Centre fundraising assistant jobs

In the decade to 2030 we aim for 30% of Suffolk to be connected and well looked after for nature, and for 1 in 4 people in Suffolk to be actively helping to make that happen. This role helps build the supporter power to get us there by delivering an excellent membership experience & ensuring our members feel valued, informed and connected to the work of Suffolk Wildlife Trust.

The post holder will take responsibility for the efficient day-to-day administration of the Trust’s membership schemes, using the Charity CRM database to maintain accurate contact & financial records in line with GDPR. This includes processing new, renewing and lapsed memberships, handling payments ( Direct Debits, PayPal & Gift Aid) and providing consistently high-quality communication with members through enquiries, welcome packs, renewal reminders and supporter care.

You’ll also support member growth and retention by helping deliver key supporter journey communications, thanking activity and retention projects, and by liaising with external partners such as the membership recruitment agency. Alongside this, you’ll help co-ordinate membership resources such as welcome packs, leaflets and magazine mail-outs (working with the volunteer delivery network), and contribute to continuous improvement in data quality, reporting and processes to strengthen our systems and supporter relationships.

To succeed in this role, you’ll be committed to Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s mission and bring a proactive, ‘can-do’ approach. You’ll have experience in an administrative, office or customer service role, with strong organisation, attention to detail and a methodical approach to maintaining accurate records.

You’ll be confident using Microsoft 365 and databases/systems with an understanding of GDPR and data protection. You’ll communicate professionally and warmly by phone and in writing, handling confidential information and difficult conversations with sensitivity. Willingness to learn Direct Debits, Gift Aid and charity income processes is essential; charity/membership sector experience is desirable.

This is a maternity cover role to cover a period of maternity leave (up to one year) working 22.5 hours per week over three days (office hours are Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm) based at Brooke House in Ashbocking. There may be opportunity for the role to become a permanent contract. We operate flexible homeworking arrangements where colleagues spend more time working together than homeworking. The starting salary is £14,398.80 per annum pro-rata (FTE £23,998.00).

To apply for this opportunity, please submit an application via our website by 9:00am on Tuesday 17 February 2026. The application process will include uploading a CV and optional cover letter. The interviews are planned for Monday 23 February 2026 at Brooke House. 

Annual leave entitlement starts at 33 days per annum (including Bank Holidays), increasing annually to 38 days plus employees receive an extra day off for their birthday. We offer a 9% employer pension contribution with no employee contribution required, free 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme, free life insurance from day one of employment, free access to a private GP and discounts at high street retailers. Staff can also enjoy a 10% discount in our visitor centre cafes, including retail.

Suffolk Wildlife Trust is committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone is welcome. As a conservation charity, we recognise the importance of diversity in both nature and our workforce of staff and volunteers. We strive to ensure that everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute to our vision of “A Wilder Suffolk where nature is thriving and abundant because everyone is doing more to help”.

The role

We are seeking an Assistant Shop Manager for our busy Highgate charity shop. This hands-on retail role is ideal for someone who enjoys charity retail, thrives on initiative, is motivated to take on responsibility for shop performance, and is passionate about working with volunteers and supporting a meaningful cause.

About the role

· Support the Shop Manager with the day-to-day running of the shop, taking an active role in maximising income and Gift Aid.

· Provide consistently high standards of customer and donor service, creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.

· Drive sales, maintain strong retail and merchandising standards, and contribute to meeting targets.

· Oversee stock processing: sort, quality-check, price, rotate, and creatively merchandise items.

· Assist in recruiting, training, motivating, and supporting a diverse team of volunteers and trainees.

· Take on supervisory and leadership responsibilities in the Shop Manager’s absence.

· Carry out cash handling, till reconciliation, banking, and basic admin, including Gift Aid systems.

· Ensure compliance with health and safety, safeguarding, trading standards, and charity retail policies.

· Promote the charity’s mission in the local community and support local fundraising and promotional activities.

About you

· Retail experience with responsibility for sales and operations, ideally in a charity or not-for-profit environment.

