Communication manager jobs in Cambridge

About Us

We are Global Dialogue, an international philanthropy support organisation partnering with independent funders to advance rights, equity, and diversity. Independent in status and global in reach, we provide funder networks, collaboratives, and partners with the practical support and technical expertise they need to create lasting, systemic change.

The Role

We’re looking for a highly organised and proactive Operations & Systems Manager to play a central role in ensuring Global Dialogue’s operations run smoothly and effectively. This maternity cover role is ideal for someone who enjoys solving problems, improving systems, and supporting teams to be their very best.

You’ll collaborate closely with the Chief Operating Officer, core operational team, and the hosted and incubated programmes to provide a trusted, responsive operational service that enables programmes to focus on their mission. You will be the first point of call for any operational queries, providing clear guidance on our processes and supporting with practical tasks. Your areas of support will span digital and IT systems, data management, programme support, travel and events processes, and internal communications.

About You

The right candidate will possess excellent project management skills, a systems mindset, and confidence working with IT and digital tools. You will be comfortable engaging with stakeholders at all levels, including external suppliers, programme staff, and colleagues across the organisation, and thrive in building trusted relationships. With a passion for improving systems and processes for people, you will be someone who has a track record of providing empathetic and resourceful solutions. An awareness of GDPR considerations and risk management is essential. Experience working in a fast‑paced organisation and confidence with digital systems (particularly Microsoft 365 and SharePoint) would be advantageous.

How to Apply

We are partnering with Doing Good Recruitment for this campaign. Please click ‘Apply’ to find out more, see the full JD and learn how to submit.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to the employment and career development of people with disabilities. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates

may need during the recruitment process, and you will be asked whether you require anything if you are invited to interview. If you need this information in another format or if there are additional options you’d like to request, please contact Tristan at Doing Good Recruitment.

We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To help us monitor how we’re doing and identify any barriers in our recruitment process, we invite all applicants to complete the Equal Opportunities Monitoring form found on Doing Good Recruitment's application page.

Role Overview:
The Talent Set are delighted to partner with a well-established charity on a fantastic Legacy Engagement Manager role. This position offers the opportunity to create meaningful connections with supporters, enhance legacy giving programmes, and contribute to a cause that directly impacts the lives of pets and their owners.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement strategies to engage supporters and legacy pledgers through events, email campaigns, and personalised communications.
• Manage supporter journeys, ensuring donors feel valued and inspired to continue their involvement.
• Grow in-memory activity by exploring new avenues to honour supporters’ wishes for their pets’ future care.
• Organise and facilitate supporter events, including onsite visits and engagement activities, to showcase the charity’s work.
• Collaborate with team members to optimise communication approaches, improve sign-up processes, and increase supporter conversion rates.
• Contribute ideas for future campaigns and events, aligning with the charity’s evolving brand and messaging.
• Support the charity’s community engagement initiatives, helping foster a strong supporter community.

Person Specification:

• Proven experience in legacy or charitable fundraising, with a focus on stewardship and supporter engagement.
• Confident communicator, comfortable engaging with diverse audiences both face-to-face and via email.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple campaigns and events efficiently.
• Creative thinker with a proactive approach to developing supporter retention activities.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team, sharing ideas and supporting organizational goals.
• Experience organising and supporting onsite events and supporter activities.
• Ability to adapt to changes in branding and messaging while maintaining a customer-centric approach.

What’s on Offer:

• Salary: £35,598 - £43,507 per year
• Location: 2 days per month in Cambridgeshire Office
• Contract: 9-month FTC

How to Apply:
To apply, please submit your CV demonstrating your suitability for this role by clicking the 'apply now' button (please do not apply via email). We aim to get back to all successful candidates within 48 working hours.

Commitment to Diversity:
The Talent Set are committed to diverse and inclusive recruitment practices, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability, or age. We actively encourage applications from a wide range of backgrounds and are always happy to make reasonable adjustments to ensure a fair recruitment process.

About this role:

We are seeking a motivated and experienced professional to lead our fundraising and partnership development activities, supporting the diversification and growth of income across both established and emerging streams. While the role will place significant emphasis on corporate fundraising, it will also involve the strategic development of grants and trusts. You will develop strong relationships with funders, identify new opportunities, and support our members to build their own grassroots fundraising capabilities.

Working closely with both colleagues and members, you'll help shape our funding strategy, develop high quality proposals, and ensure we have the systems and insight needed for sustainable growth. Your contributions will enable us to expand our work to engage and empower communities across Britain. 

In addition, you will help shape the guidance we provide to members of the community rail movement, strengthening their grassroots fundraising capabilities and approaches.

