Development leader jobs

Join a vibrant and brave grassroots organisation led by Gypsy and Traveller people in West Yorkshire. 

Leeds Gypsy and Traveller Exchange (Leeds GATE) is an established and award-winning civil societyorganisationwith a national profile.

We arerecognisedas being innovative, brave and creative.Our overall aim is to improve the quality of life for Gypsies andTravellersthrough addressing inequalities in homes, health, education, and employment, financial and social inclusion. 

We run a number ofa communityfacing and strategic projects to achieve our aims including advocacy, community development and youth work.Those who access our services and activities are members of Leeds GATE.

Job Purpose: 

Working in Wakefield and Calderdale you will build trusted relationships with Leeds GATE members, residents and families living on the Heath Common local authority site (Wakefield), yards, houses and roadside across the Wakefield district and Calderdale Borough.

Through your relationships you will gain understanding of people’s strengths, interests and hobbies, whilst also building up knowledge of the needs of support, barriers and issues faced by Gypsies and Travellers. 

As a community development worker you will help to develop and create opportunities to engage the community, such as activities and group work, thinking how these can help people to share their ideas, develop their skills, build confidence and empower them, as well as improving  health and wellbeing outcomes to enable better lives. 

An element of hybrid working is supported within this role but it is expected that the majority of work (80%) will be based on sites, outreach and community based events. 

This is an exciting opportunity to join Cause4’s Development Team as a Development Manager, supporting a varied portfolio of charities and social purpose organisations with fundraising, strategy and organisational development.

This opportunity provides a fantastic opportunity for someone to work as part of a passionate and hard working team to hone their consultancy skills to fast track into more senior positions within the organisation.

The role offers the chance to work across multiple sectors including arts, heritage, education, health, sport and community organisations, helping clients to develop fundraising strategies, secure funding and build sustainable income streams. Alongside client work, you will play an active role within the wider Cause4 Development Team, contributing to research, organisational planning, training delivery and business development activity.

This position offers broad exposure across a wide range of organisations, fundraising disciplines and consultancy projects, making it an excellent opportunity for someone looking to accelerate their career within the charity or consultancy sectors.

THE OPPORTUNITY WHO THIS ROLE MAY SUIT

• This role could particularly suit: Someone looking to step into their first consultancy or Development Manager role.
• A fundraiser wanting broader experience across multiple organisations and income streams. Someone currently working in the charity, arts, education or cultural sectors looking to transition into consultancy.
• An ambitious individual seeking a fast-paced role with clear progression and development opportunities.
• An existing manager looking to build their consultancy skills to fast track into more senior positions in the sector.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising & Client Support

• Supporting a portfolio of clients with fundraising strategy development and delivery.
• Writing compelling funding applications, Cases for Support and donor-facing materials.
• Supporting funding approaches to Trusts & Foundations, statutory funders, corporates and individual donors.
• Conducting research into prospective funders, partners and opportunities.
• Supporting the development and delivery of fundraising events and engagement activities. Building positive relationships with clients, funders and wider stakeholders.
• Supporting the delivery of fundraising training and wider Cause4 programmes.

Research & Consultancy

• Producing high-quality research, reports and briefing papers.
• Supporting the development of programme ideas, evaluation frameworks and measurable outcomes.
• Contributing strategic thinking to fundraising campaigns and organisational development projects.
• Supporting wider consultancy and innovation work across the organisation.

Team & Organisational Development

• Contributing to Cause4’s business development and growth activity.
• Sharing knowledge, expertise and fundraising insight across the team.
• Supporting the wider strategic and operational needs of the organisation.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Cause4 is a fast-paced consultancy environment offering significant opportunities for learning and career development.

Skills & Experience

We are particularly interested in candidates who are ambitious, adaptable and keen to grow within a consultancy environment. You may already have experience in fundraising, charity operations, programme delivery, arts administration, partnerships, research or strategy work.

We are looking for:

• Strong written communication skills and the ability to produce compelling, engaging and high-quality written material.
• Strong research and analytical skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to interpret and synthesise large and complex amounts of information and data from a range of sources.
• Experience within a charity, fundraising, arts, education or consultancy environment.
• An interest in fundraising, philanthropy and organisational development.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
• Confidence working with a range of stakeholders and building professional relationships.
• Strategic thinking, creative and problem-solving skills. Strong organisational and coordination skills.
• Confidence using Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience using online platforms such as Zoom or Teams.
• Alignment with our company values.

Experience across fundraising or income generation is desirable, but we are equally interested in candidates with strong transferable skills and the ambition to develop into a client-facing consultancy role.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send your CV together with either: a Cover Letter (maximum two pages), or a Cover Video (maximum three minutes) to Ben Wilson, Director of Development and Enterprise.

The deadline for applying is 5pm on Tuesday 1 September 2026.

Please also include a completed Equal Opportunities Form downloadable from the Cause4 website.

Salary: £60,000 - £80,000 FTE (£48,000 - £64,000 Pro rata for part-time), commensurate with experience

Contract: Permanent | Part-Time (0.8 FTE) | Year-round (Flexible working patterns considered)

Reporting to: The Head

St Catherine’s is seeking a visionary Director of Strategic Partnerships & Development to join our Senior Leadership Team. In this pivotal executive role, you will lead the strategy for our fundraising, external relations, corporate partnerships, and business development initiatives—shaping the future financial resilience and educational ambition of the School.

You will be responsible for securing philanthropic support, cultivating major donors, developing strategic partnerships and generating sustainable income opportunities. Whether your background is in corporate partnerships, high-value fundraising, commercial growth, hospitality, or professional services, this is an extraordinary opportunity to leverage your relationship-building expertise to make a lasting impact. Prior experience in the education sector is not required.

