Community development officer jobs in home based

JOB OPPORTUNITY

Job Role:

Deputy CEO

Start Date:

ASAP

Contract:

Permanent / Full time

Salary:

£50,000 per annum plus additional benefits

Location:

Remote working from home with occasional travel

Closing Date for Applications:

6th August 2025

Interviews likely to be on

18th/19th August 2025

 

Role Overview

Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse (AAFDA) was founded by Frank Mullane in memory of his sister Julia Pemberton and her son Will who were both killed by her ex-partner in 2003. Each year, more than 200 families lose a loved one to domestic homicide or suicide or sudden death following domestic abuse. We help these families in many ways, our prime function being to provide families in England and Wales with specialist peer support and expert and specialist advocacy for the range of statutory reviews that will take place after fatal domestic abuse. 

AAFDA are recruiting a Deputy CEO to join our remote team to play a pivotal role in ensuring our operational success, driving key programmes, enhancing organisational performance, and supporting income generation efforts.

As Deputy CEO, you will be a key leader in transforming our vision into action. Working closely with the CEO, you will ensure the smooth running of the charity’s day-to-day operations and your leadership will enable AAFDA to reach new heights in both impact and growth.

We need someone with the passion and conviction to help us push for the big changes needed and the expertise to develop and position our strategy, influencing, campaigning and fundraising accordingly. The right person will be comfortable embracing chaos, and will convey resilience and calmness under pressure.

We welcome applications from candidates with experience of domestic abuse.  We are also committed to diversity and strongly encourage applications from those with Black and/or Minoritised backgrounds.

To Apply: Please see the job description and person specification. Please apply by submitting your C.V. and a supporting statement, which will be no longer than 4 sides of A4 and covers your experience and ability to fulfil the person specification.

We are recruiting a Suicide Prevention Officer to facilitate the development, sale and delivery of high quality and impactful training and education programmes, upskilling individuals and organisations in suicide prevention.

What you will do:

• Facilitate in-person and online training sessions, ensuring interactive and impactful learning experiences.
• Develop and promote PAPYRUS’s training offer, tailoring to stakeholder needs and securing sales.
• Build relationships and partnerships to expand our reach and influence.
• Support the creation of e-learning and digital training resources.
• Prepare stakeholders for, and debrief them after, suicide interventions.
• Stay informed of best practice and national strategy, contribute to campaigns, and represent PAPYRUS in the media and at events.
• Champion safeguarding, health and safety, and equality across all activity.

To be successful in this role you will have:

• A degree or professional qualification in a relevant field such as Education, Counselling, Training, Psychology, Community Development or Youth Work.
• A recognised training qualification or willingness to work towards one.
• Experience in delivering and developing training programmes and community-based projects.
• Ability to manage sensitive conversations and facilitate learning in emotionally complex areas.
• Strong relationship-building, presentation and time management skills.
• Professional curiosity, resilience, and a commitment to safeguarding.
• Confidence in working independently and remotely, with ability to travel as required.

Please visit the careers site for the full job description and person specification for the role.

Salary: £30,559 per annum (SCP 18), progressing by increments to £33,366 per annum (SCP 23)

Hours: 36 hours per week  

Location: Although this role is home based, the applicant should be based in Cardiff due to the regular travel across the area and South Wales

Contract: Permanent

Benefits: You will receive 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time workers), hybrid and flexible working arrangements, an attractive pension scheme, Simply Health membership, enhanced sick pay and enhanced parental pay. Please visit our website for more details.

Closing date: 17th August 2025

We reserve the right to close the vacancy earlier if we receive sufficient applications so, please submit your application as soon as possible.

PAPYRUS is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in employment and its recruitment policies are designed to ensure that no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender re-assignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

PAPYRUS is committed to safeguarding all children, young people and adults at risk that interact with the organisation. The organisation recognises its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of these vulnerable groups by a commitment to procedures to protect them. The charity expects all staff and volunteers to fully support and promote these commitments.

