Director of development jobs in Birmingham, west midlands

The opportunity

We are seeking an experienced and values-led Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead East London Waterworks Park in this next phase of our development. This is a rare opportunity to shape the first paid executive leadership role in a pioneering environmental charity.

The CEO role is wide-ranging and dynamic, and will evolve as East London Waterworks Park grows. The CEO will provide strategic leadership to help realise our ambition to purchase the Thames Water depot site in East London, while strengthening our capacity to deliver community-led rewilding and nature-recovery projects across London in partnership with landowners, local authorities and other stakeholders.

An important aspect of the role will involve introducing a sustainable staffing model that complements and develops East London Waterworks Park’s existing volunteer ecosystem, and strengthens our culture, vision and values. The CEO will be supported in this work by long-standing volunteers at both trustee board and operational level, who believe in the benefits this organisational change will bring.

About East London Waterworks Park

East London Waterworks Park is a community-led charity working to reconnect people and nature. Starting from nature-first principles, and with inclusivity at the heart of everything we do, we work with communities to co-design spaces to unlock a chain of positive changes that culminate in the long-term transformation of people and place.

Our work includes:

• co-designing East London Waterworks Park with the East London community, working towards purchasing a 14-acre Thames Water depot in Waltham Forest and transforming it into a biodiverse urban park with free, accessible wild swimming and welcoming community spaces

• co-designing other nature-first spaces on disused or brownfield land in London, returning land to nature in collaboration with local communities to encourage long–term community stewardship

• hosting engagement, education, and empowerment activities that build skills, confidence and deeper connections to nature.

East London Waterworks Park is a sociocratic organisation, with a decentralised organisational structure and a transparent and collaborative approach to decision making. We have grown organically since 2019, responding flexibly to the challenges we have encountered but always committed to our core vision: creating a new kind of urban green and blue space: one that is ecologically rich, inclusive, and shaped by the people and wildlife who use it.

East London Waterworks Park is currently entirely run by volunteers but we recognise the need to transition to a more sustainable structure. We want to introduce paid employees to ensure we can deliver the exciting projects planned in 2026 and beyond, while retaining our strong community-led ethos.

More information

If this sounds exciting, please review the attached recruitment package.

Open Rights Group (ORG) is recruiting for a Pre-Crime Programme Manager

The Pre-Crime Programme Manager leads our work on predictive policing and surveillance within the criminal legal system and counter-terrorism policy, with a particular focus on raising awareness of, and challenging, the impact on over-policed and over-surveilled communities.

They are responsible for the development and implementation of the Pre-Crime programme, working with the Senior Management Team (SMT) and other staff to expand the programme’s profile, network and funding opportunities.

As a Programme Lead, they will also be responsible for working with the SMT and other Area or Programme leads to further develop and uphold ORG’s values and collaborative working culture. They will be recognised as an issue-expert and senior leader within the organisation.

Activities

This is a permanent position at Open Rights Group, and we have secured a number of project grants to deliver the following activities:

• Lead and manage the Safety Not Surveillance (SNS) Coalition, the UK’s only coalition fighting to prohibit AI- and data-driven predictive policing. SNS brings together grassroots partners with national organisations to build power in communities, secure media coverage, engage decision-makers and mobilise those with lived experience.

• Develop detailed policy positions on the deployment of AI and data-driven technologies by private and public actors in criminal justice, immigration and national security.

• Advocacy to encourage decision makers, including MPs, Lords, Government departments and the Information Commissioner’s Office, to adopt ORG’s and the coalition’s recommendations.

• Conduct campaigns that raise awareness of the threats posed to people’s digital rights by the data-driven technologies in policing and counter-terrorism, as well as more broadly.

• Through research and FOIs, help build a legal case with our partners against covert Police-led pathways under Prevent, the UK’s counter-terrorism programme.

• Opportunities to campaign against digital ID, the Online Safety Act and to protect freedom of expression.

What we’re looking for

Above all else, we need a passionate and effective advocate. And as regards the rest, we’re more interested in your skills, rather than your knowledge.

