Development research manager jobs

Supporting young people across the UK, STEM Learning is dedicated to improving lives through the power of STEM education.

By equipping schools, teachers and young people with the skills and confidence they need, STEM Learning helps open career opportunities, build knowledge, and enable young people to become thoughtful citizens able to tackle the challenges and opportunities of the future.

Fundraising at STEM Learning is at an exciting stage of growth. Income has increased from £3m to £3.5m this year, with ambitions to reach £5–6m in the near future. The team has expanded rapidly from 2 to 7 people, with clear organisational investment and board-level engagement to drive fundraising success. With attractive propositions such as the STEM Impact Fund, student engagement programmes, and unrestricted support, STEM Learning is well positioned to grow its high-value income.

The role of Fundraising Lead is to drive new donor engagement and secure sustainable, multi-year funding. You will develop high value 6- and 7-figure fundraising relationships, primarily with the private sector, but also with HNWIs in the future, bringing on board new supporters, so maximising income and sustainability.

With proposals already in play with leading brands, a supportive Head of Fundraising, and active trustee involvement, this is a rare opportunity to make a visible impact in an ambitious organisation.

As Fundraising Lead, you will:

• Lead corporate new business, with full responsibility for a £300k year-one target
• Build and manage a proactive new business pipeline, using prospect research tools, networking and trustee engagement
• Secure six-figure, multi-year corporate partnerships, developing creative offers across unrestricted, programme-based and blended opportunities
• Focus in the short-medium term on corporate new business, moving to incorporate HNWIs in time
• Work with the Head of Fundraising, SMT and board members to open doors and build senior-level relationships
• Collaborate with colleagues including the account management team and bid writer to ensure seamless handover and delivery of secured partnerships
• Represent STEM Learning externally, positioning the organisation as a credible and attractive partner for major corporate supporters

Ideal skills and experience:

• Proven track record of securing six-figure corporate partnerships, ideally multi-year
• Experience building a corporate pipeline from scratch, including research, prospecting and networking
• Strong understanding of how to package and position fundraising propositions to align donor interests with organisational priorities
• Confident and credible with senior stakeholders, including trustees, boards and senior corporate contacts
• Target-driven, entrepreneurial and proactive, able to deliver short-term results while building long-term income growth
• Collaborative and resilient, with the ability to represent STEM Learning externally and inspire confidence internally
• Experience in building relationships with HNWIs and major donor fundraising desirable, but not essential

Benefits include: 

• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays (up to 5 days leave can be carried over to the following leave year)
• Excellent pension scheme with employer contributions of up to 15%
• Private health care via Benenden Health plus Healthcare Cash Plan and Dental Plan
• Annual salary review
• Electric Car Benefit Scheme via Tusker
• Interest-free season ticket loan
• Discounted gym membership and shopping discounts
• Gourmet Society and tastecard dining cards (incl. 2 for 1, 50% off food bill and 25% off total bill)
• Kids Pass
• Employee Assistance Programme

Casework – The post-holder will carry a specialist caseload, providing advice and casework covering the full range of debt issues and solutions. This includes but is not limited to, dealing with emergencies, making use of the Breathing Space scheme, making offers of repayment, drafting financial statements, advising on insolvency options and providing budgeting advice. They will ensure that income maximisation is carried out and refer to other in-house advisers or specialist agencies as appropriate.

They will be required to act for the client where necessary and communicate with third parties to progress a case.

Advice will be delivered through a variety of channels including face to face (drop-in and appointments), telephone or digital channels and must conform to the Citizens Advice Quality of Advice standards and funder requirements.

The post-holder will work to individual targets that must be met in order to contribute to team targets.

Working within the Potteries Moneywise Team

Casework – The post holder will conduct a full exploration of the client’s financial and holistic circumstances to provide robust advice specific to the client’s needs.

The advisor will be required to act for the client where necessary and communicate with third parties such as water providers, energy providers or the Local Authority to progress the client’s case.

Advice will be delivered through a variety of channels including face-to-face (drop-in and appointments), telephone or digital channels and must conform to the Citizens Advice Quality of Advice standards and funder requirements.

The prospective advisor will be able to balance good quality alongside being able to achieve SLAs and KPIs in accordance with our contractual agreements.

Borders Forest Trust (BFT) are recruiting for a new Chief Executive .

