Community development officer jobs in edinburgh
Shape the future of the voice of the rare condition community.
Genetic Alliance UK is looking for an exceptional Director of Engagement and Impact to transform how we connect with our 220+ member organisations, communicate our mission, and foster a thriving, supportive team culture.
If you’re a strategic leader with a gift for building relationships, crafting compelling messages, and creating positive change, this is your opportunity to make a lasting difference for the 3.5 million people in the UK affected by genetic, rare and undiagnosed conditions.
Director of Engagement and Impact
Salary: £55,167 – £63,654 (with new starters usually starting at the lower end of the range)
Location: Home-based, UK (occasional travel required)
Contract: Permanent, full-time (35 hours per week) with applications for up to 28 hours per week considered.
Closing date: 09:00 on Monday 22 Sept 2025
About Genetic Alliance UK
Genetic Alliance UK is the national charity working to improve the lives of the 3.5 million people in the UK affected by genetic, rare and undiagnosed conditions. We are an alliance of over 220 charities and support groups, bringing together patient voices to campaign for timely diagnosis, better care, and improved access to treatments. We host Rare Disease UK and SWAN UK, and lead national activity for Rare Disease Day.
About the role
This is a new senior leadership position designed to strengthen our membership engagement, amplify our communications impact, and support a positive, collaborative working culture.
As part of our Senior Management Team, you will:
-
Lead and develop our approach to engaging and supporting our diverse membership.
-
Provide strategic oversight for all communications, ensuring our messages are clear, consistent and impactful across multiple audiences.
-
Champion and embed systems for staff performance, development and wellbeing, ensuring our culture is inclusive, supportive, and sustainable.
You will oversee the Head of Membership and Communications, the Communications and Engagement Manager (SWAN UK), and two new posts (Communications Officer and Project Support Officer). You will also provide operational oversight of SWAN UK, and work closely with the Policy, Public Affairs and Research teams to maximise impact.
About you
We are looking for a strategic leader who combines a talent for building relationships with outstanding communication skills. You will bring experience of leading teams, delivering organisational change, and working effectively with diverse stakeholders. You will be comfortable navigating the needs of a membership organisation, and passionate about making a tangible difference for people living with rare conditions.
What we offer
-
Generous pension (5% employer, 3% employee)
-
25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and full office closure over Christmas/New Year
-
Flexible, home-based working with occasional UK travel.
-
The opportunity to lead work that has a direct and lasting impact for people affected by rare conditions
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Finance Assistant
We are seeking an experienced Finance Assistant with strong bookkeeping skills to join the central finance team of a growing international charity working at the intersection of cultural heritage and community development.
Position: Finance Assistant
Location: Remote (UK-based)
Contract: Fixed-term, 6 months (with possibility of extension)
Hours: Part-time (0.4 FTE / 15 hours per week – must be available on Mondays)
Salary:Circa £30,000 per annum, depending on experience
Closing Date:21st September 2025 at 11.59pm
About the Role
Working as part of the charity’s central finance team, the Finance Assistant will help ensure the integrity of financial records and play a key role in maintaining accurate and timely bookkeeping for the UK.
You will be responsible for recording and reconciling transactions, processing invoices and payments, maintaining ledgers, and assisting with audit schedules. This is a highly detail-oriented role, requiring excellent accuracy, organisation, and the ability to work independently in a fully remote environment.
Key responsibilities include:
- Recording USD and GBP bank, MoneyCorp, and PayPal entries in QuickBooks
- Monthly reconciliation of all UK bank, MoneyCorp, and PayPal accounts
- Reviewing and processing supplier invoices and expense claims, including setting up payments
- Setting up multi-currency payments for international offices and maintaining creditors ledgers
- Maintaining UK debtors and creditors ledgers
- Recording and reconciling corporate credit card transactions
- Reconciling specified balance sheet accounts monthly
- Assisting with audit schedules and financial reporting
About You
The ideal candidate will be methodical, accurate, and proactive, with significant bookkeeping experience and strong QuickBooks skills. You will be comfortable working remotely, with excellent communication and organisational skills, and the ability to manage your workload effectively.