 

We are recruiting a Suicide Prevention Officer to facilitate the development, sale and delivery of high quality and impactful training and education programmes, upskilling individuals and organisations in suicide prevention.

What you will do:

• Facilitate in-person and online training sessions, ensuring interactive and impactful learning experiences.
• Develop and promote PAPYRUS’s training offer, tailoring to stakeholder needs and securing sales.
• Build relationships and partnerships to expand our reach and influence.
• Support the creation of e-learning and digital training resources.
• Prepare stakeholders for, and debrief them after, suicide interventions.
• Stay informed of best practice and national strategy, contribute to campaigns, and represent PAPYRUS in the media and at events.
• Champion safeguarding, health and safety, and equality across all activity.

To be successful in this role you will have:

• A degree or professional qualification in a relevant field such as Education, Counselling, Training, Psychology, Community Development or Youth Work.
• A recognised training qualification or willingness to work towards one.
• Experience in delivering and developing training programmes and community-based projects.
• Ability to manage sensitive conversations and facilitate learning in emotionally complex areas.
• Strong relationship-building, presentation and time management skills.
• Professional curiosity, resilience, and a commitment to safeguarding.
• Confidence in working independently and remotely, with ability to travel as required.

Please visit the careers site for the full job description and person specification for the role.

Salary: £30,559 per annum (Scale SCP 18), progressing by increments to £33,366 per annum (Scale SCP 23)

Hours: 36 hours per week  

Location: Although this role is home based, the applicant should be based in Birmingham due to the regular travel across the area and West of England

Contract: Permanent

Benefits: You will receive 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time workers), hybrid and flexible working arrangements, an attractive pension scheme, Simply Health membership, enhanced sick pay and enhanced parental pay. Please visit our website for more details.

Closing date: 31st July 2025

We reserve the right to close the vacancy earlier if we receive sufficient applications so, please submit your application as soon as possible.

PAPYRUS is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in employment and its recruitment policies are designed to ensure that no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender re-assignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

PAPYRUS is committed to safeguarding all children, young people and adults at risk that interact with the organisation. The organisation recognises its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of these vulnerable groups by a commitment to procedures to protect them. The charity expects all staff and volunteers to fully support and promote these commitments.

Job Title: Experienced Associate Independent Investigating Officers (IOs) for Stage 2 Complaints (This role sits within our Independent Person for Complaints (IPC) service)

Contract: Associate

Hours: Variable, according to demand for services/caseload and role in investigation

Salary: £25.25 per hour

Location: Associate Independent Investigating Officers for Complaints primarily work from home. Some travel may be required as part of an investigation – location will vary according to the referral received from the Local Authority. Cases will be allocated to Associate IOs living locally to the referring authority, wherever possible.

About Coram

Coram is committed to improving the lives of the UK’s most vulnerable children and young people.

We support children and young people from birth to independence, creating a change that lasts a lifetime.

Coram is the UK’s oldest children’s charity, founded by Thomas Coram in London, helping vulnerable children and young people since 1739. Today, the Coram group helps more than one million children, young people, families and professionals every year by providing access to the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.

About the role

We are seeking additional experienced Associate Independent Investigating Officers (IO) for Complaints, to increase our capacity to respond to referrals from Local Authorities to provide an independent element to the formal Stage 2 investigations under the Children Act 1989.

The IO will lead investigations, and will give the complainant (who may be a child, young person or adult) the opportunity to express their view, ensure the child or young person’s rights and best interests are at the centre of the investigation and that the investigation/review process is open and transparent. They write a report on the investigation/review, which is submitted to the referring agency.

The Job Description document sets out the expectations for an Associate Independent Person for Complaints (IPC) who is approved by Coram Voice. IPCs are independent, freelance and responsible for their own work. Nevertheless, IPCs are accountable to the organisation for their professional standards and are expected to comply with Coram Voice Code of Ethics and Practice Guidelines.

