Communication assistant jobs in Edinburgh, scotland

Do you have strong organisational skills, sound judgement and a proactive approach to executive support? Join Shelter as our Executive Assistant in Campaigns, Policy and Communications and play a key role in supporting senior leaders to deliver influential campaigning, policy and communications that help end the housing emergency.

About the role

The Executive Assistant (EA) is responsible for the efficient running of the Director’s office and for providing executive support for the Directorate Leadership Team and the Wider Leadership Team.

The following job description cannot cover every issue or task that may arise within the post at various times, and the post-holder will be expected to carry out other duties from time to time which are broadly consistent with those in this document. This job description does not form part of the contract of employment.

Role specifics

We’re looking for an experienced Executive Assistant, with excellent organisational and problem-solving skills and the confidence to work proactively and on their own initiative. You’ll have strong experience supporting senior leaders and executive-level meetings, including agenda setting, minute-taking and follow-up, as well as working with non-executives such as Boards of Trustees. You’ll be comfortable managing complex diaries and inboxes, drafting correspondence, producing high-quality documents and presentations at pace. The role also involves supporting a public-facing executive, including media work, events and high-profile engagements, alongside event planning or project management. You’ll be adept at building strong relationships, anticipating needs, and handling a varied workload calmly and effectively.

Apply to be part of our team and be the change you want to see in society.

Benefits 

We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.

We are happy to talk about flexible working, personal growth, and to promote a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.

About the team 

The Campaigns, Policy and Communications (CPC) directorate at Shelter researches and understands the full range of Shelter’s audiences, creates the content, products and strategies needed to engage and support them, and campaigns for the systemic change needed to end the homelessness and the housing emergency.

About Shelter

Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and where we thrive. Yet everyday millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.

We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.

We need ambitious, passionate people to join us. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.

Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. To win this fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, equitable and transparent. We are committed to combating racism both within and outside Shelter. We welcome you on our journey to becoming truly anti-racist.

Safeguarding statement 

Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies.

Shelter does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.

Role: Director of Fundraising and Communications

Location:Home-based, with regular attendance (2-3 times per month) of meetings in London.

Salary:£70,000

Type: Permanent, full time (37.5  hours per week) or flexible to at least 0.8 FTE

Responsible to:CEO

Responsible for:Head of Communications, Marketing & Digital (and team); Fundraising Managers x 2; Fundraising Assistant

Benefits:   Flexible working arrangements, 28 days of annual leave (FTE pro rata for part-time) + 1 day for your birthday, pension scheme and Employee Assistance Programme

About the role

Every five minutes, someone, somewhere in the world is told that they have MS. There are currently 2.9 million people in the world living with MS. When you’re diagnosed with MS, in just seconds, the future that you saw for yourself and your loved ones has been shattered. A diagnosis often comes at a time when you’re in the prime of your life, when you should be planning your future, not facing a lifetime of uncertainty. Knowing you have MS can feel incredibly isolating and lonely.

Overcoming MS is here to provide hope: through lifestyle changes, backed by scientific research, a full and healthy life with MS is possible. Could you be the person that helps us get this message of hope through to thousands of people diagnosed each year, their families and friends, and to potential funders?

This role is an essential leadership role in Overcoming MS, working as a key member of a small Senior Leadership Team, in partnership with the Chief Executive and Director of Services. The Director of Fundraising & Communications is responsible for driving income generation, strengthening the charity’s profile, and embedding marketing and digital excellence across all areas of work.

Job summary:

You will set both strategic direction and deliver hands-on activity, overseeing all fundraising streams, communications, digital platforms, and supporter engagement. You will develop integrated strategies that maximise limited resources, grow sustainable income, amplify our impact and ensure the charity communicates with clarity, consistency, and purpose.

You will lead a small team of fundraisers, marketeers and communicators to deliver to our current organisational plans, whilst developing longer term plans to extend our reach and our income base. You will work proactively and independently to build relationships, develop innovative campaigns and provide the support that enables our service delivery to function.

You will be expected to provide a high standard and quality of impact across a range of activities and projects, being fully aware of and upholding the charity’s values, and taking responsibility for modelling these to others across the organisation and to the wider community.