Main responsibilities

• Manage and grow corporate relationships for the benefit of Community Rail Network and its members, nurturing effective, lasting relationships that help community rail to deliver on its aims around community development, sustainable travel, and inclusion.
• Conduct prospect research to identify new corporate supporters and relevant grant opportunities, taking a proactive approach to cultivating new leads, building networks and flagging upcoming opportunities well in advance to ensure sufficient preparation time.
• Engage, listen and pitch to funders, understanding shared priorities, articulating the value of partnering with us, and securing continued or increased support. 
• Work cross-team to create strong proposals, using member and partner insights to identify funding needs and opportunities, and develop compelling cases for support and budgets.
• Develop joint grant applications by collaborating with colleagues, members and external partners to create bids aligned with our strategic aims and which recognise our current strengths, resources and prioritie
• Support strategic funding development, working closely with the senior leadership team to shape our approach and deliver against funding objectives and ensure it is understood by colleagues.
• Champion a positive fundraising culture and ethos, providing expertise and contributing member support, training, and events across the community rail movement.
• Contribute to wider organisational activity, including using major events and campaigns, such as the Community Rail Awards, to advance fundraising efforts.
• Develop and maintain effective fundraising systems, including funder reporting, review processes, and tracking KPIs to monitor progress and impact.

Skills, competencies and experience

1. Proven skills and experience in third sector fundraising, including corporate fundraising, grant management and funder reporting, with a broad understanding of the full fundraising mix and ability to spot new opportunities.
2. A demonstrable proactive approach to relationship building, with experience engaging and stewarding funders to create long-term mutually beneficial partnerships.
3. Strong proposal/grant application and report writing skills, able to tailor communication for different audiences and stakeholders to maximise clarity, relevance and impact.
4. Excellent verbal and written communication, with the ability to gather insight and inspire engagement both internally and externally.
5. Strong organisational and time management skills, able to balance multiple and competing  priorities and meet deadlines effectively. 
6. Experience of, or demonstrable understanding of, membership organisations, including the ability to balance member needs with our organisational objectives.
7. Appreciation of and commitment to community development, empowerment and sustainability, and the value of community engagement in relation to transport.
8. Solid understanding of KPIs, targets, budgeting, and risk management, with the ability to plan, track and evaluate performance effectively.
9. A proactive, positive and self-motivated mindset, able to work independently, collaborate well, and inspire confidence in others.
10. IT literate, with a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, TEAMs, the internet and social media.

Other information

This post is home-based, but with travel (including occasional overnight stays) for team meetings, events, member engagement, and external meetings. This is a permanent position and includes a probationary period of three months from the date of appointment. Successful applicants will need to provide proof that they have the right to work in the UK and provide two references.

Benefits: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (rising up to 30 days, plus Bank Holidays, in line with long service); pension with employer contribution of 3%; flexi-time working (core hours 10am-3pm); access to Employee Assistance Programme. 

We are committed to being a flexible, supportive and understanding employer.

Community Rail Network is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from disabled people and Black, Asian and other minoritised groups, who meet with the skills and competencies for this role. We will provide reasonable adjustments for interviews as required.

Full-time role (see operation of 28-hour week below). We are open to considering applications for a part-time role that would require job share.

Home Based Working in the UK (some access to a London office or co-working spaces across the UK available, flexible working policy).

Action for Global Health is a membership network of over 50 organisations working to improve global health. Its vision is a world where everyone can access quality healthcare without financial hardship, achieving true health equity.

AfGH’s strategy, extended to 2029, aims to ensure that stronger commitments from the UK Government help more people worldwide access affordable, high-quality healthcare suited to their needs. The network works by bringing together member organisations, civil society groups, and people with lived experience of health inequality - especially from low- and middle-income countries - to influence UK policy. It acts as a key link between global health civil society and government departments such as the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the Department of Health and Social Care, guided by its 10 health-equity principles.

AfGH is an independent network hosted by STOPAIDS, which provides legal, financial, HR, and administrative support.

The Advocacy Manager role helps lead AfGH’s advocacy strategy, working with the Director to coordinate campaigns and policy engagement to advance global health equity. Please download the full job description for more details.

Benefits of working at Action for Global Health (hosted by STOPAIDS)

We offer a number of benefits, including:

• We operate a 28-hour (rather than 35-hour) working week policy with no salary reductions. Staff are able to work reduced hours over 5 days or a 4-day week. We offer flexible working, with non-standard working hours
• We operate a home-based working policy with some access to a London office or co-working spaces across the UK. We also provide a small home working grant and monthly working from home allowance
• A group stakeholder pension scheme with 6% employer contributions
• An individual learning and development budget allocated to staff members each year
• 20 days of annual leave per year (excluding bank holidays), plus 1 day for every year of service (up to 4 years)
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay for employees with 1 year's service or more

Closing date: 6th April 2026

Please note that should sufficient applications be received we reserve the right to close this advert early.

STOPAIDS is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive positive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, HIV status, national origin, genetics, disability, or age.

Salary: £45,215 plus benefits (Our pay philosophy ensures consistency across locations and salaries. The starting salary for this opportunity plus benefits depends on location of the candidate).