You might be knowledgeable on the current and emerging technologies impacting policing and the criminal justice system.

You will likely have experiencing managing multiple projects addressing harms impacting communities that are marginalised and made vulnerable by society.

You might have a strong policy background with an interest in human rights, policing, surveillance or draconian technology.

You will have the capacity to perform simultaneous roles such as research, project planning and creating communication outputs and have the creativity and lateral thinking skills to ideate interventions and disrupt harms.

You may be bringing a wide range of contacts to the role or have the skills to build relationships with diverse stakeholders with sensitivity to their aims and values.

What the job will involve

• Research: for example on the impact of current data processing practices under the Prevent Duty on individuals and targeted communities.

• Drafting policy documents: including public-facing documents such as consultation responses and reports.

• Outreach to policy-makers: including engagement with UK MPs, Lords and councillors.

• Feeding into our campaigning work: through collaboration with our Campaigns Manager, to ensure that your policy research is fed into our campaigning and grassroots activism.

• Coalition building: through collaborating with other team-members to expand our coalition of cross-sectoral allies.

• Creating comms outputs: such as blog and video posts summarising policy submissions and campaign materials.

• Some public speaking: such as giving press quotes and interviews, as well as representing ORG at external events.

• Programme management: for example, setting goals, objectives and key performance indicators for the programme to deliver.

• Project planning: including identifying further opportunities and partnerships for programme growth.

What we’re like

ORG is a vibrant digital rights campaigning organisation. Founded in 2005, we have over 20,000 members and supporters and 10 local groups across the UK.

We uphold our human rights to free expression and privacy. We condemn and work against repressive laws or systems that deny people these rights.

We campaign, lobby, go to court – whatever it takes to build and support a movement for freedom in the digital age.

Our remote team is spread across the UK. We’re a supportive, flexible group with high standards. We’re innovative and agile. You’ll work hard but be rewarded by the impact you collaboratively achieve.

We take staff well-being seriously and meet up regularly for in-person work and social events.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit a CV and a completed application form (downloadable when you click 'how to apply') by 9am on Monday 2 February 2026.

Please ensure that your email has the subject heading ‘Pre-Crime Programme Manager Application’ and that all attachments are sent in PDF or ODT format.

Interviews for short-listed candidates will be held online in the week commencing 9 February 2026, with the second and final interview taking place in-person the following week, starting from the 16 February 2026.

If you require any of these documents in an alternate format please contact us.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK.

ORG is an equal opportunity employer. We believe that a diverse and inclusive team working in a supportive environment is vital to the success of our work. We particularly welcome applications from candidates from marginalised and racialised backgrounds, as well as applications from disabled and LGBTQIA+ candidates.

We are proud to be supporting the leading independent grant making foundation in the West Midlands and Warwickshire, in their search for a Chief Operating Officer.

They nurture philanthropy, connecting people who care with incredible causes that matter. They help unlock the resources to tackle local issues, and support people and communities to thrive across the region.

They are recruiting for a new position, a Chief Operating Officer, to support the CEO, having overall accountability for the organisation’s operations. The COO will play a pivotal role in implementing their strategy, aimed at improving operational efficiency and diversifying income streams.

Chief Operating Officer 

£60,000-£65,000 + benefits  

Hybrid working, 2 days in the office in Coventry

The COO will ensure that ways of working are as effective as possible, enabling the team to meet their ambitions and modernise their internal operations and governance, freeing up capacity for the CEO to build strong relationships with donors and partners working with communities.

Key responsibilities include: 

• Play a central role as a member of the executive team in the overall leadership, strategic direction and governance of the Foundation. 
• Work with the whole team to implement the organisational strategy and business plan.

• Lead on the development of the grant making strategy, ensuring processes are efficient, compliant and deliver an outstanding experience for applicants and donors.
• Oversee the day-to-day operational management of the Foundation, ensuring systems, policies and processes are appropriate and effective.

• Oversee fundholder relationships, demonstrating value and impact whilst overseeing performance against programme delivery commitments.