Key responsibilities:

1. Strategic & organisational leadership

• Lead the development and delivery of an integrated fundraising, communications, and digital strategy aligned with the charity’s mission and growth ambitions.
• Provide senior leadership input into organisational planning, impact reporting, and strategic development.
• Manage departmental budgets, forecasting, and performance monitoring.
• Foster a collaborative, values-driven culture and support wider organisational priorities.

2. Fundraising leadership

· Drive sustainable income growth across key fundraising streams:

o Individual giving and regular giving

o Major donors

o Trusts and Foundations

o Corporate partnerships and sponsorships

• • Community and challenge events
• Personally manage selected high-value supporters and partnerships.
• Develop compelling cases for support, pitches, and fundraising campaigns.
• Ensure excellent donor journeys and stewardship, supported by effective digital and CRM systems.
• Maintain compliance with fundraising best practice and regulations.

3. Communications, brand & digital

· Transform our approach to raising awareness – both of the connection between healthy lifestyle and MS, as well as Overcoming MS itself – ensuring we reach people with MS and their families at the earliest point of a diagnosis.

• Lead Overcoming MS’s communication strategy to significantly grow visibility, engagement and trust, with everyone affected by MS, the Overcoming MS community, donors and fundraisers, and other key stakeholders.

• Ensure digital and communication tools, channels, systems and platforms underpin and are able to maximise opportunities for all fundraising, communications, and operational activity.
• Use communication and marketing techniques to amplify the impact of our services and increase our reach, ensuring maximum take up.
• Oversee the charity’s website, ensuring strong user experience, accessibility, SEO performance, and conversion optimisation.

• Oversee production of high-quality, tailored content for digital, print, and social channels.

• Oversee digital supporter acquisition and retention: paid ads, email marketing, marketing automation, and analytics.

5. Campaigns & public engagement

• Lead fundraising, awareness and media campaigns across digital and traditional channels.
• Use data, insights, and analytics to optimise campaign performance and supporter engagement.

6. Other

• Provide regular performance reports to the CEO and Board, including financial updates, campaign metrics, and risk management.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of fundraising regulation, data protection, accessible communications and digital governance, ensuring all our activities are compliant.
• Ensure that all activities uphold the charity’s values, safeguarding practices, and ethical commitments.
• Represent the charity externally at events, conferences, and partner meetings.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential experience

• Senior leadership experience within a charity or non-profit organisation, ideally in a small team or resource-limited environment.
• Proven track record of generating income across multiple fundraising streams.
• Experience leading digital, communications, and/or marketing functions.
• Demonstrable experience of measurable impact within a small organisation, through increasing income generation or significant reach.
• Demonstrable experience of content creation, audience engagement and strong message creation.
• Experience of delivering integrated campaigns, including overseeing media and digital engagement, with demonstrable outcomes.
• Experience managing donor relationships, funder reporting, and high-quality proposals.
• Budget management and strategic planning experience.
• Significant experience of managing external providers, agencies, suppliers and partners, managing relationships to achieve better terms, service or outcomes, overcoming difficulties or retendering where required.

Essential skills & competencies

• Strong digital skills: CRM systems, website CMS, email marketing tools, social media management, analytics, and digital fundraising techniques.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to craft compelling stories and proposals.
• Relationship-building ability with donors, partners, media, supporters, and stakeholders.
• Creative and data-driven approach to engagement, marketing, and income generation.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of fundraising, communications, GDPR, safeguarding, accessibility and other standards.
• Ability to balance strategic leadership with hands-on delivery.
• Strong organisational, planning, and project-management skills.

Personal attributes

• Passion for the work that Overcoming MS does and the communities we serve.
• Highly adaptable, resilient, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, small-team environment.
• Understanding of an organisation with a dispersed, remote team across a wide geography.
• Collaborative, supportive, and able to inspire confidence internally and externally.
• Proactive, solutions-focused, and committed to continuous improvement.
• Integrity, discretion, and a commitment to ethical fundraising and responsible communications.
• Excellent standard of written and spoken English and ability to communicate effectively with a range of people from diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Fully committed to Overcoming MS’s values

Desirable

• Experience with a charity from the health sector or an understanding of multiple sclerosis or other neurological conditions.

