Communication director jobs

Assistant Director of Culture and Engagement (Interim)

 13-month maternity cover | A standout leadership opportunity at Samaritans

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Samaritans is looking for an Assistant Director of Culture and Engagement to lead how we connect with, listen to and create inclusivity for our people (staff and volunteers) at a pivotal moment for the organisation.

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This is a 13-month maternity cover, offering a rare opportunity to step into a senior, high profile leadership role at one of the UK and Ireland’s most trusted charities. For the right person, this role will be a powerful addition to your CV, demonstrating your ability to lead culture, internal engagement, EDI and change at senior leadership level, within a complex, purpose-led organisation with people and connection at its heart.

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As Samaritans continues a period of transformation and growth, this role is integral to our journey. You will shape our internal narrative, deepen engagement, and unite our people behind a shared culture, ensuring equity, diversity and inclusion remain central throughout our ambitious change programme.

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Leading two high-performing teams as a single department (internal communications and engagement, and culture and inclusion) alongside their Heads of Team, you’ll play a pivotal role in embedding cultural change, advising on change management, strengthening two-way communication, and ensuring our people feel connected to our mission every day.

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At Samaritans, our people are our strength. This role exists to ensure every colleague and volunteer feels a sense of belonging, and that they are heard and valued, because when our people feel connected, we can better support those who need us most in our live saving mission to prevent suicide.

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A full outline of the role is available in the Job Description here.

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Contract terms

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• 13-month fixed-term contract (maternity cover)
• £75,000 per annum, plus benefits
• Full-time is 35 hours per week, but we are passionate about flexible working, please talk to us about what works best for you
• Hybrid working: linked to our Ewell (Surrey) office, with a blend of home working and access to offices in Ewell and London Bridge
• In-person working: collaboration matters to us. We typically work in person around once a week.

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What you’ll be doing

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• Leading Samaritans’ internal communications and people engagement strategy, building trust, clarity and alignment across the organisation
• Driving cultural change, bringing people together around shared purpose and evolving ways of working
• Leading for equity, diversity and inclusion ensuring this is embedded across all aspects of our transformation programme and furthering our EDI commitment
• Partnering closely with Executive and Senior Leadership to shape communication and change management around transformation, change programmes and organisation-wide initiatives
• Strengthening two-way communication, ensuring our people have a voice and that feedback and listening are embedded and acted upon
• Overseeing people surveys and engagement insight to track progress, inform leadership decisions and support wellbeing
• Supporting leadership visibility and connection, translating strategy into meaningful day-to-day experience

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About you

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• You are a strategic, senior leader, with a strong track record of engaging people through change
• You have significant experience working in large, complex or matrixed organisations, and delivering success
• You are motivated by purpose, people and culture, and understand how engagement and inclusion build trust, belonging and shared identity
• You are confident leading for EDI, with demonstrable experience of bringing about tangible change, overcoming challenges and creating inclusion across a broader organisation
• You are confident influencing and advising senior leaders, balancing empathy with clarity, particularly in sensitive or high impact situations
• You lead teams with care, ambition and inclusivity, creating environments where people feel empowered to do their best work.

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About Samaritans

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You’ll be joining a values-led organisation with a powerful mission: reducing suicide and supporting people when they need it most. We offer flexible hybrid working, excellent benefits, and the opportunity to make a genuine, life-saving impact through your leadership.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation. We particularly welcome applications from disabled, racialised minority and LGBTQ+ candidates, who are currently under-represented at Samaritans.

Further information about Samaritans, including our values, structure, benefits and application process can be found in our recruitment brochure and on our careers website.

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Ready to make your mark?

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If you’re looking for a short-term senior role with long-term impact, and the chance to lead connection, engagement, inclusion and belonging at a moment that truly matters, we’d love to hear from you.

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How to apply

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Please complete the online application form including the questions outlined here, and submit these along with your CV, with a brief supporting statement.

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1. Please give an example of how you’ve led internal engagement and advised on change management to support an organisation through transformation. What was your approach and impact, and in what role or organisation? (300 words max)

2. Share an example of how you have led Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and created inclusive spaces within the wider organisation to bring about change? (300 words)

3. Describe how you see the role of culture in supporting a high performing organisation, and what key factors you see as critical to achieving this? (300 words)

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We kindly ask that you do not rely on AI tools to generate application or interview answers. We want to see your thinking, writing style and ideas.

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Applications close: 23:59 Sunday 15 February 2026

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Interviews:

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• Virtual Interviews: Monday 23, Tuesday 24, or Friday 27 February 2026
• Second-stage interviews in person, at our Ewell office: Wednesday 4 March
• Please note that due to staff availability, it may not be possible to offer alternative interview dates so please hold these dates if applying.

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Proposed start date: Tuesday 7 April 2026

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Make a meaningful impact through people focused change and engagement.

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Are you passionate about creating exceptional workplace and volunteer experiences? Do you have the expertise to guide organisations through change with empathy, clarity and connection? Are you available to start immediately? If so, we’d love to hear from you.

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We’re looking for a Senior Engagement & Change Officer to help bring Samaritans’ internal engagement plan to life, supporting how we communicate, engage and inspire our staff and volunteers across the UK and Ireland. You’ll play a vital role in shaping our internal culture and driving positive, inclusive change across the organisation.

