Community engagement and communications officer jobs

The National Lottery Community Fund is recruiting for two External Affairs Officers, key roles in our External Affairs Team within our newly restructured communications function.

The External Affairs Officer role is part of our ambitious transformation as we implement a significant pivot in our communications approach – building on our support for grant-making to demonstrate the powerful impact communities have in strengthening society and improving lives.

You will help position the Fund as a convening force in civil society, supporting our sectoral and political engagement during a time of exciting change.

Working across the External Affairs team, you will research and analyse policy, political and sectoral developments that affect our work, helping create clear briefings for meetings and events and arranging visits as appropriate. By horizon scanning and monitoring the external landscape, you will help the Fund respond proactively and effectively to emerging issues.

You will build and maintain relationships with parliamentary staff, officials and sector peers. By gathering intelligence, managing and supporting internal and external events, you will contribute to the Fund's engagement with decision-makers and opinion leaders. Your research and analysis will strengthen our policy positions and advocacy work.

Our External Affairs Officers play an important role in supporting the External Affairs team to deliver an effective, insight-driven strategy that articulates the Fund's missions (nationally and regionally) to critical stakeholders across the UK.

Key responsibilities :

• Responsible for providing public affairs, policy and stakeholder engagement support across the External Affairs team, working on the development and delivery of our External Affairs plan, including management and delivery of events.
• Lead the development of briefings and other assets to support the delivery of external affairs work through high quality research and analysis
• Monitor the external political and policy landscape for developments that are relevant to the Fund and advise colleagues on these as appropriate
• Represent the Fund at networking and stakeholder events
• Develop a network of key internal and external contacts in the public affairs and policy space to further the Fund's aims
• Work collaboratively with the other External Affairs Officers to share skills and intelligence
• Cross-collaboration with the Communications Strategy and External Affairs teams to ensure our engagement strategy across the full communications function (media, corporate communications, brand, campaigns and public affairs) is impactful and cohesive
• Support the effective use of the Stakeholder Relationship Management (SRM) system

Location: Hybrid working

We have a hybrid approach to working, work pattern and location will be agreed with the successful candidate. The role can be based at any of our UK offices, these are Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Exeter, Glasgow, Leeds, London, Newcastle and Newtown.

Interview date: Week commencing 11th August

On application, please align your supporting statement to the criteria below

Essential criteria

• Excellent persuasive communication skills, oral and written
• Confident in writing briefings, positioning papers and other materials to support political and non-political stakeholder engagement
• Strong skills in political analysis and advising senior stakeholders
• Strong project management skills; the ability to produce high-quality work against competing priorities in a complex environment
• Experience in managing events and other stakeholder engagement activities

Desirable criteria

• An understanding of, or background in the VSCE sector
• Understanding of public affairs at a national and regional level and/or in civil society
• Experience in using and developing customer relationship management (CRM) systems

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion  

Communities in the UK come in all shapes and sizes. National Lottery funding is for everyone – therefore, we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and we work hard to ensure our funding reaches where it is needed.  

We also believe our people should represent the communities, organisations and individuals we work with. That’s why The National Lottery Community Fund is committed to being an inclusive employer and a great place to work. We recognise and celebrate the fact that our people come from diverse backgrounds. We positively welcome applications from people from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities or longstanding health conditions, people who are LGBTQ+, and people from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds, as well as people of all ages. 

As a Disability Confident Employer, we take a proactive approach in making reasonable adjustments, if needed, throughout the recruitment process and during employment. (This can be related to a physical and mental health condition.) 

Looking to Make a Real Difference in Your Community?

Do you enjoy connecting with people, working together, and being part of something meaningful? Are you passionate about helping others live healthier, more connected lives?

We’re looking for a Community Connector to join our friendly and supportive Wellbeing Collaborative Team. In this role, you’ll help link people to the fantastic support available through local charities, voluntary organisations, and community groups across Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole, and wider Dorset.

