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Seeking a purposeful career change? Start on your transformative journey with the On Purpose Associate Programme, offering a unique opportunity for mid-career professionals to transition into impactful work. This paid, year-long leadership programme is designed for those ready to develop the skills, knowledge, mindset, and connections to create a regenerative, equitable and just future.

Key info:

• Based in London, UK

• Full-time (4.5 days at placement & 1 half day training weekly)

• £27,010 per annum salary

• Programme dates: October 2026 - September 2027 (50 weeks)

• Apply by Monday 18th May, 9:00 am (BST).

About On Purpose:

On Purpose is tackling the greatest challenge of our time: transforming our economy from profit to purpose. Our leadership programmes develop people who will play their part in this transformation.

Together, we learn to see a different future and take action towards realising it in the organisations we work in. Our programmes seed a vibrant community who care, inspire, challenge and support one another as we make this transformation a reality.

Programme structure:

Two 6 month placements 

• Through work placements with organisations driving impactful change, you'll gain hands-on experience tackling pressing social and environmental issues 4.5 days of the week. Some of our current partners include Better Society Capital, Great Yellow, BAFTA and VISA.

Weekly expert-led learning 

• Our intensive Learning & Development programme involves half a day, weekly in-person sessions led by experts from across sectors. The blend of professional training and academic rigour equips you with the skills, knowledge and mindset to lead organisational and systemic change. 

1:1 mentoring & coaching

• Receive support through fortnightly mentoring sessions and quarterly executive coaching, fostering both your personal and professional growth.

Join a supportive, impactful community

• You’ll be part of a tight-knit cohort of ~20 Associates, participating in training sessions every Friday afternoon together. You’ll also join the wider On Purpose community with now 1000+ alumni, connecting with a global, influential network of impact-driven professionals offering life-long inspiration, collaboration and opportunities.

Benefits:

• Earn a £27.01 k salary - On Purpose stands out by offering a paid learning and training opportunity, saving you significant costs compared to paying for other leadership programmes or MBAs.

• Develop your ability to make an impact - Equip yourself with the skills and insights needed to drive meaningful change. Our alumni are leading transformative change worldwide in all parts of the system, with 92% currently working in the impact sector.

• Unlock purpose-driven career opportunities - Our Associates have moved into a range of impact roles, ranging from CEOs of social enterprises to leadership positions within traditional companies driving change from within. We have a former music label business owner now the CEO of Hubbub, a former Consultant now Director of Impact at B Lab UK and a former civil servant now Climate Lead at Ellen MacArthur Foundation. 

• Standard UK holiday allowance

• A 3-day residential (expenses paid)

Who we’re looking for:

This programme is ideal for you if:

• You’re at a stage in your career where you’ve built solid professional experience and want to use your professional skills to create change in organisations, systems and beyond;

• you’re not currently in a career that aligns with your beliefs, but looking to transition into one;

• or you’re already in the impact sector and want to deepen your understanding of how systems and organisations work, develop the skills to lead transformational change, clarify your purpose and vision, and join a cohort and wider network of peers committed to putting purpose before profit.

Specific sector or industry experience is not important. We’re looking for talented people from diverse industries who have a determination to bring their skills and experience to purpose-driven projects and to driving systemic change. We seek ambitious individuals with:

• A minimum of three years full-time professional experience

• The right to work in the UK for the full duration of the programme

• Fluency in English 

• Office environment experience 

• Skills including project management, stakeholder engagement, adaptability, interpersonal communication, problem-solving, quantitative analysis and strategic thinking.

• Excitement and commitment towards building a career that helps transform our economy from profit to purpose.

Diversity and Inclusion:

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences and those who are often under-represented in the impact sector, including but not limited to individuals with disabilities and those from diverse ethnic, gender identities, sexualities, religions, and socio-economic backgrounds.

How to apply:

• Register your interest via our website to receive a link to your online application form.

• Closing date for applications: Monday 18th May, 9:00 am (BST).

• Interviews will be held in mid-late June.

The Opportunity:   

The Aspiring Professionals Programme Coordinator (APPC) postholder is responsible for supporting the delivery and development of the Social Mobility Foundation’s programme of activities for young people through their S5-6/sixth form and university years.   
The SMF offers in-person and online support and opportunities, so this role will involve providing virtual and in-person support to students and working with employers across the UK.