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Working alongside key stakeholders, including senior staff and volunteer leaders, you'll be responsible for developing and delivering impactful internal communication plans to support key projects and campaigns, helping us explain changes, showcase achievements, share stories and save lives.

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Contract

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• 12 month fixed term contract
• £40,000 to £42,000 per annum depending on experience plus benefits
• Full time (35 hours per week)
• Hybrid working - linked to our Ewell (Surrey) office with home and office working
• Office based working encouraged as a minimum of 2 days per month
• We are passionate about flexible working, please talk to us about your preferences.
• Due to the urgency of this role, we are ideally looking for someone to join us as soon as possible. We are unable to consider individuals with more than a one month notice period.

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What you’ll do 

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• Lead change engagement - Provide expert change management support for key cross-organisational projects, ensuring our people feel heard, informed and involved.
• Engage and connect - Support the delivery of our internal engagement plan, ensuring volunteers and staff across all locations are kept engaged and connected.
• Listen and act – Help manage our biennial engagement surveys, delve into the results, and project manage the follow-up actions that truly make a difference
• Create compelling communications - Write and coordinate thoughtful, clear and inclusive internal communications that support key changes and build trust.
• Build capability - Support colleagues in developing their own communication and engagement skills, helping us embed good practice across teams.
• Champion collaboration - Work closely with senior leaders, teams, and volunteers, including the Executive Leadership Team and Board members—to keep engagement aligned with our values.

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What you’ll bring

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• Experience managing change and engagement projects, ideally across complex organisations.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to work with senior staff and volunteers.
• A genuine commitment to positive staff and volunteer experience, diversity and inclusion.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to adapt tone and style.
• Comfortable managing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• A proactive, well-organised and solutions-focused approach.
• Experience working in a charity or not-for-profit setting, and/or with volunteers, would be beneficial.

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Full Job Description and Person Specification below

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Why Samaritans?

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At Samaritans, you’ll be part of a people-first organisation deeply committed to inclusion, compassion and learning. You’ll contribute to a team where your voice matters, your expertise makes a difference, and your work helps save lives.

We welcome applications from individuals with lived experience and encourage those from underrepresented communities to apply. We are committed to creating an environment where all our people feel seen, heard and supported.

You’ll join a values-led organisation with a powerful mission and a collaborative culture. We offer flexible hybrid working, excellent benefits, and the chance to make a tangible difference in suicide prevention across the UK and Ireland.

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For further information about Samaritans, including our charity structure, values, employee benefits, and application process, please read our recruitment brochure available below. You can also visit our careers website to access this.

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We recognise the enormous benefits and the social justice imperatives of ensuring diversity at every level of our organisation. Samaritans is wholly committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture and environment where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are. To ensure Samaritans is representative of those we support and who support us, we particularly welcome applications from disabled, racialised minority and LGBTQ+ candidates, as these people are under-represented at Samaritans.

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Apply now

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Please note that we are seeking candidates who are available to start immediately.

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We’re moving faster than usual for this role because it’s critical to our current work. While this isn’t our usual approach, on this occasion we may need to interview candidates ahead of the closing date.

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We value your time and interest in our cause and in this case, we recommend only applying if you are able to start quickly and are also available to attend virtual interviews in the weeks either leading up to or immediately after the closing date for applications.

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If this sounds like the opportunity for you, please apply. You will be asked to answer some short application questions and to upload your CV and covering letter.

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Applications will close at midnight on Tuesday 10 February 2026, with video interviews expected to take place 12 February – or earlier, if suitable applications are received before the closing date.

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We kindly ask that you don’t rely on AI tools for your application answers, cover letter or to generate interview answers. Your written and verbal communication skills need to be of a high standard for this role and we want to see your style and personality really shine through in your responses. While it’s important that your application stands out from the crowd, we also want it to showcase you and your strengths – not that of a chatbot!

The Marketing and Comms Manager will support the delivery of Ella’s integrated communications,
marketing and emerging advocacy work. This role will help to ensure Ella’s reaches and influences
external audiences effectively — raising awareness of the challenges faced by survivors,
strengthening Ella’s public profile, and increasing engagement with supporters, partners and the
wider public.

The postholder will lead our marketing and communications across digital channels, the website,
impact reporting and organisational campaigns and also play a lead role in developing and delivering
our advocacy and campaigning activity. This is a hands-on role for a keen marketer and strong
communicator motivated by social impact and ethical, survivor-centred storytelling.

Job Location: Hybrid (central London office at least 2 days per week)
Salary: £36,124 - £44,711 pro rata (depending on experience)
Working hours: 37.5 hours a week
Contract: Permanent in-house
Reporting to: Head of Fundraising

A basic Disclosure and Barring Service check will be undertaken. This post is restricted to women
due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement section under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the
Equality Act 2010 applies.

Two reasons why you should join Ella’s
1. You will make a difference: Ella’s is a London-based organisation working with women
who have survived trafficking and sexual exploitation. Join us, and be a crucial part
of ensuring survivors have all they need to recover and build lives that are safe and
free.
2. You will work in a great place: We are a passionate, growing organisation. Of our
staff, 100% say they would recommend Ella’s as a place to work. As a team, we are
strong, women-led, authentic, professional, fun and supportive of one another.

