Communications lead jobs in southampton city centre, southampton

SOS Children’s Villages UK is part of a global federation, which exists to ensure that each child and young person grows up with the healthy relationships they need to become their strongest selves. We are the world’s largest non-governmental organisation focused on supporting children and young people who don’t have, or who are at risk of losing, parental care.

We are now looking for an experienced Programme Manager to help drive meaningful change by supporting locally led programmes.

• Lead UK-funded programmes from planning to close-out, ensuring high-quality delivery, alignment with donor requirements, and impact for children and families.

• Build strong, respectful partnerships across global teams to support locally led, context-sensitive programme approaches.

• Strengthen evidence and learning by embedding robust MEAL practices, turning data into actionable insights and continuous improvement.

• Work closely with Finance teams to ensure strong budgeting, forecasting, and financial accountability across your programme portfolio.

• Partner with Fundraising, Communications, Safeguarding, and Governance teams to ensure programmes are well-supported, compliant, and effectively communicated.

If you are an experienced, values-driven programme manager with a passion for child rights, cross-cultural collaboration, and innovative development work, looking for a pivotal role within a friendly, flexible, and supportive team, then this could be for you!

To Apply

Please read the full Candidate Pack attached which contains the entire job description and person specification, and submit a copy of your CV and a covering letter.

The deadline for applications is Monday 30 June 2025, 17.00 UK time. 

Please note: 

The post-holder must be UK-based and able to work on a permanent full-time contract. We are unable to provide employment sponsorship if required and unfortunately cannot progress applications without the required right to live and work in the UK on a permanent contract.

OUTLINE OF THE ROLE

Work with the Trustees to devise and lead new fundraising initiatives that fulfil the objectives of the Trust's Fundraising Strategy and annual income budget, with particular focus on regular giving across all alumni, gifts from high-net-worth individuals, and legacies. This will involve:

• Developing and delivering improved communications to build a stronger connected donor network.

• Locating, engaging and retaining alumni to support and promote the Trust, focused on ensuring their long-term impact on the Trust and its beneficiaries.

• Work with the Trustees/Trust Fundraising Committee to devise and implement new fundraising initiatives.

• Work with the Trustees/Trust Fundraising Committee to identify and engage new volunteers to support the Trust's activities.

KEY TASKS

Work with the Trustees and Fundraising Committee to devise and implement the following:

• Improve communications

The Trust has a strong, growing, and engaged network of loyal alumni who already support the Trust's beneficiaries through fundraising and volunteering. However, the Trust's communications need to be improved in order to increase the numbers of donors who provide sustained financial support and inspire all donors to raise their level of donations. Continually find opportunities to engage new donors and ensure clear consistent messaging.

• Manage and maintain donor data

The Trust needs to maintain a full and accurate database of all donors and fundraising activities to support long-term tracking and inform future fundraising. This also requires networking among alumni and being vigilant to changes in alumni data.

• Research and approach alumni whose connection with the Trust has lapsed

Continue to grow the active network through researching and motivating dormant and lapsed alumni to reconnect with the Trust.

• Research untapped prospects

Research the database with a view to identifying dormant and untapped opportunities, especially regarding

high-net-worth individuals and legacies. Ensure fundraising approaches are well-targeted and informed in order to maximise the chances of success. This will expand to include non-alumni sources, including institutional sources such as foundations and other trusts.

• Ensure long-term donor connection

Communicate with all donors to demonstrate the impact they can make by showcasing the current and long-term outcome of programs. Deliver a diverse selection of communications to engage different audiences, with a clear plan for all members of the network. Ensure donors are connected to the Trust, value the Trust's activities and actively help fund opportunities.

• Reporting to the Trustees

Create an annual donor impact report to the Trustees, and other stakeholders such as alumni, that delineates donor statistics, reviews communications and events that have taken place during the past year and identifies potential prospects and events for developing in the coming year. Also provide a lower-level oral report of fundraising activities and communications to the Trustees at their quarterly meetings.

• Deliver income growth target

Acquire enough new donations to meet agreed annual income growth targets set by the Trustees.

You will be expected to perform different tasks as necessitated by your changing role within the charity and its overall objectives. For instance, organizing fund-raising specific events in different regions. This position could evolve into a full-time commitment with a support team, but at the present time, support to this role will be provided through the existing network of volunteers.

The Noah’s Ark Charity supports the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital for Wales in providing world-class care, helping to ensure the best outcome and experience possible for children and their families.

Having raised more than £30 million to build and equip the hospital, today we continue to work hand in hand with the NHS, providing funding for the most up-to-date equipment and facilities. We also fund services like the play specialist team and emotional support for families.

This is an opportunity for a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join a small but determined team.  Working closely with the wider charity team, this role offers a real opportunity to see the impact that your work has on the children and families we support and to grow our fundraising reach within your geographical region.

The geographical region will cover anything west of Bridgend and up to Aberystwyth. Ideally, candidates would be based in the Carmarthen/Llanelli area. This is a home-based role, with frequent travel throughout Wales, and monthly travel to Cardiff.