• Oversee research, insight and impact inputs and ensure effective horizon scanning for emerging trends and technologies.

• Oversee HR and marketing strategies to strengthen the culture and visibility.

As COO, you will have a strong commitment to the mission and values of the foundation, with a passion for making a difference to the lives of people in the West Midlands and Warwickshire. You will need Senior management experience within a nonprofit, charitable or comparable grant-making organisation, evidenced by successful strategic planning and execution.

How to Apply 

To apply for the role, please upload your CV together with a supporting statement (of no more than 1000 words) onto the Prospectus website via the link below.  
  
Please ensure that you have included a telephone number, as well as any dates when you will not be available or might have difficulty with the recruitment timetable.  
  
If you wish to apply using an alternative format, please contact Prospectus.  
If you would like to have an informal conversation about the role, please contact our retained partners. 
  
At Prospectus we believe passionately that a truly inclusive workplace leads to increased social impact. We are committed to supporting our clients build more inclusive teams. To understand how we are performing, we ask that you kindly complete the brief equal opportunities questionnaire when you submit your application via our website. Please be assured that your responses are kept confidential, separate from your candidate record, are not part of any application you make, and that the consultants never see individual responses to the questionnaire. 

Recruitment Timetable 

Deadline for applications: Sunday 8th Feb (midnight) 

Interviews with Prospectus: 24th Feb – 2nd March

First stage interviews with the foundation: 17th and 19th March

Second stage with the foundation: 24th March

Contract Type: Maternity cover until mid March 2027

Location: London or any of our national offices, with the expectation of being in the office 2-3 days per week and being able to travel to London for team meetings 1-2 times per month (travel expenses covered if based at an office outside London)  

1st stage interviews: 10th & 12th February (virtual over MS Teams)

2nd stage interviews: 19th February (in-person at our South London Centre or virtual over MS Teams if you're based outside London)

Young people need us more than ever, and at The King’s Trust, you can help make sure we’re there for them. As Head of Individual Giving and Legacies, you’ll play a crucial role in developing two of our key income streams, inspiring thousands of supporters to back our work and securing long-term pledges that transform futures.

This year is a particularly exciting one as it’s our 50th anniversary, so you’ll design and deliver powerful campaigns that encourage supporters to give again, attract new donors, and grow legacy commitments year on year. From shaping innovative fundraising products to creating meaningful supporter journeys, your leadership will ensure our donors feel connected, valued, and motivated to continue their support. With a talented team to guide and inspire, you’ll drive creativity, collaboration, and impact, turning generosity into life-changing opportunities for young people across the UK.

What happens next?  

Please submit a CV, and Cover Letter that includes your experience, transferrable skills and motivation to work for The King's Trust! The Team will be in touch about the next steps shortly after the closing date. 

Why do we need a Head of Individual Giving & Legacies? 

Last year, we helped more than 40,000 Young People, with three in four young people on our programmes moving into a positive outcome in work, education or training. The young people we help face a range of challenges, such as unemployment, mental health issues or some who have been in trouble with the law. We believe all young people should have the chance to succeed, and that young people are the key to a positive and prosperous future for all of us. We want to continue having a positive impact on young people’s lives and we couldn’t do this without the important work of our Head of Individual Giving & Legacies! 

Perks for working at The Trust! 

• Great holiday package! 30 days annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays. Office closure on the days between Christmas and New Year 
• Flexible working! Where operationally possible, our roles require a combination of office days and working from home (please speak to the hiring manager about this particular role)
• You can volunteer for and/or attend events – The King's Trust Awards, Pride, active events etc. 
• In-house learning platform! Develop your skills for your career and your role 
• Benefits platform! Everything from health and financial well-being support to discounts on your favourite restaurants, shops and cinemas. 
• Personal development opportunities through our Networks – KT CAN (Cultural Awareness Network), KT GEN (Gender Equality Network), KT DAWN (Disability & Wellbeing Network), and PULSE (LGBTQIA+ Network). 
• Fantastic Family leave! Receive 13 weeks of full pay and 13 weeks of half pay for maternity and adoption leave. Receive 8 weeks of full pay for paternity leave. 
• Interest-free season ticket loans 
• The Trust will contribute 5% of your salary to the Trust Pension Scheme 
• Generous life assurance cover (4 x annual salary) 

My client is a global not-for-profit organisation working across multiple regions, partnering with governments, civil society, and philanthropic donors to improve public outcomes. With a diverse international team and operations spanning several charitable entities, it operates at the intersection of public service reform, innovation, and systems change.