Job description and person specification
This is a pivotal moment for Ella's communications. We need someone ready to take the reins
of our digital presence and drive our voice forward with confidence and creativity. You'll own our
communications channels day-to-day, shaping how we show up online, how we tell survivor stories
ethically and powerfully, and how we cut through to reach the audiences that matter.
This isn't about maintaining the status quo. We're looking for someone who can elevate our content,
grow our reach, and make Ella's unmissable across digital platforms. You'll lead the charge on
building our website into a stronger resource, creating content that moves people to action, and
ensuring our impact work translates into compelling stories that resonate with supporters, funders,
and the wider public.

The Marketing and Communications Manager will:
● Lead day-to-day communications delivery across all channels, working strategically with
the fundraising and frontline teams as well as Ella’s Directors to shape compelling messaging
and content that drives engagement and positions Ella's as a leading voice in the sector
● Drive awareness and supporter growth by aligning communications and advocacy efforts
with fundraising priorities, working with fundraising colleagues to build pipelines that convert
audiences into committed supporters
● Own and deliver key communications projects including website development, the
annual Impact Report, and organisational campaigns—from strategy through to execution,
ensuring quality, impact and measurable results
● Drive and shape communications and advocacy strategy, identifying opportunities to
amplify survivor voices, influence key audiences, and build Ella's profile as a thought leader
on trafficking and exploitation issues

Key Responsibilities
Integrated communications & Marketing
● Lead the delivery of Ella’s communications and marketing strategy across digital and offline
channels.
● Create clear, compelling and consistent content that reflects Ella’s values and brand.
● Lead communications projects such as website development, the annual Impact Report and
organisational campaigns.
● Maintain shared content calendars and planning tools to ensure joined-up delivery and
integrated communications.

Digital, Website & Social Media Content
● Create and manage content for Ella’s website, ensuring it remains current,
engaging and accessible.
● Plan and create social media content in collaboration with colleagues across the organisation.
● Monitor digital performance and engagement, using insights to improve reach and impact.
Programme, Impact & Ethical Storytelling
● Work with programme teams to gather stories, outcomes and insights in an ethical,
trauma-informed way.
● Develop case studies and impact content that demonstrate Ella’s work to funders, partners
and the public.
● Ensure survivor voices are represented respectfully, safely and with consent.
Stakeholder & External Communications
● Support communications with funders, partners, supporters and wider audiences (with
particular focus on supporting the development of our individual giving programme).
● Assist with press releases, briefings and external opportunities as required.
● Ensure messaging supports both awareness-raising and the development of Ella’s supporter
pipeline.

Advocacy and Campaigning
● Support the design and delivery of Ella’s advocacy and campaigning pilot activity focused on
2–3 priority issues affecting survivors.
● Develop accessible, survivor-centred messaging that highlights systemic barriers and
opportunities for change.
● Coordinate advocacy-related content across channels, including blogs, social media,
briefings and campaign materials.
● Work with colleagues to test, monitor and refine advocacy approaches during the pilot phase
● Help document learning and recommendations to inform the future development of a
permanent advocacy function.

Monitoring, Reporting and Good Practice:
● Track communications and campaign activity and contribute to internal reporting.
● Ensure all communications comply with safeguarding, data protection and accessibility
standards.
● Maintain organised records of content, assets and approvals.

Benefits
● Part of a small team, delivering a dynamic organisation changing women’s lives, supporting
and empowering them to build their futures.
● We are always developing and growing so you will have the opportunity to give direction and
vision to the work and to work alongside a committed team.
● 28 days holiday, plus bank holidays.
● Medicash health insurance

​About the team​

The Communications team at Impetus is a small, friendly, creative team that punches above its weight. Sitting alongside our brilliant Policy colleagues within the wider Public Affairs team we are passionate about communicating Impetus’ work with clarity, in a way that resonates with our audiences, and increases our influence and impact.

Aspiring to be a ‘digital first’ organisation, we spend time keeping up with digital communications trends to improve our efficiency and help us produce and optimise engaging, cutting-edge content. 

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About this role

We’re looking someone who can support the team to maintain our strong online presence by delivering engaging, creative digital content. This role is about collaborating with colleagues, applying your knowledge of digital platforms, and actively developing your skills to keep pace with emerging trends.

Based in our busy Communications team, you will be responsible for creating compelling and engaging online copy for a range of platforms, as well as managing and growing our social media communities to amplify our brand, working across the organisation, for example:

• Supporting our Philanthropy team to engage donors in our work and through our series of events.
• Helping our Policy team to increase the knowledge of their recommendations for change among opinion formers and decision makers through social media.
• Working directly with the Investment team and our portfolio partners to gather and share their insights and stories.

Day-to-day you might be writing and repurposing blog content for our online channels, working with our Creative Content Officer and Media and Communications Officer producing multi-media content to support our events programme, or using insights and data to keep our digital content relevant and our audiences engaged.

We are looking for someone creative and driven, who shares our ambition and can help keep us on top of emerging digital trends.

You’ll know your way around social media platforms including X / Twitter and LinkedIn and tools like and Hootsuite and Google Analytics. You will also be able to produce excellent written content for an online audience including social media posts and blogs, with scope to grow within the role over time.