Role Description

The purpose of the Executive Assistant role is to provide administrative, organisational and coordination support to the Executive Team, ensuring their time and attention are aligned with organisational priorities, goals, and objectives. The role covers executive coordination, governance administration and project support.  The Executive Assistant enables effective decision making across the Leadership Team, supports the smooth delivery of priorities, and contributes to the execution of long-term strategic goals.

The Executive Team comprises the Chief Executive, Operations Director and Business Development Director.  They work together as part of the Leadership Team, comprising key leaders from across the charity.

Excellent attention to detail is crucial, as is the ability to operate with discretion and flexibility. A high standard of written and verbal communication is essential. The role requires collaboration across Finance, HR, Trustees, and external stakeholders, and an understanding of effective charity governance would be desirable.

This role requires a high level of emotional intelligence, sound judgement, and the ability to build trusted relationships across all levels of the organisation. Success in this role depends on a proactive mindset, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to remain calm and resourceful under pressure. The Executive Assistant must be highly dependable, detail-oriented, and capable of managing sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.

Responsibilities

Executive Coordination

• Manage calendars, inboxes, travel and meeting preparation for Executive Team
• Coordinate agendas and logistics for internal and external meetings
• Liaise with stakeholders, clients and partners to ensure smooth engagement

Governance Support

• Own the established governance timetable, board meeting scheduling, and trustee communications
• Draft and distribute board packs, take minutes, and track actions
• Support governance processes in collaboration with the Operations Director
• Support trustee onboarding, training, and engagement
• Ensure timely completion of Charity Commission and Companies House submissions
• Leverage AI tools and platforms to enhance business processes

Strategic communications

• Communicate with external stakeholders on behalf of the Executive Team
• Coordinate staff events and meetings
• Work with marketing and communities & projects teams for conferences and external events

Project support

• Support ongoing transformation projects in collaboration with Head of Business Functions
• Support recruitment and onboarding for senior roles led by the Head of Business Operations
• Support strategic planning and performance tracking led by the Operations Director and Business Development Director
• Support handover and re-onboarding of Executive Assistant on her return April 2027

Role Requirements

Required:

• Minimum of four years’ experience in a similar role.
• Experience supporting senior leaders in a fast paced and changing environment, taking initiative and managing competing deadlines calmly and flexibly.
• Confident communicating with the executive and leadership team, trustees and external partners in a professional and timely way.
• Able to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and good judgment.
• Confident coordinating meetings, preparing papers and taking accurate minutes.
• Ability to research, digest, analyse and present material clearly and concisely.
• Ability to identify and apply AI-driven tools to enhance business activities and using AI to streamline workflows and personalise business engagement.
• Comfortable stepping into an established role quickly and maintaining continuity during the maternity leave period.

Desirable:

• Experience in charity governance
• Experience in project support/management

Employees are also expected to be flexible in undertaking the duties and responsibilities attached to their post and may be asked to perform other duties that are consistent with the grade, responsibilities, and typical scope of the role. Any additional tasks should remain appropriate to the nature of the post and not extend into unrelated functions or specialisms.

All employees are expected to work in accordance with the organisation’s values and behavioural standards, which include being supportive, transparent, respectful, kind, honest, and collaborative. This means fostering a culture of empathy, openness, integrity, and teamwork in all interactions, and contributing positively to the organisation’s mission and strategic objectives.

We are committed to flexible working and are open to requests for different working patterns. This includes part time arrangements and four day working week requests, which we will always consider as part of the recruitment process.

To apply for this role, please share your CV with a one-page cover letter setting out why this role appeals to you and how your skills and experiences meet the key skills points in the job description.

Interviews expected to take place on week commencing the 2nd of February 2026.

The Independent Group of Analytical Psychologists (IGAP) is a small but vibrant Members’ organisation for Jungian analysts which also provides training for people wishing to become analysts. We offer a rigorous programme of training based on the psychology of C. G. Jung and so laying stress on each person’s search for their individual path to wholeness and a meaningful life. We are a registered charity, and as such most of our seminars are open to the public. Once qualified, members join IGAP as analytical psychologists/Jungian analysts. IGAP has been in existence for over forty years and enjoys an excellent reputation in the field. We are a member organisation of the Council for Psychoanalysis and Jungian Analysis (CPJA, college of the UKCP), and of the International Association for Analytical Psychology (IAAP).

