Development support officer jobs in swanscombe, kent

We are looking for an experienced, proactive and creative Community Engagement Coordinator to strengthen and deepen our relationships in Lewisham. Help us to advance community stewardship, raise awareness about the benefits of street trees and increase tree canopy cover equitably. The Coordinator will manage our volunteer programmes, including recruitment, retention and bringing new ideas for engagement. Responsibilities include promoting and supporting our tree planting initiatives, as well as identifying new opportunities for community involvement. The role involves collaborating with team members and stakeholders to help achieve STfL’s mission of creating a greener and healthier urban environment.

£35,000 pro rata

0.8 FTE, 4 days per week

1 year minimum fixed term contract

Reporting to Executive Director

Responsibilities:

• Volunteer management including recruiting, developing and retaining volunteers

• Be the ‘go to’ person to provide support for our Area Reps and Street Reps and develop a peer-to-peer network to share best practice across volunteer

• Raise awareness around trees, particularly in areas of low tree canopy cover and where we are currently underrepresented

• Work closely with the tree care team to support volunteering and training opportunities including watering, formative tree care, auditing

• Building networks and developing meaningful relationships with community groups and individuals, working at a hyperlocal, neighbourhood level 

• Spend time listening to groups and gathering feedback to understand their emotional responses and perceptions to trees 

• Work with communities and partner charities to map formal and informal networks within local neighborhoods

• Use creative approaches to evaluation, collecting and analysing impact data including volunteer surveys, 121 conversations and case studies to measure outcomes, particularly related to health and wellbeing 

• Reaching new audiences: building relationships with diverse communities  and work in partnership with community groups to co-design tree planting schemes in public realm

• Community stakeholder engagement - engaging and cultivating relationships including community groups, Parks groups, local charities, tenants and residents’ associations

• Organising in-person community engagement activities and training sessions for local residents including tree walks, citizen science sessions, workshops, networking opportunities and the sharing of resources 

• Integrate equality, diversity and inclusion principles into all aspects of our work 

• Maximising our communications impact: promote our work, raise awareness and increase our reach. Communicate regularly with our guardians and volunteers

• Create content to contribute to our social media, newsletter and website, for example: develop inspiring case studies about our work and beneficiaries. Help gather content at in-person events to support storytelling

Experience:

• Experience in the charity sector in community engagement or development

• Practical experience in successfully planning, coordinating, and delivering community-based events, workshops and activities

• Experience engaging with communities in London

• Experience in recruiting, training, supervising, and motivating groups of volunteers

• Experience in building and maintaining strong, collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders, such as resident groups, schools, local authorities and charities

• Experience using co-design principles to facilitate workshops with a diverse range of communities

• Knowledge of tree planting/environmental sector is desirable but not essential

Skills and qualities:

• Empathetic, with good listening skills

• Able to build and maintain strong and meaningful relationships

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills - ability to adapt to different audiences

• A strong commitment to environmental and social justice

• Passionate about our cause and able to inspire others

• Understanding of lived experience and community needs

• Excellent time management and organisational skills

• Creative problem solver

• Strong degree of flexibility is desirable - due to the nature of community work, some evening and weekend work will be required. You will be given plenty of notice

Please note, if you don’t have all the skills or experience, we still  encourage you to apply! 

Director of Transformation (DDaT)

A leading national charity is seeking an Interim Director of Transformation (DDaT) to guide the organisation through a crucial 18 month period of modernisation. This is a senior mandate suited to someone with broad technology leadership experience in fundraising charities of around 100–250 employees, and the capability to drive major transformation programmes to completion, including a significant CRM migration and the development of a modern data platform.

In this role, you’ll take responsibility for ensuring the charity’s technology architecture is coherent, scalable and secure, overseeing key platforms such as Salesforce, Microsoft 365/Azure, and the charity’s evolving data lakehouse. You’ll bring structure to delivery and operations, managing internal teams and external partners, strengthening SLAs, and championing agile ways of working to ensure the organisation receives a high-quality, modern, and responsive technology service.

You’ll also lead the organisation through a substantial period of change, working closely with fundraising, digital, and operational teams to ensure technology aligns with strategic goals, particularly the ambition to scale income and deepen supporter engagement. Strong stakeholder management will be essential, as you will advise senior leaders and the Board on technology, risk, cybersecurity, and organisational readiness, while helping staff navigate a major shift in the charity’s digital and data capability.

Key skills & experience

• Senior, broad technology leadership within fundraising charities or similarly complex NFP environments (approx. 100–250 staff).
• Strong transformation experience across digital, CRM, data platforms, governance, and cloud architecture.
• Proven track record steering major CRM programmes (ideally Salesforce) and evolving modern Microsoft 365/Azure environments.
• Excellent stakeholder and change management capability, with the ability to influence at executive and Board level.