Scope of role

This recently created role within the Noah’s Ark Charity, which will grow our regional community fundraising presence and offering.  The postholder will know the West Wales area well and will become the expert in fundraising opportunities within the region, building strong relationships within the community, including companies and will develop supporter-led activity. The postholder will plan for and deliver income for the charity within the region, in line with wider fundraising strategy. 

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Income generation

- To plan for and deliver income to target through key performance indicators as agreed with community fundraising manager.

- To develop new supporter relationships within the community, in a planned way, to achieve income and provide excellent supporter care to ensure the relationship is ongoing, beyond one-off support for the charity.

- To lead on and deliver community fundraising within the region, through relationships with patient families, third party fundraisers, community groups, schools and education establishments and public bodies.

- To build strong corporate partnerships within the region, to an agreed income level, with the support of the community fundraising manager and head of fundraising and development.

- To lead on key projects to develop income generation.

- To contribute to the strategic development of community fundraising.

- Plan and deliver events in the community where necessary.

- Secure and deliver engaging presentations to groups and organisations.

2. Ambassador programme

- To build the family ambassador programme within the region, growing the network of key supporters who will represent and be the face of the charity within their local community.

- Support the community fundraising manager with the development of the ambassador programme including training and thanking opportunities.

3. Supporter experience

- To champion consistent and excellent supporter care.

- To record all communications accurately on the database, ensuring information is gathered and recorded in accordance with the requirements of the data protection act, GDPR and the charity’s data protection policy.

- To respond to supporter enquiries in a timely manner and deal with complaints, escalating as appropriate.

- To deliver an excellent supporter journey and contribute to the central supporter journey for community fundraising. 

4. Cross team working

- To work collaboratively with fundraising colleagues across the team to deliver wider fundraising income and charity objectives.  For example, gifts in wills, regular giving, event participation, volunteering and communications.

5. Budgets

- Work with the community fundraising manager and head of fundraising and development, to build and manage a detailed fundraising budget, including income and expenditure.

- Provide forecasts throughout the year, for agreed streams of income.

6. Best practice

- Ensure all fundraising practice is in line with organisational guidelines and policies.

- Encourage and champion compliance and best practice within the fundraising team.

- Ensure own compliance with fundraising standards and requirements, keeping up to date with key policies and regulations, including the fundraising regulator, chartered institute of fundraising and the charity commission.

7. Undertake any other duties which might be required to fulfil the general purpose of the post.

Are you ready to join The King's Trust and step into a vibrant role where you'll build meaningful connections and nurture relationships with our extraordinary external delivery partners and volunteers, all in the pursuit of connecting with the young hearts and minds we're devoted to supporting? If the answer is yes, read on!

Take the lead in welcoming, training, and expertly managing a group of delivery partners and volunteers. Your mission will be to ensure that our young people have an exceptional experience and achieve those positive outcomes that change lives. You will also be kept engaged as you’ll be required to travel within the Southampton and Portsmouth areas to support the delivery of programmes as well as programme visits.

Assist and support our delivery partners and volunteers in bringing The Trust's Team and Achieve programmes to life. They'll rely on you for access to training, resources, qualifications, and guidance in adhering to our top-notch quality standards. You’ll also be our compliance hero, ensuring that our delivery partners and volunteers are up to speed with all the necessary policies that keep things running smoothly. You'll be our go-to person, ready to tackle any minor concerns or issues that come our way.

Your knack for precision will shine through as you meticulously record information and data on young people, volunteers, or partners. It's all about ensuring that each step of their journey is accurately documented in our systems and aligns perfectly with the requirements of our funding contracts and is at the forefront of championing Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion. Your sheer enthusiasm and commitment will ignite some transformative action, sparking real change as we put those local plans into play and excel in achieving our EDI goals!

Do you have the creativity to facilitate best practice sharing, energise networking sessions, and lead innovative training sessions? Are you ready to step up and lead sessions with young people when the moment calls? Having a background in education or an understanding of the education system would be an advantage when joining our team, it's like having an ace up your sleeve, whether you're familiar with the intricacies of the school year or you've walked in the shoes of a teacher.

If you are a strong communicator with sharp problem-solving skills and can transform ordinary moments into unforgettable events, you could be just the person we are looking for.

Expect the unexpected and embrace it. Come and be a part of our mission!

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced strategic lead to drive the next phase of our Right to Health campaign. This new role will work with our experienced and well respected team and our extensive network, to make the political case for the better legal recognition and real-world protection for the right to health. 

An ideal candidate

You will be a passionate and experienced advocate for health, human, social or environmental rights, committed to driving meaningful change in the UK. You will bring proven expertise in leading policy, advocacy, or parliamentary engagement work - ideally within health, human rights, social or environmental justice sectors - and thrive in building strong, strategic relationships with government, civil society, and community stakeholders.

