Community support officer jobs in nottingham

About GNDR

We are the Global Network of Civil Society Organisations for Disaster Reduction (GNDR), the largest global network of organisations committed to working together to improve the lives of people affected by disasters worldwide. Since being established in 2007, we have grown into a network of 2,010 member organisations across 132 countries, representing millions of people on the frontlines of hazards, climate change and mass displacement. Through transformative, evidence-led programming and powerful advocacy, we are driving climate action and disaster resilience alongside our members across the globe.

About the role

GNDR is seeking a motivated and strategic leader to join our Senior Leadership Team (SLT) as Head of Fundraising, Impact and Communications on a full-time basis for a fixed-term maternity cover of one year.

In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for driving forward GNDR’s fundraising and communications strategy, increasing our reach, impact, and income in alignment with the organisation’s strategic priorities.

You will lead a fully integrated function spanning fundraising, monitoring and evaluation, and communications. This includes ensuring a joined-up and collaborative approach to consistent, distinctive messaging and engagement activities. These efforts underpin successful fundraising outcomes and support GNDR’s wider organisational goals – particularly our work in influencing policy and engaging external decision-makers.

This maternity cover role comes at an exciting moment in GNDR’s journey. We are currently evaluating our existing strategy and designing a new five-year organisational strategy that will unlock fresh opportunities to deepen our impact, extend our reach and amplify our global voice. 

The successful candidate will play an essential role in ensuring our fundraising, MEAL and communications operations remain strategically aligned and fully responsive to this evolving context.

Overall scope of the role

The remit of this post will cover the following core responsibilities:

• Sustainability and income growth
• Effective donor relations
• Funding proposals
• Impact measurement
• External communications
• Training and capacity building
• Leadership and governance
• Line management and team development

Candidate requirements

We are ideally looking for candidates who have the following core skills and experience:

• Fundraising & Communications: Proven success securing funding from donors, trusts and foundations, with strategic experience in NGO fundraising and communications
• Leadership & Strategy: Strong team leadership, capacity building, and strategic planning skills within humanitarian or development contexts
• Interpersonal & Cultural Agility: Excellent communicator, culturally sensitive, adaptable, and able to thrive in fast-paced, diverse environments
• Project & Proposal Delivery: Skilled in developing proposals, and producing high-quality reports and budgets
• Technical & Analytical Skills: A sharp analytical mindset and strong decision-making capabilities
• A strong commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and alignment to GNDR’s core values

Eligibility

We are accepting applications from candidates eligible to work in the UK. Candidates will need to be able to travel internationally when necessary. 

This role will be predominantly remote. However, we are currently piloting a revised hybrid working model for our UK-based team, which includes monthly in-person meetups at a flexible workspace in London. This arrangement remains subject to the outcome of the ongoing consultation, with the trial period scheduled to conclude at the end of October.

Please note that all offers of employment at GNDR are conditional and subject to satisfactory background checks.

We welcome applications from candidates who meet most of the essential criteria outlined in the job specification below.

A full Job description is attached, or please visit our website.

Salary

The gross annual salary for this role is £56,098 per annum based on working full-time.

This is a one year, fixed-term full time contract.

Start date

We are ideally looking for candidates who are available to start in November 2025. However, we recognise that availability may vary due to individual notice periods, and we are happy to accommodate some flexibility where possible.

How to apply

Please submit an up to date copy of your CV (max. two A4 pages) and a Cover Letter (max. one A4 page) outlining skills and experience relevant to the role by email to HR.  Please include in the subject of the email, the following: “Application for the Head of FRIMCO role”.

Please note: we are unable to accept incomplete applications.

If you have any questions or need to discuss any adjustments to the recruitment process, please contact our recruitment team. Full contact details are availble on our website, please follow the link below.

Interview

Week commencing 13 October

Please note: The interview process usually consists of two online stages which may include a role-specific task. Interviews are typically conducted by a panel of two to three members, including the Hiring Manager. Applicants are encouraged to advise us of any adjustments required to ensure the whole recruitment process is accessible and equitable.

Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

We are dedicated to creating a team that embodies the rich diversity of the society and communities we serve. Our commitment lies in cultivating an inclusive environment, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

We strongly encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds, including those from underrepresented ethnicities, nationalities, socioeconomic circumstances, LGBTQIA+ and individuals with disabilities. We celebrate the unique experiences and perspectives that every candidate brings and are dedicated to ensuring fair and equitable opportunities for all.

We’re committed to making our recruitment process as accessible and inclusive as possible for individuals of all needs and abilities. If you require any adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us. Contact information are available on our website.

Find out more about our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion by visiting our website.

Our benefits and wellbeing

At GNDR, we are committed to cultivating a happy and healthy working environment for all our staff.