Key skills and experience required:
- Significant bookkeeping experience with excellent understanding of double entry
- Strong experience using QuickBooks
- Understanding of multi-currency accounting
- Methodical approach with outstanding attention to detail and high accuracy
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Strong organisational skills, able to work independently in a remote environment
Desirable:
- Understanding of charity finance regulations and practices
- Cross-cultural understanding and experience working with dispersed teams
How to Apply
To apply, please send a CV and a statement (no longer than 2 pages) outlining why you are the right person for this role.
About the Organisation
The employer is a British charity founded in 2006 that believes artisanal heritage matters and has the power to transform lives. The charity supports artisans to thrive, revitalise endangered traditions, and connect people across the world through heritage.
The organisation is fast-growing, with offices in Afghanistan, Myanmar, Saudi Arabia, and the Levant, and employs over 400 staff worldwide. With both charitable and trading operations, they deliver an ambitious, wide-ranging programme of work in complex and sometimes conflict-affected regions.
You may have experience in areas such as: Finance Officer, Bookkeeper, Assistant Accountant, Accounts Assistant, Finance Administrator, Accounts Payable/Receivable Clerk.
PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Head of Internal Audit
We’re looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join the team as the internal auditor.
Applications from individuals who are seeking flexible working options, including reduced hours or job shares are welcomed.
Position: SIT60 Head of Internal Audit
Location: Home-based. However, occasional travel will be required as part of this role (may include team meetings or other work-related meetings)
Salary: Circa £33,500 (FTE circa £51k) (inner London weighting £2,595 pro rata or outer London weighting £1,495 pro rata may be applied in accordance with where you live)
Hours: Part-time, 23 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Benefits: 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (this will increase with service up to 30 days, full time equivalent) cashback and discount scheme, employee assistance programme, learning and development, pension scheme, Life Assurance, Eye Care vouchers, Long Service Award, Tax-free childcare, Health Cash Plan, Working Pattern Agreement, flexible working opportunities available.
Closing Date: 10 October 2025. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.
Interview Date: 21 October 2025. Depending on the outcome a second interview may be arranged.
Interviews will be held via video conferencing. Please let us know if this will present any challenges when you email your application.
The Role
The role reports to the Associate Director of Legal and Governance, with an independent reporting line to the Chair of the Finance Committee.
The role will provide a comprehensive programme of internal audits into the activities of our charity and will report to our Finance Committee with recommendations for improvement. This is a crucial role in safeguarding the charity’s assets and reputation.
Key responsibilities will include:
- To establish effective and robust operational and strategic Internal Audit plans for the Charity and to report on progress of the plan
- To carry out the Internal Audits within the Internal Audit Plan, within the agreed timetable and budget shown in the Plan, to report on them, to present them to Board and Committee meetings and to monitor progress.
- To liaise with externally sourced providers of internal audit services in support of the role and for conducting internal audits into specialist areas of activity of the charity (such as IT arrangements).
- To maintain a strong working relationship with the Finance Committee, its Chair and the Chief Executive and to act as a Business Partner to all Executive Directors in relation to internal audit.
- To contribute to the Charity’s efforts to avoid fraud, including by advising on new policies and to lead on fraud investigations where appropriate
- To ensure a joined-up approach to both the external and internal audit work, minimising duplication and feeding into the external audit risk assessment.
- To liaise effectively with colleagues to ensure any potential new financial systems have adequate consideration of internal controls.
- To keep up to date with Internal Audit practice and developments and advise the Charity in relation to internal audit matters.
About You
You will have:
- A qualification in internal audit or accounting (e.g. CIA, MIIA, AAT, ACCA, CIMA) as a minimum.
