Director of development and external affairs jobs
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
For 140 years, the Forces Employment Charity has proudly supported Service leavers, veterans, and their families in building successful civilian careers. We provide veterans with life-long, life-changing support, jobs, and training opportunities, regardless of circumstances, rank, length of service, or reason for leaving.
By working for FEC, you will become part of a vibrant team living the charity’s values: Expert, Supportive, Passionate, Open and Honest, Resilient, and Collaborative.
Brief role description
As part of the Marketing, Communication, Fundraising and Events Directorate, the Events Manager will work operationally across the charity, primarily delivering the OP ASCEND Employment Pathways series alongside other agreed key FEC events. You will also be aware of all FEC current and future event requirements, develop the annual events schedule with the Senior Events Manager and oversee the event planner management software with the wider Event Team members. You will also create reports and presentations to show the event impact and key KPI delivery.
Location: Hybrid (regular visits to the London-based offices, client meetings and events)
Work pattern: Fixed contract, 12 months – 21 hours per week
Interested? Want to know more about the Charity? Check out our website
Eager to know more about the role? Have a look at the Job Description
What’s in it for you? Check out our Benefits.
Have we convinced you to apply? If so, submit your CV and Covering Letter by Wednesday, 5 November 2025.
Got questions about the role? Get in touch with the People Team
Please note: Applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert; therefore, we may at any time bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as possible.
If you are an internal applicant, please ensure you have made The People Team aware before applying.
We are committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff by fostering an inclusive, supportive environment where everyone, including those with disabilities, can thrive, develop, and achieve their full potential. We actively encourage applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and ensure reasonable adjustments are made to support candidates with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.
We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process.
We provide life-changing support, jobs and training opportunities to Service leavers, veterans, reservists and their spouses, partners and Children



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are looking for an experienced and passionate Internal Communications Officer to work as part of our Head of Internal Communications Team.
Imagine being part of an organisation whose common purpose is to help those who are severely impacted by mental illness. We believe that everyone should be treated with respect and dignity – and that’s why equity is one of our core values. We draw on the expertise, unique perspectives and lived experience of our people – regardless of who they are or their background – to help us become inclusive and anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider that reflect the diverse communities we support as a mental health charity.
The objectives of the Campaigns and Communications team are to increase the public profile of Rethink Mental Illness, mobilise public and parliamentary support to bring about change and ensure that all colleagues are aware of, bought into and engaged in contributing to the values and direction of the charity.
How you will make a difference
No matter how bad things are, we can help people severely affected by mental illness to improve their lives. We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support tens of thousands of people through our groups, services and advice and information. And we train employees, employers and members of the public on how best to support someone affected by mental illness. All of this work guides our campaigning for the rights of people living with mental illness and their carers.
Over 850 dedicated people work for Rethink Mental Illness, across our operations directorate, external affairs and our corporate services. Working from offices, services and homes across England all colleagues are central to our mission. Our small internal communications team plays a critical role in ensuring that all colleagues are aware of, brought into and engaged in contributing to the values and direction of the charity. Influencing skills and the ability to promote great internal communications practice across the charity form an essential part of this role.
In-Person interviews will be taking place Thursday 6th and Friday 7th November.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer. We recognise and support staff networks and support groups for our ethnically diverse and LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.
We aim for our workforce to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve; for those who work for us to feel heard, valued and feel they belong; and for our work to help tackle wider mental health inequalities. We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience of mental illness, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual and any other gender identity not expressed here (LGBTQIA+); people who are neurodiverse, have a health condition, or a disability or hidden disability and people from an ethnically diverse background - regardless of your age, religious or spiritual belief, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, political view or socio-economic status.
Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation
We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrates our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation. You can read more about our progress here.
We’re Rethink Mental Illness and no matter how bad things are, we can help people severely affected by mental illness to improve their lives.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Samaritans is the charity that prevents suicide through the power of human connection. We make sure there’s always someone to listen if you’re in crisis or feeling suicidal. And we unite to raise awareness and campaign for suicide prevention.
We answer a call for help every ten seconds and need to be able to reach and connect with a diverse range of people. Whether it’s through our life-saving helpline service, innovative partnerships or impactful campaigns, we work towards our vision in many different ways and our communications need to reflect this.