We provide a competitive salary and benefits package across all of our locations. 

Find out more about our approach to wellbeing and our benefits by visiting our website.

Flexible working

In order to support and encourage a healthy work-life balance for our staff, we are happy to consider flexible working requests as part of our recruitment process. As a global organisation, most staff work remotely depending on their role and location. 

If you have any questions on any of the above information or if you have any specific requirements that would enable you to participate more fully in the recruitment process,  please contact our recruitment team. All contact information are available on our website.

You will be joining us at a time that holds the greatest potential for fundraising in our history, following the launch of the UK Government’s Delivery Plan for ME and initial findings of the DecodeME genetics study (co-led by Action for ME) in Summer 2025. 

Building on our charity’s already established level of support from major donors, you will provide exceptional relationship management to existing donors alongside growing our network of high value supporters.

Working closely with the CEO, alongside managing a portfolio of donors and prospects ensuring excellent stewardship, you will support our Breakthrough-ME Group (a group of high net worth and highly networked individuals). There is an established level of support from major donors at Action for ME so this is a role that will require exceptional relationship management to retain our current valued supporters while growing this crucial area of fundraising. 

This would be an ideal role for an experienced philanthropy professional seeking to work for a small but ambitious charity, helping us to achieve our mission to improve the lives of all people affected by ME – better meeting their needs today while taking action to secure change for tomorrow.

Key duties

Major Donor Fundraising

• Successfully develop and implement the philanthropy strategy to secure and maximise funds from high value individuals for Action for ME achieving annual income of £250k+

• Set plans and budgets which will deliver income through major gift fundraising and philanthropic giving through family trusts and foundations, including quarterly forecasting.

• Manage a portfolio of prospects and donors at the £5k to £100k level, to develop and maintain strong and long-standing partnerships

• Work closely with the Director of Fundraising and Development and other colleagues to ensure that plans and activities for fundraising from high value individuals are integrated into the overall fundraising strategy and plan for significant growth.

• Be responsible for our Breakthrough-ME Group with high quality proposition development.  Contribution to Group fundraising activities with a specific focus on ensuring their networks support pipeline growth for future fundraising.

• Lead the delivery of our biennial fundraising gala dinner, maximising income and new opportunities from attendees.

• Develop engaging and inspiring opportunities to steward and cultivate support creating a calendar of activities including events, presentations, approaches, networking and meetings.

• Utilise the CRM database (Raisers Edge) to provide the data required to strategise your approach to philanthropy, monitor progress and provide a high-quality donor experience.

• Ensure utilisation of insight & data, producing management information data to inform planning and strategy development.

• With the Director of Fundraising & Development, create inspiring cases for support and resulting propositions with clear budgets and outcomes.

• Create adequate systems and processes to support the major donor programme.

• Undertake and manage research into prospects and major donors, preparing for approaches and presentations and briefing senior leadership and trustees for donor meetings and events.

• Develop and maintain relationships with donors, a wide range of staff and volunteers from trustee level down.

• Provide regular feedback and internal reporting to line management.

• Work with other fundraisers to ensure that all fundraising opportunities and leads are followed up – particularly in corporate, community and trust fundraising.

• Work with Trustees, the Chief Executive and members of the Leadership Team to develop relationships with major donors.

• Self-administrate including managing your own diary and meetings, keeping accurate and up to date records of activity

• Occasional travel to London, Bristol & events

Other duties

• To positively promote the work and activities of Action for M.E. at all times.

• To contribute to the team’s overall, ongoing and annual planning and budgeting.

• To undertake any other reasonable activity in line with the responsibilities of the post as requested by the Director of Fundraising and Development, Chief Executive or any other senior Action for ME management.

• Act as an advocate for the Charity and its work.

• To work in accordance with Action for ME’s values of collaboration, equity and empathy.

Membership Manager

This is an exciting opportunity to join an ambitious and talented Development team

We are looking for an experienced Membership Manager to join our small and friendly Development team (Fundraising and Membership) and drive our strategy for Membership. With a healthy existing membership base of nearly 15,000, and a database of 100,000 registrants, this role will support the Head of Development in delivering the best possible membership offer for families in the Twins Trust community. You will be supported by a Membership Officer to continually evaluate and improve our membership proposition, giving members a brilliant experience and ensuring we can secure sustainable income for the charity.

