Community and challenge event fundraising manager jobs in oxford, oxfordshire

Location: Homebased (requirement to attend meetings at The Grange, periodically)

Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday

What you will be doing

This is a strategic and creative role at the heart of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People’s national fundraising and engagement efforts. The post holder will lead the development and delivery of national community and challenge event programmes across all four UK regions (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland).

Using strong project and campaign management skills, the role will grow existing initiatives charity owned initiatives such as the Great British Dog Walk and the 28 Challenge and develop new, audience-led campaigns that inspire public participation, drive fundraising, and deepen long-term engagement with the charity.

In addition to the owned initiatives, the role will promote Hearing Dogs for Deaf People to participants of external national events such as The Great North Run or the London Marathon.

The ultimate objectives are to drive income generation and guide supporters from initial involvement to becoming volunteers for the broader work of the charity and legacy pledgers.

Desired candidate

• Proactive and confident self-starter with proven experience in campaign management, digital fundraising, and audience engagement.
• Strong understanding of social media tools, digital platforms, and challenge event management (e.g. Fundraising).
• Excellent project management and cross-team collaboration skills.
• Ability to develop creative propositions and media plans based on audience insight.
• Comfortable working in a hybrid environment with occasional travel to events and HQ.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills coupled with an enthusiastic and positive approach.

How to apply

If you are interested in working with us in this varied and immensely rewarding job, please send your CV and a cover letter explaining why you'd be perfect for the role.

Closing date for applications: Midday on Monday 6th October 2025.

The Talent Set are delighted to partner with The Talent Foundry in their search for a Head of Fundraising role.  The Talent Foundry is dedicated to helping young people from under-served communities unlock their potential and prepare for the world of work or higher education.They are looking to increase unrestricted income from fundraising outside of corporate partnerships. This senior position involves leading strategic fundraising efforts to secure vital income, leading a small team across fundraising and marketing.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for all of fundraising income and to develop structure of fundraising  to diversify income streams
• Design and implement effective fundraising strategies
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with current and prospective donors and partners
• Lead and support fundraising and marketing teams, fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment
• Plan, coordinate, and deliver fundraising campaigns and events
• Track, analyse, and report on fundraising performance metrics
• Identify new funding opportunities and stay updated on sector trends
• Represent the organisation at external engagements to build awareness and support

Person Specification

• Experience in leading successful fundraising programmes within the charity sector with experience from one of the following areas: Trust and Foundations, Major Gifts, Corporate Partnership  
• Ability to be strategic and also hands as fundraising on to meet the needs of a smaller charity
• Would suit an ambitious experienced manager looking to develop their career
• Strong relationship-building skills with diverse stakeholder groups
• Strategic thinker with excellent organisational abilities
• Effective communicator capable of engaging a wide audience
• Leadership qualities to motivate teams and volunteers
• Analytical and results-focused with attention to detail
• Budget management and resource allocation skills

What’s on Offer
Salary: £45,000
Role is home based but with commitment to travel to London for meetings 1-3 times a month.
Part time options available 

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.

Interviews to be held via teams on the 22nd/23rd September with 2nd stage in person on the 6th October.

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

Thrombosis UK is a small charity with big ambitions. We are the charity in the UK committed to saving lives and improving the quality of life for those affected by blood clots. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate Challenge Events

o Act as main contact with events management companies to coordinate our programme

o Encourage, support and monitor participants on their fundraising journey

o Manage production and distribution of event merchandise

• Fundraising

o Explore new fundraising opportunities to increase income and widen our supporter base

o Provide support/toolkits to volunteers who want to run their own events

o Research new technologies to streamline fundraising activities

o Represent the charity at community/fundraising events

o Reach out to suitable businesses for suitable support and donations

•    Marketing & Communications

o Plan and oversee marketing initiatives for TUK’s events and wider opportunities e.g. National Thrombosis Week and World Thrombosis Day

o Drive an effective social media presence

o Provide a prompt and enthusiastic response to fundraising enquiries across all channels

o Generate/update content for the website, social media and occasionally printed materials

o Liaise with designers, ensuring brand consistency across all channels

• Fundraising Admin

o Maintain accurate donor and income records, ensuring all invoices and payments are processed

o Promptly coordinate all donor correspondence such as acknowledgements, thank-yous, certificates and ‘good luck’ messages

o Provide a monthly fundraising overview to the CEO

This is a new role at Befriending Networks, as we seek someone who is up for the challenge of fundraising to support the continuation of our work in supporting the network of befriending organisations and ensuring that meaningful social connection is available to all.

