34 Director of external affairs jobs

As the UK’s independent policing think tank the Police Foundation is the only independent body in the UK dedicated to researching, promoting, and improving policing for the benefit of the public. Through rigorous evidence, innovative ideas, and trusted partnerships, we bridge the gap between police, government, academia, and communities to deliver better policing and a safer society.

As we grow our impact, we are creating a new senior leadership role to elevate our external presence, scale our events and partnerships, and boost our engagement.

Location: London (Hybrid – 3 days per week in our central London office)

Salary: Competitive: Up to £65,000 per annum depending on experience, plus excellent benefits including 32 days paid leave, flexible working and annual 4-week work from anywhere entitlement.

Contract: Permanent, full-time (or option for fractional part-time; 3 or 4 days a week).

The opportunity

This is a brand-new, high-visibility role at the heart of our organisation. You will lead and shape our external affairs function, overseeing events, marketing, and partner/sponsor relations. Reporting to the Director, you will play a pivotal role in raising the profile of the Police Foundation, building strategic relationships, and ensuring our evidence and ideas reach the widest possible audience of policymakers, police leaders, funders, and the public.

This is an exciting time to join a respected, independent think tank with ambitious plans for growth. You will have significant autonomy to design and deliver high-impact strategies, where your work directly contributes to safer communities and better policing.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive external affairs strategy covering engagement, marketing, strategic communications, public and private events, and partnership development.
• Lead the planning and delivery of a portfolio of high-profile events, from intimate discussion dinners and policy roundtables to major national conferences and residential summits.
• Drive marketing initiatives to amplify our research, reports, and thought leadership across digital, print, and media channels.
• Build and nurture a strong network of sponsors, partners, and funders, securing sustainable support for our work.
• Work alongside our Head of Research to manage other staff and foster a collaborative and creative culture.
• Work closely with the senior leadership team to align external activities with organisational strategy and impact goals.

Work arrangements

• Hybrid working: This is a hybrid role. We believe performance is optimised with a blend of in-office time and remote working. The role requires a minimum 3 days per week in our London office (Victoria), with flexibility for the remaining time (subject to organisational needs).
• Flexible working benefits: We support flexible hours and patterns to help you balance work with personal commitments. Many of us, including the Director, have school age children and/or elderly relatives and we work hard to be a genuinely family friendly employer. We offer up to 4 weeks each year of ‘work from anywhere’ entitlement and three ‘remote reading weeks’ per year for hybrid employees.
• Irregular hours commitment: Our standard hours are 9.30am-5.30pm but regular attendance at breakfast or evening functions and occasional weekend events once or twice a year are required, with time off in lieu provided.
• Other entitlements – Our office is closed between Christmas and New Year every year. We offer a 5% employer pension contribution, and a supportive, innovative culture where training and development opportunities are encouraged.

Person specification

Essential criteria

• Significant senior-level experience in external affairs, communications, marketing, events, or partnership development – ideally in a think tank, charity, public sector, or related mission-driven organisation.
• Proven track record of successfully planning and delivering high-profile events and marketing campaigns that achieve measurable impact.
• Strong experience in building and managing strategic partnerships and sponsorship relationships, with a demonstrable ability to secure funding or support and to develop and maintain good supporter relationships.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders, including police leaders, civil servants, policymakers, and media.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and execute integrated external affairs plans and develop innovative new events and partnership opportunities.
• Highly organised, with strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment and a busy events schedule.
• Commitment to the values of independent research, the virtues of democratic policing, and the mission to improve policing for the benefit of the public. The Police Foundation is a registered charity and is non-partisan.

Desirable criteria

• Recent experience of curating impactful events and developing compelling marketing materials.
• Experience working in or with the policing, criminal justice, or public policy sectors in the UK.
• Knowledge of the UK political and media landscape, particularly as it relates to crime and policing.
• Experience of line management and team development.
• Digital marketing expertise, including social media strategy, content creation, and analytics.
• Existing networks in relevant sectors (policing, justice, government, philanthropy, or media).

We welcome applications from mid-career professionals with over 10 years’ experience, and those with transferable experience from related sectors such as charities, think tanks, public affairs agencies, police staff associations, government communications, or corporate partners.

This role offers genuine autonomy, intellectual stimulation, and the chance to make a real difference. Join us in shaping the future of policing.

How to apply

Please submit your CV and a covering letter (maximum 2 sides) by email explaining how you meet the essential criteria and why you are excited about this opportunity at the Police Foundation. Please include ROLE APPLICATION in the subject line.

Closing date: 6pm BST 30 September. Interviews are expected to take place in October. We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the advertised deadline if a sufficient number of applications are received. 

Applications from agencies will not be accepted.

The Police Foundation is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Only those with the right to work in the UK are invited to apply.