BFT is a charity established to restore native woodland habitats to Southern Scotland, an area with the lowest percentage of native woodlands in mainland Scotland. Since 1996, we have been working towards planting trees, restoring peatlands and other natural habitats, enriching the biological diversity of around 31 sq km in the Southern Uplands. They demonstrate large scale ecological restoration in action, and inspire landowners, statutory bodies, local communities and policy makers to embrace this alternative model for land use and conservation.

The charity’s previous Director has led the organisation for five years, and BFT are in a strong position, ready to develop a new organisational strategy and grow. This is a role of great strategic importance to the charity and the role is varied, with a broad remit.  

The Chief Executive role has organisational responsibility for 12 members of staff, some office based but most out and about across the countryside in which BFT works.  

As Chief Executive, you’ll bring proven senior leadership experience and the ability to get the best from staff and volunteers. A natural communicator, you’ll engage confidently with a wide range of people – from volunteers and donors to policymakers and conservation experts. 

You’ll have experience generating significant income in the not-for-profit sector, alongside strengths in strategic planning and programme development. Passionate about conservation, you’ll be an inspiring ambassador for Borders Forest Trust, able to share our impact and build lasting partnerships that help us achieve our vision. 

This role is hybrid based, with candidates being in the Head Office in Jedburgh (Scottish Borders) once or twice weekly, with other time spent out and about across the geography BFT covers. Applications are welcomed from candidates based across Scotland and the North East. Please note, travel costs to the Jedburgh office for office working days will not be reimbursed. 

To find out more, discuss any reasonable adjustments you may require and to progress an application, please download the Candidate Pack and email us to arrange a chat with our Recruitment team. 

Timeframes: 

Role closing: midnight Monday 13th October – please ensure you have allowed time for a screening conversation with the THINK Recruitment team before the closing date 

1st Stage interviews: 22nd or 23rd October 2025 

2nd Stage interviews: 29th October 2025 

The Events Coordinator Role will be part of the Philanthropy & Events Team, within the Income and Engagement Directorate, and will report to our Philanthropy Events Manager.

Starlight has a strong and longstanding record of delivering successful and profitable philanthropy events. Thanks to special relationships over many years, our annual Newbury Raceday (hosted by racing guru Nicky Henderson and his Committee), and our biennial Blenheim Ball (led by Lady Alexandra Spencer-Churchill and her Committee), are recognised as sector-leading in both profile and income.

The Philanthropy & Events team was newly established in 2024 to specifically focus on maximising our existing special events calendar, developing new event concepts, and growing a tailored programme for philanthropic and major donor relationships. This is an exciting time to join the team, as we embed our Philanthropy & Events strategy, explore new ideas and work closely together, to achieve our ambitions for sustainable income growth.

Summary

Working with the Philanthropy team, the Senior Philanthropy Manager – Trusts & Foundations will play a key role in driving new high-value relationships with Trusts & Foundations and raising six and seven figure income for our three charities: Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity, Evelina London Children’s Charity, and Guy’s Cancer Charity. 

As a member of the Philanthropy team, this role will work with colleagues and the Head of Philanthropy to help shape and develop our new fundraising strategy. The Senior Philanthropy Manager – Trusts & Foundations will predominantly look after relationships with Trusts & Foundations, but there may be a small portfolio of Major Donors within the prospect pool, which may grow over time depending on the demands of the Philanthropy team. 

The role will be responsible for developing and managing relationships with trustees, influencers and staff of grant-giving organisations, leading on often complex, large-scale projects and solicitations. As well as sharing team responsibility for achieving ambitious annual income targets, as a senior member of staff, the Senior Philanthropy Manager – Trusts & Foundations will be expected to play a strategic role within the team, proactively leading on new initiatives, decision making and problem solving. 

About us 

Guy’s & St Thomas’ Charity, Guy’s Cancer Charity and Evelina London Children’s Charity are part of Guy’s & St Thomas’ Foundation.  Our collective mission is to build the foundations of a healthier society. 

As part of our team, you will work alongside talented people from a mix of personal and professional backgrounds. We are a Living Wage employer and support flexible working, part-time roles and job shares. Though our ambitions are serious, this is a friendly place to work with lots of opportunities to meet and socialise with colleagues. We believe there is immense power in diversity and aim to recruit and nurture talent who think and act differently. 

