to long-term financial sustainability.

You will play a key role in strengthening how we plan, communicate and deliver partnership activity, helping to build strong relationships with funders and partners while improving internal systems and processes.

Key tasks and responsibilities

Partnership and project delivery

· Manage delivery of partnerships and events, ensuring they are well planned, on time and within budget

· Support management of key strategic partner relationships

· Coordinate teams and stakeholders to deliver partnership activities

· Ensure partnerships align with WorldSkills UK’s strategic priorities and equity, diversity and inclusion commitments

Income development and proposals

· Develop funding opportunities from programmes and organisational activities

· Produce high-quality proposals, presentations and funding applications

· Support applications to trusts, foundations and corporate partners

· Contribute to the development of partnership agreements and documentation

Reporting and planning

· Support delivery of income and fundraising plans through regular monitoring and reporting

· Track progress against agreed objectives and provide clear updates and analysis

· Contribute to income forecasting and financial tracking, working with colleagues in Finance and across the organisation

· Support the development and reporting of project plans (Project Initiation Documents) and associated performance measures

Systems, processes and knowledge management

· Use and help improve our CRM system (HubSpot) to manage relationships and track opportunities

· Maintain accurate records, documentation and reporting systems to support partnership activity

· Identify opportunities to improve ways of working and streamline processes across the team

Research and pipeline development

· Carry out research to identify potential partners, funding opportunities and sector trends

· Support the development of a strong and diverse pipeline of prospective partners

· Contribute to internal decision-making by providing relevant insights and analysis

General

In addition to the key tasks and responsibilities set out above, employees at this level are expected to:

· Produce specification requirements in line with procurement processes for outsourced activity

· Contribute to organisational risk and issues management processes.

· Support delivery of WorldSkills UK’s strategic priorities and annual business plan

· Ensure resources (staff, suppliers, partners, volunteers) are managed efficiently and effectively

· Contribute to a performance‑driven culture with robust monitoring, evaluation and reporting

· Demonstrate WorldSkills UK’s values in all aspects of the role, contributing to a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing organisational culture

· Promote and comply with WorldSkills UK’s policies, including safeguarding, health and safety, equality, diversity and inclusion

· Carry out any other duty as may be reasonably assigned that is consistent with the nature of the role and its level of responsibility. Any significant changes will be made in consultation with the post holder taking account of their experience, skills and capability

This is an exciting home-based role where your work can really have an impact and help transform lives. The role is crucial to Ufi’s ambition to help more people get the skills they need for work by making sure Ufi’s grant giving activities and partnerships are brilliantly supported. Working closely with the Associate Director of Grants you will become part of the engine of our grant funding activity. You will be an integral part of a fast-paced team with a growing national profile and reputation for expertise and excellence in delivery. 

We are looking for candidates with a real passion for working in an organisation that has a positive impact on people’s lives, with experience of building strong collaborative working relationships with partners at all levels, with excellent organisational and project management skills, and a good eye for detail and problem-solving. You'll also be able to work flexibly and effectively as part of a small team and develop productive working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. Most importantly - you will be eager to learn and able to work in an agile team. Ufi VocTech Trust has a vibrant working environment, and we welcome diversity of thought and perspective to help create exciting and innovative projects, ventures investments and partnerships.

As Director of External Affairs across the Bild Group of four small charities (with collective turnover of approx. £3m/yr), you will have a deep commitment to human rights and improving people’s lives.

You will provide strategic direction and leadership to the External Relations function across all four charities in the group, taking overall responsibility for and providing thought-leadership on our strategic approach to policy, influencing, public affairs, stakeholder engagement. 

You will play a lead role in planning, developing, and implementing the communication and external relations and wider engagement strategic plan to grow awareness and profile of Bild, Respond, Restraint Reduction Network (RRN) and ACT.

By sharing the impact of our work and programmes in improving the lives of people with learning disabilities, autism and /or mental health conditions, you will support Bild in becoming the sector leading provider of organisational and workforce development (and RRN in becoming the leading charity in reducing restrictive practices globally – and Respond as leaders in trauma informed therapy).

