Community jobs in ovingdean, brighton

Team: Community Fundraising

Location: Kent & Sussex (successful candidate must be based within the region as this is a hybrid role working both from home and within the region)

Work pattern: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Salary: Up to £30,809.93 per annum

Contract: Fixed term until 31st July 2026

We are the UK’s largest cat welfare charity. All over the country, our passionate employees, volunteers and supporters are using their kindness and expertise to make life better for millions of cats and the people who care for them.

Will you join us and make life better for cats?

Responsibilities of our Community Fundraising Volunteer Team Leader:

• To recruit, develop, retain and support a diverse team of volunteers to enhance community fundraising activities and income generating opportunities.
• To lead on the promotion and coordination of volunteer activities within a community fundraising hub working collaboratively with the Community Fundraising Officers to drive income generation within the local vicinity.
• To provide practical, role specific and pastoral support for community fundraising volunteers adopting an exemplary approach to volunteer management and volunteer engagement.
• To ensure our dedicated volunteers have excellent experiences and have the skill, resources and motivation to maximize income generating opportunities.

About the Community Fundraising team:

• We sit within the Community Events team
• Our team is responsible for leading and supporting community activities to drive and grow our community fundraised income.
• We currently have a team of over 30

What we’re looking for in our Community Fundraising Volunteer Team Leader:

• Evidence of raising funds in a community fundraising environment
• Good experience in volunteer management/ supervision
• Experience as a team leader or supervisor
• Direct experience of working with volunteers
• Experience in Community Fundraising
• Full UK driving licence and access to a car

What we can offer you:

• range of health benefits
• 26 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with length of service
• Salary Finance, which empowers you to take control of your financial wellbeing
• and much more, which you can learn about 

Interested? Here’s how to apply:

Application closing date: 4th January 2026

Virtual interview date: Week commencing 12th January 2026

Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment. Please note, applications received after the closing date may not be responded to.

If you’re enthusiastic about this opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway and demonstrate how your experience is transferrable.  You may be just the right candidate. 

If successful, your recruitment journey will include:

1.Anonymised application form

2.Virtual interview via Microsoft Teams

Please note, the process may change slightly dependent on application numbers. We will inform you of any relevant changes.

Location: Remote globally

Closing date for Sourcing: 31 December 2025

Contract status: Global post, full-time

Start date: As soon as possible

Contract duration: Permanent

Remuneration: Competitive

Salary Band: A1 

We rebuild tropical fisheries with coastal communities

Blue Ventures is a marine conservation organization that puts people first. We support coastal fishers in remote and rural communities to rebuild fisheries, restore ocean life and build lasting pathways to prosperity. Our work began two decades ago in Madagascar’s remote coastal communities and is growing globally.

Across a dozen countries, we’re partnering with traditional fishers and community organizations to design, scale, strengthen and sustain fisheries management and conservation at the community level. We bring partners together in networks to advocate for reform, and share tools and best practices to support fishing communities across the globe. 

Summary job description

As the Director of Programme Performance, you will be pivotal in leading a team responsible for the design, implementation, and management of monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) systems. Your leadership will be critical in developing performance indicators and data pipelines that inform organisational and programmatic key results, guide data-driven decision-making, and deliver meaningful impact assessments.

The Director of Programme Performance will ensure the effective development of culturally relevant, community-centric performance indicators and alignment with donor requirements. They will collaborate closely with the Data Science and Technical Knowledge teams to design and refine performance indicators, implement monitoring frameworks, and develop data flows that align with Blue Ventures’ strategic goals.

This role also includes overseeing the integration of community feedback, fostering continuous learning, and ensuring that programmatic data informs adaptive management.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced leader with a strong background in marine conservation, socioeconomics, and MEL systems and experience working with small-scale fishing communities in diverse geographical contexts. This role will report to the Chief Technical Officer.

Community Fundraiser - London​

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

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

Key Responsibilities: ​​​

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

Requirements: ​​

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

​

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

​For this role, the successful candidate must live in the London area.​​

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

​

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

Closing Date: 04th January 2026

​

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

​

Chief Executive Officer

Salary:     c.£75 - 80,000 per annum

Hours:      Full time 35 hours per week

Contract:  Permanent

Location:  The role is, of necessity, office based, although flexibility for home working is expected where appropriate. Evening and weekend work will be required to attend networking and other events.

At Sussex community Foundation we are approaching our 20th anniversary. As we celebrate this milestone, we are looking for an ambitious and dynamic chief executive to lead us into the next 20 years, enabling us to make Sussex a fairer and more equal place.

