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Join the Commonwealth Foundation at an exciting moment as we launch our new 2026–2031 Strategy with a renewed focus on the value of both our Advocacy and Creative approaches.

We are seeking an experienced, strategic and collaborative leader to provide direction and oversight for our Advocacy and Creative Programme, including the Commonwealth People’s Forum, our flagship event at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, the Commonwealth Short Story Prize, and other high-profile initiatives that bring together civil society, policymakers, creative practitioners and other stakeholders from across the Commonwealth.

This is an opportunity to shape one of the Foundation’s flagship programmes, working at the intersection of advocacy and creativity to influence Commonwealth decision-making processes and amplify civil society voices.

As Senior Manager, Advocacy and Creative Programme, you will provide strategic direction, manage a high-performing team, cultivate influential partnerships, and deliver impactful advocacy, engagement and creative initiatives. Working with civil society partners, storytellers, artists and policymakers, you will design and oversee programmes that foster dialogue and strengthen civic participation.

This is an exciting opportunity for a leader who thrives in an international environment, enjoys navigating complexity, and is passionate about amplifying diverse voices and perspectives.

We are looking for someone who: 

• Has substantial experience leading complex programmes and partnerships in an international, intergovernmental, civil society or not-for-profit context
• Combines strategic leadership with a hands-on approach to delivery, translating vision into tangible outcomes
• Has proven experience building relationships and influencing senior stakeholders across diverse cultural and political environments
• Brings strong people leadership skills and thrives in complex, fast-moving settings where adaptability, sound judgement and collaboration are essential

Working with us

We aim to create an environment where everyone can contribute at their best. Our hybrid working model combines the benefits of both office-based and remote working inclusively and flexibly.

Staff are expected to work from the office for at least five days per fortnight, including Wednesdays as an all-staff day. This role is offered on a permanent full-time basis; however, flexible working arrangements can be discussed as part of the recruitment process.

Our offer to you

We offer a competitive benefits package designed to support staff wellbeing, work–life balance and longer-term financial security. This includes:

• 30 days of annual leave, alongside public holidays and privilege days
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• Private medical and dental insurance
• Life Assurance
• Enhanced sick pay
• Enhanced family leave and pay
• Learning and development opportunities
• A supportive and inclusive working environment

How to apply

To apply, please submit your CV and a supporting statement demonstrating, with relevant examples, how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the requirements set out in the person specification. 

Please note that we are unable to consider incomplete applications.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within two weeks of the closing date and invited to a first-stage online interview.

Full details of the Job Description, Applicant Information Pack, and Behavioural Competencies Framework can be downloaded using the links below.

To apply, please visit our website and follow the application link provided.

Eligibility

To be considered for this role, candidates must have the right to work in the UK. You will be asked to confirm your right to work as part of the application process.

Selection Process

First Interview dates: w/c: 10 August

Applicants who are successful at this stage will be invited for a second interview.

Second interview dates: TBC

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The Commonwealth Foundation values diversity of thought, background, identity and experience, recognising that inclusive teams strengthen organisational effectiveness and impact.

We are committed to creating an inclusive working environment where differences are respected, contributions are valued, and everyone is supported to thrive. We particularly encourage applications from individuals from historically marginalised and underrepresented groups.

If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact our Recruitment team. Contact details are available on our website. We will work with you to provide appropriate support.

Scottish Opera is Scotland’s national opera company and the country’s largest performing arts organisation. Founded in 1962 to make opera accessible to all, the company presents productions of international acclaim, from early works to world premieres. Performances are designed to be inclusive, with supertitles, audio-described and dementia-friendly shows, free and discounted tickets for under-26s, refugees, asylum seekers and schools, and touring productions reaching communities across Scotland.

The charity has a network of Patrons, members and supporters who engage with Scottish Opera at varying levels. This role supports that audience to feel connected and engaged with Scottish Opera, deepening their loyalty and seeking new ways to increase giving levels where possible and appropriate. It is a hands-on fundraising role, with scope to think and trial new ways of delivering supporter experience with the ultimate goal of growing the supporter base.

It is an exciting time to join Scottish Opera. They have invested in the fundraising team, there is organisation-wide support for fundraising, and many opportunities to engage supporters with exciting opportunities across Scottish Opera’s calendar.