You will champion Bild and RRN’s brand, vision, mission and values acting as an ambassador for the organisation both internally and externally to partners, stakeholders and media.

Key Responsibilities and Duties: 

Strategic Leadership:  

• Develop and implement an integrated communications and external relations strategy across the four charities in the group to raise our profile and to influence change which positively impacts on our beneficiaries, aligning media, campaigning, and public affairs with the charity’s mission and strategic priorities 

• Lead and inspire a high-performing team including Membership and Events Officer, Resources Coordinator and comms team as required 

Comms & Marketing:

• Plan, develop and implement strategic communications and marketing plans to maximise awareness of the Bild Group of charities across the broad spectrum of communications disciplines including media relations, stakeholder management, influencer engagement, ethical (impact focused) marketing, social and new media and the production of new materials and resources 

• Write, develop and produce materials such as infographics, press releases, briefing documents, media statements and online information suitable for stakeholders, including people with lived experience

• Ensure effective marketing across all four charities focusing on impact and including ensuring we attend a range of external events and that all four websites are best practice. 

Influencing & Public Affairs:  

• Working with the CEO, you will drive policy change by developing strategies to influence key decision makers through building relationships with parliamentarians, government departments, and sector stakeholders to ensure the charity's policy agenda is impactful 

• Lead proactive and reactive media engagement, calls and requests for information in order to capitalise on suitable opportunities for maximising the reach and impact of all four charities

• Build our credibility as a thought leader in the sector 

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships:  

• Build and sustain strategic alliances with senior civil servants, civil society groups, and community partners to increase the organization's influence and impact 

• Develop effective stakeholder relationship management processes that ensure partnerships of all levels are provided with a rich, immersive engagement experience with the organisation and the work that we do 

• Identify, liaise with and ensure positive relationships with key stakeholders – internal and external including media, government departments, partners, charities, providers, customers, other relevant parties to secure maximum impact for all four charities and their beneficiaries

Reputation, Brand Management & Marketing:  

• Champion the Bild group brands, promoting the mission, values and impact of the organisation and ensuring consistent, engaging narratives and high-quality storytelling across all external channels

• Shaping the charity's profile and protecting its reputation through media relations, digital engagement, and consistent key messaging and building our credibility as thought leaders in sector. 

Membership, Events & Communities:  

• By ensuring appropriate, effective and engaging communications to all relevant audiences and stakeholders, your role will support the growth and development of our membership, Communities of Practice and the event programme (including webinars and conferences).

• Effectively plan, manage and lead a range of events for the Bild group of charities and associated marketing and communications

• Develop framework for Communities of Practice and strategy for engagement and growth 

• Supporting Bild and RRN spokespeople with PR and media outreach

• Keep abreast of communications and engagement activity within the sector and demonstrate an awareness of the impact these may have on existing and future communications activity

General Responsibilities 

• Contribute to evaluation and assessment of results against KPIs and tracking activity

• Allocate, manage and evaluate budget spend

• Identify resource requirements for activity across Bild group

• Develop and maintain systems, databases and procedures to support Bild group communication activities

• Plan, monitor, appraise and report progress of activity regularly with an innate understanding of how this supports activity across the Bild group

• Plan, manage and oversee budgetary spend related to outsourcing specialist activities such as video editing and design

• Ensure communications and marketing work complies with data protection and other legal, professional and agency requirements, standards and policies

• Support the senior leadership team on any activity as required. 

Personal Development  

• Be part of a culture of quality in all areas of communications, PR and marketing

• Participate and contribute to individual performance appraisal and supervision sessions

• Keep abreast of relevant initiatives and developments within the adult health and social care, education & disability sector and the wider communications / engagement profession

• Undertake relevant training, as necessary including accessing new systems and software as required to support the role.

Organisational Responsibilities: 

• Access and work within Bild’s policies and procedures.  

• Attend internal cycle of team meetings relevant to this role.  