Contract: Permanent
Hours: Four-five days per week (30 - 37 hours) Negotiable for the right candidate
Flexibility: We are a flexible employer and most of our staff are juggling things (including caring for multiples!). We are great at making jobs work around life.
Salary: £35k - £37k pro rata
Reports to: Head of Development 
Work location: Hybrid/remote. Office space in London Bridge, although entirely remote option is fine.
How to apply: CV and covering letter
Closing date: 8th October 2025
Interview dates: First-round interviews will be virtual and take place in September/October on a rolling basis

Purpose of the role

• Accountable for Twins Trust’s annual membership income, delivering a high-quality membership journey through all phases of membership
• Work closely with our Communications Team to develop and implement strategies to attract new members, and lead on retention plans to maximise member satisfaction and loyalty
• Line manage a Membership Officer, guiding them to provide excellent customer service to Twins Trust's members, process all membership income and maintain membership information on the database, Microsoft Dynamics
• Ensure membership processes – including processing income - are efficient, effective and implemented consistently
• Draw intelligence from our membership database, using surveys and analysing data to inform decisions that keep our membership offer fresh and relevant
• Champion the member voice internally, bringing together working groups to continuously improve our offer and ensure members’ needs are reflected in service delivery
• Collaborate with the Comms team to deliver our membership offer on our digital platforms and explore ways to harness technology to deliver what our members want and need in the long term

Ideal candidate

The ideal candidate will have experience in creating and delivering a membership strategy as well as managing the operational aspects of membership processing (database, compliance with codes of practice, data protection and BACS regulations). They should have excellent attention to detail, the ability to think creatively and analytically, excellent digital skills and IT skills, and a can-do attitude.

Person specification

Essential

• Experience of delivering and marketing membership schemes
• Working understanding of admin processes relating to membership
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and internal colleagues
• Experience working in a CRM and analysing data to inform decision-making, Microsoft Dynamics experience a plus
• Excellent communications skills and attention to detail
• A creative and analytical approach to problem solving
• Strong IT skills, including advanced Excel.
• Enthusiasm for the issues we work on

 

Desirable

• Experience working with online payment/donation platforms, extracting and manipulating data.
• Experience of working with discount providers
• Knowledge of GDPR compliance and data protection
• Experience of creating a strategy around membership schemes
• Line management experience​

Key Responsibilities:

Corporate Partnerships & Relationship Management:

• Build, manage, and steward relationships with corporate supporters, focusing on the healthcare, legal, insurance, and life sciences sectors.
• Develop and implement AvMA’s corporate partnerships offer, including sponsorship packages and bespoke opportunities.
• Identify and research new corporate prospects, working with colleagues to make approaches and secure partnerships.
• Lead the ongoing development of AvMA’s corporate fundraising strategy and toolkit, ensuring they reflect best practice and meet organisational needs.

Workplace Giving & Employee Engagement:

• Support and promote employee fundraising initiatives, matched giving, payroll giving, and workplace events.
• Provide companies and staff teams with engaging fundraising materials, advice, and digital resources.
• Develop case studies and impact content to showcase corporate and employee fundraising.

Digital Fundraising & Content Development:

• Create and maintain engaging digital content for the corporate fundraising section of AvMA’s new website.
• Use online platforms and digital channels to promote corporate giving opportunities and events.
• Work with our communications team to integrate corporate messaging into wider campaigns.

Data & Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of all corporate activity and income using Microsoft Dynamics CRM.
• Monitor, analyse, and report on performance against targets.
• Use data insights to improve supporter journeys and maximise income

General

• Attend in-person meetings and events as required (travel expenses covered).
• Contribute to AvMA’s wider fundraising strategy and cross-team projects.
• Undertake other reasonable duties as required.

Head of Finance Business Partnering

£50,718 - £53,387

Location, based out of any of our offices with Hybrid working available

The WEA is the UK’s largest voluntary sector provider of adult education, a charity dedicated to bringing high quality, professional education into the heart of communities. We believe that all adults, regardless of their situation, should have access to education.

Job Description

WEA are looking for talented individuals to help us deliver our mission – to bring education within reach. If that sounds like you, then please read on.

As the Head of Finance Business Partnering, you will provide strategic financial partnership to the Director of Contract Relationship Management in order to support, challenge and influence performance against all contract deliverables.

Role model comprehensive and collaborative financial support including insight, risk identification, risk mitigation and business solutions to drive high performance, including an understanding of WEA MIS and Learning delivery.

Reporting to the Chief Finance Officer, the successful candidate will ensure the totality of contracts are accounted for accurately and provide robust financial forecasts to support the wider financial performance of the organisation through the development of a team of Financial Contract Delivery Partners.

We have attached the full role profile, that lists the key deliverables, performance measures and experience/qualifications needed for this role. Please take your time to read through this, and if you’d like to apply, hit that button!

We are working hard to create a workplace that reflects the communities we seek to serve and in which everyone feels empowered to be themselves and work together to drive positive change. We strongly encourage applicants from a diverse range of candidates and encourage everyone with the appropriate skills, experiences and potential to apply.