Please note: the nature of associate work means that we cannot guarantee a regular amount of work, and complaints will be allocated dependent on the associate’s availability, location and the needs and demands of the individual case. Investigation work takes place Monday to Friday within working hours. This position is not suitable for applicants who already work or have commitments more than two days within the working week.

To apply for this role, please click on the 'apply now' button below to complete the application.

Closing date: Please note this is a rolling recruitment campaign

Interview date: TBC

Coram is an equal opportunities employer and we believe a diverse workforce enables us to improve the services to the children and families we help. We are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from all sections of the community we seek to support. This includes those from, Asian, African, Caribbean and other minority ethnic backgrounds, those that identify as LGBTQ+, those with disabilities, those with lived experience of care, those with neuro-diversity, and those from other groups who are underrepresented at Coram.

If applicants feel comfortable, we would encourage them to draw on lived experience as well as professional experience in their personal statement as part of their application.

We are committed to the safeguarding of children and where appropriate will require the successful applicant to undertake a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Registered Charity No. 312278.

Are you passionate about inspiring a love of reading in children?

The Dollywood Foundation UK runs Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in the UK, the worlds largest book gifting programme. Over the last 30 years the Imagination Library has delivered nearly 300 million books to children globally. In the UK we support over 60k children a month, delivering them a free book sent to their house every month.

The primary purpose of this new role is to increase registrations for the Imagination Library initially across London. This role will support our Local Programme Partners to reach families with whom they are not currently engaging.

Background

We have a steadfast belief that inspiring a love of reading in children can bring joy, love, and measurable individual, family and societal benefits. We are driven by Dolly Parton’s mantra that you “can’t put enough books into the hands of enough children”.

It is an exciting time for the Dollywood Foundation. We have recently received a new investment to allow us to scale our Imagination Library programme across London. As families across the capital become eligible for free books, we need to make every effort to ensure families know about the programme and sign up.

This role is integral to that plan, working with local authority and community organisations to spread the word about the programme. The role holder will need to be passionate about books and supporting children’s development. They will hold brilliant relationship building skills to engage local communities and overcome any barriers to families enrolling.

We are a remote team with no fixed office. While this role will be based from home, regular travel across London will be required. The role holder will need to be based in London or surrounding areas to allow for the frequent travel.

This is an exciting new role, joining a passionate and growing UK team.

The Estate Officer will ensure the delivery of the regional maintenance programme, comprising routine, periodic, planned and urgent works, and the delivery of time limited maintenance consultancy and estate management projects. Working alongside the Conservation Projects Manager, the post holder will ensure regional estate compliance with CCT policies.

The post holder will be the main contact for all maintenance related matters and will maintain the property management records for the estate, develop volunteer projects and training on maintenance reporting and conservation cleaning and will assist with fundraising.

If you would like to apply for this role, please visit our recruitment portal to begin your application. You will be asked to submit a CV and a short supporting statement (max 2 sides A4) outlining why you’d like to apply and how you fulfil the person specification for this post, so you’ll need to refer to the job description.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 8am on Monday 11th August 2025.

The interviews will take place in Birmingham on Tuesday 19th August 2025. Please note that the interview date and location have been specifically chosen according to the availability of the panel.

We are a Disability Confident Committed Employer. Candidates who declare that they have a disability and who meet the essential criteria for the job will be offered an interview.

If you have any queries about this role, or if you have a disability and wish to request a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us.

We are an inclusive employer and offer equal opportunities to all regardless of an individual’s age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

We are not a licensed sponsor at this time. Any offer of employment will be made subject to valid right to work in the UK being provided.

At Children’s University Trust, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive through learning beyond the classroom. We’re a small, passionate team with bold ambitions to expand our impact – and we’re looking for an equally ambitious Business Development and Community Partnership Manager to lead the way.

