Communication director jobs

12-month fixed-term contract | Full-time 

Salary: £58,560 – £71,480 per annum

Hours: 35 per week

Location: Home-based with regular national travel 

Job reference number: 1766

Help shape the future of Cranstoun’s services 

Cranstoun is a social justice and harm reduction charity supporting and empowering people to live healthier and safer lives. Each year, we support more than 45,000 people through services including substance use, criminal justice, domestic abuse, housing and services for children and young people. 

Following a successful five-year strategy and significant growth, we remain ambitious about the difference we can make. As we enter our next phase, we are investing in the leadership and operational capability needed to support our continued development. We are now recruiting an Assistant Directors of Services to join our senior management team. 

This is a significant senior leadership role offering the opportunity to lead substantial service portfolios while helping shape how Cranstoun’s services are led and delivered across the organisation. 

The role 

Reporting to the Director of Operations, you will lead a substantial portfolio of complex commissioned services and senior operational managers. 

You will lead nine services with nine direct reports, spanning criminal justice and housing/homelessness provision. You will have clear accountability for ensuring services are safe, effective and well-led, with strong contractual performance, financial sustainability and positive outcomes for the people and communities we support. 

You will provide operational grip and evidence-based assurance, strengthen safeguarding and management accountability, build effective relationships with commissioners and partners, and ensure risks and underperformance are identified, escalated and addressed early. 

You will also work collectively with fellow senior operational leaders to embed a One Cranstoun approach, strengthening common standards, sharing learning, developing leadership capability and improving quality and resilience across our services. 

What you will be accountable for 

As an Assistant Director, you will take senior operational accountability for: 

• Safe, effective and well-led services – ensuring strong safeguarding, quality, operational risk management and service user outcomes.  
• Contractual performance – ensuring services deliver against contractual requirements and KPIs, with strong commissioner relationships and timely action to address underperformance.  
• Financial sustainability – maintaining strong financial oversight, effective workforce management and oversight of the sustainability of individual contracts.  
• Evidence-based assurance – using reliable performance, quality, workforce and financial information to identify risks and drive improvement.  
• Collective organisational leadership – working beyond individual portfolio boundaries to build consistent standards, stronger leadership and shared ways of working across Cranstoun.  

You will lead and develop senior operational managers, set clear expectations and create a culture in which support and accountability operate together. 

You will also lead and contribute to service mobilisation, transformation, workforce planning and continuous improvement. 

Who we are looking for 

We are looking for established senior operational leaders with substantial experience leading complex commissioned services and geographically dispersed teams. 

You will bring a strong track record of: 

• leading safe, high-quality services for people with complex needs;  
• safeguarding, quality and operational risk management;  
• contract and performance management;  
• managing significant service budgets and improving financial performance;  
• building effective relationships with commissioners, regulators and strategic partners;  
• leading service improvement, mobilisation and organisational change;  
• developing senior operational managers and addressing underperformance; and  
• using performance, quality, workforce and financial information to provide assurance and drive improvement.  

You will need to combine strategic leadership with operational pragmatism, understanding the detail when necessary while maintaining oversight of performance, risk, quality and sustainability across a complex portfolio. 

Above all, we are looking for collaborative, credible and values-led leaders who can support and challenge in equal measure, build leadership capability and bring people together around common standards and organisational priorities. 

Specialist experience 

For this role, you will need significant leadership experience across both Criminal Justice and Housing/Homelessness services, including housing or accommodation-based provision. 

You will understand the complexity of working across criminal justice, housing, local government and other statutory systems and be experienced in building effective relationships with commissioners and partners while maintaining strong operational and contractual oversight. 

This is a 12-month fixed-term appointment at an important stage in Cranstoun’s transformation, offering the opportunity to lead a significant portfolio, strengthen operational performance and help shape the future development of our operating model. 

Be part of Cranstoun’s next chapter 

Our successful five-year strategy has seen Cranstoun grow considerably, extending our reach and the range of services we provide. We remain ambitious and innovative, committed to developing services that respond to the changing needs of people and communities. 

As we look to the future, we are investing in the leadership, operational capability and organisational infrastructure needed to support our continued development, strengthening operational governance, consistency and assurance across our services. 

This role offers the opportunity to do more than manage established portfolios. You will help shape the future of our services and build an Operations Directorate characterised by high standards, clear accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement. 

Find out more 

Please refer to the accompanying recruitment pack for the full Job Description, Person Specification and details of the application process.

Please note: All posts are subject to an Enhanced DBS check.

How to Apply:

For more details and to apply, please visit our website via the apply button. Please quote the appropriate Job Ref in all correspondence.

Applicants must be able to provide satisfactory evidence of their right to work in the UK at the application stage.

Sponsorship is not available for this post. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK that does not require employer sponsorship for the duration of the appointment.

Closing date: Sunday 20 September 2026.

We are an inclusive employer, committed to promoting equality and diversity in all areas of our work. 

Registered Charity No: 1061582

About the team

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

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

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

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

About this role

The Development Director (Philanthropy) provides strategic leadership across Impetus’ philanthropy and stewardship portfolio, with responsibility for relationship management, renewal, growth and selected new business activity. The postholder will work with high-value funders, including corporate partners, trusts and foundations, and high-net-worth individuals.

In 25/26, the Philanthropy and Partnerships team generated £11m in philanthropic income, alongside £2.8m in pro bono contributions. The Development Director will play a key role in delivering Impetus’ growth ambitions, supporting the increase in philanthropic income to £14m by 2029. 

Working closely with the Directors of Philanthropy and Partnerships, the role will translate the fundraising strategy into clear stewardship, renewal, relationship-growth and selected new business plans, ensuring strong donor retention, high-quality engagement and sustainable growth in high-value income.

Working closely with the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships, the postholder will oversee the donor lifecycle across the philanthropy portfolio, with particular focus on strategic stewardship, renewal, relationship growth and the effective transition of selected prospects into long-term donor relationships. They will personally lead and support significant six and seven-figure donor relationships and selected funding opportunities, while working with colleagues to ensure the philanthropy pipeline, stewardship plans and account management disciplines are strong.

Working collaboratively across the Philanthropy and Partnerships team and with colleagues across the organisation, the Development Director will ensure a joined-up approach to donor stewardship, renewal, relationship growth and selected donor acquisition, maximising income, partnership value and long-term impact within the agreed fundraising strategy.

Key responsibilities

Strategic Relationship Management & Growth

• Own and oversee strategically significant donor and partner relationships at six and seven-figure levels, ensuring high levels of retention, satisfaction, trust, income growth and long-term value.
• Set and embed best practice stewardship standards, ensuring donors receive timely, consistent, high-quality and relevant engagement and communications throughout their relationship with Impetus.
• Work closely with the wider team to ensure a smooth transition between new business, and long-term stewardship.
• Ensure account plans for priority donors and partners include clear renewal and growth pathways; engagement and risk-management plans.
• Act as senior relationship owner where required, modelling strong stewardship and coaching the Head of Philanthropy and other colleagues to navigate complex or sensitive relationships.

New Business: Pipeline & Conversion 

• Personally lead on select six and seven-figure level priority prospects and strategic funding opportunities, managing the full fundraising cycle from qualification to close.
• Work with trustees, senior volunteers and networks to support warm introductions, relationship development and follow-up, in line with agreed new business and stewardship priorities.
• Work with colleagues to translate Impetus’ impact, evidence base and venture philanthropy model into compelling propositions for donors, prospects and priority audiences.

