Community development jobs in Aveley, essex

About us
Providence Row believes that no one should have to sleep rough and that everyone should have access to the support they need to find a safe place to call home.

We work with those affected by homelessness and those vulnerably housed in Tower Hamlets, offering an integrated service of housing advice & support, access to substance use, physical & mental health services, as well as, training & progression programmes. We ensure that people often excluded from mainstream services gain the support and opportunities they need to create a safe, healthy and sustainable life.

The ideal candidate

To be considered for this role, you should be able to:

• Navigating the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, working with people who have a higher complexity in substance use and need additional support from multiple services.
• To work in a trauma informed and person centred way, empowering the client to make informed choices around their care and support
• Conducting street outreach with partner agencies to identify and locate people on your caseloads, who are sleeping rough.
• Managing a caseload of clients
• Attending partner agency meetings relating to rough sleeping & hotspots in the borough.
• Providing targeted harm reduction advice and information to individuals around the risks associated with drug or alcohol use and supporting people to improve their health and wellbeing.
• Signposting individuals to other support services inclusive of substance use, based on individual need.
• Removing the stigma of homelessness and for those who use substances and/or alcohol
• Breaking the barriers of which people experiencing homelessness face, when trying to access needed services

Research shows some people, especially women and marginalised groups, may hesitate to apply unless they match all the criteria. However, we want to assure everyone that we encourage applications from all individuals, regardless of whether they fulfil every point in the job description. Your unique perspective matters to us – please apply with confidence.

Benefits

• 27 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Season ticket loan
• Employee assistance programme
• Access to shopping discounts
• Learning & development opportunities
• Monthly reflective practice 

To apply:  Please upload your CV with a covering letter detailing how you meet the job specification by 11 December 2025 at 23:30.

Interviews
Please note that we may interview on a rolling basis and therefore encourage early applications.

Providence Row is a charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales; company number 07452798 registered charity number 1140192.

We are recruiting for two opportunities: one Permanent position and one Fixed-Term (12 months) position.

This role sits within our Connecting Communities service, which is an element of the larger Mental Health and Wellbeing Service in Tower Hamlets. The post holder will be committed to supporting our clients through their recovery and developing greater resilience and wellbeing. This role will offer a personalised approach to accessing welfare and housing-related advice and information, through casework, workshops and advice surgeries.

What you’ll do 

• Provide welfare benefits and housing advice to support people with mental health challenges to live independently in the community.
• Help clients understand and resolve issues related to welfare benefits and ensure they receive their correct entitlements.
• Run workshops, groups, and advice surgeries on welfare benefits and related topics, such as money management.
• Work collaboratively with the Connecting Communities team, mental health services, housing associations, and other providers to support welfare benefits enquiries, referrals, and training needs.

This is an exciting opportunity to join The National Brain Appeal, a highly ambitious neurological charity with an outstanding track record. We have raised significant funds to transform research and care for people living with neurological conditions – from dementia and brain tumours to motor neurone disease and epilepsy.

Building on the success of our recent appeals, this role will play a pivotal part in expanding our major gifts fundraising and delivering a step-change in the impact of our work. We are seeking a highly experienced philanthropy and partnerships professional with a proven track record in generating major gifts up to figures, who will lead the creation of a new Development Board and work closely with senior supporters, clinicians and researchers to grow and deepen our networks.

Westway Trust are seeking a dedicated and experienced Nursery and Crèche Services Manager with a track record of managing a Good or Outstanding Oftsed rated Early Years’ service, who will be committed to supporting and enhancing the lives of children in the North Kensington community.

This role is key to positioning the Trust as a provider of affordable, vital and culturally appropriate services.  Reporting to the Senior Manager Learning, you will lead and manage on all aspects of the Trust’s nursery and crèche services, ensuring the highest standards of health, safety, safeguarding, and Ofsted requirements are met.  You will manage a team of full and part-time staff and will build strong partnerships with families and the local community. You will be a confident communicator working closely with statutory regulators, commissioners, partners and stakeholders.