This is an exciting time to join a rapidly growing organisation. We’ll give you creative freedom within a clear brand framework. And your work will have a tangible impact on tackling the barriers that hold back young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

​Key responsibilities

• Writing clear, concise and engaging copy for a variety of online platforms including social media, blogs, websites and email marketing.
• Supporting the Senior Communications Manager to manage our online brand, including how people interact with and interpret our work, by creating and scheduling content for social media and digital platforms using agreed templates and tone of voice.
• Liaising closely with our Creative Content Officer and Media and Communications Officer to produce compelling multi-media products that can be used across our platforms.
• Maintaining accurate records and trackers for posts, engagement data, and campaign timelines.
• Supporting the Communications team by preparing materials for events and online campaigns.
• Monitoring and optimising our digital channels, ensuring content is consistently high-quality, well structured, on brand and performing at its best. 
• Using data and feedback to improve content quality and relevance.
• Collaborating with colleagues across teams to ensure consistency and timely delivery of our digital communications content.
• Assisting the Head of Communications in the development, implementation and monitoring of our internal communications strategy, including our regular staff newsletter.
• Working with our portfolio partners and the Investment team to gather and share their insights and stories.
• Escalating risks or delays early, providing clear context and options.
• Applying inclusive language and accessibility standards in all content.
• Actively seeking opportunities to learn about new digital tools and trends. 

​Person specification

​Essential​

• A highly developed understanding of online platforms and social media algorithms.
• Experience creating accurate, engaging content for online platforms.
• Experience of working with social media platforms e.g. LinkedIn and X, and tools e.g. Hootsuite and Google Analytics.
• A track record of writing concise and engaging content that resonates with the target audience and presents complex subjects in a clear and compelling way.
• Ability to adapt content strategies to meet the changing needs of the audience and the platform.
• Experience of using data and insights to optimise content, engagement and grow followers.
• Demonstrably up to date with emerging digital trends and an interest in online community building.
• Ability to follow agreed processes, templates, and brand guidelines.
• Strong organisational skills to plan and sequence tasks effectively.
• Attention to detail and commitment to delivering work to agreed standards.
• A willingness to learn and adapt to new tools and approaches.
• Collaborative approach, building positive relationships within the team.
• Commitment to Impetus’ mission and values, including equality, diversity, and inclusion. 

Desirable​

• Experience in video / film production and optimising video content for online platforms.
• Experience of commissioning content and working in close collaboration with agencies and/or freelancers.
• Experience / knowledge of website management and CMS, email marketing platforms, project management software and digital ad platforms.
• An interest in the education and / or youth employment policy landscape.
• An interest in the UK youth and / or charity sectors. ​

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​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.

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​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.

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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 8th February 2026, 11:59pm.​

Interviews:​

1st Interviews will take place on Thursday 19th February 2026.​

2nd Interviews will take place on w/c 23rd February 2026.​

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

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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.

An exciting opportunity to help turn a new national initiative into reality as it moves from planning into delivery. Over the next year, we will be launching a new, national Foundation Degree while building the foundations of a wider programme of work. This role will play a key role in shaping and delivering our communications during a critical launch phase. The role combines strategic thinking with hands-on delivery, spanning external positioning, marketing for the Foundation Degree, and building the Centre for the Children’s Workforce's longer-term communications capacity. Working closely across the team, delivery partners and external suppliers including our university partner, the role will help ensure that our work is communicated effectively as we grow.

Join a charity which helps families wherever and whenever they need us

Lia’s Wings is the only charity delivering life-saving aeromedical transfers by plane both within the UK and overseas. We make sure babies and children receive the vital treatment they need, no matter where they are. Alongside these urgent medical transfers, we provide tailored, wrap-around support for families to help them through a crisis, creating long-term improved health and well-being outcomes.

We are seeking a new Director of Fundraising to help us increase our income to support more families. 

The successful candidate will set the strategic direction for fundraising, lead the team to build strong and sustainable income streams and ensure the charity has the resources it needs to deliver and expand our vital services.This is a wonderful opportunity to help shape the future of our small but mighty charity. The successful candidate will bring proven fundraising leadership experience, strong relationship-building skills, and a genuine passion for providing life-changing support to babies and children.   

Key Responsibilities: 

• Develop and deliver a multi-year fundraising strategy aligned to organisational goals.
• Lead income development and diversification across corporate, major donor, trusts and foundations, community fundraising and events.
• Lead the development of compelling cases for support, proposals, and donor communications.
• Build a strong corporate partnerships programme, including aviation sector engagement and charity of the year partnerships.
• Identify and cultivate major donor prospects, working closely with the CEO where appropriate.
• Grow individual giving, including regular giving, appeals, and legacy development.
• Oversee the trusts and foundations pipeline, ensuring high quality applications and stewardship.
• Provide strategic insight to the CEO and Board on fundraising performance, opportunities, and risks.
• As a member of our Senior Management Team, contribute to organisational planning, budgeting, and impact.  reporting.

We are looking for someone with: 

• Proven track record of delivering significant income growth across multiple fundraising streams.
• Experience developing and implementing fundraising strategies.
• Strong leadership skills, with experience managing and developing teams.
• Demonstrable success in building relationships with high-value donors, corporates, or trusts.
• Experience working in a small or growing charity environment.

For further details, please see the attached job description. 

How to apply: 

To apply, please submit a CV and cover letter. Your cover letter (no more than 2 sides of A4) should demonstrate how you meet the person specification set out in the job description. 

The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday 27th February. 

Working with the Director of Research, this role will have management of the clinical development process at Cure Parkinson’s. The charity supports a large treatment selection process that feeds new clinical trials seeking disease modification. This is an exciting time in Parkinson’s research and there is the opportunity to have a really meaningful impact by joining the Cure Parkinson’s team as we expand our funding schemes and initiate new ventures.