The Role

This is an exciting time to join Starlight. We already have considerable expertise across influence, insight and communications and a strong platform from which to build. Recent opportunities with broadcasters, parliamentarians and other influential audiences demonstrate the potential to take Starlight's voice further. The Head of Influence, Insight and Communications will bring these strands together, working with talented colleagues to spot, shape and amplify opportunities that advance our ambition to end preventable trauma in children's healthcare.

As we enter the next phase of Starlight's development, with our new strategy to end preventable trauma for children in healthcare, our focus is on increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of our influencing work. Our aim is to build on our strong existing capability, bringing together complementary specialist teams to create greater strategic impact, stronger external influence and an even more integrated approach to delivering our mission.

This new Influence, Insight and Communications role brings together the existing influencing, insight and communications teams, recognising the significant overlap between strategic communications, public affairs, campaigns, insight and organisational influence. The role will provide strategic leadership across these disciplines, enabling Starlight to connect research, lived experience, policy engagement and communications around organisational priorities, and maximise our external impact.

The role will sit within the Play in Healthcare team, reflecting the shift in emphasis of our communications and marketing activity towards influencing, campaigning and systems change. It plays a critical part in making children's experiences visible, amplifying the voices of children and families, and building understanding of why emotionally safe healthcare matters.

Reporting to the Director of Play in Healthcare, and working closely with the Director of Income Generation & Engagement, the postholder will bring together Starlight's existing expertise in influence, insight and communications to translate evidence and lived experience into compelling narratives, policy positions, thought leadership and strategic communications that strengthen Starlight's reputation, influence decision-makers and support organisational growth. The postholder will identify, shape and amplify opportunities to position Starlight as a trusted voice on children's healthcare experiences and the role of play in supporting children's wellbeing, development and emotional safety.

About Starlight

Starlight is the national charity for children's play in healthcare.

We believe that healthcare should be a more humane and child-centred experience for every child. We work across the UK to champion the importance of play during treatment, care and recovery, supporting children, parents and carers, and healthcare professionals.

Our ambition is to end preventable trauma in children's healthcare.

Harris Hill is supporting Wellbeing of Women to find their Director of Education & External Affairs. This is an opportunity to put your communications expertise at the heart of a charity that is changing the future of women’s health.

We’re looking for a strategic, creative and hands-on communications leader to join Wellbeing of Women’s Senior Management Team and lead its Education and External Affairs teams.

You’ll shape and deliver an ambitious multi-channel communications, campaigns, marketing and external affairs strategy — raising the charity’s profile, influencing public debate and engaging the audiences and stakeholders who matter most. From high-profile campaigns and media relations to brand, marketing and internal communications, you’ll be equally comfortable setting the direction and getting stuck into the delivery.

Reporting to the CEO, you’ll also work closely with fundraising and teams across the organisation, ensuring communications are ‘fundraising-first’, integrated, impactful and always connected to the charity’s goals.

Your experience:

We’re looking for someone with experience of integrating communications activity across different functions including fundraising, campaigning and service delivery, and a strong track record engaging multiple audiences including the media, politicians and policymakers, supporters, donors and stakeholders. The ideal candidate will also have a good understand of health campaigning and policy activity across England and Wales.

If you’re a brilliant communicator, an inspiring team leader and someone who likes to make things happen, this could be your next big move.

• Salary £65,000
• Full-time, permanent position.
• Hybrid working between London Bridge office (minimum 2 days per week) and remote working
• Attractive benefits package including private health care, employee discount scheme and cycle to work scheme

Interested? We’d love to hear from you.

Closing date: 9am Monday 28^th September, however please apply early to receive the full job pack.

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

Help us achieve our vision that fewer people die by suicide.

Suicide can be prevented but urgent action is needed. We are looking for an experienced Public Affairs and Campaigns Manager to lead our work to mobilise our campaigners and maximise our political relationships to push for action to prevent suicide.

Samaritans is the UK and Ireland’s leading suicide prevention charity. While we are best known for listening to those who need us, we also work to influence change through our policy, advocacy campaigning and relationships with political stakeholders.

The Policy, Public Affairs and Campaigns team of five works alongside people with lived experience, our campaigners, supporters and volunteers to push for the public policy and legal changes that will help us achieve our vision. We work to achieve system change through our work with the Westminster parliament, UK Government departments, policy makers and service leads, alongside our offices in the nations. We're looking for a Public Affairs and Campaigns Manager to lead this area of work.

We know that to make a real difference to those who are affected by suicide, we need to drive meaningful change in UK legislation and policy, funding and research.

If you're a strategic thinker with a track record of successfully influencing for change, we'd love to hear from you.

Contract terms:

• £42,000 - £44,000 per annum, plus benefits
• Permanent
• 35 hours per week (full-time)
• We are passionate about flexible working, talk to us about your preferences
• Hybrid, linked to our Ewell (Surrey) office
• We value meeting in person and working collaboratively. We work in person around 2 days or more per month. This role will also involve regular travel to Westminster.
• 28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays

What you'll be doing:

You'll lead our public affairs and advocacy campaigns work focused on influencing decision-makers and driving advocacy campaigns.