If you have a passion for making a positive difference in young people lives, as well as developing and managing a team, this role could be for you.

This is a full-time post however job share will be considered

Key responsibilities of the role include but are not limited to:

• Manage the staff team to deliver the Nursery and Crèche services.
• Liaison with all relevant members of staff to ensure maximising the team’s opportunities for employment, personal and professional development and organisational engagement.
• Develop, monitor and review activities to ensure high standards of childcare and learning.
• Quality assure and develop and improve services to maintain and improve our Ofsted position.
• Attend budget planning with the finance team to ensure a full understanding of the budget; good budget management and a strong out-turn in line with the growth strategy.
• Keep appropriate records of all children and account for their social and individual developmental needs.
• Monitor and report against the delivery objectives of the service providing observation and feedback to Nursery and Crèche workers so that they can improve their own direct planning and delivery and qualifications.
• Provide data as required for reporting internally to your line manager and through the Trusts Governance, and externally.

Qualifications:

• Relevant qualification in childcare at a minimum Level 4.
• Level 3 Safeguarding qualification

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• Minimum 2 years’ experience of managing a Nursery with experience of all the relevant duties, monitoring, reporting and quality improvement.
• Experience of being the main contact for Ofsted.
• A track record of working collaboratively with colleagues, partners and stakeholders to develop successful partnerships, growth, and achieve joint success.
• Strong experience of planning ahead, scheduling, attention to detail and problem solving.
• Experience of managing staff and supporting their development.
• Experience of managing resources and budgets.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and experience of writing reports.
• Knowledge of Safeguarding.
• Experience of delivering a service that demonstrates an understanding of different cultures.
• An understanding of the issues facing North Kensington and a track record of working alongside beneficiary communities (desirable)

The application deadline is Sunday 11 January 2026 when applications will be reviewed and shortlisted for interview.  However, we reserve the right to close the application early.  An early application is strongly recommended.

Please apply directly from our website.

We're looking for a organised, proactive and resilient Referral and Operational Development Manager to join our Complex Specialist Services.

£44,000.00 per annum, working 35 hours per week.

Want to feel like you have an exciting future? You'll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

Our benefits include:
* Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
* Free DBS
* Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
* Fully paid induction programme and further training
* ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
* Cycle to work scheme
* Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
* Online wellbeing resources
* A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
* Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

The Referral and Operational Development Manager will play a pivotal role in supporting the Managing Director with new business development, coordinating and managing referrals, assessments, tenancies and transitions for our customers with learning disabilities and autism.

The working pattern for this role is:Monday - Friday 9am-5pm

What you'll do:
Referral & Assessment Coordination
* Monitor and respond to referrals from external sources and direct contacts.
* Maintain a current tracking system for referral clarity and produce regular reports.
* Analyse referral data to identify local commissioning needs and growth opportunities.
* Work with managers on person-centered assessments covering care needs, environmental suitability, risk management, and transition planning.
* Complete and submit needs assessments with costings and support package requirements.
* Coordinate the assessment process and internal referral meetings.
* Develop a responsive referral and assessment pathway aligned with best practice.
* Act as the first point of contact for stakeholders ensuring timely and responsive communication.

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead

About you:
* Strong understanding of the learning disability and autism sector, including CQC regulations.
* Proven ability to build professional relationships with stakeholders.
* Strong understanding of sector
* Ability to manage staff effectively

What you'll bring:
Essential:
* Experience in assessments, referrals, and placement coordination within supported living or health and social care settings.
* Knowledge of brokerage, purchasing systems, and commissioning portals.
* Ability to write reports for the senior management team
* Understanding of residential and supported living service models.
* Familiarity with funding processes and financial negotiations.
* Experience of working with costing models for placement pricing
* Experience of managing staff and services in social care or health

Desirable:
* Knowledge of how local authorities, councils and ICBs commission and agree services.
* Experience with Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) and trauma-informed practice.
* Understanding of complex needs, forensic histories, and dual diagnoses.

About us:
Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.