At present they are looking to appoint an interim Chief Finance Officer to lead its finance function through a period of transition and systems development.

Reporting directly to the CEO, this role requires a senior finance leader who can quickly stabilise and oversee core financial operations while making early, practical recommendations on systems, structure, and commercial strategy.

A short handover with the current CFO will be provided, after which the successful candidate will be expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to Finance and Operations teams during a period of change
• Produce high-quality financial information for the Board and relevant sub-committees
• Make early recommendations on upgrading financial systems, building on an existing pilot
• Lead a budget reforecast, including advice on cost controls and improved commercial discipline
• Identify and implement improvements to financial controls, reporting, contracting, and core finance processes

Candidate Profile

• Proven experience operating at CFO or equivalent level, ideally in complex, multi-entity or international organisations
• Strong technical finance background with hands-on interim capability
• Experience leading audits, cash management, and board-level reporting
• Track record of finance systems improvement or transformation
• Comfortable working in values-driven, mission-led environments
• Able to start quickly and deliver impact within a defined timeframe

My client offers a fully remote working pattern. This role has been assessed as inside of IR35.

We are seeking a collaborative and purpose-driven leader with a strong commitment to the welfare of livestock animals to lead and coordinate our technical operations and service delivery.

The ideal candidate will be highly organised, people-focused, able to inspire, manage and develop teams while delivering high-quality training, education, and advice services. 

The Technical Lead will manage the Humane Slaughter Association’s (HSA) operational and practical work to promote humane slaughter and transport of livestock (including farmed and wild-caught aquatic species) worldwide. They will lead a small team who undertake the operational work in the field, promoting humane methods for the transport and slaughter of animals killed for food and other products.

The successful candidate will join at an exciting period of growth and reorganisation for the HSA as we introduce online learning, grow and broaden our training and advice services and become an increasingly strong voice for practical improvements to the welfare of animals at slaughter. This is an ideal role for someone who is passionate about making real-world improvements to animal welfare using their technical knowledge and organisational skills.

About the HSA 

The Humane Slaughter Association is a unique charity which promotes the welfare of farmed animals ‘Beyond the Farm Gate’; at markets, during transport, at slaughter, and when animals must be killed in emergencies.

Our vision: A world where all farmed animals are transported and killed humanely.

Our mission: To advance and promote the use of humane methods for the slaughter, transport and killing of farmed animals through research and education. 

We do this by offering practical advice, training, and education to all those involved in transport, slaughter, or emergency killing of livestock animals, by funding scientific research to develop more humane approaches and advocating for evidenced-based change. Although we are based in the UK, the charity works worldwide to maximise animal welfare.

Job Description and Person Specification

Before applying, please read the HSA Technical Lead Job Description and Person Specification for full details of the role, criteria, application process.

The HSA requests no contact from agencies or media sales. 

5Rights is seeking to recruit an outstanding​ professional​ Senior Public Relations Adviser to support our world-leading NGO at a time of exceptional visibility and opportunity to scale our impact. This is a remote role​ and can be based either in the UK or Belgium.​

​
About 5Rights​

5Rights Foundation exists to ensure a digital world that will serve children and young people today and for future generations. We are a small team of senior professionals and experts delivering change in how the digital world works. We have shifted the narrative and the agenda through provocative comms campaigns (e.g. Twisted Toys), pioneering research (e.g. Pathways) and award-winning tools (e.g. Child Online Safety Toolkit). We continue to drive real-life change thanks to an outstanding track-record of delivering legislation (e.g. Californian Age Appropriate Design Code), policy and regulatory frameworks (e.g. UNCRC General comment No.25), and industry standards (e.g. IEEE 2089).​​