You have a good understanding of the structural causes of health inequality and the power of human rights frameworks to address them. You will know how the UK political and parliamentary systems work, and you are skilled at influencing these processes through clear, compelling narratives backed by evidence.

You are able to communicate with clarity and impact, tailoring your message to diverse audiences - from policymakers to grassroots activists. You are confident working independently and collaboratively within a small, flexible team, balancing strategic vision with practical delivery. Your approach is solutions-focused, inclusive, and grounded in the lived realities of people affected by health inequalities.

Most importantly, you are motivated by the opportunity to join a dynamic and well respected organisation and lead a strategic campaign that challenges the status quo and contributes to a fairer, more just UK.

You have the right to work in the UK and be able to work from home in London or within easy reach of London.  A minimum of weekly attendance in London will be required.

This opportunity is open to applicants wishing to deliver the work on a self-employed freelance or employed basis.

The CMV Connect Project Coordinator role is designed to enhance the charity's outreach and support initiatives, focusing on building and maintaining relationships with healthcare professionals, families, and the broader community. This position involves coordinating projects that aim to increase awareness, provide resources, and support families affected by cCMV.  This role is a part time role funded by National Lottery Community Fund.  It is a freelance contractor role, as it is a contract for services. 

CMV Action is a UK-based charity dedicated to supporting families affected by congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV), a leading cause of childhood disabilities such as deafness, developmental delays, and vision impairment. The charity provides information, advocacy, and support to raise awareness and improve outcomes for those impacted by cCMV, both during pregnancy and in babies and children.

Key Responsibilities

• Project Coordination: Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of CMV Connect initiatives, ensuring they align with the charity's objectives.  Work with other Operation Team members and report to the Board fortnightly.
• Supporting families: Work with the trustees to follow up on those we support and identify how we can support them in the future. Work with volunteers to organise in-person and online opportunities for families to meet up.
• Volunteer Coordination: Recruit, train, and support volunteers involved in CMV Connect project.
• Event Management: Organise and support events and campaigns aimed at raising awareness and funds for CMV Action.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Develop and maintain relationships with healthcare professionals, community groups, and other families to promote awareness and support for cCMV.  Provide social media content to the Fundraising Officer when each milestone is reached.
• Resource Development: Assist in creating and distributing educational materials and resources for families and healthcare providers.
• Data Management: Collect and analyse data to assess the impact of initiatives and inform future strategies.  Financial data collection for the final evaluation report.

 Person Specification

Essential

• Education: Degree level qualification or equivalent experience in a relevant field.
• Experience: Proven experience in project coordination, stakeholder engagement, and working within a charitable or healthcare setting. Previous working experience with volunteers within a project would be ideal.
• Skills: Strong organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills; proficiency in Microsoft Office, including proficiency in Excel.
• Attributes: Ability to work independently and as part of a team, manage multiple tasks, and maintain confidentiality.

Desirable

• Qualifications: Project management or volunteer management qualification.
• Experience: Experience in fundraising, event management, and using CRM systems, experience managing a similar project or offering support to families.
• Knowledge: Understanding of public health issues, particularly related to congenital infections and how to work in the charity sector.

Working Conditions

• Location: The role is home-based with occasional travel required for meetings and events.
• Hours: Part-time position, with flexibility to accommodate the needs of the projects.  Approximately 16 hours per week, equivalent to 2 days per week.
• Salary: £150 per day, 8 hours a day, approx. 2 days a week, approx. 40 weeks till early June 2026. 

This role offers an opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of families affected by cCMV, contributing to the charity's mission to raise awareness and provide support.

This role has been funded thanks to The National Lottery Community Fund!

The Ancient Tree Forum (ATF) is seeking a motivated and organised Technical and Engagement Officer to join our small, friendly and flexible team. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a charity dedicated to safeguarding the UK’s ancient and veteran trees, along with their wildlife, heritage and cultural values. 

This role is vital to achieving our strategic outcomes by providing expert technical advice, supporting and collaborating with the Technical Advisory Panel to develop authoritative guidance and publications. You will act as a key contact for public and stakeholder enquiries and contribute technical expertise to ATF’s communications across our website, newsletter, social media and press activity. 

You will engage with sector networks, collaborate with partners and support strategic messaging. This role will help strengthen the charity’s visibility and impact in ancient and veteran tree conservation and protection. 

Sands exists to save babies’ lives and ensure that anyone affected by pregnancy loss or baby death receives the support and care they need. 

We are recruiting a Commercial Business Development Lead to drive growth of Sands’ partnerships programme. This is a new and exciting role requiring an ambitious and entrepreneurial individual, who will focus on securing commercial and strategic partnerships which maximise Sands’ exclusive, new and emerging opportunities.  This includes our award-winning Sands United Football Club, the globally-recognised Baby Loss Awareness Week, our leadership in Saving Babies’ Lives research and flagship UK-wide events such as Ribbon Run, Starlight Walk and others. 

