Charity manager internship jobs

Join us in the ambitious ‘Birmingham In Action’ campaign, which commits to raising over £600 million of charitable funding and 1.25 million volunteer hours, positioning the University as one of the world leaders in university development. To help fulfil our exciting campaign ambitions, we are seeking to recruit a ‘Charitable Funding Manager’ (CFM) to maximise philanthropic funding across the University. The role will involve working to achieve a financial target by proactively identifying and securing income from Trusts, Foundations, and other charities. 

A key member of the Development and Alumni Relations Office’s (DARO) Charitable Funding team, you will navigate the university, working closely with academics and Professional Services colleagues to identify some key areas where there are funding needs. The role will bring to life some of our ground-breaking, sector leading work in a compelling and succinct way, inspiring support from new and existing funders. 

DARO exists to support this academic and student community by engaging, inspiring, and celebrating alumni, individuals, and charitable funders who give their money, time, and networks to support the University’s strategic priorities. The Office, which is comprised of five teams, is focused on fundraising and volunteering from alumni, organisations and individuals who are passionate about changing lives, through funding various research projects, supporting student bursaries, mentoring students, and providing internships, as well as providing a versatile programme of engagement opportunities for our global alumni community.

You will have experience of delivering against financial targets, along with the ability to translate complex information into a compelling ask in both verbal and written form. As a Charitable Funding Manager in DARO, you will be innovative, self-motivated, and take ownership of fundraising opportunities in this area. You will generate significant gifts for amazing philanthropic projects and encourage new donors to make long-term, sustainable gifts. You will have an enthusiasm for building relationships and the skill to interact with high-level donors and supporters. 

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. 

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Access Interns Programme, a partnership between The Kartik Foundation and Variety, provides disabled young people with meaningful corporate internship opportunities to support their career aspirations. For many disabled young people, accessing work experience can be challenging due to societal barriers, lack of support, and limited opportunities. Access Interns is designed to break down these barriers, ensuring that participants gain valuable work experience, professional skills, and industry connections to help them succeed in their chosen careers.

The Access Interns Programme Manager is responsible for the successful delivery of the ACCESS INTERNS programme, overseeing the internship placement process, employer engagement, and student support. This includes managing the selection process, coordinating placements, ensuring workplace accessibility, and tracking the programme’s impact.

The role also involves working closely with corporate employers to create inclusive work environments, supporting interns throughout their placements, and expanding engagement with schools, employers, and industry leaders to ensure disabled young people have equal access to high-quality career opportunities.

ABOUT VARIETY

In the UK, there are more than 1.3 million disabled children and over 4 million children living in poverty. Variety exists to improve their lives. We believe every child has a right to live their best life and reach their full potential, whoever they are. We fund and deliver life-changing programmes that enhance their quality of life and give children and young people across the UK a better future.

Over the past 75 years we have supported over one million children by funding almost 6,000 Sunshine Coaches, almost the same number of wheelchairs, and giving thousands of grants to individual children, schools, youth clubs and other organisations for specialist equipment.

In addition, each year thousands of children take part in day trips, special events and educational activities as part of our Variety Great Days Out programme and every single day we are improving more young lives. We do it with practical, tangible help, that makes a real and immediate difference.

 KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Programme Management

· Managing the Access Interns Programme, ensuring it is delivered to a high standard and in line with Variety’s policies and procedures

· Working with the Chief Executive Officer to set annual internship placement targets, manage the Access Interns budget and develop the Access Interns Programme.

· Overseeing the end-to-end process of the programme, from student recruitment and employer engagement to placement coordination and post-internship evaluation.

· Adhering to Variety’s Safeguarding policies and procedures and working with the Head of Programmes, by recognising that interns are vulnerable adults, and taking responsibility for their safety, welfare, and well-being throughout the programme.

· Identifying opportunities to expand and enhance the programme, ensuring it remains impactful, sustainable, and aligned with Variety’s strategic goals.

· Developing guidance materials, training sessions, and workshops to prepare students for internships and support their professional growth

· Working with the Programme’s team to input & manage programme data and reporting.

· Tracking and reporting on Programme Impact and analysing data to ensure continuous improvement.

Logistics and Coordination

· Coordinating interview schedule, employer meeting, and onboarding sessions to facilitate successful placements.

· Managing communication with interns, employers, schools, and other stakeholders, ensuring all parties are well-informed and supported.

· Organising online disability awareness training for corporate employers as part of the onboarding process, ensuring employers understand best practices for supporting disabled interns and creating accessible workplaces.