Performance and KPI Reporting

• Accountable for ensuring effective implementation, monitoring and continuous improvement of fundraising performance frameworks, KPIs and reporting disciplines.
• Use performance data and insight to improve team effectiveness, inform portfolio planning and resource recommendations, and identify opportunities for retention, renewal and growth.
• Oversee philanthropy portfolio data quality, reporting and forecasting, ensuring robust systems and processes.
• Ensure robust systems, processes and performance disciplines are in place to support delivery of agreed philanthropy portfolio objectives and wider fundraising goals.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and evidence-led decision-making across the philanthropy portfolio and direct team.

Donor Communications

• Provide strategic oversight of donor communications for the philanthropy portfolio, ensuring messaging is clear, compelling, timely and aligned to Impetus’ voice, values and evidence base.
• Work with Communications and Philanthropy colleagues to design and continuously improve philanthropic communications, including cases for support, proposals, pitches, stewardship materials and donor updates.

Leadership and Team Performance

• Line manage and develop the Head of Philanthropy, providing direction, coaching and performance oversight within agreed strategy and priorities.
• Develop the Head of Philanthropy as the operational lead for stewardship, ensuring capability, succession and high performance across their team.
• Set clear objectives and success measures for stewardship, renewal, relationship growth and portfolio delivery, aligned to Impetus’ wider income strategy.
• Build and sustain an inclusive, evidence-led and high-performing culture across the philanthropy portfolio, balancing pace and ambition with quality, learning and collaboration.
• Build fundraising and stewardship capability across the team through coaching and consistent, fair and high-quality performance management, including objective-setting, feedback and development planning.

Pro Bono, Events, Volunteering & Partnership Value

• Ensure engagement opportunities, including volunteering, pro bono and events, strengthen donor relationships, partnership value and long-term income growth through strong collaboration with colleagues.

Operational Excellence, Governance & Risk

• Ensure philanthropy and selected new business activity complies with due diligence, gift acceptance and risk management requirements.
• Oversee accurate philanthropy pipeline reporting, forecasting and performance tracking, using Salesforce and other systems to ensure insight informs portfolio planning and decision-making.
• Work with Finance and Operations to ensure income is contracted, invoiced, and reported accurately and on time in line with financial controls.
• Identify and escalate strategic, financial or reputational risks associated with donors, prospects and partnerships.

Cross-Organisational Leadership & Representation

• Act as a senior ambassador for Impetus, representing the organisation credibly with new donors, partners, and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to organisational strategy, income planning, and senior leadership discussions.
• Lead philanthropic work on Impetus funds including identifying funding opportunities and risks; shaping prospect pipelines; contributing to cases for support and donor presentations; and develop fund stewardship.
• Champion collaboration across the Philanthropy team, ensuring opportunities are shared, relationships are well managed and expertise is used to maximise income and impact.
• Model Impetus’ values, evidence-led approach and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion across the philanthropy portfolio.

Strategic Leadership

• Work in partnership with the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships to contribute to the fundraising strategy.
• Translate strategic priorities into clear operational plans, objectives and delivery, ensuring stewardship, renewal and relationship growth contribute to organisational priorities, income targets and long-term growth ambitions.
• Provide strategic oversight of philanthropy portfolio forecasting, budgeting input, pipeline performance and resource recommendations, ensuring risks and opportunities are identified and escalated proactively.
• Maximise the contribution of trustees, committees, senior volunteers and wider networks to support donor stewardship, relationship growth and selected new business development.
• Act as a trusted senior adviser to the Directors of Philanthropy and Partnerships, providing insight, challenge and solutions to strengthen philanthropy portfolio performance and wider fundraising capability.
• Deputise for the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships where appropriate, within agreed delegations and priorities.
• Build a positive, collaborative and high-performing culture across the philanthropy portfolio, modelling Impetus’ values and supporting continuous improvement.

Person specification

Essential:

Fundraising & new business leadership

• Significant experience in major donor and/or corporate fundraising at six and seven-figure gift level, with a strong track record of securing new income and managing complex partnerships.
• Ability to lead and personally deliver the full fundraising cycle, from prospecting and cultivation through to solicitation, negotiation, and close.
• Proven experience of building, managing, and converting a new business pipeline, balancing ambition with delivery.
• Strong ability to leverage internal and external networks, including trustees, senior volunteers, and professional contacts.

Senior stakeholder engagement

• Experience of operating at a senior level and leading high value or complex stakeholder relationships (trustees, board members, senior external partners).
• Ability to influence and build credibility with senior audiences through clear, confident and evidence led communication.
• Excellent negotiation skills, with the ability to secure mutually beneficial outcomes while protecting organisational values and reputation.

Leadership & people management

• Proven experience leading and developing high-performing teams, including developing senior colleagues and building leadership capability.
• A strong track record as a collaborative senior team member, contributing beyond own area of responsibility and supporting wider organisational success
• Ability to build a high-trust, high-challenge culture that supports excellence, inclusion, and learning.
• Strong performance management capability and ability to handle complex people issues, giving strategic feedback, and addressing underperformance constructively.
• Ability to deputise for the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships when appropriate.

Strategic & intellectual capability

• Strong strategic thinker with the ability to translate agreed strategy and insight into clear plans and execute them effectively.
• Ability to grasp, interpret apply and communicate complex information and ideas, including Impetus’ venture philanthropy and impact-led funding models.
• Evidence of an innovative and creative approach, with the ability to adapt in changing contexts.

Financial, operational & delivery capability

• Solid financial management, with experience contributing to budget-setting, managing agreed budgets, supporting forecasting and identifying efficiencies.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to delivery, with the ability to manage multiple priorities to a high standard
• Able to use insight and data (including CRM systems such as Salesforce) to inform decisions and strengthen performance.
• Sound judgement in identifying, managing, and escalating risk, particularly in relation to donor relationships and reputation.

Communication, values & ways of working

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to communicate clearly, persuasively, and with impact.
• Excellent relationship-building skills, with the ability to establish, maintain, and leverage relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
• A strong commitment to Impetus’ mission and to improving outcomes for young people.
• A clear commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, demonstrated through inclusive leadership and professional practice.

Desirable 

• Experience working within venture philanthropy, impact investing, or systems-change funding models.
• Familiarity with private equity, professional services.
• Experience contributing to income growth, donor strategy or portfolio development within an agreed organisational fundraising strategy.
• Knowledge of the UK charity or social impact sector, particularly education, employment, or youth-focused work.
• Experience using CRM systems (e.g. Salesforce) to manage pipelines, performance, and forecasting.

About Impetus

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our Values

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

We are brave and curious

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

We bring high trust, high challenge

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

We are evidence led and results driven for young people

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

We thrive through diversity

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

We always seek collaboration

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

Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our employee benefits

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

How to apply

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

You will need to:

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

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

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

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

The deadline for applications is Sunday 20th September 2026, 11:59pm.

Interviews:

1st Interviews will take place on w/c 5th October 2026.

2nd Interviews will take place on w/c 12th October 2026.

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

Personal Data

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

About the team

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

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

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

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

About this role

The Development Director (New Business) provides strategic leadership for Impetus’ new business development, prospect pipeline and high-value funding opportunities. The postholder will have responsibility for identifying, cultivating and converting new corporate, trust and foundation, and high-net-worth donor relationships, as well as continued relationship management for key, established relationships.

In 25/26, the Philanthropy and Partnerships team generated £11m in philanthropic income, alongside £2.8m in probono contributions. The Development Director will play a key role in delivering Impetus' growth ambitions, helping to increase philanthropic income to £14m by 2029. 