We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:

We focus on Excellence and innovation.
We are Caring and Compassionate.
We are Inclusive and Trusted.
We work in Partnership and are One-Team.

Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

Please see our website for full Job description

Migrants Organise is seeking an experienced and values-driven Co-Director to join our leadership team and work closely with our CEO and the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to strengthen Migrants Organise’s organisational infrastructure, support growth and sustainability.

This is a pivotal leadership role that combines strategic vision, grassroots solidarity movement building with hands-on management. The Co-Director will contribute to key aspects of organisational development, including strategic leadership, fundraising and financial management, staff management and development, governance, and capacity building of our grassroots membership to ensure that our mission and movement values are reflected in our internal systems, culture and external impact.

About us

Rainforest Foundation UK (RFUK) is a values-driven organisation working with Indigenous Peoples and local communities to protect the world’s rainforests and uphold their human rights. Since 1989, RFUK has partnered with forest peoples and grassroots organisations to secure land rights, challenge destructive industries, and influence laws and policies that safeguard forests and the people who depend on them.

Our mission is clear: to combine human rights and environmental protection to tackle deforestation. From the Congo Basin to the Amazon, our work has helped communities protect millions of hectares of rainforest. With a growing team of passionate advocates for social and environmental justice, we are committed to scaling up our impact to confront the accelerating climate and biodiversity crises.

About the role

As Fundraising Officer, you’ll play a key role in supporting RFUK’s income generation and donor engagement strategies. Working closely with the Senior Fundraising Coordinator, you’ll contribute to a range of activities—from researching trusts and foundations, assisting with grant applications, and managing donor care, to supporting events like the London Marathon and helping implement our digital engagement strategy.

This is a part-time role (21 hours per week), fixed-term for 12 months with the possibility of extension. Based in London with hybrid working options, we offer flexibility, a supportive culture, and the chance to make a lasting difference.

About you

You’re an organised and proactive individual with demonstrable experience in fundraising, ideally within a charity or international development context. You have excellent communication skills, a strong eye for detail, and confidence in using CRM systems and digital tools to manage donor relationships. You thrive on collaboration, can juggle multiple tasks, and are committed to RFUK’s values of environmental and social justice.

If you’re passionate about protecting rainforests and supporting Indigenous communities, we’d love to hear from you.

Job description and benefits

Please download the full job description. We offer 30 days annual leave (pro rata), 4% pension contributions, Employee Assistance Programme, learning and development allowance, and four weeks of work-from-anywhere flexibility.

Location

Hybrid role based in our Bethnal Green office. The postholder would usually be required to work in the office a minimum of one day per week during their probation period. This can be reviewed with their Line Manager thereafter.

Application Process

To submit your application, kindly complete the online application form by Monday 12th January 2026, by 9AM. Please be aware that the form will be anonymised for review by the panel.

Please note that CVs will not be considered.

Regrettably, due to the large number of applications we usually receive, it is not possible to write to you should you not be shortlisted for an interview. If you have not heard from us within 10 days of the closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion. 

Interviews with shortlisted candidates will be held on 28th January 2026. Please let us know in your application if you are available to attend an online interview.

About The Role

We have an exciting opportunity for 3 enthusiastic and dedicated people to join the Westminster Mental Health Pathway to support clients who are supported by community mental health teams and may have a history of homelessness and complex psychological and mental health issues. You will be joining a team dedicated to providing clients with a safe environment in which to build their confidence and promote opportunities for positive change to inspire hope and bring about real and lasting change for our clients. 

In the role of Recovery Worker you will oversee a caseload of clients, working with a person centered approach towards their individual recovery. You will provide essential support and advice; empowering them to make relevant changes to thrive in their community. You will also work in partnership with a multi-disciplinary team of support staff, specialist staff and external partners and will be responsible for providing guidance and support to our residents, staff and visitors. 

Recovery Workers work flexibly on weekly shift rotas that include evenings, weekends and bank holidays.