· Experience supervising, supporting, or closely working with volunteers or staff.

· Experience of targets and understanding how shop income supports charitable services.

· Strong organisational skills and ability to prioritise in a busy environment.

· Confident communicator who can motivate and encourage others.

· Comfortable using basic IT (till systems, email, spreadsheets, Gift Aid platforms).

· Positive, proactive, and flexible, with a hands-on approach to shop work.

· Able to work on a Rota including weekends and occasional bank holidays.

Contract:Permanent, 18.75 hours per week 

Salary: £11,996 - £13,857 per annum (£23,993 - £27,715 FTE per annum)  

Location: Southampton SO30 2HL 

Closing date: Sunday 22nd February 2026 

Interview date: W/C 2nd March 2026 

We’re recruiting a Volunteer Coordinator for our Rehoming & Fostering Team in Southampton! 

As Volunteer Coordinator, you’ll recruit, support, and inspire volunteers to enhance rehoming and fostering services, while promoting Blue Cross in the community and driving local volunteering initiatives and fundraising. You’ll be joining a team who strives to be the best versions of themselves, so that they can do their best for the pets who need our help. 

More about the role 

At our Southampton rehoming centre, we provide onsite accommodation for pets in our care 24/7. 

The centre has facilities to care for dogs and cats, as well as a specialised area for kittens.

Our Volunteer Coordinators recruit and support our amazing volunteers in the local area, promote the benefits of volunteering and raise the awareness of our centre and Blue Cross.

As a Volunteer Coordinator you will be responsible for recruiting and supporting a diverse team of volunteers. Working closely with the Centre Manager and Assistant Managers, you will ensure our volunteers who undertake a diverse range of roles, are fully integrated into the team, ensuring the team welcome and collaborate with these wonderful people.

In addition to this, you will be building relationships with local communities and partners, promoting the benefits of volunteering to provide more targeted support. 

This role works on a 2-week rota.  

Week 1 - Monday, Wednesday, Thursday. 

Week 2 – Tuesday, Thursday.  

There may be some flexibility around working days, along some ad hoc weekend working.   

At our Southampton rehoming centre, we provide onsite accommodation for pets in our care 24/7.  Overnight shifts are usually undertaken by team members who live on site.  Occasionally you will be expected to carry out night checks when the resident team members are either not working or away for a period of time. 

If you excel in an environment where you can see the difference you make every day, then this is the role for you. Interested? Then apply and let’s work together to see if this is the role for you. 

  
About you 

You will be an excellent communicator with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to actively promote to a range of external stakeholders the work of Blue Cross and the benefits of volunteering. You will be a self-motivated individual with a focused, creative, and forward-thinking approach to volunteering and will enjoy the opportunity to be involved in a range of local volunteering events and national initiatives. 

With the ability to work collaboratively and effectively with people at all levels, you will have a passion for ensuring that volunteers have the right opportunities to thrive in their roles.

You will be organised, flexible and analytical in the way you work, and you will enjoy working to targets and managing a diverse team of volunteers. With an approachable and supportive manner, you will be able to offer guidance and advice and will have the confidence to deal with volunteer situations should they arise and be able to offer pragmatic solutions. 

You will know what it is like to work in an emotionally charged environment and have excellent ‘bounce back ability’ and resilience. In addition, you will be emotionally intelligent, showing empathy and knowing how to support volunteers and your colleagues. 

Knowledge, skills, and experience  

• Demonstrable experience of supervision or management of volunteers or colleagues. 

• Working with and relationship building with a range of stakeholders. 

• High standards of verbal and written communication. 

• Previous experience in working in a client focused environment where delivering a high level of customer satisfaction is the norm. 

• Strong organisational, administration and analytical skills, including use of computerised systems. 

• An awareness of health and safety legislation. 

• Current full driving licence. 

• Ability to demonstrate, understanding and apply our Blue Cross values   

It would also be great (but not essential) if you had: 

• Qualifications in managing volunteers or similar. 

• Training or coaching skills. 

• Presentation skills. 