Working closely with the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships, the role will translate the fundraising strategy into clear new business priorities, pipeline plans and prospect engagement approaches, ensuring a strong flow of qualified opportunities and sustainable growth in high-value income.

Working closely with colleagues across Philanthropy and Partnerships, the postholder will personally lead and support significant six and seven-figure prospects and strategic funding opportunities, while overseeing the stewardship and retention of current partners. 

Working collaboratively across the Philanthropy and Partnerships team and with colleagues across the organisation, the Development Director will ensure a joined-up approach to donor acquisition, pipeline development, prospect conversion and stewardship, maximising income, partnership value and long-term impact within the agreed fundraising strategy.

Key responsibilities

New Business, Pipeline & Conversion

• Personally lead on six and seven-figure level priority prospects and strategic funding opportunities, managing the full fundraising cycle from qualification to close.
• Work with trustees, senior volunteers, and networks to unlock introductions and new opportunities, providing clear support and follow-up to maximise success.
• Evolve Impetus’ new business strategy, driving the identification, cultivation, and conversion of new high-value donor and partner relationships.
• Translate Impetus’ impact, evidence base, and venture philanthropy model into compelling propositions for new audiences and sectors.

Strategic Relationship Management & Growth 

• Own and oversee select donor relationships at six and seven-figure levels within the philanthropy portfolio, ensuring high levels of retention, satisfaction, trust, income growth and long-term value.
• Ensure your donors receive timely, consistent, high-quality and relevant engagement and communications throughout their relationship with Impetus.
• Work closely with the wider team to ensure a smooth transition between new business, and long-term stewardship.
• Ensure account plans for priority donors and partners include clear renewal and growth pathways; engagement and risk-management plans.
• Act as senior relationship owner where required, modelling strong stewardship and coaching the Head of Development and other colleagues to navigate complex or sensitive relationships.

Research, Insight & Pipeline Development

• Provide strategic leadership for the Research & Insights function, ensuring prospect research, donor intelligence and market insight inform fundraising strategy, pipeline development and organisational planning.
• Lead the strategic development of fundraising pipelines, ensuring focus on opportunities with the greatest potential for long-term income growth, impact and strategic fit.
• Ensure donor intelligence and prospect research are used effectively to identify, qualify and prioritise new funding opportunities.
• Maintain oversight of gift acceptance, due diligence and fundraising compliance in relation to fundraising opportunities, ensuring adherence to relevant regulatory requirements and organisational policies.
• Identify and escalate strategic, reputational or compliance risks associated with donors and partners.

Leadership and Team Performance

• Line manage and develop the Head of Development, providing strategic direction, coaching and performance oversight.
• Establish the Head of Development as the operational lead on new business, ensuring capability, succession and high performance across the wider team.
• Set clear objectives and success measures for new business growth, aligned to Impetus’ wider income strategy.
• Build and sustain an inclusive, evidence-led and high-performing team culture that balances pace and ambition with quality, learning and collaboration.
• Build fundraising capability across your team through leadership, coaching and consistent, fair, and high-quality performance management, including objective-setting, feedback and development planning.

Pro Bono, Events, Volunteering & Partnership Value

• Ensure engagement opportunities, including volunteering, pro bono and events, strengthen strategic partnerships and support long-term income growth through strong collaboration with colleagues.

Operational Excellence, Governance & Risk

• Ensure new business activity complies with due diligence, gift acceptance and risk management requirements.
• Oversee accurate pipeline reporting, forecasting, and performance tracking, using Salesforce and other systems to ensure insights inform decision making.
• Work with Finance and Operations to ensure income is contracted, invoiced, and reported accurately and on time in line with financial controls.
• Identify and escalate strategic or reputational risks associated with prospective partnerships.

Cross-Organisational Leadership & Representation

• Act as a senior ambassador for Impetus, representing the organisation credibly with new donors, partners, and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to organisational strategy, income planning, and senior leadership discussions.
• Lead philanthropic work on Impetus funds including identifying funding opportunities and risks; shaping prospect pipelines; contributing to cases for support and donor presentations; and develop fund stewardship.
• Champion collaboration across the Philanthropy team, ensuring opportunities are shared, relationships are leveraged and expertise is used to maximise income and impact.
• Back Impetus’ values, evidence-led approach, and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion across the Philanthropy team.

Strategic leadership

• Work in partnership with the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships to contribute to the fundraising strategy.
• Translate strategic priorities into clear operational plans, objectives and delivery, ensuring new business delivers against organisational priorities, income targets and long-term growth ambitions.
• Provide strategic oversight of annual forecasting, budgeting, pipeline performance and resource planning, ensuring risks and opportunities are identified and addressed proactively.
• Maximise the contribution of trustees, committees, senior volunteers and wider networks to support strategic relationship building and new business development.
• Act as a trusted senior adviser to the Directors of Philanthropy and Partnerships, providing insight, challenge and solutions to strengthen organisational fundraising performance and capability.
• Deputise for the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships where appropriate, within agreed delegations and priorities.
• Build a positive, collaborative and high-performing culture across the Philanthropy team, modelling Impetus' values and supporting continuous improvement.

Person specification

Essential:

Fundraising & new business leadership

• Significant experience in major donor and/or corporate fundraising at six and seven-figure gift level, with a strong track record of securing new income and managing complex partnerships.
• Ability to lead and personally deliver the full fundraising cycle, from prospecting and cultivation through to solicitation, negotiation, and close.
• Proven experience of building, managing, and converting a new business pipeline, balancing ambition with delivery.
• Strong ability to leverage internal and external networks, including trustees, senior volunteers, and professional contacts.

Senior stakeholder engagement

• Experience of operating at a senior level and leading high value or complex stakeholder relationships (trustees, board members, senior external partners).
• Ability to influence and build credibility with senior audiences through clear, confident and evidence led communication.
• Excellent negotiation skills, with the ability to secure mutually beneficial outcomes while protecting organisational values and reputation.

Leadership & people management

• Proven experience leading and developing high-performing teams, including developing senior colleagues and building leadership capability.
• A strong track record as a collaborative senior team member, contributing beyond own area of responsibility and supporting wider organisational success
• Ability to build a high-trust, high-challenge culture that supports excellence, inclusion, and learning.
• Strong performance management capability and ability to handle complex people issues, giving strategic feedback, and addressing underperformance constructively.
• Ability to deputise for the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships when appropriate.

Strategic & intellectual capability

• Strong strategic thinker with the ability to translate agreed strategy and insight into clear plans and execute them effectively.
• Ability to grasp, interpret apply and communicate complex information and ideas, including Impetus’ venture philanthropy and impact-led funding models.
• Evidence of an innovative and creative approach, with the ability to adapt in changing contexts.

Financial, operational & delivery capability

• Solid financial management, with experience contributing to budget-setting, managing agreed budgets, supporting forecasting and identifying efficiencies.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to delivery, with the ability to manage multiple priorities to a high standard
• Able to use insight and data (including CRM systems such as Salesforce) to inform decisions and strengthen performance.
• Sound judgement in identifying, managing, and escalating risk, particularly in relation to donor relationships and reputation.

Communication, values & ways of working

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to communicate clearly, persuasively, and with impact.
• Excellent relationship-building skills, with the ability to establish, maintain, and leverage relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
• A strong commitment to Impetus’ mission and to improving outcomes for young people.
• A clear commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, demonstrated through inclusive leadership and professional practice.