Key Responsibility Areas:
1. Project Delivery 

• Deliver key projects including recruiting and onboarding students, creating digital resources and student events  
• Support with programme pilots, scoping (and delivering on) new activity   
• Collaborate and build relationships with our employer partners, schools, and universities to support our young people in their applications for university, internships and graduate roles  
• Deliver on allocated events relating to our programme model (university applications, skill development, work experience and mentoring), presenting content to a high standard and in line with the Social Mobility Foundation messaging

 2. Monitoring and Evaluation  

• Follow established procedures to monitor the progress of your work area, using accurate data to inform decisions
• Maintain accurate records across relevant databases, updating data accurately and in a timely manner  
• Contribute to evaluation for key work areas (residentials, events, internships etc), produce high quality evaluation reports where required.

3. Stakeholder Management

• Communicate to internal and external stakeholders in a timely and professional manner
• Proactively update external partners (i.e. employers) on your work areas, flagging risks in a timely manner with relationship managers
• Manage internal student queries and maintain consistent stakeholder (e.g. students) processes through regular communication

4. Activity Delivery  

• Coordinate planning and delivery of skills sessions, partner events, university visits, and other activities, both virtually and in person across the Social Mobility Foundation’s target cities across the UK
• Coordinate logistics of sixth form and S5/S6 and undergraduate internships, including but not limited to, student selection, liaising with students and employers throughout internship delivery 
• Coordinate and support with the organisation, logistics and delivery of in-person residential programmes for students, including staying on site for day and overnight visits when needed
• Coordinate student services including personal statement checking service and recruitment success service 
• Create digital resources to support all provisions

Please see full job description attached for more details. 

Person Specification:

We need someone who will demonstrate our organisational skills-based competencies - as listed below: 

1.  Leadership
2.  Communication
3.  Adaptability
4.  Professionalism 
5.  Decision-making

Technical knowledge, understanding and experience required:

• Basic Microsoft Office, particularly Microsoft Excel  
• A basic understanding of the barriers young people face in accessing university and particular careers  
•  

Ways of working:

• Most of our work is office based, but you will spend a lot of time collaborating with other teams and clients via email, telephone and other communications channels such as Teams or Zoom.  
• This role requires you to attend staff residentials for students on our Programme. This means that during the summer period (Jul – Aug) you will be expected to stay overnight on-site (in the UK - exact location to be confirmed closer to the time) for a period of up to two-weeks, help run the residential and be responsible for the welfare of the young people involved.

Travel:

• Some travel, to other offices and other locations, will occasionally be expected. 
• Please note this role may require some travel during our peak delivery period (February-May) which could be up to 4 times per month.
• Travel and accommodation if required will be covered by the SMF.

Benefits:

• 36/37 days' annual leave (England & Wales and Scotland respectively - includes bank and public holidays), with 3 of these days reserved for the annual end of year office closure
• Cycle to Work Scheme
•  5% Salary sacrifice pension scheme with enhanced matching employer contributions
• Employee Assistance Programme available to staff and their family
• Flexible work options such as hybrid working, flexitime, part-time
• Regular staff team building and business planning “away days”

Office overview

Our University has a proud history of philanthropy stretching back to its foundation in 1900. With a clear vision to change the lives of the people of Birmingham, Joseph Chamberlain raised the funds required to build the University from citizens and corporations based locally and around the globe. Since then philanthropy has continued to play an important role in shaping the University. There have been a number of fundraising campaigns, including a £1m urgent capital appeal after the Second World War and a £1.4m campaign to fund the Vale ‘student village’ in the 1960s. In 2015 we closed the Circles of Influence Campaign, raising £193 million, making it the largest HE fundraising campaign outside Oxbridge and London. 

The University has global reach, including several partnerships with other leading universities around the world, and is grounded in its local community, having opened the first fully comprehensive University secondary school in the country in 2015. We are an ambitious and successful research-intensive University (one of the top 100 research-led universities globally) and have produced 10 Nobel Prize winners, including three who received their awards in 2016. Academics here are exploring the impact of climate change, helping to address global health epidemics, seeking ways to diagnose cancers earlier and create more effective personalised treatments, and changing our understanding of Shakespeare. Our students come from nearly 150 countries and our flagship outreach programmes mean that almost 25% of our student population come from disadvantaged backgrounds: one of the highest proportions in the UK.