Role Purpose​​​

The Senior Public Relations Advisor leads 5Rights' external public relations and media strategy, positioning 5Rights as a global authority on children’s rights in the digital environment. The role shapes the public narrative around our mission, ensuring 5Rights’ work achieves maximum visibility, credibility and impact with policymakers, the media, industry and the public.​

This is a senior, strategic role requiring exceptional judgement, political awareness and strong relationships across media and stakeholder landscapes.​

Key Responsibilities​​

• ​Develop and deliver a comprehensive public relations strategy aligned with 5Rights’ mission and policy objectives.
• ​Position 5Rights as a leading voice on children’s rights​ in the digital environment in UK, EU and international media.
• ​Anticipate emerging issues and shape proactive public relations strategies around key policy moments, research releases and advocacy campaigns.
• Protect and enhance the organisation’s reputation, including crisis communications and risk management.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with senior journalists, editors and broadcasters across national and international media.
• ​Secure high-profile coverage in print, broadcast and digital media.
• Act as principal media advisor to the Executive Director and senior leadership team.
• Support and coach senior spokespeople and youth representatives for media engagements.
• ​Lead public relation planning for major campaigns, policy launches and advocacy initiatives.
• ​Advise on strategic partnerships and external engagement from a public relations perspective.
• Represent 5Rights at events, conferences and high-level meetings as required.​
• Contribute to strengthening 5Rights’ overall public relations impact by bringing senior PR expertise, networks, and strategic media insight to the team.​

Person specification​

This is a highly challenging and rewarding position for a professional with the following attributes:​​

Essential skills and attributes: ​

• ​Extensive senior-level experience in public relations, communications, journalism or public affairs, ideally within policy, advocacy, human rights, technology, or social impact sectors.
• Proven track record of shaping national and international media coverage and securing high-profile placements across print, broadcast and digital platforms.
• ​Demonstrated experience leading public relations and media strategy, including reputation management, at organisational or campaign level.
• Experience advising senior leaders and acting as a trusted public relation expert in high-stakes and politically sensitive environments.
• Exceptional writing and editorial skills, with the ability to translate complex policy, technical and research content into compelling public narratives.
• Deep understanding of media landscapes, political processes and public policy dynamics, particularly in the UK, the EU and internationally.
• Experience of crisis communications and issue management.
• Outstanding judgement and political awareness.
• ​Strong strategic thinking combined with hands-on delivery.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and build relationships at senior level.
• ​Confident, authoritative and credible spokesperson when required.
• Excellent project management and organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple high-profile priorities simultaneously.
• ​Ability to work under pressure and respond rapidly to fast-moving external developments.
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• High standards of professionalism, discretion and integrity.
• Deep commitment to the mission and values of 5Rights Foundation.
• Resilient, adaptable and solutions-focused.​
• Proactive, self-motivated and comfortable working with a high degree of autonomy.​​

Desirable skills and attributes:​

• ​Experience working on children’s rights, digital rights, technology policy or online safety.​
• Experience of international advocacy and global communications.​

Practical details​

• ​Location: Remote position in either the UK or Brussels. Some international travel required.​
• Salary: €80,000 / £70,000 per annum including all benefits.​The final offer will depend on skills and experience.​
• ​One-year contract, renewable dependent on impact.​
• Working hours: Full time (38h week), with occasional accommodation necessary for work across time-zones. ​
• Statutory pension contribution.​
• 25 days annual leave per annum.​
• Work equipment including a laptop will be provided.​
• ​Starting data: ASAP, depending on notice period.​
• Reporting line: Leadership team

5Rights values diversity and we strongly encourage people from under-represented groups to apply for this role. We aim for our recruitment to be inclusive and equitable, and we strive to constantly learn and improve in this regard. 