Desirable 

• Experience working within venture philanthropy, impact investing, or systems-change funding models.
• Familiarity with private equity, professional services.
• Experience contributing to income growth, donor strategy or portfolio development within an agreed organisational fundraising strategy.
• Knowledge of the UK charity or social impact sector, particularly education, employment, or youth-focused work.
• Experience using CRM systems (e.g. Salesforce) to manage pipelines, performance, and forecasting.

About Impetus

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our Values

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

We are brave and curious

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

We bring high trust, high challenge

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

We are evidence led and results driven for young people

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

We thrive through diversity

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

We always seek collaboration

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

Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our employee benefits

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

How to apply

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

You will need to:

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

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

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

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

The deadline for applications is Sunday 20th September 2026, 11:59pm.

Interviews:

1st Interviews will take place on w/c 5th October 2026.

2nd Interviews will take place on w/c 12th October 2026.

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

Personal Data

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

Permanent | Full-time 

Salary: £58,560 – £71,480 per annum

Hours: 35 per week

Location: Home-based with regular national travel 

Job reference number: 1766

Help shape the future of Cranstoun’s services 

Cranstoun is a social justice and harm reduction charity supporting and empowering people to live healthier and safer lives. Each year, we support more than 45,000 people through services including substance use, criminal justice, domestic abuse, housing and services for children and young people. 

Following a successful five-year strategy and significant growth, we remain ambitious about the difference we can make. As we enter our next phase, we are investing in the leadership and operational capability needed to support our continued development. We are now recruiting an Assistant Directors of Service to join our senior management team.

This is a significant senior leadership role offering the opportunity to lead substantial service portfolios while helping shape how Cranstoun’s services are led and delivered across the organisation. 

The role

Reporting to the Director of Operations, you will lead a substantial portfolio of complex commissioned services and senior operational managers. 

You will lead eight services with nine direct reports, spanning substance use and services for children and young people. You will have clear accountability for ensuring services are safe, effective and well-led, with strong contractual performance, financial sustainability and positive outcomes for the people and communities we support. 

You will provide operational grip and evidence-based assurance, strengthen safeguarding and management accountability, build effective relationships with commissioners and partners, and ensure risks and underperformance are identified, escalated and addressed early. 

You will also work collectively with fellow senior operational leaders to embed a One Cranstoun approach, strengthening common standards, sharing learning, developing leadership capability and improving quality and resilience across our services. 

What you will be accountable for 

As an Assistant Director, you will take senior operational accountability for: 

• Safe, effective and well-led services – ensuring strong safeguarding, quality, operational risk management and service user outcomes.  
• Contractual performance – ensuring services deliver against contractual requirements and KPIs, with strong commissioner relationships and timely action to address underperformance.  
• Financial sustainability – maintaining strong financial oversight, effective workforce management and oversight of the sustainability of individual contracts.  
• Evidence-based assurance – using reliable performance, quality, workforce and financial information to identify risks and drive improvement.  
• Collective organisational leadership – working beyond individual portfolio boundaries to build consistent standards, stronger leadership and shared ways of working across Cranstoun.  

You will lead and develop senior operational managers, set clear expectations and create a culture in which support and accountability operate together. 

You will also lead and contribute to service mobilisation, transformation, workforce planning and continuous improvement. 

Who we are looking for 

We are looking for established senior operational leaders with substantial experience leading complex commissioned services and geographically dispersed teams. 

You will bring a strong track record of: 

• leading safe, high-quality services for people with complex needs;  
• safeguarding, quality and operational risk management;  
• contract and performance management;  
• managing significant service budgets and improving financial performance;  
• building effective relationships with commissioners, regulators and strategic partners;  
• leading service improvement, mobilisation and organisational change;  
• developing senior operational managers and addressing underperformance; and  
• using performance, quality, workforce and financial information to provide assurance and drive improvement.  

You will need to combine strategic leadership with operational pragmatism, understanding the detail when necessary while maintaining oversight of performance, risk, quality and sustainability across a complex portfolio. 

Above all, we are looking for collaborative, credible and values-led leaders who can support and challenge in equal measure, build leadership capability and bring people together around common standards and organisational priorities. 

Specialist experience 

For this role, significant senior leadership experience within substance use services is essential, including experience of leading CQC-regulated provision and maintaining high standards of quality, safety and regulatory compliance. 

You will also need a strong understanding of safeguarding and the governance required to deliver safe and effective services for children and young people. Direct operational experience of Children & Young People services would be valuable, but we are equally interested in candidates who can demonstrate strong safeguarding and CYP governance experience alongside substantial substance use leadership. 

This permanent appointment offers the opportunity to provide long-term leadership to a significant portfolio and help shape the future development of Cranstoun’s services. 

Be part of Cranstoun’s next chapter 

Our successful five-year strategy has seen Cranstoun grow considerably, extending our reach and the range of services we provide. We remain ambitious and innovative, committed to developing services that respond to the changing needs of people and communities. 

As we look to the future, we are investing in the leadership, operational capability and organisational infrastructure needed to support our continued development, strengthening operational governance, consistency and assurance across our services. 

This role offers the opportunity to do more than manage established portfolios. You will help shape the future of our services and build an Operations Directorate characterised by high standards, clear accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement. 

Find out more 

Please refer to the accompanying recruitment pack for the full Job Description, Person Specification and details of the application process.

Please note: All posts are subject to an Enhanced DBS check.

How to Apply:

For more details and to apply, please visit our website via the apply button. Please quote the appropriate Job Ref in all correspondence.

Applicants must be able to provide satisfactory evidence of their right to work in the UK at the application stage.

Sponsorship is not available for this post. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK that does not require employer sponsorship for the duration of the appointment.

Closing date: Sunday 20 September 2026.

We are an inclusive employer, committed to promoting equality and diversity in all areas of our work. 

Registered Charity No: 1061582

Could you be the person who helps make brilliant fundraising happen behind the scenes?

Natasha’s Foundation, the food allergy charity, is looking for an experienced, highly organised and personable Fundraising & Supporter Care Coordinator to join our small and ambitious fundraising team.

We’re a passionate, energetic and friendly team, united by a determination to make a real difference. We work hard, move quickly and have big ambitions for a small charity – but we also really value the way we work together. Everyone brings something different, ideas are welcomed, people support one another and there’s a genuine sense of excitement about what we can achieve.

This is a varied role for someone who loves working with people, takes real pride in getting the detail right and is equally comfortable supporting a donor, working with data or helping a busy fundraising team stay one step ahead.

You’ll be at the heart of our fundraising operation: providing warm and thoughtful supporter care, supporting individual giving, helping us make the best use of our Beacon CRM, producing accurate fundraising and income information, and supporting proposals, reports, communications and fundraising resources.

We’re looking for someone who is warm, organised, numerate and confident with data, with excellent attention to detail and practical experience of using Beacon CRM. Just as importantly, we’re looking for someone who will enjoy being part of our team – someone positive, proactive and willing to get stuck in.

You’ll be joining Natasha’s Foundation at an exciting point in our journey. We are working to improve the lives of people with food allergy through education, campaigning and pioneering medical research, with one hugely ambitious goal: a future without food allergy.

If you enjoy making things work brilliantly, care about giving supporters a great experience and want to bring your skills and energy to a charity where your contribution will genuinely be noticed and valued, we’d love to hear from you.

20 hours per week | Home-based | £32,000–£34,000 FTE

Working closely with our Communications Lead, you'll focus on building our digital presence to grow the political and public support we need to put people at the heart of decision making.