Whether it’s supporting someone as they leave hospital or helping them find a local group that boosts their wellbeing, your work will make a real difference to people’s lives and help strengthen local communities.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Building positive relationships with professionals, volunteers, and community partners
• Supporting people to find and access local services that help them stay well and independent
• Spotting where support is missing and helping to shape new, community-led solutions
• Championing the work of local charities and groups, and helping raise awareness of what’s available
• Working in both hospital and community settings to connect people with the right support at the right time

About You

You’re someone who enjoys meeting people, listening, and making connections. You care about your community and understand how important local support can be. You’ll also appreciate the role of the voluntary sector and how it works alongside services like the NHS and local councils.

You don’t need formal qualifications—just a good standard of English and Maths, and a genuine desire to help others. If you’ve worked in hospital discharge, reablement, or community signposting before, that’s great—but if not, don’t worry. We’ll provide all the training and support you need.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays)
• Contributory pension scheme
• Season train ticket loan
• Flexible working arrangements
• A supportive, inclusive and inspiring team environment

For an informal discussion, please contact Samantha Bingham, Development Manager.

Available documents on our website:

• Together We CAN Plan 2020 2025
• CAN our values
• Job Description and Person Specification
• Application form

Brixton House seeks a Marketing and Communications Officer

Job Title: Marketing and Communications Officer
Contract Type: Permanent
Ideal start date: 18 August
Reports to: Marketing and Communications Manager
Salary: £28,808
Hours: 40hrs, some weekend and evenings required for events
Location: Brixton House, London.

The Role

The Marketing Officer is a hands-on role that underpins all Brixton House campaigns, ensuring our vibrant theatre productions, festivals, commercial activity and community projects are visible, engaging and accessible. You’ll work across digital content and ad scheduling, website builds, grassroots outreach and event support, and supporting commercial hires helping build Brixton House’s reputation as a lively, inclusive destination for culture and community. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop a broad portfolio of marketing skills while championing audiences and artists from all backgrounds.

How to Apply

To apply, you should describe what attracts you to this position and provide clear evidence of your ability to meet the criteria outlined in the person specification.

Visit our website and complete the below:

• Complete the monitoring form
• Upload your CV
• Upload letter of application, no more than two sides of A4, size 12 font

Deadline: 23 July, midnight
Interviews will take place on 31 July, with a possible second stage interview on 7 August.

You may also have some experience in the following: Marketing and Brand Executive, Marketing and Communications Officer, Brand and Campaigns Coordinator, Communications and Engagement Officer, Brand Marketing Executive, Marketing Projects Officer, Charity Marketing Officer, Brand Experience Coordinator, Brand Communications Officer, Creative Marketing Officer, etc.

REF-222 565

Director of Strategic Partnerships

Keychange Charity
Hybrid – Home, Community Sites & London Office
£62,000–£66,000 per annum, depending on experience
Full Time

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for building partnerships that transform lives?

Keychange is a Christian charity with over a century of experience supporting people facing homelessness, isolation, and vulnerability. We create caring communities where everyone can belong and flourish, inspired by the love and example of Jesus.

We are seeking an inspiring Director of Strategic Partnerships to join our Senior Leadership Team. In this pivotal role, you will shape our partnerships, fundraising, and advocacy—ensuring our mission remains sustainable and impactful for years to come.

Your Impact

The Director of Strategic Partnerships reports to the CEO and is a part of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), all of whom are Christian.  The SLT is responsible for the leadership, culture and Christian values of Keychange in the central office and community sites.

The person appointed to this role will:

• Maximise current impact and develop new programme opportunities for improvement and influence
• Develop and implement fundraising programmes
• Drive external partnership growth, including instigating national and local partnerships
• Lead on advocacy and influence, including local and national government policy and targets and sector themes and trajectories

For more information, please see the job pack, with key responsibilities, person specification and further information about making an application.  Interviews will be ongoing for candidates who can demonstrate the experience and attributes required, and we reserve the right to close the application process early. This role is subject to an occupational requirement, please see job pack for more details. 

How to Apply

To apply, please send:

• A cover letter outlining why this role excites you and how you meet the essential and desirable criteria

• Your up-to-date CV

Important: We’d love to hear your authentic voice—please do not use AI to write your application.

Key Dates

Deadline for applications: Midday, Thursday 24 July
Screening interviews (online): Friday 25 July
Final interviews (in person): Tuesday 29 or Wednesday 30 July

Want to Find Out More?