At Sussex Community Foundation we bring inspirational people together to create the change Sussex needs. In our first 20 years we have built a reputation across the county as an authoritative voice in local philanthropy, attracting and retaining new Fundholders to the Foundation.

As a leading grant maker in the county, our reputation within the voluntary sector is incredibly important to us. We want to ensure that our future Chief Executive builds on these trusted relationships.

We have an experienced and influential Board who will support you in your role, backed up by an enthusiastic and committed team of experts in both fundraising and grant making.

We look forward to receiving your application.

Mark Spofforth OBE FCA - Chair of Trustees

Closing date: Monday 5 January 2026 - noon
We are using the Charity Job anonymous recruitment process - please ensure that you apply through the portal.

Please log into your CharityJob candidate account to access and download the Persons Specification and to submit your application.

**No Agencies please**

#Chief Executive Officer #CEO #Executive #Leadership 

We are seeking a Community Development Officer to lead a major in-progress project improving recognition, support, and care for people with smell and taste disorders at a local level across England. 

This three-year, volunteer-led programme, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund has achieved significant success in its first eighteen months. We are now recruiting a new postholder to take this strong foundation forward through the next phase of delivery. 

Over the past eighteen months, we have recruited and established a thriving network of volunteers and local groups across England. This momentum is expected to continue. The Community Development Officer will work closely with existing volunteers and groups, primarily remotely, while also attending in-person events and meetings in different parts of England as needed. 

The postholder will lead the ongoing recruitment, training, and support of volunteer groups, working with them to identify opportunities for local outreach and engagement. Together, you will ensure that more people affected by smell and taste disorders access the information, support, and recognition they need, while continuing to raise awareness of these often-unrecognised sensory impairments. 

Our volunteer groups bring together people with lived experience alongside experts from the food, beverage and fragrance sectors, and other relevant fields. 

We are looking for a motivated, forward-thinking individual with experience in leading and inspiring others. You will bring energy, creativity, and excellent communication skills to drive the project forward and help build an innovative, sustainable programme of volunteer-led activity, supporting our volunteers to influence change within their communities. 

You will empower volunteers to play an active role in transforming public understanding of how essential smell and taste are to our lives, whether they are running peer support groups, organising local events, delivering talks in community settings, or representing the charity at information days. 

You will join a small, friendly and ambitious team committed to your professional development as the charity continues to grow. 

If you are passionate about making a difference, enjoy working with people, and want to contribute to a pioneering and collaborative organisation that values and empowers its community, we would love to hear from you. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. 

�� Help give animals in Sussex a good life — and shape the future of one of the most-loved local charities ��

Raystede is one of Sussex’s most loved animal charities, caring for over 400 animals every day. We're investing in our future — and fundraising is at the heart of that journey.

We’re looking for an experienced Individual and Community Giving Manager to lead and grow our public fundraising programme across Regular Giving, Community Fundraising, Events, Appeals, Legacies, Lottery, Sponsorship and Digital.

You’ll manage a talented team, develop supporter journeys, embed data-led decision making and drive income growth to help secure Raystede’s long-term future.

We’re looking for someone with:

· A strong track record in public fundraising

· Experience managing multiple fundraising streams

· Leadership and team development skills

· Excellent storytelling, relationship-building and data literacy

· A passion for ethical fundraising and animal welfare

Some evening/weekend work required (TOIL provided). Full driving licence is essential.

We are looking for an inspiring leader to drive the Wilder Communities programme at Sussex Wildlife Trust. This is a strategic role delivering an ambitious engagement offer that connects people with nature and supports our long-term vision.

Lead innovative programmes that strengthen social cohesion and create lasting change. Join Belong and help communities thrive across the UK.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in delivering impactful, evidence-based programmes that bring people together and foster inclusion. As Belong enters its next phase of growth, we are expanding our reach and deepening our impact. The Programme Lead will be at the heart of this journey, shaping and delivering high-quality initiatives that respond to local needs and drive systemic change.

About Belong
Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is the UK’s leading not-for-profit organisation focused on building a more united and less divided society. We work with communities, local authorities, and national partners to strengthen trust, belonging, and resilience. Through place-based programmes, research, policy influence, and thought leadership, we help create stronger, kinder, and more connected communities. Our growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society, and businesses. Belong is collaborative, evidence-led, and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

The Role
As Programme Lead, you will design and deliver innovative programmes that make a measurable difference to communities. You will lead the development of local strategies, co-create solutions with partners, and ensure programmes are inclusive, impactful, and aligned with Belong’s mission.