Should you need any support with your application, then please get in touch.  We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible

In our recent OFSTED inspection, we received a GOOD overall grade, with an OUTSTANDING rating for Behaviour and Attitudes and Personal Development.

You can read more about our benefits and what it’s like to work here, on our website.

Job Title: Refuge Worker

Location: Derby
Salary: £12,756.17 per annum
Contract type: Part Time, Permanent 

Hours: 18.5 hours per week (days to be discussed) 

This is an opportunity to join Refuge as a Refuge Worker in Derby.

The post holder will provide high quality practical and emotional support to survivors of domestic abuse and their children living in our refuges. This includes safety planning and enabling women to access housing, welfare, benefits, and legal advice. A key requirement is to provide personal welfare support and to ensure that women are provided with a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment in accordance with Refuge’s philosophical principles.

As part of this role, you will be required to participate in an out-of-hours on call rota.

This post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

Closing Date: 09:00am 3 October 2025

Interview date: 10 October 2025

WDC’s Games For Waves initiative engages the gaming and streaming communities to raise funds and awareness for whale, dolphin and ocean conservation. The Influencer Lead will help drive this mission by developing strategic digital fundraising events, managing relationships with creators and influencers, and creating impactful content.

Are you an experienced L&D professional seeking a new opportunity? Would you like to manage the delivery of the L&D programme for Membership within a leading UK Charity? We would like to hear from you!

We have the opportunity for a Learning and Development Manager to join our People and Organisational Development team to manage, design and deliver the Membership Learning and Development programme at RBL.

Come and be part of the leading Armed Forces charity, making a difference to the lives of those who have served to keep us safe and protect our way of life.

This exciting role will see you managing a small team and working collaboratively to provide quality assurance to all learning material and learning events for our Membership programme.

You will be working directly with our member volunteers across RBL, providing an outstanding level of customer service, whilst collaborating on the development activities to support the wider strategic and operational needs of the Membership Branch and County Network. In addition, you will be supporting and guiding the Country Training Officers on the development of their learning material and learning events.

Reporting to the Head of Learning and Development, key responsibilities will include:

- Lead, design, develop and deliver the Membership L&D Program, offering virtual, in-person, and blended learning interventions
- Establish a structured learning, coaching, and mentoring program to support County Training Officers (CTOs)
- Develop and manage a quality framework to collect relevant quantitative and qualitative management data to assess impact, identify areas for improvement, and capture lessons learned, supporting informed decision-making and continuous learning
- Manage and lead a team of L&D Specialists and an L&D Coordinator
- Collaborate with Membership Services and stakeholders to identify County and Branch development needs, recommending targeted solutions and interventions
- Lead the delivery of exceptional customer service to members by actively listening to their needs and ensuring enquiries are handled promptly and efficiently

This role requires regular travel, weekend and evening work, and overnight stays across the UK (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) to deliver learning interventions to meet the needs of colleagues. The expectation is two to three times a month on average and there is also a requirement to attend our London, Haig House office regularly for team meetings and to build relationships with colleagues outside of delivering training.

You will be contracted to your home address, where you will be expected to work when not travelling or at our London office.

Employee benefits include –

- 28 day’s paid holiday (plus bank holidays) increasing with service, with optional annual leave purchase scheme of up to 5 working days
- Generous pension contributions, with Employer contributions ranging from 6% to 14%
- Range of flexible working options may be available, depending on your role
- Employee Assistance Programme providing confidential counselling, financial and legal advice
- Range of courses delivered by learning specialists to support your development goals and objectives
- Opportunities to volunteer
- Travel loans, Cycle to Work, and more!

For more detailed information about the role, please see our Vacancy Information Pack attached to our direct advert.

RBL is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive organisation, reflecting the diversity of the armed forces community and of wider society. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and personal characteristics.

Interview Dates: Thee stage interview process, with first stage virtual (Teams) interviews 13th and 14th October 2025

We may close this vacancy early if we believe we have enough strong applications to be able to successfully fill the role. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Having adopted a new and ambitious strategy, and embarked on a period of transformational change, Two Saints are now looking to ensure they are in the strongest position to deliver their vision in what are difficult times. This vision is ‘to be a safety net for people in tough times and the springboard to a brighter future.’ The organisation delivers a full range of services to clients across Hampshire, Dorset, Berkshire and the Isle of Wight, and the role of the Two Saints Board is to guide, direct and challenge the plans and strategic decisions relating to these services.

So we’re looking for people who can help Two Saints deliver their vision, with  a background and experience in either:

• Asset management, perhaps with experience of the net-zero agenda
• Supported housing services or social care

We’re interested in hearing from talented people who may be looking for their first governance role, and you may have had lived experience.

If you’re interested in what Two Saints do and feel you can make a contribution, we’d like to hear from you so take a look at the candidate pack here https://bit.ly/45U1yDX.