We know moving roles is a big step. For an informal conversation, please contact:
Sarah Hurst – Executive Assistant to the CEO

Join us in building communities of hope, care, and belonging. We welcome applications from candidates who share our vision and values.

This is a brand new role with Action Duchenne, leading our new Fundraising and Communications team. This role is part of the Senior Leadership Team.

Applications close at 9am on Monday 21st July 2025, with interviews likely to take place in the weeks commencing 28th July and 4th August 2025. To apply, please click 'Apply', where you will be redirected to our application form.

Main Purpose of the Role:

To manage, lead and support the Fundraising and Communications Team to retain donors, increase income and provide clear direction for our communications. This role will involve supporting relationships with sponsors of Action Duchenne’s International Conference, developing and implementing the fundraising and communications strategy, and reviewing our case for support for our core work and projects.

Specific Tasks:

The focus areas and key deliverables of this role are as follows:

• Develop and deliver on a clear fundraising and communications strategy, with annual action plans and clear objectives and KPIs for team members.

• Understand and keep abreast of sector trends and compliance updates relating to fundraising and communications

• Develop and maintain oversight of all budgets, targets, forecasts and processes relating to fundraising and communications

• Co-ordinate the prioritising of income streams, including community, individual giving, corporate, legacy and trust and grants

• Research, identify, and where there is capacity, pursue income generation opportunities that match the objectives of Action Duchenne

• Ensure Action Duchenne is compliant with all applicable elements of the Fundraising Regulator’s Code of Fundraising Practice, law, and the Charity Commission relating to fundraising

• Research, identify and apply to Trusts and Foundations with a clear pipeline

• Prepare reports for Trustees either for the full Board, or where required, to sub committees, which will include fundraising and communications progress against objectives.

• With a team keen to learn, provide leadership and hands on support to ensure objectives are achieved

• Undertake a review of all Communications materials, including social media and website

• Lead by example across the team and organisation

• Be part of, and therefore contribute towards and prepare for Senior Leadership Team meetings

• Identify existing or potential events to develop relationships with funders, including Action Duchenne’s annual international conference

• Feed in to the development of the international conference, led by the Head of Operations & Events

• Work with staff across the organisation to ensure all elements of work are collaborative, specifically when submitting funding bids or developing the annual international conference

• To maintain the contact database, keeping it up to date and accurate

• Continue to invest in professional development in yourself and your team, including safeguarding

• Identify opportunities, alongside the team, for cross team working - including residentials; family events; Science Educations workshops with regional meetups and education visits to schools and local authorities.

• Obtain, decipher and provide training to the Support Team on new updates relevant to Duchenne families, such as DLA, EHCP and more.

• Work closely with your team, to ensure that each family receives the best support possible, and that long-term support is provided.

• Lead on the development and delivery of monthly reporting of engagement and support contact, which will feed into the wider All Through Support journey. 

• To work with the Head of Operations and Events to contribute to Agenda topics and speakers from the community; assign roles for the conference to the Support Team.

• Establish a database for external stakeholders also supporting those living with Duchenne on a national basis, fed in to from the Support Team.

• To develop a triaging and caseload process for the Support Team, and how best to regularly monitor this.

• Be involved in the recruitment, selection, and induction of volunteers appropriate to your area of work. 

• Coordinate cover for the Support Team when there is sickness or leave.

Further details can be found on the person specification attached.
Action Duchenne is committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills and experiences. We encourage applicants from all sectors of the community and are especially keen to encourage candidates with relevant lived experiences and those from under-represented groups to apply.

Drive the next chapter of the Surrey Hills Society - a thriving countryside charity in the Surrey Hills.

Are you an entrepreneurial leader with a passion for nature, community engagement, and sustainable development? Do you want to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of a much-loved environmental charity?

The Surrey Hills Society is seeking its first Chief Executive Officer to lead our dedicated team and volunteers, sustain and grow our vibrant membership, and develop long-term funding to support our work across one of England’s most treasured National Landscapes.

About Us

The Surrey Hills Society is a well-established independent charity with a 15-year track record of engaging communities in environmental, cultural, and educational activities. We run 40+ events each year and are closely partnered with the Surrey Hills National Landscape and other local organisations. Our reach and impact have grown significantly in recent years through funded projects like the National Lottery Heritage Fund's Growing Together and the South East Surrey Care Farm Pilot, alongside a strong and active membership.