Key responsibilities include:

• Programme Design and Delivery

  • Lead the delivery of Belong’s local programmes, ensuring they are evidence-based and responsive to community needs.
  • Design and facilitate workshops, training sessions, and community engagement activities.
  • Apply strong research methods, including desk-based analysis, surveys, and social media insights.
  • Manage programme budgets, timelines, and resources to ensure effective delivery.
  • Monitor and evaluate programme outcomes, producing reports and insights for stakeholders.

• Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement

  • Build and maintain strong relationships with local authorities, community organisations, funders, and commissioners.
  • Co-design programme approaches with partners, ensuring shared ownership and relevance.
  • Represent Belong at external events, meetings, and forums to promote our work and build new opportunities.

• Strategic Development

  • Contribute to Belong’s organisational strategy through programme innovation and learning.
  • Support business development by identifying opportunities, developing proposals, and contributing to bids.
  • Share learning and best practice across the organisation to inform future programme development.

• Planning, Delivery, and Risk Management

  • Demonstrate strong project management skills, including coordination of deliverables and budget tracking.
  • Conduct risk assessments and map risks and opportunities to ensure programme success.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in dynamic environments, enjoys working collaboratively, and is passionate about creating lasting change in communities.

About You
We are seeking a proactive and collaborative programme leader with:

• Proven experience in designing and delivering community-based programmes.
• Experience working in or with local government or voluntary sector organisations.
• Strong facilitation and engagement skills, with familiarity in participatory methods.
• Excellent project management skills and attention to detail.
• Experience in monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
• Ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with strong communication skills.
• Relevant qualification in community development, public policy, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of social cohesion and integration issues.
• Highly organised and able to manage multiple priorities.

Desirable: Experience in Prevent, PCVE, community tensions, hate crime, or tackling misinformation.

Personal Qualities

• Passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK.
• Collaborative and solution-focused.
• Entrepreneurial and proactive in identifying opportunities.
• Practical, focused, and reliable.
• Able to thrive in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
• Committed to personal and professional development.

Why Join Us?
At Belong, you’ll be part of a dynamic, values-driven team united by a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and connected society. We offer:

• 30 days’ annual leave (plus bank holidays)
• Hybrid working (typically 3 days in the office)
• Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies
• Opportunities for professional development and growth

Join us and help shape programmes that build stronger, kinder, and more connected communities across the UK.

Our office is based in Manchester and we offer hybrid working for those able to travel there. However, this role is open UK-wide and can be worked remotely, with regular travel across England and Wales required.

We are seeking a Community Engagement Officer to provide vital administrative support to our policy & campaigns function and across the organisation, facilitating strong engagement with our community of dementia carers. The successful candidate will act as the first point of contact for enquiries around our carer engagement projects, and will assist with the coordination and administration of policy and campaign activities.  You'll be joining us at an exciting time as we build on our successes and continue to grow our reach and impact to make a difference for dementia carers.

What we do at Dementia Carers Count

We support, advocate and campaign for dementia carers so that no-one feels isolated, invisible or alone.

Key responsibilities of the role

• Be the first point of contact for enquiries, managing incoming phone calls and generic inboxes for policy and campaigns, ensuring that enquiries are escalated efficiently and calls transferred to appropriate DCC team members.
• Record carer details and interactions on the database.
• Support the recruitment and ongoing management of the dementia carer community, including working across DCC teams to facilitate the promotion and ongoing coordination of a range of engagement opportunities.
• Assist in the planning, coordination, and delivery of campaigns and community engagement activities.
• Support communication with and management of the Carers’ Advisory Panel, including scheduling meetings, maintaining attendance records, and facilitating communication among members.
• Provide support for carer engagement, as required, to other teams in DCC.

We are looking for the following experience:

• Managing incoming enquiries via phone and email, with the ability to efficiently triage and escalate as needed.

• Using databases to record and manage personal information

• Coordinating appointments, meetings, or events.

• Using email or community and campaigns engagement clients like MailChimp, Campaign Monitor or Engaging Networks.

Full job description and person specification can be found in our recruitment pack via our website.

This role is remote, with periodic days in London required.

This is an extraordinary opportunity to join Belong’s Senior Leadership Team as Director of Programmes, a pivotal role at the heart of our mission. You will lead the design, delivery, and impact of Belong’s programmes across England and Wales, ensuring they are strategic, inclusive, and evidence-based. Working closely with the CEO and senior colleagues, you will shape programme strategy, oversee complex portfolios, and drive systemic change that strengthens social cohesion nationwide.