The role will work closely with the CEO to deliver a fundraising strategy, which will focus on trusts, grant-givers, and corporate collaborations across the UK.  

You will be a skilled communicator, and you will be influential in how you present our work. You will be a self-starter and someone who takes pride in producing high-quality work. You will be courageous and curious as you work to position Befriending Networks as an investable charity. 

The key focus of this role

1. Generate income from small grants from trusts and foundations for specific projects and activities over the short to medium term.  

2. Assist the CEO in the preparation of strategic grant applications for work across the UK, with an initial focus on England, Scotland and Wales to deliver key priorities of our Strategic Plan over the longer term.

3. Development of potential corporate partnerships and collaborations. 

We are seeking an experienced fundraiser who can work with us on a part time, freelance basis (Sept/Oct 2025 - January 2026) for a fee of £16Kto produce and undertake the following specialist services:

• Research and produce a bespoke 18-month Fundraising Plan for the Trust, with a particular focus on Museums, collections, community engagement, conservation and organisational resilience. 
• To start the delivery of the plan by undertaking specialist fundraising activities to trusts and foundations and to apply for opportunities that will help generate new incomes for the Trust and boost our ability to delivery our Business plan and Museum Developments. This will include a refreshed donations plan for our sites to come into action before Christmas.
• To advise and produce a business case for a long-term fundraising resource for the Trust.

Community Fundraiser - Home Counties

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Are you ready to take on a new challenge with a leading charity making a real difference in brain tumour research? ​

Brain Tumour Research is seeking an experienced and motivated fundraiser to join our team. As a key part of our fundraising efforts in our high-performing East region, you will have the opportunity to drive income generation through a variety of initiatives, including challenge events, fundraising groups, and corporate partnerships such as charity of the year. You will also be responsible for driving initiatives to increase our profile and supporter base within Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire and Essex. 

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Key Responsibilities: ​

• ​Generate income across a range of community fundraising initiatives and events, with the opportunity to lead on key projects 
• Steward supporters to help drive the charity’s fundraising activities and growth 
• ​Work with the fundraising team to develop and maintain strong relationships with fundraisers, donors, partners, and key stakeholders ​
• Contribute towards the growth and success of fundraising efforts, ensuring a sustainable income stream for the vital ongoing funding of brain tumour research ​

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Requirements: ​​

• At least one year of fundraising experience, with a proven track record in income generation 
• Strong experience in supporter stewardship  
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage and inspire supporters and partners alike ​
• Passion for Brain Tumour Research and its mission to fund research and ultimately find a cure 

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If you are looking for a fulfilling and impactful role and have the level of experience and skill we are looking for, we welcome your application.

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​We will give preference to those candidates living in the Bucks, Beds and Northants areas of this region.​​​

​We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.​

We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process.  Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.

Closing Date: 26th September 2025

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We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.

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Role Overview:
The Talent Set is working with a leading national charity to recruit a Senior Fundraising Manager – Events. This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of a high-performing events fundraising portfolio within a dynamic and supportive fundraising team.

The role will focus on developing and growing a diverse range of challenge and virtual events, overseeing both strategy and delivery, and leading a talented team to achieve ambitious income and engagement targets. With responsibility for a significant budget and the opportunity to shape future event strategy, this role is ideal for an experienced fundraising professional who thrives on innovation, collaboration, and delivering impact at scale.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the strategic development of the events portfolio, including challenge and virtual events, ensuring income growth and supporter engagement.
• Manage and motivate a team of fundraising professionals, setting clear objectives, KPIs and providing ongoing support and coaching.
• Oversee budget management of c.£500k–£1m, ensuring accurate forecasting, reporting and maximising ROI.
• Develop high-quality supporter stewardship and engagement strategies to retain and grow supporter relationships.
• Collaborate across internal teams to align events with wider fundraising and marketing activity.
• Use data, insight and evaluation to inform decision-making and ensure continuous improvement across the portfolio.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with external partners, suppliers and stakeholders to support successful delivery of events.

Person Specification:

• Demonstrable experience of managing large-scale fundraising events and/or challenge events within a complex organisation.
• Strong leadership skills with experience of line managing, motivating and developing teams.
• Excellent budget management experience, with the ability to report accurately and make data-driven decisions.
• Skilled in stakeholder management, with the ability to influence and negotiate at a senior level.
• Highly organised with the ability to balance multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in using insight to inform strategy and planning.
• A passion for fundraising and supporter experience, with a track record of delivering excellent stewardship and engagement.