This is an exciting time to join us as we transition from a volunteer-led model to a more professional and sustainable structure—with the CEO at the helm.

⸻

About the Role

As CEO, you will lead the strategic and operational development of the Society, with a particular focus on:

 •  Fundraising & income generation – developing and securing grants, donations, and earned income

 •  Team leadership – line managing a small staff team and supporting a wide network of volunteers

 •  Stakeholder engagement – acting as the public face of the Society and deepening key partnerships

 •  Strategic planning – creating a 3-year vision and business plan for long-term sustainability

 •  Programme oversight – ensuring delivery of existing and new conservation and community projects

⸻

About You

We’re looking for a resourceful, proactive leader who combines strategic thinking with hands-on delivery. You’ll need:

 •  Proven fundraising experience (grants, trusts, individuals, corporates)

 •  Leadership skills with experience managing staff and/or volunteers

 •  Confidence in managing budgets and business planning

 •  Excellent communication and relationship-building skills

 •  A genuine passion for the countryside, community engagement, and conservation

Experience with membership models, event programming, or working in a similar community/landscape context would be an advantage.

⸻

What We Offer

 •  Flexible, home-based working (3 days/week)

 •  A supportive, purpose-driven team environment

 •  The chance to shape a unique, growing charity at a critical point in its evolution

 PR & Communications Lead

Salary: £35,000pa

Hours: 37.5 hours per week 

Location: St Joseph's Hospice, Thornton (L23)  - with flexibility for some homeworking

Reports to: Chief Executive

About Us:
St Joseph’s Hospice provides compassionate, specialist palliative and end-of-life care for people across our local communities. Rooted in values of dignity, trust, compassion, hospitality and respect, we support patients and their families during life’s most challenging times.

Job Overview:
We are seeking a skilled and experienced PR & Communications Lead to take ownership of our media strategy and help elevate the Hospice’s profile. You will manage all communications functions including media relations, branding, internal/external messaging, digital content, and event promotion.

Key Duties Include:

• Developing and delivering a PR & communications plan aligned with the Hospice strategy
• Acting as the main point of contact for all media and press enquiries
• Managing the Hospice website, newsletters, and social media presence
• Supporting income generation through high-quality marketing materials
• Writing press releases, managing media visits, and arranging press conferences
• Maintaining consistent branding across all content and publications
• Building strong relationships with internal teams, supporters, and stakeholders
• Monitoring media coverage and evaluating campaign effectiveness

You will have a recognised Public Relations or Journalism qualification (CIPR or NCTJ) and at least one years experience in a media/communications environment. Strong writing, editing, and digital media skills are a must.

Additional Information

Benefits include an employer contributory pension scheme, 7 weeks annual leave (incl bank hols), access to an Employee Assistance Programme and free onsite parking. Continued access to NHS pension scheme is available for current members. 

Whilst this post is based at the Hospice, there is flexibility for some home working. 

This Post is subject to a Standard DBS Disclosure

To Apply:

The closing date for the receipt of completed applications is: 20th July 2025. 

We are searching for a Head of Community Development

Location: The Southville Centre, Beauley Road, Bristol.

Contract Type: Permanent.

Hours: 30.0 hours per week.

Salary: £38,987.69 per annum (pro rata £31,190.48).

Holidays: 31 days (232.5 hours, pro rata 186.0 hours) including Bank Holidays, plus additional long-service leave (capped).

Benefits: Pension scheme, subsidised under-fives childcare, employee assistance programme, training and development opportunities.

Closing Date: Monday 21st July. 

Interviews: Week commencing 28th July. 

We are very happy to discuss this position before the closing date. 

We’re looking for a compassionate, strategic leader to join us as our Head of Community Development 

This is a rewarding opportunity to lead a department delivering high-impact services to our community of benefit, some services are in partnership with the NHS and Bristol City Council Social Care.  You’ll shape and grow our community-facing work, focusing on what matters most to local people, while upholding the charity’s values and long-term vision. 