Your key responsibilities include:

• Overseeing our advocacy campaigning activity across England and line managing the Public Affairs and Campaigns Officer, ensuring that our advocacy campaigns are rooted in lived experience, and that our supporters have a positive ongoing experience. 
• Leading the implementation of our public affairs and campaign strategies to achieve change on Samaritan’s key influencing priorities
• Identifying, creating, and evaluating opportunities and mechanisms to increase political engagement and persuade decision makers to take positive action on suicide prevention 
• Identifying, cultivating and maintaining excellent relationships across the UK parliament and key political decision makers. 
• Working across the charity to connect all of our relevant work to Parliamentary audiences, including support for Samaritans branches and volunteers on public affairs activities
• You’ll play a pivotal role in leading our efforts to drive meaningful change to help prevent suicide. 

What you’ll bring:

• Great people skills with the ability to turn contacts into action
• Proven experience in successfully influencing within the UK Parliament
• Experience of leading effective advocacy campaigns and trialling new and exciting campaign tactics
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences effectively
• A passion for involving people with lived experience in your campaigns and public affairs work

For full details, please see the Job Description and Person Specification

Why Samaritans?

At Samaritans, you’ll join a values-led organisation with a powerful mission. You’ll be part of a collaborative and supportive team where your voice matters, your expertise makes a difference, and your work helps save lives.

We offer flexible hybrid working, great benefits, and the chance to make a tangible difference in suicide prevention across the UK and Ireland. To find out more about Samaritans, please read our recruitment brochure.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the people we support and who support us. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and walks of life. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels seen, heard and supported, at all levels of the organisation.

Apply now

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, we’d love for you to apply. You will be asked to answer some short application questions and to upload your CV. If you require adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know.

Applications close: 20th September 2026

Interviews: w/c 28th September

At Samaritans, human connection is at the heart of everything we do. 

We do not use AI at any stage during the selection process. Your application will always be carefully reviewed by the recruiting manager or a member of the Talent Attraction Team. 

We kindly ask that you avoid using AI tools to generate your application or interview answers. We want to hear your own ideas, insights, and writing style so your unique strengths can shine through. We recognise that some candidates may use assistive technology or tools to help with accessibility, structure or grammar.   

Reporting to: Principal
Line managing: Site Manager, Professional Services team (Student Recruitment and Communications Manager and Office staff), IT Manager
Key Relationships: Senior Management Team, Head of Access to Learning, the Chair and Trustees of the City & Guilds of London Art School, Chair and Trustees of the City and Guilds Art School Property Trust
 

Main purpose of role:
The Director of Operations is an important, senior role at the Art School, responsible for supporting the Principal in the delivery of the Strategic Vision and to monitor the progress of its objectives. They are responsible for the efficient and effective management of internal resources and stakeholders, and will act as the deputy to the Principal in all matters excluding academic. They will also contribute to the oversight of recruitment of students and staff.
The Director of Operations provides vision and professional leadership of registry, professional services, IT, admissions, as well as the management of compliance, HR, and the Art School’s technical tutors. They have some oversight of marketing inasfar as it relates to recruitment. The Director of Operations is the key liaison with the Property Trust, which is the official landlord for the Art School and the governing body that oversees the main buildings at our site in Kennington. They are the lead person, responsible for the OfS return and so it is anticipated that the successful candidate would have a level of quality assurance experience and familiarity with policy oversight.

The Art School is an independent educational charity with approximately 300 students and 100 members of staff. The Art School is entering a new strategic planning cycle that will see us growing our profile and portfolio; expanding our international links and external partnerships; and, deepening our civic impact on our neighborhood in Kennington and further afield.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The main duties and responsibilities of the post are:
Leadership and Strategy

• Supporting the Principal in the delivery of the Strategic Vision for the Art School
• Working closely with the Head of Finance to allocate resources in line with the Art School improvement plan
• Oversee the management of and communication with, internal stakeholders of the School

Compliance and Governance

• Ensure that the systems and processes employed by the Art School comply with legal, audit and regulatory requirements,
• Oversee Risk Management, including Health & Safety compliance;
• Champion and oversee EDI across the Art School;
• Monitor the Art School’s performance against strategic objectives;
• Attend meetings of the Board of Trustees and relevant Committees, providing effective and timely reporting, proactive advice and support;
• Have overall responsibility for operational strategy including and policy management;
• To be the Art School ‘point of contact’ to the Property Trust;
• Manage legal and related matters as and when they arise.