As Director of Programmes, you will:

• Lead strategic development and delivery of Belong’s place-based programmes, ensuring alignment with our mission and values.
• Oversee programme design, implementation, evaluation, and learning to guarantee quality and measurable impact.
• Line manage a talented team of Programme Leads and Coordinators, fostering a culture of collaboration and empowerment.
• Apply systems thinking to understand the interconnected nature of community, policy, and service ecosystems.
• Build and maintain high-level partnerships with funders, commissioners, local authorities, and community organisations.
• Represent Belong at national forums, events, and networks, championing our work and influence.
• Identify and pursue new opportunities for programme development and funding, supporting organisational growth.

This is a senior leadership position that combines strategic vision with hands-on delivery. You will play a key role in shaping Belong’s future and ensuring our programmes make a lasting difference to communities across the UK.

About You
We are seeking a visionary and experienced leader with:

• Proven experience in leading complex programme portfolios and delivering impactful initiatives.
• Strong strategic thinking and planning abilities, with a track record of shaping programme strategy.
• Excellent leadership and line management skills, with the ability to inspire and develop teams.
• Experience managing diverse stakeholders, from senior decision-makers to community partners.
• Familiarity with systems change and participatory approaches.
• Understanding of social cohesion, integration, and related social policy issues.
• Strong communication and influencing skills, able to translate complex ideas into accessible messages.
• Highly organised, diplomatic, and politically astute, with experience in income generation and bid development.

Desirable: Experience in areas such as Prevent, PCVE, community tensions, hate crime, or tackling misinformation.

Personal qualities matter too: we’re looking for someone passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK, collaborative and inclusive in their leadership style, and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Why Join Us?
At Belong, you’ll be part of a dynamic, values-driven team united by a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and connected society. We offer:

• 30 days’ annual leave
• Hybrid working (typically 3 days in the office)
• Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies
• Opportunities for professional development and growth

Salary: £65,000–£70,000
Location: UK-wide (regular travel across England and Wales)
Contract: Permanent, Full-time
Closing Date: 12 January 2026

About Belong
Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is the UK’s leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to building a more united and less divided society. We work with communities, local authorities, and national partners to strengthen trust, belonging, and resilience. Through innovative place-based programmes, research, policy influence, and thought leadership, we help create stronger, kinder, and more connected communities. Our growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society, and businesses, and we are proud to champion collaboration, diversity, and evidence-led approaches.

*Our office is based in Manchester and we offer hybrid working for those able to travel there. However, this role is open UK-wide and can be worked remotely, with regular travel across England and Wales required.*

Senior Community Fundraiser – North & Midlands

Location: Remote (based in Birmingham or Coventry area) with regular local travel and occasional visits to London and Sheffield
Contract: 18-month fixed term
Hours: 35 per week (open to considering a four-day week)
Salary: £31,000-£34,000

Join Breast Cancer Now – the research and support charity that’s here for anyone affected by breast cancer.
We believe that by 2050, everyone diagnosed with breast cancer will live – and be supported to live well. To make this future a reality, we need passionate fundraisers to help us grow our income and impact.

About the role

As Senior Community Fundraiser, you will be an important part of the team building Breast Cancer Now’s presence across the North and Midlands; local knowledge and networks will be key to success in this role. This is an exciting opportunity to:

• Identify and develop relationships with new supporters including individuals, clubs, societies, and local businesses.
• Nurture existing long-term relationships to increase fund raised income and engagement.
• Lead a brand-new pilot for our award-winning Asda Tickled Pink partnership, engaging stores and inspiring colleagues and customers to raise vital funds.

You’ll dedicate 50% of your time to the Asda Tickled Pink pilot, working closely with store teams to increase engagement and income. The other half will focus on developing community fundraising across your region.

About you

We’re looking for someone who is:

• An excellent relationship builder providing exceptional customer service / account management / stewardship. Previous experience working in a charity is not required.
• Experience in developing  customer relationships  / accounts /  supporters, with a focus on retention and income growth.
• A confident communicator and natural team player, able to inspire and influence a wide range of audiences.
• Highly organised, able to analyse and organise data, work independently and manage budgets.

You’ll need a full clean driving licence, access to a car, and flexibility to travel and work occasional evenings/weekends.

Why join us?

• Be part of a charity that funds life-saving research and provides vital support services.
• Work in a collaborative, inclusive environment where your ideas and impact matter.
• Help shape a pilot project that could transform local engagement for one of the UK’s most successful charity partnerships.