How to apply​

Please send your CV and a brief cover letter by 31st January 2026 via our website.​

The Role

If you are passionate about the outdoors, have a "roll up your sleeves" attitude and are looking for a role where your event management skills will make a lasting impact on young lives, then this is the job for you. We’re seeking a dynamic individual who can lead our exciting portfolio of outdoor challenge events and help us take our fundraising to the next level.

The Youth Adventure Trust's outdoor challenge events are a vital source of funding for the charity, and the relationships we build with our participants and corporate partners are more important than ever. This is where you come in.

As our Challenge Events Manager, you'll be the driving force behind our exciting challenge events portfolio.You'll work on bespoke corporate team-building challenges, high-energy industry networking events like the Hike Bike Paddle for the sports and outdoor sector and the Housebuilders Challenge, and our popular open events like the Wiltshire 3 Peaks Challenge and the Somerset Cycle. 

Challenge events not only enable people to raise amazing sums for the charity, but are also a fantastic way to engage supporters with our work, giving them the opportunity to step outside their comfort zones, embrace the outdoors and achieve things they never thought possible - similar to our work with the young people on our programmes.

The Challenge Events Manager role is a varied position which would be perfect for somebody who has event management experience. You will be responsible for the full event cycle, from the initial planning, participant recruitment and stewardship to on the day event delivery and post event follow ups. You will be somebody who can spot opportunities, take on a project and run with it. You’ll be an excellent communicator, happy to pick up the phone to chat to event participants, deliver pre-event webinars or create engaging participant emails. You’re self-motivated, well organised, able to multi-task, a strong administrator, a fantastic team player, have excellent interpersonal skills and enjoy being outdoors. You should also have some fundraising experience, ideally in a paid capacity but in a voluntary capacity would also be considered.

You'll work closely with the Corporate Partnership Manager, who is highly experienced in delivering our challenge events, but needs time to develop new corporate partnerships which is why we have created this new role. You'll also line-manage our Events Fundraising Officer who plays a key support role on the events. You must live in or near the South West as there will be a semi-regular requirement to attend in person staff meetings, visit programmes and join event planning sessions.

About You

You’re a people-person, self-motivated and highly organised. You are as comfortable managing a budget and a CRM database as you are standing on a mountain side in your waterproofs! You’ll have:

• Event Expertise: A proven track record in delivering successful fundraising or challenge events.

• Fundraising Experience: You might be an existing fundraiser or somebody who has taken on fundraising activities in a voluntary capacity. You will need to be able to relate to the challenge participants and guide them on how to reach their fundraising targets.

• Agility: The ability to think on your feet and adapt plans dynamically when situations change on the ground.

• Leadership Skills: Experience managing staff or volunteers and the ability to motivate a team.

• A Passion for Adventure: A genuine love for the outdoors, comfortable in wellies and waterproofs with an understanding of 'the power of the outdoors'.

The Charity

At the Youth Adventure Trust, we use outdoor adventure to empower vulnerable young people from Swindon, Wiltshire and Somerset to fulfil their potential and lead positive lives in the future. We work with them to build resilience, develop confidence and learn skills that will last a lifetime, helping them to face the challenges in their lives. Dedicated support, guidance and mentoring from our staff and volunteers ensures young people receive the maximum benefit from our long-term intervention. Our aim is to make a lasting improvement to the lives of vulnerable young people. All our services are provided completely free of charge to the young people who are nominated by schools and other youth organisations to take part.

We’re proud to offer our programmes completely free of charge to participants, and with ambitious plans to help more young people over the coming years, our fundraising challenge events are more important than ever.

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to make a direct and lasting impact on young lives through your passion for the outdoors. You’ll be part of a small fundraising team with a big heart, with plenty of opportunities to visit our camps and see the tangible impact of your work. 

If this sounds like the perfect fit for you, please download the full Job Pack for more details, including the job description and person specification. All applicants must complete an application form and refer to the job description and person specification in their application.

The Youth Adventure Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expects all employees to share this commitment. The suitability of all prospective employees will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment. Full details can be found in the Job Pack.