Challenge events manager jobs

Do you love helping people achieve extraordinary goals and creating unforgettable supporter experiences? Are you passionate about building relationships with supporters to help them raise funds for a vital cause? 

Challenge events are a crucial part of our strategy and provide a wide range of opportunities for our supporters to fundraise for the charity and engage with our work. We have ambitious plans to expand our third-party events portfolio as well as explore how we further maximise the potential of owned events. This role is pivotal in helping us to develop and grow our portfolio.

You’ll be responsible for leading the delivery of the Challenge Events programme and will thrive on collaborating with teams across the charity to continuously improve supporter experiences, maximise income potential and seek out new opportunities.

Our benefits

Working environment

• Hybrid working for most roles, with time split between our offices at Mansell Street or The Royal London Hospital and remote working
• Flexible working arrangements for most roles, with a 35-hour working week (for full-time employees) and core hours of 10:00-16:00
• A collaborative culture built around our values: compassionate, courageous and pioneering
• Access to a variety of learning and development opportunities to support your career growth
• A commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and belonging, supported by our employee-led network, All Inclusive.

Supporting your wellbeing

• 27 days of annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata for part-time employees)
• Additional office closure between Christmas and New Year, giving you an extra three days leave each year
• Additional annual leave awarded for long service
• One day's paid moving leave each year
• One day's paid volunteering leave each year to support causes that matter to you
• Compassionate leave
• Enhanced sick pay, providing up to five weeks full pay in a rolling 12-month period from day one of employment
• Access to a free and confidential Employee Assistance Programme, offering support for emotional, financial and legal matters, plus a wellbeing app.

Supporting your financial wellbeing

• Generous pension scheme with a 10% employer contribution when you contribute 5%
• Medicash health cash plan, helping you claim back the cost of everyday healthcare expenses
• Access to a wide range of employee discounts through sites including Blue Light Card, Health Service Discounts and Perks at Work
• Season ticket loan
• Cycle to Work scheme.

Supporting your family

• Enhanced maternity pay, offering company maternity pay at 75% of your annual salary for weeks seven to 26 of maternity leave
• Life assurance cover equivalent to four times your annual salary.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Fundraising Delivery

· Deliver challenge and community fundraising campaigns and events that achieve agreed income and participation targets.

· Support the Community & Challenge Events Manager with the delivery and stewardship of Back Up's London Marathon programme, taking ownership of agreed areas of delivery.

· Support delivery of The Push, No Limits Ride, Do the Loop and other Back Up Challenge Events.

· Deliver accessible, inclusive Community fundraising opportunities.

· Coordinate suppliers, volunteers and event logistics.

· Maintain accurate CRM and financial records.

Supporter Experience & Stewardship

· Build long-term supporter relationships that maximise fundraising, retention and lifetime value.

· Coach and motivate supporters to exceed fundraising targets.

· Deliver timely stewardship, thanking and impact reporting.

· Identify opportunities to improve supporter experience, fundraising performance and operational efficiency, making recommendations to the Community & Challenge Events Manager.

Planning, Performance & Insight

· Monitor recruitment, participation, fundraising and stewardship KPIs across the community and challenge fundraising portfolio.

· Maintain accurate supporter records, event information and financial data within the CRM and fundraising platforms.

· Produce performance reports and updates for the Community & Challenge Events Manager.

· Gather and share supporter feedback and learning to help evaluate and continually improve fundraising activities.

· Support the effective administration and evaluation of fundraising activities, ensuring accurate reporting and compliance with fundraising policies and procedures.

Collaboration

· Work with Communications & Marketing on recruitment and stewardship.

· Work with Services to engage participants and volunteers.

· Support Corporate Partnerships.

· Champion fundraising across the organisation.

The above list is not exclusive or exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such duties as may reasonably be expected within the scope of this role.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

Essential:

· Experience delivering community or challenge fundraising.

· Excellent supporter stewardship skills.

· Experience achieving income targets and KPIs.

· Strong project management and organisational skills.

· Experience with CRM systems and online fundraising platforms

· Ability to use data and insight.

· Creative, proactive and collaborative.

· Commitment to inclusive and accessible fundraising.

· Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Desirable:

· Experience delivering London Marathon or other mass participation events.

· Experience working with volunteers.

· Experience working with people with lived experience of disability/health conditions

· Knowledge of fundraising regulation.

· Experience with Salesforce, Fundraise Up, Raisley and Enthuse platforms

· Understanding of spinal cord injury or disability sector.

Harris Hill is delighted to be partnering with a leading charity to recruit an Events Coordinator (Challenges).

If you're passionate about delivering memorable fundraising events and enjoy seeing supporters achieve incredible fundraising milestones, this could be an exciting opportunity to take ownership of a varied portfolio of UK and international challenge events.

Based in Stanmore with hybrid working, you'll join a collaborative fundraising team where you'll coordinate challenge events from planning through to delivery, helping to create exceptional participant experiences while supporting the charity's mission to empower neurodiverse children, their families, and people with neurodevelopmental disabilities across London and the South East.

• This is a hands-on events role where you'll manage a portfolio of challenge events, working with participants, suppliers, volunteers and colleagues to deliver engaging, well-organised fundraising experiences.
• You'll oversee event logistics, recruit and support participants throughout their fundraising journey, and work closely with marketing and donor engagement colleagues to maximise participation, income and long-term supporter engagement.
• You'll also use CRM systems to track participant activity and evaluate event performance, helping to shape future campaigns and ensure every supporter has an excellent experience.

About you

• Has experience delivering fundraising events, challenge events or participant-led activities.
• Enjoys building relationships with supporters, suppliers and external stakeholders.
• Is confident motivating participants to achieve their fundraising goals.
• Ideally has experience using a fundraising CRM and working with volunteers or committees.