This role might be for you if you consider yourself a relationship fundraiser – this is a people first role where engaging with donors over the phone and face to face will be the norm. You don’t have to have a background in philanthropy, you could have experience across community fundraising, corporate partnerships, individual giving or mid-value fundraising – the most important factor is that you understand fundraising and enjoy building great relationships with supporters and donors. This role is a great opportunity for an experienced fundraiser to step into a management level role, or for a candidate looking to specialise in mid-value, Patrons and membership fundraising.

Working within an arts and culture charity would be helpful for the candidate to have but isn't essential.

Application notes 

Please download the Candidate Info Pack provided for further information about the role, timelines and next steps.

To progress your application, please contact Jo at THINK Recruitment as per the guidance in the Candidate Pack to organise an informal screening call. Please note, we cannot shortlist candidates who have not had a screening call so please allow enough time to have a call before the closing date.

If you need assistance with downloading the pack, please send THINK Recruitment and our team will support you.

Closing date for applications: Midnight Monday 20th July 

Interviews are planned for Wednesday 29th or Thursday 30th July (Stage 1) and Wednesday 5th or Friday 7th August (Stage 2) 

About us

Rainforest Foundation UK (RFUK) is a values-driven organisation working with Indigenous Peoples and local communities to protect the world’s rainforests and uphold their human rights. Since 1989, RFUK has partnered with forest peoples and grassroots organisations to secure land rights, challenge destructive industries, and influence laws and policies that safeguard forests and the people who depend on them.

Our mission is clear: to combine human rights and environmental protection to tackle deforestation. From the Congo Basin to the Amazon, our work has helped communities protect millions of hectares of rainforest. With a growing team of passionate advocates for social and environmental justice, we are committed to scaling up our impact to confront the accelerating climate and biodiversity crises.

About the role

Reporting to the Head of External Relations and working closely with the Programmes and Fundraising teams, the Communications Coordinator will be responsible for enhancing the external profile of the organisation, communicating to, and broadening our impact with, a wide range of audiences, from multilateral institutions and the global media to our supporters and peers. With a strong grasp of strategic communications, excellent content creation skills and a keen eye for detail, you will have the ability to produce timely and engaging communications outputs both independently and in close coordination with other teams and our local partners. 

Based in London with hybrid working options, we offer flexibility, a supportive culture, and the chance to make a lasting difference.

About you

You are an organised, self-starting and experienced communications professional with a proven track record of working in fast-paced, internationally focused environments.

We are looking for someone with a strong track record in developing and promoting engaging content that helps drive change on hard-to-win issues and elevates the voices of marginalised groups. The candidate should also have practical knowledge of online communications tools, including Mailchimp or similar email platforms, website content management systems and social media management platforms. While not an essential requirement, working knowledge of French and/or Spanish is highly desirable.

You are confident engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders from policy makers to journalists to individual supporters and are motivated to build long-term relationships with these groups. You have excellent communication skills, can juggle multiple tasks, thrive in a collaborative environment, and bring resilience and cultural sensitivity to everything you do.

We are looking for someone with an interest in developing their skills as we take on new challenges in delivering our new vision and strategic plan. The role represents an exciting opportunity for candidates with the necessary aptitude, flexibility and ambition, as well as a strong commitment to our mission.

Above all, if you are passionate about social and environmental justice and ready to help shape RFUK’s future, we would love to hear from you.

Job description and benefits

Please download the full job description. We offer 30 days annual leave, 4% pension contributions, Employee Assistance Programme, learning and development allowance, and four weeks of work-from-anywhere flexibility.

Location

This role is offered as a hybrid role based in our Bethnal Green, London office. The postholder will be required to work in the office for 2 days per week during their 6-month probation period. This can be reviewed with their Line Manager thereafter.

Application Process

To submit your application, kindly complete the online application form by 9AM, Friday 7 August. Please be aware that the form will be anonymised for review by the panel.

Please note that CVs will not be considered.

We strongly encourage all candidates to read the Recruitment FAQs page on our website before submitting their application.

Regrettably, due to the large number of applications we usually receive, it is not possible to write to you should you not be shortlisted for an interview. If you have not heard from us within 10 working days of the closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion. 

Interviews with shortlisted candidates will be held in-person on Wednesday 2 September. Please let us know in your application if you are available to attend an interview.

Equal Opportunities

We are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within RFUK. As part of our recruitment process, you may voluntarily complete our Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form. This form is used solely for monitoring purposes and helps us ensure fairness and equal opportunity throughout our recruitment process. Your responses are confidential and will not affect your application.