As Copywriter in the Brand and Marketing team, you can help us work towards our vision by bringing our brand to life so more people are encouraged to reach out to us or inspired to support us. You’ll make sure any content we create is clear and impactful, reflects our tone of voice and key messages, and helps drive greater awareness and engagement in our work. There will be room for creativity in this role and plenty of variety, as you’ll be writing for a range of different audiences and channels.
Contract
- £32,000 - £34,000 (FTE)
- Fixed term – 12 months (maternity cover)
- Full Time (35hrs per week; Monday to Friday)
- Hybrid – Linked to Ewell (Surrey) office with flexibility to work from home
- We are passionate about flexible working, talk to us about your preferences
What you’ll do
- Provide a first-class copywriting service, developing high-quality written content for use across multiple channels and formats.
- Develop messaging and creative copy for awareness and fundraising campaigns, products and assets.
- Work on publications such as our Annual Report and Impact Report.
- Check and edit external-facing content to make sure that it’s well-written, our brand messaging and tone of voice are reflected, and it’s appropriate for the audience and channel.
- Support the continued use of our brand tone of voice, written brand guidelines and editorial guidelines, and make sure they are kept up to date.
- Run tone of voice training for staff to improve copywriting skills across the charity.
What you’ll bring
- Clear understanding of tone of voice and how to adapt this across different audiences, projects and channels.
- Exceptional copywriting skills and experience of producing content for a range of channels and audiences.
- Strong communication and excellent problem-solving skills.
- Good organisation and ability to work on multiple projects at once with an impeccable eye for detail.
Why Samaritans?
At Samaritans, you’ll be part of a people-first organisation deeply committed to inclusion, compassion and learning. You’ll contribute to a team where your voice matters, your expertise makes a difference, and your work helps save lives.
We welcome applications from individuals with lived experience and encourage those from underrepresented communities to apply. We are committed to creating an environment where all our people feel seen, heard and supported.
You’ll join a values-led organisation with a powerful mission and a collaborative culture. We offer flexible hybrid working, excellent benefits, and the chance to make a tangible difference in suicide prevention across the UK and Ireland.
For further information about Samaritans, including our charity structure, values, employee benefits, and application process, please read our recruitment brochure. You can also visit our careers website.
We recognise the enormous benefits and the social justice imperatives of ensuring diversity at every level of our organisation. Samaritans is wholly committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture and environment where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are. To ensure Samaritans is representative of those we support and who support us, we particularly welcome applications from disabled, racialised minority and LGBTQ+ candidates, as these people are under-represented at Samaritans.
Apply now
If this sounds like the opportunity for you, please apply. You’ll be asked to upload your CV and a covering letter outlining how your skills and experience match the requirements for this role.
We kindly ask that you don’t rely on AI tools for your application answers, or to generate interview answers. We want to see your own unique ideas and writing skills. We want your application to stand out from the rest and showcase your own strengths.
Applications close: 20 Oct 2025
Interviews: w/c 3 Nov 2025
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Location: Rochester Airport, Kent
Department: Communications
Salary: £45,000 - £50,000
Hours: Full Time, Monday to Friday, 37 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent
We are Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS), and we fight every day to save lives. We are Team KSS, a close-knit team of dedicated, skilled, sector-leading experts with an incredible level of expertise. We are passionate about what we do which drives us to always deliver our very best.
We’re driven by our purpose of saving lives and ensuring the best possible outcomes for our patients. Last year alone we responded to over 3,100 incidents. We are fearless and tireless in fighting to save every life.
Our charity headquarters and forward operating base are located at Rochester Airport, with our aircraft hangar and maintained at Redhill Aerodrome. When the call comes, we can reach any part of Kent, Surrey or Sussex in under 30 minutes.
Main Purpose of Role:
As Head of Media and PR, you will be a master of effective public engagement communications and storytelling, and a key member of our talented and ambitious Marketing and Communications Team. You will lead on the implementation of our Media and Public Relations strategy and be responsible for its effective delivery and ongoing integration into our wider MarComms strategy, Income Generation, Marketing and Communications Directorate (IGMC) and wider long term organisational strategy. Our directorate’s overall goal is to generate and inspire the support we need to continue saving lives every day across Kent, Surrey and Sussex now and into the future.