About you

We believe in lived experience; we are looking for inspirational, committed individuals who have the ability to use their own experience to provide encouraging; empathetic and consistent support to vulnerable people.

This role will suit those with personal experience of homelessness, mental health issues and distress and who may have used homelessness, mental health, criminal justice; alcohol use, substance use, and/or recovery services. In addition to:  

• The understanding and experience of mental health models such as Person Centered Approach and Open Dialogue. 

• Strong communication, influencing and reasoning skills and the ability to network and build effective relationships with a variety of different people. 

• Excellent organisation, and problem solving skills and the ability to manage your workload and prioritise effectively. 

How to apply

To view the job description and guidance on completing your application form, please click on the ‘document’ tab on the advert page on our website.

To find out more and apply please go to the St Mungo’s careers page on our website.

Closing date: 10am on 5th January 2026 

Interview and assessments on:20th & 21st January 2026 

What we offer

• Excellent Development and Growth Opportunities
• A Diverse and Inclusive Workplace
• Great Pay and Other Benefits

We are recruiting our first Fundraising Manager, to help us grow AEC’s income, with a focus on trusts and foundations, and corporate partners. This is an exciting opportunity to shape a new fundraising function, delivering effective fundraising activity that directly impacts the lives of young people in one of London’s most deprived boroughs.

In return for you bringing us your passion for our mission, we can offer:

• High visibility – you’ll see the impact of your work every week in the lives of the young people we support.
• A blank canvas – shape our fundraising strategy and pipeline from the start.
• Supportive leadership – work closely with a passionate Director and engaged trustees.
• Flexibility – hybrid working, adaptable hours and autonomy in managing your workload.
• Values-led culture – warm, collaborative, child-focused and community rooted.
• Strong story to tell – AEC has a 30+ year history, proven impact and inspiring outcomes.

Our story:

Ascension Eagles Cheerleaders (AEC) is a youth charity east London; we are one of the UK’s top competitive cheerleading programmes, operating out of our "Talent Central" gym in Newham. Founded in 1996, our mission is to empower young people to reach their full potential, regardless of their background, ability or economic circumstances.

We supplement our sport programmes with mentoring, educational activities and leadership training - everything we do is about helping young people to develop life skills, confidence and positive values (consistency; integrity; perseverance; persistence) to help them become the best that they can be.

At Talent Central, over 150 young people take part in our recreational and competitive activities each week. Our inclusive approach extends to our Special Education Needs (SEN) team, ensuring young people with disabilities can also participate and thrive. Alongside this, our schools’ outreach programme reaches more than 250 children weekly. Each year, we also welcome hundreds of athletes who train at our gym, including England’s National Cheerleading Team.

We provide a safe, supportive environment where young people can grow in confidence, resilience and teamwork.

What you will be responsible for as our Fundraising Manager:

• Developing a clear fundraising framework and working with our trustees to shape our fundraising strategy
• Researching and securing funding from trusts, foundations, corporate partners and relevant networks
• Writing strong, persuasive funding applications and engaging impact reports
• Building and stewarding long-term relationships with funders, potential partners, businesses and networks, and exploring opportunities for collaboration
• Exploring new income streams to help deliver our mission, including digital fundraising and community giving
• Tracking engagement using a CRM system
• Helping to ensure our organisational policies are appropriate for funders' compliance
• Reporting on progress to the Director and trustees, ensuring transparency and good governance.

This role combines strategic development (30%) and hands-on delivery (70%) - ideal for a proactive fundraiser who enjoys both planning and doing.

This job is for you if you:

• are a proactive, self-starter and are motivated by delivering results
• are highly organised, with strong attention to detail and excellent communication skills
• thrive in a varied role and have the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• enjoy meeting people - you are confident with networking, public speaking, and relationship-building
• have excellent bid writing and reporting skills, and a proven track record of securing income across multiple streams (grants, partnerships, events)
• are values-driven, with a passion for youth development
• enjoy flexible hours and hybrid working.