What’s on Offer:

• An exciting 12-month contract within a fantastic organisation.
• Fully remote working pattern so you can work from wherever you want in the UK.
• A salary of £43,000 to £50,000 for the successful candidate.

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 72 working hours. Please note you must live and have the right to work in the UK as sponsorship cannot be offered.

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

Key Responsibilities:

Corporate Partnerships & Relationship Management:

• Build, manage, and steward relationships with corporate supporters, focusing on the healthcare, legal, insurance, and life sciences sectors.
• Develop and implement AvMA’s corporate partnerships offer, including sponsorship packages and bespoke opportunities.
• Identify and research new corporate prospects, working with colleagues to make approaches and secure partnerships.
• Lead the ongoing development of AvMA’s corporate fundraising strategy and toolkit, ensuring they reflect best practice and meet organisational needs.

Workplace Giving & Employee Engagement:

• Support and promote employee fundraising initiatives, matched giving, payroll giving, and workplace events.
• Provide companies and staff teams with engaging fundraising materials, advice, and digital resources.
• Develop case studies and impact content to showcase corporate and employee fundraising.

Digital Fundraising & Content Development:

• Create and maintain engaging digital content for the corporate fundraising section of AvMA’s new website.
• Use online platforms and digital channels to promote corporate giving opportunities and events.
• Work with our communications team to integrate corporate messaging into wider campaigns.

Data & Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of all corporate activity and income using Microsoft Dynamics CRM.
• Monitor, analyse, and report on performance against targets.
• Use data insights to improve supporter journeys and maximise income

General

• Attend in-person meetings and events as required (travel expenses covered).
• Contribute to AvMA’s wider fundraising strategy and cross-team projects.
• Undertake other reasonable duties as required.

Today, 12 children and young people will be diagnosed with cancer. We’ll stop at nothing to make sure they get the right care and support at the right time. 

Change lives in a life-changing career

When a child or young person is diagnosed with cancer, their whole world can feel like it’s falling apart. Independence is taken and confidence is stolen. Stability no longer exists. The future suddenly feels uncertain. 

The impact of cancer on young lives is more than medical. That’s why we exist. Our specialist social workers help children and young people with cancer and their families navigate the emotional and practical impact of cancer. We remove barriers, solve problems and prioritise wellbeing. And we stop at nothing to make sure they get the right care and support at the right time. 

We challenge the systems and policies that surround children and young people, we highlight gaps and campaign for change. Because we know what a better future could look like. And we know what we need to do to make that future a reality. We need to push harder, reach further and work smarter. And we need the right people on our team to help us get there. People like you. 

About the role

We’re looking for a Fundraising Engagement Manager with great personality and team ethic to join our Regional Fundraising team.

This is a role of variety, opportunity and innovation, and we are looking for someone who embraces change and constantly strives to achieve more. 

You will maximise income for Young Live vs Cancer by coaching our supporters to reach their goals, whilst seeking out new fundraising opportunities for your geographical area. This role sits within the ‘Regional Engagement’ team and we need someone with natural customer service skills who wants to deliver a legendary experience to all of their supporters. Your team of supporters will range from volunteers and individuals, to groups and local corporates. 

Bristol and Somerset is an area filled with some of our most committed supporters but there is still so much opportunity to grow corporate support across the counties. Our Social Workers support families from Bristol hospitals, so building relationships with these teams are a must. 

Candidates should live within Bristol & Somerset, in one of the following Postcodes: Bristol BS1-19, North Somerset BS20-29, BS41-49, Somerset BA4-11, BA16-22, TA. 

Candidates who live outside of these areas should highlight an intention to relocate to the area in their covering letter for their application to be considered. If you don’t live in one of these postcodes and don’t have plans to relocate, your application will not be taken forward.  

This role is subject to a criminal record check. In the event of a successful application a basic record check will be completed. 

What will I be doing? 

No two days are the same at Young Lives vs Cancer. So, summarising your ‘day to day’ isn’t easy. Here are some of the main things you’ll be doing, but you’ll find more details in our Role Details document. 