• Working with animals, and knowledge of animal welfare. 

• Organising events. 

• Understanding of safeguarding issues. 

Want to know more detail? Great! We have attached the job description which hopefully gives you everything you need. 

How to apply  

Click the apply button below and complete the online application process before the closing date on Sunday 22nd February 2026.  

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response.   

Blue Cross benefits    

Our people are the most important part of delivering our purpose. If it were not for their amazing efforts and commitment, we would not be able to make the difference that we do today.   

In return, Blue Cross wants to ensure we provide you with the best working environment we can. We want you to be happy working for us and will do everything we can to make sure you are.   

Our generous benefits package includes:   

• Full time equivalent of 38 days holiday rising to 43 with service (including Bank Holidays)

• Pension scheme with enhanced employer contribution   

• Health cash plan  

• Life assurance   

• Unlimited access to an employee assistance programme  

• Programmes for physical and mental wellbeing support  

• Free access to GP via MetLife  

• Recognition scheme Annual volunteer days 

• Claim for professional fees  

To read more about the benefits Blue Cross has to offer, please visit the 'why work for us' page on our website.  

The role

We are looking for a Weekend Assistant to join our Hornsey shop team. You will help the shop run smoothly, provide an excellent experience for customers and donors, and support our fundraising targets. This is a responsible role where you will take ownership of the shop on shift, help drive shop performance, and ensure income is maximised while delivering excellent customer service.

About the role

· Take responsibility for the safe opening and closing of the shop during your shifts (keyholder duties, with full training provided).

· Deliver friendly, inclusive, and professional customer service to everyone visiting or donating.

· Play an active role in maximising shop income and sales so the charity can continue delivering its services.

· Process donations: sort, quality-check, price, and merchandise stock to maximise sales.

· Maintain high standards of cleanliness, presentation, and visual merchandising on the shop floor.

· Operate the till, handle cash, and follow agreed procedures.

· Support and work alongside volunteers, helping them feel welcomed, valued, and confident.

· Help maintain a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment in line with the charity’s policies and values.

About you

· Experience in retail, customer service, or a similar role (paid or voluntary).

· Confident, friendly, and customer-focused approach.

· Reliable and able to take responsibility when on duty.

· Organised, with good attention to detail.

· A team player, happy to support volunteers.

· Physically able to move and handle donations safely.

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

Role Purpose

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

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

This is an exciting opportunity to get experience with a large and growing charity with an engaged and fun team. You will be a key part of our mission to ​find a cure for all types of brain tumours.​

​Our Systems Manager is being seconded to an internal project for the next 6-9 months and so we are seeking an experienced IT professional to join our team for an interim basis for six months with the possibility of a three month extension.​​​​

In this role you will you lead a team of three people in supporting our staff team of 70 by providing reliable, effective and efficient IT systems and equipment. This include ​the monitoring and maintenance of our IT software and, with external support, our IT hardware. ​​

You will line manage the Database Assistant ​and Data Processing Assistant.

​

​If you are excited to learn more about this position, please take a read through our recruitment pack provided in the advert.

​

If you have the skills and ambition that we are looking for we welcome your application. ​ We are really looking forward to welcoming a new member to our team!​​​

We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process. ​

Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.​

​

We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.​

We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.

Position: Income and Gift Aid Accounts Senior Officer
Hours: Full-time (35 hours a week)
Contract: Permanent
Location: Office-based in London N4, with flexibility to work remotely
Salary: Starting from £33,044 per annum, plus excellent benefits
Salary Band and Job Family: Band 2, Charity
You’ll start at the entry point salary of £33,044 per annum, increasing to £35,109 after 6 months service and satisfactory performance and to £37,174 after a further 6 months.

About us

We make sure people living with MS are at the centre of everything we do. And it’s this commitment that unites us across the UK.

Our strategy is based on what people affected by MS have told us is important to them. It gives us a clear and determined focus.

Our work is based on the hopes and aspirations of our MS community. Together we campaign at all levels, fund ground-breaking research and provide award winning support and information.