Good to know:

• You will report to: The Director of AEC and the Board of Trustees
• Location: Hybrid; ability to work from home,  with occasional meetings at our gym in Newham, London  and attendance at donor meetings/networking events, etc
• Hours: Part-time - 2 or 3 days per week (to be agreed with the successful candidate)
• Salary: £30,000–£35,000 per annum (full time equivalent salary)
• Annual leave: 28 days per annum FTE (will be pro-rated based on agreed work days)
• Pension: Defined contribution scheme, with employer matching available

Criminal record check: Please note that as an organisation working with young people, we have specific safeguarding responsibilities and it is our policy to conduct background checks on all our employees.  You will be asked to complete a criminal record disclosure.

How to apply: Click the CharityJob Apply button below. You’ll be asked to submit a CV, tell us why you'd love to help us deliver our mission and answer a few short screening questions.

Closing date: Please make sure we receive your application by 1700hrs on Friday 23 January 2026.

Interviews: Interviews will be held online on Friday 23 January and Friday 30 January 2026.

The Information Manager is a pivotal senior role within The Migraine Trust—responsible for shaping and developing all health information produced by the organisation. This role ensures that our information is accurate, accessible, evidence‑based and meets the highest national standards, including oversight of our Patient Information Forum (PIF TICK) accreditation. The health information we produce covers a wide range of topics from migraine treatments, management of migraine, latest research and migraine triggers. There is also an ongoing need to scope new information needs and, where identified, produce new information. The depth of health information we currently have and will produce in the future ensures that this role will offer plenty of opportunities to work with a range of stakeholders on a variety of information topics. We currently hold PIF TICK certification, which will be part of this role to maintain. You will help us maintain the quality of our health information and ensure that we comply with the charity’s writing style and branding.

Acting as the charity’s subject‑matter expert on migraine information, the postholder plays a vital strategic role in influencing organisational priorities, ensuring the public, healthcare professionals, policymakers and wider stakeholders have access to accurate, impactful and up‑to‑date content.

This role directly contributes to the Trust’s strategic ambitions by:

• Strengthening public understanding of migraine
• Reducing stigma and misinformation
• Improving healthcare navigation and outcomes
• Supporting clinical and policy change
• Enhancing organisational reach

Key tasks and responsibilities

Producing and maintaining quality information

Manage The Migraine Trust’s provision of health information in line with the charity’s annual planning cycle and the PIF TICK accreditation.  This will include: -

· Lead The Migraine Trust’s health information portfolio, ensuring alignment to annual plans, organisational strategy, and PIF TICK quality standards

· Manage the full lifecycle of health information—from scoping and research to writing, expert review, design and publication

· Reviewing and updating existing information content, ensuring it is accurate, up-to-date, accessible and produced in consultation with service users and people with lived experience, relevant medical advisors, health care professionals, the charity’s staff and other relevant specialists and organisations when appropriate

· Identify emerging gaps in information and lead the development of new materials

· Identify and engage with target groups identified in our three year strategy to identify need and produce associated materials

· Support staffs learning and build knowledge of migraine

Build key strategic partnerships to assist us in disseminating information on migraine.

· Champion the use of world class health information within the organisation, as well as displaying a high level of expertise around all our health information content

· Build and maintain strategic partnerships with healthcare professionals, professional bodies, and charity sector organisations to increase reach and influence

· Represent the charity externally as a health information expert at conferences and events

· Help to support our busy communications team to help provide messaging content for videos, blogs, responses to media requests etc

· Take responsibility for the provision of printed information materials to ensure we can continue to provide resources to suit demand, in a cost-effective manner

· Work with the communications team to identify creative and accessible ways to disseminate our information to a variety of audience

· Work closely with our valued volunteer group to gain feedback and direction on all aspects of our health information

· Explore opportunities of coproduction with other charities to further our reach

Support the evaluation and impact reporting of our information provision by regularly monitoring its use using a variety of evaluation methods and produce timely and accurate reports for both internal and external use.