The Opportunity

As a senior ambassador for St Catherine’s, you will shape and execute an ambitious strategy to diversify income, engage key stakeholders, and maximize the value of the School’s brand and physical assets.

Reporting directly to the Head, you will oversee our Development and Alumnae Relations functions while collaborating closely with Admissions, Marketing, and Finance.

Key Priorities:

• Philanthropy & Major Gifts: Build and steward a pipeline of prospective donors, leading capital campaigns, grant applications, and major gift initiatives across alumnae, parents, and benefactors.
• Strategic Partnerships & Commercial Growth: Identify and secure mutually beneficial collaborations across business, technology, arts, sport, and the wider community.
• Alumnae & Community Engagement: Deliver an exceptional engagement strategy that turns network affinity into meaningful advocacy, mentorship, and support.
• Asset Optimization: Partner with executive colleagues to identify commercial opportunities within the School’s Site Masterplan and facilities.
• Data-Driven Strategy: Champion CRM systems and performance insights to track growth, evaluate potential initiatives, and guide executive decision-making.

About you:

• Senior Commercial Leadership: Proven success in a brand-led, growth-focused, or customer-centric organization.
• Relationship Mastery: Outstanding networking, negotiation, and influence skills with high-net-worth individuals, foundations, or executive stakeholders.
• Strategic Vision & Execution: The ability to translate big-picture strategy into clear, measurable execution frameworks.
• Data Literacy: Comfortable utilizing data insights, CRM systems, and performance dashboards to track pipeline conversion and guide choices.
• Ethos & Integrity: Alignment with St Catherine’s values, a commitment to holistic education, and an uncompromising dedication to child safeguarding.

Why Join Us?

At St Catherine’s, we offer a collaborative environment and a competitive benefits package, including:

• Flexible Working: Part-time (0.8 FTE) with flexible working patterns considered.
• Pension Scheme: Generous employer pension contributions (up to 12% employer).
• Holiday Allowance: 25 days plus Bank Holidays (pro-rata), available to book year-round.
• Fee Remission: Discounted school fees for daughters attending St Catherine’s.
• Health & Wellbeing: Comprehensive Health Cash Plan, complimentary lunches during term time, and a Cycle to Work scheme.
• Convenience: Free ample on-site parking.

How to Apply

Please submit your application online via My New Term by 10:00 AM on Tuesday 1st September 2026.

Please note: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews may be scheduled prior to the closing date. Early application is strongly recommended.

St Catherine’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to child protection screening, including checks with past employers and an Enhanced DBS with Barred List check. St Catherine’s is an equal opportunities employer.

Director of Development

National Literacy Trust
Hybrid working with regular attendance in London
£90,000 per annum | Permanent | Full Time (35 hours per week)

Closing Date: Tuesday 1 September 2026

Charity People is delighted to be partnering with the National Literacy Trust to recruit an exceptional Director of Development.
This is an incredible opportunity to join the organisation at such a pivotal moment in its growth. Reporting directly to the CEO and sitting on the Senior Management Team, the Director of Development will lead an established and high-performing fundraising function responsible for generating approximately £17m in annual income, while driving the next phase of growth and strengthening unrestricted income.

We're looking for an ambitious, entrepreneurial fundraising leader who combines strategic vision and practical delivery. The successful candidate will be proactive and highly engaged, leading from the front to secure transformational partnerships, inspire teams and help shape the organisation's future.

About National Literacy Trust
The National Literacy Trust empowers children, young people and adults from disadvantaged communities with the literacy skills they need to thrive.
Working across schools, communities, prisons and workplaces, the organisation is the UK's leading authority on literacy. Its work is underpinned by robust research, powerful partnerships and an unwavering commitment to tackling the link between poverty and low literacy.
Following a period of significant growth, the charity is now seeking a new Director of Development to build on strong foundations, identify new opportunities, and lead an ambitious fundraising strategy that will expand impact and sustainability for years to come.

About the Role
As Director of Development, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for the charity's fundraising and development activity.
You will inherit an impressive portfolio of corporate, trust and statutory supporters, whilst also being tasked with identifying new opportunities for growth, diversification and innovation.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading and delivering the National Literacy Trust's fundraising strategy and income growth plans
• Driving the acquisition and stewardship of major corporate partnerships, trusts, foundations and major donors
• Working closely with the CEO and senior colleagues to position the organisation for new funding opportunities
• Strengthening unrestricted income and expanding the charity's supporter base
• Leading, motivating and developing a talented fundraising team
• Building relationships with influential supporters, partners, senior business leaders and trustees
• Ensuring robust pipeline management, forecasting and income planning
• Acting as an inspiring ambassador for the organisation externally and internally

This is a high-profile leadership role offering significant scope to shape strategy, culture and long-term organisational success. 

About You
We're keen to hear from ambitious fundraising leaders who bring a strong track record of delivering sustainable income growth and building high-value relationships.
You will likely bring:

• Significant senior fundraising leadership experience
• A demonstrable track record of securing and growing high-value income
• Experience leading corporate partnerships and strategic fundraising programmes
• Strong commercial awareness and an entrepreneurial approach to identifying opportunities
• The ability to inspire, motivate and develop high-performing teams
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills
• Experience working with senior leaders, trustees and external partners
• A hands-on leadership style, balancing strategic thinking with practical delivery

Most importantly, you'll be someone who relishes building momentum, thrives in ambitious environments and is excited by the opportunity to help transform lives through literacy.

How to Apply
To express your interest, please send your CV to Philippa.
Should your experience align with the requirements of the role, a member of the Charity People team will be in touch to arrange an initial conversation, discuss the opportunity in more detail and explain the full application process.