DARO (The Development and Alumni Relations Office) exists to support this academic and student community by engaging, inspiring, and celebrating alumni, individuals, and charitable funders who give their money, time, and networks to support the University’s strategic priorities. The Office, which is comprised of five teams, is focused on fundraising and volunteering from alumni, organisations and individuals who are passionate about changing lives, through funding various research trials, supporting student bursaries, mentoring students, and providing internships. We are currently at the heart of delivering the Birmingham in Action campaign with goals to raise £600m and generate 1,250,000 volunteer hours.

As an office, we are committed to sustainability and value green working practices. The environment is an integral part of our campaign and we encourage eco-friendly ways of working in order to have a positive impact on our campus and global surroundings. 

Role Summary

We are looking for a Prospect Development Officer to join our highly successful prospect development team, working in partnership with our fundraising team to manage their prospect pools and portfolios. You will provide insight and advice on donors, trusts, foundations, corporations, and other organizations, collating and reviewing data and writing concise and informative reports for the fundraising team and senior stakeholders within the University. You will proactively identify new prospects, ensuring that biographical information is accurate and up to date. Other responsibilities include leading on the improvement and expansion of research processes, supporting with bespoke research requests, supporting the Head of Prospect Development with specialist research projects, and providing support to the philanthropic due diligence process.

 We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. 

High School of Dundee is a values-led school with a strong commitment to opportunity, inclusion and community. Its core values of Compassion, Challenge and Collaboration shape both its culture and its approach to learning.

The school is committed to ensuring that pupils feel known, supported and inspired to fulfil their potential. While academic achievement is important, the school places equal value on confidence, self-worth, curiosity, creativity and social responsibility.

Founded in 1239, High School of Dundee combines a proud heritage with a modern, forward-looking outlook. It aims to equip young people to contribute positively to the world around them and to make thoughtful, values-based decisions throughout their lives.

At the heart of this mission is the High School of Dundee Charitable Foundation, established in 2000 as a registered charity. The Foundation exists to widen access to a High School education by supporting talented young people who may not otherwise be able to attend due to financial circumstances.

The Foundation’s key objectives are:

• To raise funds for children who need financial assistance to take up their place at the school
• To raise funds to support the school in providing the best possible learning environment

Through its bursary programme, the Foundation promotes social mobility, inclusion and fairness, while enriching the school community through greater diversity of background and experience.

The school and Foundation also contribute more widely through community partnerships, fundraising activity and outreach work that encourages empathy, responsibility and a culture of giving back.

About the Role

This is a newly created opportunity for an experienced fundraiser to lead the next phase of philanthropic growth for High School of Dundee and its Charitable Foundation.

The role sits within the school but works closely with the Foundation, which is a separate entity with its own Board of Trustees and lay members. All funds raised are received by the Foundation and distributed to support agreed priorities, most notably bursaries for talented young people from families who would otherwise be unable to afford school fees, as well as selected capital projects that improve the school’s infrastructure and facilities.

The school has not had a dedicated fundraiser in post since before COVID. In recent years, fundraising has been absorbed within other teams, with activity focused more on maintaining relationships than generating significant new income. Legacy giving has remained strong and has helped sustain the Foundation, while events such as the annual Gala Ball have continued to attract support. However, there is substantial untapped potential across alumni, parents, donors and the wider school community.

At a time when independent schools are facing increased financial pressure, including the impact of VAT on tuition fees and rising delivery costs, the school has taken the strategic decision to invest in dedicated fundraising leadership.

The new Head of Development will work closely with the Executive Rector, Foundation Chair and Board of Trustees to develop and deliver a new fundraising strategy for the future.