This is more than just a development role. It's about building sustainable growth strategies, forging powerful partnerships, and shaping a future where opportunity is no longer defined by postcode or circumstance.

As our Business Development and Community Partnership Manager, you will take the lead in shaping and implementing visionary, data-driven growth strategies across three vital areas:

• Place-based memberships with schools, universities, councils’ departments, and third sector organisations.
• Individual “at home” subscriptions for children in areas without direct Children’s University provision or those who do not engage with traditional education.
• Strategic business partnerships with corporates and SMEs, securing vital funding and in-kind support.

You’ll be a key figure in our next phase of growth — identifying new opportunities, building meaningful relationships, and helping us scale our reach across the UK.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive new business activity and revenue growth across all three strategic areas.
• Build a strong, inclusive pipeline of potential members, partners, and funders.
• Manage and nurture relationships from first contact through to long-term collaboration.
• Use data and insight to shape decision-making and report progress to the board.
• Be a passionate ambassador for Children’s University at events, conferences, and online.

We’re Looking for Someone Who:

• Has a proven track record in income generation, partnerships or sales – all sector’s welcome!
• Is passionate about improving the lives of children and young people.
• Is a strategic thinker with the energy of a new business developer.
• Has the confidence to influence senior stakeholders and the empathy to build trust.
• Brings a creative, collaborative, and resilient mindset.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, flexible, remote-first environment.

Why Join Us?

• A unique chance to shape a growing national charity’s development strategy.
• A collaborative, driven team that values innovation and purpose.
• Flexible working, with one day a week in Manchester.
• An opportunity to truly change lives through education and opportunity.

If you’re excited by the chance to lead sustainable growth with purpose, and you want your work to matter, we want to hear from you.

Apply today and be part of a team creating a brighter future for children across the UK.

They’re looking for a passionate and creative individual to join our team and help grow Link Up, their community for care-experienced young people to connect, support one another, and feel a sense of belonging. You’ll lead on designing and delivering in-person and online events shaped by young people’s interests and experiences, offering inclusive and accessible social opportunities for young people, and facilitate spaces for young people to learn from and support one another as they navigate care. 
 
With a particular focus on the West Midlands, you’ll build local partnerships, support a small group of Care Experienced Volunteers, and work alongside young people to co-create activities and shape engagement. If you’re organised, proactive, and committed to nurturing a community of care experienced young people across England, they’d love to hear from you. 
 
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion 

As an organisation serving children in care and young care leavers they are keen to receive applications from people with lived experience of care. They are actively seeking to bring diversity of perspectives and experience, and especially welcome applications from those from racially-minoritised communities. They ask all applicants to fill in an Equity and Diversity Monitoring from to better understand the diversity of applicants. This is anonymous and will not be connected with your application. 
 
How to apply 

They ask interested applicants to answer several competency-based questions. Your application and answers will be reviewed anonymously to ensure fairness and help remove bias from the application process. You’ll need to send them your CV and it will be anonymised before review. 

To apply for this role, you will need to:

• Provide them with a copy of your CV;
• Answer the competency questions in no more than 400 words per question, providing relevant examples to demonstrate how you meet the skills and experience required;
• Complete the Equity and Diversity Monitoring Form (this is not compulsory but the information is very useful to them).

 
If you have any reasonable adjustments you would like them to consider for this recruitment process (either for the application or interview), please advise them on your application form. 
 
If you would like an informal chat before applying, please contact the Hiring Manager, Anne-marie Bird and they will arrange a convenient time. Please note that due to the anonymised nature of the application process, any conversations cannot be linked to your application or used to support it in any way. 

The deadline for applications to be received is Sunday 20th July @ 11.59pm. 

Interview Details 

Interviews will have two parts:

• A session with young people;
• A panel interview with their staff.

 
Interviews will be held virtually using a video calling app (Microsoft Teams or Zoom) . If access to technology/internet is difficult for you, please contact us so we can assist in making suitable arrangements.   