Key Dates

• Closing Date: Tuesday 1 September 2026
• First Round Interviews (online): Week commencing 7 September 2026
• Second Round Interviews (in person): Week commencing 14 September 2026

Charity People is a forward-thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We are committed to presenting opportunities to candidates irrespective of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation because we believe diverse teams create stronger organisations and greater impact.

Victim Support has an exciting opportunity to help lead our IDVA Service in Cumbria. We are looking for a Domestic Abuse Team Leader to work in Cumbria.

The role is home based with a requirement to work from our County wide Victim Support offices, within the Police stations across the county.

Do you want to make a difference every day? Do you want to contribute to change & improvement for those who need it?

Do you have resilience & adaptability? Can you work effectively with a focus on customer service and care?

If yes, then we'd love to hear from you…

What we offer:

At Victim Support we believe in attracting & retaining the best people and offer a competitive rewards & benefits package including:

• Flexible working options including hybrid working
• 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, rising to 33 days plus Bank Holidays
• An extra day off for your birthday & options to buy or sell annual leave
• Pension with 5% employer contribution
• Enhanced sick pay allowances, maternity & paternity payments
• High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment & leisure discounts
• Access to our financial wellbeing hub & salary deducted finance
• Employee assistance programme & wellbeing support
• Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes
• Cycle to work scheme & season ticket loans
• Ongoing training & support with opportunities for career development & progression

About the Role:

The role of the Domestic Abuse Team Leader is to provide operational support and management to a team of Independent Domestic Violence advisors (IDVAs) that provide a high-quality frontline service to victims of domestic abuse in Cumbria. This will include those at the highest risk of harm and victims of rape and serious sexual assault.

To be successful in this role you will be flexible and proactive, have knowledge and experience of delivering a service and working directly with clients or service users in a statutory, voluntary or community work setting. A proven track record of managing a team delivering services of similar nature and scope, including performance management and staff development is essential. You will have experience of voluntary and statutory agencies, including a good understanding of the criminal justice, health and social care sectors.

About Us:

Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. We put them at the heart of our organisation and our support and campaigns are informed and shaped by them and their experiences.

Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.

At Victim Support, we're proud to celebrate diversity and create a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We're committed to being an antiracist organisation, and we actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from Black and Asian and other minoritised communities.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet all essential criteria for a job where it is practicable to do so. We are also happy to make reasonable adjustments during the recruitment and selection process.

How to apply:

To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date. If you have already registered & started an application, then we will contact you to advise of the amended closing date wherever possible.

We are looking for someone who will help us accompany, equip and develop confident and missional leaders for a changing Church. Our new Leadership Development Officer will play a key role in enabling our clergy and lay ministers to be the best they can be and raising up the next generation of leaders.

This role, part of the Mission and Ministry Team (MMT), sits within a wider transformation of how the diocese forms, supports and develops leaders for mission, ensuring that clergy and lay leaders are equipped to serve a changing Church with confidence, depth and resilience.

The postholder will take particular responsibility for:
• Developing sustainable leadership development pathways, processes and systems that support the Diocese’s long-term vision for raising up new leaders and equipping ministers for mission.
• Designing and helping deliver the taught programme of IME2 (curate) and IME3 (first post) training.
• Supporting the development of a coherent and high-quality training menu and bespoke formation and learning plans for clergy and key lay leaders, including
overhauling our approach to ministerial development reviews (MDRs).
• Contributing to the design of a new Worcester School of Leadership, including working on proposals for a Young Leaders Programme and Ministry Experience Scheme (MES).

Are you someone who thrives on developing new opportunities, building strategic partnerships and turning ideas into meaningful services and support for local communities?

HolidayEntitlement:25 days per year rising to 27 days after 2 years (pro-rata)

West Sussex Mind Values: Excellence, Equitable, Open, Together, Curious, Unstoppable

National Mind Excellence Awards 2025: Winner for Equality & Diversity; Highly Commended for Effective Services

Overview:

West Sussex Mind and Mind in Brighton & Hove are embarking on an exciting programme of growth and expansion into Surrey.

Hosted by West Sussex Mind on behalf of the Mind in Surrey Partnership, the Head of Development and Partnerships, Surrey will lead the establishment, development and growth of the partnership's work across Surrey, identifying and creating opportunities to improve mental health support, tackle stigma and increase access to services for local communities.

The role will involve:

• Developing relationships with Surrey and Sussex ICB, local authorities, VCSE organisations and other key stakeholders.

• Identifying and securing opportunities through grants, commissioning, tenders and partnership development.

• Involving people with lived experience in the development and design of proposals to ensure they meet the needs of local people with mental health challenges.

• Growing our mental health training offer across Surrey, including both paid-for training and community-based awareness initiatives.

• Establishing and supporting a Surrey Steering Group and maintaining excellent partnership working with Mind in Brighton & Hove.

• Leading the development and launch of the programme's profile, relationships and future opportunities.

• Reports on progress and impact to the Steering Group.

We are looking for someone who is motivated, self-sufficient and able to work independently while building strong and lasting relationships across a wide range of organisations and communities.

The successful candidate will have:

• Experience of developing partnerships across health, social care, public sector or voluntary organisations.

• Experience of securing funding, contracts, grants, commissioning opportunities or other sources of income.

• Excellent networking, relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Experience of developing and delivering projects, services or programmes.

• Strong written communication skills, including report writing, funding applications or business cases.

• The ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and take initiative.

• A commitment to improving mental health outcomes and reducing inequalities.

Experience of working within Surrey's health and social care landscape and existing local networks would be particularly advantageous.

As this role involves regular travel between multiple locations, you will be required to hold appropriate business-use vehicle insurance to ensure you are fully insured while undertaking work-related travel. Travel expenses covered: We have designated Guildford as your base point. Any travel required beyond the cost of your normal journey from home to this location will be reimbursed in accordance with expenses policy.