The role:

We are recruiting for a values-driven and experienced finance leader to join Mary’s Meals International (MMI) as Senior Finance Manager. Reporting to the Head of Finance, you will provide leadership to the MMI Finance team, ensuring the effective delivery of high-quality financial management, reporting and control across our global movement.

This is a key role within the Finance & Procurement Directorate, supporting an ambitious growth strategy. You will play a central role in strengthening financial stewardship, ensuring robust controls are in place, and promoting value for money across our global network.

In this role, you will combine strategic oversight with hands-on leadership - driving excellence in financial reporting, treasury management, compliance, and continuous improvement of financial systems and processes.

You will:

• Lead and develop the MMI Finance team, fostering a high-performing, collaborative and accountable culture.
• Oversee the production of monthly management accounts, forecasts and trend analysis, providing meaningful financial insight to support decision-making.
• Lead on donor financial reporting and proposal support, ensuring accuracy, consistency and timely delivery.
• Support delivery of the annual budgeting process, including provision of key analytics and oversight of review processes.
• Ensure robust financial control across the organisation, safeguarding the proper and effective use of funds.
• Oversee statutory reporting, audit, treasury, payroll and pension activities, ensuring compliance with UK financial, charity and tax regulations.
• Work closely with National Affiliates and Programme teams to strengthen financial processes, systems and controls across the global network.
• Drive continuous improvement of financial policies, reporting and systems, promoting a consistent and high-quality control environment.

About you

You will be a qualified finance professional (CCAB or equivalent) with substantial post-qualification experience and a strong track record of leading finance teams. Strategic yet pragmatic, you will be comfortable operating at both operational and senior levels - providing clear financial insight, strengthening controls, and supporting organisational growth across a global network.

You will bring significant experience in UK financial reporting (FRS 102), alongside proven experience developing high-performing teams and implementing effective policies, systems, and change initiatives. With strong analytical and conceptual capability, you will translate complex financial data into clear, actionable insight. You will also have experience managing auditors, financial institutions, and external service providers, and be able to prioritise effectively, work autonomously, and deliver to deadlines.

Strong communication skills, sound judgement, and cultural sensitivity are essential in building effective relationships across diverse international contexts. Experience within a UK charity or multinational charitable context, including understanding of UK charity reporting (Charities SORP) would be highly desirable.

About us:

Mary’s Meals is a global movement supported by people from all walks of life, united by one goal, that every child receives a nutritious daily meal in a place of education. Today, more than 3 million children will receive Mary’s Meals, changing lives through access to food and education. 

We believe in the innate goodness of people, respect the dignity of every human being and family life, and are committed to good stewardship of the resources entrusted to us. In line with our values, Mary’s Meals is fully committed to a culture of safeguarding. We expect all members of the Mary’s Meals family to share this commitment and to work in the best interests of the communities we serve. Our safe recruitment practices ensure that only those aligned with our high standards join our movement.

Salary advertised is for UK-based candidates. Our salary philosophy ensures consistency across locations where Mary’s Meals operates.

Our Benefits:

• 34 days annual leave (pro-rated for part time working patterns) including bank holidays, increasing by 1 day each completed calendar year, to a maximum of 39 days (+ option to buy another week)
• Flexible working
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Life assurance
• Pension

To apply:

If you are inspired to join our movement and our vision, mission and values resonate with you, we would love to hear from you. To apply, please submit your CV along with a short covering note (no more than one page) outlining why you are a strong fit for this role and why you would like to work for Mary’s Meals International.

Senior Finance Manager - JD

 Closing date for applications is Sunday 5th April 2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

Applicant Privacy Statement

We are seeking a dynamic and highly motivated individual with excellent communication skills who will be a first point of contact with our membership network.

You will proactively increase member engagement whilst nurturing existing relationships and demonstrating commitment to promoting the value of helplines.

This role is supporting the Partnership and Engagement manager to deliver a sustainable membership and partnership model that keeps pace in a constantly moving and diverse climate.

You will be central in supporting HLP’s sustainability and will help to progress continued growth and attract new and diverse collaborations.

You will ideally have experience of working within a fast-paced and proactive team. You will enjoy engaging with a wide range of diverse stakeholders.

The role is predominantly home-based with regular travel to meetings and events. 

We offer attractive staff benefits including 25 days’ annual leave rising with length of service, a company pension scheme, free life assurance and an employee assistance programme.  HLP is committed to equality of opportunity.

We have an exciting new opportunity to join Icebreaker One as a Stakeholder Engagement Coordinator

About Icebreaker One

We are a diverse collection of like minded people whose expertise spans policy and science, finance and engineering, data and systems—working together to tackle one of the greatest challenges of our time. We need your help.

Our mission is to make data work harder to deliver net-zero outcomes. 