Our people are our greatest asset and the key to our success. We offer a vibrant, progressive working environment where you'll be able to make a difference.

About this job

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Income and Gift Aid Accountant Assistant to help us make sure every penny counts in our mission to stop MS. You'll play a key role in managing our income processing and supporting Gift Aid claims to help us maximise the value of every donation.

You'll ensure that donations recorded in our CRM system match the funds received, resolving discrepancies and supporting our income processes to run efficiently. Working closely with our Customer Services and Fundraising teams you’ll be at the heart of making sure our financial data is accurate and robust.

You’ll also assist with preparing and checking Gift Aid claims, helping us claim back vital extra funds at no additional cost to our supporters. Your detail driven approach will help us continue to build a strong and transparent foundation for everything we do.

To succeed in this role, you’ll need a good understanding of financial accounting principles, strong Excel and IT skills, and a collaborative problem-solving approach. Excellent communication and organisational skills will also be essential as you work closely with teams across the organisation to ensure our income records are accurate and efficient.

If this sounds like you and you're looking for an opportunity to grow your skills, along with experiencing challenges and a shared purpose, then we’d love to hear from you.

Closing date for applications:  09:00 on Friday 27th February 2026.

Interested?

PLEASE PRESS THE 'HOW TO APPLY' BUTTON FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Equal Opportunities 
We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities and or from ethnic minority backgrounds.

We’d be grateful if you downloaded and completed the equality and diversity monitoring form and submit it with your application. 

Disability Confident Employer 
We’re a Disability Confident Employer and we’re committed to promoting equality and diversity.

You can ask for reasonable adjustments as part of both our recruitment and new starter on-boarding processes.

If you need any help or adjustments to apply for this role, please contact us. You can also ask for the application materials to be sent to you in a different format. Such as for them to be sent to you by email or in a larger word format.

More about our employee benefits:
We have a wide range of employee benefits including (but not limited to): 

Encouraging work life balance

• 38 days paid annual leave (including bank holidays), pro-rata for part-time
• More annual leave entitlement, based on length of employment
• Smart working options (with the opportunity to work remotely and find a smart working pattern that suits both you and us) 
• Flexible working options 

Caring for you and your family 

• Generous sick pay entitlement
• More sick pay entitlement, based on length of employment 
• Opportunity to buy and sell annual leave in each calendar year 
• Free access to a GP virtually 24 hours a day/7 days a week allowing you unlimited advice, reassurance and where appropriate diagnosis 
• Enhanced leave for new parents 
• Free access to a confidential 24 hours a day/7 days a week helpline service for both you and your family with a specialist range of support and information
• Special leave options (such as up to 5 days paid leave for domestic or personal emergencies a year)
• 10 days paid disability leave a year, pro-rata for part-time 
• 10 days paid carers’ leave a year, pro-rata for part-time 
• Cycle to work scheme 
• Death in service scheme
• New family-friendly benefits, including paid leave:
  • In the event of miscarriage or still birth 
  • To support fertility treatments
  • For antenatal appointments for both parents

Thinking about your finances 

• Enhanced salary sacrifice pension scheme
• Discounted season ticket loan and interest-free emergency loans
• Give as you earn to support other charities of your choice before tax
• New employee portal including lifestyle savings vouchers and personal wellbeing

Enriching your life at work

• Personalised development plans with a wide range of training courses and opportunities to source additional training options with your line manager
• Yearly internal apprenticeship opportunities
• New, modern offices that embrace working together both in-person and remotely 
• Various opportunities to influence how we internally operate (including surveys, and focus and committee groups) 
• Active and supportive internal employee networking groups for collaboration and peer support 
• 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering for MS Society activities during normal working hours (such as fundraising events, or campaigning in the local community) 
• 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering with other charities during normal

Safeguarding 
We’re committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone who uses our services and we come into contact with.

This is regardless of Gender, Race, Disability, Sexual orientation, Religion or belief, Pregnancy, Gender reassignment.

We recognise our particular responsibility to make sure vulnerable adults and children are protected.

