Autism education trust programme coordinator jobs

Make a real impact through creativity, community, and inclusion

Are you a dynamic events professional who thrives on building meaningful connections and delivering impactful experiences? Do you want to see the direct impact of your work in the community, whilst creating exciting opportunities for others?

At The Baked Bean Charity, we empower adults and young people with learning disabilities through performing arts, wellbeing programmes, and inclusive community opportunities. From theatre productions and DJ training to fitness and life skills, we offer inclusive, high-quality opportunities that build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and support independence.

We’re looking for an Events & Community Engagement Lead to take our events, outreach, and fundraising to the next level.

This is a senior, high-impact position at the heart of our organisation, offering the opportunity to shape how The Baked Bean Charity connects with the world. As Events & Community Engagement Lead, you will drive a dynamic programme of events, outreach, and partnerships that not only showcase our work, but actively challenge perceptions and champion inclusion.

You will take ownership of the strategic planning and delivery of our full events portfolio - from Theatre in Education performances and community workshops to respite holidays, fundraising events, and external commissions. You’ll ensure every event is thoughtfully designed, professionally delivered, and aligned with our mission to amplify the voices, talents, and lived experiences of our students.

A key part of your role will be building and nurturing meaningful relationships. You’ll develop partnerships with schools, universities, healthcare providers, businesses, and community organisations - creating opportunities for collaboration, education, and increased visibility for our work. Acting as a confident and passionate ambassador, you’ll represent the charity in a variety of public and professional settings, helping to grow our network and influence.

You will also lead on fundraising, identifying and securing new opportunities through grants, sponsorships, and partnerships. This includes crafting compelling funding applications and fundraising initiatives, managing funder relationships, and ensuring projects are delivered in line with agreed outcomes and impact measures.

Internally, you’ll provide leadership and direction across the events and engagement function. Working closely with, and overseeing, the Events & Project Coordinator and wider ad hoc events teams, you’ll ensure all activity is well-planned, resourced, and delivered to a high standard. You’ll support and mentor staff, recruit and induct volunteers, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing environment.

This role requires both strategic planning capabilities, as well as skills in organisation and hands-on delivery. One day you might be developing long-term engagement plans or writing a funding proposal; the next, you could be delivering or presenting at an event, supporting students, or building new partnerships in the community.

We’re looking for someone who is both strategic and creative, with the confidence and autonomy to lead, and the passion to make a difference.

You’ll have:

• Proven experience in events management, community engagement, or fundraising
• A track record of delivering events from concept to completion
• Strong relationship-building and networking skills
• Experience securing funding or writing successful grant applications
• Excellent organisational and project management abilities
• Confidence in public speaking and representing an organisation

It’s a bonus if you have:

• Experience in the charity or voluntary sector
• Knowledge of Theatre in Education or arts-based outreach
• Understanding of funding landscapes and partnerships

We want to hear from you if you’re someone who:

• Believes deeply in inclusion, equality, and social impact
• Is proactive, adaptable, and solutions-focused
• Leads with energy, empathy, and integrity
• Thrives in a fast-paced, people-focused environment
• Is excited to champion the voices of people with learning disabilities

Why join us?

• Lead work that has real, visible impact on people's lives
• Help shape the future of our community engagement and events programme
• Work in a creative, collaborative, supportive and purpose driven environment 
• Alongside a rewarding role, we provide a range of benefits to support your wellbeing and work-life balance. These include hybrid working (up to one day per week for this role), enhanced annual leave, access to an Employee Assistance Programme, and a staff benefits platform with discounts on shopping and everyday costs. We also embrace a casual dress code to help you feel comfortable at work.

Ready to apply?

If you’re ready to combine creativity, leadership, and social impact in a role that truly matters, we’d love to hear from you.

Closing Date: Monday 4th May 2026. Please note we will review all applications during the recruitment period and will begin contacting candidates for interview after the application phase is concluded.

Make a real difference to families every day

Are you passionate about supporting families and giving children the best start in life?

We’re looking for a Family Support and Activities Coordinator to join our friendly and committed team. This is a varied, hands-on role where no two days are the same. You’ll work directly with families in their homes and communities, coordinate volunteers, and plan engaging activities for young children and parents.

About the role

You’ll support families with young children who may be facing challenges such as isolation, low confidence, or complex needs. At the same time, you’ll design and deliver fun, development-focused activities and groups that help children thrive and parents feel more confident.

A key part of this role is delivering sessions during school holidays, when families often need additional support. Your work will help ensure continuity of care and reduce isolation during these times.

You’ll also:

• Assess family needs and provide tailored support
• Match and support volunteers working with families
• Plan and deliver stay-and-play sessions, workshops, and activities
• Build strong relationships with local partners, schools, and services
• Promote our work in the community and support outreach efforts

Around 70% of your time will be spent out in the community, including home visits and delivering groups.

About you

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Experienced in working with children and families (e.g. schools, nurseries, family services or similar)
• Confident delivering group activities or workshops
• Warm, approachable, and able to build trust with a wide range of people
• Organised and able to manage a varied workload independently
• A strong communicator with good written and IT skills

Why join us?

At Home-Start, you’ll be part of a supportive team making a genuine difference in families’ lives. We offer:

• A meaningful and rewarding role in the community
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• A flexible, supportive working environment
• The chance to shape activities and support that truly meet families’ needs

Apply now

If you’re passionate about supporting families and want a role where you can see the impact of your work every day, we’d love to hear from you.