There is more information about working with us on our website, where you can read about: 
 

• how we approach recruitment 
 

• our team, culture and values 

• the benefits of working with us 

• and our approach to diversity, equity & inclusion, health & wellbeing, and learning & development 
 

Key Responsibilities

Communication and networking 

• Write clear and compelling fundraising proposals to charitable Trusts and Foundations that have the capacity to make six- and seven-figure grants and donations. 
• Build effective, senior-level relationships with trustees, influencers and staff involved with charitable Trusts and Foundations, as appropriate meeting and liaising directly with funders as the ‘face’ of Guy’s & St Thomas’ Foundation, while also supporting senior staff, academics and clinicians to communicate with funders and work to a brief to achieve objectives. 
• Work with academics and clinicians where required/appropriate, to develop the strongest possible case for support for major projects, for use in presentations, proposals and reports to Trusts and Foundations. 
• Work with the key stakeholders to ensure an effective stewardship programme is in place for Trusts and Foundations donors, including reports, letters or other documents that may at times deal with complex, contentious and sensitive situations. 
• Act as a Trusts and Foundations specialist on behalf of Guy’s & St Thomas’ Foundation. 

Decision making, planning and problem solving 

• Identify a range of internal fundraising priorities that will engage the interest and charitable objectives of Trusts and Foundations. 
• Work with the Prospect Research team to build an ongoing pipeline of high-calibre, qualified prospects with the capacity to give significant support to priority projects. 
• Balance the coordination of a large number of complex relationships and fundraising projects with the ability to respond appropriately to new opportunities as they arise. 
• Prioritise effectively, balancing urgent vs. important calls on your time, and making decisions about how to use your resources to maximise income for the team. 
• Take a long-term planning approach to the Trusts and Foundations portfolio, mapping out donor development plans for key accounts, and developing a calendar of activity for the year ahead, taking into account key deadlines and interdependencies. 
• Make independent professional decisions and advise colleagues as appropriate. 

Service delivery 

• Generate annual income according to agreed targets – both individual and team. 
• Manage and implement the Trusts and Foundations programme, and work with colleagues and the Head of team to develop and implement strategy and plans. 
• Achieve KPIs as agreed with the Head of team, e.g. for meetings, pledged income. 
• Establish gift agreements with funders that meet both their and the Foundation’s needs. 
• Contribute proactively to team planning and performance monitoring, ensuring the programme is strategically focused to maximise its potential for sustainable growth. 
• Show enterprise and creativity in developing Trusts and Foundations fundraising. 
• Respond appropriately to stakeholders regarding requests for fundraising assistance. 

Analysis and research 

• Contribute to team-wide evaluation of the Trusts and Foundations programme in order to inform annual planning and wider departmental strategy. 
• Ensure that donor details and communications relating to your portfolio are adequately stored on the database and run data analysis and modelling as required. 
• Benchmark activity with other relevant organisations and use statistical results and trends to support new activity. 
• Undertake research, and work effectively with the Prospect Research team, in order to inform prospect cultivation. 

Team work, teaching and learning support 

• Form and communicate a clear vision of what is to be achieved, sharing plans with other teams as appropriate. 
• Present at staff training and induction events as required. 
• Work with other high-value fundraising teams, as well as the Prospect Research team, to ensure a coordinated approach to prospects. 
• Positively promote the work of the Trusts and Foundations team, both internally and externally, and represent the team – and the wider organisation – at stewardship and cultivation events, as well as at sector conferences and meetings. 
• Assist with other campaigns and special projects as and when necessary. 
• Provide occasional cover for other colleagues within the team and wider department. 
• Undertake other duties as directed by the Head of Philanthropy. 

Working Environment:

The post holder should expect to: 

• Work in a hybrid hot desk environment, generally working 2 days a week in the London office and three from home.  
• Be responsible for the input and maintenance of databases and files relevant to the post requirements.  
• Will occasionally be required to attend events in the evening and at weekends. 

Role responsibilities are not exhaustive, and you would be reasonably expected to take on wider tasks that are commensurate with the level of your role.  