We have measures in place to protect everyone we come into contact with from abuse and maltreatment of all kinds.

Your right to work in the UK 
You must have the right to work in the UK to work in paid employment with us. You’ll need to share documents showing you’re eligible to work in the UK if we offer you employment.

You can find the UK visas and permits granting you the right to work in the UK on the UK Government website. We currently don’t have a Sponsor Licence agreement with the Home Office and aren’t able to support you with your visa applications.

No agencies please.

We are seeking a passionate and knowledgeable Church Buildings Support Officer to help secure the long‑term, sustainable future of our historic church buildings—places of worship, community, culture, and heritage. In this vital role, you'll support congregations and community volunteers in caring for their buildings and championing their use for mission, ministry, and wider community benefit.

You will work across the Diocese to provide expert advice on building maintenance, heritage conservation, project management, funding, and community engagement—ensuring these unique buildings remain active, cared for, and sustainable for generations to come.

21 Hours per week to be worked over Monday to Friday, with some occasional evening and weekend meetings

Head of Prevention

Contract: Permanent
Function/Team: Delivery
Location: London, UK
Hours: Full time, inclusive of breaks
Reporting to: Director of Intelligence and Prevention
Salary: £42,856 - £48,217

Equal Opportunities

As a small charity working to disrupt the global business of human trafficking, gathering intelligence, and delivering campaigns and projects around the world, we recognise that our team is strengthened by the knowledge, experience and insights that people from a wide range of backgrounds bring. As a minimum, we expect all applicants to show a demonstrable commitment to equality and diversity.

Summary of the Role

STOP THE TRAFFIK prevents vulnerable communities from being recruited, trafficked, and exploited. Our targeted prevention work disrupts the criminal business of human trafficking, making it too high-risk and low-profit to be viable.

This role will lead on our work to prevent recruitment of vulnerable people, overseeing our global prevention programmes that reach high-risk communities with lifesaving information, typically via social media (through partnership with companies like Meta & TikTok). It will also lead on our data gathering initiatives, and on the development of our new product, the Safety Centre.

The Head of Prevention is responsible for ensuring our programmes are high quality, effective, leading on safeguarding as well as monitoring and reporting impact to drive future funding.

Summary of Responsibilities

Team Management & Leadership:

· Manage a multi-disciplinary team that works together to deliver prevention programmes, bring in partner data for our Traffik Analysis Hub, and develop software and data tools for vulnerable communities.

· With support from the Director of Intelligence and Prevention, oversee the flow of intelligence resulting from prevention programmes, including the safeguarding of individuals at risk.

· Manage relationships with funders and partners.

· Manage data experts focused on bringing in high quality data to our Traffik Analysis Hub and leverage those insights to build effective prevention programmes.

· Work within the Senior Leadership Team to ensure organisational strategic focus against annual impact and income targets.

· Work alongside the Development Team to deliver funding bids and pitches for further prevention programmes.

Programme Delivery & Product Oversight:

· Oversee all prevention programmes to ensure we reach the right audience based on intelligence with effective messaging.

· Oversee all intelligence collection and safeguarding while key campaigns are live, providing a trauma-informed and person-centred approach.

· Monitor, capture, and communicate the impact of prevention programmes to evidence our methodology, and drive further funding.

· Improve and innovate our programmes to scale, overseeing the build of our new Safety Centre, a 24/7 platform leveraging AI to provide round-the-clock prevention, supporting our Full Stack Developer and supported by our senior solutions architect.

· Monitor and review social media performance for prevention campaigns and suggest ways to improve reach and engagement.

· Support the Data Engagement Manager to build and maintain relationships to effectively source data for our Traffik Analysis Hub.

· Capture and articulate use cases for the TA Hub to support marketing and partner engagement.

The above responsibilities are subject to the general duties and responsibilities contained in the Statement of Conditions of Employment. The duties of this post may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the post or level of responsibility entailed.

Person Specification

· Experience managing a high-performing, target-oriented team, with the ability to motivate and guide others toward shared goals.