Trusts and Foundations Fundraiser 

We are seeking a motivated Trusts and Foundations Fundraiser to secure vital income and build strong partnerships with funders across the UK.

Salary: £30,000 per annum (pro rata for part time hours)
Location: Remote, UK wide
Hours: 30 – 37.5 hours per week (permanent)
 

About the role

As Trusts and Foundations Fundraiser, you will play a key role in generating income to support our mission of sharing the joy of live music in care settings. You will manage a portfolio of small and medium value trusts and foundations, writing compelling funding proposals and delivering excellent stewardship to strengthen long-term relationships.

Overview of the Job:

• Preparing tailored applications to trusts and foundations in line with organisational strategy and values.
• Managing and developing relationships with funders, providing regular updates and impact reports.
• Undertaking prospect research to identify new funding opportunities.
• Supporting larger-scale applications in collaboration with the Trusts and Foundations Fundraising Manager.
• Working with internal teams to gather data, acknowledge donations, and ensure accurate reporting.
• Contributing to the strategic planning and stewardship approach for trust fundraising.

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference by helping to grow sustainable income that brings music to people in all care settings around the UK.

About you

You will be an enthusiastic fundraiser with excellent written communication skills and an eye for detail. You will be confident in writing creative, persuasive proposals and tailoring them to funders’ priorities. Organised and proactive, you will enjoy building strong relationships and managing multiple deadlines.

Essential skills and experience:

• Proven experience of generating income through trusts, foundations, grants or sponsorship proposals.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear and engaging content.
• Excellent organisational skills, able to work independently and as part of a team.
• IT proficiency, including MS Office.

Desirable:

• Experience using CRM databases.
• Financial acumen, with knowledge of preparing budgets.
• Strong research skills for identifying potential funders.

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Grants Fundraiser, Fundraising Officer, Trust Fundraiser, Development Officer, Partnerships Officer, Bid Writer, Income Generation Officer

About Child’s i Foundation

Child’s i Foundation is a small but mighty social impact organisation that started in Uganda and now has a growing global footprint. We work with communities, caregivers, and individuals with lived experience to co-create and scale sustainable alternatives to institutional care. We address the root causes of family separation and demonstrate that every child belongs in a safe and loving family, not in an orphanage.

Purpose of the Role

The Business Development Lead will play a critical role in driving the financial sustainability of Child’s i Foundation. This person will lead efforts to secure new income, grow existing partnerships, and strengthen supporter engagement. This role combines strategy and execution and is ideal for someone with a passion for social justice, a flair for building relationships, and experience in both fundraising and donor communications. The role will report into our Chief Executive Officer. 

Key Responsibilities
Business Development & Income Generation

• Develop and execute the fundraising and income generation strategy across diverse streams including:
  • ​Trusts and Foundations
  • Corporate Partnerships
  • Major Donors
  • Regular Giving
  • Campaigns and Events (UK & Uganda)
  • Track investment in partnership with Finance Manager
• Identify and cultivate new funding opportunities aligned with Child's i mission, values and strategic objectives. 
• Lead proposal writing, donor reporting and relationship management for high-value funders and partners.
• Work closely with the CEO and Board to unlock networks and steward strategic relationships

​Supporter Engagement & Communications

• Oversee supporter care and stewardship, ensuring timely acknowledgements and meaningful engagement.
• Manage and work with the comms team to develop content for digital fundraising platforms (website, social media, and email).
• Guide the comms team to develop compelling supporter journeys and storytelling that reflect the voices of communities we work with.
• Oversee the development of newsletters and donor communications that build long-term loyalty.

Operational Fundraising Management

• Oversee donation processing, database management, and tracking of fundraising KPIs.
• Coordinate with UK and Uganda teams to align messaging, campaigns, and compliance.
• Provide strategic oversight of volunteer-led and community fundraising initiatives.

Team Collaboration & Leadership

• Line manage junior fundraising support if applicable.
• Work collaboratively with programme, comms, finance, and impact teams to ensure donor requirements are met and learning is shared.
• Contribute to organisational learning on ethical fundraising, locally-led development, and shifting power to communities.

Person Specification

Essential

• Proven experience in business development and fundraising (minimum 3 years), ideally in the social impact or NGO sector. 
• Track record of securing income from trusts, foundations, or major donors.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives.
• Strong relationship-building skills, from individual supporters to institutional donors.
• Organised, proactive, and adaptable, able to juggle multiple priorities in a small, fast-moving team.
• Commitment to Child’s i’s values and vision, and to ethical fundraising grounded in dignity and equity.

Desirable

• Experience working in East Africa or with Global South-led organisations.
• Familiarity and confidence with use of CRM systems. We use Beacon. 
• Understanding of child protection, care reform, or community development sectors.

