Development director jobs in oxford, oxfordshire

Location: UK based – Hybrid to any UK office with national travel 

Ref PDR-251

Closing date: 9.00 am on 29 September 2025

St Giles Trust is seeking a strategic and detail-oriented People Data and Reward Manager to lead our data, reward, and payroll functions. This is a key role in shaping how we use people data to drive inclusive, high-performing workplaces.

About the Role

You’ll lead a small team to deliver effective, compliant, and customer-focused people services. Working closely with senior leaders, you’ll ensure our HR and payroll systems support organisational goals, and that our reward practices are fair, transparent, and aligned with our values.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the People Data and Reward team, providing strategic direction and operational oversight.

• Manage and enhance our integrated HR and payroll systems, including configuration and optimisation.

• Act as the data protection lead for People, ensuring compliance with legislation and best practice.

• Provide expert guidance to the Executive Director of People and Internal Operations on risks, issues, and opportunities.

• Support the development of inclusive reward strategies and data-driven decision-making.

About You

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has strong experience in HR data, payroll, and reward management.

• Is confident using HRIS platforms and Excel to analyse and report on people data.

• Understands how data supports equity, diversity, and inclusion goals.

• Is proactive, collaborative, and committed to creating a great place to work.

• Can lead with integrity and inspire others through inclusive practice.

In return, you can expect a competitive salary, generous leave allowance, staff pension, flexible working, a mentoring programme, an advice and counselling service, clinical therapist sessions, life insurance (4 x annual salary), duvet days, season ticket loan, employee perks programme, eye care voucher and much more.

To Apply

For further information and to apply visit our website via the apply button. 

• Application Deadline: 9.00 am on 29 September 2025

• Interview Date: 10 October 2025

Please note: as an organisation that works with children and adults at risk we are committed to safeguarding, protecting and promoting the safety of our clients and successful applicants will be subject to a basic DBS check. 

We are an equity and inclusion confident employer. We welcome all applications, and we particularly encourage applications from people of the global majority (black, brown, multi- heritage) and those who identify as disabled, neuroexpansive, neurodiverse, with any protected characteristics and/or social barriers or challenges. We value the empowering and informative impact that all lived experiences and diversity of thought can offer the organisation.

St Giles will guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria set out in the Job Description for the vacancy.

We will be reviewing applications as they are received, and reserve the right to close this advert early if a suitable candidate is appointed. We therefore strongly encourage early applications to avoid any disappointment. 

ABOUT TRAIN

TRAIN is a youth work charity based in South Oxfordshire. We support young people aged 10 to 18 in Didcot, Wallingford and the surrounding areas, especially those who are under-served.

Young people in our communities are facing complex challenges. Mental health struggles, pressures at school, family instability and the impact of poverty can leave them feeling isolated or overlooked. Too often, they don’t have access to the right support at the right time. TRAIN exists to change that. We offer trusted relationships with adults outside positions of authority, safe spaces where young people can be themselves, and opportunities to grow in confidence, make positive choices and feel part of their community.

Our vision: every young person should have the opportunities, tools and support they need to create a positive future.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As Fundraising and Communications Coordinator, your main focus will be trusts and foundations: researching opportunities, writing persuasive applications and producing clear reports. You’ll also play a part in growing support from corporates, community fundraising, individual donors and major gifts, helping to build a broader base of income over time.

Alongside this, you’ll lead on communications. That means keeping our website and social channels current, producing supporter newsletters, and sharing our story more widely through PR and campaigns. You’ll help make sure the difference TRAIN makes for young people is seen and understood by funders, partners and the local community.

It’s a hands-on role, well-suited to someone who enjoys writing, building relationships and juggling different projects. You don’t need to be an experienced fundraiser — we’re open to people with transferable skills, whether from corporate, public or third sector backgrounds. What matters most is that you can communicate clearly, organise your workload, and are motivated by making a difference for young people.