Registry

• Oversee the team that handles student registry, academic administration and affairs, compliance and all non-academic matters of student experience;
• Ensure the accurate and timely submission of statutory and regulatory returns (e.g. to the Office for Students, Higher Education Statistics Agency, Office of the Independent Adjudicator for HE, Student Loans Company, UKVI etc);
• Act as the primary liaison for the Art School’s validating partners (Arts University Bournemouth, University of the Arts London Awarding Body);
• Act as Secretary to the Academic Board and oversee the arrangements for Art School Examination Boards;

Operations

• Implementation of HR processes and systems, seeking external advice as appropriate;
• Recruitment and line management of operational staff;
• Lead the process for the Art School’s annual staff appraisal scheme (Individual Performance Review) recommending associated staff development and training activities as agreed with the Principal;
• Day-to-day oversight of the professional teams managing the Estate, Technical Resources and IT infrastructure, and lead strategic planning relevant to these areas;
• Chair the Art School’s Site and Environment Committee;
• Manage the relationship with the Property Trust on a day-to-day basis.

External Profile and Recruitment

• Supporting the Principal to ensure successful student recruitment, working collaboratively with other academics;
• Development of the Art School’s activities (including commercial activities), short courses and profile;
• Oversee the Health & Safety and other logistical aspects of public events such as Degree Show

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

• Deputise where appropriate for the Principal;
• Lead and undertake Health and Safety duties and responsibilities appropriate to the role;
• Undertake other duties of a reasonable nature, as may be determined by the post holder’s line manager from time to time, in consultation with the post holder.

It is the duty of the post holder not to act in a prejudicial or discriminatory manner towards members of staff, students, visitors or members of the public. The post holder should also counteract such practice or behaviour in others by challenging and reporting it.
This is a description of the job as it is presently constituted. It is the Art School’s practice to periodically review job descriptions to ensure that they accurately reflect the job that is required to be performed, or to incorporate proposed reasonable changes following negotiation with the postholder.

Policy has the power to change lives – do you have the engine to drive meaningful change forward?

Bring your policy expertise, political insight and energy to help MCR Pathways transform opportunities for young people across the UK.

We’re looking for a highly driven Senior UK Policy & Public Affairs Officer to help advance our mission to bridge the education, skills and opportunity gap through the transformative power of mentoring. You’ll monitor the political landscape, turn evidence and impact into compelling policy arguments, build influential relationships and identify opportunities to put mentoring at the heart of national and regional agendas.

From Westminster and Holyrood to local and combined authorities, you’ll help build the case for change, champion the Trusted Adult Guarantee and support MCR Pathways’ continued expansion across the UK.

The Role Experience

This is a hands-on policy and public affairs role that goes well beyond monitoring what’s happening in government. You’ll be immersed in the UK political and policy landscape, identifying opportunities to influence, developing policy briefings and submissions, mapping stakeholders and cultivating relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians, civil servants and strategic partners.

You’ll also be the operational engine behind senior leadership engagement. You’ll identify and progress opportunities, coordinate preparation, develop briefings, arrange meetings and drive follow-up – enabling our CEO, Development Director and other senior leaders to lead high-level engagement and representation with key policymakers and stakeholders.

Turn insight and lived experience into influence. Help make the power of mentoring a national priority.

What You’ll Bring:

• Policy & Public Affairs: Proven experience in policy, public affairs or parliamentary work, with a strong understanding of UK political systems and policy-making.

• Influencing & Relationships: The ability to map political landscapes, build strategic relationships and identify opportunities to influence policymakers and decision-makers.

• Evidence & Advocacy: Exceptional written and analytical skills, with the ability to turn complex evidence, impact data and operational experience into compelling policy arguments.

• Strategic & Operational Drive: A proactive approach, able to spot opportunities, coordinate activity and ensure high-quality preparation and follow-through for senior engagement.

• Collaboration & Purpose: A highly collaborative approach and genuine commitment to improving outcomes and opportunities for young people facing barriers to reaching their potential.

Safeguarding

MCR Pathways is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people, and we expect you to share this commitment. This post is subject to appropriate vetting, including a criminal record check and PVG / DBS Scheme membership.

About MCR Pathways

MCR Pathways is an award-winning mentoring programme delivered in schools, further education settings and communities. We connect young people with trusted adult volunteer mentors, providing consistent guidance to help build confidence, self-belief and ambition. Through this support, young people can overcome barriers and progress towards positive destinations such as further education, apprenticeships and employment.

Change how the UK understands and supports bereaved children and families.

This is an exciting time to join Child Bereavement UK.

We are establishing a brand-new Research & Policy function and are looking for an ambitious Public Affairs Lead to help ensure the voices of bereaved children, young people and parents shape policy, practice and public understanding across the UK.

Working closely with the Head of Policy & Research, you will develop and deliver Child Bereavement UK's public affairs, advocacy and stakeholder engagement activity, building relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians and sector leaders to drive meaningful change.

You will act as the bridge between research, lived experience and influence, translating evidence into compelling advocacy campaigns, stakeholder engagement opportunities and policy recommendations that make a difference.