Involve is leading the way in shaping a 21st-century democracy through innovative, high-quality public participation. We're now looking for a Digital Communications Officer to join our Advocacy and Communications Function, bringing digital communications skills that help us tell the story of our work in creative and engaging ways.

You'll create and deliver a steady stream of compelling content, work directly with project teams, partners and commissioners, and help build the political and public support we need to put people at the heart of decision-making.

Key responsibilities include:

• Creating and delivering engaging digital content across our social, web and email channels

• Supporting our major programmes of work and wider project teams with digital communications

• Helping us to grow and diversify our audiences to build political and public support for participatory democracy

• Bringing creative, platform-savvy thinking to how we tell Involve's story
   

If you enjoy using content and creativity to engage people, and like the idea of putting that to work for a stronger democracy, follow the link to find out more and we'd love to hear from you.

Type: Fixed term contract

Duration: 2 years

Location: A mix of working remotely and in the McPin office (Bethal Green, London)

Salary: Starting from £46,637 per annum FTE (point 22)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Do you want to ensure mental health research has a real-world impact?

Can you lead strategic communications that influence researchers, policy makers and the public?

Are you an experienced, values-led communications leader who can support and inspire a busy team?

The McPin Foundation is looking for a Senior Communications Manager to lead our communications function at an exciting point in our growth. This strategic, hands-on role suits someone with excellent communications skills and strategic leadership and communications experience.

McPin is a mental health research charity working to transform how research is done by putting the expertise of people with lived experience at its heart. We believe this makes research more relevant, meaningful and likely to create real-world change. Recent work has included young people’s mental health, digital mental health and virtual reality, inequalities, data sharing and artificial intelligence.

As Senior Communications Manager, you will ensure McPin’s work reaches the right audiences and has the greatest possible impact. You will lead our communications strategy, support influencing and impact work, and help colleagues translate complex research into engaging and accessible content.

You will manage and develop a communications team (two people), oversee consultants for specific projects, and work closely with colleagues, partners, people in our networks and external stakeholders. As part of the charity’s senior leadership, you will help shape organisational strategy, strengthen internal working practices and support other McPin colleagues to develop their own media and communications skills.

You will support delivery of McPin’s communications strategy, strengthen how we capture and demonstrate impact and grow our supporter base. You will bring strategic confidence, creativity and practical delivery skills, whilst working in a way that reflects McPin’s values.

Currently, most staff at the McPin Foundation are working remotely, although office spaces in London are open and available for use. This post will involve a mix of working remotely and working in London.

Our team is committed to transforming mental health research through collaboration, inclusion and a belief in equity and anti-oppressive behaviours. We strongly encourage applications from Black people, People of Colour, people who are LGBTQIA+, those with a disability and those who identify themselves in marginalised groups, as well as people with lived experience of mental health issues.

We offer benefits including a competitive salary, hybrid/flexible working, a NEST Pension scheme with 6% employer contribution, wellbeing support and mentoring scheme, an individual training budget and access to an Employee Assistance Programme and healthcare cash plan with Hospital Saturday Fund. Please see the full Job Description on the McPin Foundation website for more information.

The closing date for applications is Monday 21st September 2026 at 9.00 am. The first stage of Interviews will take place week commencing 28th September.

To apply please visit The McPin Foundation website to download the job description and application form. In line with our values, McPin does not use AI in its recruitment processes, all applications will be read by our team.

Queries to Vanessa Pinfold if you have any questions about the post.

Job Title: Media and Communications Manager

Reporting to: Deputy Director

Line reports: None currently

Salary: £44,350 per annum pro-rata (£ 35,480 per annum for 4 days per week)

Hours: 4 days (30 hours) or 5 days (37.5 hours) per week, with flexibility over working hours (core hours are 10.00-16.00).

Duration: 1-year contract renewable subject to funding

Start Date: December 2026

Location: London/Hybrid – minimum 2 days in the office (core days in the office are Tues & Weds) further office attendance is encouraged 

Anti-oppressive statement

Foodrise is actively seeking to move through an anti-racist and anti-oppressive journey in every aspect of its work. We acknowledge that the environmental sector is less open to people from under-represented backgrounds, and we are strongly committed to identifying and correcting where we may be perpetuating patriarchal, white supremacist values and other forms of oppression in our organisational culture, partnerships, and community work. We especially want to hear from you if you feel that you have lived experience of power structures preventing you from accessing opportunities like this.

Read our full Equity, Justice and Anti-oppression statement.

Inclusive Recruitment

We have an opt-in Enhanced Chance Interview Scheme for candidates who declare a disability and/or are a person of colour and meet the essential criteria of the role profile. The scheme aims to provide a first-stage interview for candidates who meet the essential criteria of the role and opt in to the scheme.

If you would like to be considered under this scheme you must meet the essential minimum criteria for the role as outlined on the job description. You should take time to provide examples that you meet each of the essential criteria in your cover letter. Please ensure you select the relevant tick box on the application page ‘Enhanced Chance Interview Scheme’.

We are always happy to speak to candidates informally about the role before applying and encourage you to do so by contacting us.

About Us

Foodrise is a charity transforming the food system for climate, nature and justice. 

We take bold action to uncover the root causes of injustice in our food system and expose how corporate power exploits people and the planet, while building truly just and resilient alternatives from the ground-up.

We speak truth to power. We take risks. We act where and when others won’t.

From launching legal action and producing hard-hitting research to working directly with local communities, we drive systemic change across food and farming, powered by grassroots energy and backed by the facts.

We exist to say what others won’t, do what others don’t, and never settle for “it can’t be done”. Change is possible, and we are rising to make it happen.

We are based in the UK and the Netherlands. See more about us on our website.

About the Role

This role leads all aspects of Foodrise’s communications, ensuring our campaigns reach key audiences, drive systemic change in the food system and achieve our new strategic goals:

• Dismantling the animal industrial complex and supporting the transition to plant-rich food
• Eroding the social licence of large supermarkets and building alternative food economies

You will develop and implement a media and communications strategy, build our media profile, oversee digital channels, and act as guardian of our brand. This includes centring communities at the heart of campaigns, building our public profile with key audiences including journalists, developing our range of allies, reflecting our understanding of historical injustice in the food system, and fostering an experimentation and learning culture. This role will also oversee all website and social media channels, working collaboratively with colleagues to ensure communications are built into campaigns from the outset to enhance reach and potential.

This role would suit an experienced communications professional who is excited to think deeply about the way communications can support systemic change in the food sector. Experience with managing relationships with journalists and media outlets, identifying and pursuing stories, managing change, and contributing to organisational learning will be critical.

Job Description

Media Relations & Press

• Developing our media and communications strategy to meet our new strategic objectives.
• Building relationships with journalists and social media professionals.
• Identifying and developing new hooks and stories to pitch to the media from across Foodrise’s portfolio of work. Pitching these stories to key journalists alongside campaigners where relevant.
• Drafting media materials including pitch documents, press releases and Q&A documents.
• Supporting senior staff in drafting of quotes and opinion pieces.
• Preparing colleagues ahead of media interviews.
• Managing external PR support where relevant.

Brand & Channels

• Develop a social media strategy and oversee its implementation, coordinating across our campaigns.
• Overseeing our communications channels, working with other staff and external consultants to ensure our channels reflect the diversity of Foodrise’s work and contribute to meeting our strategic objectives.
• Overseeing our Engaging Networks software and exploring transitioning to a new system.
• Acting as guardian of Foodrise’s brand and ensuring its consistent application to every aspect of our communications work.