· Ensuring all necessary documentation, contracts and agreements are completed and maintained in line with Variety’s Policies and Compliance standards.

Budget and Income Generation

· Managing the Access Interns Programme budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources and cost control.

· Generating income from the programme, including securing corporate partnerships and funding opportunities to sustain and expand Access Interns.

· Working closely with the fundraising team to assist in converting Access Intern partners into Corporate Donors for Variety’s wider work.

· Working with the Chief Executive Officer to set financial targets and explore additional funding streams.

· Monitoring expenditure, tracking income, and providing financial reports on programme performance.

Student Outreach & Support

· Manage the application and selection process, ensuring fair and transparent recruitment.

· Working closely with students to support their career development, including

- CV writing and cover letter workshops

- Interview preparation sessions

- Professional skills training (e.g. workplace etiquette, communication skills, and confidence-building)

- One-on-one mentoring and guidance

· Provide guidance and support to interns throughout their journey, from pre-placement preparation to post-internship follow-up.

· Responsible for marketing to schools and colleges to increase awareness and participation.

· Ensuring students understand their rights and workplace accommodations, advocating for inclusive and accessible internships.

· Visiting schools and colleges to promote the programme, engage with students, and increase participation from disabled young people.

Employer Outreach & Support

· Building and maintaining strong relationships with corporate employers to ensure a positive and productive experience for employers participating in the programme.

· Acting as the primary point of contact for employers, providing guidance and support throughout the internship process.

· Working with employers to develop meaningful internship opportunities, ensuring placements align with both business needs and student development goals

· Addressing any challenges or concerns that arise during placements, acting as a mediator where necessary.

· Delivering pre-placement briefings for employers, setting expectations and promoting inclusive hiring practices

· Gathering feedback from employers to continuously refine and improve the programme.

Customer Service and Administration

· Working with Operations Team and external partners to devise and deploy scalable on-boarding and internship management systems.

· Providing excellent customer service to applicants and prospective applicants, giving advice and guidance over the phone, in person and via email.

· Collecting and collating impact and monitoring data.

· Providing administrative support for other Programmes depending on workload, capacity and department demand.

Other Duties and Partner Support

· Assisting with events, reporting, and stakeholder engagement related to Variety’s wider mission and partner organisations.

· Collaborating with internal and external teams to support strategic initiatives that align with the goals of the Access Interns Programme.

General Responsibilities

· Negotiate placements and work collaboratively with employers to ensure meaningful learning experiences for interns.

· Applying knowledge of disabilities, relevant laws (e.g. Equality Act 2010), and reasonable adjustments to ensure that both interns and employers receive the necessary support for a successful and inclusive internship experience

· Expand the programme’s employer network, targeting organisations in corporate sectors to enhance placement opportunities.

· To work cross functionally with other departments, regions and countries.

· To achieve the highest standards of safeguarding for the young people who complete a corporate internship by Variety by complying with all appropriate Policies and Procedures.

· Working within Variety’s Data Protection policies at all times.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

Essential:

• Proven experience in managing programmes or projects, including planning, delivery, and evaluation.

• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with diverse stakeholders (e.g., employers, schools, students).

• Knowledge of disability rights, accessibility requirements, and the Equality Act 2010.

• Understanding of safeguarding principles and experience working with vulnerable adults or young people

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly and persuasively.

• Strong ability to manage multiple tasks, deadlines, and priorities effectively.

• Competence in collecting, analysing, and reporting data to measure impact and inform improvements.

• Confident using Microsoft Office and CRM or database systems.

Desirable:

• Delivering or coordinating training sessions for employers or staff.

• Experience managing budgets, monitoring expenditure, and reporting on financial performance.

• Familiarity with employability skills training, CV writing, and interview preparation.

• Experience organising workshops, meetings, or onboarding sessions.

• Ability to promote programmes to schools, colleges, and employers.

• Using impact data to drive continuous improvement.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit your CV with a cover letter explaining why you’d make a great candidate for this role. Applications will close on Friday 9th January 2026 at 5pm with interviews taking place week commencing 12th and 19 January 2026.

Please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements or need any adjustments for the interview.

MAIN BENEFITS, TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Location: Variety HQ, Camden Town, London (hybrid working, 3 days in the office per week)

Hours: 9am to 5pm

25 days holiday (we also normally give between Christmas and New Year off, but this is not contractual). In addition, after one year's continuous service, there will be an extra 2 days annual holiday for every complete year of service, up to a maximum of five days' extra holiday.

Pension 7% ER contribution, Life Assurance 4x annual salary, Company sick pay scheme, medicash benefit.