Key details:

• Salary: £27,316 to £33,387
• Closes 4^th September 2026
• Interviews mid-September

To find out more, please contact Dominic at [email protected]

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

You’ll be responsible for developing and delivering our portfolio of mass participation and challenge events, ensuring excellent supporter experiences and sustainable income growth.

The role will lead on recruiting and supporting event participants across a mixed portfolio (including guaranteed places, third-party event and challenge providers, international challenge events and CCLG-owned events such as our Big Hike. You’ll also take a pro-active role in growing CCLG’s own events programme, identifying, testing and helping to scale new opportunities, while maintaining strong reporting, compliance and supporter care.

Events fundraising is a key area of growth for CCLG, and we’re looking for a passionate, focused and driven individual to support the team to make our ambitious growth plans a reality.

We’re looking for a confident communicator, with strong organisation skills, who’ll use their own initiative and ability to manage a varied workload. You’ll be self-driven, motivated by achieving targets and delivering the best possible supporter experience. The role involves project management and innovation, and you’ll be responsible for confidently driving projects forward, whilst confidently managing a range of internal and external stakeholders.

This role is offered on a hybrid basis, with an expectation of two days per week in our Leicester office.

Please note: previous applicants need not re-apply. 

About CCLG: The Children & Young People's Cancer Association

CCLG is a charity dedicated to creating a brighter future for children and young people with cancer. Powered by expertise, we unite the children and young people’s cancer community, driving collective action and progress.

Research is the key to better treatments, improved care, and potential cures. We fund and lead world-class research, fuelling groundbreaking work led by brilliant minds. Collaboration is at the heart of our approach—bringing together the right people and organisations to drive progress and deliver real impact.

We provide trusted information and guidance for children and young people with cancer, their families, and everyone supporting them. Our expertise helps them navigate the challenges of cancer and its impact, offering reassurance and clarity when it’s needed most.

Through our professional membership, we bring together the brightest minds in children and young people’s cancer, creating a national network that drives progress. Together, we shape better treatment and care - developing guidelines, sharing knowledge, offering expert advice, leading pioneering research, and creating essential resources and education for professionals. Our collective expertise sets the standard, advocating for excellence at every level—local, national, and global. 

Our work is only possible thanks to the generosity of fundraisers, donors, and supporters who share our mission. Every pound raised helps fund our research, provide trusted information for families, and brings together experts to improve treatment, care and outcomes.

The fundraising team at CCLG drives our mission forward by ensuring we have the financial resources to carry out our work, playing a vital role in ensuring we delivery on our strategy and commitments, and ultimately improving outcomes for children and young people with cancer.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

CCLG is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that represents the communities we serve. We warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. 

Benefits of Working at CCLG

• 24 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with 6 additional closure days per year (usually 2 at Easter, 4 at Christmas) (pro-rata for part-time staff)
• Enhanced maternity pay 
• Enhanced sick pay
• Life insurance and employee assistance scheme
• Defined contribution pension scheme: 8% employer contribution / 5% employee contribution
• Hybrid working model
• Supportive and collaborative team culture

Application instructions

For your application, please upload a CV (which should include details of two referees, including your current/most recent employer - we will not contact references without your consent or prior to a provisional offer being made) along with a covering letter. Your covering letter should be bespoke to this job application, demonstrating how your experience makes you suitable for the role and showing how you meet the person specification. 

We recognise the benefits of AI, but if you're considering using it to submit your application, we encourage you to reflect on the value AI adds. AI tools often lack the personal touch and authenticity that set candidates apart. We want to hear your unique perspective, experiences, and skills, so we encourage you to tell us about your skills and experiences in your own voice.

I’m excited to be hiring a new role for a mental health charity, joining their Digital and Experiential team, driving fundraising through a number of products as part of a wider Mass Engagement Fundraising team, as their new Senior Social Challenges Officer.

This role leads on Social Challenges with responsibility for developing a diverse and successful portfolio, recruiting thousands of fundraisers and supporting them to exceed their fundraising goals.

I’m looking to hear from individuals with experience in the charity virtual challenge space who can manage multiple stakeholders and work at pace.

As Senior Social Challenge Officer, you will lead the growth, delivery and optimisation of the charity’s Social Challenges, Weddings and Birthdays fundraising portfolio. Working closely with the Digital and Experiential Manager, you will strengthen existing products and identify future opportunities through data insight and sector trend analysis. You will oversee the end-to-end project management of digital fundraising activities, from setting targets and KPIs to briefing suppliers, monitoring delivery, and evaluating performance. You will also provide hands-on leadership of two Fundraising Officers.

Essential criteria:

• Experience of managing fundraising or income generation activities and a proven track record of meeting and exceeding targets across a range of channels and products
• Experience of using an innovation process to identify and implement new activity or improve existing activity.
• Experience in planning and executing digital/Meta-based challenges such as celebrations, and social challenges – as well as related knowledge of these products.

You’ll join a collaborative team, who look after their staff, and value wellbeing, flexible working, and family friendly environments, and generous annual leave.

• Hybrid working- 2 days p/w in Stratford, London.
• 12 month maternity cover contract.
• Full-time hours (35 hour week).
• Salary £41,242

Closing date- ASAP, applications reviewed on a rolling basis, so please apply today! Interviews to take place w/c 10^th August.

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

Community Fundraising Manager

Location: London, Hybrid –  1 days a week in the office

Salary: £41,000 – £44,000 per annum 

Reports to: Director of Fundraising

Term: Permanent

Aquilas is delighted to be partnering with a fantastic children’s charity to recruit a Community Fundraising Manager.