The postholder will be responsible for securing sector-leading, inspiring and memorable partnerships, including but not limited to multi-year collaborations, sponsorship and cause-related marketing. Demonstrable experience in working across sporting and/or event sponsorship is essential as well as in commercially-led partnerships including retail.  The ability to collaborate strategically with those committed to social change is also required.

You will ensure there is an integrated approach across Sands’ functions including other areas of fundraising, engagement, communications and events. This role therefore has a high level of responsibility for the management of internal and external senior relationships.

With a high level of business acumen to identify a robust pipeline, the postholder will seek out partners that align with Sands’ vision, that will place us on the map as the go-to baby charity, thus increasing Sands’ public profile via household brands and high-profile partnership activities.

The post-holder will be able to diversify prospects across different sectors and industries including mental health and wellbeing, health and beauty, groceries, high street retailers, home and leisure, transport, jewellery and commemoration. 

You will be skilled at creating bespoke and engaging proposals that captures the interest, trust and needs of key decision-makers.  An excellent communicator and influencer, you will also be a confident presenter and networker, with the ability to represent Sands externally and produce high-quality prospect research, reports and creative pitch material. 

The ideal candidate will have demonstrable experience in cultivating high-level relationships with corporate partners and individuals across a range of engagement mechanisms – particularly working from home and online. 

Community Project Lead 

• Two-year fixed term, full-time (35 hours per week) or part-time (minimum 21 hours per week considered), £28,000 – £32,000 per annum depending on experience (pro rata if part-time)  
• Remote or office-based. Occasional visits to IPSEA’s office in Takeley or a London venue required. This role will also include frequent travel to meet with community partners. 

Do you have experience working with under-served communities and leading impactful outreach projects? Are you passionate about improving access to support for families of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)?

IPSEA is the leading charity in the field of SEND law in England, and we provide free and independent legal advice and support to families of children and young people with SEND. We also provide training on the SEND legal framework, and we influence policy at both a local and national level.

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Community Project Lead to join our team and lead the development of our advice services for under-served communities. This two-year, fixed-term role is a key part of our strategy to reach groups who may not traditionally engage with IPSEA’s support - including children and families with English as an additional language, cared-for children (children in care), migrant children, detained children, and Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities.

The project builds on a detailed scoping exercise we’ve recently completed, which involved working closely with a wide range of charities and organisations that support these communities. The resulting report outlines the barriers they face, and will form the foundation for this project and directly inform the work you will lead.

What you’ll do 

• Design and develop pilot advice services that are tailored to the needs of under-served communities, using findings from IPSEA’s research 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with community groups, charities and service providers to co-produce accessible services 

• Collaborate with IPSEA’s advice, legal and policy teams to address the barriers these communities face in accessing SEND legal advice 

• Contribute to and share outreach materials, training resources and toolkits to support families of under-served communities and empower local advocates 

• Plan and lead workshops, focus groups and community events to raise awareness, gather feedback and enhance service delivery 

• Monitor and report on project outcomes and impact, providing regular updates to IPSEA staff and stakeholders 

You can work remotely or from IPSEA’s office in Takeley, with frequent travel required for essential meetings and community engagement.

If you share our commitment to protecting, promoting, and upholding the rights of children and young people with SEND, and would like to use your skills to improve access to vital advice and support, we would love to hear from you.

Visit our website to download a recruitment pack and application form.

Closing date for applications: 9am on Monday 16 June 2025 
First-round interviews: Wednesday 25 June 2025 (London) 

This experienced helpliner will help us grow our reach and better support people affected by migraine. We are looking for a dedicated and passionate self-starter with the ability to prioritise their own workload whilst supporting our community.

The ideal candidate will be engaged and willing to learn with a proven track record of delivering support services within the charity sector. They will be an excellent communicator who is good at self-motivating in a remote role and has experience in building meaningful relationships with a range of stakeholders. They will also be able to multi-task on a daily basis by supporting our service users through a range of platforms.

Experience of supporting service users face to face, being able to extract data for reporting, grow existing services and the ability to deliver presentations would also to desirable.

Overview

High energy costs are a nightmare for millions of UK households, while huge profits are made at our expense. Poor housing and heating systems are a key part of the problem, along with dependence on polluting, climate-changing fossil fuels. FPA is a campaigning organisation that sets out to attack the root causes of fuel poverty along with the specific injustices facing people and communities. We want to see the UK’s energy system decarbonised as rapidly as possible, with a just transition for communities and workers.that includes affordability. 

Working closely with pensioners groups, trades unions, disabled campaigners, tenants’ organisations and others on the frontline of fuel poverty, we’re using protest and direct action to fight for real, sustainable solutions to the cold homes crisis. We are looking for a committed senior organiser, who shares our passion and values, to bring energy and imagination to developing our base and supporting our members to build their power.

About the role

Fuel Poverty Action (FPA) was started in 2011 by climate activists who wanted to ensure that the green energy transition doesn’t happen at the expense of those with less social and economic power. Rather, they saw the break with fossil fuels as an opportunity to end the scourge of fuel poverty in the UK - a chance to rethink priorities and design inequality out of the energy system.