You’ll report directly to the CEO and work closely with the rest of the team. This is a part-time role of approximately 30 hours per week, which can be worked flexibly. The role is based in Didcot with hybrid working, but for the right candidate we will consider a fully remote arrangement.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

• Salary: £28,598 - £31,022 FTE (pro-rated, depending on experience)
• Contract: Permanent, part-time, approx. 30 hours per week. We can be flexible on the exact number and when they are worked.
• Annual leave: 25 days plus bank holidays (pro rata)
• Pension: 3% employer contribution
• Flexible working: Hybrid by default, fully remote considered. We’re happy to consider other flexible arrangements such as term-time only and job shares.
• Professional development: Tailored learning and training opportunities
• Wellbeing: Access to an employee assistance programme with mental health and wellbeing support
• Culture: Supportive, collaborative team with regular catch-ups and shared learning

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising (approx. 80%)

• Pipeline and planning – work with the CEO to keep a clear fundraising plan, with trusts and foundations as the main focus alongside manageable growth in corporates, community, and individual giving.
• Trusts and foundations – research prospects, build a live pipeline, and write strong, tailored bids. Prepare accurate budgets and gather evidence from the team to strengthen proposals.
• Reporting and stewardship – deliver timely reports, thank funders and donors well, and manage renewals and uplift opportunities.
• Relationship development – nurture links with local businesses, community groups and potential major donors. Prepare simple proposals and support fundraising events or activities as needed.
• Systems and compliance – maintain accurate records of applications, deadlines and outcomes. Ensure fundraising activity is compliant with GDPR and charity regulations.

Communications (approx. 20%)

• Supporter communications – produce engaging newsletters, updates and thank-yous that connect donors and partners with TRAIN’s impact.
• Digital presence – update the website and social media channels with accurate, timely content that reflects TRAIN’s work and values.
• PR and profile – share stories with local media, partners and networks. Ensure TRAIN’s messaging is clear, consistent and accessible.
• Community engagement – promote TRAIN’s profile, youth offer, brand and presence in the community.

General

• Work closely with the CEO to align fundraising and comms priorities.
• Collaborate with youth work staff to gather stories, quotes and data that demonstrate TRAIN’s impact.
• Represent TRAIN at meetings and community events.
• Contribute to the life of a small, collaborative team.

ABOUT YOU

We don’t expect you to have a long career in fundraising behind you. What matters most is that you can write clearly and persuasively, build relationships with people, and organise your workload to meet deadlines. If you’ve developed these skills in another sector and are keen to bring them into the charity world, we’d love to hear from you. Just as important, you’ll bring a genuine passion for TRAIN’s mission and a belief in the difference youth work makes.

Essential qualities

• Strong written communication skills: able to produce clear, persuasive bids, reports and updates.
• Good at building relationships, whether with colleagues, partners or supporters.
• Organised and reliable, able to manage multiple deadlines.
• Comfortable working independently but also a collaborative team member.
• Confident using IT tools (Microsoft Office, online research, basic social media platforms).
• Passionate about TRAIN’s mission and motivated to make a difference for young people.
• Satisfactory Enhanced DBS check (we will arrange this before you start).

Desirable qualities

• Experience of fundraising, bid writing or income generation in any setting.
• Understanding of trusts and foundations, or the ability to learn quickly.
• Experience in marketing, PR, or communications (e.g. social media, newsletters, supporter comms).
• Familiarity with CRM or pipeline management tools.
• Knowledge of charity fundraising regulation and GDPR.
• Confidence in representing an organisation at events or meetings.

Equal opportunities

TRAIN is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including those underrepresented in the youth work sector. We welcome diversity in age, ethnicity, faith, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and lived experience.

Safer recruitment

TRAIN is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. Recruitment to this post will include references and an enhanced DBS check.

Recruitment timeline

• Applications open: Thursday 18 September
• Applications close: Thursday 16 October (midnight)
• Shortlisted candidates notified: Friday 17 October
• Interviews: Thursday 23 October

About UKCF 

At UK Community Foundations (UKCF), we put inclusivity at the forefront of all we do, we put relationships first and we are ambitious for our members and the communities they serve. 