Communications in Foodrise’s Wider Work

• Advising and working with campaigners to ensure communications and public visibility are at the heart of all of Foodrise’s work.
• Acting as a quality controller and adviser on all communications outputs from across the team to ensure that form and content are as consistent, effective and creative as possible.
• Managing sub-contractors as necessary to deliver high-quality content in a timely manner.
• Ensure all our communications reflect our approach to anti-oppressive practiceMonitoring and tracking impact of Foodrise’s communications outputs.
• Managing the communications budget.
• Ensuring all communications reflect organisational policies and GDPR.
• Any other relevant tasks as requested by senior colleagues to support the organisation and further our objectives.

Ways of Working

• Collaborative by default; independent work is balanced with regular coordination.
• Contributing to the development and embedding of anti-oppressive work across the organisation.
• Flexible and adaptable in response to changing priorities.
• Present and available for colleagues, including regular in‑office presence.
• Proactive in communication, planning, and follow‑through.

Person Specification

Essential Knowledge, Experience and Network

• Extensive experience and track record of success in using communications to achieve campaign goals and build the profile of an organisation and its goals.
• Experience of developing relationships with journalists to generate impactful media coverage.
• Experience of managing sub-contractors or other external delivery partners.
• Strong personal network of journalists.
• Interest in food systems issues, the environment and/or climate.

Essential Skills

• Confidence in communicating with journalists and at senior level with Foodrise’s partners.
• Ability to distil complex topics into accessible and relevant communications materials and other outputs, tailored for different audiences, including decision makers, corporate executives and the media.
• Excellent digital skills including using social media and other digital platforms to achieve organisational or campaign goals.
• Ability to prioritise under pressure, identify routes to maximum impact and work efficiently.
• Ability to build strong internal and external relationships, give appropriate advice and manage expectations.

What You Will Bring to Foodrise

• A can-do attitude, flexibility and adaptability, alongside a willingness to pitch in on delivery and help colleagues across the team, recognising that Foodrise is a small, nimble organisation with fast-changing priorities.
• An understanding of anti-oppressive practice and how it applies to Foodrise’s work and the role and the ability to represent diverse perspectives through the work of the organisation.
• Sharing Foodrise’s values: audacity, collaboration, impact, celebration, solidarity.
• Willingness to undertake some limited travel domestically and abroad.

What We Offer

• Personal training and wellbeing funds
• Regular team socials
• Workplace pension
• Enhanced parental leave
• Enhanced sick leave
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Home & Tech scheme
• Flexible working hours (core hours 10am-4pm)

How to Apply

Please apply via Charity Jobs with:

• Your CV (no longer than 2 A4 pages total) 
• A cover letter (no longer than 1 A4 page) explaining how you meet the criteria in the person specification with examples, and why you would like to work at Foodrise. 

Deadline to apply: 10am, Tuesday 22nd September

Successful candidates for interview will be notified by Tuesday 29th September

Shortlisted candidates will be sent our new strategy ahead of the interview, along with details of an hour-long written task to be completed at home – this will be sent prior to the interview at a time convenient for you.

First round interviews will be held on Monday 5th October

Second round interviews will be held on Monday 12th October

Sign up to join our Recruitment Q&A Zoom session on Wednesday 2nd September, 12-1pm. Our HR & Operations Manager will talk through the recruitment process and answer any questions you may have. Please note that this session is focussed on the recruitment process. If you have any questions specific to the role, please contact us.

For any questions, access requirements, or if you require the job description in a different format, please contact us.

AI policy – We understand that you may use AI to help with your application, however we want to hear your authentic voice throughout your application.

Why apply?

This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected local charity at a pivotal moment in its development. You will have the opportunity to shape the organisation's future, strengthen its long-term sustainability and make a meaningful difference to the lives of refugees and people seeking asylum. 

We offer flexible working arrangements where appropriate, professional development opportunities and a supportive and committed Board of Trustees.

The role would suit someone with senior management experience who wants meaningful, flexible, part-time work;  someone looking for a stepping-stone into a more senior charity management role; and/or someone who wants a hands-on role in a small organisation where they will have autonomy and their contribution will be visible. 

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the communities we serve.

Post outline

Location: Hybrid post. Part home-based, part at two locations in Rossendale
Salary: £35,900 pro-rata

Hours: 0.4 FTE  (flexible but must regulary include Tuesday and/or Wednesday mornings). We are seeking funding to increase this to 0.5 FTE

Duration of Contract: Initially 12 months.  Likely to  be extended for at least 12 months, depending on funding.

Closing Date: 2nd September.Interview date: 9th September.

About Us

Rossendale Refugee Support Group is a small, community-based charity committed to supporting refugees and people seeking asylum to rebuild their lives in safety . We provide practical advice, advocacy, support and opportunities for social contact to individuals and families living in Rossendale.  We currently have a single employee who leads service delivery, and over 20 highly committed volunteers.

We provide two weekly Drop-in sessions for clients, one at Haslingden Link on Wednesdaymornings (offering casework and social opportunities) and one at Bacup Maden Centre on Tuesday mornings (offering casework only).

We are a small charity entering a significant stage in our development. Having established a strong reputation locally we have recently secured a Local Authority contract for delivering refugee advice services.  We are now seeking a Director who can lead the charity at a time of transformation, capitalising on our increased financial security to improve our offer, develop strategic direction, and establish the charity on a more sustainable footing.  There is more information on our website.

Key Responsibilities

· Strategic Leadership.  Work with Trustees to develop and implement future direction of the organisation.

· Partnership development. Represent RRSG and build partnerships with funders, community organisations, national bodies, and other stakeholders.

· Fundraising. Lead the development and delivery of the organisation's fundraising strategy, identifying funding sources, preparing high-quality funding applications and reports, diversifying and strengthening income streams.

· Operational management. Provide overall leadership and management of the charity's services, ensuring services are high-quality and responsive to clients’ needs.

· Line management. Responsible for the Service Delivery Lead postholder.

· Financial management. In partnership with the Treasurer and finance group, oversee financial management.

· Information systems. Oversee the management of organisational records and information systems, ensuring data security, accurate collection, analysis and reporting, to support quality improvement and decision-making.

· Website. Ensure website is kept up to date and developed according to needs.

· Governance. Oversee organisational policies, procedures and risk management, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, funders’ requirements and organisational policies.

· Casework. Provide input into casework service, normally a maximum one session/week, plus cover for absence of the Service Delivery Lead.

· Attending monthly board meeting to report back on service performance.

· Support to the Board of Trustees in fulfilling its responsibilities.

About You

We are looking for someone committed to our aims,  able to work autonomously,  excited to help shape our future with proven capacity to do so.

You will have:

· Strong commitment to the wellbeing of refugees and people seeking asylum

· Significant experience in a senior leadership or management role

· Experience in all aspects of management including finance, monitoring and evaluation, data systems, and people management

· Strong strategic planning, organisational development and project management skills.

· Excellent report writing, analytical, communication and interpersonal skills.

· Understanding of safeguarding and data protection requirements

· Willingness to work flexibly according to the charity’s needs

· Ablility to work on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings as needed.

Desirable characteristics:

· A successful track record of securing and managing funding

· Knowledge of the refugee and asylum sector.

· Experience of working within the refugee sector.

· Experience of working with trustees and charity governance.

· Experience of leading organisational change.

· Experience of managing externally funded projects.

· Personal experience of forced migration.