· Updating and maintaining the health information web pages

· Lead the monitoring and evaluation of all health information outputs

· Produce impact reports and insights to inform strategic decision‑making, fundraising proposals, research priorities and service development

· Maintain and continuously improve data‑driven approaches to evaluating reach, accessibility and effectiveness of health information

· Keep up to date with relevant information and research on migraine

· Work with external suppliers such as designers, printers

Research

A very small aspect of this role is to be the focal point for our research administration which will include:

· Being the key point of communication and support for the research committee

· Manage administrative duties relating to new applications for research funding and current grant holders

· Co-ordinate and send out papers for research meetings (once a year maximum)

· Liaising with researchers funded by the charity and ensuring project reporting is up to date

· Liaise with the AMRC as and when appropriate

Other

· Represent the charity at appropriate external events for both the public and healthcare professionals

· Build relationships with healthcare professionals, external stakeholders and members of our community

· You may be asked to work outside of office hours or travel within the UK

· Be a supportive and participatory senior member of the team

· Abide by the charity’s policies, practices and core values

· Support diversity and equality of opportunity in the workplace.

• • nsuring project reporting is up to date
  • Liaise with the AMRC as and when appropriate

We are a charity representing and advocating for people living with dyslexia. Our mission is simple but powerful: to influence government and institutions so that society becomes truly dyslexia-friendly – enabling individuals of all ages to reach their full potential.

This is a key role leading our parliamentary engagement and policy development, ensuring that dyslexic children, young people, families, and adults have a strong voice in Westminster, Whitehall, and across the UK. Working closely with senior leaders, campaigns and media colleagues, and external partners, you’ll help shape policy and drive change in education, health, and employment.

Your work will make sure policymakers understand the barriers dyslexic people face - and the evidence-based solutions we champion. You’ll ensure our positions are grounded in lived experience, research, and best practice, and that our engagement is proactive, impactful, and aligned with our mission.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and deliver a parliamentary engagement strategy to advance our policy priorities.
• Build and maintain relationships with MPs, Peers, Ministers, advisers, and civil servants.
• Provide timely briefings and strategic advice to senior leaders.
• Monitor political developments and identify opportunities for early influence.
• Lead policy research and produce clear, evidence-informed recommendations.
• Represent the charity at events, roundtables, and forums.
• Work collaboratively across teams to ensure policy insights inform campaigns and communications.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven, up-to-date experience in public affairs, parliamentary engagement, or a related policy-influencing role, with a  strong track record of delivering impact.
• Strong understanding of UK parliamentary and governmental processes.
• Excellent communication skills—able to translate complex issues into clear, compelling messages.
• Political awareness, strategic thinking, and confident networking ability.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and a passion for improving outcomes for dyslexic people.

Please review the full job description for complete details about the role, responsibilities, and person specification before applying.

Why Join Us?

This is your chance to make a real difference – shaping policy, influencing decision-makers, and helping create a society where dyslexic people can thrive. You’ll work in a collaborative, supportive environment with colleagues who share your passion for positive change.

Closing date: 14 January 2026 (5pm). We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received, so we encourage you to apply early.

Use of AI in Applications
We value the unique experience and perspective each candidate brings. While we understand that AI tools can be helpful in drafting applications, they can sometimes result in responses that feel generic or impersonal. This makes it harder for us to get a true sense of you.

To help your application stand out, we encourage you to write your responses in your own words. If you do use AI tools to support your writing, please treat the generated content as a starting point rather than a final answer. Make sure your application genuinely reflects your experience and voice.

About us

Rainforest Foundation UK (RFUK) is a values‑driven organisation working with Indigenous Peoples and local communities to protect the world’s rainforests and uphold their human rights. Since 1989, RFUK has partnered with forest peoples and grassroots organisations to secure land rights, challenge destructive industries, and influence laws and policies that safeguard forests and the people who depend on them.

Our mission is clear: to combine human rights and environmental protection to tackle deforestation. From the Congo Basin to the Amazon, our work has helped communities protect millions of hectares of rainforest. With a growing team of passionate advocates for social and environmental justice, we are committed to scaling up our impact to confront the accelerating climate and biodiversity crises.