Salary: £100,000 – £120,000

Contract: Interim (18 months + potential to go perm)

Location: London (flexible hybrid working)

Are you a data protection specialist looking for your next role? Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity are hiring for a Data Protection Manager to own our day to day data protection activities.
 
Salary
The salary for this position is £52,227 per annum. We operate a hybrid working policy of a minimum of 2 days per week in the office. 
 

In line with our EDI strategy and Total Reward policy, we calculate our salaries based on benchmarking data across the charity sector. To ensure fairness for existing staff and new joiners, we do not offer salaries above the advertised rate.

Key Responsibilities

This is an operational role where you will manage day to day data protection activities including:

• Acting as first point of contact for all data protection queries. 
• Undertaking data impact assessments (DPIAs) across all areas but primarily fundraising. 
• Managing legitimate interest balance test and associated risks. 
• Providing advice and guidance to stakeholders on all data protection and privacy related matters. 
• Assisting with any data breaches.
• Maintaining effective governance across GOSH Charity. 
• Managing the data register.
• Reviewing data protection clauses in contracts.

This is the ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys managing day to day data protection activities and educating stakeholders on the importance of data. 

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Extensive data protection and privacy experience.
• Extensive knowledge of UK and EU Data Protection and Information Security principles, as well as best practice. 
• Experience undertaking data protection impact assessments (DPIAs), legitimate interest balance tests and reviewing privacy contractual clauses.
• Experience providing pragmatic advice to stakeholders on data protection issues. 
• Solutions focused mindset. 
• Strong stakeholder management, with the ability to communicate complex data protection information to different audiences. 
• High accuracy and attention to detail.

Experience in the charity sector or an understanding of fundraising is highly beneficial for this role.

Terms: 30 hours per week / 0.8 FTE, 4 days per week; two year contract with possibility for extension

Salary: £41,200 - £56,650

Location: Remote working and quarterly in-person team away days.

Line Manager: Executive Director

Please note that you must have the right to work in the UK. 

Closing Date: 4th January 2026

About BASIC

BASIC is an independent, non-profit think tank working to safeguard humanity and Earth's ecosystem from nuclear risks and interconnected security threats, for generations to come. Our vision is for a global security consensus founded on multilateralism, the recognition of the indivisibility of security, adherence to Earth's planetary boundaries, and consideration of future generations.

For nearly 40 years, we have built a global reputation for groundbreaking dialogue and incisive thought leadership to strengthen international peace and security. We are an intellectually and culturally diverse team of 20 expert-practitioners with deep institutional experience, headquartered in London with additional presences in Berlin and Rome. We are independent, receive no core funding from any state, and our project work is funded transparently.

BASIC's approach to resolving contemporary nuclear dynamics is centred on dialogue as both a practice and a philosophy. We interpret dialogue broadly, recognising that meaningful engagement takes many forms: from facilitating direct strategic conversations between adversaries grounded in conflict resolution principles, to developing networks and diplomatic initiatives that build consensus around shared objectives, to shaping the intellectual foundations of policy discourse through rigorous research and thought leadership.

BASIC is a fast-paced and rewarding environment with an exceptionally positive and inclusive team culture. We have experienced rapid growth over the past decade and are well-suited to people who are motivated by our mission, able to work at a sustained pace, keen to develop professionally, and enjoy being part of a collaborative team working on consequential issues.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary with room for growth

• 30 days annual leave (pro rata), plus bank holidays and closure days over the December festive period

• Employer pension contributions of 5% (above the national minimum)

• Flexible working arrangements, with set days (Wednesdays required) but flexibility on hours

• Remote working with option to use co-working space

• 1-2 all-staff in-person team away day per year, as well as other in-person working opportunities

• Opportunities for professional growth and development

• Excellent team culture built on respect, openness, and inclusion

The Role

BASIC is seeking an experienced and strategic Communications Manager to lead and implement effective communication strategies that amplify our mission, enhance our brand identity, and strengthen engagement with key audiences. The ideal candidate will have exceptional written and verbal communication skills, a proactive approach to storytelling, and the ability to collaborate across the organisation to ensure clear, consistent, and impactful messaging.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Communications Manager will play a central role in shaping BASIC’s external presence, working across programmes to craft compelling narratives for social media, the website, and other digital platforms, as well as press contacts.

The Communications Manager will be the point of contact for all communication activity and will be responsible for setting the strategy and communicating this to the team. As an organisation, BASIC is keen to develop brand identity, particularly amongst our programmes and the Communications Manager will be instrumental in developing this work. 

Key Responsibilities

Organisational Communications & Strategy

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with BASIC’s mission and objectives including a strong link to impact.