DanceSyndrome is looking for an exceptional, experienced, self-motivated, and enthusiastic Growth & Development Director with a minimum of 10 years’ work experience to lead, manage and execute DanceSyndrome’s strategy: Vision 2030, with a specific focus in driving revenue into the organisation, and participation and audience engagement.

We have ambitious plans for the next few years. Our Growth & Development Director will need to be an extremely personable and approachable individual with a strategic mind, and persuasive (Sales) manner who is able to reach and attract new participants, increase participants attending our Community workshops, and increase and reach new audiences for our Performance work to ensure the long-term sustainability of DanceSyndrome’s community offering. 

This is an exciting time to be joining DanceSyndrome where inclusivity and equality create a vibrant energised connected ‘family’. We aim to maximise our impact on a big scale. We have bold ambitions to deliver an outstanding, collaborative, and high-quality programme of co-produced and co-delivered inclusive dance across the North-West, to develop a pathway of opportunities for people with learning disabilities from early years to adulthood and to develop a best practice social replication model.

At DanceSyndrome, we change mindsets about leaders with learning disabilities through a bold model of co-produced dance. Our direct impact creates hope for the future by growing confidence,  building experience and providing creative opportunities in a pioneering way.

The multi award-winning charity was founded by Jen Blackwell, who has Down’s syndrome, because she found it difficult to find opportunities in community dance that were accessible to people with learning disabilities.  
 
DanceSyndrome’s ethos is that disability should never be a barrier to following your dreams. All DanceSyndrome sessions are disability led, with people with learning disabilities taking visible Dance Leader roles to inspire people to see what can be achieved when we all become more inclusive.  

We are currently looking for an experienced Growth & Development Director to join us.

Cambridge Muslim College is an independent institution of higher education and a registered charity, rooted in the Islamic tradition and advancing knowledge, scholarship and public understanding.

Through its teaching, research and public programmes, the College is committed to developing a new generation of Muslim leaders who are deeply grounded in their tradition and able to engage confidently with contemporary Britain.

Through a focused portfolio of programmes spanning Islamic Studies, contextual leadership and Classical Arabic, alongside research across theology, philosophy, ethics, education and social institutions, Cambridge Muslim College brings traditional scholarship into dialogue with the modern world. Operating on a deliberately small, high-quality scale, the College has around 100 students, many of whom are supported through scholarships funded by a committed donor community. With income primarily philanthropic, fundraising is central to the College’s ability to invest in its teaching, research and public programmes.

Cambridge Muslim College is now focused on strengthening its long-term fundraising strategy and sustainability. The College has an established and diverse fundraising programme encompassing major donors, regular giving, campaigns and corporate partnerships, with significant opportunities to deepen existing donor relationships and develop new sources of support. This includes growing major giving beyond the annual Ramadan period, further developing the College’s Friends and Patrons programme, and building new corporate and international partnerships.

The Development Manager (Fundraising & Engagement) will play a pivotal role in this next phase, combining hands-on income generation with strategic leadership of fundraising and engagement. Working closely with the Registrar, senior leadership and Trustees, you will shape and deliver a more structured and sustainable approach to philanthropy while leading a small Development team encompassing fundraising operations and communications. This is a broad, relationship-led role with significant scope to strengthen systems, develop new opportunities and build long-term relationships with the donors and communities who support the College.

As Development Manager (Fundraising & Engagement), you will:

• Develop and deliver the College’s fundraising and donor engagement strategy
• Build and manage strong relationships with major donors and prospects
• Identify, cultivate and secure new funding opportunities across a diverse funding base
• Lead fundraising campaigns and develop compelling cases for support
• Develop major donor fundraising, including new business and opportunities to grow support beyond Ramadan
• Strengthen regular giving and donor engagement through the College’s Friends and Patrons programme
• Develop corporate partnerships and explore opportunities to grow international giving
• Strengthen fundraising systems, pipeline management, stewardship and reporting
• Oversee communications and digital engagement, ensuring activity supports fundraising and engagement objectives
• Line manage and support the Development Coordinator and Communications Coordinator

Essential skills and experience:

• Multi-income stream fundraising experience, which must include major donors plus either corporate fundraising or regular giving/membership schemes
• A track record of securing significant five-figure or six-figure gifts from high-net-worth individuals
• Strong relationship-building and networking skills, with credibility engaging donors, partners and senior stakeholders
• Experience developing compelling cases for support and effective stewardship strategies
• Demonstrable experience of engaging with Muslim communities and an understanding of faith-based giving practices, including Zakat and Sadaqah
• The ability to build trusted relationships with donors and stakeholders within Muslim communities
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Experience overseeing public-facing communications and digital channels
• The ability to provide effective leadership and direction to a small team
• Willingness and ability to undertake occasional international travel

Desirable:

• Corporate or alumni fundraising experience
• Experience of fundraising campaigns and appeals

Employee benefits include:

• 5% employer pension contribution
• 28 days’ annual leave, in addition to bank holidays, plus 2 additional days for each Eid
• Free home-cooked lunches during term time

Learning and Development Manager

We’re looking for someone with the passion to help shape how people learn, grow and flourish at Exeter Students' Guild. This is an exciting opportunity to build a joined-up approach to Learning and Development that helps colleagues, student staff and volunteers to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to succeed.

You'll work across the organisation to create engaging learning experiences, strengthen leadership and management capability, and embed a culture where learning is valued as part of everyday work. Combining big picture strategic thinking with practical delivery, you'll design frameworks, programmes and systems that make learning accessible, inclusive and impactful. If you're someone who enjoys bringing people together, turning ideas into action and creating lasting organisational change, you'll play a key role in helping us build an even stronger, more capable organisation that helps students love Exeter.