Inclusion and Diversity:
KSS is committed to creating an equal, diverse and truly inclusive culture where everyone feels welcome and able to be their authentic selves.
We believe that everyone has the right to live without fear or prejudice, and be treated fairly, and with respect and dignity regardless of race, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, social class, religion and belief.
We reserve the right to close the position early if the role is filled.
Benefits package is correct at the time this advert was published.
Benefits: 25 days annual leave rising with service Occupational/Enhanced Sick Pay Enhanced Parental Leave Access to the Blue Light Card and Blue Light Events Access to the Wellbeing Hub Group Personal Pension Scheme Group Life Assurance Cover Group Income Protection Cover Critical Illness Cover Employee Assistance Programmes Development opportunities
REF-224 409
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Up to £34,400 per annum (£43k pro-rata), plus 8% employer pension contribution, excellent holiday
28 hours per week
Permanent role
Hybrid working – homebased working for the majority of time with a need to attend head office in Godalming monthly (open to negotiation), plus a requirement to travel for relevant events and meetings
Use your creativity and compassion to help animals live free from cruelty.
At the League Against Cruel Sports, we are powered by a passionate vision: a society where animals are no longer persecuted in the name of ‘sport’. Legacies already fund around half our work — and as our new Legacy Marketing and In Memory Manager, you’ll play a central role in securing the long-term future of our mission.
You’ll lead the development and delivery of inspiring campaigns that show supporters the incredible impact their legacy could have, helping us protect animals for generations to come. You’ll also develop our first-ever In Memory giving strategy – creating meaningful, sensitive ways for people to honour loved ones through our work.
We're looking for someone with experience of running integrated Legacy and In Memory campaigns across multiple channels – someone who can tell a powerful story, build trust, and connect emotionally with our supporters. You’ll be confident managing projects, budgets, creative suppliers and data. Most of all, you’ll be motivated by impact – using insight and empathy to deliver work that really matters.
This is an exciting time to join our ambitious Fundraising Team as we grow our reach, deepen our supporter relationships and transform how people think about animals and sport. If you want to help build a kinder future, we’d love to hear from you.
What you’ll be doing:
- Driving and delivering legacy strategy; acquisition, conversion and stewardship campaigns
- Designing and launching a new In Memory strategy
- Creating compelling supporter journeys and communications
- Running events, appeals and digital campaigns
- Working closely with internal teams; fundraising, campaigns & communications, public affairs, intelligence and finance
- Using insight and analysis to drive improvement and impact
What you’ll bring:
- Proven experience of Legacy and In Memory fundraising across multi-channel delivery
- Strong project management and creative campaign delivery skills
- Excellent copywriting and creative briefing skills
- Confidence with data, segmentation and analysis
- Confidence to represent the League at supporter events
- A collaborative approach and a genuine commitment to animal welfare
Why Join Us:
We understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance, with 28 days of annual leave (in addition to the public holidays and rising with service) and flexible working arrangements, including options for compressed hours and remote work from, day one. Additionally, our benefits package includes a generous employer contribution of eight percent towards your pension scheme and discounts on shopping, electronics, hospitality and leisure. Find out more about working at the League.
The League Against Cruel Sports is committed to inclusivity and diversity, and we welcome candidates from all backgrounds to apply.
We believe that together we can end animal cruelty in the name of sport. Join us in our purposeful mission to redefine what is acceptable and inspire positive change in animal welfare legislation.
Ready to make a real difference?
Don't wait - apply now! We're looking to fill this position quickly and will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis. To apply, please submit your CV along with a covering letter.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Campaigns AdvisorLocation: London (Hybrid - Mondays & Thursdays in office)
Salary: £32,640 - £35,000
Closing Date: 19th of October
We champion great recruiters, drive standards, and influence policy to build better futures for our members and the wider economy. As we expand our campaigning efforts, we're looking for a proactive and creative
Campaigns Advisor to help shape the future of recruitment and employment policy and advocacy.
The RoleThis is a strategic and hands-on opportunity to lead campaigns that influence government policy and elevate the reputation of the recruitment industry. Reporting to the Campaigns Director, you'll work across high-profile areas, including health and education sector recruitment and issues ranging from skills, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI), and AI in recruitment.