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Skills, abilities, and attributes: 

• Ability to comprehend complex situations quickly and develop creative solutions. 
• Ability to be a strategic team player. 
• Ability to effectively build relationships with senior individuals and stakeholders. 
• Attention to detail, working accurately and systematically. 
• Sound judgement and confident decision making ability. 
• Ability to project an organisation positively, clearly and effectively in all communications, written and spoken. 
• Ability to initiate and implement a coherent fundraising programme. 
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritise and manage a demanding workload. 
• Excellent grammar and writing skills. 
• Ability to negotiate and communicate effectively with a wide range of constituent groups and present a case convincingly in person and in writing. 
• Ability to question results and analyse data to inform new approaches. 
• Computer literate, i.e. Word, Outlook, Excel, databases. 
• Willingness to learn and play a role in the development of the Trusts & Foundations team. 
• Enterprising and creative, with drive and initiative to implement ideas. 

Knowledge, experience, and qualifications: 

• Significant fundraising experience, including successful proposal writing, or transferable income-generation experience. 
• Experience of undertaking large-scale projects. 
• Experience of bringing together different stakeholders to achieve results. 
• Experience of working to tight deadlines. 
• Experience of working with Trusts and Foundations within fundraising. 
• Experience of fundraising five and six figure (or higher) donations. 
• Knowledge of Raiser’s Edge or other similar fundraising database. 

Benefits

• Up to 12% employer pension contributions
• Annual personal development budget
• Annual health and wellbeing personal allowance
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and parental leave pay accessible without length of service requirements.
• Health and wellbeing programme that offers optional free yearly health check-ups.
• Support for healthy eating via fruit bowls and onsite lunch facilities. 
• Agile working, flexible hours, and supportive IT kit. 
• Shower facilities and bike lock area. 
• Generous annual leave (27 days + bank holidays)
• Subsidies for glasses
• Employee Assistance Programme

We are seeking an energetic and proactive Corporate Partnerships Executive to help us strengthen and expand our partnerships. You will be at the heart of growing our corporate portfolio, ensuring we maximise opportunities to secure new business and nurture long-term, high-impact partnerships.

This role is both outward-facing and highly collaborative. You’ll work with colleagues across teams to deliver excellent partnership experiences, while also taking initiative to spot opportunities, drive forward proposals, and build relationships that support Future First’s mission.

If you have first class people and communication skills, creativity and energy in abundance and an insatiable eye for opportunity, and would like to work for a small but ambitious charity, we’d love to hear from you.

For more details about the role and information on how to apply, please download the recruitment pack.

Key dates to be aware of:

Tuesday 16 September 2025, 12:00pm – Information and Q&A session 

This is an optional session where you can hear more about the role and ask any questions you may have.

Please see details in the attached recruitment pack for how to register for this session.

We recommend attending to help you prepare the strongest possible application.

Monday 29th September 2025 (09:00am) – Applications close

Tuesday 7th October – Interviews will take place in-person in London

About Future First

We are a mission-driven, innovative social mobility charity that believes a young person’s start in life shouldn’t limit their future. We work with state schools and colleges to develop and build their alumni and employee volunteer communities, helping young people ‘see who they can be’ and helping to open up genuine routes to previously gatekept sectors. Our partners have a key role to play in this. We celebrate our 15th anniversary this year, and over that time have supported over 465,000 young people and built 1,250 alumni networks.

Our core team comes from a variety of backgrounds including partnership development, fundraising, delivery, teaching, programmes and communications. We gain additional support from a strong network of experienced and passionate long-term freelancers. We value all contributions and offer the possibility to expand and grow the role based on interests.

 We’re looking for a dynamic Head of Social Enterprise to help shape the future of University of Wolverhampton Students’ Union.

This is a unique opportunity to drive both strategic development and hands-on leadership across our commercial and marketing functions, as we expand our commercial offer over the next 18 months and beyond.

As Head of Social Enterprise, you will:

Provide proactive support to the Chief Executive Officer on strategy and operations. Offering clear advice to the CEO and Board of Trustees.

Lead and manage the Marketing, and Commercial teams, ensuring their work aligns with our strategic goals and values.

Play a pivotal role in the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to organisational strategy and innovation.

Developing and establishing a marketing strategy, as well as establishing a brand for the organisation that our stakeholders can relate too.

Take responsibility for the growth and development of our commercial operations, from bars and cafés to new ventures.