Immediately, they were drawn into community-based struggles for energy justice, against false, profit-driven solutions and maladministration of ‘green’ measures with no accountability to tenants and residents.

Over the years others joined the fight, growing FPA to a small membership-led organisation comprising people at the sharp end of fuel poverty - people of all ages and backgrounds, mainly located in London. Since 2022, funding has enabled us to employ a small, dispersed team who are accountable to directors and a membership that is now UK-wide. 

We are now looking for an experienced, senior organiser to help FPA grow and evolve our membership network further. We want to reach more people and support members to be active within FPA so that we can build our political impact and remain meaningfully member-led. 

We are seeking a flexible person with significant leadership experience who will be confident working as part of a small team, capable of outward facing work and internal management. You will have experience of organising in collective campaigns,  including digitally, and a background in grassroots or community-based action, with a strong commitment to inclusive and anti-oppressive practice.

As the Organising Lead, you will join our Campaigns Lead and Operations Lead as the third pillar of our self-managing Coordination Team. While line-managing other colleagues and enabling the contributions of members who are unpaid, you will yourself be a member of FPA, and answerable to the group. 

We use the digital platform Action Network to run campaigns and communicate with FPA supporters. Our ideal candidate would have the skills to incorporate ladders, tags and custom fields into our digital campaigns to maximise online to offline impact and convert list growth into membership. They would also actively maintain relationships with existing members who are not always confident with online communication tools. 

There is a lot of scope to bring new ideas and perspectives to shape our work.

What you might find yourself doing:

Strategy development: Leading on creation of a new membership growth and retention strategy in collaboration with existing members

Growing our base: Boosting in-person recruitment and using Action Network to build a digital pipeline into membership

Communications: Ensuring members are connected and informed through one-to-one calls, emails, members’ section of the website, WhatsApp groups and other platforms. 

Member development: Building one-to-one relationships with members, understanding their interests, linking them to opportunities and providing feedback and follow-up

Member activation: Supporting members to participate in our own and allies’ events, actions and mobilisations, digitally and on the ground

Speaker invitations: Representing FPA at events and in media as well as supporting members to do so

Capacity building and training: Providing tools, advice and training to members and supporters, including to FPA’s local groups in Glasgow, Manchester and London

Administration: Managing onboarding systems and securely maintaining records

Organisational management: As part of the self-managing Coordination Team

Line management: Providing light touch management for one or more colleagues

Online meetings: Including prospective member induction interviews and regular members’ meetings which you organise and facilitate

About You

Essential requirements. You’ll thrive in this role if you:

• are highly organised, comfortable self-managing and detail-oprientated in routine admin tasks

• have demonstrable skills in organisational and people management that are relevant for a remote team

• are instinctively collaborative and able to communicate warmly, openly and honestly with colleagues

• are self-motivated, flexible and positive about remote team working, ready to take responsibility for pacing yourself and maintaining your well-being at busy times

• have excellent communication skills, including verbal, written, editing, IT skills, and listening 

• are agile in your use of digital platforms to communicate with different audiences

• have a strong affinity with FPA’s aims, objectives and organisational values of solidarity, empathy and respect

• have a proven understanding of anti-oppression work and commitment to tackling all institutional forms of oppression, bigotry and exclusion 

• have excellent relationship-building skills, with the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and sensitively, and work effectively with diverse individuals, including those directly impacted by injustice and oppression 

• are confident and creative in your approach to running online and in-person meetings

• have several years of experience in organising or campaigning on issues of poverty and/or the climate, housing or energy 

It is also desirable (but not necessary) for you to have:

• experience of using Action Network or similar platforms to build an activist pipeline

• the skills to craft compelling calls to action and design digital content optimised for engagement

• experience of providing training tools, skills and hand-holding to those at the sharp end of the polycrisis

• links and ongoing relationships with networks and movements with similar aims or values to Fuel Poverty Action

• experience of horizontal organisations and ways to promote staff wellbeing and sustainable remote working 

Compensation Policy 

We’ll compensate team members on the following basis:

• All salaried team members are contracted on the same terms and conditions

• We have a 30 hour week maximum for all team members - most commonly worked as 4 x 7.5 hour days

• Team members are paid an equitable and sustainable compensation rate which is the pro rate equivalent to a full-time (5 day) salary of £40-45,000, regardless of role or level of experience

• Our compensation rates have been set following Platform’s best practice Social Justice Waging System:

Annual salary (30 hours per week):

• Band 1 - No dependents or children and inherited wealth: £32,000 

• Band 2 - One or more children or dependents and inherited wealth OR No inherited wealth but no children or dependents: £34,000

• Band 3 - One or more more children or dependents and no inherited wealth: £36,000 

Further details

• 3% employer-matched pension

• Genuinely flexible working

• 25 days holiday per year, plus bank holidays

• A progressive parental leave policy

•  £15 / month working-from-home broadband stipend 

We have no central office or workspace budget, so it is imperative that you are comfortable working from home

Some costs-paid travel and monthly evening and occasional weekend working will be required

We particularly welcome applications from marginalised groups, especially people of colour and other ethnic minorities, people who identify as LGBTQIA, disabled people and those who identify as working class or have done so in the past 

The appointment will be for one year with a hope of extension, funding permitting, and a four month probationary period

Opportunity!