As our Clinical Research Manager, you will have a PhD in life sciences (an MD or MBSS would advantageous) and significant experience in clinical trial development. You must have a strong understanding of Parkinson’s, the biology associated with the condition, and the agents currently in development. You will require excellent organisational and communication skills as you will be representing the charity via stakeholder engagement. Working as an effective member of our Research Team you will be able to handle multiple tasks with precision simultaneously and be comfortable building relationships and providing support for researchers.

We are seeking a talented, enthusiastic and team-oriented Graphic Designer to join Choose Love’s Communications Team. You will play a crucial role in delivering design materials for the whole organisation, from social media assets and website design to print materials, invites, cards, reports, and Choose Love Shop designs. Choose Love’s communications are rooted in powerful and exciting design, building on our logo gifted by Katharine Hamnett. We are always evolving our designs to keep our communications cutting through the noise and landing strong messages, while staying consistent to our core brand. The perfect candidate will be creative, collaborative and passionate about supporting refugees globally. 

Right now, millions of people across the UK are living with financial insecurity. Parents are choosing between heating and food. People who fall ill find themselves unable to work and without support. Countless others lie awake at night worrying about bills they cannot pay. At Turn2us, we believe none of us should have to face these challenges alone - and we exist to change the systems that allow them to persist.

Turn2us is working towards a future where everyone in the UK has financial security so they can thrive. We combine direct support and innovative digital tools, such as our online Benefits Calculator and PIP Helper, with influencing, policy and systems change. Across our organisation, colleagues bring deep expertise, compassion and ambition, united by a shared belief that financial hardship is not a personal failing, but a systemic issue that can and must be changed.

The Income & External Affairs Directorate plays a critical role in making this vision a reality. Through relationship-led fundraising, commercial partnerships, communications, and policy and influencing work, the directorate ensures Turn2us has the resources, profile and voice needed to maximise our impact. It connects our work with the people, organisations and institutions that can help drive lasting change. While we have built strong momentum and significant partnerships in recent years, we know there is far more potential to realise.

As Director of Income & External Affairs, you will be a key member of our Leadership Team, working closely with colleagues across the charity and with our Board. You will lead the growth of sustainable income, develop powerful and values-led partnerships, strengthen our public voice, and help shape a policy and advocacy agenda grounded in the experiences of people facing financial hardship. You will also play a vital role in building trust, credibility and influence across sectors to help shift the systems that keep people locked in financial insecurity.

We are looking for an exceptional and values-driven leader with a strong track record in relationship-based income generation, partnerships and influence. This experience may come from the charity sector or a commercial environment. We are not seeking a specific career path or background; instead, we actively welcome applications from people who bring new perspectives, transferable skills and different ways of thinking. What matters most is a deep commitment to our purpose, a willingness to learn and the confidence to lead with curiosity and humility.

This role calls for persuasive leadership, emotional intelligence and the ability to build trust across diverse teams and stakeholders. You will thrive if you enjoy working collaboratively, sharing power and leading in a way that is inclusive, supportive and ambitious.

This is a genuinely exciting and critical role - for our staff, our partners, and most importantly, for the people we exist to serve. We are particularly keen to hear from people with lived experience of financial insecurity. If you share our values and feel inspired by our vision of a more just and financially secure society, we would love to hear from you.

To download a full copy of the candidate brief and learn more about the role, please click the ‘Apply’ button, where you will be redirected to the website of our recruitment partner, Tall Roots. Applications should include a CV and covering letter. If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please email Mark Crowley at Tall Roots.

Director of Finance and Operations

RESPONSIBLE FOR: Senior HR Executive (PT) and Database & Operations Officer (PT)

HOURS: Full-Time (9am-5pm, Monday-Friday)

JOB LOCATION: Hybrid - home and minimum 2 days in the office (Amersham, Buckinghamshire)

PENSION: 7% non-contributory

ANNUAL LEAVE: 28 days, plus bank holidays

OTHER BENEFITS: Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), Free Parking

Job Description

The Director of Finance and Operations (DFO) will play a crucial role in realising our ambitious plans as a charity. The postholder will be a member of our Senior Leadership Team (SLT), along with the CEO, Director of Development, Director of Programmes and Director of Fundraising and Communications. The DFO role is responsible for overseeing the financial health, operational effectiveness, and organisational infrastructure of the charity, ensures that the charity operates efficiently, ethically, and in compliance with all regulatory and fiduciary requirements. This role blends strategic financial leadership with hands-on operational management and is critical to enabling the charity to achieve its charitable programme as well as provide long-term sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership & Management

• Provide strategic financial leadership, including long-range financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Develop and manage the organisation’s annual operating and capital budgets in collaboration with senior leadership.
• Manage the accounting functions, including payroll and pension, and month-end and year-end close.
• Prepare and present timely, accurate financial reports to the SLT, Finance and Investment Sub- Committee, and Board of Trustees.
• Monitor cash flow, reserves, and investments to ensure financial stability and liquidity.
• Ensure compliance with all financial regulations, funder requirements, and nonprofit accounting standards.
• Lead annual audits and coordinate with external auditors.
• Manage relationship with investment managers and their adherence to investment strategy.
• Support the Fundraising team in submitting income application, financial reporting, and compliance requirements.