In this role you will:
- Lead with insight:
Develop and deliver campaigns that reflect member priorities and influence key stakeholders across government, parliament, and industry. - Drive stakeholder engagement:
Build strong relationships with MPs, civil servants, think tanks, unions, and external organisations to advocate on behalf of REC members. - Translate policy into impact:
Analyse complex legislative developments and communicate them clearly to diverse audiences. - Collaborate for change:
Work closely with internal teams including legal, marketing, research, and EDI to deliver coordinated, high-impact campaigns. - Shape the future:
Take ownership of key briefs and identify opportunities to raise the profile of the REC and the recruitment industry.
This is a role for someone who thrives on variety, influence, and innovation. You'll be part of a team that's ambitious about expanding our reach and delivering campaigns that make a real difference.
About YouYou're a confident communicator and strategic thinker with a passion for policy and public affairs. You bring energy, creativity, and a proactive mindset to everything you do. You're comfortable navigating political landscapes and building trusted relationships.
You can demonstrate:
- Strong understanding of UK politics and parliamentary processes.
- Experience in stakeholder engagement and campaign delivery.
- Ability to translate complex policy into clear, engaging messaging.
- A collaborative, team-oriented approach with excellent time management.
- Knowledge or interest in employment-related issues such as ED&I, AI, and education policy is a plus.
Why REC?We're proud to be:
An equal opportunities employer
A disability confident employer
A Ban the Box employer
Supportive of flexible working
At REC, we live by our values: Collaboration, Openness, Ownership, Learning, and Enjoyment. We're committed to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive and contribute to meaningful change. Ready to drive change and shape the future of recruitment? Apply now and be part of a team that's influencing policy and building better futures.
How to Apply
The Recruitment & Employment Confederation is working in partnership with Hays Marketing and Communications Public Services to recruit for this role. To apply please visit https://webmicrosites.hays.co.uk/web/rec to submit a CV and cover letter, or contact Verity Slade. 03330105288 for an informal discussion.
Closing date for applications: 19th of October 2025 23.59pmShortlisting: 20th of October1st Stage interviews: 23rd and the 24thof OctoberFinal Interviews: 28th and 29th of October to be held in person
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk
If you are an experienced, organised and responsive administrative professional our exciting Governance Assistant role may be the role for you.
The Governance Team at the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) is a dynamic six-person team at the centre of the organisation’s operations. We’re looking for a Governance Assistant to join us in delivering high-quality support across our devolved nations work and wider governance functions.
To be successful in this role you will be an excellent communicator, able to work collaboratively with colleagues and senior members. You will have first rate administrative and organisational skills and the ability to plan and prioritise a varied workload providing a professional, positive and responsive service.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Supporting our Devolved Nations Committees, including organising meetings, preparing agendas and minutes, and coordinating annual visits with senior Officers and Chief Medical Officers.
- Providing diary and travel support to our President, Vice Presidents and Chief Executive.
- Offering committee servicing for other boards and meetings across the RCR.
- Playing a key role in the Annual General Meeting, website updates, and member communications.
What We’re Looking For:
- A natural organiser with a can-do attitude and a calm, professional approach.
- Confidence working independently and as part of a team.
- Excellent writing skills, discretion, and a commitment to confidentiality.
- A proactive problem-solver.
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to build a career in governance, gain exposure to senior leadership, and contribute to the smooth running of a respected medical royal college. You’ll be part of a supportive team, working in a varied and interesting role that offers real impact.
Why join us:
- Make a difference to the lives of Doctors and the specialities they work in every day!
- Hybrid working (60% working week can be done remotely)
- Modern working environment
- Equipment provided to work from home
- Generous annual leave allowance
- Excellent pension scheme
- Interest free season ticket loan and cycle to work scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
Position: Head of Content and Channels (Digital)
Hours: Full-time (35 hours a week)
Contract: 18 months fixed term contract
Location: Office-based in London office with flexibility to work remotely
Salary: £65,118 per annum plus excellent benefits
Salary Band and Job Family: Band 4
About us
We make sure people living with MS are at the centre of everything we do. And it’s this commitment that unites us across the UK.
Our strategy is based on what people affected by MS have told us is important to them. It gives us a clear and determined focus.
Our work is based on the hopes and aspirations of our MS community. Together we campaign at all levels, fund ground-breaking research and provide award winning support and information.
Our people are our greatest asset and the key to our success. We offer a vibrant, progressive working environment where you'll be able to make a difference.