• To plan, monitor and report on your budgeted income with a constant eye on contingency planning to ensure annual targets are achieved
• To steward our most committed supporters and deliver legendary supporter experience
• To be a key, valued member of your regional team and UK wide team.
• To identify, cultivate and secure partnerships and donations within your area
• To work with your local service team/s to build and maintain strong and effective working relationships 
• To be the first point of contact for service user families, to offer opportunities to them and their networks to engage with the wider charity as they would like I.e. fundraising, volunteering, sharing their story 

What do I need?  

• A proven track record of delivering amazing customer experiences
• Experience of relationship management in either a charity or corporate setting
• Ability to work within a financial target-based setting, and experience of reaching/exceeding set targets
• Demonstrable experience of winning new business
• Experience of managing own workload
• Proven ability to manage/complete projects
• Able to ‘make the ask’ for support and to influence/negotiate
• Have a full UK driving licence and access to a car (including business insurance)
• Have a sufficient Broadband connection 

Diverse perspectives and unique skillsets are at the heart of Young Lives vs Cancer. If you're passionate about making a positive impact and eager to learn, we encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet the criteria and person specification fully. Your potential is what matters most to us, and we’re committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment to help you develop.

The key skills we’re looking for in this role are: 

• Natural storyteller
• Strong prioritisation skills
• Great communicator
• Great at spotting opportunities
• Influencing/Negotiating
• Compassion
• Integrity
• Team player 

What will I gain? 

For people to reach their full potential, they need the right environment. As a member of Team Young Lives, you’ll be made to feel supported, valued and appreciated. Here’s how we do it:

• Flexible working: we’re open to working hours outside of 9 - 5 and we can talk through your flexibility requirements at interview stage
• Wellbeing days: four days a year to do what works for you – from catching up on training to going for a walk
• Generous annual leave allowance
• Great family/caring leave entitlements
• Enhanced pension
• Access to our employee savings scheme 

To find out more about our benefits package, have a look on our website.

Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At Young Lives vs Cancer, we recognise that opportunities for too many people remain a condition of their sex, ethnicity, class, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation – or a combination. This has never been acceptable to us as an organisation. We don’t just accept difference, we value it, celebrate it, nurture it and we thrive because of it. 

We’re on a journey to be reflective of the diverse children, young people and families we support. We know we aren’t there yet, and we’re passionately committed to taking actions and making changes to be a truly diverse, inclusive and equitable organisation. This includes taking anti-oppressive action and removing barriers in our recruitment practices. We particularly welcome applications from members of minoritised communities. Our Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging strategy will tell you more.

Accessibility

We’re committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always aim to be as accommodating as possible.  Please let us know in your application form of any adjustments or access requirements we could make to help you with the application process and interview.

To arrange an informal chat, please contact Cerys Sadler.

#ShowTheSalary #NonGraduatesWelcome

• Phone interviews: Tuesday 7th October 2025
• Panel interviews: Tuesday 21st and Thursday 23rd October

You will be joining us at a time that holds the greatest potential for fundraising in our history, following the launch of the UK Government’s Delivery Plan for ME and initial findings of the DecodeME genetics study (co-led by Action for ME) in Summer 2025. 

Building on our charity’s already established level of support from major donors, you will provide exceptional relationship management to existing donors alongside growing our network of high value supporters.

Working closely with the CEO, alongside managing a portfolio of donors and prospects ensuring excellent stewardship, you will support our Breakthrough-ME Group (a group of high net worth and highly networked individuals). There is an established level of support from major donors at Action for ME so this is a role that will require exceptional relationship management to retain our current valued supporters while growing this crucial area of fundraising. 

This would be an ideal role for an experienced philanthropy professional seeking to work for a small but ambitious charity, helping us to achieve our mission to improve the lives of all people affected by ME – better meeting their needs today while taking action to secure change for tomorrow.

Key duties

Major Donor Fundraising

• Successfully develop and implement the philanthropy strategy to secure and maximise funds from high value individuals for Action for ME achieving annual income of £250k+

• Set plans and budgets which will deliver income through major gift fundraising and philanthropic giving through family trusts and foundations, including quarterly forecasting.

• Manage a portfolio of prospects and donors at the £5k to £100k level, to develop and maintain strong and long-standing partnerships

• Work closely with the Director of Fundraising and Development and other colleagues to ensure that plans and activities for fundraising from high value individuals are integrated into the overall fundraising strategy and plan for significant growth.

• Be responsible for our Breakthrough-ME Group with high quality proposition development.  Contribution to Group fundraising activities with a specific focus on ensuring their networks support pipeline growth for future fundraising.