This role is central to driving commercial sustainability while enhancing the student experience. You’ll balance commercial performance with social purpose, ensuring our services are not only profitable but also meaningful to our members.

Key Responsibilities:

· Lead strategic and operational planning, deputising for the CEO when required.

· Develop and deliver a marketing strategy that strengthens our brand and deepens student engagement.

· Grow our commercial portfolio through research, innovation, and evidence-based decision making.

· Build and maintain strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, from students and staff to suppliers and the wider University community.

· Champion a positive, inclusive culture, embedding our values across teams.

About You

We’re seeking an experienced, forward-thinking leader who brings:

· Proven experience in strategic and operational leadership within a commercial, social enterprise, or third-sector environment.

· A track record of developing and delivering successful marketing and commercial strategies.

· Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.

· A collaborative and innovative mindset, able to balance business growth with social impact.

Why Join Us?

This is more than just a temporary role; it’s an opportunity to shape the long-term future of our Students’ Union. Over the next 18 months, we will be developing and expanding our commercial offer, and this role is key to that journey. For the right candidate, there is a strong possibility of the position becoming permanent.

We’re committed to equality of opportunity for all. We welcome applications from individuals regardless of their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, age, gender, or disability status.

We want to support diverse and inclusive work environments and are actively looking for people who share our values. We particularly welcome BAME applicants.

If you are motivated by making a difference, driven by innovation, and excited by the challenge of leading a growing social enterprise, we’d love to hear from you.

To apply please follow this link:

Vacancy

Schools’ Project Officer (4-5 days per week; 10 months contract with opportunity for renewal)

The job
This is a fantastic opportunity to join this fast-growing charity at a pivotal time, and make significant impact as our grass-roots Schools’ Project Officer. You will be visiting schools, explaining about what we do at assemblies and going for follow up sessions, and then giving email feedback to applications.

Who we are
We are a small lively charity promoting the personal development of year 12s in partner schools, through challenging activities that they design, plan and finally undertake adult-free. We invite students (individually or in groups) to develop their own challenges well outside their ‘comfort zones’, and to be responsible for every stage of the process. We help them plan and manage risk, and give them expenses funding. Our award winners have climbed the highest UK peaks, cycled to Paris, performed plays at school, harnessed green power via a bike, among many other imaginative and ambitious projects.   

Who we are looking for
We are looking for an energetic, talented and reliable candidate for our schools’ outreach team, inspiring high-quality applications for funding from Year 12s in our 85 partner London state schools (20% of the total).  There is scope to help shape our strategy. We are looking for competent project officer, ideally with experience of physical challenge, strong administrative skills and with strong writing skills: they will be comfortable working with students, and value personal challenge and development. He/she will be keen to work with a growing charity, and to support young people usually with a poverty of experience and opportunity.

The 10-month post is up to 4-5 days per week, based in Southwark, with frequent travel to schools across London. The salary is £26,600–£35,000 pa pro rata. Flexible working is considered.

Applications by 28 September 2025. Please see attached JD for details.  

The Talent Set are delighted to partner with Breast Cancer Now on the recruitment of their new Director of Brand, Marketing & Communications.

At Breast Cancer Now, we’re here for anyone affected by breast cancer – providing world-class research, trusted information, specialist support, and determined campaigning. By 2050, we believe everyone diagnosed with breast cancer will live – and be supported to live well. To make that future a reality, we need bold leadership and powerful voices.

We are now seeking a Director of Brand, Marketing and Communications to lead our strategic direction and inspire a department of almost 60 people to deliver brilliant, integrated brand and communications work that will engage millions and accelerate progress towards our 2025–2030 Change Happens Now strategy.

About the role
As Director, you’ll:

• Lead the development and delivery of Breast Cancer Now’s brand, marketing, and communications strategy, ensuring our voice is clear, powerful and consistent.
• Drive innovative and inclusive campaigns that grow awareness, trust, engagement and income – across digital, media, PR, ambassadors, and supporter communities.
• Work closely with senior colleagues across the Engagement Directorate to deliver ambitious fundraising and engagement growth, including a £50m major campaign.
• Inspire, empower and develop a high-performing team, embedding collaboration, creativity and boldness.
• Act as an influential ambassador, building strong relationships internally and externally to maximise impact.