About this job
You’ll lead content and engagement strategy across the organisation, shaping how we grow reach and sustain meaningful engagement.
You’ll guide creative, editorial and design teams to deliver content that is clear, consistent and impactful across every format.
You’ll oversee our digital channels, using insight and innovation to connect more people with our mission and strengthen loyalty.
As a cross-organisational leader, you’ll champion high standards, collaboration and learning, helping us tell a unified story that builds trust and connection.
Please note this is a fixed term contract for 18 months
Closing date for applications: 9:00 on Monday 27 October 2025
Interested?
PLEASE PRESS THE 'HOW TO APPLY' BUTTON FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Equal Opportunities
We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities and or from ethnic minority backgrounds.
We’d be grateful if you downloaded and completed the equality and diversity monitoring form and submit it with your application.
Disability Confident Employer
We’re a Disability Confident Employer and we’re committed to promoting equality and diversity.
You can ask for reasonable adjustments as part of both our recruitment and new starter on-boarding processes.
If you need any help or adjustments to apply for this role, please contact us. You can also ask for the application materials to be sent to you in a different format. Such as for them to be sent to you by email or in a larger word format.
More about our employee benefits:
We have a wide range of employee benefits including (but not limited to):
Encouraging work life balance
- 38 days paid annual leave (including bank holidays), pro-rata for part-time
- More annual leave entitlement, based on length of employment
- Smart working options (with the opportunity to work remotely and find a smart working pattern that suits both you and us)
- Flexible working options
Caring for you and your family
- Generous sick pay entitlement
- More sick pay entitlement, based on length of employment
- Opportunity to buy and sell annual leave in each calendar year
- Free access to a GP virtually 24 hours a day/7 days a week allowing you unlimited advice, reassurance and where appropriate diagnosis
- Enhanced leave for new parents
- Free access to a confidential 24 hours a day/7 days a week helpline service for both you and your family with a specialist range of support and information
- Special leave options (such as up to 5 days paid leave for domestic or personal emergencies a year)
- 10 days paid disability leave a year, pro-rata for part-time
- 10 days paid carers’ leave a year, pro-rata for part-time
- Cycle to work scheme
- Death in service scheme
- New family-friendly benefits, including paid leave:
- In the event of miscarriage or still birth
- To support fertility treatments
- For antenatal appointments for both parents
Thinking about your finances
- Enhanced salary sacrifice pension scheme
- Discounted season ticket loan and interest-free emergency loans
- Give as you earn to support other charities of your choice before tax
- New employee portal including lifestyle savings vouchers and personal wellbeing
Enriching your life at work
- Personalised development plans with a wide range of training courses and opportunities to source additional training options with your line manager
- Yearly internal apprenticeship opportunities
- New, modern offices that embrace working together both in-person and remotely
- Various opportunities to influence how we internally operate (including surveys, and focus and committee groups)
- Active and supportive internal employee networking groups for collaboration and peer support
- 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering for MS Society activities during normal working hours (such as fundraising events, or campaigning in the local community)
- 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering with other charities during normal
Safeguarding
We’re committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone who uses our services and we come into contact with.
This is regardless of Gender, Race, Disability, Sexual orientation, Religion or belief, Pregnancy, Gender reassignment.
We recognise our particular responsibility to make sure vulnerable adults and children are protected.
We have measures in place to protect everyone we come into contact with from abuse and maltreatment of all kinds.
Your right to work in the UK
You must have the right to work in the UK to work in paid employment with us. You’ll need to share documents showing you’re eligible to work in the UK if we offer you employment.
You can find the UK visas and permits granting you the right to work in the UK on the UK Government website. We currently don’t have a Sponsor Licence agreement with the Home Office and aren’t able to support you with your visa applications.
No agencies please.
To fund world-leading research, share the latest information and campaign for everyone's rights. Together we are a community. Together we can stop MS
Citizens UK
Citizens UK is the UK’s biggest, most diverse and most effective people-powered alliance. We bring communities and local organisations together to work on issues that matter; from campaigning for zebra crossings on dangerous roads, to reforming the immigration system, to the Living Wage campaign. We have a track record of winning change through hundreds of local and national campaigns. We know everyday people have the ability to shape the world around them. We believe that through developing local leaders, we can drive nationwide change and create community-led solutions to big and small problems.