• Lead the delivery of our biennial fundraising gala dinner, maximising income and new opportunities from attendees.

• Develop engaging and inspiring opportunities to steward and cultivate support creating a calendar of activities including events, presentations, approaches, networking and meetings.

• Utilise the CRM database (Raisers Edge) to provide the data required to strategise your approach to philanthropy, monitor progress and provide a high-quality donor experience.

• Ensure utilisation of insight & data, producing management information data to inform planning and strategy development.

• With the Director of Fundraising & Development, create inspiring cases for support and resulting propositions with clear budgets and outcomes.

• Create adequate systems and processes to support the major donor programme.

• Undertake and manage research into prospects and major donors, preparing for approaches and presentations and briefing senior leadership and trustees for donor meetings and events.

• Develop and maintain relationships with donors, a wide range of staff and volunteers from trustee level down.

• Provide regular feedback and internal reporting to line management.

• Work with other fundraisers to ensure that all fundraising opportunities and leads are followed up – particularly in corporate, community and trust fundraising.

• Work with Trustees, the Chief Executive and members of the Leadership Team to develop relationships with major donors.

• Self-administrate including managing your own diary and meetings, keeping accurate and up to date records of activity

• Occasional travel to London, Bristol & events

Other duties

• To positively promote the work and activities of Action for M.E. at all times.

• To contribute to the team’s overall, ongoing and annual planning and budgeting.

• To undertake any other reasonable activity in line with the responsibilities of the post as requested by the Director of Fundraising and Development, Chief Executive or any other senior Action for ME management.

• Act as an advocate for the Charity and its work.

• To work in accordance with Action for ME’s values of collaboration, equity and empathy.

Are you a social media whizz with a passion for telling powerful stories? Keen to progress in your career in public relations and digital communications while making a real impact in the charity sector? Join Dravet Syndrome UK as a Marketing and Communications Manager (home based,16 hours/week) and bring your creativity and energy to a role where you’ll help shape our online presence, generate meaningful media coverage, and connect communities through engaging content.

Reporting to the Head of Marketing and Communications and working with the Marketing, Communications and Fundraising Manager in this varied position, you’ll drive DSUK’s social media activity, creating and scheduling posts across our social media channels. Alongside engaging online audiences, you’ll be instrumental in our proactive PR work—writing press releases, pitching stories to key media, responding to journalist enquiries, and helping develop compelling family case studies for campaigns. As part of a passionate and supportive team, you’ll collaborate to measure the impact of our communications and marketing work.

If you’re ready to grow your career in communications and want to make a difference for families affected by Dravet syndrome, we want to hear from you.

As part of DSUK’s commitment to safeguarding, the postholder is expected to undertake an enhanced DBS check.

About Dravet Syndrome UK

Dravet Syndrome UK (DSUK) is a small independent UK charity dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by Dravet Syndrome. Dravet Syndrome is a rare neurological condition that affects around one in every 15,000 people in the UK. As well as experiencing severe, difficult-to-control seizures, children and adults with Dravet Syndrome have varying degrees of intellectual disability and a spectrum of associated conditions (known as ‘comorbidities’), which may include autism, ADHD, behaviours that challenge and difficulties with speech, mobility, eating and sleep.

The charity was founded in October 2008 by a small group of 30 families. Today, DSUK is a registered charity helping over 550 families with support, education, and research programmes, underpinned by a world-class Medical Advisory Board.

What you will bring

Essential

· Demonstrable experience in planning and delivering engaging and targeted social media content to build community, raise awareness and drive engagement.

· Hands-on experience managing websites (using WordPress), delivering e-marketing campaigns (e.g. Mailchimp or similar), and applying SEO principles and other techniques to optimise digital communications and online visibility.

· Demonstrable experience in media relations, including writing press releases, working with case studies and successfully pitching and responding to a range of media (online, press, radio, broadcast)

· Demonstrable experience of working in charity, patient advocacy or healthcare sectors

· Ability to deal with people at all levels with empathy, tact and credibility

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to distil large amounts of information and present it in engaging and innovative ways for a variety of audiences

· Demonstrable design skills and knowledge of desktop publishing software e.g. using Canva to create in-house designs for social media and our website

· Act as a brand guardian, ensuring external designers and agencies understand and apply our brand, visual identity, and corporate communications guidelines effectively

· Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritise

· Be a self-starter and team player with experience of remote working, and able to work effectively with colleagues using remote technology (e.g. Zoom, Google meets, etc)

Desirable

· Membership of a professional body such as Chartered Institute of Public Relations and/or a commitment to continuous professional development

 Why join Dravet Syndrome UK?