The role

Contract:  Permanent - ASAP 

Location:  Remote 

Hours:  Full time (Icebreaker One works a four-day week, Mon-Thurs)

Rate:  Circa £28k 

Core Responsibilities

• Support the Account Manager in maintaining and progressing a pipeline of stakeholder and client relationships, ensuring consistent and timely communication

• Attend client and partner meetings alongside (or on behalf of) the Account Manager; take live notes, capture actions and send clear follow-up summaries to stakeholders

• Track delivery of all agreed actions with the Account Manager, flagging delays or issues proactively

• Maintain and update IB1's CRM (Capsule) with accurate pipeline data, contact records, contract timelines and renewal deadlines and using it to prepare and update metrics as directed

• Conduct research into prospective partners, sector organisations and funding opportunities across priority sectors to develop the sales pipeline development

• Support the preparation of proposals, pitch materials, statements of work and contract documentation 

• Support community engagement, assisting in developing relationships, and other engagements

• Assist in coordinating IB1's stakeholder engagement activities - including AGMs, webinars, roundtable events and community forums - in collaboration with the Membership and Communications teams

• Help map and maintain IB1's stakeholder landscape across priority sectors, identifying gaps, opportunities and relevant networks

• Socialise the IB1 Constellation among teams within strategic partner organisations, supporting wider awareness and participation in IB1's expert network

Supporting responsibilities 

• Maintain and improve Standard Operating Procedures for stakeholder outreach, meeting management and pipeline administration

• Generate regular reports and pipeline summaries for the Account Manager and senior team

• Use insight from ongoing stakeholder engagement to feed back into and improve internal account management processes and documents

• Attend daily standups, Show & Tells and standing team meetings; contribute to a collaborative, open working culture

• Inputting and supporting into Bids & Grants where requested including but not limited to:

  • Communicate potential bid opportunities with IB1 bids team 

  • Updating trackers 

  • Creation of bid document templates 

Knowledge, Skills, Experience

Demonstrable experience of:

• A minimum of 2 years demonstrable experience in a similar role

• Excellent communication and writing skills

• A proven track record of supporting communication with clients / key relationships

• Highly organised and capable of managing time and tasks effectively

• Engaging people one-to-one effectively online and in person

• Ability to summarise findings so that they can be understood by non-experts

• Bringing together groups and individuals and uniting them with a common cause—via a range of face-to-face and virtual events, get-togethers, social media and communication forums

• Using and applying Google Suite/Workspace, Slack, Zoom, social media and other tools for working remotely and in the open

• The ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment

Specifics, ideally some or all of the following:

• An understanding of net-zero business and policy landscape in our sector focuses (e.g. energy, ESG, finance, built world, transport, agriculture), and Net-zero standards, frameworks, methodologies 

• An understanding of standards & licensing (e.g. Open, Shared, and Closed data)

• An understanding of governance, regulations, and approaches around data sharing (e.g. Smart Data, GDPR)

Apply today

Email a CV and cover letter/links to pages that show us what you have done, and can do, to help us achieve our mission.

Applications must be received by 0900 (GMT), 2026-04-20

As a team, we are committed to equality and creating an inclusive culture with diverse and balanced backgrounds. We actively encourage applications from everyone and will help to support you to reach your full potential and to be yourself in a working environment based on dignity, respect and mutual support. Before applying you will need to ensure you have the right to work in the UK and can provide documentary evidence of this. The role does require the applicant to be able to work within a UK time zone

If you have any queries or need any advice or adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process please contact us

Full details and how to apply are available on our website 

Location: Flexible / Homeworking

Salary: Grade 5 - £37,739 per annum 

Hours: Full time – 35 hours per week 

Contract: Three years fixed term until end of March 2029

Closing date: Monday 6th April 2026 at 11:30pm 

Do you have experience of developing and delivering tailored learning pathways and experience working with people facing multiple disadvantage or those that support them? If so, and you are looking for an exciting new career opportunity, then join Shelter as Learning Pathway Manager and you could soon be making a real difference to people affected by the housing emergency. 

About the role

You will deliver activities to support the MHCLG’s National Workforce Programme, by supporting housing and homelessness teams in both the public and voluntary sector to develop knowledge and skills Learning Pathways. Some Pathways will be specific to a role and others will be focussed on developing organisational knowledge, but all will support the development of professional skills and knowledge for those working with people experiencing housing and homelessness problems in England, to improve outcomes. You will also design, coordinate, and deliver a range of conferences and good practice events to promote learning and innovation across the sector.

About you 

You have proven experience in developing and managing tailored learning pathways and training programmes, including for housing and homelessness law and wider skills development, along with strong experience of working with people with multiple disadvantage and/or those who support them. You are able to develop and maintain partnerships across agencies to ensure the best client support and contribute to multiple agency projects, collaborating and sharing knowledge. Ideally, you are experienced in the homelessness sector or a related field, as well as having excellent skills in communication, IT and digital systems. 