Reporting to the Director of Fundraising, the Community Fundraising Manager will be responsible for developing and delivering an ambitious community and events fundraising programme that generates sustainable income, builds long-term supporter relationships, and increases awareness of the charity’s fantastic work.

The role will lead the development of community fundraising, supporting and inspiring individuals, families, schools, volunteers, and local groups and companies to fundraise for the charity. In addition, you will manage a portfolio of challenge and special events, ensuring excellent supporter experiences and strong financial returns.

This is a relationship-driven role that requires a proactive and innovative Fundraising Manager with strong project management skills, experience of supporter-led fundraising, and the ability to build meaningful partnerships across diverse audiences.

The successful candidate will have previous experience in community fundraising, events fundraising, or a related supporter-led income stream. Excellent relationship-building and communication skills. Experience of managing and delivering successful fundraising events. Line management responsibility.

To Apply

To apply, please submit your CV demonstrating your community fundraising and events experience to recruiter button

(Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so early applications are strongly encouraged)

For further information about the role, or to arrange a confidential conversation, please contact:

Kieran McGorrian, Director – Fundraising Appointments, Aquilas

Aquilas are wholly committed to equality of opportunity and diversity and we warmly welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates.  We are truly invested in our candidates and being supportive and informative throughout the application journey

Are you organised, personable and passionate about making a difference? Join us in a role that combines excellent supporter care with the excitement of fundraising events.

We’re looking for a Receptionist & Challenge Event Assistant to join our friendly Challenge Event team. This role is the first point of contact for many supporters of the Charity. It is also an integral part of the Challenge Events Team, assisting with managing a portfolio of third-party challenge events. Dealing directly with supporters and liaising with teams across the Charity, the role requires an effective communicator, with great attention to detail, who is proactive and has a passion for fundraising.

What you’ll be doing

• Be the first point of contact for all enquiries at the Charity’s reception desk in Sutton.
• Provide excellent supporter care by responding to event enquiries quickly and efficiently and providing advice and support where necessary.
• Work across a variety of different digital platforms to help process challenge event registrations.
• Send relevant materials and letters to supporters in a timely manner, keeping an accurate record of these communications on the database.
• Ensure the event information on the charity website and displayed within the hospital is up-to-date and relevant. This will include poster sites, notice boards and leaflets around the hospital. 
• Provide support with the delivery of events including preparing equipment and materials.

About you

You’ll be a friendly, organised and proactive individual who enjoys working with people and delivering a great supporter experience. Whether through customer service, volunteering or a similar role, you’ll be confident building positive relationships, managing multiple priorities and communicating effectively with a wide range of people. You’ll have strong attention to detail, good IT skills, and a practical approach to problem-solving. Experience of using a database would be an advantage, but most importantly, you’ll be keen to learn, take initiative and contribute positively as part of a supportive team.

About the Charity

The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity raises money to save the lives of people affected by cancer, everywhere. We ensure The Royal Marsden’s world-leading nurses, doctors and research teams can provide the very best care and develop life-saving treatments, which are used across the UK and around the world.

From funding state-of-the-art equipment and groundbreaking research, to creating the very best patient environments, we will never stop looking for ways to save the lives of people affected by cancer.

Why join us?

You’ll join a collaborative, supportive and ambitious team, with opportunities to learn and develop and see the impact of your work every day.

What we offer

• 27 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays
• Pension scheme with employer contributions of up to 6% (increasing with service)
• Life insurance and employee assistance programme
• Enhanced family policies
• Subsidised canteens and wellbeing support
• A Sutton hospital-based office with shuttle service to and from Sutton station

Inclusion matters

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

Apply now

If you’re organised, people-focused and motivated by making a difference, we’d love to hear from you.

£28,860 per year (London Living Wage)

Permanent and Fixed Term Contract, full-time (37.5 hours per week)

Hybrid working with regular travel to our London Bridge Office

What the job involves

We’re looking for two Events and Community Coordinators to join our Events and Community Team, one permanent contract and one fixed term for 12 months. We’re a results-driven team focused on maximising opportunities, reaching ambitious goals, and delivering an outstanding experience for our supporters.

Our team raise funds through a range of activities including:

· our own events (e.g. March for Men)

· virtual products (e.g. The Month Series)

· third party events (e.g. London Marathon)

· Golf Days

· helping community fundraisers who organise their own activity

You’ll be our first point of contact for our fundraisers, providing admin and support through telephone, email, and social media channels. You’ll build and manage relationships with existing and new supporters. From registration to the end of their supporter journey, you'll help motivate during challenges, offer fundraising advice and ensure thanks at the end of a first-class experience.

Whilst each Coordinator has a primary area of responsibility across different types of events, you’ll also work across teams to support where needed during busy periods of activity. This role sits within the Sporting Events sub-team, supporting people taking on third party fundraising events such as the TCS London Marathon, a cycling event or our own event, March for Men. Day-to-day, you’ll manage our inbox and proactively reach out to new fundraisers to offer support and guidance, as well as delivering core processes like thanking, fulfilment and volunteer management in collaboration with other internal teams.

You’ll also work with our Communications teams. This supports the planning and delivery of our activity. You'll help engage with our digital adverts and identify compelling supporter stories. This helps to raise the profile of our fundraising activity, as well as prostate cancer and Prostate Cancer UK.

What we want from you

You’ll have the drive and eagerness to provide crucial support to our sector-leading programme of events which generated over £41m of gross income in 2025-6. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone early in their fundraising career to grow, develop and gain valuable skills and experience in a fundraising role within a progressive and innovative organisation. You’ll be part of a passionate and high energy team working hard to create a world where no man dies from prostate cancer.

You’ll make a positive and valuable contribution to the success of the Events and Community Fundraising team through excellent communication skills and being proactive in supporting our event participants. You’ll have a strong eye for detail, customer-centric mindset and will be able to prioritise a busy workload to ensure we are able to consistently deliver excellent supporter care. You’ll be self-motivated, well organised and have a ‘can-do’ approach to the role.