• Engage with line management, supervision (where appropriate) and appraisal process.  

• Comply with data protection regulations, ensuring that information on clients, employees, volunteers and other stakeholders remains confidential.  

• Take responsibility for personal learning and development with support from line manager.  

• Work in a manner that facilitates equal opportunities and inclusion for all.  

• Remain professional and respectful at all times, promoting positive relations with all those we encounter in our work.  

• Maintain health and safety and risk awareness for self and others across the organisation.  

• Undertake any other duties that Bild may require within the remit of this role.  

This job description does not form part of the contract of employment. It is intended as a guide to the general scope of duties and is not definitive or restrictive. It is expected that some duties will change over time and this description will be subject to review with the postholder at their annual appraisal.  

Person Specification  

Job Title 

Director of External Relations 

• Exceptional copy writing and verbal communication skills

• Good presenting, negotiating and influencing skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build mutually beneficial relationships

• The ability to work effectively within a small team

• Ability to work under pressure, and plan, manage, and adapt own workload

• A flexible, proactive and problem-solving approach to work

• A motivated attitude and ability to work on own initiative 

• A commitment to human rights and modelling accessibility and inclusion throughout activity

• Willingness to travel and work flexible hours as demanded by the post

• Fit to undertake the duties of the post. 

Experience/Skills/Competencies 

Essential 

• Significant experience working in communications, policy and PR with demonstrable success

• PR and media management experience, including both online and traditional PR

• Experience of managing and implementing social media plans, including post development, scheduling, evaluation and monitoring feedback

• Experience of overseeing the design and production of print and electronic publications, including website management and development

• Experience of managing CRM systems and ensuring effective data capture and utilising data to inform decision making

• Ability to analyse data and shape results into reports that inform decision making

• Ability to build effective relationships and networks and establish credibility for Bild, RRN, Respond and Bild ACT 

• Ability to work collaboratively and develop positive relationships with colleagues, members and wider stakeholders

• Demonstrated digital comms / social media skills and understanding of emerging digital marketing tools and platforms

• Ability to use a variety of IT packages/databases including CRM systems.

• Experience managing budgets and associated reporting

• Ability to work remotely and regularly travel to in person events

• Time management skills and ability to prioritise workload under pressure as part of a small but vibrant team

• Strong awareness and interest in news/current affairs/politics and the broader third sector, social care and education sector. 

Desirable 

• Experience working in the not-for-profit sector, preferably in another disability and/or membership charity

• Strong understanding of education, health, social care, disability and not for profit environment

• Strong media contacts within relevant trade sector publications

• Ability to use externally managed media databases (such as Agility etc.)

• Experience with conferences, webinars and hybrid events. 

• Experience supporting and manging a remote team

Education and Qualifications: 

Other Requirements: 

• Commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities and able to apply awareness of diversity issues to all areas of work.  

• Regular travel to attend meetings and events. 

• Occasional evening meetings.  

Legal requirements: 

• Enhanced DBS check. 

Role Summary

Job title: Marketing & Communications Manager
Contract: Full time, 1 year contract (possibility of becoming permanent)
Location: Hybrid working: office base is at Somerset House, London: we are flexible on approach, within a hybrid model of in-person & virtual. This can be discussed at interview (*) 
Salary: £40k p.a.
Reporting to: Marketing Lead, with a dotted line to Communications Lead
Start date: May 2026 - depending on candidate’s notice period 
Hours: Working hours are 9.30am - 5.30pm, Monday to Friday
(requests for flexible working hours will be considered) 

Other:

• Annual leave is 25 days per year (pro rata) plus standard bank holidays
• Cultural entitlement of £250 per annum (pro rata) to spend on arts/cultural events & activities
• All employees are able to claim 1 hour a week for personal wellbeing
• Pension scheme enrolment and 6% employer contributions (reviewed annually)

(*) Access to office space in London is always available to staff who can't or don't want to work from home. 

If you would like this application pack in a different format (e.g. large print or audio file), please contact us (information in the link provided).