SteelWatch offers a unique opportunity for an expert in steel decarbonisation with a passion for driving climate action. If you can communicate your technical analysis  to challenge legacy steelmakers with clarity and conviction, this role is for you.

In this new role as SteelWatch Industry Decarbonisation Lead, you will have the opportunity to deepen and articulate the arguments of SteelWatch, providing vigilant scrutiny and an international voice for steel decarbonisation.

The ideal candidate will be an excellent communicator and natural collaborator who combines technical understanding of steel decarbonisation internationally with an ability to spot trends and their significance in data and detail. The role could be an ideal next step for professionals coming from consultancy, decarbonisation initiatives, companies in the iron and steel value chain, trade associations, international agencies, and civil society. 

Summary of the role

The Industry Decarbonisation Lead will shape SteelWatch’s position on steel decarbonisation to inform our change-making strategies, provide overall management and cohesion across our work on data analysis and industry insight, and act as a spokesperson in conversation with industry stakeholders.

The organisation

SteelWatch is an international climate campaign organisation, driving corporate accountability and action in the steel sector. Our vision is a steel sector that underpins a thriving zero emissions economy. We are a change-making organisation, with the task of driving change in an entrenched, powerful, technologically-confident sector that faces little climate pressure. SteelWatch is a non-profit registered in the Netherlands in 2023. Having grown to a team of 20, we are still a young organisation, learning-by-doing, working with fluid teams not rigid structures, ensuring we evolve, test, and learn. We seek team members who will enjoy breaking new ground with us.

We run corporate campaigns and challenge the global steel industry to replace complacency with urgent action in line with the 1.5C limit. SteelWatch has established a strong visible presence among civil society and steel industry stakeholders. We are increasingly recognised as an authoritative and challenging voice on steel decarbonisation, invited to engage in industry events and debates internationally.

Accurate and credible data, robust analysis and our global, long-term, climate-first lens on sector decarbonisation, are key strengths that underpin our campaigns and dialogue. We complement the work of other civil society change-makers bringing a vigilant voice and corporate scrutiny. We currently focus on OECD countries, and specifically across Europe and Japan, with team members in Europe/Africa and Asia-Pacific timezones.

Role and Responsibilities

The Industry Decarbonisation Lead is a new role, which will work in close collaboration with colleagues across the organisation and is fundamental to the long-term strategy of SteelWatch to transform the iron and steel industry. The core purpose of the role is to cultivate our collective ability to harness credible evidence for our campaigns, and to engage effectively with industry with an ambitious well-informed vision for decarbonisation.

For the initial year(s),  there are three main areas of responsibility.

1. The Lead will be responsible for navigating and shaping SteelWatch’s positions and point of view on relevant issues regarding steel decarbonisation with a goal of driving long term transition to near-zero emissions steelmaking.
2. The Lead will be responsible for managing and shaping our range of work on data, evidence, insights and analysis -with the team members involved -  to ensure the quality and relevance of our evidence base and our industry intelligence.
3. The Lead will be one of the key spokespeople for the organisation, particularly in industry dialogue and events. The role will report to the Executive Director and is likely to line-manage 1-3 people.

Success for this role will depend on close collaboration with others in SteelWatch including the:

• Steel Analyst, and other team members and consultants working on data and analysis;
• Campaigns Teams, ensuring campaigns are well evidenced, informed and targeted on the critical issues.
• Communications Team, ensuring everything that we externally communicate is consistent and credible, as accuracy is key in our role to speak truth to power.
• Executive Director, sharing the work of representation of SteelWatch externally and updating our arguments as the steel industry evolves.

Responsibilities

1. Shape, evolve and articulate SteelWatch’s positions and point of view on steel decarbonisation:

SteelWatch already has a strong point of view (POV) on many of the core elements of the iron and steel transition. However, the POV needs to be continually reviewed in the light of new developments, on occasion adapted, and extended to new emerging issues. Sharpening the POV is a collaborative process -  the Industry Decarbonisation Lead will be responsible for steering and landing this process. The Lead will:

• Ensure the POV is constantly evolved,improved and adapted through collaboration, guiding the process and landing the outcome;
• Ensure the POV is clearly articulated and socialised internally and externally with allies.