Become also wants to ensure fairness in all their interviews so all successful shortlisted candidates will be sent the interview questions in advance. 

Interviews will take place:

• Young people’s panel: 29th July
• Staff panel: 31st July 

 
Please Note 

All applicants must have a Right to Work in the UK. Although the role is hybrid, they are unable to offer work visas or sponsorship for any candidates. 

They’re proud to be a Living Wage Employer. They are committed to #ShowingTheSalary. Their roles are #OpenToAll
 
REF-222 311

Senior Project Officer - Communities Prepared
Ref: SPO0725
Location: England-wide
Contract: Fixed term contract until 7th August 2026
Salary: £16,800 - £18,000 pro rata (FTE £28,000-£30,000)
Hours: 22.5 hours per week

Community charity Groundwork South has a unique opportunity for an energetic, people-focused, self-motivated Senior Project Officer to join our Communities Prepared team to develop and provide community resilience training and support for a diverse range of communities.

Summary of role: Communities Prepared is our flagship England-wide community resilience programme which provides training and support to community volunteers and the wider public – helping them to build their confidence, skills, and knowledge to prepare for, respond to, and recover from various threats, including severe weather events amplified by climate change.

With the demand and need for our programme continuing to grow, we are looking for a new part-time Senior Project Officer to work closely with the existing delivery team, wider programme team, communities, and partners nationwide to design and deliver online and in-person tailored training and support packages for community volunteers across England.

If you have the confidence and skills to engage with people from a range of backgrounds and have proven experience in delivering training within a community setting, we would love to hear from you. You will also need to be skilled and confident at developing learning content which takes complex information and makes it easy to understand and engaging. An interest in and understanding of climate change and its impact on communities, emergency/risk management, and/or climate adaption and mitigation approaches (e.g. Nature Based Solutions) would be highly advantageous.

In return we offer you:

• A competitive salary
• Generous holiday entitlement of 25 days per annum plus public holidays
• Health Cash Plan and 24-hour Healthline
• Employee Assistance Programme - including mental health helpline and face to face counselling.
• Salary sacrifice schemes including cycle to work and pension contributions.
• Family friendly policies to support work/life balance with time off in lieu for out of hours activities
• Business travel expenses

We are a creative, committed, and enthusiastic organisation with a great track record of project development, fundraising and delivery, so there are always opportunities to grow and develop your role within our friendly team.

Closing date for applications: 3 August 2025, 11.59pm

Interview date: 11th / 12th August 2025 (over MS Teams or Zoom)

Interested?

If you would like to apply and find out more about this position, please click the apply button to be directed to our website.

Groundwork South is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all members of the community.

No agencies please.

We’re recruiting!

Give Blood 4 Good is looking for a dynamic and proactive Programme Development Officer - our first ever paid role - to lead and grow our flagship Young Ambassador Programme. This is a brilliant opportunity to shape a life-saving initiative and drive real impact in education, youth engagement and public health.

About Give Blood 4 Good

We’re a Scottish registered charity dedicated to improving awareness and education around blood donation - especially among young people. By working with schools, universities and community groups, we’re breaking down misconceptions and fear that can be associat4ed with the process, and encouraging people to give blood as soon as they're eligible at 17.

After a successful pilot of our Young Ambassador Programme over the last three years, we’re entering an exciting phase of growth. This role marks a milestone for our charity - and you’ll be at the heart of helping us reach more students and schools across Scotland.

About the role

You’ll lead the expansion of our Young Ambassador Programme — a digital e-learning initiative designed to empower students to become informed, confident blood donation ambassadors.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Building and managing relationships with schools

• Supporting and enrolling students

• Updating and improving programme content

• Coordinating with our e-learning platform provider

• Identifying and applying for funding to sustain and scale the programme

• Working closely with our small, friendly team of volunteers

Your role will also include additional tasks that support the day-to-day running of Give Blood 4 Good.