Operations & Organisational Management

• Oversee day-to-day operations to ensure efficient systems, processes, and internal controls.
• Lead and continuously improve policies and procedures related to finance, operations, and administration.
• Manage organisational risk, insurance coverage, and compliance (e.g., legal, regulatory, and contractual obligations).
• Oversee facilities, technology, and vendor relationships, ensuring cost-effectiveness and reliability.
• Ensure strong data management, financial systems, and operational reporting tools are in place.

Human Resources & Administration

• Oversee HR operations, including payroll, benefits administration, employee policies, and compliance with employment laws.
• Partner with leadership on workforce planning, compensation strategy, and organisational design.
• Support performance management systems and contribute to a positive, inclusive organisational culture.
• Ensure onboarding, offboarding, and personnel record management processes are effective and compliant.

Leadership & Strategy

• As a key member of the senior leadership team, contributing to organisational strategy and decision-making.
• Advise the SLT and Board on financial and operational implications of strategic initiatives.
• Translate financial data into clear, actionable insights for non-financial stakeholders.
• Lead and mentor finance and operations staff, fostering professional development and accountability.

This job advert may close earlier than first advertised if enough suitable candidates are received.

WORKING WITH US

The founder and sponsor of the Harris Federation, Lord Harris of Peckham, opened our first school in 1990. We have, over the past thirty years, implemented ideas and initiatives that have transformed the opportunities of pupils from working class and disadvantaged backgrounds. Harris academies are widely recognised as a force for social mobility. We are immensely proud of the role that our alumni are now beginning to play in the world and of what we believe our current generation of pupils will go on to achieve.

We now have over 50 schools educating more than 40,000 young people across London and Essex, and employ over 5,000 staff across our academies and head office. With the majority of our academies located in areas of high socioeconomic disadvantage, a high-quality education is key to the futures of the pupils we serve.

As a provider of employment and education, we value the diversity of our staff and students, and all our staff are equally valued and respected. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff.

Our work will impact many generations to come, and our staff come from all backgrounds and walks of life, coming together to inspire young minds. We promote an inclusive culture that embraces the valuable and enriching contribution that all of our community make. We continue to be proactive in uplifting and supporting all voices at Harris.

To discover more about our culture, ethos and what it is like to work here, visit the page.

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

We are seeking an organised, proactive and professional Personal Assistant to provide high-level support to the Director of Secondary Education at the Harris Federation. This 1-year fixed-term maternity cover role is central to ensuring the smooth running of the Director’s day-to-day operations, including diary management, stakeholder communication, meeting coordination and the preparation of key documents.

As part of our Head Office team, you will work closely with senior leaders and colleagues across our secondary academies, playing an important role in supporting the Federation’s mission to deliver an outstanding education for thousands of young people. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, demonstrates exceptional attention to detail, and enjoys building strong, professional relationships.

MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Your responsibilities will include:

• To present the professional and welcoming face of the Harris Federation and all secondary academies, to all visitors, staff and students, in person and on the telephone.
• To ensure that the Director’s diary is managed efficiently and effectively. This will involve liaising with a variety of external and internal stakeholders.
• To provide a daily/weekly diary and documentation and maintain an overview of approaching deadlines.
• To maintain the Director’s contacts.
• To maintain an exemplary professional environment for the Director at all times.
• To ensure that all visitors are welcomed and catered for in a professional manner, organising refreshments as appropriate.
• To exercise complete discretion when dealing with issues of confidentiality and sensitivity.
• To take all telephone calls, in the first instance, dealing with queries, passing on calls if necessary.
• To keep the Director’s meetings file and retrieve necessary paperwork as and when meetings arise.
• To be responsible for organising meetings and passing on messages between all stakeholders, parents/carers, external agencies and students and the Director.
• To liaise with clerks to Governors to ensure that all relevant paperwork and correspondence is efficiently managed for all the secondary academies.
• To support the Director with the preparation of paperwork and presentations for a range of meetings including interviews, disciplinary hearings, grievances, performance management, presentations, training sessions etc.
• To liaise with Federation admin teams, Data, HR, IT and Finance Business Managers, as well as PAs and Principals across the Federation as appropriate.

For a full list of responsibilities, please download the Job Pack.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We would like to hear from you if you have:

• Appropriate degree or equivalent experience in previous roles
• Trained in the use of a variety of ICT packages
• Knowledge of personal assistant roles and responsibilities
• Training in typing and formatting of a variety of documents including spreadsheets
• Experience of managing staff in relation to the PA role
• Some experience of human resources e.g. recruitment and/or monitoring attendance
• Experience of working to targets and deadlines
• Experience of managing meetings including preparation and circulation of papers, minutes and ensuring information is circulated as required
• Ability to communicate well both orally and in writing
• Ability to work to deadlines
• Ability to be flexible
• Ability to communicate exceptionally well with parents and carers as well as other stakeholders in the academy

For a full job specification, please download the Job Pack.

APPLYING FOR THIS POSITION

If you would like to discuss the opportunity further, or if you have any questions, please contact us via email to arrange a conversation.

Before applying please ensure you download the job pack from our careers website, this will help with completing your application. Please note that we only accept applications submitted online before the closing date.

When applying, you will have the option to import your CV or use a LinkedIn profile which will auto populate the online application.