We are looking for a highly organised individual with excellent IT, administrative and personal communication skills to manage our organisation’s administration. Knowledge of and (crucially) sensitivity towards what depth psychotherapy entails would be highly desirable. This is a part-time work-from-home post. The hours are flexible with only occasional required worktimes. Alongside one other administrative assistant, you will be our principal administrator and oversee all office operations, working alongside and maintaining clear lines of communication between members, candidates in training, and the public. You will report to our principal executive officer/s, our treasurer and IGAP’s Council of Trustees. This is a vital role that equips IGAP to function as a charity within the directives of the Charity Commission.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate, support and minute taking of all business and Council meetings

• Maintain records, policies and procedures

• Support and manage training applications, materials and candidate files

• Support training programme, in person and online seminars

• Management of accounts payables and receivables

• Liaise with accountant, ensuring of timely annual filings to Companies' House and Charity Commission

• Manage all financial documentation via DropBox

• Review annual insurance coverage

• Initial point of contact for general inquires

• Understand professional standards and legal requirements of the organisation

• Arrange annual IGAP events (e.g., residential gatherings, Autumn party)

• Maintenance of the IGAP website*

• Marketing, preparation and distribution of flyers. Operate Ticket Tailor, Mailchimp etc*.

• Lead on IT innovations and advise on software*.

*Some tasks are currently and may continue to be done by a second administrator.

Are you a people-focused fundraiser who loves building relationships and bringing ideas to life? Humanimal Trust are looking for a proactive, enthusiastic and highly organised Fundraising Officer to support our fundraising activity and help deliver inspiring campaigns and events that make a real difference. 

About the role: 

Reporting to the Fundraising and Partnerships Manager, you’ll play a key role in supporting fundraising activity across the charity, helping to deliver events, campaigns and supporter communications while ensuring our supporters feel valued, informed and inspired.  

This is a part-time, remote role (20 hours per week), with occasional UK travel for meetings and events. 

As our Fundraising Officer you will: 

• Support a programme of fundraising events, including research, planning, logistics, budgeting and evaluation 
• Assist with the development of new fundraising initiatives and campaigns 
• Deliver first-class supporter care and respond to fundraising enquiries 
• Build and maintain strong relationships with supporters and volunteers 
• Maintain accurate supporter data and generate reports to support fundraising strategy 

You’ll bring 

• Relevant experience and a genuine interest in fundraising and supporter engagement 
• Confidence working with databases and digital platforms, particularly Salesforce 
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills 
• Strong organisational and administrative skills 
• The ability to manage multiple priorities in a remote working environment 

What’s in it for you? 

• A flexible, part-time role (20 hours per week) 
• Remote working, with occasional UK travel 
• Salary of £28,000 FTE (£14,000 pro rata) 
• The opportunity to be part of a passionate, supportive team 
• The chance to make a tangible impact through meaningful fundraising work 

About Wikimedia UK

Wikimedia UK is the national platform for open knowledge, bringing together practical and policy expertise about Wikipedia and the other Wikimedia projects. Delivering impact of over 1 billion views each year and engaging thousands of people through advocacy, education, outreach and partnerships, Wikimedia UK demystifies and drives engagement in open access to information.

Role Overview

This is a new and exciting role that will be critical to the organisation’s leadership and governance. The Executive & Governance Assistant will provide high-level support to the Chief Executive and ensure the smooth running of Wikimedia UK’s governance processes, including board meetings, subcommittees and the Annual General Meeting.

You’ll play a key role in supporting effective decision-making and stakeholder engagement, working closely with trustees, senior staff, and external partners. This position is ideally suited to someone with substantial experience supporting senior executives - who is highly organised, discreet, and confident managing complex schedules and governance processes.

Key Responsibilities

Governance Support

• Support the CEO and Head of Finance & Operations to ensure effective governance and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

• Schedule board and subcommittee meetings in line with the annual business cycle.

• Coordinate board and subcommittee meeting logistics, including video calls, calendar invites, and in-person arrangements.

• Book travel and accommodation for trustees as needed.

• Collate, prepare, and distribute meeting papers efficiently and accurately.

• Produce and circulate clear, concise, and timely meeting minutes.