Why work with us?
Every man needs to know about the most common cancer in men – prostate cancer. It’s a real and present danger that takes over 12,000 of our dads, grandads, brothers and friends each year.

Prostate Cancer UK is the largest men’s health charity in the UK. We have a simple ambition – to stop prostate cancer damaging lives. We invest millions in research to revolutionise testing, treatment and care. We’re blazing a trail to a screening programme that could save thousands of lives with regular, accurate tests for all men at risk. And we work tirelessly to spread the word about risk and offer specialist support to people living with the disease.

Work with us and you’ll see your efforts pay off as we give men and their families the power to navigate prostate cancer.

Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

At Prostate Cancer UK we’re committed to righting health inequalities across the UK, starting with those faced by Black men. This includes ground-breaking research into Black men's risk and working with communities directly to overcome barriers to the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. To make this happen, we're dedicated to being an inclusive, proactive organisation, as we strive to be Allies to Black communities. We’ll achieve this by advocating and working alongside those communities to promote change. We're also working to be Allies to each other, not only protected groups. In 2024, we launched our New Allyship Training Programme. All colleagues at Prostate Cancer UK will be trained to act and identify as an Ally.

We've also signed Business in the Communities Race at Work Charter, as a dedication to our Black health equity work and wider EDI priorities. As a signatory, we're responsible and accountable for driving positive change.

How and where we work

Colleagues attend the office at least four days per month (pro rata for part-time colleagues) to collaborate, build relationships, and support projects and decision-making. You can choose where to work the rest of the time. Travel to the office is a commute, so we pay our own travel costs.

Additional in-person attendance will be required during your first few months for induction and training, to support you to learn the role and get to know colleagues.

We trust colleagues to work flexibly while balancing personal commitments with the needs of the charity, and we are committed to making reasonable adjustments for colleagues with a disability, neurodiversity, or a long-term physical or mental health condition.

How to Apply
Visit our Prostate Cancer UK Careers page to learn more about this role and the benefits we offer. On the vacancy advert, you’ll find everything you need to know about the role, how to apply, and what to include in your application.

You can also download a copy of the job description and access the link to our careers portal to submit your application by visiting the website via the apply button.

The closing date is Sunday 16th August 2026. Applications must be submitted by 23:45 UK time.

Interviews: By arrangement. Currently scheduled for the week of Monday 24th August 2026.

Prostate Cancer UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1005541) and in Scotland (SC039332). Registered company number 02653887.

Thames Valley Air Ambulance

The role: Challenge Events Officer 

Location: We offer a well‑established hybrid working pattern, with at least two days each week spent at HQ to stay connected and collaborate.

Salary:  £26,227.50
Contract:12 months fixed term

About us

Thames Valley Air Ambulance exists to give everybody within our community the best chance of surviving and recovering from an emergency. We are here for you and your loved ones. In Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire. Whoever you are. Wherever and whenever you need us.

What we are looking for:

We are looking for an enthusiastic, organised and supporter-focused Challenge Events Officer to help deliver an exceptional experience for Thames Valley Air Ambulance’s London Marathon 2027 participants and wider challenge events community. 

At Thames Valley Air Ambulance, we’re committed to giving everyone the best chance when the worst happens. Every day, we’re called to life-threatening emergencies across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire. But we can’t do it without the generosity of our supporters and that’s where you come in.

Your role

Working closely with the Events Manager, you will lead on the recruitment, delivery and stewardship of London Marathon 2027 participants, while also supporting other events across the challenge events portfolio. You will be the main point of contact for participants, providing outstanding supporter care from registration through to event day and beyond, helping each person feel motivated, supported and valued throughout their fundraising journey.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Supporting the planning, coordination and delivery of the challenge events programme, with a primary focus on recruiting, supporting and stewarding London Marathon 2027 participants.
• Providing excellent supporter care from registration through to post-event thank you, helping participants feel informed, motivated and valued.
• Keeping in regular contact with participants by phone, email, post and in person to encourage fundraising activity and maximise income.
• Supporting recruitment through digital campaigns, partnerships and enquiries, and helping to share supporter stories with colleagues across marketing, communications and volunteering.
• Coordinating event administration and logistics, including registrations, fundraising packs, participant tracking, event-day support and accurate CRM records in Dynamics 365.

About you

You will be a confident communicator with excellent customer service skills and a warm, professional approach to building relationships. You will be highly organised, able to manage multiple deadlines and comfortable working both independently and as part of a team. You will bring strong attention to detail, good administrative skills and a genuine enthusiasm for charity fundraising.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has experience of building positive relationships, delivering excellent customer service and communicating clearly with a wide range of people.
• Is highly organised, able to coordinate multiple projects and deadlines, and brings strong administrative skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Understands charity fundraising, is motivated by the difference supporters can make and can work with others to achieve income goals or targets.
• Is confident using Microsoft Office and maintaining accurate records, with experience of fundraising databases or digital platforms being an advantage.
• Is positive, enthusiastic, flexible and professional, with a can-do attitude and willingness to support occasional evening or weekend activity.
• Experience of events fundraising, supporter engagement, digital fundraising platforms such as JustGiving, or motivating runners and challenge event participants would be an advantage. A UK driving licence and access to your own car would also be desirable.

Why join us?

At Thames Valley Air Ambulance, you’ll be part of a dynamic, compassionate, and forward-thinking organisation. We’re proud of our culture, collaborative, inclusive, and committed to personal development. We care deeply about the wellbeing of our team and offer flexible working arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance.

If this role sounds like it’s for you, we would love you to apply!