The role will focus on:

• Growing philanthropic income across a range of streams
• Strengthening alumni and supporter engagement
• Increasing annual bursary funding from £150,000 to £500,000 over five years
• Delivering a first-year target of an additional £50,000

This is a standalone role, so the successful candidate will need to combine strategic thinking with hands-on delivery. It will suit someone who is comfortable building relationships, shaping a clear plan, influencing senior stakeholders and delivering fundraising activity directly.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising strategy and income generation

• Grow fundraised income from alumni, individuals, trusts and foundations, corporates and other friends of the school
• Develop a multi-income fundraising strategy in partnership with the Executive Rector, Foundation Committee and Trustees
• Create segmentation, cultivation, stewardship and solicitation plans for existing and prospective supporters
• Ensure fundraising priorities remain aligned to the school’s wider strategic goals

Donor and stakeholder engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with alumni, with a particular emphasis on the UK and Europe
• Engage alumni as ambassadors, volunteers and supporters of school priorities
• Work closely with groups connected to the school, including alumni committees and related networks
• Support senior staff, Board members and Foundation representatives in approaches to high-level donors
• Help identify, cultivate and steward major donor relationships

Events and development activity

• Lead collaboration with senior staff and volunteer leaders to plan and deliver cultivation and fundraising events
• Support events such as lunches, dinners, personal visits and other donor engagement opportunities in Dundee and elsewhere as required
• Develop and deliver an alumni volunteering and ambassador programme, including support for internships, guest speakers and mentors

Leadership and operational delivery

• Provide fundraising expertise and guidance to colleagues across the school where needed
• Manage the fundraising budget effectively and ensure activity is approved and delivered within budget
• Raise the profile and reputation of the Development function internally and externally
• Maintain awareness of fundraising best practice, regulatory requirements and sector developments
• Ensure all fundraising activity adheres to relevant professional codes and regulations
• Undertake other duties appropriate to the role as directed by the Executive Rector

Person Specification

Essential experience and knowledge

• Significant fundraising experience, including a track record of growing income
• Understanding of effective fundraising within the education sector or a comparable charitable setting
• Experience of working across complex organisations and managing multiple stakeholders
• Strong communication and engagement skills
• Financial management and budgeting experience
• Degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent professional experience

Essential skills and competencies

• Ability to deliver against agreed income and engagement targets
• Strategic thinker with the ability to solve problems and turn plans into action
• Strong relationship-building, influencing and cross-organisational collaboration skills
• Confidence working with senior leaders, Trustees, volunteers and donors
• Ability to work calmly in a fast-paced and changing environment
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently, use initiative and manage ambiguity
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
• Strong alignment with the values of the school and its commitment to bursary support and widening opportunity

Desirable

• Experience in school, higher education or charity fundraising
• Personal experience of bursary support or a strong understanding of its impact

What the School is Looking For

The school is seeking someone who is both strategic and hands-on. This is a high-profile role at the centre of school life, so the successful candidate will need to bring warmth, credibility, excellent judgement and the ability to build trust quickly.

A genuine commitment to the mission of widening access to education is essential. The school is keen to appoint someone who understands that this work is rooted in opportunity, fairness and long-term impact.

High School of Dundee describes itself as anything but elitist. Many families make significant sacrifices to invest in their children’s education, and the successful candidate will need to feel comfortable and aligned within that environment.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary: £55,000–£60,000, depending on experience
• Hours: 35 hours per week
• Working pattern: Flexible
• Contract: Full-time, permanent
• Reporting to: Executive Rector
• Direct reports: None
• Location: Euclid Campus, Dundee / hybrid, with an expectation of around 2 days per week on site
• Annual leave: 37 days including public holidays
• Pension: Defined contribution scheme with employer contribution options of 8% or 13.55%, depending on employee contribution level
• Benefits platform: Pluxee
• Fee remission: 40%
• Additional benefit: Access to the school gym at Mayfield outside school hours

Safeguarding and Eligibility

The successful candidate will be required to undertake a check through the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. Any offer of employment will be conditional on satisfactory PVG clearance.

Please note that this role is only open to candidates who already have the legal right to work in the UK on a permanent basis.

How to Apply

Applications should be made by CV and covering letter, with neither document exceeding two pages.

This recruitment campaign is being managed by Abeer Macintyre Consultancy.

Early applications are encouraged, as candidates of interest will be invited to a short pre-screen interview as part of the shortlisting process.

Key dates

• Closing date: Midday, Sunday 3 May 2026
• First stage interviews: Wednesday 20 May 2026, at High School of Dundee
• Second stage interviews: Thursday 21 May 2026, via Teams

For further information, please contact Abeer via the email address above.