Join our dynamic and growing charity, where you'll thrive in an exciting and engaging environment. We are proud to be a family-oriented charity experiencing growth and fuelled by an ambitious plan for expansion. Our dedicated team is deeply connected to our core audience, and their motivation stems from witnessing our impact on people's lives. Join us today and contribute to making a lasting difference in the lives of those we support.

The closing date for applications is Wednesday, 24 September 2025, with shortlisting interviews taking place in early October with job to commence November 2025.

Our commitment to diversity

As part of our ambitions to improve equality and diversity, we welcome applications for this role from those who identify under any of the protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010, which include race, age, disability, sex, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage & civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity.

Oxford is excited to invite applications for a newly created role that will lead fundraising for its School of Geography and the Environment (SoGE). The Head of Development will be a key member of the Social Sciences Development team within Development and Alumni Engagement (DAE), who will work closely with SoGE and DAE leadership to establish a small Geography team, and to develop a fundraising strategy that serves the School’s goals and grows its philanthropic support.

SoGE is one of the foremost geography and environment university departments in the world, internationally recognised for the quality of its research and teaching. Geography at the University of Oxford is a large, vibrant and intellectually diverse community comprising the core academic department of the School of Geography and the Environment, its three research centres: the Environmental Change Institute (ECI), the Transport Studies Unit (TSU) and the Smith School of Enterprise and Environment (SSEE) and several geographers based elsewhere in the wider university.

This is a special opportunity to work collaboratively with academic colleagues who craft robust, imaginative and forward-looking answers to pressing questions about the environment, technology, geopolitics and socio-economic change.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced major gifts fundraiser who is looking to grow their career in Higher Education through a senior role combining significant fundraising with management of a small team. You will be a collaborative fundraiser with expertise in major gifts and a strong track record of securing complex philanthropic support. Thriving in a fast-paced environment, you will be a strategic thinker and a skilled operator—communicative, adaptable, and adept at building strong, lasting relationships. Your ability to establish credibility and foster trust across a wide range of internal and external stakeholders will be key to your success, as will be a knowledge of and passion for issues relating to the School’s work, and that of the Social Sciences more broadly. Experience in Higher Education or the charitable sector, as well as of managing staff, is desirable.  Above all, you will share Oxford’s mission and be driven to create meaningful impact through strategic philanthropic partnerships.

What We Offer 

Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as: 

· 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service. 

· One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave. 

· A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle. 

· An excellent contributory pension scheme. 

· Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans. 

· Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs. 

Sponsorship and Right To Work

This role may meet the criteria for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa. The University will meet the cost of the Skilled Worker visa and NHS surcharge for applicants that require a visa. 

Please let us know in your application if you require sponsorship. 

 Application Process 

To apply, please upload: 

· A covering letter/supporting statement 

· Your CV 

· The details of two referees 

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Friday 26 September 2025 

Interviews will take place on Wednesday 8 October 2025 and will be held in person in central Oxford.

The University of Oxford Development and Alumni Engagement Office is committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills and experiences, and reflects the community that we serve. We encourage applicants from all sectors of the community and are especially keen to encourage candidates from under-represented groups to apply.

Position title: Communications Manager

Reports to: Director of Operations

Direct reports: None currently

Key stakeholders: UKMSA staff, members and volunteers, Board of Trustees, Sheds and Shedders, the public

Location: Remote (with occasional UK travel)

Salary: Level 4 – £35,000-£45,000

The Communications Manager plays a vital role in shaping how UK Men’s Sheds Association (UKMSA) communicates, both internally and externally, and with the community at its heart. Operating with a high degree of autonomy and professional expertise, the postholder leads the development and delivery of communication strategies that connect, inform, and inspire.

This is not just a messaging role. Rather, it’s about building trust, clarity, and connection across UKMSA communities. Internally, the Communications Manager helps staff feel informed, included, and united across a remote-working environment. The post holder will coordinate internal communications, shape the tone and culture of how information flows, and ensure the brand is consistently and professionally represented.

With volunteers, especially UKMSA’s Ambassadors, the Communications Manager plays a key part in ensuring people feel heard, valued, and kept in the loop, especially during moments of change or challenge. They will work closely with the Head of Volunteering and the wider team to keep the voices and experiences of Shedders, Sheds and Shed Networks at the centre of UKMSA’s communications.