In return we offer a competitive salary and great staff benefits such as.

• 25 Days holiday / 267 Hours Holiday 
• Hybrid Working (minimum 2 days in office)
• Holiday Trading
• Free annual Flu Vaccination
• Blue Light Card (Option to purchase)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Company Pension Scheme 
• Simply Health – Medical cash back scheme 
• Disability Confident Employer

Our values

We live by our values every day:

• We care no matter what – for our patients, their families, and each other.
• We go above and beyond– in the care we provide and the work we do.
• We do the right thing – in how we act and the decisions we make.
• Together we are TVAA – because together, we save lives.

Diversity and inclusion

We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are especially keen to hear from candidates who feel underrepresented in the charity sector.

Safeguarding

We follow robust recruitment and safeguarding practices to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our staff, volunteers, and the people we support. Relevant checks (e.g. DBS) will be carried out where appropriate.

How to apply

To apply, please complete our online application form and tell us why you’re excited about this opportunity and how your experience aligns with the role. You must have the right to work in the UK, as we are unable to offer sponsorship.

Vacancy Closing Date:  13 August 2026

This post may close early due to high numbers of applications, so you are advised to apply promptly

Interviews will be held week commencing 17 August 2026

The Philanthropy Manager is responsible for the effective delivery of high value philanthropy activity, with a particular focus on major donors and high net worth individuals, including individuals engaged through the World Fellowship and other senior donor networks. The role delivers to agreed income targets across a defined donor portfolio, including securing multi-year commitments and progressing donors to higher giving levels.

Working closely with the Head of Philanthropy, the role manages a defined portfolio of donors and prospects, delivering high‑quality cultivation, stewardship and solicitation activity, predominantly focused on 5‑ and 6‑figure gifts. The Philanthropy Manager ensures that donor relationships are well managed, compliant, and supported by strong data, communications and engagement planning, contributing to sustainable income growth and world-class donor experience. The Manager also plays a key role in leading and supporting the major fundraising events – including concept development and design through to execution and follow-up.

Role Description

Working closely with colleagues and project partners, the Volunteer Manager will lead the recruitment, training, development and management of volunteers across the Cathedral and Abbey site as part of the Abbey of St Edmund Reborn project, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The postholder will develop and implement a comprehensive volunteering strategy, ensuring volunteers are recruited safely, supported effectively and equipped with the skills to deliver a wide range of roles. The role will promote an inclusive volunteering culture, strengthen partnerships and ensure volunteers make a meaningful contribution to the Cathedral, the Abbey site and the wider heritage project.

About Our Volunteers

Volunteers are at the heart of Cathedral life and make an invaluable contribution to worship, welcome, learning, heritage, visitor engagement and events. Current volunteer opportunities are wide and varied, including Bell Ringers, Guides, Flower Arrangers, Shop Volunteers, Learning Volunteers, Sunday Morning Coffee Volunteers, St Ed's Singers, Gardeners, Young Families Volunteers, Servers, Events Volunteers, Vergers and Welcome and Information Volunteers. The Volunteer Manager will support these established teams while developing new opportunities as the Abbey of St Edmund Reborn project progresses.

Key Responsibilities

Volunteer Strategy and Leadership

• Develop, implement and review the Cathedral's Volunteering Strategy.
• Lead the development of a sustainable volunteer programme.
• Ensure volunteering reflects sector best practice and supports the Cathedral's strategic objectives.
• Build strong working relationships with volunteer team leaders and provide ongoing support and guidance.
• Act as the primary point of contact for volunteers.

Recruitment, Induction and Volunteer Management

• Lead the recruitment, induction and ongoing management of volunteers across a wide range of roles.
• Ensure all volunteer recruitment complies with Church of England Safer Recruitment principles, including references and DBS checks where required.
• Develop and maintain volunteer role descriptions in partnership with volunteer team leaders.
• Maintain an accurate volunteer database, matching volunteers' skills and interests with organisational needs.
• Produce, maintain and regularly review the Volunteer Handbook.
• Receive volunteer feedback, concerns and ideas, escalating issues where appropriate.

Training and Development

• Design, coordinate and deliver volunteer induction, training and ongoing development programmes.
• Identify opportunities for volunteers to develop new skills.
• Ensure safeguarding and mandatory training remains current and accurately recorded.
• Regularly review volunteer practices to maintain high standards of service and visitor experience.

Inclusion, Engagement and Communications

• Promote equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility throughout the volunteer programme.
• Develop recruitment approaches that encourage applications from underrepresented communities and remove barriers to participation.
• Implement an effective volunteer communications plan to keep volunteers informed, engaged and recognised.
• Work closely with the Marketing and Communications Manager to promote volunteering opportunities and celebrate volunteer achievements. Key Responsibilities

Partnership Working

• Work collaboratively with partners including English Heritage, Historic England, West Suffolk Council and local organisations to ensure a consistent and positive volunteer experience across the Cathedral, Abbey and wider heritage site.
• Develop and maintain productive relationships with community organisations across the region.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Budget Management

• Collect, monitor and analyse volunteer data, including volunteer numbers, hours and feedback.
• Support project evaluation and reporting requirements for the Abbey of St Edmund Reborn project.
• Produce regular reports identifying trends, achievements and future opportunities.
• Prepare and manage the volunteer budget, monitoring expenditure and reporting against forecasts.

Visitor Experience

• Ensure volunteers contribute to an outstanding visitor experience for all users of the Cathedral, including worshippers, pilgrims, tourists and event attendees.
• Support volunteers in presenting a welcoming, professional and inclusive image of the Cathedral in all interactions with visitors and stakeholders.