• Lead the planning and delivery of the Annual General Meeting, working closely with staff and trustees.

Membership Administration

• Manage all aspects of Wikimedia UK’s membership programme.

• Process new member applications promptly and accurately.

• Maintain up-to-date membership records in the charity’s CRM (training provided).

• Develop and oversee systems for managing renewals and membership engagement.

• Coordinate membership communications and contribute to campaigns to grow and retain members.

Executive Support

• Provide comprehensive administrative and organisational support to the CEO.

• Manage the CEO’s calendar, prioritising effectively and scheduling meetings with internal and external stakeholders.

• Coordinate travel and accommodation for national and international commitments.

• Support expense claims and credit card reconciliations.

• Conduct desk research, prepare correspondence, and assist with presentation materials as required.

• Handle sensitive and confidential matters with the utmost discretion and professionalism.

Person Specification

Essential Experience and Competencies

• Substantial experience of providing high-level administrative support to a Chief Executive, Director, or senior leader, gained within the not for profit sector.

• Proven experience of charity or public sector governance, including supporting the preparation and distribution of board papers, providing logistical support for meetings, and producing accurate, well written minutes.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a keen eye for detail and accuracy.

• Highly organised, with strong time management and the ability to prioritise effectively.

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a small team.

• Excellent IT skills, including confident use of digital tools and software for scheduling, document management, and communication.

Desirable Experience and Knowledge

• Experience of supporting leaders in managing stakeholder relationships

• Knowledge of Google Workspace (particularly Gmail, Docs, Sheets, and Slides)

• Familiarity with CRM systems and/or charity membership management.

• Familiarity with the open knowledge movement

Personal Attributes

• Discreet, diplomatic, and professional at all times.

• Calm and confident when managing multiple priorities.

• A proactive and solutions-focused approach to work.

Alignment with Wikimedia UK’s open knowledge mission and its values of equity, inclusivity, collaboration, creativity, and boldness.

Role: Fundraising Manager

Location:Home-based within the UK, with regular attendance (approx monthly) of meetings, mostly held in London, and to support fundraising events.

Salary:£35,000 (FTE equivalent)

Type: Flexible to full or part-time. Minimum 3 days per week.

Responsible to: Director of Fundraising & Communications

Responsible for: Fundraising Assistant

Benefits: Flexible working arrangements, 28 days of annual leave (FTE pro rata for part-time) + 1 day for your birthday, pension scheme and Employee Assistance Programme

We are seeking a dynamic, creative and results-driven Fundraising Manager to join our team. This role is ideal for someone with a passion for fundraising, relationship-building and supporting the growth of a small charity. As our Fundraising Manager, you will implement our fundraising strategy across multiple channels. You will work closely with senior leadership, colleagues and volunteers, to build and sustain our donor base while helping to diversify our funding sources.

Key responsibilities:

1. Fundraising planning and execution:

· Develop and implement fundraising plans to achieve annual income targets from diverse funding sources.

· Manage a range of fundraising activities, with a specific focus on individual giving, legacies, corporates and other philanthropic activities.

· Create compelling cases for support, donor communications, and fundraising materials.

· Explore new fundraising opportunities, particularly in the digital environment, and make recommendations for implementation.

2. Donor relationship management:

· Build and maintain relationships with current and prospective donors and fundraisers.

· Implement stewardship plans for donors at all levels to enhance donor retention and loyalty.

· Manage donor database and track donations, ensuring accurate records of giving and engagement.

3. Event management:

· Plan, promote, and execute fundraising events, including supporting third party events, virtual campaigns and donor engagement activities.

· Offer high quality stewardship to supporters.

· Coordinate logistics, suppliers and volunteers for events.

· Manage event budgets and track event-related income and expenses.

4. Collaboration and team support:

· Work closely with the communications and marketing teams to create fundraising campaigns and materials.

· Collaborate with senior leadership to develop fundraising priorities and strategies.

· Provide support and guidance to volunteers involved in fundraising activities.

5. Reporting and analysis:

· Monitor, evaluate, and report on fundraising performance, providing regular updates to leadership and stakeholders.

· Analyse trends in donor giving and provide insights for future fundraising efforts.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential attributes:

· Proven experience in fundraising, donor relations, or a related field (ideally in a small charity setting).