A reminder to check your junk mail for our email communications and add us to your safe senders list to ensure all future email communication is received.

OUR VISION & VALUES

Our vision, from the start, has been to provide the structure and services needed for our schools to amount to more than the sum of their parts, and to free-up our teachers and leaders to focus on one thing and one thing only: the outstanding education of all their pupils. Our young people and communities are at the heart of everything we do. Our core mission has always been to close the educational gap between young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and their peers. Our ambition is one where every child in London, no matter their background, has equal access to high quality education, giving them the same opportunities and potential to succeed.

We know there are many challenges facing our young people and the communities we serve, and that’s why we need determined people like you to help us tackle those inequalities. Whilst each of our academies has their own unique cultures and values; as a whole Federation, we have four core values which are central to successfully achieving our vision: Excellence, Collaboration, Support, and Innovation. We are proud of our values because they guide us in how we work allowing us to achieve the best possible outcomes for our young people, communities, and colleagues.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Safeguarding Notice

The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.

Equal Opportunities

The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

Harris has a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level.

You will also have access to a variety of benefits, support programmes and initiatives including:

• Excellent opportunities for continuous professional development and career progression
• Annual performance and loyalty bonus
• Pension scheme (Teachers' Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme) with generous employer contribution
• 26 days' annual leave (inclusive of our Christmas Eve closure day) plus bank holidays, rising to 27 days after 2 years' service, or equivalent for staff on term time contracts
• Harris Wellbeing Cash Plan including cover for routine and specialist healthcare
• Employee Assistance Programme for free and confidential advice
• Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme
• Wide range of shopping, leisure, and travel discounts
• 20% off at Tapi Carpets, exclusive to Harris employees
• Interest-free ICT and season ticket loans

For most non-teaching staff based at our Head Office in East Croydon, we also offer lifestyle friendly working arrangements including flexible start and end times, and hybrid working with two days from home and three days on site.

Job Title - Managing Director of Research Programmes (UK)

Contract – Permanent

Hours - 35 hours per week

Salary – Circa £75,000 per annum (negotiable)

Location - Coram Campus, Bloomsbury, with occasional travel and some working from home as agreed

About Coram

Coram, which is the oldest children’s charity, is a group of specialist organisations; we help more than 1 million children and young people from infancy to independence, creating positive change that lasts a lifetime.

Established by Royal Charter in 1739, as the Foundling Hospital, and operating from its distinctive 3.5 acres headquarters in the heart of London, Coram has built a position of insight, influence, and research by working closely with other organisations and other sectors, universities and government, professionals, and families. We have ambitious plans for the future, to be the UK’s leading recognised research organisation, dedicated to improving life chances as the Institute for Children.

About the role

This role works directly with the Chief Executive as a member of the Senior Management Team in achievement of this vision and strategy; it will lead the advancement of the Coram Institute for Children as a UKRI recognised independent research organisation (IRO), drive research capacity and capability, champion and deliver internal and external evaluations, advance Coram’s sector credibility and relationships, and inform and contribute to the group’s reach, relevance and results.

This senior position leads a large team of mixed methods researchers and data analysts and comprises an important opportunity for a credible research leader and experienced charity senior manager who is dynamic and multi-skilled with an entrepreneurial approach to lead the only IRO in the children and young people’s sector.

The successful candidate will have a strong business focus and commitment to translating research findings into policy and practice and direct experience of securing research council funding, or funding from sources such as What Works Centres, local and central government or Trusts and Foundations.

You will be able to work individually, in a team and across the organisation. Strong critical thinking ability, partnership building skills and knowledge, experience and commitment to improving lives of children are essential.

To apply for this role, please visit the Coram website to complete an application. Please note CV’S will not be accepted.

Closing date: 18th February 2026 at 12 noon

Interview date: 26th & 27th February 2026

Coram is an equal opportunities employer and we believe a diverse workforce enables us to improve the services to the children and families we help. We are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from all sections of the community we seek to support. This includes those from global majority ethnic backgrounds, those that identify as LGBQT+, those with disabilities, those with lived experience of care, those with neuro-diversity, and those from other groups who are underrepresented at Coram.

If applicants feel comfortable, we would encourage them to draw on lived experience as well as professional experience in their personal statement as part of their application.

We are committed to the safeguarding of children and where appropriate will require the successful applicant to undertake a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Registered Charity No. 312278.

Role Purpose 

This is a new role. Stand-by-me is seeking an experienced Director to effectively lead and manage the organisation. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the effective continued delivery of the charity’s aims, providing strong, strategic leadership and operational management, focussing on enhancing fundraising capacity and developing a robust organisation strategy. This role will also serve as the public representative of the organisation and will report directly to the Board of Trustees.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership & Development:

· Conduct a rapid assessment of the charity’s current strategic plan and identify key areas for improvement.

· Lead the development of a revised or updated strategic framework, focusing on sustainability, growth, and impact.

· Work collaboratively with the Board of Trustees and Clinical staff to define clear strategic priorities and measurable outcomes.

· Provide clear and concise report to the Board on progress against strategic objectives.

· Manage and coordinate research projects and feasibility studies including budgeting, resourcing, scheduling, tracking and ensuring quality assurance.

2. Income Generation and Financial Management:

· Conduct a rapid, comprehensive review of existing fundraising activities and identify opportunities for growth and diversification.

· Develop and implement a short and long-term fundraising strategy to maximise income generation.