General Responsibilities

• Demonstrate commitment to the Cathedral's values, mission and inclusive culture.
• Work collaboratively with clergy, staff, volunteers and the wider congregation.
• Comply with all organisational policies relating to safeguarding, health and safety, equality, data protection and other statutory requirements.
• Work flexibly, including occasional evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays. Time off in lieu will normally be provided, with overtime payable for agreed external events where applicable.
• Undertake any other duties reasonably required by the Chief Operating Officer.

Person Specification

Essential Qualities

• Managing volunteers across a range of roles using recognised best practice.
• Developing and implementing volunteer strategies, policies and procedures.
• Recruiting, inducting, training and supporting volunteers.
• Working successfully with paid staff and volunteers. Monitoring, evaluating and reporting on projects or programmes.
• Developing partnerships with community organisations, charities or public bodies.
• Leading teams within a visitor-focused environment.
• Line management, partnership working and stakeholder engagement.
• Working with diverse communities and promoting inclusive participation.

Knowledge and skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise competing demands.
• Ability to influence, motivate and build positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively within a heritage, commercial and place of worship environment.
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.

Personal Attributes

• Understanding of the Cathedral's role as a place of worship, welcome, heritage and community engagement.
• Flexible approach to working hours, including occasional evenings and weekends.
• Collaborative, approachable and committed to excellent visitor and volunteer experiences.
• High Emotional Intelligence

Desirable Qualities

• Experience within a cathedral, church or heritage organisation.
• Background in heritage, tourism, hospitality or the cultural sector.
• Degree or equivalent professional qualification.
• Awareness of the ministry, mission and civic role of the Church of England and its cathedrals

Help grow partnerships that bring joy to seriously ill children.

Rays of Sunshine is looking for a confident, ambitious and relationship-led Corporate Partnerships Manager to help manage and grow a portfolio of valued corporate supporters.

This is an exciting opportunity to join us at a time of growth and transformation, as we deliver our new five-year strategy and continue to build long-term partnerships that make a real difference to seriously ill children and their families.

As our Corporate Partnerships Manager, you will be responsible for delivering exceptional stewardship across a portfolio of established and strategic corporate partnerships. You will develop tailored partnership plans, deepen engagement, increase income and secure sustainable, multi-year support.

The role will be approximately 70% focused on managing and growing existing partnerships and 30% focused on developing new business opportunities through warm introductions, established pipelines and collaboration with colleagues. You will work closely with the Head of Fundraising, wider Fundraising Team, Communications, Services and Events colleagues to ensure partners receive an excellent experience and feel connected to the impact of their support.

You will lead on partnership stewardship, employee fundraising, volunteering, sponsorship opportunities, impact reporting, renewal conversations and partnership growth. You will also help identify opportunities for corporate partners to engage with challenge events, special events, public fundraising campaigns and Wish Community experiences.

We are looking for someone with strong relationship management skills, experience achieving fundraising or commercial income targets, and the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels. You will be organised, proactive and confident managing multiple priorities, with excellent communication skills and a passion for creating meaningful partnerships.

Rays of Sunshine has recently been recognised as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026, reflecting our positive, values-led culture and commitment to supporting our people.

Events Team Lead
Location: London Zoo, Regents Park, London NW1
Vacancy Type: Fixed Term until 1st September 2027
Salary: £31,941 per annum
Business Area: Conservation Zoos

Purpose of the role

Events at ZSL London Zoo are a key way for us to engage audiences, share our conservation mission, and support wider organisational goals. As Events Team Lead, you will play a vital role in the successful delivery of our seasonal events programme, providing day-to-day operational leadership and ensuring events run safely, smoothly, and to a consistently high standard.

Working closely with the Events Manager and wider teams, you will provide essential logistical and project support across a large and complex operation. You will take responsibility for the real-time delivery of events on site, using your leadership skills to problem solve, make decisions, and respond effectively to challenges as they arise. As a lead operational role within the Events team, you will help coordinate teams, maintain high standards, and create memorable experiences for our visitors.

This role is offered as a fixed-term contract until 1st September 2027, working 37.5 hours per week. As our zoos are open seven days a week, your schedule will follow a rota, which includes weekends and bank holidays. We aim to balance business needs with personal flexibility, so you’ll have advance notice of your shifts to help plan your time.

Key responsibilities:

• Event Leadership & Delivery: Provide day-to-day operational leadership for seasonal events, including supporting and guiding event teams to deliver safe, successful, and memorable visitor experiences
• Operational Decision Making: Act as the operational lead in the absence of the Events Manager, making informed decisions, managing risks, and resolving challenges to ensure smooth event delivery.
• Event Planning & Coordination: Lead the planning and delivery of seasonal events, coordinating timelines, resources, stakeholders, suppliers, and onsite teams.
• Team Support & Development: Support the management and development of event staff, promoting high standards, effective teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Live Event Management: Take ownership of live event operations, acting as the main point of contact for onsite queries and coordinating colleagues, contractors, and suppliers.
• Programme Support: Support the delivery of the wider events programme, ensuring events align with ZSL objectives and deliver against agreed outcomes.
• Cross-Team Collaboration: Work collaboratively with internal teams, including Marketing and Creative Design, to ensure event materials and visitor communications are delivered to a high standard.
• Evaluation & Improvement: Gather and evaluate event feedback, producing reports and insights to support future improvements.

About you

• Experience delivering events from concept through to completion, with the ability to remain calm under pressure and solve problems effectively
• Degree in an events-related subject or equivalent practical experience
• Highly organised with experience managing competing priorities and tight deadlines using a methodical and thorough approach
• Strong attention to detail, with the ability to prioritise workload and use initiative effectively
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (particularly Excel and PowerPoint)
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders
• Strong operations and logistics experience, with the ability to build relationships and networks quickly
• Flexible and adaptable, with good time management skills and willingness to work evenings and weekends as required by events delivery
• Ability to undertake regular outdoor work, including manual handling and lifting, in a range of weather conditions.

