Bid and research manager jobs

Position: Assistant

Location: South of England (hybrid working with London/UK wide travel as required)

Contract type: Flexible (full or part-time, contractor/employed)

Salary: Up to £30,000 pro rata depending on experience

WHO WE ARE.

Can Do is a start-up using digital technology to create social change. We work across addiction, mental health, homelessness, poverty and justice to help people access and navigate support. We are small, practical, and focused on building something that works for people facing disadvantage.

THE ROLE

This role supports founder Mark Johnson with day-to-day organisation, preparation, communication, and follow-up. It is a hands-on role and could be suited to someone early in their career who wants an opportunity to grow, learn, and be part of building something from the ground up. You will help bring order, structure, and clarity to a fast-moving environment.

This is a development role with real responsibility. You will handle communications, organise information, prepare materials, conduct basic research, and make sure Mark has what he needs to stay up to date and move projects forward.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

· Someone who can absorb information quickly and think clearly

· Naturally organised, structured, and meticulous with detail

· Interested in social justice, politics, history, and the wider world

· Someone who wants a meaningful opportunity to learn and be part of a start-up journey

· Open, curious, and willing to develop new skills

· Calm and steady

· Someone who enjoys creating order and helping things run smoothly

· Based in the South of England, and willing to travel

· Comfortable using digital and AI tools, with an interest in personal and professional development

WHAT YOU’LL DO

· Communication support: Draft emails, prepare short notes, and help keep Mark up to date with actions and priorities

· Organisation: Keep diaries, documents, and information in meticulous order

· Meeting support: Join conversations, take clear notes, track actions, and ensure follow-up happens

· Research: Collect short summaries, stats, and key information about our sector (addiction, mental health, homelessness, poverty, justice)

· Fundraising and bids: Assist with drafting, formatting, and preparing proposals and applications

· Documentation: Prepare simple business cases, summaries, or briefing papers

· Operations: Support basic bookkeeping tasks, receipts, and expense organisation

· Learning and development: Take on a variety of new tasks as skills grow

SKILLS & QUALITIES

• Strong academic ability and curiosity

• Excellent written communication skills

• Ability to organise information clearly and maintain structure

• Strong attention to detail and pride in accuracy

• Interest in social justice and willingness to understand the issues we work on

• Ability to learn quickly, listen well, and adapt as the organisation develops

• A steady, reliable attitude

EQUALITY & DIVERSITY.

Can Do welcomes applications from people with lived experience of social challenges. We are committed to ensuring diversity and inclusion in our recruitment process and workplace culture.