Reporting to the CEO, you will lead a committed team delivering our Community Development initiatives (BS3 Community Food Club & Cupboards. Activities for older people and intergenerational offers, BS3 Community Connectors and more), BS3 Community Webs (our social prescribing service), and BS3 Community Care (a growing Social Enterprise Community Business).  You’ll work collaboratively with voluntary sector, statutory, and clinical partners, and contribute to the cross-organisation strategy and planning as part of the Senior Management Team.

Who we are 

We are a well-established charity and community anchor organisation, based across two sites in Southville and Bedminster.  Through our centres, café, nursery, and community programmes, we work to improve the wellbeing, health, happiness, and sense of belonging of people living in the BS3 area. 

We’re passionate about helping our staff grow, whether that’s through professional development or creating space to thrive in their roles. 

Who you are 

You’re a relational leader and thoughtful collaborator, energised by meaningful community engagement. You bring: 

• Strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills. 

• Experience in networking, partnerships and managing community-focused services. 

• A values-led, person-centred approach to service design and delivery. 

• Creativity and confidence to develop new offers in response to local needs. 

• A desire to amplify the charity’s work and impact within the community 

Your insight, energy and commitment to working with and for the community will be essential to your success in this role. 

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging 

We are committed to ensuring Equality of opportunity and access, celebrating Diversity, and promoting Inclusion and Belonging.  This commitment is vital, not only for our service users, but for our staff and the community we serve. 

We actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

We are recruiting one full time, permanent Funding Officer who will predominantly support our work across Somerset, Wiltshire and Swindon.  You’ll be part of our wider South West team, supporting across the region and working day-to-day in a team of fellow Funding Officers, supported by a Funding Manager.

Ideally you will live in or near either Somerset, Wiltshire or Swindon and have good knowledge of at least one of these areas.  This role is classed as mobile working which means you will be expected to work from and visit various locations across the area, including your home. The ability to drive and have access to a vehicle is therefore beneficial, although not essential.

• You will assess applications for funding and manage grants using local knowledge, best practice and thematic expertise and you will harness the experience of customers and stakeholders to improve our grant making and inform our decision making.
   
• Being responsible for supporting local people and communities, you will have a strong understanding of our vision, our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and our funding products.
   
• Being responsible for a pipeline of projects you will need to understand and respond to the different needs of our customers by providing advice and considered feedback, and be willing to have challenging but constructive conversations.
   
• You will also ensure that both grant management and assessment play an effective part in contributing to the Fund’s knowledge and learning as a grant maker. You will manage your own caseload, liaise with grant recipients, undertake project visits, identify and manage risk, support organisations to deliver their projects and measure their impact.

The role will be part of our delivery of our new strategy, 'It starts with Community', and you will need to work within the Fund’s policies and procedures and the necessary legislation, in a way that is in line with our vision and principles.

You will represent the Fund, including at funding fairs and external meetings, creating opportunities for people to come together. You will share learning from your role with other colleagues so that we can maximise our impact.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion  

Communities in the UK come in all shapes and sizes. National Lottery funding is for everyone – therefore, we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and we work hard to ensure our funding reaches where it is needed.  

We also believe our people should represent the communities, organisations and individuals we work with. That’s why The National Lottery Community Fund is committed to being an inclusive employer and a great place to work. We recognise and celebrate the fact that our people come from diverse backgrounds. We positively welcome applications from people from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities or longstanding health conditions, people who are LGBTQ+, and people from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds, as well as people of all ages. 

As a Disability Confident Employer, we take a proactive approach in making reasonable adjustments, if needed, throughout the recruitment process and during employment. (This can be related to a physical and mental health condition.) 

The Cleft Lip and Palate Association (CLAPA) is the national charity for people affected by cleft lip and palate in the United Kingdom. 

We are looking for a Digital Communications Coordinator to cover maternity leave and to support our busy Communications team.

The Digital Communications Coordinator is a key role within CLAPA, responsible for implementing our digital communications strategy to engage and inspire the UK cleft community. This role moves beyond content creation to take ownership of CLAPA’s digital communications across social and email platforms, ensuring online communications are strategic and data-driven. Working closely with colleagues across the organisation, this role supports the planning, delivery, and monitoring of campaigns that inform, support, and connect the cleft community in the UK. 