The Role

Role: Learning and Development Manager
Hours: 35 Hours per week (to be worked flexibly)
Salary: Grade D starting at £38,733.82 per annum
Contract: Fixed Term for 2 years
Location: Exeter/Hybrid

Who are we?

Exeter Students’ Guild is the University of Exeter’s students’ union, led by students for students. We’re an independent charity, offering a wide range of opportunities, services and support to help students get the most out of their unique journeys at university. This includes everything from social activities to making sure things are going well on their academic course. We have over 300 student groups and all of our work is led by, and in the best interest of our members.

The Guild is a truly rewarding place to work. Our talented and passionate staff make a real difference to the lives of students every single day, working together to achieve the Guild’s purpose: to shape an excellent student experience for all students at Exeter by empowering them to take their place in the world and make a positive difference. We are looking for people who recognise that the Guild is student-led and share a genuine passion for student engagement and empowerment. If you share a commitment to our values and want to be part of a radically inclusive organisation with a seriously exciting future ahead, we can’t wait to hear from you.

What will you bring?

• You'll have some experience in designing and delivering Learning and Development approaches, programmes or organisational development initiatives that meet organisational needs.
• You'll be able to design and deliver engaging, inclusive learning pathways that supports colleagues, student staff and volunteers to develop and thrive.
• You know how to implement or make effective use of Learning Management Systems (LMS), using data and insight to monitor participation, evaluate impact and continuously improve learning.

To view the role profile and to find out more about working with us and how we support our students LOVE Exeter, please visit our website. 

We offer lots of great benefits including enhanced family pay, at least 6-weeks’ holiday, sustainable travel incentives, access to exclusive discounts and perks and a free confidential advice service. We’re committed to helping you achieve a healthy balance between your work and home life through a real commitment to flexible and hybrid working. We also provide access to great development opportunities, including a personal development budget for you to spend on sharpening your skills. We’ll also help you to gain valuable experience, ensuring that you have opportunities to grow your career both here at the Guild and beyond.

Inclusion is central to the Guild. We approach our work collaboratively, empower our people and celebrate our uniqueness. If you’re driven to empower others and achieve great things, you’ll fit right in. Our people are proud of who they are and value each other’s differences, and we are committed to creating a diverse community that is radically inclusive of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.

How to Apply?

Application timeline

• Closing Date: 9am 1st September 2026
• Shortlisting: 1st September 2026
• Interviews will be held on: 8th September 2026

Please submit your application via our recruitment portal. You will need to provide an up-to-date copy of your CV, and answer the following questions related to the person specification for the role:

• Tell us about your experience of designing and delivering learning and development. What types of learning have you created, who was it for, and what was your role?
• Tell us about your experience of using a Learning Management System (or similar learning technology) and learning data or feedback to improve learning and development.
• What is your understanding of our values, and how would you use them to shape Learning and Development at the Guild?

Please note:

• We will contact you to let you know the outcome of your application. This can sometimes take a few days.
• You must be able to provide proof of your right to work in the UK before starting work with us. We are not currently able to sponsor employees requiring a visa.
• Applications received after the above closing date will not be considered.

A message from your new Manager

Elizabeth (Lizzie) Bowtell, Head of Organisational Development

If you'd like an informal chat with me to find out more about the role, the team and what we’re looking for in our Learning & Development Manager, you can get in touch usinf the details on our website.  I would love to hear from you!

Social entrepreneurs scaling their ventures face a specific set of challenges including income generation, hiring, governance, hard calls about growth and risk, all alongside scaling their social impact. We’re recruiting learning and enterprise development managers who’ve lived that journey themselves, to bring first-hand credibility and challenge directly to the entrepreneurs on our scale-up and scale-up-plus programmes.

You’ll hold ownership of SSE’s scale-up approach, shaping our learning content on strategy, profitability and the systems that hold a growing venture together – grounded in what actually works, not just what’s written down. Facilitation sits at the heart of this role. You’ll design and deliver learning programmes and group sessions for cohorts of entrepreneurs as well as leading 1-2-1 coaching and diagnostics, and delivering Action Learning Sets, SSE’s long-standing peer-coaching method (training provided).

We’re looking for people who’ve founded or led a VCSE with an annual turnover of £100,000 or more and held financial accountability such as statutory reporting to the Charity Commission and, where relevant, Companies House, reporting to a board or funders, and making hard calls about growth, income and risk.

You’ll succeed in this role if you believe in what social entrepreneurship can achieve and want to turn your experience into supporting social ventures to scale and create more impact in their communities and beyond

About the team

The Philanthropy Team raises income for Impetus and for Impetus partner charities. The team consists of 15 staff. Impetus has an annual income of c.£11 million which we are looking to grow significantly within the next few years. The team is led by two Directors of Philanthropy and Partnerships. 

The Philanthropy Team works with major donors, corporates and grant making trusts, as well as collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to ensure we make a compelling case to generate new financial commitments and wider support for our work. The team also deliver a high-quality engagement programme of volunteering and pro bono for Impetus’s corporate supporters.   

Impetus is driven by a shared belief in tackling the barriers that hold back young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in education and employment. Alongside investing extensive financial and non-financial support in our charity partners through our Investment Team we also seek to influence decision makers to design and implement evidence led policy and direct new resources to get young people the support they need through our Public Affairs team. We are resolutely focused on outcomes, driven by quality evidence.

You would be joining a team that is passionate, ambitious, determined and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our charity partners and the young people we serve. 