· Ability to speak relevant languages other than English

About Transform Justice

Transform Justice is a national charity working for a fair, open and compassionate justice system. We believe that evidence about what works to reduce crime and prevent reoffending should be at the heart of policy decisions and embedded into practice.

We work to promote change by generating research and evidence to show how the system works and how it could be improved, and by influencing practitioners and politicians to make changes to the justice system. Current projects include our FairChecks campaign for criminal records reform, our mass court observations programme CourtWatch London, and our work to reduce the unnecessary pre-trial imprisonment of children

The role

We are seeking a dynamic senior campaigns and communications officer to drive our public impact. You will lead communications for our high-profile FairChecks campaign for criminal records reform, coordinate our popular podcast, and elevate the digital presence of Transform Justice. This is a multi-faceted role combining grassroots movement-building, digital marketing, and creative content production.

The role is home-based and you will use your own equipment, so you will need to be able to work on your own with little day-to-day supervision. There is the option to work at an office in Old Street, London up to two days a week with other Transform Justice team members. The team also meets regularly online and for fortnightly in-person team meetings in London.

Key responsibilities

Campaigning

● Leading campaign communications for FairChecks

● Using Google Ads, social media advertising and media engagement to recruit new FairChecks movement members and promote various other projects

● Driving active supporter participation by designing direct campaign actions via Action Network

● Shaping the strategic direction of the FairChecks campaign and tracking progress

Producing content for newsletters and social media

● Drafting newsletters for various project mailing lists

● Overseeing the social media accounts for various projects

● Producing succinct social media copy, including story-based posts

● Designing basic graphics and video content using Canva, Premiere Pro or alternative

Managing websites and production of reports

● Managing the Transform Justice and FairChecks websites via WordPress

● Editing and proofreading reports, briefings and submissions

● Leading on visual design and production of reports using InDesign

Providing administrative support

● Organising meetings and assisting with podcast scheduling

● Preparing and sending stakeholder correspondence

● Inbox management for general and project enquiries

● Other reasonable duties as required

Skills and experience

Essential

● At least two years of work experience in a campaigns or communications role.

● Proven track record in digital campaigning, mass email communications, mobilisation, petitions or other digital actions.

● Demonstrable experience creating social media content, including proficiency in basic graphic design using platforms such as Canva.

● Strong attention to detail and proven ability to produce accurate work.

● Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in writing and adapt tone based on audience.

● Ability to work remotely with little supervision and use initiative to achieve your objectives, seeking advice and support when needed.

● Flexible, willing and enthusiastic to work on a range of different projects and tasks.

● Committed and driven to help achieve the aims of Transform Justice.

● Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK.

Desirable

● Experience using Action Network

● Experience using Canva

● Experience using WordPress

● Proficiency in InDesign

What we offer

● A collaborative, passionate, and supportive working environment.

● Flexible working hours and hybrid office options.

● Opportunity to buy extra leave days

● Enhanced maternity pay

● Opportunities for professional development and training.

Transform Justice is committed to fair recruitment and the inclusion of applicants with criminal records. This position is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. For this role, the disclosure of a criminal record is not required.

Job Role: Marketing and Communications Manager

Salary: £34,800 per year

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Contract type: Permanent

Location: Bath, with opportunities for hybrid working

Additional information:

• Expectation of some travel to different service sites
• Occasional evening or weekend working required

About Alongside

Alongside is the new name for Julian House. We work with people experiencing social exclusion across the South and West of England, providing outreach, accommodation and support. Our clients may be sleeping rough, fleeing abuse, rebuilding after trauma, leaving prison, recovering from addiction, or trying to settle safely in a new community. Whatever their starting point, we work alongside people to help build safety, stability and independence.

If you’d like a real sense of job satisfaction, great career prospects and a competitive benefits package, you could be who we’re looking for!

About the Role

We are looking for a creative, strategic and innovative Marketing and Communications Manager to help implement our new brand and raise our profile across the South and West of England.

In this role, you will support successful fundraising, business development, client services and staff recruitment. We are looking forward to celebrating our fortieth anniversary in 2027, so now is a great time to join Alongside and take a leadership role in our Fundraising and Development department.

If you’re ready to play a key role in delivering our ambitious profile-raising strategy, helping us to move into our next forty years of life-changing and life-saving work, we’d love to hear from you!

What you’ll be doing

• Managing delivery of our profile-raising strategy across PR and traditional media, social media, website, campaigns and profile-raising partnerships.
• Owning and developing our content, email and digital advertising strategies, working with colleagues to achieve shared goals.
• Line managing the Marketing and Communications Officer to deliver a diverse and busy content plan across on- and offline channels.
• Working with the Director and Head of Retail to ensure that we are telling our brand story effectively across our charity shops.
• Acting as a brand guardian, ensuring that colleagues use our brand principles and story to deliver consistent messages to our audiences.
• Tracking and reporting on key performance indicators, and making suggestions for how we can improve our approach if needed.

Please note: Job descriptions are not exhaustive, and the successful candidate may occasionally be asked to undertake other duties that are broadly in line with the responsibilities of the role.

You can view the full job description by clicking here.

What we're looking for

• Demonstrable track record of managing marketing and communications campaigns across a range of channels and audiences, from social media to websites to print media and PR.
• Line management or project management experience, including helping colleagues with their development.
• Knowledge of SEO, keywords and other digital advertising tactics and tools, including the use of analytics to track impact.
• Knowledge and experience of using design software, e.g. Creative Cloud.
• Ability to take the initiative and think creatively and strategically to deliver on an ambitious strategy.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and strong understanding of the power of storytelling in securing support for brands.
• Knowledge of the homelessness or social exclusion sectors (desirable).

There are many great reasons to join our team!

• Access to our Rewards Platform, which includes an Employee Assistance Programme and Health Cash Plan.
• 27 days annual leave, including an extra day off for your birthday, plus bank holidays - increasing to 30 days after four years' continuous service.
• 30% staff discount at our charity shops.
• A generous and competitive pension scheme.
• Great opportunities for career development and free monthly training sessions from experienced facilitators.
• Blue Light Card eligibility, offering discounts on thousands of brands.
• A supportive culture where staff feedback is valued and regular supervisions are encouraged.

Our Ethos

As an Equal Opportunities employer, we have an Equality and Diversity Action Plan demonstrating our commitment to creating an inclusive culture. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, particularly those currently underrepresented within our workforce. We also encourage applications from people with lived experience.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident and Mindful employer, as well as an Armed Forces Covenant Supporter.

If you require any reasonable adjustments or additional support during the recruitment process, please let us know. We welcome applications in all formats.

DBS Checks

This role is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. A criminal conviction will not necessarily prevent employment; each disclosure will be considered fairly and in line with our Data Protection Policy.

Please note: We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a suitable candidate has been identified. Early applications are encouraged.

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a Finance Director with a social enterprise on a full-time, permanent basis. As Finance Director, you will lead the Finance function, providing high-quality financial planning, reporting, control, technical accounting and decision support that enables the COO, CEO, Leadership Team and Board to manage financial sustainability, risk and performance across the organisation.

The role has a particular focus on property finance, including the financial stewardship of the organisation’s mixed-use estate property portfolio, service charge arrangements, long-term asset planning and accounting for land and buildings, alongside senior oversight of charity / and social enterprise accounting and long-term financial sustainability. Please note, the COO retains senior executive ownership of financial strategy, capital allocation and organisation-wide financial sustainability.

Please note, there is hybrid working in place with this organisation with 3 days per week required in their London office.