This is a hands-on role suited to someone with a good understanding of digital communications and a passion for community engagement. The Coordinator will manage day-to-day digital content, respond to online enquiries, and support internal teams with their communications needs. They will also play an important part in maintaining CLAPA’s brand and voice across all channels, ensuring our communications are accessible, on-brand, and effective. 

NB - We reserve the right to close applications early if we receive a high volume of strong candidates. 

The Woodland Trust is looking for a Communications and Engagement Manager in our South East England team, to lead the regional Communications and Engagement team and programme 

The Role: 
•    Develop a regional communications and engagement plan that identifies opportunities aimed at generating new supporters for the Trust - raising our profile, creating opportunities to raise additional income and delivering high quality engagement and volunteering.
•    Oversee delivery of the regional communications and engagement plan and ensure that related communications, engagement, visitor experience and volunteering opportunities are planned and resourced. 
•    Manage a small regional team of communications, engagement and volunteering officers
•    Liaise and regularly work cross departmentally, to ensure communication plans reflect and support the national communications agenda. In particular, strengthen links with centrally based communications and volunteering teams, fundraising teams and conservation and focus area work.
•    Act as communications lead on all funded projects and partnership work
•    Plan, manage and report on a regional communications and engagement budget, as well as working closely with the Regional Director to support the regional budgeting process. This will include responsibility of monitoring spend and cost control.
•    Be the principal point of contact for communications, engagement and volunteering between the country and national teams; sharing best practice and acting as a conduit for internal communications.
•    Foster effective relationships internally and externally to engage and inspire a range of audiences and individuals
•    This role covers the South East of England including Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, Bucks, Berks and Oxfordshire. It requires regular travel around South East England and UK. A full clean UK driving licence is required. 

The Candidate: 
•    You’ll have an enthusiasm for the environment and share our core values-Grow Together, Explore, Focus and Make it Count.
•    You will have experience leading engagement, volunteering or communications teams, providing inspirational leadership and line management.
•    You will have previous experience working and engaging with volunteers, supporters and communities with the ability to deliver objectives cost effectively, including managing, monitoring and reporting on work programmes and budgets.
•    You’ll know about the best methods in communicating with a wide variety of audiences using a mix of marketing and promotional channels. 
•    You’ll have a collaborative approach, with the ability to work with multiple teams, building relationships with both internal and external stakeholders effectively.
•  You will be a strong influencer and you will be confident in representing the Trust in dealings with multiple stakeholders. 

Benefits & Wellbeing: Joining our team means you'll be a big part of tackling environmental and climate issues. We take good care of our staff, offering support and training opportunities. We also offer:
•    Enhanced Employer Pension
•    Life Assurance
•    Flexible & Hybrid Working Options
•    Generous Annual Leave
•    Enhanced Parental Pay
•    Employee Assistance Programme

About Us: The Woodland Trust is the UK's leading woodland conservation charity and is dedicated to creating a world where trees and woods thrive for both people and nature. Our mission involves engaging and inspiring individuals to contribute toward tackling the nature and climate crisis through the protection, restoration, and creation of essential woodland habitats.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: To achieve our vision of a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature, we need to better reflect society and the communities we work in. All people, no matter their background, identity, ability, or circumstance, should benefit from trees. 
People of colour and disabled people are currently under-represented across the environment and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we particularly encourage you to apply.
Please contact us to discuss any additional support or adjustments you may need to complete your application. 

Application Advice: For fairness we keep our candidates’ personal details hidden from the hiring managers, we do not ask for CVs at application stage. Make sure that your Personal Statement clearly shows how your skills and knowledge link to the specifications in the job description and you share with us your passion for the role. 
 
Apply Now: If you're ready to make a difference and grow with us, send in your application today. We might close the job opening early if we get a lot of applications, so it's a good idea to apply soon. If we do close the advert early, and you have an application in process, we will email you prior to closing to give you time to complete.

Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams on 12th & 14th August 2025.

This position is home based but with extensive travel within the Rochdale area and can involve travel across England & Wales

• A full driving licence and access to a car is essential for the role
• The role requires time flexibility including evening and occasional weekend work
• DBS check and references will be obtained.