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to create compelling fundraising materials and reports.

· Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.

· Ability to work independently, remotely, and as part of a small team.

· A passion for the mission and values of Overcoming MS and a genuine desire to make a positive impact.

· Willingness to work closely and effectively with donors to design/curate compelling fundraising initiatives.

· A ‘digital-first’ mindset: confident with integrating digital platforms and channels across all fundraising activities

Desirable attributes:

· Creative thinker with the ability to develop new and innovative fundraising strategies.

· Enthusiastic, with a positive, can-do attitude and the ability to inspire others.

· A strategic approach to relationship-building and donor stewardship.

· Ability to build effective relationships with third party suppliers, platform providers etc.

· Experience with customer relationship management systems (we currently use Dynamics 365).

· Excellent eye for detail, works to deliver high-quality work.

· A proactive approach to their work and able to identify opportunities and solutions. 

Director of Operations

Lead with Purpose. Shape the Future of Christian Care.

Pilgrims’ Friend Society has been providing Christian care to older people for over 200 years. Today, as the UK faces an unprecedented ageing population, we are growing to meet the challenge and we need an exceptional leader to help us deliver our vision of fulfilled living for older people.

We operate 12 care homes and 9 housing schemes across England, with ambitious plans to expand to 15 homes and beyond. Our mission is clear: to provide outstanding care rooted in Christian values, and to partner with local churches so that older people experience dignity, community, and the love of Christ.

About the Role

As Director of Operations, you will:

• Lead and oversee our portfolio of established care homes and housing schemes.
• Ensure regulatory compliance, quality of care, and financial sustainability.
• Drive operational excellence, innovation, and efficiency through systems and processes.
• Work closely with our Executive Team to deliver our Growth and Renewal Programme, including new builds and acquisitions.
• Inspire and develop a talented team of managers and operational leaders.

This is a senior leadership role with significant influence on the future of our organisation and the lives of hundreds of older people.

About You

• We are looking for a strategic, values-driven leader who brings:
• Significant experience in adult social care operations or a closely related sector.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory, Health & Safety, and compliance frameworks.
• Proven ability to deliver quality and financial targets at scale.
• A collaborative leadership style, with a commitment to developing people and culture.

A personal Christian faith and alignment with our basis of faith(a genuine occupational requirement under the Equality Act 2010).

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a growing organisation with a clear vision and calling.
• Influence how society values older people and supports churches in ministry.
• Work in a culture that prioritises prayer, faith, and excellence.
• Competitive salary, generous holiday, pension scheme, and life assurance.

This is an extraordinary opportunity to join Belong’s Senior Leadership Team as Director of Programmes, a pivotal role at the heart of our mission. You will lead the design, delivery, and impact of Belong’s programmes across England and Wales, ensuring they are strategic, inclusive, and evidence-based. Working closely with the CEO and senior colleagues, you will shape programme strategy, oversee complex portfolios, and drive systemic change that strengthens social cohesion nationwide.

As Director of Programmes, you will:

• Lead strategic development and delivery of Belong’s place-based programmes, ensuring alignment with our mission and values.
• Oversee programme design, implementation, evaluation, and learning to guarantee quality and measurable impact.
• Line manage a talented team of Programme Leads and Coordinators, fostering a culture of collaboration and empowerment.
• Apply systems thinking to understand the interconnected nature of community, policy, and service ecosystems.
• Build and maintain high-level partnerships with funders, commissioners, local authorities, and community organisations.
• Represent Belong at national forums, events, and networks, championing our work and influence.
• Identify and pursue new opportunities for programme development and funding, supporting organisational growth.

This is a senior leadership position that combines strategic vision with hands-on delivery. You will play a key role in shaping Belong’s future and ensuring our programmes make a lasting difference to communities across the UK.

About You
We are seeking a visionary and experienced leader with:

• Proven experience in leading complex programme portfolios and delivering impactful initiatives.
• Strong strategic thinking and planning abilities, with a track record of shaping programme strategy.
• Excellent leadership and line management skills, with the ability to inspire and develop teams.
• Experience managing diverse stakeholders, from senior decision-makers to community partners.
• Familiarity with systems change and participatory approaches.
• Understanding of social cohesion, integration, and related social policy issues.
• Strong communication and influencing skills, able to translate complex ideas into accessible messages.
• Highly organised, diplomatic, and politically astute, with experience in income generation and bid development.