Externally, the postholder curates and amplifies the stories, impact, and energy of the Shedding movement. They manage the website and social media channels, support the CEO and Chair in their digital visibility, and respond to external enquiries with professionalism and purpose.

This is a mission-driven role that sits at the heart of how UKMSA connects with the world. It requires emotional intelligence, editorial judgement, and a deep appreciation for the unique volunteer-led spirit of the movement. The postholder will be confident working across staff, volunteers, trustees, and media, joining the dots, finding the story, and ensuring communications always reflect UKMSA’s values and community.

Key responsibilities:

1. Internal communications

· Develop and deliver internal communication approaches that ensure staff across a remote-working environment are kept informed, connected, and engaged.

· Coordinate and facilitate regular team meetings, updates, and communications, including all-staff briefings, newsletters, and shared messaging.

· Work with the CEO and senior team to plan in-person staff meetings, designing the content, format and approach so the sessions align with staff and organisational requirements.

· Design and implement mechanisms that foster internal cohesion and trust, drawing on ideas and good practice for remote working teams.

· Work closely with the senior team to ensure that important updates - strategic, operational, or cultural - are communicated in a timely, consistent, and accessible way.

· Uphold and promote a consistent tone of voice across all internal messaging, ensuring that staff understand and reflect UKMSA’s values and identity in how they communicate.

· Working with the Operations Officer, support the creation and internal rollout of branded materials and ensure consistency in logo use, templates, formatting, and professional standards across the organisation.

2. Community and organisational communications

· Act as a key link between staff, trustees, volunteers (particularly Ambassadors), and other internal stakeholders to ensure information is shared clearly, consistently, and inclusively.

· Collaborate with the Head of Volunteering to ensure that UKMSA’s volunteers are kept informed and involved, particularly during organisational updates, change, or key moments.

· Help embed a culture of openness and two-way communication, ensuring volunteers and trustees feel heard, recognised, and informed, and that their contributions are visible and valued.

· Coordinate messaging across staff and teams so that different groups across UKMSA receive the right information, in the right way, at the right time.

· Support senior leaders in maintaining effective communication with the Board of Trustees, including updates, briefings, and key documents.

3. External communications

· Manage and maintain the UKMSA website and social media channels, working with our external web designer to ensure content is accurate, up to date, and aligned with the organisation’s values and tone.

· Source, shape, and share stories from Shedders, volunteers, and communities to celebrate and amplify the impact of the Shedding movement.

· Lead on the production of UKMSA’s regular newsletter Shoulder2Shoulder, Review and develop the newsletter on a regular basis, in collaboration with staff and volunteers.

· Collaborate with staff and volunteers to collect and develop case studies and lived experience content and ensure these are shared meaningfully and respectfully.

· Support the Membership Manager and Director of Income and Investments to ensure any promotional activity for external partners is aligned with UKMSA’s communications strategy, delivers clear value, and is proportionate.

· Support Director of Income and Investments to shape and deliver marketing campaigns and communications aimed at generating income and supporter engagement

· Support the CEO and Chair in their digital communications - drafting content, advising on tone and timing, and increasing the visibility of their leadership voices, in the service of UKMSA.

· Respond to media and external communications queries, draft press releases where appropriate, and act as the first point of contact for general communications enquiries.

· Monitor UKMSA’s external presence and ensure consistency in messaging, tone and branding, across platforms and partners.

Key expertise required:

· Professional communications experience, with a strong track record in planning and delivering internal and external communications in a mission-led or purpose-driven organisation.

· Excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to tailor tone, structure, and content for different audiences: from staff and volunteers to trustees, partners, and the wider public.

· Confidence leading internal communications across a remote or distributed team, including experience developing engaging formats, regular updates, and a shared organisational voice.

· Experience working with or alongside volunteers, trustees, or community stakeholders, and a strong appreciation for the importance of inclusive, two-way communication.

· Brand and tone-of-voice awareness, with the ability to maintain consistency and quality across channels, platforms, and contributors.

· Digital confidence, with experience managing websites (e.g. WordPress), social media channels, and email communications tools (e.g. Mailchimp), and using them strategically to reach different audiences.

· Storytelling and content development skills, with the ability to source, sensitively shape, and amplify stories that reflect lived experience and community impact.

· Strong organisational and planning skills, able to manage multiple priorities, coordinate with colleagues across teams, and deliver work to deadline with attention to detail.