About this role

The Development Director (Philanthropy) provides strategic leadership across Impetus’ philanthropy and stewardship portfolio, with responsibility for relationship management, renewal, growth and selected new business activity. The postholder will work with high-value funders, including corporate partners, trusts and foundations, and high-net-worth individuals.

In 25/26, the Philanthropy and Partnerships team generated £11m in philanthropic income, alongside £2.8m in pro bono contributions. The Development Director will play a key role in delivering Impetus’ growth ambitions, supporting the increase in philanthropic income to £14m by 2029. 

Working closely with the Directors of Philanthropy and Partnerships, the role will translate the fundraising strategy into clear stewardship, renewal, relationship-growth and selected new business plans, ensuring strong donor retention, high-quality engagement and sustainable growth in high-value income.

Working closely with the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships, the postholder will oversee the donor lifecycle across the philanthropy portfolio, with particular focus on strategic stewardship, renewal, relationship growth and the effective transition of selected prospects into long-term donor relationships. They will personally lead and support significant six and seven-figure donor relationships and selected funding opportunities, while working with colleagues to ensure the philanthropy pipeline, stewardship plans and account management disciplines are strong.

Working collaboratively across the Philanthropy and Partnerships team and with colleagues across the organisation, the Development Director will ensure a joined-up approach to donor stewardship, renewal, relationship growth and selected donor acquisition, maximising income, partnership value and long-term impact within the agreed fundraising strategy.

Key responsibilities

Strategic Relationship Management & Growth

• Own and oversee strategically significant donor and partner relationships at six and seven-figure levels, ensuring high levels of retention, satisfaction, trust, income growth and long-term value.
• Set and embed best practice stewardship standards, ensuring donors receive timely, consistent, high-quality and relevant engagement and communications throughout their relationship with Impetus.
• Work closely with the wider team to ensure a smooth transition between new business, and long-term stewardship.
• Ensure account plans for priority donors and partners include clear renewal and growth pathways; engagement and risk-management plans.
• Act as senior relationship owner where required, modelling strong stewardship and coaching the Head of Philanthropy and other colleagues to navigate complex or sensitive relationships.

New Business: Pipeline & Conversion 

• Personally lead on select six and seven-figure level priority prospects and strategic funding opportunities, managing the full fundraising cycle from qualification to close.
• Work with trustees, senior volunteers and networks to support warm introductions, relationship development and follow-up, in line with agreed new business and stewardship priorities.
• Work with colleagues to translate Impetus’ impact, evidence base and venture philanthropy model into compelling propositions for donors, prospects and priority audiences.

Performance and KPI Reporting

• Accountable for ensuring effective implementation, monitoring and continuous improvement of fundraising performance frameworks, KPIs and reporting disciplines.
• Use performance data and insight to improve team effectiveness, inform portfolio planning and resource recommendations, and identify opportunities for retention, renewal and growth.
• Oversee philanthropy portfolio data quality, reporting and forecasting, ensuring robust systems and processes.
• Ensure robust systems, processes and performance disciplines are in place to support delivery of agreed philanthropy portfolio objectives and wider fundraising goals.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and evidence-led decision-making across the philanthropy portfolio and direct team.

Donor Communications

• Provide strategic oversight of donor communications for the philanthropy portfolio, ensuring messaging is clear, compelling, timely and aligned to Impetus’ voice, values and evidence base.
• Work with Communications and Philanthropy colleagues to design and continuously improve philanthropic communications, including cases for support, proposals, pitches, stewardship materials and donor updates.

Leadership and Team Performance

• Line manage and develop the Head of Philanthropy, providing direction, coaching and performance oversight within agreed strategy and priorities.
• Develop the Head of Philanthropy as the operational lead for stewardship, ensuring capability, succession and high performance across their team.
• Set clear objectives and success measures for stewardship, renewal, relationship growth and portfolio delivery, aligned to Impetus’ wider income strategy.
• Build and sustain an inclusive, evidence-led and high-performing culture across the philanthropy portfolio, balancing pace and ambition with quality, learning and collaboration.
• Build fundraising and stewardship capability across the team through coaching and consistent, fair and high-quality performance management, including objective-setting, feedback and development planning.

Pro Bono, Events, Volunteering & Partnership Value

• Ensure engagement opportunities, including volunteering, pro bono and events, strengthen donor relationships, partnership value and long-term income growth through strong collaboration with colleagues.

Operational Excellence, Governance & Risk

• Ensure philanthropy and selected new business activity complies with due diligence, gift acceptance and risk management requirements.
• Oversee accurate philanthropy pipeline reporting, forecasting and performance tracking, using Salesforce and other systems to ensure insight informs portfolio planning and decision-making.
• Work with Finance and Operations to ensure income is contracted, invoiced, and reported accurately and on time in line with financial controls.
• Identify and escalate strategic, financial or reputational risks associated with donors, prospects and partnerships.

Cross-Organisational Leadership & Representation

• Act as a senior ambassador for Impetus, representing the organisation credibly with new donors, partners, and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to organisational strategy, income planning, and senior leadership discussions.
• Lead philanthropic work on Impetus funds including identifying funding opportunities and risks; shaping prospect pipelines; contributing to cases for support and donor presentations; and develop fund stewardship.
• Champion collaboration across the Philanthropy team, ensuring opportunities are shared, relationships are well managed and expertise is used to maximise income and impact.
• Model Impetus’ values, evidence-led approach and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion across the philanthropy portfolio.