Everyone should have the opportunity to have a fulfilling life and to feel they belong. This can’t be mandated by government, or done to people, only with them. Change needs to be driven by people who understand the local situation and our support makes this possible. 

UKCF is a national network of community foundations based all over the UK. Community foundations connect philanthropic people with local causes that matter to them. They are charitable organisations focused on supporting a defined geographical area by leveraging funds to support community needs and local organisations making a difference. As well as supporting our members, at UKCF we explore social challenges, we provide national funding and we work with those who have the solutions to improve lives. 

Benefits of working at UKCF include 30 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays, up to two days paid leave for volunteer days, enhanced pension and a flexible working plan. As a disability confident employer, we encourage applications irrespective of your age, disability, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion and belief, gender reassignment, sex or sexual orientation. 

About the role 

This is an exciting opportunity to join UKCF at a time of growth, ambition and innovation. We are looking for an interim Partnerships Officer to help us build and deliver impactful national partnerships that bring real, measurable benefits to communities across the UK. 

Initially for a period of six months, you will hit the ground running to pick up an existing portfolio of national programmes currently under delivery. You’ll lead on programme administration including design and delivery, as well as collaborating with UKCF finance and membership colleagues to collate and disseminate programme data for funders and internal stakeholders. 

In this client facing role, you will be responsible for administration and operational support in the development, delivery, and evaluation of high-value, strategic partnerships, whether with government departments, major trusts and foundations, corporate partners, or other longstanding partners. 

You’ll work closely with the Director of Partnerships & Insight and community foundations to deliver an existing portfolio of programmes and to shape strong proposals and administer the end-to-end implementation of new partnerships. 

You’ll also play a key role in helping UKCF and the wider network become more insight-led and data-driven, strengthening our approach to programme design, learning, and impact evaluation.

This role requires exceptional organisational, programme and project management skills. Experience in a trust or foundation, grantmaking, especially within programme design, is a bonus.

You will report to the Director of Partnerships & Insight and also work closely with the wider team including finance, membership and communications staff. 

Key responsibilities 

• Programme delivery and administration – Support the smooth running of national partnerships and programmes, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to a high standard. Maintain accurate financial and programme records, track deadlines, and make sure monitoring and reporting requirements are met. 

• Reporting and insight – Analyse programme data and contribute to clear, high-quality reports for funders, partners, and internal teams. Capture learning and examples of good practice to strengthen future programmes. 

• Collaboration and communication – Work closely with colleagues across UKCF, including communications, finance and membership, to ensure effective programme delivery. Provide timely advice and support to team members, community foundations, and funders, resolving queries quickly and accurately. 

• Relationships and improvement – Build and maintain strong, positive working relationships with funders, community foundations, and delivery partners. Identify opportunities to refine and improve processes to make delivery more efficient and impactful. 

Who we’re looking for: 

We’re seeking someone who is proactive, highly organised, confident with data, and comfortable juggling competing priorities while building strong relationships. You’ll bring experience in programme administration, accurate record-keeping, and reporting, with the ability to translate information into clear insights. Strong digital and technology skills are important, as is the ability to work collaboratively across teams and with external partners. Ideally, you’ll also have some experience in grant-making, process improvement, or using systems like Salesforce, but above all we’re looking for someone who is adaptable, curious, and motivated by UKCF’s values of inclusivity, collaboration, and ambition for communities. 

ROLE SUMMARY 

Reporting to the Director of Partnerships & Insight, this role is central to the effective day-to-day running of UKCF’s national partnerships and grant programmes. You will play a key role in keeping programmes on schedule and within budget, with strong administration and attention to detail at the heart of the position. At the same time, you will build and maintain positive working relationships with funders, community foundations, and colleagues across UKCF, acting as a reliable point of contact and ensuring information flows smoothly. This role is well suited to someone who enjoys balancing deadlines and detail with the opportunity to work alongside a wide range of people. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Under the supervision of the Director of Partnerships & Insight ensure the partnerships and programmes are delivered on time and in budget. 