Benefits  

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

About the team

The role will be part of Shelter’s Services for Professionals team, who deliver a varied and interesting range of services such as training in housing and homelessness prevention, specialist debt casework, housing law advice, as well as bespoke projects to support frontline staff. All our services have the ultimate aim of achieving positive outcome for people with housing and homelessness problems. 

 About Shelter 

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

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

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

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

Safeguarding Statement 

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

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

We are seeking a fantastic corporate partnerships manager to join our Income Generation team. This is a key role for the organisation, proactively leading on new business; delivering mid and high-value partnerships and maintaining a healthy and active pipeline of new prospects to support the long-term sustainability of our work. The successful candidate will develop compelling proposals and pitches to build new relationships and provide excellent stewardship for existing corporate partners. They will manage and deliver the Income Generation strategy, annual operational plan, and income forecasting and develop accurate annual budgets and forecasts, monitoring performance against plan and meeting KPIs and targets.
We are looking for an individual able to demonstrate a good track record of success in achieving and exceeding set income targets in corporate fundraising as well as devising, driving and delivering corporate fundraising plans. Excellent written and creative skills, with experience in developing relationships is crucial as is the ability to organise, prioritise, and deliver high-quality work to tight deadlines. Strong networking skills with the ability to manage high-profile relationships professionally and tactfully are essential.

You will work to forge and sustain long-term, constructive partnerships with new and existing partners that help us grow funds and achieve our charitable goals. You will: 

· quickly learn and be able to articulate well our campaigns and victim service and their evidence base, our funding need, and the actions that corporates can and should take to prioritise safe and green use of roads, through funding us and supporting our campaigns

· find and unlock access to senior leads within companies not already working with us (e.g., public affairs, communications and corporate social relationship teams) as well as taking up the reins of stewarding relationships with some of the companies already working with us

· listen and understand corporates’ priorities, understanding their budgets, potential to fundraise within their teams and networks, and their safety, sustainability, policy and pr priorities; and articulate what Brake does and our need for help

· forge, together, actionable joint plans that generate funds for Brake from a company, directly or through their supply chain / customers. You will achieve six figure funding targets, by generating five figure funds from new and existing partners

· Work alongside team members in public affairs, PR, and public engagement to understand our programmes of work in campaigns and seek the engagement of new and existing corporate supporters in those programmes, for example through participation and sponsorship

· Be responsible for developing your own pipeline of leads and accurately forecasting income you will fundraise from this pipeline and listing partnership activities that will be delivered

· Operate within Brake’s Ethical Partnership Policy and other policies, which enables us to sustain our charity values and work alongside corporations safely.

· Be a team player and able to step up to the plate and speak up for the charity, for example giving speeches or undertaking interviews on the charity’s behalf.

Have a look at our comprehensive job description

We are looking for a committed and proactive Safeguarding, Complaints and Assurance Officer to play a vital role in strengthening our organisational governance and ensuring the safety, wellbeing, and satisfaction of the people we support.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our charity at a pivotal time and help shape best practice, champion learning, and support continuous improvement across safeguarding, complaints management, and organisational assurance.

About the Role

As our Safeguarding, Complaints and Assurance Officer, you will:

Safeguarding

• Act as the central point of contact for all safeguarding concerns
• Coordinate referrals, maintaining accurate and compliant records
• Support staff in recognising and reporting concerns
• Liaise with statutory agencies such as local authorities and police
• Monitor trends and escalate risks appropriately

Complaints Management

• Lead and oversee the end‑to‑end complaints process
• Ensure fair, consistent, and timely resolution
• Conduct or support investigations
• Maintain clear, auditable complaint records
• Communicate professionally and transparently with complainants

Assurance, Risk & Continuous Improvement

• Provide assurance that risks are identified, recorded, and managed
• Produce regular reports for senior leaders and trustees
• Support internal audits and external inspections
• Analyse data to identify themes and embed organisational learning
• Contribute to policy development and staff training

About You

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Highly professional, organised and confidential in their approach
• Able to work independently and make sound judgements
• Compassionate, proactive and committed to our charity’s values
• Confident in communicating with a wide range of stakeholders
• Skilled in analysing information and producing clear reports

Essential experience:

• Managing safeguarding concerns in a charity, public, or regulated setting
• Handling and investigating complaints
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation
• Experience with risk management and assurance processes

Desirable experience:

• Working within the charity or voluntary sector
• Supporting audits or regulatory inspections
• Training or qualifications in safeguarding, social care, law, or investigations

About Life:

Life is a national pregnancy support charity that helps over 60,000 people a year. Through our services, we help people – whoever they are – to meet pregnancy or pregnancy loss with courage and dignity so they can flourish.