Job description

The National Flood Forum is partnering Rochdale Borough Council to deliver one of 25 national projects comprising Defra’s Flood and Coastal Resilience and Innovation Programme (FCRIP) which is managed by the Environment Agency and runs until March 2027. The programme aims to test and create new, innovative approaches to flood and coastal resilience that can be adapted and rolled out more widely as good practice and new ways of delivering positive change.

Our project centres on two frequently flood affected and vulnerable neighbourhoods in the Roch Valley in Rochdale district The communities are complex and include a high incidence of social, economic and environmental disadvantage. It aims to develop a more holistic approach to flood and climate resilience with better management of residual flood risks through new, innovative cross-sectoral approaches that also address climate justice and both flood and fuel poverty. The project will deliver a step change in flood literacy and community participation, increase peoples’ capabilities to respond to flooding, improve flood and climate resilience of ageing housing stock, enhance surface water management, neighbourhood water conservation, natural flood risk management and local green infrastructure and develop better financial resilience for homes and businesses. 

This is an exciting role for someone who has experience working at community grassroots or who is passionate about people and working with communities. We give flooded people tools to advocate and speak for themselves and we want someone who is passionate about community empowerment.  Are you articulate and confident and able to facilitate in partnership discussions? If so, we would love to hear from you.

Key skills required are:

• verbal & written communication at all levels (grassroots & professional bodies)
• personal strengths i.e., warm, approachable, patient & genuinely compassionate
• listening skills
• confidence and enthusiasm
• self-motivation and proactive
• being a team player

About The National Flood Forum

The National Flood Forum is a charitable organisation that puts flooded people at the heart of their policies and the work they strive to achieve. We are the only organisation dedicated to issues around flooding. We give support to people at risk before, during and after flood catastrophes and work to achieve a voice for those at the grassroots of flood risk. Exceptional time is given to engagement to create lasting relationships for those that need to reduce their flood risk. Support to those at flood risk is an everyday work expectation and we also provide bespoke services as tools to extend this support.

Engagement – Flood Action Groups (a bespoke NFF initiative now identified internationally) – Networks – bringing people together, communities & professional bodies.

Flood recovery – Going into the heart of a flooded communities to support & guide people through a plethora of issues that they face.

Flood exhibitions – of resilience and resistance advice and information

Insurance – advice & information

A Helpline – a guiding, supporting, listening service

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.

Harris Hill are delighted to be working with a fantastic charity to recruit for the Fundraising and Communications Manager order lead the charity’s fundraising and communications activity, supporting income and awareness targets.

you’ll be responsible for growing awareness and diversifying income through well planned, evidence based fundraising and strategic communication. You’ll lead campaigns, manage digital and offline channels, coordinate fundraising events, and report clearly on performance and progress.

You’ll work closely with the CEO and senior leadership, shaping messaging that inspires donors and stakeholders, while also managing volunteers and apprentices to support campaign delivery. The role is varied, rewarding, and deeply rooted in creating a more inclusive society.

As a Fundraising and Communications Manager you will:

• Develop and deliver an ambitious annual fundraising and communications strategy
• Grow income from trusts, grants, donors, corporates, and community partnerships
• Lead and report on campaigns that raise awareness
• Represent the charity publicly: online, in events, and through compelling storytelling
• Manage digital channels, content creation, donor engagement, and reporting
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement

To be successful, you must have experience:

• Proven experience in fundraising, marketing, or communications roles
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to analyse performance, adapt strategies, and report on outcomes
• A strong understanding of fundraising compliance and donor stewardship
• Passion for inclusion, equality, and creating social impact
• A self-starting mindset with proactive approach

Location: Lewes, East Sussex (with flexible/dynamic office working)

Salary: Circa £39,000 – £45,000 (pro rata if 30 hours)

Contract: Permanent | 30–37.5 hours per week 

Closing date: On rolling basis

Interview: ASAP

Recruitment process: Cv and Supporting Statement to

If this sounds like you, then please do get in touch ASAP!

Unfortunately, due to resource capacity, we will only contact candidates that are shortlisted for interview. Therefore if you do not hear from us within 2 weeks of the closing date please note your application has been unsuccessful.

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.