EQUALITY DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

 Inclusion is one of our key values and it is our ambition to recruit great people from diverse communities. We welcome and encourage applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment/identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy/maternity and or marriage/civil partnership status, race, religion or belief.

This is a senior leadership role accountable for award winning high performing shops that deliver + £3.5m in sales in the context of an ambitious and developing trading strategy.  The post holder is directly accountable for sustaining and building this performance leading a team of staff and volunteers and in working as part of the central trading and wider hospice teams.  The role combines sales and profit targets, creativity, accountability, empathic people skills and a passion for trading. Our retail business is a key driver for organisational success. The Hospice of St Francis Charity provides essential free care across West Hertfordshire and South Buckinghamshire.  More than 80% of the income we spend comes from trading and fundraising. Our retail performance (sales and profit) benchmarks at the very top of the sector with award winning and innovative retail formats supported by a strong volunteer base and shop team delivering outstanding customer service. 

Main duties and responsibilities:

· Line management and mentoring 5 direct line reports and oversight accountability for a team of 33 whole time equivalent employees (53 people) and 500 volunteers

· Maintain and improve our performance at the top of the charity retail sector nationally

· Hold oversight of leases and ensure effective lease management

· Accountability for delivering more than £3.5m in annual sales, with levels of engagement, profit and performance that deliver the strategic aims of the Charity

· Accountability for retail Gift Aid income and HMRC compliance assuring at least £300k annually from retail claims

· Project manage the process of new shop openings as required

· Accountability for customer complaints, health and safety, fire safety and environmental health across all retail premises working closely with our estates team to assure compliance

· Ensure our shops operate as a physical and digital front door to the hospice, creating a dynamic interactive culture

· Collaborate effectively with peers and colleagues, operating in adherence to the values and ethos of the Hospice

· Contribute to the design, development and implementation of the trading road map, annual budget and profit projections, annually and over 3- 5-year timescales to match the strategic development timelines of the Charity

· Maximise the potential of Electronic Point of Sale to drive performance and provide regular KPI reports internally at all levels, motivating the shop teams, in accountability to the Trading Board and our committees, Board and AGM

· Maintain an up to date understanding of high street trends and charity retail trends and ensure our merchandising, product development, social media and retail innovation maintains our competitive edge

· Assure windows and shop floors meet the highest standards of engagement and stand out on the high street embedding the ‘owned brand’ and social impact

· Accountable for ensuring a programme of community engagement and events where our shops are community hubs

· Leading projects including lead responsibilities in the set up and opening of new shops

· Implementation of goal setting, career development reviews and routine and regular supervision and team meetings to build an inspiring successful team culture and empower individual performance

· Use a range of digital systems effectively in the management of the business and in communication, including social media, on-line analysis of reach and click rates

· Represent the Trading Directorate at Health and Safety Committee, attend the Trading Board, as required Income generation committee and deputise for the Director at Executive Meetings, deputising for the Director of Sustainable Trading as required

· Embeds equality, diversity and inclusion across trading processes and practices

· Represent the organisation as ambassador and contribute to maintaining the wider public presence of the Charity.

Key Accountabilities, Responsibilities & Tasks

Departmental & Role Specifics 

· Set objectives that are realistic and encourage outstanding performance, in a supportive team culture with effective individual supervision, support and training to ensure our performance continues to benchmark nationally at the top of the charity retail sector.

· The senior responsible manager in Trading, holding overall accountability for all aspects of our charity retail operation

· As an ambassador for the organisation maintaining excellent relationships with all suppliers and partners

· Lead a team of 33 whole time equivalent employees (51 people) and 500 volunteers to deliver at least £3.5m in sales and at least £300k in gift aid annually

· Ensure our shops operate as a physical and digital front door to the hospice, creating a dynamic interactive culture

· Lead, manage and coach a culture of openness to engage the diversity of the community as customers, donors, staff and volunteers

· Detailed understanding and analysis of data from a range of sources in order to collate and provide timely effective verbal and written reports, to agreed schedules, reporting on and managing performance, risk, variance, effectiveness, trends and the cut through impact of innovation

· Collaborate internally and with external partners to maintain a range of projects with local colleges teaching and training in fashion, design and social media, including joint events and succession pipelines with apprenticeships, DoE volunteer placements and internships

· Hold oversight of leases and ensure effective lease management

· Accountability for customer complaints, health and safety, fire safety and environmental health across all retail premises working closely with our estates team to assure compliance

· Project manage the process of new shop openings as required

· Collaborate effectively with peers and colleagues, operating in adherence to the values and ethos of the Hospice