• Administer the partnerships and programmes, keeping accurate records of funding allocated, spending by Community Foundations, and collating monitoring reports etc.

• Analyse partnership and programme data and contribute to reports for funders and internal teams. 

• Write and/or support with production of internal and external reports on delivery and impact. 

• Work closely with the UKCF Communications, Finance and Membership teams to deliver programmes.

• Develop and maintain quality relationships with delivery partners, including Community Foundations and funders. 

• Provide appropriate advice, guidance and support for grant applicants, Community Foundations or funders.

• Capture good practice and learning from grant recipients, Community Foundations and funders. 

• Identify refinements and improvements to our programmes

EXPERIENCE/SKILLS REQUIRED 

Essential: 

• Support and administration – accuracy/record keeping/ working to deadlines across multiple programmes and/or priorities 

• Customer service/relationship management

• Analysing information and producing or contributing to reports

• Working as part of a team

• Experienced with Microsoft Office, with strong excel skills 

Desirable: 

• Implementing new processes to streamline and improve delivery 

• Grant making

• Experience of community foundations

• Experience with Salesforce or other similar CRM system

• Analytical experience – used to working with large data sets

SKILLS AND ABILITIES 

• Effective verbal and written communication skills 

• Persuasion and interpersonal skills; diplomatic, and confident with people from all backgrounds 

• Ability to manage competing deadlines and priorities 

• Ability to problem solve and act on initiative 

• Committed to learning and developing skills and experience 

• Willingness to learn and take on a variety of tasks 

• Creative, thorough & organised, flexible, and intuitive

This is initially a 6 month contract, full time 35 hours per week, remote working but with the opportunity to work flexibly from the London office if desired.

A rapid start is required - please state notice period on application.

WHO WE ARE

Animal Equality is an international animal protection organisation working with society, governments and companies to end cruelty to farmed animals. Animal Equality has offices in the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, Italy, Spain, Mexico, Brazil and India.

Animal Equality releases investigative materials captured from inside factory farms and slaughterhouses, exposing the conditions that farmed animals face around the world. We publish our findings on television, in newspapers and online. We routinely secure mainstream media coverage, including on the BBC, ITV, Sky News, The Times, The Guardian, The New York Times and many more.

Animal Equality also advocates for political change. Our current campaigns include a UK ban on foie gras imports, increased enforcement of existing animal protection laws, legal protections for farmed fish, and Government subsidies for transitioning towards a plant-based food system.

We focus on farmed animals because of the scale and severity of the issue. More than a billion animals are confined and killed for human consumption every year in the UK. Farmed animals also often suffer in some of the worst ways: pigs typically endure painful mutilations, many chickens die of heart attacks, fish are confined in underwater cages, and some farmed animals are victims of deliberate abuse and neglect. But the problem is solvable! By utilising effective campaigning strategies, Animal Equality is having an impact for animals around the world and building a future where all animals are respected and protected and are no longer exploited for human consumption.

Animal Equality UK’s current key campaigns include:

• Strengthening enforcement of animal protection laws.
• Halting the expansion of Scotland’s salmon farming industry.
• Achieving a ban on foie gras imports.
• Securing species-specific slaughter legislation for fish.
• Inspiring the public to eat plants, not animals.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking a talented storyteller and strategic communicator to join our busy, dynamic, and focused team of professional activists as a Copywriting Coordinator. With a natural flair for persuasive writing and a background in direct response marketing, you will craft powerful narratives that expose the reality of animal farming, inspire action, and mobilise financial support for our life-saving mission.

You will be responsible for creating compelling content across print and digital platforms – from fundraising appeals and newsletters to blogs, campaign pages, and supporter journeys. Combining creativity with analytical rigour, you will ensure every piece of copy both engages hearts and delivers measurable results. You will proudly champion Animal Equality’s tone of voice, supporting fellow team members to apply our messaging to their copy.