Salary: £31,000-£34,000
Closing date: midday on Monday 5th January 2026
To apply: please share your CV and cover letter with Philippa at Charity People.

This is a homebased role, with some occasional travel in and around South London.

At CareDogs, we reduce social isolation by getting people out and about with local volunteers and their dogs for regular walks, talks and companionship. 

We believe in a society that values community, celebrates intergenerational friendship, honours the human–animal bond, encourages us to be outside more, and helps people feel like valued members of their local communities. 

As Fundraising and Marketing Assistant, you will play a central role in delivering CareDogs’ fundraising strategy, helping to grow income, strengthen community connections and raise awareness of our work. You will contribute to the development and delivery of creative fundraising initiatives, build relationships with local partners and supporters, and create engaging content that inspires people to get involved.

This is a hands-on, varied role for someone who enjoys both community engagement and communications. With a growing presence in South London, it’s an exciting opportunity to help shape the next stage of CareDogs’ growth and sustainability.

What you’ll do

• Deliver activities and campaigns that support CareDogs’ overall fundraising strategy and income targets.
   

• Proactively increase public fundraising initiatives and promote ways for people to fundraise for or donate to CareDogs, researching and implementing opportunities for increasing donations through organised, community and ‘DIY’ fundraising events and challenge activities.
   

• Establish, nurture and maintain community relationships, securing donations and support from local businesses (such as supermarkets and pet stores), community groups and individuals.
   

• Create marketing materials and social media content in line with CareDogs’ brand guidelines.
   

• Record and report fundraising campaign income and activity outcomes.
   

• Lead on public awareness-raising events such as Paws in the Park and other local community events.
   

• Cultivate and steward relationships with existing supporters, responding to enquiries (emails, letters, phonecalls) and increasing supporter engagement. 
   

• Keep the website up to date with news, blogs and community stories, and support monthly newsletter communications via Squarespace and Mailchimp.
   

• Maintain accurate supporter records on our CRM (we use Beacon), updating contact and engagement information regularly.
   

• Utilise Eventbrite to promote events and ensure the charity’s JustGiving Page is up to date with any fundraising campaigns
   

What you’ll get

• Join us as the first person in this new role and help shape its direction as the charity grows. A fantastic opportunity to learn, contribute, and make a real impact.
   

• Be part of a rapidly growing grassroots charity with a mission to reduce loneliness and increase wellbeing.
   

• Support from CareDogs' experienced board members and senior leadership.
   

• A flexible role with the opportunity to mostly work remotely.
   

• 20 days per year annual leave, alongside UK bank holidays (pro-rated for part-time staff), plus an extra day off to celebrate your birthday.
   

• Dog-friendly annual events: Celebrate and connect with your colleagues, and bring your furry friend along!
   

About you

We think you’ll succeed in this role if you:

• Are familiar with the charity sector and best practice when it comes to fundraising
   

• Have experience managing social media channels, including content creation and scheduling, as well as using Canva or similar design software
   

• Have great interpersonal skills and are a persuasive, confident communicator.
   

• Are a self-starter, and are comfortable working independently and remotely
   

• Have proven experience in fundraising and donor stewardship, especially within communities or supporting  local partnerships
   

• Have strong written and verbal communication skills with attention to detail.
   

• Understand the charity sector and best practice in fundraising and supporter engagement.
   

Essential requirements

• A genuine passion for CareDogs’ mission and values.
   

• A full, clean driving licence and access to your own vehicle.
   

• A clear DBS check (to be completed upon job offer).
   

Additional information

Occasionally this role will require you to attend community CareDogs events outside of office hours, so you’ll need enough flexibility to allow for this.

About SCEC

SCEC was founded over twenty years ago to provide learning enrichment opportunities to primary school children in disadvantaged communities in south London. Together with our partners, several leading independent schools, we currently operate four schemes in math, literacy, science and art. Children learn through fun, engaging group activities like science experiments, storytelling and mathematical treasure hunts, all taught by qualified teachers with added support from student mentors. Through the schemes, children explore their curiosity, build knowledge and develop their confidence as learners.

Your Role

The Scheme Director is a newly created role that will be pivotal in helping SCEC extend its reach. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, you will help SCEC design and implement an expansion programme as well as coordinating the delivery of the existing schemes via our school partners. You will also serve as a trusted partner to the Board in the administration of the charity.