What We Offer

• A chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of children and families.
• Flexible and supportive working environment.
• Opportunity to be part of a globally respected, locally rooted team shaping the future of child care in Africa and beyond
• 25 days of holiday entitlement 
• Contributory Pension

Normal office hours are 9:30am to 5:30pm (with one hour for lunch), but flexibility will be required

We are open to part-time working requests.

Shape the future of the voice of the rare condition community.

Genetic Alliance UK is looking for an exceptional Director of Engagement and Impact to transform how we connect with our 220+ member organisations, communicate our mission, and foster a thriving, supportive team culture.

If you’re a strategic leader with a gift for building relationships, crafting compelling messages, and creating positive change, this is your opportunity to make a lasting difference for the 3.5 million people in the UK affected by genetic, rare and undiagnosed conditions. 

Director of Engagement and Impact
Salary: £55,167 – £63,654 (with new starters usually starting at the lower end of the range)
Location: Home-based, UK (occasional travel required)
Contract: Permanent, full-time (35 hours per week) with applications for up to 28 hours per week considered.
Closing date: 09:00 on Monday 22 Sept 2025 

About Genetic Alliance UK
Genetic Alliance UK is the national charity working to improve the lives of the 3.5 million people in the UK affected by genetic, rare and undiagnosed conditions. We are an alliance of over 220 charities and support groups, bringing together patient voices to campaign for timely diagnosis, better care, and improved access to treatments. We host Rare Disease UK and SWAN UK, and lead national activity for Rare Disease Day.

About the role
This is a new senior leadership position designed to strengthen our membership engagement, amplify our communications impact, and support a positive, collaborative working culture.

As part of our Senior Management Team, you will:

• Lead and develop our approach to engaging and supporting our diverse membership.

• Provide strategic oversight for all communications, ensuring our messages are clear, consistent and impactful across multiple audiences.

• Champion and embed systems for staff performance, development and wellbeing, ensuring our culture is inclusive, supportive, and sustainable.

You will oversee the Head of Membership and Communications, the Communications and Engagement Manager (SWAN UK), and two new posts (Communications Officer and Project Support Officer). You will also provide operational oversight of SWAN UK, and work closely with the Policy, Public Affairs and Research teams to maximise impact.

About you
We are looking for a strategic leader who combines a talent for building relationships with outstanding communication skills. You will bring experience of leading teams, delivering organisational change, and working effectively with diverse stakeholders. You will be comfortable navigating the needs of a membership organisation, and passionate about making a tangible difference for people living with rare conditions.

What we offer

• Generous pension (5% employer, 3% employee)

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and full office closure over Christmas/New Year

• Flexible, home-based working with occasional UK travel. 

• The opportunity to lead work that has a direct and lasting impact for people affected by rare conditions

Are you a social media whizz with a passion for telling powerful stories? Keen to progress in your career in public relations and digital communications while making a real impact in the charity sector? Join Dravet Syndrome UK as a Marketing and Communications Manager (home based,16 hours/week) and bring your creativity and energy to a role where you’ll help shape our online presence, generate meaningful media coverage, and connect communities through engaging content.

Reporting to the Head of Marketing and Communications and working with the Marketing, Communications and Fundraising Manager in this varied position, you’ll drive DSUK’s social media activity, creating and scheduling posts across our social media channels. Alongside engaging online audiences, you’ll be instrumental in our proactive PR work—writing press releases, pitching stories to key media, responding to journalist enquiries, and helping develop compelling family case studies for campaigns. As part of a passionate and supportive team, you’ll collaborate to measure the impact of our communications and marketing work.

If you’re ready to grow your career in communications and want to make a difference for families affected by Dravet syndrome, we want to hear from you.

As part of DSUK’s commitment to safeguarding, the postholder is expected to undertake an enhanced DBS check.

About Dravet Syndrome UK

Dravet Syndrome UK (DSUK) is a small independent UK charity dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by Dravet Syndrome. Dravet Syndrome is a rare neurological condition that affects around one in every 15,000 people in the UK. As well as experiencing severe, difficult-to-control seizures, children and adults with Dravet Syndrome have varying degrees of intellectual disability and a spectrum of associated conditions (known as ‘comorbidities’), which may include autism, ADHD, behaviours that challenge and difficulties with speech, mobility, eating and sleep.

The charity was founded in October 2008 by a small group of 30 families. Today, DSUK is a registered charity helping over 550 families with support, education, and research programmes, underpinned by a world-class Medical Advisory Board.

What you will bring

Essential

· Demonstrable experience in planning and delivering engaging and targeted social media content to build community, raise awareness and drive engagement.