· Strategic thinker who can see the bigger picture while delivering high-quality work at pace.

· Excellent communication and storytelling abilities, with the capacity to craft compelling content tailored to specific audiences and interpret feedback and data to refine messaging.

· Skilled at building trusted relationships and influencing others in the sector.

· 3+ years working in social media targeting, content production, and metrics tracking.

· Highly organised and resourceful self-starter with strong attention to detail.

· Comfortable working under pressure and managing multiple priorities effectively.

· Strong analytical and reporting acumen, able to effectively measure, interpret, and capture the impact of programmatic and intelligence-led work.

· Creative and adaptive, with a curiosity for innovation, social media and tech platforms.

· Deep sense of empathy and commitment to STOP THE TRAFFIK’s mission, with the ability to connect data and human stories to drive preventative action.

· Skilled in person-centred and trauma-informed safeguarding.

Personal Qualities

• Strong demonstration of STOP THE TRAFFIK values

• Ability to multitask to a high level, while meeting deadlines and managing time effectively

• Highly resourceful, self-starter, open to innovation with strong attention to detail

• Growth mindset, open to giving and receiving feedback

• Ability to work effectively independently and in a team, with excellent communication skills

We do not require any additional qualifications, rather, candidates must demonstrate previous experience in an environment with transferrable skills to this position. If you do not meet 100% of the above, please consider applying regardless. We are happy to upskill where possible or look at alternate roles in the company.

Safeguarding Vulnerable Children & Adults

STOP THE TRAFFIK is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable children and adults. We expect all staff to share this commitment and to undergo appropriate checks, which may include an enhanced DBS check.

Benefits:

• A friendly, supportive team.

• Opportunity to engage with global partners and influential funders.

• Autonomy to shape fundraising approaches and contribute innovative ideas.

• Healthcare cash benefit scheme (with the option to include partner/children).

• Corporate eye-care scheme.

• Life insurance.

• Non-contributory Group Personal Pension Scheme with 7% employer contribution.

• 27 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays (rising to 33 days with service).

• Cycle to Work scheme.

• Season Ticket Loan.

• Ability to swap two bank holidays to suit personal needs.

• Flexible working policy that supports staff wellbeing.

• Access to internal and external training opportunities.

If you have the relevant experience, are highly resourceful, adaptable, pro-active, and a critical thinker able to work in a fast-paced environment, please send a CV and brief cover letter (both in pdf format) that evidences your ability to be successful in this role.

 Only applications sent via email will be considered to ensure an equitable review process. The deadline to apply is Friday 20th February 2026.

Registered Charity No. 1127321

We cannot sponsor applicants at this time.

We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, minority, and underrepresented groups. If you require any assistance to overcome potential barriers, please let us know.

Citizens UK 

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

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

Head of Community Sponsorship Role 

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

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

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

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

Career Pathway Headings 

Objectives 

Contribute to Citizens UK and Project Strategic Objectives 

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

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

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

Build and Manage Projects & Achieve Work Targets Effectively 

• Oversee multiple work strands, working in partnership. 

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

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

Learning, Expertise, Wellbeing & Inclusion 

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

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

Develop and Manage External Relationships 

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

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

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

Communications 

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

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

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

Develop and Manage Internal Relationships 

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

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

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

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

Generate Income and Resources 

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

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

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

Personal Specification 

(D) Desirable, (E) Essential 

Qualifications 

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

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

Experience 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Key skills and knowledge 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Personal qualities & values 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Note: 

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

Learning Disability Community Leader, L'Arche Manchester

ABOUT THE ROLE

Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week (including some evening and weekend working, and regular on-call)

Salary: £47,946 per annum

Reports to: L’Arche UK Regional Leader

Place of work: L’Arche Manchester Community, Manchester M20 4AW. Some travel and overnight stays will be required within the UK

Contract type: Temporary 12-month appointment to cover maternity leave

Closing date: Monday, 2nd March at 12 pm.