Desirable: Experience in areas such as Prevent, PCVE, community tensions, hate crime, or tackling misinformation.

Personal qualities matter too: we’re looking for someone passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK, collaborative and inclusive in their leadership style, and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Why Join Us?
At Belong, you’ll be part of a dynamic, values-driven team united by a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and connected society. We offer:

• 30 days’ annual leave
• Hybrid working (typically 3 days in the office)
• Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies
• Opportunities for professional development and growth

Salary: £65,000–£70,000
Location: UK-wide (regular travel across England and Wales)
Contract: Permanent, Full-time
Closing Date: 12 January 2026

About Belong
Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is the UK’s leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to building a more united and less divided society. We work with communities, local authorities, and national partners to strengthen trust, belonging, and resilience. Through innovative place-based programmes, research, policy influence, and thought leadership, we help create stronger, kinder, and more connected communities. Our growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society, and businesses, and we are proud to champion collaboration, diversity, and evidence-led approaches.

*Our office is based in Manchester and we offer hybrid working for those able to travel there. However, this role is open UK-wide and can be worked remotely, with regular travel across England and Wales required.*

About Edward’s Trust

Edward’s Trust is a local West Midlands charity providing support for bereaved children, young people, and parents. We have 36 years of experience and operate at the highest level, providing qualified counselling and holistic support for complex or prolonged grief. We do not set time limits and the service is completely free. We do not get Government funding; therefore, we rely on donations to keep this vital service going.

Our Values

RESPECT

We will act with integrity in all that we do, being mindful and considerate to all. We respect and remember those who have died. Respect is a constant that embraces diversity and uniqueness of experience.

HOPE

A feeling of trust in tomorrow. We embody, instill and empower a feeling of trust in tomorrow. Hope is the hand to hold. We have a vision that one day there will be a universal understanding of life-changing grief.

HOLISTIC

Complete and all encompassing. We acknowledge and respond to the needs of the whole person: mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We recognise the total experience of grief, promoting a holistic approach to bereavement care.

SUPPORT

Enabling with compassion and care. We provide responsive support that is appropriate, relevant, and meaningful to each individual. Together in safety and strength. Encouraging society to respond appropriately to people facing loss and surviving bereavement.

EXCELLENCE

Embracing professional integrity and creative innovation. We are passionate about providing exceptional services and maintaining the highest standards in all that we do. Excellence is valuing people. We are committed to driving innovation and change.

Role summary

Here at Edward’s Trust, we are excited and committed to growing our service offer and fundraising whilst working with a small but mighty team.  We have strong and realistic foundations in the trusts and grants income stream and a secure base of income from long-term committed funders. These funders enable us to reach children and adults through our specialist counselling services and projects alike, but with a huge amount of new work in development, securing new income from trusts and foundations is a high priority for us. 

This is an exciting role at Edward’s Trust that will challenge and provide excellent career development opportunities for the successful candidate. This role will deliver essential stewardship to our growing portfolio of warm trust supporters, engaging with them to provide inspirational impact reporting to secure continued funding. Our new colleague will gain exciting CV enhancing experience through working and securing new grants for some of the larger funders which is where we wish this post to focus on.

You will support Edward’s Trust to develop its presence in the trust and foundations world, by working to agreed new business targets and contributing to the creation of a high-quality pipeline of new trust and foundation opportunities.  

Key Accountabilities:

• Become an expert in Edward’s Trust current activities and future plans
• Manage a portfolio of trust supporters, providing outstanding stewardship, and ensuring relationships deliver against agreed objectives to enhance the long-term relationship.
• Prepare and deliver engaging bids and reports to share impact and inspire future support.
• Work cross-organisationally to support projects and reporting and to help shape and develop appropriate projects for funding (alongside the Head of Fundraising and Service Delivery Manager).
• Build good working relations with key staff and Trustees of established trust supporters.
• Thank supporters promptly and ensure that progress reports and updates are received by supporters as and when required.

We are open to Flexible Working Requests which can be discussed during interviews.