- A good knowledge of how charities operate and their main processes including Finance, HR, Fundraising and CRM systems.
- An in-depth knowledge of risk based internal auditing techniques, including testing and sampling methodologies.
- A good understanding of charity related compliance requirements, and appropriate counter-fraud measures and risk management processes
- An ability to act with authority and provide an independent voice on internal audit matters affecting the charity.
To fulfil the role, you must be a resident of the UK and have the right to work in the UK.
When you click to apply, you will be able to see the full responsibilities and person specification for further information on the role.
Please submit your CV, (including details of your current address), and a supporting statement of no more than two pages, demonstrating how you meet the person specification and what you bring to the role in terms of your skills and experience. Please state any preferences for flexible options in your covering letter. Applications from individuals who are seeking flexible working options, including reduced hours or job shares are welcomed.
Finding strength through support
The organisation is the only charity in the UK providing lifelong support for all stroke survivors and their families. Providing tailored support to tens of thousands of stroke survivors each year. This support includes one-to-one and group support, funding vital scientific research into stroke prevention, acute treatment, recovery and long-term care, and campaigning to secure the best care for everyone affected by stroke.
They are here for stroke survivors and their loved ones, from the moment they enter the new and frightening post-stroke world, supporting them every step of the way as they find their strength and their way back to life.
It’s only thanks to the generosity of supporters and donors that they can provide vital support.
The Association is driven by an ambition to improve the lives of everyone affected by stroke. This means they’re determined to create an equitable and inclusive workplace that benefits from the difference, and thrives on the diversity, of our people. Guided by an approach to solving inequity in stroke, the team are prioritising listening to, and learning from, lived experience across the charity.
The charity are working to improve the representation of this lived experience at all levels within the Association and are eager to recruit applicants from a variety of communities and backgrounds. We are keen to receive applications from people affected by stroke, people of colour, members of LGBT+ communities, and disabled people because these identities and experiences are underrepresented and would add enormous value to how the organisation work.
A Disability Confident employer, the organisation is making great progress focusing on flexible working, reasonable adjustments and access to work. The charity has a variety of staff network groups and are committed to continuously improving diversity and inclusion efforts. If you have questions, or access needs, we’re happy to discuss any support and adjustments we can make throughout the recruitment process so that you’re able to contribute your best in a way that meets your needs.
You may also have experience in areas such as Auditor, Lead Auditor, Head Auditor, Head of Internal Audit, Head of Internal Auditing, Director of Internal Audit, Director of of Internal Audit, Internal Auditing Director, Internal Audit Director, Senior Auditor, CIA, MIIA, AAT, ACCA, CIMA. #INDNFP
PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.
Financial Controller
We are seeking a qualified or part-qualified accountant for an exciting Financial Controller position with a growing international charity working at the intersection of cultural heritage and community development.
Position: Financial Controller
Location: Remote (UK-based) – may require occasional international travel
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-time
Salary: £50,000 - £60,000 per annum, depending on experience
Closing Date: 21st September 2025 at 11.59pm
About the Role
Reporting to the Group Finance Director, this is a varied and hands-on role leading on the consolidation of accounts and supporting the organisation’s finance operations across multiple countries. You will play a key role in ensuring financial transparency, compliance, and robust reporting, working closely with both the central finance team and in-country colleagues.
As part of a close-knit and collaborative team, the Financial Controller will need a flexible, practical approach and a willingness to partner with stakeholders across different cultures and geographies.
Key responsibilities include:
- Financial Planning and Budgeting
- Book-keeping and Accounting
- Preparation of Monthly Consolidated Accounts
- Annual Statutory Audit and Compliance
- Grants and Funding Management
- Payroll & Employee Benefits
- Bank and Cash Management
- Group Accounting Oversight
About You
The successful candidate will be a resourceful, detail-oriented problem solver with excellent communication and collaboration skills. You will have strong technical accounting knowledge, experience working with international NGOs, and the ability to manage complex, multi-currency, multi-entity finances.