Our services include

• Supported housing and community support
• Counselling and skilled listening
• Free pregnancy tests and baby supplies

Our values

All our work is underpinned by the following universal human values:

• Humanity – All people are special and equal
• Solidarity – We’re with you and for you
• Community – We’re better together
• Charity – Doing good for one another
• Common good – Building a better world

Information about the role:

For further information, please see the attached job description.

Please note, driving licence and own vehicle are required.

Salary: £30,000 per annum

Hours: 30 hours per week, Monday – Friday

Location: Home based but there is a requirement to be based in The Midlands

Benefits

At Life we are passionate about providing our employees with a supportive and engaging environment. As well as ongoing development and training, we offer our:

• Generous holiday allowance, starting at 25 days per year, plus 8 Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time hours)
• Birthday Leave (applicable after 1 years service)
• Extra annual leave for long term service
• Company Pension Scheme
• Signed member of the Menopause Workplace Pledge

Safeguarding and Equality

Life is committed to protecting all staff, volunteers and service users from harm of any kind. Life expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct.

We are committed to ensuring diversity and equality within our organisation by encouraging applications from all backgrounds.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks. Life takes its obligation to protect the rights of children and vulnerable people very seriously; therefore, the successful candidate for this post will be also subject to extensive background checking, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS) which is paid for by the Charity.

The Big Chalk Partnership is made up of more than 150 organisations with a common vision of creating nature-rich chalk and limestone landscapes that benefit all of us. 

This relies on an expansion in the scale, pace and impact of nature recovery activities across southern England, benefiting globally important habitats and species and delivering ecosystem services including natural beauty, clean water, healthy soils and our own wellbeing.

The Protected Landscapes Partnership and Defra are supporting our Partnership to catalyse progress towards the UK’s nature commitments across these special landscapes. The Nature Recovery Fund Manager will co-manage a significant grants fund on behalf of Big Chalk’s Partnership Board. 

The Big Chalk programme is hosted by the National Landscapes Association. The National Landscapes Association represents and supports the UK’s National Landscapes (Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty). The Association is a charity and non-profit membership organisation. The team advocates, communicates and fosters collaborative action which supports the UK’s network of National Landscapes to be as effective as possible. We champion the interests of National Landscapes with governments and coordinate the delivery of national projects.

We welcome applicants from a broad range of backgrounds – the most important thing is that you are motivated to work collaboratively and effectively with Big Chalk’s partners to help ensure our grant-making benefits nature to the greatest extent possible.

With significant experience of grant making and donor reporting in the environmental or social sectors, you’ll bring a collaborative mindset and be skilled at quickly building positive working relationships with new colleagues, our partners, our funders and other stakeholders. 

You’ll have applied experience of working across the grant-making lifecycle, and possess excellent analytical skills, able to identify, summarise and communicate key issues and risks. 

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, then we’d love to hear from you.

As Director of External Affairs across the Bild Group of four small charities (with collective turnover of approx. £3m/yr), you will have a deep commitment to human rights and improving people’s lives.

You will provide strategic direction and leadership to the External Relations function across all four charities in the group, taking overall responsibility for and providing thought-leadership on our strategic approach to policy, influencing, public affairs, stakeholder engagement. 

You will play a lead role in planning, developing, and implementing the communication and external relations and wider engagement strategic plan to grow awareness and profile of Bild, Respond, Restraint Reduction Network (RRN) and ACT.

By sharing the impact of our work and programmes in improving the lives of people with learning disabilities, autism and /or mental health conditions, you will support Bild in becoming the sector leading provider of organisational and workforce development (and RRN in becoming the leading charity in reducing restrictive practices globally – and Respond as leaders in trauma informed therapy).

You will champion Bild and RRN’s brand, vision, mission and values acting as an ambassador for the organisation both internally and externally to partners, stakeholders and media.

Key Responsibilities and Duties: 

Strategic Leadership:  

• Develop and implement an integrated communications and external relations strategy across the four charities in the group to raise our profile and to influence change which positively impacts on our beneficiaries, aligning media, campaigning, and public affairs with the charity’s mission and strategic priorities 

• Lead and inspire a high-performing team including Membership and Events Officer, Resources Coordinator and comms team as required 

Comms & Marketing:

• Plan, develop and implement strategic communications and marketing plans to maximise awareness of the Bild Group of charities across the broad spectrum of communications disciplines including media relations, stakeholder management, influencer engagement, ethical (impact focused) marketing, social and new media and the production of new materials and resources 

• Write, develop and produce materials such as infographics, press releases, briefing documents, media statements and online information suitable for stakeholders, including people with lived experience

• Ensure effective marketing across all four charities focusing on impact and including ensuring we attend a range of external events and that all four websites are best practice. 