This is a rare opportunity to help build a new function, shape our national influence, and ensure the experiences of bereaved children, young people and families are heard where it matters most.

While based remotely, this role has a strong external focus and requires regular travel to London to represent Child Bereavement UK, build key relationships and engage with policymakers, partners and sector networks.

Role Purpose

As Public Affairs Lead you will play a central role in ensuring the voices and experiences of bereaved children, young people, parents and families influence policy, practice and public understanding across the UK.

Working closely with the Head of Policy & Research, you will develop and deliver Child Bereavement UK's public affairs, advocacy and stakeholder engagement activity, building relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians, sector partners and influencers to drive meaningful change.

You will act as the bridge between research, policy and communications, helping to translate evidence and lived experience into compelling advocacy campaigns, stakeholder engagement opportunities and influencing activity.

Main Responsibilities

 Public Affairs & Policy Influence

· Develop and deliver public affairs plans that support Child Bereavement UK's strategic priorities and policy objectives.

· Use research, evaluation findings and lived experience evidence to identify policy gaps, develop influencing priorities and shape recommendations for decision-makers.

· Translate organisational evidence into clear policy asks and reform proposals for government, parliamentarians, public bodies and sector leaders.

· Identify opportunities to embed evidence and learning within national, regional and local policy frameworks, guidance and professional practice.

· Support the development of long-term influencing strategies that drive systemic change for bereaved children, young people and families.

· Build and maintain relationships with MPs, Peers, government officials, policymakers and key sector stakeholders.

· Coordinate engagement with relevant All-Party Parliamentary Groups, consultations, inquiries and policy forums.

· Support the development of policy briefings, consultation responses and evidence submissions.

· Organise parliamentary events, stakeholder roundtables and engagement opportunities that raise awareness of bereavement issues.

· Work with the Head of Voice & Participation to ensure the voices of bereaved children, young people and parents bereaved of a baby or child are represented at all stages of policy development.

Advocacy & Campaigns

· Lead the delivery of advocacy and influencing campaigns aligned to organisational priorities.

· Ensure advocacy campaigns are grounded in robust evidence, insight and lived experience, with clear objectives for policy and practice change.

· Work with the Head of Policy & Research to translate research findings into actionable policy recommendations.

· Develop stakeholder engagement plans that support campaign objectives.

· Build relationships with partner organisations, coalitions and networks to strengthen collective influence.

· Develop compelling narratives that connect research findings with real-world outcomes and policy solutions.

· Work with colleagues to identify tangible actions that policymakers, practitioners, employers, schools and communities can take in response to emerging evidence.

Stakeholder Engagement

· Develop and maintain stakeholder mapping and engagement plans.

· Build productive relationships with sector leaders, professional bodies, charities, academics and decision-makers.

· Coordinate engagement with strategic partners and external networks.

· Support senior leaders in stakeholder engagement activity through briefings, meeting preparation and follow-up actions.

Research Translation & Communications

· Develop evidence-informed policy asks, implementation recommendations and calls to action that support measurable change.

· Identify opportunities to move research and insight beyond publication and into policy development, service improvement and public discourse.

· Translate research, evidence and lived experience into compelling stakeholder communications.

· Produce parliamentary briefings, policy summaries, position statements and advocacy materials.

· Work closely with the Marketing & Communications team to ensure policy and research activity is effectively communicated to external audiences.

· Collaborate with the PR & Press Lead to identify opportunities to amplify policy and research messages through media and public engagement activity.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Insight

· Monitor and evaluate public affairs, advocacy and stakeholder engagement activity.

· Track policy developments, stakeholder engagement outcomes and influencing opportunities.

· Produce reports demonstrating impact, engagement and progress against objectives.

· Maintain stakeholder databases and records to support organisational relationship management.

Person Specification

Essential

Experience & Knowledge

· Significant experience in public affairs, policy, advocacy, campaigns or stakeholder engagement.

· Experience building relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians, public sector organisations or influential stakeholders.

· Understanding of UK political systems, parliamentary processes and policy development.

· Experience developing and delivering influencing or advocacy campaigns.

· Experience producing briefings, consultation responses or policy-focused communications.

· Understanding of how evidence and lived experience can be used to influence decision-making.

Skills

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

· Strong relationship-building and influencing abilities.

· Ability to communicate complex information clearly and persuasively.

· Excellent organisational and project management skills.

· Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

· Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.

Personal Attributes

· Passionate about improving outcomes for bereaved children, young people and parents bereaved of a baby or child.

· Collaborative and relationship-focused.

· Compassionate and emotionally intelligent.

· Proactive, resilient and self-motivated.

· Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and trauma-informed practice.

Desirable

· Passionate about improving outcomes for bereaved children, young people and parents

· Experience within the charity, health, social care or education sectors.

· Knowledge of bereavement, grief, loss or trauma-informed services.

· Experience working with All-Party Parliamentary Groups or parliamentary engagement activity.