Key skills and experience required:
- Recognised accounting qualification (ACCA/CIMA) or part-qualified in final stages of completion
- Strong financial analysis and reporting skills, with the ability to produce and present concise financial reports
- Experience of managing and developing teams in dispersed or matrix settings
- Proven experience in the International NGO sector
- Experience producing consolidated statutory accounts under Charity UK SORP and managing multi-site international audits
- Experience with multi-currency and grant accounting
- Excellent understanding of financial processes, procedures, and related systems
- Experience of leading a month-end process, including preparation of management accounts
- Experience using cloud-based accounting systems (QuickBooks and/or Xero preferred)
- Understanding of commercial accounting and Gift Aid
Desirable:
- Experience mentoring colleagues remotely
- Experience working in a fully remote role
- Experience in a similar field (e.g. artisan communities or cultural heritage)
How to Apply
To apply, please send a CV and a statement (no longer than 2 pages) outlining why you are the right person for this role.
About the Organisation
The employer is a British charity founded in 2006 that believes artisanal heritage matters and has the power to transform lives. The charity supports artisans to thrive, revitalise endangered traditions, and connect people across the world through heritage.
The organisation is fast-growing, with offices in Afghanistan, Myanmar, Saudi Arabia, and the Levant, and employs over 400 staff worldwide. With both charitable and trading operations, they deliver an ambitious, wide-ranging programme of work in complex and sometimes conflict-affected regions.
You may have experience in areas such as: Group Financial Controller, Financial Controller/Senior Manager, Management Accountant, ACCA, ACA, CIMA, Accountant, Chartered Accountant, Divisional Financial Controller, Assistant Group Financial Controller, International NGO Finance Lead.
PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.
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.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are seeking a dynamic Director of Professional Activities to lead Education and Conferences & Events portfolios – the organisation’s primary revenue streams and most visible platforms for impact.
Remote | Full-time | Global impact
Salary: £58,000
In this newly created senior leadership position, you will reshape the education department, develop innovative learning products, and oversee the delivery of large-scale international conferences (4,000+ delegates). As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will ensure programmes are strategically aligned, financially sustainable, and operationally excellent.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead education and event strategy, innovation, and delivery
- Develop new professional learning offerings (e.g. micro-credentials, global training)
- Oversee major conferences, hybrid/virtual events, and delegate engagement
- Manage budgets, drive revenue growth, and mitigate risk
- Mentor and develop senior staff, building a high-performing team
- Represent the organization internationally and build strategic partnerships
About You
- Senior leadership experience in education, events, or membership organizations
- Proven ability to deliver large-scale programmes and conferences
- Strong commercial and financial management skills
- Innovative, strategic thinker with excellent communication skills
- Global mindset and willingness to travel
This is a rare opportunity to make a tangible impact on a global stage, shaping education and events that influence thousands of professionals worldwide. You will join a mission-driven organisation committed to advancing knowledge, building capacity, and supporting professional development across borders.
A global outlook and willingness to travel internationally (as required) are essential.
For more information, please submit your CV to .
Please note, CVs are being reviewed on a rolling basis, and only successful applicants will be contacted with more information.
As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.
Are you a values-led leader with a passion for delivering impactful services?
We are seeking a Director of Services to lead the development and delivery of national carer support services. This is an exciting opportunity to join a committed senior leadership team and play a key role in shaping the next stage of their strategy.
Remote (UK-based) | Contract until Dec 2026
About the Role
- Lead and inspire a high-performing team to deliver impactful services.
- Use data and insights to strengthen outcomes and ensure services remain responsive and effective.
- Collaborate with the senior leadership team to drive strategic goals.
- Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of service delivery.
This role offers the flexibility to work remotely from anywhere in the UK, with occasional in-person meetings (typically twice a month) in London.
About you
We are looking for someone who brings:
- Proven experience at Director or senior leadership level within a service delivery role (preferably within the charity sector).