About the role

Do you want to lead transformative fundraising and communications strategies that make a global impact?

As Head of Fundraising and Communications, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping RFUK’s external profile and driving income growth to support our ambitious 2033 vision: scaling up community-led protection of tropical forests. Reporting to the Executive Director, you’ll oversee strategic communications and fundraising, manage a small team, and work closely with colleagues across programmes and operations.

This is a senior leadership position where no two days are the same—whether you’re crafting compelling narratives, engaging major donors, or amplifying the voices of Indigenous communities on the global stage.

The role is full-time, permanent, and based in London with hybrid working options. We offer flexibility, a supportive culture, and the chance to make a lasting difference.

About you

You’re an experienced leader with a proven track record in both strategic communications and fundraising. You’re a creative communicator who can turn complex issues into persuasive, accessible messages that drive change and support for our mission. You know how to secure significant income from foundations, corporates, individuals and major donors, and you’re confident in building long-term relationships with diverse stakeholders. You thrive on collaboration, motivate teams to achieve ambitious goals, and bring resilience and cultural sensitivity to everything you do.

If you’re passionate about social and environmental justice and ready to help shape RFUK’s future, we’d love to hear from you.

Job description and benefits

Please download the full job description. We offer 30 days annual leave, 4% pension contributions, Employee Assistance Programme, learning and development allowance and four weeks of work-from-anywhere flexibility.

Location

Hybrid role based in our Bethnal Green office. The postholder would usually be required to work in the office a minimum of two days per week during their probation period. This can be reviewed with their Line Manager thereafter. RFUK can sponsor a Skilled Worker Visa for the successful candidate if required.

Application process

To submit your application, kindly complete the online application form by Friday 16th January 2026, by 9AM. Please be aware that the form will be anonymised for review by the panel.

Please note that CVs will not be considered.

Regrettably, due to the large number of applications we usually receive, it is not possible to write to you should you not be shortlisted for an interview. If you have not heard from us within 10 days of the closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.

Interviews with shortlisted candidates will be held on 29th January 2026. Please let us know in your application if you are available to attend an online interview.

Location: London Hybrid (1-2 days per week in London office)
Interview date: w/c 19th January 2026 

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. And that impact can be felt by entire family. 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 their voices heard and their unique needs understood, so they can get the right care and support at the right time

About the role

We are excited to be looking for someone with expertise in high value fundraising communications and project management to join our growing Philanthropy and Partnerships team. This role is central to ensuring our fundraisers are equipped with the tools, assets, and information they need to fundraise efficiently and effectively through every step of the donor journey

This exciting role will play key part in helping to drive our ambitious plans to grow Young Lives vs Cancer’s high value (for us, this means income from major donors, grant-making trusts & foundations, and companies) income to £8m net by 2028.

In this role, you will work on a variety of projects from concept stage through to delivery that will help create a step change in the pace and scale at which the team can attract, engage, secure and retain support from high value audiences.

You will also lead on the delivery of  an exceptional high-value stewardship and cultivation strategy, ensuring every supporter experiences a personalised, impactful journey. This includes developing innovative engagement opportunities, showcasing the tangible difference their support makes, and building deep, trust-based relationships that inspire long-term commitment. You will champion best-in-class stewardship practices, leveraging insight and creativity to strengthen connections and unlock transformational giving.

This role is ideal for a curious, creative and collaborative individual who is committed to delivering exceptional supporter experiences. If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.   

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 the job description.