· Monitor and report on grants and funding.

· Lead and motivate our volunteer community fundraising team providing guidance and support to achieve specified targets.

· Cultivate and strengthen relationships with major donors, trusts, foundations, patronage, and corporate partners.

· Explore and develop new fundraising streams, including regular giving, digital fundraising, innovative partnerships and legacies.

· Working with the team, develop compelling funding proposals and grant applications.

· Improve fundraising reporting and analysis to track performance and inform decision-making.

3. Operational Management:

· Provide effective line management to the team and volunteers to foster a positive and collaborative work environment.

· Effectively delegate tasks to team members including promoting self organisation.

· Work with the Finance Trustee to oversee financial management, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and best practices for budgeting.

· Manage risk and ensure the charity's compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

· Represent the charity to external stakeholders, building and maintaining positive relationships.

· Ensure effective communication and engagement with staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries.

· Work with Safeguarding Trustee and external Supervisors on any clinical or safeguarding issues as they arise.

· Conduct annual appraisals to monitor and evaluate staff performance.

4. Board Engagement/Governance:

· Act as the primary point of contact between the Board of Trustees.

· Provide regular updates to the Board on organisational performance including operational and strategic matters.

· Ensure the organisation’s compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements and internal policies to support the Board in its governance role by providing advice and information as needed.

· Facilitate effective communication and collaboration between the Trustee Board, staff and volunteers.

Longer working lives and ongoing economic transitions are reshaping careers: how we start them, and how we move through them. But too many people remain paid in low-paid, low-quality work – with damaging consequences for them personally, and our economy as a whole. We’re seeking a senior, policy-oriented research leader to help us and our partners generate insights that enable more people to move into and progress through better work.

You’ll have a proven track record in scoping and securing funding for research and influencing activity, with significant autonomy to lead your own programme at L&W. You’ll be supported by committed researchers and managers whom you will coach, lead, and develop—alongside a peer group of Deputy Directors working across other key pillars. We welcome quantitative expertise, but most important are the skills to design and deliver high-quality, impactful research programmes.

You’ll join an organisation with a national reputation for driving policy change—and a friendly, highly capable, delivery-focused team. 

Location: Hybrid working: 40-60% in an L&W office. Our offices for this role are currently in Leicester and London, but if you are based elsewhere, please contact us to talk about how the role could work for you.

Team:Research and Development

Salary:£64,450 -£77,880 per annum (pro rata), dependent on experience and location

Duration:Permanent

Working hours:0.8 to 1 FTE, with flexible working supported (e.g. condensed hours, flexible start and finish times)

Main Purpose

The Deputy Director, Policy and Research (Better Work and Progression) will have overall ownership of the ‘Better Work’ pillar of our strategic plan at L&W: overseeing all projects and activity in this area and generating new work (including developing project ideas and securing funding).

While there is significant scope to shape the ongoing programme of research and impact work, we anticipate that key areas of focus in this area going forward will be: understanding & better supporting career change; understanding and improving policy to increase employer investment in skills; high quality and fair access apprenticeships and technical education; understanding how to better support progression from low pay.

They will be a senior leader for the organization – helping to continuously shape our strategy and the plans we are implementing to deliver it.

Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership and management

• Intellectual leadership of the Better Work pillar: developing and owning policy positions, messages, theory of change and research priorities, and supporting the wider team to feed into and understand them
• Line management of senior and mid-level staff
• Act as a senior leader at L&W – including taking on specific organization-level responsibilities where appropriate

Income

• Write and/or co-ordinate responses to reactive research and evaluation tenders in the areas of employment, better work and progression
• Develop pro-active proposals that will drive change in your area, and respond to the interests of funders and partners
• Build relationships with current and potential funders and research partners

Impact

• Act as an external expert on the issues of better work and progression: writing press quotes, articles and blogs;speaking on platforms
• Building relationships with practitioners, policymakers and partners to improve our insights, and get our recommendations implemented
• Develop appropriate means of tracking impact towards our better work goals, and monitor against them. 

Delivery

• Deputy Director/Project Director-level oversight of projects being delivered in your and related areas: supporting project team to shape research plans, deliver sharp insights and manage funder relationships
• Quality Assurance of research proposals and outputs
• Use your research skills and experience to support the wider development of the Learning and Work team

Person Specification

Experience

Experience of developing, overseeing and delivering programmes of policy-relevant research at a high level - Essential

Experience of business development in a policy/research context: developing ideas, writing bids and building relationships with funders- Essential

Experience of building senior-level relationships with external stakeholders for impact and influence -Essential

Track record of delivering national and/or local policy change - Essential

Experience of senior organisational leadership as part of a team - Desirable 

Experience of responding to tenders- Desirable 

Skills

Advanced research skills (qualitative of quantitative) -Essential

Quantitative skills: experience of using key national research and administrative data sets to generate insights into the labour market -Desirable 

Clear and direct written communication style - Essential

Knowledge

Knowledge of, and commitment to, L&W’s charitable aims and purpose.- Essential

Demonstrable knowledge of employment and/or skills policy in the UK - Essential

Demonstrable knowledge in the specific areas of Better Work and/or progression -Desirable 

Learning and Work Institute works across the UK. Our work in Wales is led by a Cardiff based team, but all staff are required to follow the guidance set out in our Welsh language scheme when working in Wales.