· Experience working with research and evidence-based policy development.

· Experience working with lived-experience contributors and ambassadors.

· Understanding of campaigning, coalition building and systems change approach

Recruitment Timetable

Application deadline: 17th September 2026 at midnight

Interview dates: 29th and 30th September on MS Teams

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications for the role before the closing date.

Internet Matters

Internet Matters is a not-for-profit committed to keeping children safe online. We are one of the leading online safety organisations in the UK, working with major global brands including founding members BT/EE, Sky and Virgin Media O2 as well as partners such as TikTok, Samsung and Roblox.

We’re here to offer the best advice and information available to help parents, carers and professionals engage in the online lives of children and young people, empowering them to manage the risks they may face online.

We conduct regular research on families’ online experiences and use these insights to influence policymakers, regulators and government, helping to drive positive outcomes for children’s online safety and media literacy.

We exist to:

• Give parents and teachers the advice and support they need to help all children embrace the internet with confidence, and to protect them from online harms.
• Build understanding and raise awareness of families’ online experiences through research, campaigns, events and partnerships, helping children and young people to be happy, healthy and safe online.
• Ensure the views of parents and children are consistently heard by industry, policymakers and government.

Our website hosts comprehensive advice, information and practical tips & tools for parents, alongside our research and insights.

About the role

It is an exciting time to be working in children’s online safety. New measures restricting popular social media platforms’ access to children, alongside existing requirements under the Online Safety Act, are reshaping the role of technology companies in keeping children safe online. At the same time, curriculum reform, votes at 16 and the Government’s mission to halve violence against women and girls (VAWG) create real opportunities to shape online safety and media literacy policy, and improve outcomes for children and young people.

Yet the challenges families face online are evolving at pace, from mis- and disinformation to the rapid adoption of AI. There is cross-party consensus on the importance of tackling these issues, and now is the moment to harness this momentum to drive lasting change for children.

Against this backdrop, Internet Matters is recruiting a Policy and Public Affairs Manager to help ensure online safety policy works in practice and improves outcomes for families. This wide-ranging role will include:

• Stakeholder engagement, public affairs and influencing, including maintaining and developing a network of contacts across Government, Parliament, regulators, civil society and industry. Identifying opportunities to push forward our agenda with decision-makers, including through convening meetings and events and actively contributing to events held by others. 
• Supporting the development of Internet Matters’ policy positions, ensuring they are underpinned by the latest research and informed by the sector and political landscape. Key policy areas the role will lead on are media literacy, safeguarding girls online and supporting children with SEND online.
• Monitoring UK parliamentary business and proactively finding opportunities to influence.
• Writing policy outputs for a range of audiences including social copy, blogs, briefings, reports and responses to consultations and calls for evidence.
• Presenting and sharing policy and research in a range of settings, including at external meetings and events, tailoring messages to different audiences. 
• Acting as secretariat for Internet Matters’ Vulnerable User Working Group and Expert Advisory Panel.
• Contributing your ideas to team discussions about the overarching strategy for our policy and research work.

This role sits within the Policy and Research team and a core aspect of the role will be the ability to shape research and insights for policy and sector audiences. You will also support with the analysis of research in relation to policy related tasks.

About you

The successful candidate will have professional experience of working in policy, public affairs or a closely related field. They may have gained this experience from another charity/not-for-profit, a regulator, government, parliament or industry. Although not required, experience of one of the following sector or policy areas would be an advantage: tech, online safety, education, tech-facilitated VAWG or SEND.

We are particularly keen to hear from candidates that have experience writing outputs for a range of audiences and translating primary research into engaging policy insights. You will also have experience building and maintaining relationships with sector, policy and parliamentary stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will have a strong eye for detail and take pride in producing high-quality work. We are seeking someone excited by the opportunity of working in a small organisation, where everyone lends a hand to deliver key priorities, and where you can contribute actively to our wider thinking and strategy.

Please see the attached job description for skills, knowledge and experience.

Further details, including how to apply, can be found in the attached job description. 

Job Title: Parliamentary and Public Affairs Manager

Reporting to: Director of Campaigns

Line reports: None

Salary: £44,350 per annum pro-rata (£ 35,480 per annum for 4 days per week)

Hours: 4 days (30 hours) or 5 days (37.5 hours) per week, with flexibility over working hours (core hours are 10.00-16.00).

Duration: 1-year contract renewable subject to funding

Start Date: As soon as possible

Location: London/Hybrid – minimum 2 days in the office (core days in the office are Tues & Weds) further office attendance is encouraged

Anti-oppressive statement

Foodrise is actively seeking to move through an anti-racist and anti-oppressive journey in every aspect of its work. We acknowledge that the environmental sector is less open to people from under-represented backgrounds, and we are strongly committed to identifying and correcting where we may be perpetuating patriarchal, white supremacist values and other forms of oppression in our organisational culture, partnerships, and community work. We especially want to hear from you if you feel that you have lived experience of power structures preventing you from accessing opportunities like this.