2. Manage and shape our range of work on data, industry trends, and analysis.

SteelWatch currently has in-depth data and news tracking on two companies, the targets of our corporate campaigns. We track iron and steel industry news and analyse industry announcements. We are developing our capacity to react to steel news globally, track blast furnaces investments and other announcements, and rate and rank companies.  The Industry Decarbonisation Lead will, in collaboration with the Steel Analyst:

• Shape and prioritise our work on gathering data,  tracking industry news, and analysing industry strategies,  to support and inform the priorities of the organisation, and ensure we make best use of the information in our campaigns.
• Build capacity within SteelWatch to do this consistently across our growing portfolio of work.
• Ensure the quality and relevance of our evidence base, and the processes we have for updating and using it.
• Continue to build our capacity to assess industry announcements and to use that analysis effectively for pressure.
• Scope, support, and lead projects that are data analysis projects, and hold responsibility for the data analysis component of other projects/campaigns. These are likely to include, corporate scorecard, blast furnace trackers, and data visualisation.

3. Ensure relevance, consistency and accuracy in our external communications.

Our external communications are based on credible evidence and SteelWatch’s POV  combined with core narrative (responsibility of the Comms team), and campaign arguments and tactics (responsibility of the Campaigns Team).  Working closely with the Steel Analyst who currently is the ‘source of truth’ and fact-checker, the Industry Decarbonisation Lead will:

• Ensure all external outputs are factually correct, credible and in line with our point of view.
• Develop processes and materials that increase technical understanding and consistency across team members and amongst those we communicate most closely with (eg allies, core media).
• Ensure robust processes are in place for fact-checking.
• Lead the development of our series of SteelWatch Explainers to present key concepts in accessible form among allies and industry.
• Support the Communications and Campaign teams to assess what reactive news to prioritise, and to respond quickly and accurately.
• Strengthen our ability to brief and correct journalists, dealing with their misunderstandings around iron and steel.

4. Act as spokesperson for SteelWatch in industry dialogue.

SteelWatch is vigilant and challenging to the steel industry. Our tone of voice varies from the creative campaigns, to the engaged dialogue. The Industry Decarbonisation Lead is expected to communicate externally and directly in dialogue, in writing and especially with the industry stakeholders at conferences, in private meetings or via social media.  The lead is not the only voice of the organisation, but should be a focal point in building consistency. They will:

• Attend industry events and discussions, representing SW point of view and strengthening our industry connections;
• Speak at industry events, speak to the media where appropriate.
• Produce high quality written materials, support those written by colleagues, and support high quality data visualisation that communicates our messages.
• Engage actively on LinkedIn (and/or other social media) to respond to industry commentary and engage as SteelWatch.

5. Build relations with industry

SteelWatch is building relations with industry actors, both to share our views and ensure we are up to date on latest trends. The Lead will:

• Through industry events, networks and dialogue, strengthening our industry connections;
• Build relations with industry to acquire up to date information, and increase our ability to sense-check news and respond to trends.
• Keep abreast of industry conversations in order to identify the most relevant shifts, key topics or opportunities for SteelWatch to create pressure for change.
• Support others in SteelWatch to engage with industry, particularly in other regions and languages than your own.

6. Provide line management and task management to team members engaged in data and analysis.

SteelWatch currently has a mixture of long-term and short-term or part-time staff and consultants working on data, tracking and analysis.  They are managed by different team members.  The Industry Decarbonisation Lead will:

• Set objectives and define tasks for the data team, in line with overall SteelWatch strategy and plans, as they evolve. Provide line management for core data team members.
• Manage consultants focused on data or analysis, adapting TORs and finding new consultants as needed;
• Ensure synergy across the various team members  and their work.

Essential skills and experience

• Ten or more years of experience in industry, energy, and/or decarbonisation, of which at least 2 years focused on the steel industry.
• In-depth knowledge of steel decarbonisation pathways, current trends, the challenges and opportunities.
• Proven ability to manage and interpret data, and to use data for powerful arguments.
• Excellent writing and communication skills in English, a talent for conveying complex ideas in understandable ways.
• Proven capacity to build collaboration with non-technical colleagues and enhance organisational capacity to use data and evidence. 

Desired skills and experience

• Experience working across a range of topics, projects and tasks, juggling short-term deadlines and long-term priorities.
• We are particularly interested in candidates that bring deep expertise in the energy transition, and/or in financial analysis of companies' approach to decarbonisation, as these would complement existing skills.
• Knowledge of steel decarbonisation across different geographies, particularly including countries of Asia.
• Experience in climate and/or campaigning organisations (professional or voluntary)

Essential competencies and aptitude

• An eye for detail and ability to ensure 100% accuracy;
• A strategic mind, an instinct to see the big picture, long-term trend, and ability to spot opportunities for engagement or leverage;
• Willingness and ability to toggle between the detail and the strategic;
• Ability to work at pace, with the rhythm of a campaign organisation.
• Excellent people skills and proven track record as a team player, able to work well with colleagues across cultures and geographies;
• Flexibility to work early or late hours on some days each week to overlap with other time zones and to travel 3-6 times per year.
• An affinity with the messaging and campaign approach of SteelWatch. You do not have to have campaign experience or act as a campaigner, but you must agree with the level of transformation that we believe is required, and be excited to contribute your skills to an organisation that critiques the limited ambition of current industry players.