About us

We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we’re working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction. 

What do we offer?

Alongside the opportunity to do purpose-driven work that helps create a world where wildlife thrives, you'll enjoy a range of benefits, including:

• Up to 12% contributory pension
• Flexible working options
• 25 days' annual leave plus UK bank holidays, increasing with service
• Enhanced family-friendly policies
• Life assurance from day one (for eligible employees)
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support
• Access to our staff Equality Networks
• Complimentary London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo tickets, plus retail discounts
• Cycle2Work scheme and interest-free season ticket loans (for eligible London-based employees)

Closing Date: 13th August 2026

We may close this role early or extend the closing date due to the number of applications we receive, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

We anonymise applications until interview stage to ensure a fair hiring process. It’s important to highlight your unique skills, experience, and knowledge. Over reliance on AI-generated content may miss key criteria outlined in the job description and reduce the effectiveness of your application.

Interested?

If you would like to apply and find out more about this position, please click the apply button to be directed to our website. 

This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including confirmation of your right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

ZSL recognises that conservation is one of the least diverse sectors, and we actively encourage applications from candidates who identify as part of underrepresented communities. We are committed to building a supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage.

No agencies please.

About the team

The Philanthropy Team raises income for Impetus and for Impetus partner charities. The team consists of 15 staff. Impetus has an annual income of c.£11 million which we are looking to grow significantly within the next few years. The team is led by two Directors of Philanthropy and Partnerships. 

The Philanthropy Team works with major donors, corporates and grant making trusts, as well as collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to ensure we make a compelling case to generate new financial commitments and wider support for our work. The team also deliver a high-quality engagement programme of volunteering and pro bono for Impetus’s corporate supporters.   

Impetus is driven by a shared belief in tackling the barriers that hold back young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in education and employment. Alongside investing extensive financial and non-financial support in our charity partners through our Investment Team we also seek to influence decision makers to design and implement evidence led policy and direct new resources to get young people the support they need through our Public Affairs team. We are resolutely focused on outcomes, driven by quality evidence.

You would be joining a team that is passionate, ambitious, determined and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our charity partners and the young people we serve. 

About this role

The Engagement Manager is an experienced professional who plays a key role in supporting donor engagement across all Impetus donors, enabling the team to provide best practice and high-quality donor stewardship and a platform for the renewal of key philanthropic gifts.

The Engagement function is responsible for pro bono and volunteering. Reporting to the Head of Engagement, the Engagement Manager is responsible for supporting the successful delivery and continuous improvement of the volunteering programme, ensuring it delivers high-quality opportunities, contributes to agreed KPIs and evolves in line with the needs of funders and the organisation. 

The postholder will account manage key relationships with mid-level supporters and internal stakeholders, working across teams to deliver meaningful and well-coordinated engagement opportunities. They will contribute to identifying and developing new opportunities for the volunteering and pro bono programmes that respond to funder interests and portfolio needs. 

In addition, they will manage relationships with mid-level pro bono supporters, taking them through the full pro bono journey from project matching and onboarding through to stewardship and ongoing support.

This is a cross-functional role that collaborates closely with the Investment team, wider Philanthropy team, Public Affairs team and other stakeholders to ensure a consistent and excellent donor experience.

Key responsibilities

Volunteering programme  

• Account manage relationships linked to volunteering across corporates, individuals and grant-making trusts, ensuring engagement is maintained and escalating strategic issues or risks where appropriate.
• Support or lead meetings, alongside fundraising account managers where appropriate, with funders to understand their volunteering interests and contribute to the development of suitable engagement opportunities.
• Support account managers in ensuring consistent donor engagement throughout annual giving cycles, including tracking, reporting, and communications.
• Contribute to the development of the volunteering function to ensure the programme offers a range of high-quality opportunities suitable for different funder types and aligned to organisational priorities.
• Identify and suggest new volunteering opportunities based on charity needs and funder interests, working with the Head of Engagement to ensure strategic alignment across the programme.
• Lead delivery of the mentoring programme within agreed plans and frameworks.
• Where necessary, support delivery of the volunteering programme (i.e workshops), ensuring it delivers high-quality engagement activities, contributes to agreed KPIs and continues to develop in response to organisational and funder needs.
• Build and manage effective working relationships across the Investment team, Philanthropy team and other stakeholders to ensure volunteering opportunities are well scoped, coordinated and delivered effectively.
• Work with the Head of Engagement to coordinate needs across the Engagement team, liaise closely with the Investment team and portfolio contacts, and plan and deliver a high-quality programme of volunteering opportunities.
• Ensure communications with donors and external partners are clear, timely, compelling and aligned with agreed messaging.
• Line manage the Engagement Officer, providing support, guidance and oversight to enable effective delivery. Where necessary, lead volunteering delivery sessions when cover is required.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in Salesforce, including pipeline activity, reporting and key relationship updates.

Pro Bono programme 

• Support the identification, prospecting and conversion of new pro bono supporters, aligned with the needs of portfolio charities and Impetus, including attending meetings with prospective supporters.
• Manage relationships with mid-level pro bono funders, supporting delivery across the full engagement process from identifying suitable projects and matching opportunities through to onboarding, delivery and stewardship.
• Work with the Head of Engagement, internal teams and charity partners to scope projects and support matching pro bono funders to suitable opportunities.
• Support the onboarding and ongoing management of pro bono partners, ensuring clear communication and a high-quality supporter experience.
• Monitor the progress and quality of pro bono projects, gather feedback and identify improvements to strengthen delivery and impact.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in Salesforce, including pipeline activity, reporting and key relationship updates.