Read our full Equity, Justice and Anti-oppression statement.

Inclusive Recruitment

We have an opt-in Enhanced Chance Interview Scheme for candidates who declare a disability and/or are a person of colour and meet the essential criteria of the role profile. The scheme aims to provide a first-stage interview for candidates who meet the essential criteria of the role and opt in to the scheme.

If you would like to be considered under this scheme you must meet the essential minimum criteria for the role as outlined on the job description. You should take time to provide examples that you meet each of the essential criteria in your cover letter. Please ensure you select the relevant tick box on the application page ‘Enhanced Chance Interview Scheme’.

We are always happy to speak to candidates informally about the role before applying and encourage you to do so by contacting us.

About Us

Foodrise is a charity transforming the food system for climate, nature and justice. 

We take bold action to uncover the root causes of injustice in our food system and expose how corporate power exploits people and the planet, while building truly just and resilient alternatives from the ground-up.

We speak truth to power. We take risks. We act where and when others won’t.

From launching legal action and producing hard-hitting research to working directly with local communities, we drive systemic change across food and farming, powered by grassroots energy and backed by the facts.

We exist to say what others won’t, do what others don’t, and never settle for “it can’t be done”. Change is possible, and we are rising to make it happen.

We are based in the UK and the Netherlands. See more about us on our website.

About the Role

The Parliamentary and Public Affairs Manager is a brand-new role for Foodrise. The successful candidate will lead on developing our first public and parliamentary affairs strategy to engage with political representatives and policymakers to advance our campaigning objectives and ensure progress towards our new strategic goals:

• Dismantling the animal industrial complex and supporting the transition to plant-rich food
• Eroding the social licence of large supermarkets and building alternative food economies

Ultimately, this role is about securing wins to meet our vision of a greener, fairer food system, where food is a commons, not a commodity.

This role is key to shaping public policy and legislative outcomes by building relationships, influencing decision-makers, and positioning Foodrise as an ambitious yet trusted voice in Westminster, Holyrood and amongst civil society across the UK. This role will work collaboratively with colleagues across campaigns, so would suit an adaptive candidate with strong communication skills, keen to advocate for Foodrise.

Job Description

Parliamentary and Public Affairs Strategy

• Develop and deliver a public affairs strategy aligned with organisational priorities and campaigns
• Identify and maximise opportunities to influence legislation, policy development, and public debate
• Monitor the UK political landscape, including Parliament, Government departments, and devolved administrations

Political Engagement & Influencing

• Build and maintain strong relationships with MPs, Peers, civil servants, special advisers, and political stakeholders
• Lead engagement with All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs), select committees, and public consultations
• Draft and coordinate parliamentary briefings, speeches, amendments, parliamentary questions and responses
• Work with lawyers to draft proposed legislation and legislative changes in support of our objectives
• Register for the UK lobbying register and keep our account up to date
• Lead high-impact advocacy moments such as parliamentary events, receptions, and policy launches

 Integration of Parliamentary/Advocacy Asks into Foodrise’s Wider Work

• Work closely with campaigns and communications teams to integrate parliamentary and public affairs into campaigns
• Work closely with fundraisers and senior leadership to integrate parliamentary and policy asks in our fundraising and business development
• Ensure consistent and compelling advocacy messaging across all channels
• Provide regular updates and analysis on political developments relevant to the organisation’s work
• Track and evaluate the impact of public affairs activities
• Maintain accurate stakeholder records and engagement logs
• Work closely with our colleagues at Foodrise in the EU to support EU level advocacy where relevant to our campaigns
• Any other relevant tasks as requested by senior colleagues to support the organisation and further our objectives

Ways of Working

• Collaborative by default; independent work is balanced with regular coordination.
• Contribute to the development and embedding of anti-oppressive work across the organisation
• Flexible and adaptable in response to changing priorities.
• Present and available for colleagues, including regular in‑office presence.
• Proactive in communication, planning, and follow‑through.

Person Specification

Essential Knowledge, Experience and Network

• Extensive experience in public affairs, government relations, or political advocacy (at least 7 years’ working experience)
• Strong understanding of the UK political system, legislative processes, and policy-making
• Networks within the UK political and policy systems
• Knowledge of the key issues in food systems, environment and/or climate in the UK

Essential Skills

• Demonstrable experience of influencing political representatives, policymakers and delivering policy or campaign wins
• Excellent writing, analytical and research skills.
• Excellent organisational skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Outstanding communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.
• The ability to work collaboratively; build, maintain and develop flexible working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

What You Will Bring to Foodrise

• A can-do attitude, flexibility and adaptability, alongside a willingness to pitch in on delivery and help colleagues across the team, recognising that Foodrise is a small, nimble organisation with fast-changing priorities.
• An understanding of anti-oppressive practice and how it applies to Foodrise’s work and the role, and the ability to represent diverse perspectives through the work of the organisation.
• Sharing Foodrise’s values: audacity, collaboration, impact, celebration, solidarity.
• Willingness to undertake some limited travel domestically and abroad.