Main purpose of the role

The Community Leader is responsible for ensuring that the Community is living the mission of L’Arche, by providing excellent and sustainable care and support services, support for  spirituality, and engaging with our neighbours and the wider community around us.

The Community Leader will:

• Lead the Community by responding to the needs, choices and context of our members while being faithful to the L'Arche UK Vision and Values, the L'Arche International Identity and Mission Statement, and to a co-created Community Mandate and plan;
• Maintain and enhance high-quality, person-centred care, support, and housing for people with learning disabilities, both at home and in our day services in partnership with the Registered Manager, the local and national teams, individual circles of support, and external partners. 
• Ensure the Community’s financial sustainability through robust financial planning and management. This includes setting budgets and controlling spending, maximising housing occupancy, supporting the negotiation of care contracts, growing our day services and spotting fundraising opportunities. 
• Foster a culture that maximises the voice and power for people with learning disabilities, and builds listening and collaboration between Community members. This will include working with an active Community Support Group, Community Gatherings, listening groups, and other forums. 
• Lead and manage a committed and engaged leadership team to achieve objectives, set a positive culture, and support the personal and professional growth of our teams. 
• Cultivate an open, creative, and inclusive spiritual life, inviting everyone in the Community to deepen their connections. 
• Model, advocate for, and embrace the L’Arche ethos of deep, long-term, and mutually transforming relationships between people with and without learning disabilities. Plan and lead a regular calendar of events that build community belonging and help keep people connected. 
• Contribute to the national work programmes of L’Arche UK, as part of the National Council, collaborating with Community Leaders of other L’Arche Communities, to share skills, best practice and resources. 
• Be a visible representative of L’Arche locally in the wider community, with stakeholders like local authorities, professional organisations, schools, faith communities, and L’Arche world wide.

Key essential criteria

• Senior leadership experience in support to adults with learning disabilities (or transferable skills and experience in a closely-related field). 
• Experience leading and managing an organisation or large teams to deliver results, maintain compliance and quality, and to respond to risks and opportunities. 
• Experience leading and developing diverse teams to flourish, individually and together. 
• Good financial planning skills and experience successfully managing a substantial budget. 
• Evidence of the ability to think strategically, and work collaboratively to develop and implement community plans. 
• Experience of living or working alongside people with learning disabilities and/or autistic individuals

This role is subject to an enhanced DBS criminal record check. 

You may have held these job titles in the past: Registered Manager, Service Manager, Head of Care, Senior Operations Lead, Community Director, Head of Community Services, Country or Regional Lead, Learning Disability Services Manager, Head of Mission and Community Life, Health & Social Care Manager, Local Authority Commissioning Lead;

You can find more details about L'Arche and the Manchester community on our website. 

Why join L'Arche?

As well as joining a friendly Community, where you will be well supervised and supported, and benefit from L’Arche’s mentorship programme, these are some other benefits you get by working for us:

• Joining shared meals since cooking and having a meal together is what we are all about
• Enhanced Maternity, Adoption/Surrogacy, Paternity Pay (depending on length of service, details available on request) 
• Enhanced sick pay
• Interest free loans and salary advances available
• Free DBS / PVG checks
• Free Employee Assistance Programme available to everyone
• Up to 5 days paid compassionate leave
• Up to 6 days paid (pro rata) for time off for emergency dependents leave
• Specialist bereavement counselling for employees and their family members
• Life Assurance
• Access to the Bike to Work scheme

Discover what makes L’Arche a rewarding place to work—explore  more of our employee benefits on our website.

A full job description and person specification can be found in the Recruitment Pack.

To apply, please submit your CV and answer the questions from our online application form. 

The closing date is: Monday, 2nd of March at 12 pm.

First interviews (online via Microsoft Teams) are expected to take place during the week beginning the 9th March 2026.

Second round interviews will take on the place week beginning 16th March 2026 and will take place within the Community.

We encourage you not to wait until the closing date to submit your application, as we may begin interviewing strong candidates before then.
We also reserve the right to close the advert early if we receive enough suitable applications.

Please also read our privacy notice for job applicants.