About Julie’s Bicycle (JB)

JB unites culture, creativity and climate action to drive change. For nearly two decades, we’ve been at the forefront of the creative climate movement - one of the first to position culture as a powerful force for radical change. Our mission is to mobilise the creative sector, equipping thousands of artists, cultural organisations, and creative leaders with the tools, knowledge, and confidence needed to transform their practice into climate action. We focus on tackling the root causes of the climate, nature, and justice crises by shaping thinking, informing policy, and scaling practical solutions. Together, we can turn creativity into a powerful force for a just and regenerative future.

The Role

We need a proactive and hands-on Marketing & Communications Manager to drive the delivery of the next phase of our communications and marketing strategies. 

This role is about more than messaging or promotion—it’s about co-creating and delivering a compelling and inspiring narrative of creative climate action. Along with our Marketing and Comms Leads, you will be responsible for our brand, storytelling, content strategy, and creative outputs - originating concepts, internal design work, and driving conversion - ensuring that everything we do reflects our values, amplifies our impact, and deepens our reach across the cultural and climate landscape. You’ll play a key role in supporting our impact by leading our day to day communications delivery.

This will involve deputising for some of the (part time) Marketing and Comms Leads delivery on days when they are not present and contributing across the whole portfolio of work at JB.

This digital-first role includes a strong focus on content development, storytelling, and delivering varied communication campaigns. You’ll be responsible for independently creating, repurposing and distributing engaging content in a consistent voice across our digital channels. Alongside our Marketing Lead and Communications Lead, you will ensure our insights, tools, and narratives are warm, purpose-focused, clear, accessible, and optimised for reach and engagement. You will be someone who thrives on the combination of co-shaping strategic ideas and plans while driving hands-on effective delivery.

As a confident marcomms expert, you will liaise directly with our partner organisations to co-create communications, support joint campaigns, and boost JB’s voice in the broader climate and culture movement. This will involve growing our audiences, media contacts and networks, including welcoming new cultural organisations, creative practitioners, environmental partners, and funders into our network. This role needs a strategic, proactive and flexible individual with enthusiasm for and significant experience of marketing and/or communications.

You will be part of a small Marketing and Communications team and work closely with the rest of JB’s 20-person, supportive and mission-driven team.

Key Responsibilities

Content, Socials & Campaigns

• Lead on the development of timely, engaging, inclusive content across all JB’s digital channels (including copy-writing across channels, website, newsletters and social media).
• Lead on a JB bulletin strategy, with pre-planned themes aligning with our aims and a readership growth plan (working closely with our Marketing Lead and CRM manager) as well as leading on the writing, preparing and distributing segmented bulletins for the sector and key programmes (with content support from across the team).
• Maintain, manage and optimise editorial calendars that reflect our programmes, partnerships, research, and events and regularly engage the programme leads in the process.
• Alongside the Comms and Marketing Leads, oversee and support the production, publication, marketing, distribution and evaluation of JB’s full range of content including podcasts, films, events, briefings, reports, guides and resource libraries related to the climate, nature and justice crisis, ensuring appropriate tone and key messages.
• Leading on the production of marketing and comms packs for outreach on key events and announcements, including associated thought-leadership pieces, and the production of a public annual report.
• Ensure all content is optimised for audience growth, accessibility, and search (SEO, GEO), working closely with our Marketing Lead who leads on our overall web and marketing strategies.
• Sharing responsibility for driving forwards our social media strategy and developing, designing, and scheduling engaging content on social media, working closely with our Social Media Manager and wider marcomms team.
• Receptive, reactive community engagement on social media, including social listening, and supportive and timely responses.
• With support from the Marketing Lead and working very closely with the Programme Coordinator, take ownership of embedding accessibility best practice for events, marketing and across all communications, including preparing transcriptions and integrating captions and alt text, large format materials, audio description and accessible slideshows.
• Managing and optimising JB’s YouTube channel, including the creation of post-event assets to be published across the website.