Influencing & Public Affairs:  

• Working with the CEO, you will drive policy change by developing strategies to influence key decision makers through building relationships with parliamentarians, government departments, and sector stakeholders to ensure the charity's policy agenda is impactful 

• Lead proactive and reactive media engagement, calls and requests for information in order to capitalise on suitable opportunities for maximising the reach and impact of all four charities

• Build our credibility as a thought leader in the sector 

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships:  

• Build and sustain strategic alliances with senior civil servants, civil society groups, and community partners to increase the organization's influence and impact 

• Develop effective stakeholder relationship management processes that ensure partnerships of all levels are provided with a rich, immersive engagement experience with the organisation and the work that we do 

• Identify, liaise with and ensure positive relationships with key stakeholders – internal and external including media, government departments, partners, charities, providers, customers, other relevant parties to secure maximum impact for all four charities and their beneficiaries

Reputation, Brand Management & Marketing:  

• Champion the Bild group brands, promoting the mission, values and impact of the organisation and ensuring consistent, engaging narratives and high-quality storytelling across all external channels

• Shaping the charity's profile and protecting its reputation through media relations, digital engagement, and consistent key messaging and building our credibility as thought leaders in sector. 

Membership, Events & Communities:  

• By ensuring appropriate, effective and engaging communications to all relevant audiences and stakeholders, your role will support the growth and development of our membership, Communities of Practice and the event programme (including webinars and conferences).

• Effectively plan, manage and lead a range of events for the Bild group of charities and associated marketing and communications

• Develop framework for Communities of Practice and strategy for engagement and growth 

• Supporting Bild and RRN spokespeople with PR and media outreach

• Keep abreast of communications and engagement activity within the sector and demonstrate an awareness of the impact these may have on existing and future communications activity

General Responsibilities 

• Contribute to evaluation and assessment of results against KPIs and tracking activity

• Allocate, manage and evaluate budget spend

• Identify resource requirements for activity across Bild group

• Develop and maintain systems, databases and procedures to support Bild group communication activities

• Plan, monitor, appraise and report progress of activity regularly with an innate understanding of how this supports activity across the Bild group

• Plan, manage and oversee budgetary spend related to outsourcing specialist activities such as video editing and design

• Ensure communications and marketing work complies with data protection and other legal, professional and agency requirements, standards and policies

• Support the senior leadership team on any activity as required. 

Personal Development  

• Be part of a culture of quality in all areas of communications, PR and marketing

• Participate and contribute to individual performance appraisal and supervision sessions

• Keep abreast of relevant initiatives and developments within the adult health and social care, education & disability sector and the wider communications / engagement profession

• Undertake relevant training, as necessary including accessing new systems and software as required to support the role.

Organisational Responsibilities: 

• Access and work within Bild’s policies and procedures.  

• Attend internal cycle of team meetings relevant to this role.  

• Engage with line management, supervision (where appropriate) and appraisal process.  

• Comply with data protection regulations, ensuring that information on clients, employees, volunteers and other stakeholders remains confidential.  

• Take responsibility for personal learning and development with support from line manager.  

• Work in a manner that facilitates equal opportunities and inclusion for all.  

• Remain professional and respectful at all times, promoting positive relations with all those we encounter in our work.  

• Maintain health and safety and risk awareness for self and others across the organisation.  

• Undertake any other duties that Bild may require within the remit of this role.  

This job description does not form part of the contract of employment. It is intended as a guide to the general scope of duties and is not definitive or restrictive. It is expected that some duties will change over time and this description will be subject to review with the postholder at their annual appraisal.  

Person Specification  

Job Title 

Director of External Relations 

• Exceptional copy writing and verbal communication skills

• Good presenting, negotiating and influencing skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build mutually beneficial relationships

• The ability to work effectively within a small team

• Ability to work under pressure, and plan, manage, and adapt own workload

• A flexible, proactive and problem-solving approach to work

• A motivated attitude and ability to work on own initiative 

• A commitment to human rights and modelling accessibility and inclusion throughout activity

• Willingness to travel and work flexible hours as demanded by the post

• Fit to undertake the duties of the post. 

Experience/Skills/Competencies 

Essential 

• Significant experience working in communications, policy and PR with demonstrable success

• PR and media management experience, including both online and traditional PR

• Experience of managing and implementing social media plans, including post development, scheduling, evaluation and monitoring feedback

• Experience of overseeing the design and production of print and electronic publications, including website management and development

• Experience of managing CRM systems and ensuring effective data capture and utilising data to inform decision making

• Ability to analyse data and shape results into reports that inform decision making

• Ability to build effective relationships and networks and establish credibility for Bild, RRN, Respond and Bild ACT 

• Ability to work collaboratively and develop positive relationships with colleagues, members and wider stakeholders

• Demonstrated digital comms / social media skills and understanding of emerging digital marketing tools and platforms

• Ability to use a variety of IT packages/databases including CRM systems.

• Experience managing budgets and associated reporting

• Ability to work remotely and regularly travel to in person events

• Time management skills and ability to prioritise workload under pressure as part of a small but vibrant team

• Strong awareness and interest in news/current affairs/politics and the broader third sector, social care and education sector. 