• Lead the evolution of our social media strategy, ensuring increased engagement and impact.

• Develop and implement strategic online communication plans to enhance BASIC’s digital presence, ensuring consistent and engaging messaging across all platforms.

• Oversee BASIC’s branding and identity development, ensuring consistency across programmes and platforms. This includes: organisational brand asset, image, review and refresh.

• Act as BASIC’s press officer, managing media engagement, journalistic contacts, and public relations.

• Plan and execute BASIC’s website redevelopment strategy, including better functionality for fundraising efforts and overseeing all aspects of website content/management.

• Draft, edit, and manage organisational newsletters using MailChimp/MailerLite, ensuring clear, engaging, and audience-focused content that aligns with BASIC’s communications strategy.

• Provide communications training to staff, fostering a culture of shared responsibility for communications.

• Create promotional materials to advance BASIC’s initiatives.

• Strengthen BASIC’s internal and external communications, ensuring alignment with key stakeholders.

Programme Responsibilities

• Develop and execute tailored communications plans for specific programmes, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and effective audience engagement.

• Collaborate with programme teams to create and distribute engaging content that highlights programme achievements and key messages

• Work with programme teams to define the strategy, vision and purpose of newsletters

• Coordinate programme events (virtual and in-person), in terms of communications outreach to increase visibility and structuring of success stories

• Support the creation of digital content (social media posts, website updates, videos, etc.) to promote programme activities and initiatives

• Assist with publishing programme reports including proofing and providing guidance for branding and imagery 

• Provide communications support for programme fundraising activities

• Monitor and analyse communications impact across programmes, using feedback and data to suggest improvements and ensure messaging is reaching the right audiences

• Help to manage relationships with key stakeholders for each programme by ensuring ongoing engagement and support for programme objectives

• Ensure consistent branding and messaging across all programme communications to maintain coherence with the organisation's overall identity

Person Specification:

Essential:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Marketing, Education, Business, Fundraising)
• 8+ years of working in a communications role
• Knowledge of global security or related issues with linkage to UK policy
• Proven experience in developing and implementing communication strategies aligned with organisational goals and objectives
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to craft clear, compelling messages
• Ability to generate innovative ideas and content that engage target audiences and enhance brand visibility
• Strong networking and stakeholder engagement skills
• Experience in monitoring and evaluating communication impact through media coverage, engagement metrics, and analytics. Ability to evaluate the effectiveness of strategies and identify areas for improvement.
• Strong collaborative skills with the ability to work effectively across teams to ensure consistent messaging and brand representation.
• Keen eye for detail with a commitment to accuracy and quality in all communications materials

Desirable:

• Experience in crisis communications, including drafting statements and managing sensitive issues.

Why Join BASIC?

This is an exciting opportunity to shape the communications strategy of a respected international security think tank. If you are a creative, strategic, and proactive communicator who thrives in a collaborative environment, we’d love to hear from you.

Salary: £46,698 (London) / £42,373 (National) per annum

Hours:                       35 hrs per week

Contract: Fixed term contract (until March 2027)

Benefits

· 27 days annual leave + statutory holidays + 3 closures days over the Christmas period;

· Flexible working for all staff including working from home / hybrid working, and flexi-time/TOIL scheme;

· Attractive family friendly policies;

· Private healthcare cover;

· Season ticket loans;

· Employee awards, and training and development opportunities.

For more information about our benefits please visit our website.

Office locations:  London, Bristol or homeworker

The role will involve spending a substantial amount of time in the East of England (including early starts/late finishes and overnight stays where required) and regular travel nationwide for NHF events and meetings. 

Please note, if office based, the successful candidate will be expected to carry out two days in-person working per week on average which will include attendance at your office location.

Flexible working arrangements can be discussed and agreed with the line manager subject to role and business needs.

An exciting opportunity has arisen at the National Housing Federation (NHF) to join our team of External Affairs Managers on a fixed-term basis to cover maternity leave. The NHF is the voice of housing associations in England. We are the trade body to almost 600 housing associations, who have grown from philanthropic roots to provide 2.6 million homes to around 6 million people. You can find further information about the NHF on our website.

Could you be our new External Affairs Manager, working closely with our housing association members across the East of England?

This is a unique and varied role which would appeal to someone with a background in areas such as stakeholder management, policy, public affairs, communications, programme management – or a combination of these areas! For example, you may be looking to step into a role to further develop your leadership and stakeholder engagement skills, whilst still building on your policy or programme management experience and knowledge.

You will operate at the heart of social housing by working with key decision makers across the housing association sector – including managing relationships with chief executives, chairs of boards and executive directors. Strong communication and influencing skills are essential to the role, as well as the confidence to work at the most senior levels.  