- A track record of managing counselling or advice services and involving service users in co-design.
- Strong skills in impact reporting, partnership building, and leading high-performing teams.
- A collaborative and strategic mindset, with the ability to balance competing priorities.
- Understanding of safeguarding and the issues facing carers (experience in the dementia or carers’ sector desirable but not essential).
This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference for carers and ensure services remain robust, inclusive, and impactful.
For more information, please submit your CV to .
Please note, CVs are being reviewed on a rolling basis, and only successful applicants will be contacted with more information.
As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.
Partnerships Manager
Location: Fully Remote
Salary: £27,992 per annum
Vacancy Type: Permanent, Full Time
Closing Date: 24th September 2025
We have an exciting opportunity for a Partnerships Manager to join our team and grow income from high-net-worth individuals and corporate supporters. You will identify, engage, and steward prospects to secure funding, while developing and implementing long-term relationship and stewardship plans.
You’ll be joining a passionate, fun, and target-driven team in a motivating environment, with the chance to make a real impact on the services we provide.
Key responsibilities include:
- Researching and identifying potential major donors, determining appropriate stewardship pathways, and involving Trustees or staff as needed.
- Implementing stewardship plans for major donors to secure five-figure gifts and above.
- Developing and supporting external fundraising committees to raise funds for local Forward Trust services.
- Researching and approaching potential corporate supporters, cultivating relationships, and securing funding.
- Collaborating across the organisation to develop engagement packages, partnership proposals, and progress reports.
- Managing the Fundraising Officer, providing support, motivation, and guidance.
- Representing Forward Trust at meetings, networking events, and conferences.
- Supporting the Head of Fundraising to develop strategies to maximise income from high-net-worth individuals and corporates.
- Ensuring data in the CRM is accurate, compliant with GDPR, and used effectively to inform fundraising activities.
- Managing and reporting on income and expenditure budgets, liaising with Finance, and contributing to reports for Senior Management and Trustees.
- Collaborating with other fundraising team members and participating in team meetings, supervision, and training.
What We’re Looking For
Essential Skills & Experience:
- Proven track record of major donor fundraising, securing five-figure sums and managing effective stewardship pathways.
- Proven experience in identifying, managing, and growing corporate supporter accounts of at least five figures.
- Experience managing at least one member of staff.
- Skilled at managing high-level relationships internally (Trustees) and externally (high-net-worth individuals).
- Experience managing budgets related to your area of work.
- Proficient in using a CRM or other database to manage contacts.
- Understanding of GDPR principles and their impact on fundraising.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex issues clearly and compellingly.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to understand departmental income and expenditure projections.
- Willingness to attend fundraising events, which may be out-of-hours or away from home.
About Us
We are The Forward Trust, the social enterprise with charitable status that empowers people to break the often-interlinked cycles of crime and addiction to move forward with their lives. For more than 25 years we have been working with people to build positive and productive lives, whatever their past. We believe that anyone is capable of lasting change. Our services have supported thousands of people to make positive changes and build productive lives with a job, family, friends and a sense of community.
We are committed to our cause and the work we carry out as a charity. Equally the wellbeing and the employees who work for us are also important. Joining us an employee, we will offer you the following benefits:
- Flexible working
- Training and development opportunities
- Simply Health Cashback Scheme (optional)
- Season Ticket Loan Scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Crisis Loan Scheme
- Electric Car Scheme
- 3 x Wellbeing Days (pro rata'd for part time employees)
- Access to Blue Light Card
- 25 days (rising to 30 with length of service) Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays
- Contributory Pension Scheme – Employer matched contributions of up to 6% in the first two years’ service and up to 9% thereafter
- Death in Service Payment (2x annual salary)
- Critical Illness Insurance (subject to qualifying criteria)
To Apply
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for the Forward Trust, please click apply to be redirected to their website to complete your application.