· Hands-on experience managing websites (using WordPress), delivering e-marketing campaigns (e.g. Mailchimp or similar), and applying SEO principles and other techniques to optimise digital communications and online visibility.

· Demonstrable experience in media relations, including writing press releases, working with case studies and successfully pitching and responding to a range of media (online, press, radio, broadcast)

· Demonstrable experience of working in charity, patient advocacy or healthcare sectors

· Ability to deal with people at all levels with empathy, tact and credibility

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to distil large amounts of information and present it in engaging and innovative ways for a variety of audiences

· Demonstrable design skills and knowledge of desktop publishing software e.g. using Canva to create in-house designs for social media and our website

· Act as a brand guardian, ensuring external designers and agencies understand and apply our brand, visual identity, and corporate communications guidelines effectively

· Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritise

· Be a self-starter and team player with experience of remote working, and able to work effectively with colleagues using remote technology (e.g. Zoom, Google meets, etc)

Desirable

· Membership of a professional body such as Chartered Institute of Public Relations and/or a commitment to continuous professional development

 Why join Dravet Syndrome UK?

Join our dynamic and growing charity, where you'll thrive in an exciting and engaging environment. We are proud to be a family-oriented charity experiencing growth and fuelled by an ambitious plan for expansion. Our dedicated team is deeply connected to our core audience, and their motivation stems from witnessing our impact on people's lives. Join us today and contribute to making a lasting difference in the lives of those we support.

The closing date for applications is Wednesday, 24 September 2025, with shortlisting interviews taking place in early October with job to commence November 2025.

Our commitment to diversity

As part of our ambitions to improve equality and diversity, we welcome applications for this role from those who identify under any of the protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010, which include race, age, disability, sex, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage & civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity.

UK-based/ Colchester or Home-based with monthly travel to Colchester office. Overseas travel with trips lasting from 10-14 days. 

This post requires the candidates to have independent rights to live and work in the UK

Background

Lepra is dedicated to addressing leprosy and lymphatic filariasis (LF) and their consequences through direct support, advocacy, and the promotion of inclusive communities. We work in Bangladesh and in India, through our sister organisation, LEPRA Society. We work in partnership with people affected by leprosy and LF to improve detection, ensure access to treatment and care, and promote inclusion and wellbeing. Last year we finalised our new Global Strategy for 2024-30, which will guide us in our efforts to accelerate progress towards global targets for leprosy and LF, and towards our vision of a world free from leprosy and LF.

Job Context

Our Global Strategy marks a significant evolution in our organisational direction, introducing innovative approaches and renewed priorities. This includes our first-ever global Theory of Change (ToC), our most comprehensive Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) framework to date, a Research and Innovation strategy, and a dedicated Advocacy sub-strategy to guide our influencing efforts.

With the Lepra Advocacy Strategy, we will be working over the next 6 years to strengthen our approaches to our advocacy efforts. The post holder will play a key role in supporting the roll out of the Advocacy strategy working closely with the Director of Programmes and Advocacy, the Head of Research, the Senior Programme Manager, the Programme Officer and the teams where we work.

 

Job Purpose

This role is an exciting role within the programmes team in response to evolving needs. The incoming post holder will work within the 5 person UK’s Programme and Advocacy team and will drive, advise and support the team in relation to Lepra’s advocacy profile. We are looking for an enthusiastic, motivated, strategic and creative person who has outstanding skills to engage and work with a diverse team. We are looking for someone to work with a clear strategy and then develop, grow and successfully shape the future of Lepra’s advocacy efforts.

Working Relationships

Reports to Lepra UK’s Director of Programmes and Advocacy (DPA)

Works closely with the Programmes and Advocacy Team

Close working links with colleagues in India and in Bangladesh and the UK’s communications team

International travel as needed for programmes oversight and support, and external representation.

 

Key responsibilities

Advocacy Delivery (50%)

Under the supervision of the DPA implement Lepra’s global Advocacy strategy and coordinate advocacy initiatives.

Serve as the driver of advocacy efforts, facilitating the transitional year of implementation including coordinating the Advocacy Steering Group; advocacy toolkit development; action planning.

Represent Lepra in specific fora and advocacy networks and within the broader leprosy and NTD community in close coordination with the DPA.

Produce quarterly advocacy newsletters

Maintain quarterly reports on flagging areas of concern and actioning steering committee advice.

Assist in the preparation of policy documents and the presentation of papers for publication, conferences, or specific institutions and/or individuals - identifying and targeting the most appropriate audiences.

Support and contribute to the development and implementation of initiatives that foster an inclusive, equitable, and diverse environment across organisational programmes, policies, and advocacy efforts.

Support and contribute to initiatives that promote inclusion and equity, with a strong focus on developing the leadership and advocacy capacity of people with lived experience of leprosy, ensuring their voices are central in decision-making and programme design.