Language requirements

• Ability to work in English at a professional level is a requirement. Additional skills in European or Asian languages are useful, particularly Mandarin, Portuguese or German.

 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Country location

This role is open to candidates working in timezones UTC -1 to UTC +4 and in countries in which it is possible to have a 2-year fixed term employment contract with an Employer of Record. Within Europe, we welcome applications from candidates based in the Netherlands, UK and Germany, and in addition we welcome applications from candidates in Africa or the Middle East.

Location and remote working and travel

• Location: work location is remote from your home base. Staff members work remotely and online on a daily basis.
• Travel is an essential part of the role.  If you are constrained in your ability or permissions to travel, please discuss this before investing in an application.
• Travel to an annual full team retreat is essential - this happens once a year and may be in Asia, Europe or other. Additional travel for events and face to face time is expected. This may be in Europe, Asia, or elsewhere and likely to be 2-5 times a year.
• While we offer flexibility for you to work away from home base, this will need to be coordinated with travel of other colleagues, may depend on timezone changes and/or be limited by legal contracting constraints.

Working conditions and benefits

• Working hours are flexible. Whichever time zone you are in, you will need to have flexibility to work early or late across different time zones straddling Asia/Pacific/ Europe&Africa /UK. You also have the opportunity to build in some flexibility around your own non-work commitments.
• This role is full time, 5 days/week.  We may also consider 4 days a week (Monday to Thursday) but would require flexibility around this. If you prefer part time please indicate this at time of application.
• The initial contract period will be up to 24 months with a possibility to renew, depending on country regulations. The type of contract will depend on the location.
• You must have a valid work permit in the country where you plan to be employed. SteelWatch is not in a position to support a visa process.
• Remuneration is according to SteelWatch norms,  level of experience and location of employment. For a technical expert in this Lead role, a Netherlands-based salary is in the range of  €72,000 - 92,000.  Salaries are adjusted by location. 
• Our leave policy, unless varied by national regulation, provides 34 days in total combining public holidays and paid leave in all countries, plus birthday leave and inspiration time.

Ethics:  we are a values-based organisation. Every staff member and consultant is asked to sign our Ethics statement and help us as an organisation live up to our values.

Equal opportunities:  we strive to be an equal opportunities employer. We actively welcome applications from candidates from historically underrepresented groups in the climate change movement.  If you require any adaptation or assistance during the application process, please be sure to let us know so that we can adjust.

About Pathfinders Neuromuscular Alliance

Pathfinders is a user-led charity run by and for people living with muscle-weakening conditions. We support disabled people and those who employ personal assistants (PAs) through peer support, information, training, and advocacy. We believe in the power of lived experience and centre disabled voices in everything we do.

About the Role

We are looking for a highly organised and motivated Project Coordinator to lead the delivery of an exciting new learning and development project for individual employers and personal assistants. The project will support people who employ PAs through direct payments and their PAs to develop the knowledge and skills they need through videos, peer-led training, discussion sessions, and case studies.

You will oversee the planning, coordination and delivery of the project, ensuring activities run smoothly, are well-attended, and meet the needs of learners. You’ll work closely with people with lived experience of employing PAs, guest speakers, partner organisations, and the wider Pathfinders team to deliver high-quality, accessible training and resources.

We strongly encourage applications from people with lived experience of employing PAs, or who have supported others to do so.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate the delivery of the training project, including scheduling and facilitating sessions, managing communications, and tracking progress against objectives.

• Work with Pathfinders staff, guest speakers and people with lived experience to produce a series of bite-sized training videos for PAs and employers.

• Organise and support delivery of:

  • Fortnightly peer-learning sessions for PA employers

  • Monthly case study sessions for PAs

  • Monthly “Train the Trainer” classes for employers

• Engage and support participants, including managing bookings, sending reminders, and providing follow-up information.

• Promote the project in collaboration with our communications team and external partners, including disability charities, PA networks, and local authorities.

• Gather feedback, measure impact and contribute to reporting for the funder.

• Support participants to access additional training opportunities (e.g. SfC resources, the Individual Employer Fund, local training).

• Ensure accessibility and inclusion are embedded in all activities.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Strong project coordination skills and the ability to manage multiple activities simultaneously

• Excellent communication and people skills – confident talking to diverse audiences including disabled people, PAs, professionals and partner organisations

• A clear understanding of the challenges and responsibilities of employing personal assistants

• Good digital skills and confidence using online platforms like Zoom, Google Drive, Microsoft Office and social media

• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively and meet deadlines

• Committed to inclusion, accessibility and user-led values

Desirable:

• Lived experience of employing PAs or supporting someone who does

• Experience creating or coordinating learning content or training sessions

• Experience working in the disability, health or social care sector

• Knowledge of direct payments and personalisation in adult social care

Timeline:
We are expecting funding for this role to be confirmed on 30 June and if this is confirmed, we are hoping to get started as soon as possible. The closing date for this role is therefore 30th of June, with interviews to be held between 1st-6th July.