Desirable 

• Experience working in the not-for-profit sector, preferably in another disability and/or membership charity

• Strong understanding of education, health, social care, disability and not for profit environment

• Strong media contacts within relevant trade sector publications

• Ability to use externally managed media databases (such as Agility etc.)

• Experience with conferences, webinars and hybrid events. 

• Experience supporting and manging a remote team

Education and Qualifications: 

Other Requirements: 

• Commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities and able to apply awareness of diversity issues to all areas of work.  

• Regular travel to attend meetings and events. 

• Occasional evening meetings.  

Legal requirements: 

• Enhanced DBS check. 

Join us at a pivotal moment for the education sector.

ISBL is launching a major new initiative – the Centre for Education Operational Excellence – designed to transform how schools and trusts operate. We are seeking a proactive and strategic Business Development Lead to help shape, drive, and deliver this ambitious programme from inception.

About ISBL

ISBL has a 30‑year track record of supporting and developing a unique cadre of education professionals: school business leaders. Our work is underpinned by nationally endorsed professional standards and our OpEx for Education™ framework, placing us at the heart of sector improvement and operational excellence.

We serve a community of approximately 24,000 schools within a sector worth more than £80 billion, giving us significant reach, influence, and opportunity. Our core services span institute membership, professional development, research, events, sector innovation, and the sharing of best practice – creating a rich platform for partnership growth and impact.

Introducing the Centre for Education Operational Excellence

The Centre represents the next evolution of our work, extending ISBL’s focus from individual professional development to whole‑organisation operational excellence across schools and trusts.

It brings together three interconnected hubs:

• Solutions – Practical, high‑impact services and tools that support operational improvement.
• Research – Evidence‑based insights that shape best practice and drive innovation.
• International – Collaboration across global education systems to raise operational standards worldwide.

Working alongside ISBL, these hubs form a powerful ecosystem that connects practice, research, and international learning – strengthening organisational performance and, ultimately, educational outcomes.

About the Role

As Business Development Lead, you will play a central role in shaping the Centre’s commercial strategy, building new partnerships, and driving sustainable growth. This is a rare opportunity to influence a nationally significant initiative.

Full role details are available in the attached job description.

If this sounds like you, then our four-month (7th September to 18th December 2026), salaried Grant Fundraising Traineeship might be the perfect opportunity for you.

Chell Perkins is looking for four individuals with excellent writing skills who want to learn how to fundraise from grantmakers. 

Our industry-leading paid traineeship (monthly equivalent of a £24,792 annual salary) will see you writing grant applications for multiple charities and gaining a recognised certificate with education credits towards CFRE to kickstart your fundraising career. There are up to four vacancies at Chell Perkins, and at the end of the course trainees will be eligible to apply for a permanent position.

“This programme has been an amazing opportunity to work with so many different clients, and constantly learn new skills on the job. I have learned so much.” Junior Fundraiser, 2022

This immersive programme is home-based with quality training and plenty of support from other experienced fundraisers.

“The hands-on training opportunities that come with a role at Chell Perkins are invaluable for anyone who is looking to get into fundraising. I don't think you could find a more immersive and rewarding experience in the charity sector anywhere else!” Junior Fundraiser, 2022

Why Chell Perkins?

At the end of our Grant Fundraising Traineeship, you will be a confident and capable fundraiser. But there’s much more to the scheme than that. The Chell Perkins team are a great bunch of people to work with. We really care about our partner charities and YOUR future. Our supportive and empowering work culture will enable you to realise your own potential.

“This programme is truly unique and rewarding. I recommend it to anyone thinking of beginning a fundraising career.” Junior Fundraiser, 2020

Client mix

Candidates should be aware that at present, 70% of our partner charities come from a Christian background (churches or Christian charities). While it is not a requirement to be Christian, candidates must be happy to write for a faith-based audience.

Applications

This role is home-based; however, you may occasionally be required to work from client sites across the UK.

For more details about this opportunity, contact us and request a copy of the Job Description & Person Specification document.

Interviews will be held in the week commencing 4th May 2026 for positions starting on 7th September 2026.

If our Grant Fundraising Traineeship sounds like it could be a perfect fit for you, why not apply? We look forward to hearing from you!

To apply for this role, please complete our job application and email it to us with a recent CV and a covering letter. In your covering letter, we are looking for:

• Evidence of strong written communication skills
• Passion for the third sector, and in particular fundraising
• Ability to write persuasively
• Evidence that you have carefully researched the role and our organisation.

Click 'how to apply' below for the email address to send your application to, and for more information on the role and person specification.

A note about generative AI use

As an agency we are not against the use of AI to research or help improve the quality of your application. However, we strongly advise against using AI to generate copy for you. Last year, over 40 applications contained sections with identical wording, due to the use of generative AI. As a result, we could not get to know the applicants from their writing, and subsequently had to reject all of these applications.