Other

• Support the development and implementation of efficient processes and systems within the Philanthropy team, with a focus on consistency and effectiveness.
• Work in line with best practices and agreed processes, policies and standards across all engagement activities.
• Share insights and learnings internally and externally to support continuous improvement.
• Work in line with Impetus’ strategy, policies, and procedures.
• Attend and support delivery of Impetus events as needed.
• Support the Philanthropy team as required with ad hoc duties.
• Provide cover for aspects of the Head of Engagement role when required.
• Represent the Philanthropy team in cross-functional projects and working groups, contributing to delivery and collaboration.
   

Person specification

Essential

• Experience of delivering or managing successful engagement, volunteering or fundraising activities, including tracking performance against objectives or KPIs.
• Familiarity with the fundraising landscape, including a good understanding of the corporate donor marketplace.
• Strong account management experience, including managing external partners or funders and building effective relationships across internal teams.
• Experience managing across the donor lifecycle, and  identifying and developing opportunities that meet stakeholder needs.
• Experience of developing opportunities for diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to understand and communicate complex ideas and information, including Impetus model.
• Experience working with skilled volunteers or pro bono partners, including supporting relationships through the full lifecycle from scoping or matching through to delivery and stewardship.
• A collaborative working style, comfortable working across teams with a commitment to working in a collaborative and inclusive way to achieve shared objectives.
• Experience of managing and developing staff, including setting clear objectives, providing regular feedback and creating development opportunities. Able to adapt management style to support colleagues at different levels of seniority and experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience delivering workstreams or programmes within agreed plans and KPIs.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to devise donor engagement plans and use project/account plans, budgets, and other financial information.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and manager a busy and varied workload.
• Ability to look beyond own area of expertise and be pro-active and creative in problem solving.
• Ability to make operational decisions and escalate strategic issues where appropriate.
• IT proficiency, including Microsoft Office and CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce).
• A commitment to Impetus’ mission.
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Knowledge of the sector – education and employment.
• Knowledge and understanding of the needs of a young person, charities, and corporates.
• Experience of working with young people.

About Impetus

At Impetus, our focus is on helping young people achieve positive education and employment outcomes to increase their chance of leading fulfilling and successful lives, irrespective of their background.

We tackle the three most difficult challenges that affect a young person’s ability to succeed in life in Britain today:

• Lost learning through absence, suspensions, exclusions from school
• Stagnation in education attainment outcomes, which means many are missing out on key qualifications like GCSE English and maths
• The large numbers of young people out of education, training and employment

We use our deep expertise and high calibre networks to give the best non-profits working in these sectors the essential ingredients to have a real and lasting impact on the young people they serve.

Through a powerful combination of long-term funding, direct capacity building support from our experienced team and our pro bono partners, alongside research and policy influencing to drive lasting systems change, we work towards a society where all young people can thrive in school, pass their exams and unlock the doors to sustained employment, for a fulfilling life.

We are resolutely focused on outcomes and impact, driven by quality evidence.

You would be joining a team that is passionate, rigorous, determined, creative and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our portfolio partners and the young people we serve.

Impetus is a registered charity and our charity number is 1152262.

Our Values

In 2022 the Impetus staff agreed the following set of Values to act as our guiding principles as an organisation and help us to remain focused on achieving our mission to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

We are brave and curious

We are bold and brave in our pursuit of better outcomes for young people. We lead with curiosity and stay open to new perspectives. We support one another to take considered risks and learn together.

We bring high trust, high challenge

We build strong, long-term relationships through honesty, kindness, integrity, and respect. We create the space for open, constructive challenge, where colleagues, partners and supporters feel safe to speak up, hold each other to account, and bring their best in pursuit of our mission.

We are evidence led and results driven for young people

We pursue excellence for the young people we work with, are wholly committed to better outcomes, unapologetically results driven, and accountable for our actions.

We thrive through diversity

We seek to embed diversity of thought, background and experience in every aspect of our work. We are open, thoughtful and proactive in better understanding and challenging our assumptions to better deliver the change we seek.

We always seek collaboration

We will not succeed alone. We seek meaningful, productive partnerships with others to achieve our mission and drive systems change for young people.

Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

We believe that a diverse workforce leads to an organisation that is more open, creative and gets better results.

We want our team at Impetus to represent the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We also want our team to be one where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop.

We want to reach a diverse pool of candidates. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that potential employees may need to in order to be successful.

We recognise the importance of a good work/life balance. We do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including working from home, working part-time job shares and other arrangements.

Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore.

Impetus is an equal opportunity employer and is determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We value diversity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

Our employee benefits

Impetus appreciates the invaluable contribution made by all employees and wishes to encourage and reward loyalty, motivation and experience. We therefore offer a range of benefits and policies which aim to assist employees during various stages of their lives and careers. For more information on these, please download the job information pack from our website.

How to apply

Please click on the "Apply for this job" button.

You will need to:

• Complete the online form (including the equal opportunities monitoring form).
• Upload a comprehensive CV and supporting statement.

The supporting statement should be no more than two sides of A4 and should address the criteria in the person specification.

You should also include the contact details of two referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be approached with your express permission.

As part of our commitment to flexible working we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at interview stage.

The deadline for applications is Sunday 23rd August 2026, 11:59pm.

Interviews:

1st Interviews will take place on w/c 31st August 2026.

2nd Interviews will take place on w/c 7th September 2026.

You will also be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK.

Personal Data

Your personal data will be shared for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes our HR team, interviewers (who may include other partners in the project and independent advisors), relevant team managers and our IT service provider if access to the data is necessary for performance of their roles. We do not share your data with other third parties, unless your application for employment is successful and we make you an offer of employment. We will then share your data with former employers to obtain references for you. We do not transfer your data outside the European Economic Area.