About you
You are a dynamic and strategic senior leader with:

• Significant experience leading brand, marketing and communications at scale, ideally within healthcare or the charity sector.
• A strong track record of delivering innovative, audience-first, multi-channel strategies that grow awareness, engagement and income.
• Proven ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams through change and growth.
• Excellent relationship-building skills, with the confidence to represent Breast Cancer Now at the highest levels.
• Curiosity and courage to champion new ideas, from digital innovation to inclusive storytelling.

Why join us?
This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of one of the UK’s leading charities. You’ll play a central role in driving our vision that by 2050, everyone diagnosed with breast cancer will live – and live well. In return, we offer a supportive and ambitious culture, hybrid working, and a chance to make a lasting difference for people affected by breast cancer.

What's on offer?

• Location: London with hybrid working (3 days from home)
• Contract: Permanent, full-time (35 hours per week)
• Closing date: 3rd October

Recruitment timeline

• Closing date: 3rd October
• First stage interviews: w/c 13th October
• Final interviews: w/c 20th October

How to Apply
To apply, please submit your CV demonstrating your suitability for this role by clicking the 'apply now' button (please do not apply via email).

Commitment to Diversity
Alongside Breast Cancer Now, The Talent Set are committed to diverse and inclusive recruitment practices, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of race, sexual orientation, disability, age, or gender. We actively encourage applications from a wide range of backgrounds and are always happy to make reasonable adjustments to ensure a fair recruitment process.

The University of Essex in partnership with Mid and North Essex Mind offers an exciting opportunity to a graduate with the relevant skills and knowledge to co-produce and implement data-led impact evaluation tools and a community needs assessment framework based on the Theory of Change model for mental health services, leading to improved outcomes for individuals and the wider voluntary and community sector.

DUTIES OF THE POST

This is a full-time, fixed term for 30 months. The position is fixed term due to being part of a government funded innovation programme, however there may be potential to continue in employment with the company partner following the completion of the KTP.

The duties of the post will include:

• Co-producing and implementing data-led impact evaluation tools and a community needs assessment framework, grounded in the Theory of Change model, to support improved mental health outcomes.

• Developing and piloting tools for data collection, analysis, and reporting—such as Power BI dashboards, stakeholder feedback mechanisms, and longitudinal tracking systems.

• Leading the creation of a scalable follow-up review tool to track long-term service user outcomes and support strategic decision-making.

• Producing high-quality research outputs, including academic publications, conference presentations, and a final project report.

These duties are a guide to the work that the post holder will initially be required to undertake. They may be changed from time to time to meet changing circumstances.

Full duties of the post are available in the job pack.

KEY REQUIREMENTS (Essential Criteria)

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Management, Psychology, Social Psychology, Counselling, Mental Health Nursing, or a similar discipline

• An MBA or an MSc in Business and Management, Psychology, Social Psychology (or nearing completion) or a similar discipline, or equivalent level of experience

• Experience of balancing the needs and priorities of a range of stakeholders

• Knowledge of mental health service models and support pathways

• Strong understanding of evaluation methodologies

• Familiarity with ethical research practices

• Ability to work with vulnerable groups including a good understanding of managing boundaries

• Good research skills, including analysis of quantitative and qualitative data

• Proficient with data analysis tools and methodologies, including Power BI

• Ability to apply academic theories in a third-sector setting

BENEFITS

As a KTP Associate, the post will offer a personal development budget of £5,000 (exclusive of salary). Full benefits of the post are available in the job pack.

LOCATION

Mid and North Essex Mind

The Constantine Centre

272a Mersea Road

Colchester

Please see the attached job pack, which contains a full job description and person specification which outlines the full duties, skills, qualifications and experience needed for this role plus more information relating to the post. We recommend you read this information carefully before making an application. 

About Impetus

Our vision is for a society where all young people, regardless of their background, can thrive in school, secure crucial qualifications, and take their first steps into the world of work on the journey to sustained employment in adulthood, for a fulfilling life.

As a leading impact funder, since 2002, Impetus has been helping the best leaders build stronger organisations delivering the most promising interventions that support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to succeed against the odds. We do this by using our deep expertise and high calibre networks to give the best non-profits the essential ingredients to have a real and lasting impact, 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 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.