Knowledge management / Learning and Development (20%)

Support the preparation of Lepra advocacy and policy documents.

Disseminate knowledge so that it is integrated into Lepra’s portfolio to amplify the impact for target audiences and improve their outcomes.

Facilitate the new knowledge and learning hub and forge a clear path for its evolution.

Facilitate knowledge sharing through updating the communications team with relevant materials for the new programme folder on the website.

Organise and develop advocacy training.

Develop and take ownership of the new programme’ s team knowledge sharing approaches.

Develop a workplan of knowledge sharing events. 

Support annual review meetings.

 

Communications (10%)

Assist the programmes team with the documentation of Lepra examples and models of best practice, at the same time identifying and developing mechanisms and avenues for the effective dissemination of this knowledge – internally and externally.

Assist the programmes team, DPO, Chief Executive and Country Programme staff in the synthesis of complex technical/scientific information adapting it to language and formats easily used by target audiences.

Contribute to content development of community engagement materials (public information, brochures, leaflets) that help explain the operations and impact of Lepra’s work to LF and/or leprosy affected communities.

Maintain good working links with Lepra’s UK Fundraising and Communications Team, contributing towards UK facing communications materials as and when required.

Prepare updates, papers, and reports for trustee meetings, funding partners, and wherever else applicable.

External representation (10%)

Support the Chief Executive, DPA and programmes team to maintain and expand existing strategic relationships with key international stakeholders to further Lepra’s advocacy strategy and advance Lepra’s agenda.

Ensure Lepra’s external profile is raised and become the go-to organisation for the leprosy community in terms of advocacy and policy briefings.

Support the preparation of documents for presentation, publication or dissemination at international fora.

Develop/support the development of country specific briefing notes/press kits with the communications team.

Represent Lepra at key events, conferences, and meetings to enhance our visibility and opportunity for impact.

 

Safeguarding (5%)

Promote a culture of respect, transparency, and accountability within Lepra’s implemented projects.

Ensuring that safeguarding mechanisms are in place and remain at the heart of all activities.

Support the integration of strong safeguarding and PSEA practices into project design and delivery.

 

Monitoring, evaluation, and impact (5%)

Ensure that all advocacy and knowledge transfer efforts are captured and embedded in appropriate results frameworks, objectives, outputs, indicators and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Provide inputs to Lepra’s reports, according to Lepra’s needs.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Relevant degree level of education in Public Health, Social Sciences, Global Health, Human Rights, Political Sciences or equivalent experience.

Desirable

Relevant post-graduate qualification

Relevant professional health-related qualification

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

Minimum of 2 yrs experience of advocacy/campaigning/policy work with an overseas development organisation

Experience of working to advance the rights of excluded populations

Extensive knowledge of global health issues and an up-to-date familiarity with issues and practice in the international development sector

Experience in planning and implementing successful strategies/campaigns/advocacy in Asia.

Experience in programme/project planning, budgeting, M&E and reporting, within a non-governmental organisation, including the preparation of reports for institutional donors.

Ability to analyse and act on data.

Experience of working on issues in relation to disability, mental health, gender, human rights and social inclusion.

Experience in project coordination and management.

 

Desirable

At least two years’ experience as an advocacy manager, preferably gained with an overseas development organisation or in academia, in a similar health focused role.

Familiarity with data visualisation tools and packages.

Proficiency in one or more Indian languages (e.g., Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, Telugu, etc.) is an asset.

Skills, Attitudes and Personal Qualities

Highly motivated individual with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal to build strong relationships, negotiate and persuade a wide range of audiences, with confidence at presenting and representing.

Proven strength in both written and verbal communication

Able to reach, network with and communicate to a wide range of stakeholders and potential stakeholders.

Excellent attention to detail, and organisational and time management skills

Ability to manipulate and analyse data to draw useful conclusions to improve programme delivery.

Ability to use databases, Word, excel, PowerPoint and other Office packages

Ability to work independently, be flexible and prioritise workload.

Ability to travel within the UK and overseas.

The right to work in the UK.

We operate a non-bias recruitment process and run our job advertisements through anonymous recruitment methods.

We offer a lot of flexibility in working practices and there is free reserved parking available at our Colchester office. We also offer 26 days annual leave plus public holidays (pro-rated), pension, Employee Assistance Programme and support from an in-house well-being team.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited for interview. Please check your email inbox and spam/junk mail folder for any email correspondence for this vacancy.

If you require any reasonable considerations such as access or information in an alternative format, please inform us soon as you are able so that we can make the appropriate adjustments.

Please do not use AI to help you write cover letters, CVs and responses to any screening questions.  We want to hear your original voice.