Similar to a COO, this role straddles the operational and the strategic. We are looking for a confident communicator and relationship builder who can work across varied stakeholder groups. You will have project management experience that can be applied to challenges like process design and change management. You should be able to grasp the big picture and have an eye for the details needed to deliver successful outcomes.  This is an exciting opportunity for the right candidate to join SCEC on a transformational journey working with excellent learning partners and established leaders to improve educational outcomes for children.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee scheme operations including pupil recruitment, enrolment and attendance to ensure the smooth running of schemes and maximum impact
• Promote the charity to prospective partners and donors
• Support the Board in developing, implementing and monitoring an expansion programme
• Monitor and report on scheme performance and impact
• Prepare and manage budgets and disbursement of funds 
• Build and maintain systems and processes to support scheme operations, compliance and monitoring

Key Qualities

• Passionate about making a difference in the lives of children
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing strategic plans to achieve organisational goals
• Track record of effectively managing programmes and services, including programme development, implementation, and evaluation
• Committed to working collaboratively to build strong relationships with business partners and colleagues and proactively engaging stakeholders when making decisions
• Self-motivated and highly organised, you have a strong sense of initiative and take a hands-on approach to planning and administration

Child Protection

SCEC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. This is the responsibility of the whole organisation (trustees and staff).  An enhanced DBS Disclosure is required for this role.

For more information, please see the attached Job Description below

This is an exceptional opportunity to join Belong’s Senior Leadership Team as Director of Policy & Research, a role that sits at the heart of our mission to shape national conversations on cohesion and integration. You will lead Belong’s policy development, research strategy, and national partnerships, ensuring our work is grounded in robust evidence and lived experience. This position offers the chance to influence systemic change, amplify Belong’s voice with policymakers and opinion formers, and ensure our insights drive real-world impact.

As Director of Policy & Research, you will:

• Lead the development of Belong’s policy and research agenda, aligning it with organisational strategy and national priorities.
• Produce high-quality policy outputs, including reports, briefings, consultation responses, and thought leadership pieces.
• Oversee the design and delivery of research projects, including commissioning and partnership work, ensuring rigor and inclusivity.
• Translate research findings into actionable policy recommendations and advocacy strategies.
• Foster strong collaboration between the Policy & Research team and Programme Delivery team, ensuring insights inform both policy and practice.
• Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians, journalists, and opinion formers.
• Represent Belong externally at high-level meetings, events, and in the media, amplifying our impact and reach.
• Develop strategic messaging and narratives that position Belong as a thought leader in social cohesion.
• Support campaigns and public engagement initiatives that promote Belong’s policy goals.
• Contribute to organisational development, strategic planning, and income generation through proposal development and funder engagement.
• Line manage policy and research staff, providing leadership, support, and professional development.

This is a senior leadership role for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and wants to drive systemic change at scale.

About You
We are seeking a strategic and insightful leader with:

• Proven experience in policy development and research leadership.
• Experience working in or with government, think tanks, or advocacy organisations.
• Strong understanding of social policy and influencing processes.
• Knowledge of cohesion, integration, and community relations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including media engagement and public speaking.
• Ability to translate complex research into accessible policy messages.
• Familiarity with participatory and applied research methods.
• Strong strategic thinking and planning abilities.
• Relevant qualification in public policy, social research, or a related field.
• Experience managing teams and budgets, and supporting income generation through fundraising and proposal development.

Personal Qualities

• Passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK.
• Strategic and visionary thinker.
• Collaborative and inclusive leader.
• Politically astute and intellectually curious.
• Practical, focused, and reliable.
• Committed to personal and professional development.

Why Join Us?
At Belong, you’ll be part of a dynamic, values-driven team united by a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and connected society. We offer:

• 30 days’ annual leave
• Hybrid working (typically 3 days in the office)
• Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies
• 3% pension contribution
• Opportunities for professional development and growth

Join us and help shape national policy and research that builds stronger, kinder, and more connected communities across the UK.

Salary: £65,000–£70,000
Location: UK-wide (regular travel across England and Wales)
Contract: Permanent, Full-time

About Belong
Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is the UK’s leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to building a more united and less divided society. Established in 2019, we work across sectors to strengthen trust, belonging, and resilience in communities. Through research, policy influence, and place-based programmes, we connect people, places, and organisations to share learning and drive systemic change. Our growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society, and businesses. Belong is collaborative, evidence-led, and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Our office is based in Manchester and we offer hybrid working for those able to travel there. However, this role is open UK-wide and can be worked remotely, with regular travel across England and Wales required.