These are challenges that are faced by all young people, but they disproportionately affect young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

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

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

About the role

Are you passionate about giving all young people the best chance in life? Are you a brilliant influencer and communicator who relishes harnessing great policy, research and communications to realise social change? Do you want to work in a pioneering charity with impact at its core?

Then this could be the role for you. At Impetus we are looking for our next Director of Public Affairs, someone who can inspire our brilliant Public Affairs team and spearhead our communications, policy and research work. This is an exciting senior role, joining our Senior Management Team and working alongside our CEO, board, donors, supporters, portfolio partners and the wider sector to effect real change for young people.

This is an exciting time to join Impetus. We are at an inflexion point, having welcomed a new CEO this year and implementing a new strategy focusing on strengthening and expanding our impact and influence. A big part of that is through our public affairs and communications work; whether influencing policy makers so that all young people regardless of background get the best possible chance to succeed, reducing the gaps in education and employment between young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and their better off peers, or working with government and other funders to prove and expand impactful programmes or communicating our findings, insights and message to a wider range of audiences.

The Director of Public Affairs will work with the CEO and Senior Management Team to raise our profile and influence policy, unlock and steward resource and build new partnerships, in order to facilitate growth in impact. They will do this by getting the most out of our high performing Public Affairs team, which covers policy, research, advocacy and communications - as well as working across teams and with the Board to ensure Impetus is well positioned externally.

We’re proud of the work we’ve achieved to date, developing a strong track record of high-quality research and insightful reports, significantly raising our profile through media relations and stakeholder engagement, building strong sector partnerships and coalitions to drive meaningful change, establishing a wide range of relationships across government and the sector and building strong expertise in the team. We’re delighted that you’re considering joining us to take forward this work to the next level.

Here are some examples of the types of work that the Public Affairs team delivers:
• Our monthly policy newsletter, Impetus Insights
• Our news and commentary and blogs
• Our latest research reports on school engagement, attainment and youth employment
• Our coalitions: The Youth Employment Group and Who is Losing Learning?

For more information on what we’re looking for from our Director of Public Affairs & what a typical week can look like – please view the Director of Public Affairs recruitment pack.

Key responsibilities

Fundraising and income generation

• Work with Impetus CEO and SMT to support the delivery of the Impetus strategy and business plan and deliver the public affairs milestones to time and within budget.
• Champion and contribute to embedding equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) across all areas of Impetus' work, ensuring that EDI principles related to Impetus’ mission are reflected in advocacy, stakeholder engagement, communications and public positioning.
• Vision setting and strong line management of the Public Affairs team, developing their capabilities, representing the team at SMT and to the Board and ensuring it continues to make a valuable - and valued - contribution to the achievement of Impetus’s objectives, through building and implementing high quality work plans for the team and ensuring the wider Impetus team is aligned on these.
• Increase awareness, understanding and trust in Impetus among key stakeholders, through regular, thoughtful engagement with the sector and securing high profile media coverage.
• Raise awareness of the education and employment gaps faced by young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and what we can do to break down the barriers they face - through research, policy positioning and effective communications.
• Build a positive reputation for Impetus in government and parliament and among funders, as a source of expertise on how to improve the education and employment outcomes of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and as a trusted interlocutor and partner, building on and leveraging the many relationships already established.
• Ensure that all advocacy is supported by high quality research and evidence, with our policy and research agenda well aligned to supporting the delivery of Impetus’ strategy.
• Ensure a positive media profile, continuing to build on the base established to build awareness among the media of Impetus’s expertise and content.
• Position Impetus as a ‘sought-after’ collaborative partner for other organisations with shared objectives; including regularly representing Impetus at relevant sector events.
• Support the delivery of our fundraising strategy and the successful delivery of our events programme, in particular, our flagship Transforming Lives Dinner.
• Where appropriate, collaborate with our portfolio partners to support their public affairs work and to leverage relevant partnerships, drawing on their insights to inform Impetus’ work.
• Contribute to the successful performance of the Senior Management Team, and provide expert advice to them, as well as to Trustees, on all public affairs-related activities and in the implementation of the broader strategy, engaging with decisions and challenges across the organisation.
• Oversee the running of our Public Affairs Committee (PAC), leveraging their skills, expertise and influence for the good of Impetus.