Strategic Leadership

• Work in partnership with the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships to contribute to the fundraising strategy.
• Translate strategic priorities into clear operational plans, objectives and delivery, ensuring stewardship, renewal and relationship growth contribute to organisational priorities, income targets and long-term growth ambitions.
• Provide strategic oversight of philanthropy portfolio forecasting, budgeting input, pipeline performance and resource recommendations, ensuring risks and opportunities are identified and escalated proactively.
• Maximise the contribution of trustees, committees, senior volunteers and wider networks to support donor stewardship, relationship growth and selected new business development.
• Act as a trusted senior adviser to the Directors of Philanthropy and Partnerships, providing insight, challenge and solutions to strengthen philanthropy portfolio performance and wider fundraising capability.
• Deputise for the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships where appropriate, within agreed delegations and priorities.
• Build a positive, collaborative and high-performing culture across the philanthropy portfolio, modelling Impetus’ values and supporting continuous improvement.

Person specification

Essential:

Fundraising & new business leadership

• Significant experience in major donor and/or corporate fundraising at six and seven-figure gift level, with a strong track record of securing new income and managing complex partnerships.
• Ability to lead and personally deliver the full fundraising cycle, from prospecting and cultivation through to solicitation, negotiation, and close.
• Proven experience of building, managing, and converting a new business pipeline, balancing ambition with delivery.
• Strong ability to leverage internal and external networks, including trustees, senior volunteers, and professional contacts.

Senior stakeholder engagement

• Experience of operating at a senior level and leading high value or complex stakeholder relationships (trustees, board members, senior external partners).
• Ability to influence and build credibility with senior audiences through clear, confident and evidence led communication.
• Excellent negotiation skills, with the ability to secure mutually beneficial outcomes while protecting organisational values and reputation.

Leadership & people management

• Proven experience leading and developing high-performing teams, including developing senior colleagues and building leadership capability.
• A strong track record as a collaborative senior team member, contributing beyond own area of responsibility and supporting wider organisational success
• Ability to build a high-trust, high-challenge culture that supports excellence, inclusion, and learning.
• Strong performance management capability and ability to handle complex people issues, giving strategic feedback, and addressing underperformance constructively.
• Ability to deputise for the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships when appropriate.

Strategic & intellectual capability

• Strong strategic thinker with the ability to translate agreed strategy and insight into clear plans and execute them effectively.
• Ability to grasp, interpret apply and communicate complex information and ideas, including Impetus’ venture philanthropy and impact-led funding models.
• Evidence of an innovative and creative approach, with the ability to adapt in changing contexts.

Financial, operational & delivery capability

• Solid financial management, with experience contributing to budget-setting, managing agreed budgets, supporting forecasting and identifying efficiencies.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to delivery, with the ability to manage multiple priorities to a high standard
• Able to use insight and data (including CRM systems such as Salesforce) to inform decisions and strengthen performance.
• Sound judgement in identifying, managing, and escalating risk, particularly in relation to donor relationships and reputation.

Communication, values & ways of working

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to communicate clearly, persuasively, and with impact.
• Excellent relationship-building skills, with the ability to establish, maintain, and leverage relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
• A strong commitment to Impetus’ mission and to improving outcomes for young people.
• A clear commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, demonstrated through inclusive leadership and professional practice.

Desirable 

• Experience working within venture philanthropy, impact investing, or systems-change funding models.
• Familiarity with private equity, professional services.
• Experience contributing to income growth, donor strategy or portfolio development within an agreed organisational fundraising strategy.
• Knowledge of the UK charity or social impact sector, particularly education, employment, or youth-focused work.
• Experience using CRM systems (e.g. Salesforce) to manage pipelines, performance, and forecasting.

About Impetus

At Impetus, our focus is on helping young people achieve positive education and employment outcomes to increase their chance of leading fulfilling and successful lives, irrespective of their background.

We tackle the three most difficult challenges that affect a young person’s ability to succeed in life in Britain today:

• Lost learning through absence, suspensions, exclusions from school
• Stagnation in education attainment outcomes, which means many are missing out on key qualifications like GCSE English and maths
• The large numbers of young people out of education, training and employment

We use our deep expertise and high calibre networks to give the best non-profits working in these sectors the essential ingredients to have a real and lasting impact on the young people they serve.

Through a powerful combination of long-term funding, direct capacity building support from our experienced team and our pro bono partners, alongside research and policy influencing to drive lasting systems change, we work towards a society where all young people can thrive in school, pass their exams and unlock the doors to sustained employment, for a fulfilling life.

We are resolutely focused on outcomes and impact, driven by quality evidence.

You would be joining a team that is passionate, rigorous, determined, creative and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our portfolio partners and the young people we serve.

Impetus is a registered charity and our charity number is 1152262.

Our Values

In 2022 the Impetus staff agreed the following set of Values to act as our guiding principles as an organisation and help us to remain focused on achieving our mission to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

We are brave and curious

We are bold and brave in our pursuit of better outcomes for young people. We lead with curiosity and stay open to new perspectives. We support one another to take considered risks and learn together.

We bring high trust, high challenge

We build strong, long-term relationships through honesty, kindness, integrity, and respect. We create the space for open, constructive challenge, where colleagues, partners and supporters feel safe to speak up, hold each other to account, and bring their best in pursuit of our mission.

We are evidence led and results driven for young people

We pursue excellence for the young people we work with, are wholly committed to better outcomes, unapologetically results driven, and accountable for our actions.

We thrive through diversity

We seek to embed diversity of thought, background and experience in every aspect of our work. We are open, thoughtful and proactive in better understanding and challenging our assumptions to better deliver the change we seek.

We always seek collaboration

We will not succeed alone. We seek meaningful, productive partnerships with others to achieve our mission and drive systems change for young people.

Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

We believe that a diverse workforce leads to an organisation that is more open, creative and gets better results.

We want our team at Impetus to represent the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We also want our team to be one where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop.

We want to reach a diverse pool of candidates. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that potential employees may need to in order to be successful.