As Finance Director, you will:

- Lead on organisation-wide budgeting, forecasting and financial planning processes, balancing operational requirements with long-term financial resilience and sustainability

- Maintain an effective framework of financial governance, delegated authorities and internal controls that protects organisational assets and supports sound decision making

- Lead on the performance, capability and continuous development of the Finance function, ensuring effective delivery of finance services across the organisation with a business partnering ethos

- Provide strategic financial advice, challenge and recommendations to the COO, Leadership Team and Board on organisational performance, investment decisions and financial risks

- Contribute to organisational strategy, performance management and transformation initiatives

by ensuring financial considerations are embedded within major decisions and change programmes

- Lead a team of 3

The successful applicant will:

- Have significant demonstrable experience in finance within the not-for-profit sector, in a similar role (evidence of continuing professional development in charity / social enterprise finance, property finance, VAT, audit, treasury or systems improvement)

- Be a fully qualified accountant (ACA, CIMA, ACCA etc)

- Have more than 3 years’ experience leading a finance function or senior finance team in a complex organisation

- Be able to work confidently across multiple entities with property ownership within the group (knowledge of, or experience working with asset-owning, organisations and that own, manage or account for mixed-use property subsidiaries assets, including commercial, community or residential elements)

- Have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

If this sounds like you and you're keen to hear more, please do get in touch ASAP!

Please note, only successful applicants will be contacted with further information.

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

Special Olympics GB is proud to support some of the most inspiring athletes in the world — individuals with intellectual disabilities who compete from local to international levels, breaking down barriers and showing the transformative power of sport both on and off the field of play.

As we enter an exciting new chapter, we are seeking an outstanding Director of Operations to join our Executive Leadership Team. This is a pivotal role for a strategic and values-driven leader who can strengthen our organisation, drive operational excellence and help deliver even greater impact for athletes, families and communities.

Working closely with the Chief Executive, Board and wider movement, you will lead organisational performance across governance, safegaurding, finance, people, systems, planning and delivery, ensuring Special Olympics GB is resilient, ambitious and fit for the future. As Executive Lead for Safeguarding and Welfare, you will champion a culture where the wellbeing, safety and dignity of every athlete remains at the heart of everything we do.

We are looking for someone who:

• Is inspired by the power of sport to transform lives and create more inclusive communities.
• Brings significant senior leadership experience and a track record of organisational development and operational excellence.
• Can translate strategic ambition into effective delivery and sustainable growth.
• Has experience of governance, compliance, finance, risk management and safeguarding.
• Builds strong relationships and partnerships, influencing with credibility and integrity.
• Leads with empathy, accountability and a commitment to inclusion.

The Director of Operations at SOGB is a wide-ranging, key role, reporting to the Chief Executive as a member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT). Working across the organisation, the Director of Operations manages the operational and support services activities including governance, compliance, HR, business processes, IT, safeguarding, finance and health & safety to ensure that the organisation runs smoothly, efficiently and effectively.

Application Instructions

For Job Role specifics and how to apply please see the below SOGB Director of Operations Recruitment Pack.

The closing date for applications is Friday 4th September 2026 at 9am. There will be a two- stage interview process that will cover both culture/motivators and thematic competencies.  Stage 1 interviews will take place week beginning 28th September 2026 and stage 2 will take place week beginning 5th October 2026.

Salary: £26,097 p.a. for 22.5 hours per week, based on a £43,495 FTE salary.

As our Fundraising Manager you will play a key part in the future success of Hindleap, with responsibility for ensuring we are meeting a minimum fundraising target of circa £250k. Working closely with both the centralised Fundraising team and the Hindleap team, you will help to secure critical funding required to both maintain and improve the centre, making an active contribution to business development, pipeline management and supporting our strategic objectives. You will be confident in crafting cases for support for both grants and corporate audiences, as well as engaging with the local community in a fundraising capacity and organising corporate volunteering days. You will nurture and steward existing supporters, as well as seek out new opportunities to build on, including hosting cultivation events. Your overall aim is to ensure Hindleap can continue to operate, innovate, and thrive so it continues to welcome youth organisations, schools, and community groups every year. 

What you will be doing 

• Researching and maintaining an active pipeline of potential supporters across Trusts & Foundations, High Net Worth Individuals, Corporates, and local community groups. 
• Developing and submitting tailored applications and proposals to potential funders. 
• Working closely with the Director of Fundraising & Communications and the Head of Centre to ensure we collaborate effectively in nurturing and stewarding existing funders and supporters. 
• Managing key grant makers and corporate relationships. 
• Creating and maintaining a compelling case for support for Hindleap's needs. 
• Working closely with the Director of Fundraising & Communications and the Head of Centre to ensure your funding applications align with the Centre's plans and projects. 
• Acting as an ambassador for Hindleap through off-site visits and pitches to potential funders. 
• Engaging with and hosting existing and prospective partners on site at Hindleap. 
• Organising local cultivation events e.g. coffee mornings, breakfast briefings, network lunches. 
• Exploring new fundraising sources e.g. crowdfunding, challenge events, digital giving. 
• Reporting to existing funders as required. 
• Regular reporting on progress against annual fundraising targets. 
• Engaging and building a new network of local corporate volunteering opportunities. 
• Supporting the London Corporate Partnerships team with organising CSR days at Hindleap. 

What you bring to the role 

Knowledge and Experience

• Experience working in a fundraising environment, providing the highest levels of stewardship across a variety of prospects and partners. 
• Proven track record of meeting fundraising income targets of circa £250k+ per year. 
• Experience organising and hosting fundraising cultivation events. 
• Experience managing a complex workload, with an ability to prioritise and make confident, effective decisions when faced with conflicting priorities. 
• Strong written communication skills and experience developing compelling proposals and applications across a range of opportunities. 
• Experience working with and getting the best from internal stakeholders to ensure we meet fundraising objectives. 

Attributes and Behaviours

• Articulate communictor with a confident negotiation technique. 
• Impeccable interpersonal, relationship-building and networking skills, able to quickly establish rapport across a range of personas. 
• Strong collaborator who works proactively and closely with internal colleagues. 
• Customer centric mindset and a firm commitment to customer excellence. 
• Composed demeanour and calm under pressure, able to dynamically problem solve. 
• Outstanding organisational skills, able to effectively prioritise a complex and varied workload. 
• Strong analytical thinker with meticulous attention to detail. 
• Self-motivated with a postive attitude, strong work ethic and a flexible approach to work. 
• Passionate and demonstrably committed to improving the lives of young people. 
• Absolute commitment to London Youth's principles of equality, diversity and inclusion. 

You will be able to demonstrate our values of being: 

• Ambitious 
• Collaborative 
• Inclusive 
• Accountable 

If this role is for you, please submit your application through our careers page. It is essential that in your written cover letter you give evidence and examples of proven experience/skills for the 'what you bring to the role' criteria. 

Why work at Hindleap Warren 

• Health Care Cash Plan to help cover your healthcare essentials. 
• Free access for you and your family to the Employee Assistance Programme. 
• Free onsite parking. 
• Branded quality uniform provided. 
• Free access to the 'Headspace' wellbeing app. 
• Free access to the Charity Mentoring Network, as a mentee or mentor. 
• Free tea and coffee available. 
• Free meals provided whilst on duty when the kitchen is serving young people in residence. 
• Magnificient location surrounded by nature. 
• You'll be working with a fantastic team of passionate colleagues across London Youth. 
• An outstanding culture where staff and visitors enjoy, challenge, and achieve. 
• You will be making a difference to the lives of young people!