Personal specification

Essential

• A commitment to Impetus’ mission
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
• Experience of leading public affairs / communications / policy at a senior level
  Strong track record of influencing (through policy, advocacy, communications, stakeholder relations)
• Strong management skills including strategy development, people management, budgeting and impact monitoring
• Experience of leading multiple and complex workstreams to achieve measurable results
• Experience of representing an organisation externally; in meetings, media interviews and on public platforms
• Exceptional verbal and written communications skills
• Presence, credibility, motivational skills, natural ability to command respect based on experience, and ability to look beyond own area of expertise
• Proven experience of building and maintaining influential external relationships and strategic partnerships
• Ability to motivate a team and work collaboratively, enlisting support from others
• Knowledge of the education and/ or young people sectors

Desirable:

• Experience of fundraising, including trusts and foundations
• Knowledge of digital communications
• Experience of data management and good analytical skills
• Understanding of, and/or lived experience of, the barriers that young people face, that contribute to the education and employment gap
• Knowledge of venture philanthropy / impact management
• Knowledge of private equity and associated industries

Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

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.

How to apply

Please click here to apply.

You will need to:

• Upload a comprehensive CV and supporting statement.
• We will also share our equal opportunities form which must also be completed.

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 11:59pm, Sunday 12th October 2025.

Interviews

First round interviews will take place: w/c 20th/27th October 2025.

Second round interviews will take place: w/c 3rd November 2025.

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.

About us and our ecological work

We are a small but growing UK-registered charity which undertakes projects that protect and restore wild landscapes, helping to provide a future for all life on earth. We use the skills and expertise of our multi-disciplinary team (spanning science, law, economics, technology and culture) to develop projects that protect and restore wild, natural landscapes. 

Our ecological work spans two exciting fronts: restoring missing species through projects like The Missing Lynx, Pine Marten and White-Tailed Eagle reintroductions in Northern England; and securing the protection of ecological restoration sites as a Responsible Body for conservation covenants through which we aim to set the gold standard, supporting ambitious, mission-aligned projects such as Nattergal’s High Fen site.

About the role

We are seeking to hire a dynamic and passionate Senior Ecologist to join The Lifescape Project, to play an integral role in the restoration of charismatic species to the UK and in landscape scale habitat restoration.

As a Senior Ecologist, your work will cover two distinct areas which are broadly: BNG-associated site assessments; and practical planning and feasibility aspects of species reintroductions.

Salary: £40,000 - £42,000 per annum, depending on experience + benefits.

Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week.

Contract: Fixed-term contract for 12 months initially.

Location: Remote working with site survey work and some UK and international travel.

Please refer to the job description for further information about the role.

To apply, please email a CV and covering letter (each no longer than 2 pages of text) outlining how you meet the person specification and why you should be considered for this role.

Closing date: 9.00am on Monday 20 October 2025.

The role will commence as soon as possible.

The Role

As Digital Learning Project Manager you will play a key role in helping the Law Society deliver the L&D strategy for its members. This is an 18-month fixed term contract (FTC) role.

Working with the Digital Learning Content Lead, you will ensure a diverse content portfolio is delivered within budget, on schedule and to the appropriate quality and learning design standards. You will maintain quality standards by leading on key functions associated with content production, and ensure commercial targets for the portfolio are fulfilled. You will also play a key role in ensuring satisfaction metrics are improved.

Please refer to the JD for additional information.

What we're looking for

You will have a good understanding of the legal profession and the legal market, with demonstrable experience in commissioning learning content.

You will have commercial awareness; the ability to research, analyse and evaluate complex issues; and assess their implications for the profession and Law Society, and make decisions and recommendations accordingly.

With ability to effectively plan projects for end-to-end delivery and successfully work on multiple courses at the same time, delivering each project on time and to a high standard.

What's in it for you

This is an excellent opportunity to work with contemporary thinkers in a progressive membership organisation. The successful candidate will join a strong brand with a reputation for excellence and legal expertise, committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion, and a culture of trust, clarity and respect.

We offer a generous flexible benefits package, a friendly working environment and the opportunity to develop your career within a professional organisation.

Please note: if you are an internal applicant, Pay Policy will apply.

The Law Society represents solicitors in England and Wales. From negotiating with and lobbying the profession's regulators, government and other decision makers, to offering training and advice, we're here to help, protect and promote solicitors.