We recognise the importance of a good work/life balance. We do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including working from home, working part-time job shares and other arrangements.

Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore.

Impetus is an equal opportunity employer and is determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We value diversity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

Our employee benefits

Impetus appreciates the invaluable contribution made by all employees and wishes to encourage and reward loyalty, motivation and experience. We therefore offer a range of benefits and policies which aim to assist employees during various stages of their lives and careers. For more information on these, please download the job information pack from our website.

How to apply

Please click on the "Apply for this job" button.

You will need to:

• Complete the online form (including the equal opportunities monitoring form).
• Upload a comprehensive CV and supporting statement.

The supporting statement should be no more than two sides of A4 and should address the criteria in the person specification.

You should also include the contact details of two referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be approached with your express permission.

As part of our commitment to flexible working we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at interview stage.

The deadline for applications is Sunday 20th September 2026, 11:59pm.

Interviews:

1st Interviews will take place on w/c 5th October 2026.

2nd Interviews will take place on w/c 12th October 2026.

You will also be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK.

Personal Data

Your personal data will be shared for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes our HR team, interviewers (who may include other partners in the project and independent advisors), relevant team managers and our IT service provider if access to the data is necessary for performance of their roles. We do not share your data with other third parties, unless your application for employment is successful and we make you an offer of employment. We will then share your data with former employers to obtain references for you. We do not transfer your data outside the European Economic Area.

An exciting opportunity to play a key role supporting young people through our new residential programme at Jamie’s Farm Skipton.  Following the success of our day visits, our residential programme will launch in January 2027. We are looking for someone to help shape the reflective and relational aspects of each visit, working closely with young people, visiting staff and the wider farm team.

What is Jamie’s Farm?  Jamie’s Farm is a charity that supports young people by combining therapeutic work, farming, and purposeful activities to help them thrive. Through residential visits to our working farms, we provide a nurturing environment where young people can reflect, build confidence, and develop the resilience they need to overcome personal challenges.

Known within the organisation as ‘Therapeutic Coordinator’

More about the role:  This is not a formal therapy or counselling position. As Therapeutic Coordinator, you will coordinate the therapeutic input for up to four school or partner organisation visits each month, holding personalised conversations with young people, facilitating reflective group discussions and working closely with visiting staff to ensure each child gets the support they need during and after their time on the farm.

You will also write personalised reports, contribute to daily farm life through walks, meals and shared activities, and act as the farm’s Designated Safeguarding Lead, helping ensure safeguarding practice is followed confidently and consistently. 

About you :  You’ll bring strong professional experience of working with young people facing challenging circumstances, with the warmth, curiosity and patience to build trusting relationships. You may come from youth work, education, mentoring, social care, pastoral support or a similar field, and will be confident supporting young people through reflective and relational approaches. You’ll be organised, collaborative and flexible, with excellent communication skills and a strong commitment to Jamie’s Farm’s values and the communities we support. 

In return, we offer a competitive salary, generous annual leave and pension, regular therapeutic supervision, specialist training/CPD, all meals when on site, and the chance to join a supportive team in a beautiful rural setting.

You can find the full job description, desired experience and further employee benefits in the recruitment pack below. Don’t meet every single requirement?  We’d still love to hear from you – your unique skills and experience could be just what we’re looking for.

If you’d like to find out more before applying, we are offering an opportunity to visit the farm on Friday 4 September, between 1pm and 4pm. You’ll be able to meet the Head of Farm, ask questions and see the site. Please email the address below for further information.

An exciting opportunity to transform young people's lives and play a central role in our new residential programme at Jamie's Farm Skipton. Following the success of our day visits, our residential programme will launch in January 2027. We are looking for a skilled and organised Programme Coordinator to join our growing delivery team, helping to shape and deliver meaningful programmes that support young people to thrive.

What is Jamie’s Farm? Jamie’s Farm is a charity that supports young people by combining therapeutic work, farming, and purposeful activities to help them thrive. Through residential visits to our working farms, we provide a nurturing environment where young people can reflect, build confidence, and develop the resilience they need to overcome personal challenges.

Known within the organisation as ‘Programme Coordinator’

More about the role: This is a varied and rewarding role at the heart of our programme delivery. You will spend much of your time working directly with young people, helping them engage fully in farm life through the shared routines and activities of the day, from feeding rounds and walks to mealtimes and evening activities. You will also plan and lead practical gardening and horticultural sessions, helping young people experience the purpose and satisfaction that come from meaningful work.

Alongside this, you will play a crucial role in coordinating up to 20 visits per year, acting as the key point of liaison with partner schools and organisations, from the point of booking through to meaningful follow-up support after the visit has ended. 

About you: We are looking for someone with at least two years’ experience working with diverse groups of young people, with excellent communication, teamwork and organisational skills. You will be able to build strong relationships with young people and adults alike across a range of settings, influence and motivate others, and contribute positively to the wider vision and goals of the charity.

You will have knowledge of gardening or horticulture and the confidence to plan and deliver engaging practical sessions with young people. Experience in a school, social work or similar setting would be helpful. Warm, patient and collaborative, you will be excited by the opportunity to contribute to farm life and help shape our developing residential programme at Skipton.

In return, we offer a competitive salary, generous annual leave and pension, regular therapeutic supervision, specialist training/CPD, all meals when on site, and the chance to join a supportive team in a beautiful rural setting.

You can find the full job description, desired experience and further employee benefits in the recruitment pack below. Don’t meet every single requirement?  We’d still love to hear from you – your unique skills and experience could be just what we’re looking for.

If you’d like to find out more before applying, we are offering an opportunity to visit the farm on Friday 4 September, between 1pm and 4pm. You’ll be able to meet the Head of Farm, ask questions and see the site. Please email the address below for further information.