Main responsibilities

• Create and maintain a suite of clear and compelling written and designed communications including funding propositions, toolkits and cases for support to secure six and seven figure gifts from high value audiences.
• Coordinate stewardship moments across Philanthropy and Partnerships aligned to key calendar events throughout the year.
• Being responsible for development and overseeing an exciting stewardship and cultivation strategy and action plan for newly identified and top prospects, designed to support the delivery of targets and KPIs around high value fundraising development and income growth.
• Support the development of a culture of philanthropy across the organisation by helping colleagues understand and engage with high-value fundraising. This includes keeping internal teams informed about donor impact, sharing updates through meetings and internal channels, and responding promptly to requests for information. You will help coordinate materials, prepare briefings, and assist with internal events that showcase the importance of philanthropy, ensuring everyone feels connected to and invested in our fundraising success.
• Ensure accurate and timely updating of donor stewardship activities and communications in the fundraising CRM, supporting effective donor journey tracking and reporting.

What do I need? 

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.

Knowledge and skills

• Strong understanding of visual design principles and highly skilled in using Canva and other similar programme to design and create engaging fundraising assets.
• Knowledge of philanthropy & partnerships fundraising including an understanding of the different high value audiences and typical motivations for giving.
• Outstanding writing skills e.g. copy writing, proofreading and editing with the ability to adapt messaging for different high value audiences.
• Strong planning and organisational skills; able to work with tight deadlines.

Demonstrable experience of:

• Writing winning bids, applications, proposals or reports for at least one of our high value audiences e.g. companies, trusts and foundations, or high net worth individuals.
• End-to-end project management.
• Developing and managing relationships with multiple internal stakeholders to deliver results.
• Experience working with fundraising CRMs, with a strong understanding of how to record, track and report on donor interactions and stewardship activities.

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, Thinking & Growth Days: four days a year to to step back from the day-to-day and focus on your own learning and development
• 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.

We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. CVs can be uploaded, but we won't be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to fully complete the work history sections of the online application form for us to be able to assess you quickly, fairly and objectively.

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 Liam Mills. 

#ShowTheSalary #NonGraduatesWelcome

We are seeking an inspiring and strategic leader to drive the growth of our philanthropy programme as we deliver our most ambitious strategy yet including a new £200m Global Cancer Appeal for a major development in Chelsea. You’ll lead and motivate a high-performing team, while also managing a personal portfolio and securing large value gifts. This is a unique opportunity to make a real difference for people affected by cancer, working alongside passionate colleagues and dedicated supporters.

What you’ll be doing

• Lead the Philanthropy strategy and drive growth across all high‑value income streams
• Identify, cultivate and solicit major supporters to secure high value donations aligned to agreed targets, including the £200m Global Cancer Appeal.
• Recruit and work with Appeal Board members, senior volunteers and trustees to progress prospects and secure transformational gifts.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including senior clinical leaders, to shape compelling fundraising priorities and packages.
• Work with the Head of Philanthropy & Special Events and the Head of Trusts, Stewardship and Philanthropy Communications to lead, motivate and inspire our high-performing teams
• Contribute to charity‑wide leadership, governance and risk management; deputise for the Associate Director as appropriate.

About you

You bring a well‑established, highly successful career in high‑value philanthropy, with:

• A proven record of securing seven‑figure and above gifts, and developed expertise in high‑value acquisition and relationship management.
• Experience in identifying, recruiting and managing senior volunteers, and working credibly with donors, board members, VIPs and ambassadors.
• Strategic leadership of senior fundraisers and teams, driving performance, culture and process change.
• Significant budget accountability (c.£1m+), high numeracy and the ability to interpret financial reports and KPIs.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills; confident handling complex, sensitive and confidential information.
• Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, embedding inclusive practice across fundraising.

What we offer:

• Hybrid working between home and Chelsea with occasional travel to Sutton.
• Flexible working around our core hours of 10am to 4pm
• 27 days annual leave rising with length of service
• Up to 6% employer contributions subject to matched contribution from you (increasing with length of service)
• Training, support and development opportunities
• Access to the blue light discount scheme and other discounts opportunities
• Access to subsidised staff restaurants, on-site yoga and wellbeing classes, staff choir and much more
• Range of wellbeing initiatives including access to an employee assistance programme designed to save money and improve your physical, financial and mental health and wellbeing, access to free online GP appointments and free eye tests and contribution towards any glasses required for work purposes

Inclusion Matters

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

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