Our community sponsorship work fits within our ‘Migrants and Refugees’ theme of work, which combines place-based and multi-issue organising through our Migrants and Refugees Organising (MARO) team, and effective national campaigns, alongside the pioneering community sponsorship of refugees. Staff joining Sponsor Refugees are joining a thriving team that works collaboratively with the wider Migrants and Refugees theme.
About
This is a rare opportunity to combine strategic leadership, policy influence, and grassroots impact. As Head of Community Sponsorship, you’ll be at the forefront of one of the UK’s most inspiring community movements. Citizens UK played a pioneering role in bringing community sponsorship of refugees to the UK and now leads national programmes helping hundreds of people find safety, belonging, and a new start.
You’ll oversee national delivery of our sponsorship work, manage a talented cross-functional team, and shape the future of the UK’s refugee resettlement system. From working with community organisers and local groups to engaging senior policymakers and funders, your leadership will help grow a movement that places compassion, collaboration, and lived experience at its heart.
We’re looking for a mission-driven leader who can think strategically, build partnerships, and inspire others, someone who believes that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things when they act together. If you’re ready to help shape the next chapter of the UK’s refugee welcome story, we’d love to hear from you.
Purpose
At Citizens UK, our organisers and project staff work within communities to develop leaders, strengthen organisations, campaign for change and organise across difference. There are various project roles and operational, communication, finance and HR roles that support the organisation and project staff and organisers to deliver on this mission and work. This work is rewarding and can be challenging; it requires a personal commitment to inclusion, a willingness to listen and disagree respectfully, and an interest in working in an organisation where our staff, member institutions and leaders will come from a diversity of backgrounds and often hold views that may be very different from our own. More information about how we operate within this context and build trusted relationships across difference can be found on our website and is covered in induction. Onboarding and navigating this relational culture, and type of work, is supported by line managers and further training.
Citizens UK has played a pioneering role in introducing and developing community sponsorship of refugees in the UK. In response to the Syrian refugee crisis, it called for a Canadian-style scheme in 2015, which led to the UK government launching its own programme in 2016. Citizens UK was instrumental in shaping the policy and later established the Sponsor Refugees programme in 2017 Through training, advocacy, and coordination, it has helped hundreds of local groups welcome refugee families. In 2022, Citizens UK expanded its work by launching the Communities for Ukraine programme, matching Ukrainian refugees with UK hosts and most recently has run Communities for Afghans, resettling dozens of refugees. Throughout, it has combined grassroots mobilisation with national advocacy to build a sustainable, community-led model of refugee resettlement.
Main Responsibilities
As Head of Community Sponsorship at Citizens UK you will lead the complex strategic and operational delivery of the Sponsor Refugees programmes. This currently includes funded work to deliver a second phase of the Communities for Afghans programme to welcome 125 Afghan refugees as well as oversee the development of influencing work around the UK Government’s forthcoming sponsorship reform agenda. The post-holder will oversee a cross-functional team, ensuring that goals around refugee resettlement, host and sponsor recruitment, and strategic partnerships are met. This includes managing project performance through effective monitoring and evaluation, aligning operations with the organisation’s business plan, and integrating teams to deliver impactful results. The role also involves coordinating outreach to grow the network of hosts and community sponsorship groups, while embedding refugee voices in strategic planning and promoting meaningful community engagement.
In addition to project leadership, the Head of Community Sponsorship will drive organisational development by fostering collaboration, developing sustainable funding strategies, and ensuring alignment with Citizens UK’s broader migration and transformation goals. They lead relationship management with senior stakeholders, policy makers, and funders, and support the creation of campaigns and resources to expand public awareness and support for community sponsorship. With responsibilities spanning staff management, communications, and external representation, the role is key to shaping Citizens UK’s refugee resettlement strategy and sustaining its national impact.
Working as the Head of Community Sponsorship for Citizens UK, initially reporting to the Director of Communications and External Affairs, your main responsibilities will include:
Contribute to Citizens UK and Project Strategic Objectives
• Demonstrate ability to initiate and lead large-scale, national-level community sponsorship programmes that reflect and advance Citizens UK’s mission.
• Develop and implement strategic approaches that integrate community organising with refugee resettlement policy influence.
• Build and grow innovative that centre lived experience and drive systemic impact.