This is a fully remote role, with flexibility around working hours. You’ll be our only staff member, so we’re looking for someone who’s confident working independently and can take initiative while keeping others informed.

Person specification

We’re looking for someone who has:

• Strong organisational and time management skills

• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder engagement abilities

• Proactive, independent worker with a solution-focused mindset

• Confident communicator, both verbally and in writing

Desirable (but not essential)

• Experience in fundraising, bid writing, or securing income from trusts/foundations

• Knowledge of the youth or education sector

• Previous programme delivery experience in a community or non-profit setting

• Existing contacts within Scottish schools or youth organisations

• Experience integrating fundraising within youth engagement activities

Benefits

• A unique opportunity to lead and grow a national programme from the ground up

• Flexibility and autonomy in your role

• Experience across programme delivery, fundraising, stakeholder engagement and more

• The chance to help save lives by building a more informed generation of blood donors

How to apply

To apply, please send your CV and a short cover letter explaining your interest and relevant experience.

In your cover letter, please include examples of how you’ve demonstrated at least two of the following attributes: proactive, independent, curious, and conscientious.

Applications close at 9am on Friday 25 July, though we may close early if we receive a high number of applications. Early submissions are encouraged!

Churches Conservation Trust (CCT) is the national charity caring for historic churches at risk. As the operator of the third largest heritage estate in charitable ownership in the UK, our 356 historic churches include examples of irreplaceable architecture, archaeology and art from 1,000 years of English history.

CCT has an international award-winning reputation in heritage conservation and regeneration. All churches in our care are listed, mostly Grade I and II*, and some are Scheduled Ancient Monuments.

Without our care, these buildings might have disappeared entirely. Instead, they are enjoyed as social, tourism, educational and cultural resources, kept open, in use, and living once again in the heart of their communities.

Overall job purpose

In recent years, CCT has experienced great success in applying to grant funders, including Trust and Foundations, Landfill Communities Fund, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. 

CCT’s 2025 -30 strategy focuses on delivering conservation projects across our estate and securing income from grant funders will be crucial.  We will also work with local communities to address smaller conservation projects via the Community Initiative Framework.

The Grants Officer will research and identify relevant funding opportunities, build a healthy pipeline, and submit applications for project funding to meet fundraising targets during an exciting period of growth.

There will be requirement for occasional travel for project visits and team meetings. 

How to apply

If you would like to apply for this role, please visit our recruitment portal. You’ll be asked to submit a CV and a short supporting statement (max 2 sides A4) outlining how you fulfil the person specification for this post.

Please note direct applications via email cannot be accepted for this role; only applications submitted through our recruitment portal will be considered.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 8am on Monday 21st July

 There will be a two-stage interview process with first stage taking place online on Monday 4th August 2025. Please note that the interview date and location have been specifically chosen according to the availability of the panel.

The second stage will take place on Wednesday 6th August 2025 and will be held online.

 

We are a Disability Confident Committed Employer. Candidates who declare that they have a disability and who meet the essential criteria for the job will be offered an interview.

We are an inclusive employer and offer equal opportunities to all regardless of an individual’s age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

We are not a licensed sponsor at this time. Any offer of employment will be made subject to valid right to work in the UK being provided.