It is crucial that you can work collegiately to lead key programmes of work across the NHF with colleagues in other teams, for example from our policy, press, events, and public affairs teams. Equally, you will be comfortable working autonomously and shaping your own work programme.

The core of the role involves being responsible for engagement with a whole geographic region of our membership; and working closely on or leading one of the NHF’s key themes of work, which include areas such as supported housing; devolution; developing new homes; decarbonising existing homes; ensuring the building safety agenda is delivered; or representing our rural or smaller housing associations.

The role is wide ranging and in addition to stakeholder management and programme leadership, will include running roundtables between our members and government, chairing sessions at NHF conferences, and presenting political and policy updates to senior teams within housing associations.

You will be part of a team of eight External Affairs Managers sitting within the member services directorate, which is there to ensure that we provide excellent value for money for our housing association members.

Key elements of the role:

· You will build and maintain brilliant relationships with housing associations leaders, using your well-developed communication and advocacy skills to maximum effect.

· You will develop knowledge, insight and understanding of housing associations to shape our policy and influencing work and to create structured programmes of member engagement on critical policy and political issues.

· You will be the contact point for housing associations in your region, ensuring they receive first class customer service on the issues which matter to them. Working closely with NHF members you will facilitate the organisation of regional chief executive or leaders forums and sounding boards.

· In addition to your regional work, you will lead on the strategic planning and delivery of a key NHF policy priority. This will require collaborative working with colleagues from across the organisation and working with members across every region and specialism.  You will play a leadership role, creating structured engagement strategies to ensure members are able to influence policy as well as engaging key NHF stakeholders and sharing best practice.

· Your role will be to implement structured member engagement to ensure our policy priorities, positions and influencing work are member-led. This will include working directly with members to inform our policy positions and lead our influencing work.

· You will influence debates at the highest level and you will spot in advance and act strategically to mitigate the risk to our membership. As such, this role requires a high degree of political and organisational acumen and the ability to horizon scan.

· You will work with colleagues in our Commercial and Events teams to maximise commercial opportunities and help shape content at our conferences, as well chairing conference sessions.

· To be the face and voice of the NHF with members, stakeholders and the media.

· To ensure that as an organisation we deliver as a whole team, seamlessly, to members to achieve greatest impact in line with the business strategy.

· To maintain high quality standards and follow NHF policy and process.

The successful candidate:

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate:

· A sound knowledge and understanding of housing associations and issues affecting the wider sector.

· A sound understanding of the political and policy landscape that housing associations operate in.

· Demonstrable knowledge and experience of establishing and maintaining relationships with senior stakeholders, demonstrating excellent customer service and value for money.

· Effective communication skills, in person and in writing, including the ability to credibly and confidently present at meetings and events.

· Ability to listen to and influence senior stakeholders, demonstrating diplomacy, effective communication and negotiation skills.

· Clear leadership skills, able to lead complex and strategic programmes of work effectively, including experience of matrix managing and motivating a team.

· Excellent analytical skills and strategic nous with the ability to summarise complex information effectively to aid decision making.

· A commitment to excellent customer service.

· A positive, energetic and agile approach to work.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

The NHF has published its equality, diversity and inclusion strategy, which was co-created with staff. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and we value the contribution each individual makes to our work.  

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and are working to increase the diversity profile of our workforce. We are currently under-represented by ethnic minorities, people with a disability or disabilities and LGBTQ+, and would particularly welcome applications from people in these groups.

Disability confident employer

We are a disability confident employer and if you are a disabled person who meets the skills and experience we consider essential for the role, we will offer you an interview.

Please note: there may be occasions where it is not practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the job. In certain recruitment situations such as high-volume of applications, we may be required to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people.
In these circumstances the NHF will select the disabled candidates who best meet the minimum criteria for the job rather than all of those that meet the minimum criteria, as we would do for non-disabled applicants. This is in line with the Disability Confident guidelines.

We are happy to consider reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process if you have a disability or have a condition that you feel may affect your performance during the recruitment process. Please contact the People team with your request or to arrange a time to discuss in more detail.

Our role profile and job advert can also be requested in large print or in accessible format via this email address.

Completing our Application Form

To apply for this role, please complete our online application form. The application form includes your employment and education history plus you will be asked to answer questions in relation to your knowledge, skills and experience, why you are applying for the role and questions in relation to our values. The application form is anonymous and will not require you to upload a CV or cover letter. This will help us to shortlist candidates for interview based solely on their knowledge, skills and experience.

Right to work in the UK/UK VISA sponsorship

You must have the right to work in the UK and it is important to note that the NHF does not sponsor individuals to work in the UK.

Closing date for applications: 4 January 2026

Interview date: 14 and 15 January 2026