Build and Manage Projects & Achieve Work Targets Effectively
• Oversee multiple complex projects with national reach, ensuring targets on refugee resettlement, host recruitment, and strategic partnerships are achieved.
• Develop and manage project workplans, KPIs and budgets, ensuring delivery to time, standard, and impact goals.
• Establish systems for performance tracking, evaluation, and continuous improvement across project streams.
Learning, Expertise, Wellbeing & Inclusion
• Lead the team in learning and reflective practice, ensuring up-to-date expertise on sponsorship policy, refugee needs, and civic engagement models.
• Act as a senior expert in sponsorship strategy; coach and mentor staff and partners, and facilitate learning across departments and projects.
• Influence and lead the integration of equity, wellbeing and refugee voice into strategic decisions and delivery frameworks.
Develop and Manage External Relationships
• Lead high-level relationships with national and senior stakeholders, including government departments (e.g. Home Office), delivery partners and civil society institutions.
• Build and manage partnerships that advance sponsorship reform and position Citizens UK as a sector leader.
• Ensure stakeholder experience is consistently excellent and take the lead on resolving reputational risks or tensions.
Communications
• Act as a senior spokesperson for Citizens UK’s sponsorship work in the media, at public events, and in government or civil society forums.
• Lead the design and implementation of a high-profile communications strategy to influence narratives on refugee welcome and community leadership.
• Ensure communications align with ethical storytelling principles and amplify sponsor and refugee voices responsibly.
Develop and Manage Internal Relationships
• Lead and develop high-performing cross-functional teams, with clear expectations, direction, and collaboration structures.
• Effectively line manage senior staff and foster shared leadership culture across sponsorship and Citizens UK teams.
• Contribute to senior leadership structures, including strategic planning processes and transformation initiatives.
Generate Income and Resources
• Initiate and grow significant and sustainable income streams to fund Citizens UK’s sponsorship work.
• Develop and lead high-value funding partnerships with trusts, foundations and strategic donors.
• Demonstrate strong budget oversight and ensure effective use of financial and human resources in sponsorship delivery.
Personal Specification
(D) Desirable, (E) Essential
Qualifications
Degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field such as migration, social policy, international development, or community organising (D)
Management or leadership qualification, or relevant CPD in project or programme management, public policy, or team leadership (D)
Experience
Proven experience in leading complex, multi-stakeholder programmes related to refugee resettlement, community organising, or social impact (E)
Demonstrable track record of strategic leadership in a charity or community-focused setting (E)
Experience of managing cross-functional teams to deliver against ambitious organisational goals (E)
Experience of developing and sustaining strategic partnerships with civil society organisations, local authorities, or government departments (E)
Experience of designing and implementing systems for monitoring, evaluation, and learning to track progress and report to funders and or government stakeholders (D)
Demonstrable experience of driving collaborative campaigns or outreach efforts that engage diverse communities (E)
Key skills and knowledge
Strong leadership and team coordination skills – able to motivate, direct, and support multidisciplinary teams across multiple workstreams (E)
Excellent project and performance management skills – able to set strategic priorities, delegate effectively, and ensure accountability (E)
In-depth knowledge of refugee resettlement systems, community sponsorship models, and UK migration policy, including recent developments affecting Afghan and Ukrainian pathways (E)
Outstanding written and verbal communication – confident in producing compelling cases for support, policy communications, and public messaging (E)
Ability to design and deliver stakeholder engagement strategies, with a clear understanding of influencing policy and public opinion (E)
Skilled in developing and managing strategic partnerships with funders, policy-makers, and community groups (E)
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills – able to assess complex challenges, identify risks, and implement effective solutions (E)
Personal qualities & values
A mission-driven leader with a passion for refugee rights, community empowerment, and social justice (E)
Politically astute and able to navigate relationships with stakeholders from civil society, government, and grassroots communities (E)
Collaborative and people-centred, able to work constructively across teams and with volunteers, refugees, and community leaders (E)
Committed to embedding refugee leadership and lived experience into programme design and delivery (E)
Resilient, adaptable, and able to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced and evolving policy environment (E)
Comfortable working within an accountable team culture – open to feedback, reflective practice, and continuous improvement (E)
Willingness to work occasional evenings or weekends, and to travel when necessary to support programme delivery (E)
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.