· Collaborative mindset, with the confidence to influence tone, content, and strategy while also being hands-on in delivery and responsive to others’ needs and input.

· Judgement and discretion, with experience handling sensitive information, managing risk in communications, and supporting senior leaders with professional external representation.

· Genuine connection to UKMSA’s mission, with a respectful, values-led approach that centres the role of volunteers and champions the voice of the Shedding movement.

What success looks like:

· Staff feel informed, connected, and part of a shared organisational culture, even while working remotely. Internal updates are timely, engaging, and reflect a consistent tone that supports clarity, trust, and inclusion.

· Volunteers and trustees feel included and valued; they know what’s happening, understand UKMSA’s direction, and feel that communication is a two-way conversation, not a broadcast.

· The organisation’s public-facing communications are professional, values-led, and consistent. Social media, the website, and external content reflect the tone, mission, and energy of the Shedding movement.

· The CEO and Chair have visible, coherent digital profiles, supported with high-quality content and strategic messaging that reflects the voice and values of UKMSA.

· Good news stories from Shedders and communities are regularly shared, boosting the visibility of the movement and building pride and momentum across the network.

· Communications activity is intentional and well-prioritised. There is a clear rhythm to communications, and reactive work is handled without pulling focus from core messaging and strategy.

· The Communications Manager is seen as a trusted and thoughtful voice, able to advise colleagues, manage sensitive messaging, and champion quality and consistency in how UKMSA speaks.

· Volunteers remain central, not just as recipients of messages, but as contributors to and shapers of UKMSA’s communication story.

This job is not:

· This is not a campaigning or advocacy role. The Communications Manager will not be responsible for policy development, public affairs, political engagement, or influencing strategy.

· This is not a research or insight role. While storytelling and community voice are central to this role, the postholder will not be responsible for conducting research, writing reports (although the post-holder will support staff to get their reports right), or managing evaluation processes.

· This is not a marketing or income generation role. Although the postholder will support the visibility and professionalism of UKMSA’s public-facing presence, they will not lead fundraising, product marketing, or commercial campaigns. They will work with the Membership Manager and Director of Income and Investment if this is required.

· This is not a senior strategic leadership role. While the postholder contributes to strategy within their area and works closely with senior colleagues, they are not expected to set or lead cross-organisational strategy.

· This is not a purely reactive or administrative role. The Communications Manager is expected to take initiative, bring ideas, and shape how UKMSA communicates - internally and externally - in proactive and creative ways.

Closing date:-9th October 1200hrs
Interview: 22nd October

In this role, you will:

·Lead on operational systems (HR, recruitment, volunteer processes, policies).

·Manage finance administration, including donations, CRM (Beacon), and Gift Aid claims.

·Project manage BeSpace events and provide admin support to the team.

·Develop and maintain systems for impact tracking, GDPR compliance, and volunteer management.

·Provide communications and social media support.

·Where needed, support on-the-ground delivery of retreats and prayer and reflection spaces in schools.

This role would suit someone with strong organisational and administrative skills, a passion for children’s spiritual development, and a willingness to get stuck into a wide variety of tasks.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Exceptionally organised, with the ability to manage multiple projects.
• Confident using IT systems and willing to learn how to use a CRM (Beacon).

• Able to work independently and collaboratively.
• Flexible, adaptable, and willing to work occasional evenings/weekends.
• Personally committed to BeSpace’s vision, with a strong Christian faith and a desire to see children flourish spiritually.

Experience in HR, finance, events, or charity administration would be an advantage, but we’re open to applicants with transferable skills.

Role Details

• Position: Operations Coordinator
• Location: Remote. Travel required for in person team days 3 - 6 times a year and some travel across Oxfordshire.

·Hours of work: PT 4 days a week. (28 hours) per week. (Flexible for the right candidate)

·Salary: £22,000 – £25,000 (pro rata) depending on experience. 

·Start Date: Flexible between November 2025 and January 2026. 

How to Apply

Please send your CV (maximum 2 pages) with a covering letter (maximum 2 pages) ensuring you explain how you meet the person specification and Job Description, outlining why you would be suitable for this job by demonstrating the skills and abilities you have gained through your education, work experiences and volunteering opportunities. Please include why you would like to work for BeSpace.

Closing Date: 4pm Monday 17th November

Rolling Interviews: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We may invite candidates to interview before the closing date and appoint once a suitable candidate is found.