We are seeking a compassionate, visionary, and strategic Chief Executive Officer to lead Mermaids through the next stage of its evolution, dedicated to improving the lives of gender-diverse children and young people, and those who are important to them. As CEO, you will be responsible for driving the charity’s mission, shaping its strategic direction, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, affirming support services. You will act as a visible and credible advocate for trans and 
gender-diverse youth, build strong relationships with stakeholders, and influence public policy and sector practice. Working closely with the Board of Trustees, you will oversee a small committed team, ensure robust financial management with the Chief Operating Officer, and lead fundraising efforts to secure a sustainable future. This is a unique opportunity for a values-driven leader who brings both strategic acumen and a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and lived 
experience. 
Service Delivery:
• Provide strategic and operational leadership across all service delivery areas, including support line services, group work,  advocacy, external communications, and policy.
• Ensure services are high quality, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of trans and gender-diverse children, young people and the special people in their lives.
• Lead the continuous improvement and development of service delivery models, ensuring impact, effectiveness, and alignment with the charity’s mission.
• Champion a culture of safeguarding, accountability, and young person-centred practice throughout all service delivery. 
• Act as the organisation’s Safeguarding Lead, with oversight of on-call, safeguarding training, and ensuring appropriate escalation mechanisms are in place.
• Oversee the design and implementation of advocacy and policy activities, ensuring the charity’s voice is informed by lived 
experience and is impactful at local and national levels.
• Act as a visible and hands-on leader for frontline teams, providing support, supervision, and inspiration to staff and 
volunteers.
• Monitor performance, outcomes, and feedback to ensure services are meeting objectives and delivering positive change 
for beneficiaries.

Governance:
• In partnership with the board of trustees, set and articulate our vision, mission and strategy, and keep this under continual 
review.
• Lead the development and implementation of Mermaid’s strategic plan, ensuring sustainability and growth.
• Liaise with the board of trustees to ensure the charity’s governance, structure, policies and procedures are appropriate 
and effective, taking remedial measures and implementing change as necessary. This includes supporting board 
development.
• Work closely with the Chair and Board of Trustees to support strong governance and informed decision-making.
• Provide accurate and timely reporting on organisational performance, risks, and impact.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory guidance and legislation, including the Charity Commission and the Fundraising 

Finance & Fundraising:
• Working with the Chief Operating Officer and the Board of Trustees, ensure Mermaids has robust, deliverable fundraising 
and finance strategies in place, and subsequent action plans are embedded throughout the organisation to support their 
delivery.
• In partnership with the Chief Operating Officer, ensure Mermaids has robust finance, HR, IT, data privacy and governance processes and procedures are embedded.

People and Culture:
• Line manage senior staff including the COO and service delivery managers.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, inclusive internal culture that values lived experience and wellbeing.
• Continue work to embed a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion across the organisation, as well as a focus on accessibility.
• Work to define and drive trans-centred leadership across the organisation, including ensuring that the organisation is a trans-positive, supportive employer.

External Engagement and Advocacy:
• Represent Mermaids publicly, including acting as the key spokesperson and strategic policy stakeholder, ensuring 
organisational awareness of the external landscape and the changing needs of trans children, young people and their 
families, and advocating for these needs to be met.
• Lead communications strategy, and lead press engagement by responding to media inquiries, interviews, press conferences and media events.
• Lead on stakeholder engagement, including with funders, supporters, community partners, and policy influencers.
• Advocate for the rights and needs of trans and gender-diverse children, young people and the significant others in their lives at a national level.
 

Mary’s Meals is a global movement supported by people from all walks of life and we are focused on one goal – that every child receives a nutritious daily meal in their place of education. We are currently reaching over 2.6 million children every school day, across 16 countries.

We are recruiting for a dynamic, visionary leader to join us as Director of Strategic Initiatives – a vital role in helping us grow our global movement. Reporting to our Chief Growth Officer, you’ll lead a talented team responsible for designing and delivering bold new strategies to increase revenue and build long-term, sustainable income growth and grow the strength of our National Affiliate network.

You will:

• Drive a programme of high-impact, global initiatives, from new fundraising products and digital solutions to youth and faith engagement strategies.
• Provide expert support and coaching to Executive Directors leading National Affiliates across the world.
• Guide strategic planning and change programmes with measurable outcomes, clear delivery plans and a deep focus on stewardship.
• Lead and inspire a high-performing team of specialists focused on audience insights, product development and market expansion.
• Collaborate closely with senior leadership across our global family to ensure alignment, shared learning and sustainable growth.
• Support the development of effective governance, technology and safeguarding practices across affiliates.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the MMI Executive Leadership Team and contribute regularly at the highest levels of decision-making.