CRM, Partnerships & Audience Development

• Taking responsibility for the day to day management and maintenance of JB’s newly implemented CRM, ensuring audience segmentation according to latest data protection, use and access requirements (with support from JB’s dedicated CRM Manager, Marketing Lead, and Digital Champions).
• Nurturing relationships with relevant networks and partners, identifying and collating regular updates and opportunities.
• Collaborate with cultural, environmental, and funding partners to co-create engaging shared messaging, campaigns, and communications assets to bring in new business opportunities.

Brand, Creative & Strategy

• Jointly responsible for brand implementation when deputising for Marketing and Comms Leads, ensuring coherence of messaging and tone across all channels and materials. 
• Draft internal and external reference guides for JB’s work, including the preparation of marketing and comms packs for outreach on key events and announcements and the production of a public annual report.
• Take a data-led approach to maximise impact of our marketing and communications, including managing regular marketing and events evaluation, feedback, surveys and audience and engagement analysis. 
• Ensure Julie’s Bicycle’s story, brand, voice, and impact are clearly represented in all collaborations and public-facing materials.
• Profile the JB community, including creating ads, promoting alumni networks, identifying and applying for awards, compiling interviews, brochures, vlogs, blogs, testimonials, and documentation from events.
• Supporting the implementation of the Google Ads charity grant and owning the creative production of associated ads, with support from the Marketing Lead.

Media & External Relations

• Maintain relationships with relevant journalists and media outlets, responding to media opportunities that align with our strategy, and tracking press coverage.
• Support the Director and other team members with media briefings and public communications as needed.
• Some proactive outreach to press and media, coordinating occasional pitches and press releases, along with the Comms Lead.
• When funded opportunities arise, liaise with external PR and media consultants.

Strategy & Project Management

• Drive forward JB’s communications and marketing strategies day to day, positioning JB as a cultural leader in climate action.
• Work with Comms & Marketing Leads to support organisational growth, fundraising, and communicate impact, helping to expand our network and deepen engagement with the arts and cultural sector and the climate and environmental movement. 
• Embed climate justice and equity throughout our communications, ensuring our language, images, and stories reflect a diverse, accessible, and fair transition.
• Champion our core narrative: putting climate action at the heart of culture.
• Ensure projects are managed on time and on budget.

Team & Collaboration

• Work closely with all internal teams—partnership, consultancy, research, advocacy, programmes—to align messaging and amplify impact.
• Contribute to organisational learning, planning, and shared values.
• With the wider marcomms team, strengthen internal editorial and brand sign off processes for publications, media releases and key content.
• Support impact measurement, effective data capture, and communication of impact.

Person Specification

Essential

• Extensive experience (ideally a minimum of five years) in a managerial communications and/or marketing role, ideally within the cultural, environmental, or non-profit sectors.
• Extensive experience (ideally a minimum of five years) in designing/co-designing and delivering successful communications and/or marketing strategies.
• Impeccable writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with a track record of developing impactful clear, creative, and inclusive content.
• Strong experience of having led or managed campaign development, brand implementation, visual storytelling, and communications project management.
• Dedicated and demonstrable project management skills: the ability to meet multiple ambitious deadlines simultaneously and work flexibly, proactively, autonomously and collaboratively across priorities in a fast-changing environment.
• Strong and demonstrable experience in data analysis and data-led communication and marketing campaigns, with project evaluation experience.
• Knowledge of content strategy, SEO, and effective audience engagement practices across digital platforms.
• Extensive practical experience in effectively coordinating social media accounts for a professional setting.
• Demonstrable ability to embed equity, diversity, and commitment to climate justice into communications practice.
• Collaborative and confident communicator and/or marketer with experience working strategically across teams and with external partners.
• Strategic thinker with a demonstrable commitment to Julie’s Bicycle’s mission and values.
• Strong design aesthetic and use of design skills (e.g. Adobe Creative Cloud suite and Canva).
• Experience of working in partnership with organisations and key stakeholders to deliver a shared campaign.
• Significant experience managing a CMS and maintaining and optimising engaging websites.
• Experienced with day to day management of an Email Management System (eg Mailchimp / similar) with an understanding of segmentation practices. 
• Significant experience managing or maintenance of a CRM, with an interest in and understanding of accessibility requirements and data protection best practices.
• Attention to detail and excellent proof reading.