This is a pivotal role in growing Animal Equality UK’s reach, deepening supporter relationships, and driving the income we need to achieve lasting change for farmed animals.

The Copywriting Coordinator will report to the Executive Director and work closely with team members across our UK and international teams.

JOB DESCRIPTION

• Be a brand champion: Develop engaging, accurate, and impactful copy that embodies Animal Equality’s tone and mission, sharing the experiences of farmed animals with donors and potential supporters.
• Deliver multi-channel content: Produce persuasive copy for appeals, newsletters, websites, campaign pages, blogs, magazines, impact reports, and petitions, ensuring timely and budget-conscious delivery.
• Support fundraising growth: Write powerful long-form and short-form content that motivates supporters to give and meaningfully engage with our work, enabling Animal Equality to expand our impact for animals.
• Content planning: Work with Campaigns, Marketing, and Communications teams to align content with upcoming exposés and campaign actions, ensuring maximum reach and supporter engagement.
• Collaborate with the team: Synthesise complex briefs into digestible, engaging, and emotive content while collaborating with team members to ensure Animal Equality’s content reaches its full potential through amplification, SEO, and multi-channel repurposing.
• Engage supporters: Lead focus groups and supporter calls to understand motivations and feedback, tailoring communications to strengthen loyalty and impact. Ensure communications are tailored to supporters’ needs, motivations, and advocacy journeys.
• Stay topical and creative: Monitor trends and news stories relevant to animal protection, responding quickly with fresh content that connects to our campaigns.
• Data-driven optimisation: Track, test, and analyse the performance of Animal Equality’s copy (open rates, click-throughs, donations, etc.), producing regular reports and using insights to refine future content.
• Represent Animal Equality’s culture: Support Animal Equality’s life-saving work by producing high-quality output, embracing and representing the organisation’s culture principles proudly at all times, and supporting our philanthropic efforts.
• Take on ad-hoc tasks, as requested by your line manager.

ABOUT YOU

You are a forward-thinking communicator with exceptional writing skills and a passion for advocating for animals with impact. You thrive in a fast-paced environment, balancing resilience and creativity with strategic and data-led decision-making. You are self-motivated, organised, and able to multitask, working on several briefs simultaneously.

You actively seek constructive feedback and use it to continuously improve your work. You show ownership and a growth mindset that is focused on improving the world for farmed animals. Knowledge of farmed animal issues and alignment with Animal Equality’s mission is a must, as is professionalism, adaptability, and discretion.

You must have a minimum of three years’ experience in copywriting or a directly related field, with a proven ability to design and deliver content for successful fundraising. Experience of Pardot, Grav and/or WordPress is a plus.

You will be based remotely in the UK. In addition to monthly meet-ups, some travel within the UK may be required for demonstrations, meetings, and events. While not common, occasional evening or weekend work may be necessary to support campaigning activities. Any additional hours worked and agreed with your Manager can be reclaimed as TOIL.

BENEFITS

• Holiday entitlement equal to 33 days per year (including standard public holidays).
• Personalised employee assistance programme (EAP): An Animal Equality-funded benefit that offers employees confidential counselling and advice on a wide range of work and personal issues. The programme offers several services, such as a 24/7 confidential helpline and expert cognitive behavioural therapy.
• Flexible hours, with the option to start between 8am and 10am and finish between 4pm and 6pm.
• Able Futures Support: The service is a nine-month, practical and confidential support service for employees whose circumstances or mental health may impact their wellbeing or work. Employees can work with a mental health professional to deepen their understanding of how their mental health may impact them and build coping skills and resilience to thrive at work.
• Yearly stipend to access learning and development resources to help employees further grow their personal and professional skills.
• A free vegan lunch every month at the Animal Equality monthly meetups.

APPLY NOW

For more information and to apply, please visit our vacancies page.

Closing date: 5.00pm on Friday 19th September 2025.