About you:

You will bring significant senior-level experience in strategy, programme leadership, and/or business development – ideally in a global or multi-entity context within the charity sector.

• A strong track record of driving income growth and leading successful change initiatives.
• Experience working across cultures, with the ability to influence, inspire and build trust in diverse settings.
• A sharp focus on what works in fundraising, product innovation and audience engagement – particularly in the context of international development.
• Experience collaborating closely with technology teams to deliver digital and tech-enabled solutions.
• Proven leadership and coaching experience, with the ability to build high-performing teams and work with autonomy, agility and purpose.

Most of all, you’ll be motivated by our mission and ready to play a key role in helping us reach the next child waiting for Mary’s Meals.

About us:

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

Salary advertised is for UK based candidates, our salary philosophy ensures consistency across locations where Mary’s Meals operates, please reach out for more information on salary & benefits if you are based outside the UK. 

To apply:

If you are inspired to join our movement and our vision, mission and values resonate with you, we would love to hear from you. To apply, please click below to send your CV and a short covering note (no more than 1 page) telling us why you are a great fit for this role and why you would like to work for Mary’s Meals International.

About SOFT UK

SOFT UK is a national charity supporting families affected by Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome) and Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome). We provide emotional support, information, advocacy, and community connections to ensure no family faces this journey alone.

Purpose of the Role

The Regional Engagement Officer (REO) for Northern Ireland will build and strengthen SOFT UK’s presence in the region. This includes supporting families, developing local community networks, enhancing relationships with healthcare professionals, and coordinating volunteer and fundraising activities to reduce isolation and improve support access for families affected by Trisomy 13 and 18.

Key Responsibilities

1. Community Engagement and Support

• Build meaningful relationships with families affected by Trisomy 13 and 18 across Northern Ireland.
• Develop and facilitate local support meetings, coffee mornings, and family gatherings.
• Provide emotional support, signposting, and information in line with SOFT UK’s values and safeguarding policies.

2. Volunteer Support

• Identify, recruit, and train new volunteers within the region.
• Provide ongoing guidance, resources, and encouragement to existing volunteers to strengthen their impact.

3. Healthcare Professional Engagement

• Develop and maintain relationships with regional healthcare providers to increase awareness of SOFT UK’s services.
• Encourage and facilitate referrals of families to SOFT UK by healthcare professionals.
• Share resources and information to improve understanding of Trisomy 13 and 18 among professionals.

4. Event Coordination

• Organise and deliver regional events such as awareness campaigns, remembrance gatherings, and local fundraising events.
• Support national SOFT UK events by promoting and representing the charity locally.

5. Fundraising and Awareness

• Assist with regional fundraising activities by promoting events, supporting local fundraisers, and identifying new funding opportunities.
• Raise awareness of SOFT UK’s mission through local networks, media, and community engagement.

6. Administration and Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of activities, contacts, and outcomes to report impact effectively.
• Work collaboratively with the national SOFT UK team, contributing to meetings, strategic development, and evaluation.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Proven experience in community engagement, outreach, or support roles.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with empathy and understanding for families experiencing complex medical and bereavement journeys.
• Ability to work independently and organise time effectively.
• Experience in planning and delivering community events.
• Confidence in engaging with healthcare professionals and external stakeholders.
• Basic IT skills, including email, social media, and Microsoft Office.
• Commitment to SOFT UK’s mission and values.
• Willingness to travel regionally and work flexible hours where required (some evening or weekend meetings).

Desirable:

• Experience working within the charity or health support sector.
• Knowledge of the healthcare and perinatal loss support systems within Northern Ireland.

Additional Information

This role requires occasional travel across Northern Ireland. Mileage and travel expenses will be reimbursed in line with SOFT UK policies. The postholder will be expected to work from home and maintain confidentiality, safeguarding, and data protection standards at all times.