Desirable

• Familiarity with climate and/or cultural policy environments.
• Experience working with funders, public bodies, or large-scale cultural partnerships.
• PR and media relations experience and contacts across digital and print channels.
• Experience of organising media interviews and/or working on press & media campaigns.
• Design, photography, or multimedia experience.
• Experience contributing to organisational growth and development through communications and/or marketing.

Why Join Us?

At Julie’s Bicycle, you’ll join a passionate team working at the intersection of creativity and climate action. We offer a collaborative, inclusive, and flexible working culture — where your voice will shape how the cultural sector responds to one of the greatest challenges of our time. 

How to Apply

If you’d like to apply, please complete the application form and equal opportunities monitoring form on our website and submit these by 11.59pm on Sunday 17th May 2026.

Please note that this role does not meet the criteria for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.

We strongly encourage early applications as we may close the recruitment early if we have reached a sufficient number of viable applications.

We know job descriptions can feel daunting and that people who are from the global majority, from working class backgrounds, those without formal qualifications and some LGBTQ+ candidates are statistically less likely to apply even when they are well suited to a role.

If you read this JD and felt you *almost* matched (if you have built relevant skills through freelance work, lived experience, activism, organising or routes outside formal education) we very much want to hear from you! We also believe class is not defined by education or parental occupation alone. If you identify as working class by your current financial experience and lifestyle, that counts.

Our commitment to meeting underrepresented individuals in the sector:

Guaranteed Interview Scheme and Positive Action

As part of our ongoing commitment to building a team that better reflects the people, communities and causes we serve, we operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for disabled candidates, in line with the Equality Act 2010.

This scheme is available to candidates who identify as disabled (including under the social model of disability, encompassing physical, sensory, cognitive, mental health and long-term health conditions) and who can demonstrate within their application that they meet all of the essential criteria outlined in the job description. Candidates will be asked within the equal opportunities form whether they wish to be considered under this scheme. This information will be handled in confidence and will only be shared with those involved in the shortlisting process where necessary to apply the scheme.

We are committed to increasing the diversity of our workforce and recognise that some groups are underrepresented within our organisation and sector. We therefore actively encourage applications from people from ethnically diverse backgrounds. Where candidates are equally qualified, we may apply positive action in line with the Equality Act 2010 to select a candidate from an underrepresented group, where this is a proportionate means of addressing underrepresentation.

A note on AI

While we understand that some people may use AI tools for accessibility (and recognise and support that many assistive technologies may use elements of AI), we ask candidates to consider what tools are most appropriate during the application process. For example, we recognise the value for many people of machine learning language tools like Grammarly. On the other hand we would discourage the use of generative AI tools in writing your application, as we'd like to understand your personal interest in working for Julie's Bicycle, and be able to understand your non-AI-assisted communication skills just as they are. We also recognise that for many of the people and creative communities we work with, the rise of generative AI poses a threat to their livelihoods, while the environmental impacts of AI are only set to grow: this means we also have a responsibility as Julie's Bicycle to consider where and when (and if) we use AI in our work. 

Thank you for your interest in working at Julie’s Bicycle.

Our Operations Director will lead the development of the operational infrastructure required to scale Fruitful Work nationally and internationally. Working in close partnership with the Founder & CEO, this role takes ownership of the systems, processes, team and organisational rhythms that enable the charity to grow rapidly and sustainably. This is a senior, hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys building from the ground up, turning vision into reliable execution, and creating the foundations that allow a small team to deliver outsized impact.

You will take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the organisation and lead the recruitment and management of a growing operations team as Fruitful Work expands.

Please see our attached candidate pack for the full role description