Location: Telford

Mentored by: Teaching, Learning and Assessment Coordinator

Type of Employment: Full-time

Hours of Work: 40 hours per week

Days of work: Monday – Friday

Pay Level: £35,560

In this role, you won’t just teach Maths and English — you’ll change trajectories by becoming a trusted role model, advocate, and guide, helping young people develop the skills, resilience, and confidence they need to progress into education or training, employment, and independence.

If you are empathetic, resilient, and driven to make a real impact, this is your opportunity to transform lives and shape futures

Some of the key responsibilities include:

• Deliver Functional Skills Maths and English teaching (Entry Level 1 to Level 2).
• Plan fun and engaging lessons that consider individual learning needs and abilities.
• Provide in-class support and effective interventions by facilitating lessons that motivate and encourage young people even through difficult experiences.
• Monitor progress, engagement and achievement.
• Use data to identify learning gaps and plan targeted improvements.
• Maintain accurate records, attendance and progress tracking.
• Work closely with the Teaching, Learning and Assessment Lead to set priorities.
• Contribute to initiatives that promote inclusive and differentiated teaching.
• Support a culture of psychological safety, vulnerability-based trust and a clear purpose.

Our Benefits:

• 10 weeks paid holiday per year (during school holidays)
• Vitality Health package (with no employee excess to pay on claims)
• Royal London Pension Scheme
• Job valuations to ensure competitive salaries
• 45p per mile for any work related journeys
• Annual 2 night staff Getaway
• Christmas spending voucher
• Regular social activities
• Annual Employee Wellbeing budget
• Occupational Health Offer
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave policies
• Foster & Kinship Policy – time off for training
• Time of for fertility/IVF treatments & appointments
• Bespoke CDP Opportunities

What to expect from the recruitment process:

1. Application form submitted and reviewed by the panel
2. Shortlisted candidates invited to a first stage interview
3. Candidates who are successful at the first stage interview will be invited for a second stage assessment which may consist of an in tray task, scenario presentation or microteach along with time with the learners and a tour of the workplace.
4. Candidate selection – the panel will review any applications and a selection decision made
5. Recruitment Manager will make contact with applicants to let them know the outcome of their interviews

All applications must be submitted by 15th May 2026 with interviews being held the following 2 weeks. All candidates should be notified of the outcome of interviews within 3 working days. (subject to change)

For more information on this role and our organization please visit our website

Please note that we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our learners and expect all those who work with us to share this commitment. Successful applicants will need to undertake a DBS Enhanced Clearance check (Disclosure and Barring Service) and complete a Self Disclosure.

Location: Rotherham

Mentored by: Teaching, Learning and Assessment Coordinator

Type of Employment: Full-time

Hours of Work: 40 hours per week

Days of work: Monday – Friday

Pay Level: £35,560

In this role, you won’t just teach Maths and English — you’ll change trajectories by becoming a trusted role model, advocate, and guide, helping young people develop the skills, resilience, and confidence they need to progress into education or training, employment, and independence.

If you are empathetic, resilient, and driven to make a real impact, this is your opportunity to transform lives and shape futures.

Some of the key responsibilities include:

• Deliver Functional Skills Maths and English teaching (Entry Level 1 to Level 2).
• Plan fun and engaging lessons that consider individual learning needs and abilities.
• Provide in-class support and effective interventions by facilitating lessons that motivate and encourage young people even through difficult experiences.
• Monitor progress, engagement and achievement.
• Use data to identify learning gaps and plan targeted improvements.
• Maintain accurate records, attendance and progress tracking.
• Work closely with the Teaching, Learning and Assessment Lead to set priorities.
• Contribute to initiatives that promote inclusive and differentiated teaching.
• Support a culture of psychological safety, vulnerability-based trust and a clear purpose.

Our Benefits:

• 10 weeks paid holiday per year (during school holidays)
• Vitality Health package (with no employee excess to pay on claims)
• Royal London Pension Scheme
• Job valuations to ensure competitive salaries
• 45p per mile for any work related journeys
• Annual 2 night staff Getaway
• Christmas spending voucher
• Regular social activities
• Annual Employee Wellbeing budget
• Occupational Health Offer
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave policies
• Foster & Kinship Policy – time off for training
• Time of for fertility/IVF treatments & appointments
• Bespoke CDP Opportunities

What to expect from the recruitment process:

1. Application form submitted and reviewed by the panel
2. Shortlisted candidates invited to a first stage interview
3. Candidates who are successful at the first stage interview will be invited for a second stage assessment which may consist of an in tray task, scenario presentation or microteach along with time with the learners and a tour of the workplace.
4. Candidate selection – the panel will review any applications and a selection decision made
5. Recruitment Manager will make contact with applicants to let them know the outcome of their interviews

All applications must be submitted by 15th May 2026 with interviews being held the following 2 weeks. All candidates should be notified of the outcome of interviews within 3 working days. (subject to change)

For more information on this role and our organization please visit our website

Please note that we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our learners and expect all those who work with us to share this commitment. Successful applicants will need to undertake a DBS Enhanced Clearance check (Disclosure and Barring Service) and complete a Self Disclosure.

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.