What We Offer

• Personal training and wellbeing funds
• Regular team socials
• Workplace pension
• Enhanced parental leave
• Enhanced sick leave
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Home & Tech scheme
• Flexible working hours (core hours 10am-4pm)

How to Apply

Please apply via Charity Jobs with:

• Your CV (no longer than 2 A4 pages total) 
• A cover letter (no longer than 1 A4 page) explaining how you meet the criteria in the person specification with examples, and why you would like to work at Foodrise. 

Deadline to apply: 10am, Tuesday 22nd September

Successful candidates for interview will be notified by Thursday 24th September.

Shortlisted candidates will be sent our new strategy ahead of the interview, along with details of an hour-long written task to be completed at home – this will be sent prior to the interview at a time convenient for you.

First round interviews will be held on Thursday 1st October.

Second round interviews will be held on Thursday 8th October.

Sign up to join our Recruitment Q&A Zoom session on Wednesday 2nd September, 12-1pm. Our HR & Operations Manager will talk through the recruitment process and answer any questions you may have. Please note that this session is focussed on the recruitment process. If you have any questions specific to the role, please contact us.

For any questions, access requirements, or if you require the job description in a different format, please contact us.

AI policy – We understand that you may use AI to help with your application, however we want to hear your authentic voice throughout your application.

In this role you are responsible for day-to-day operational activity across both finance and HR functions, working closely with the Finance Officer and reporting to the Head of Finance (with ‘dotted line’ reporting to Director of Finance and Operations in respect of HR activity). 
The role requires effective use of systems to enable efficient processes, with responsibility for data held on the HR system and management of routine employee related processes including recruitment and onboarding. The role also shares responsibility for processing invoices and payments on the finance system, responding to queries from colleagues and 3rd party partners. You will provide support for Head of Finance and Director Finance and Operations where required, including data analysis, reporting and preparation of returns across both finance and HR remits.

How to apply
To apply for this role please send your CV and cover letter (maximum two pages) including responses to the three questions below:
1. Tell us about a time when you identified a process that could be improved or made more efficient. How did you approach making the change, and what did you do to ensure the process was accurate, consistent and effective?
2. Describe a situation where you had to handle sensitive financial or employee information while also resolving a difficult or confidential issue. What approach did you take?
3. Give an example of when you have had to manage competing priorities. How did you decide what to do first, and how did you ensure important deadlines were met?

HR and Recruitment
• Maintain accurate data on our HR system including starters, leavers, holiday and other absences
• Report on key employee metrics including sickness absence, holiday, TOIL, diversity
• Support line managers with recruitment activity including making effective use of the Applicant Tracking System to ensure a good candidate experience and to report recruitment metrics to enable continuous improvement
• Manage onboarding for new starters including reference requests, pre-employment checks, induction processes
• Coordinate arrangements for training sessions for staff
• Support Head of Finance with monthly payroll processes
• Support Director of Finance and Operations in maintaining and publicising HR policies, keeping the Employee Handbook current
• Maintain up to date employee guides and templates for key HR processes including appraisals, mid year reviews, recruitment, induction, flexible leave

Finance Administration
• Maintain appropriate employee access to Finance Systems, including being able to claim staff expenses and raise sales invoice requests, and support employees in using these systems. 
• Respond to queries in the central accounts mailbox, liaising with internal and external stakeholders.
• Support Head of Finance and Finance Officer with Purchase Ledger, including posting and payment of supplier invoices in a timely manner, ensuring accurate coding and authorisation in line with limits, maintenance of supplier accounts, reconciliations and remittances.
• Support Head of Finance and Finance Officer with management of company credit cards and virtual cards, including reconciling statements and accurate posting to the ledger. 
• Assist in raising sales invoices and accurately recording income. 
• Assist with Credit Control, chasing overdue debts and reporting to the Head of Finance.
• Support Head of Finance with analysis of financial data from the finance system (Xero) for reporting and other ad-hoc purposes
• Assist in maintaining up to date procedures. 

There is an opportunity to attend theatre press nights where appropriate and to take advantage of trade tickets when offered

This role sits within the Finance and Operations team whose focus is to ensure the organisations operate as effectively and efficiently as possible. Our team operates across Finance, HR, Technology, Facilities and Compliance, to ensure that systems and processes are set up which promote smooth delivery and support the work of the organisations. This includes adherence to regulatory requirements and best practice standards

About the team

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

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

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

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

About this role

The Development Director (New Business) provides strategic leadership for Impetus’ new business development, prospect pipeline and high-value funding opportunities. The postholder will have responsibility for identifying, cultivating and converting new corporate, trust and foundation, and high-net-worth donor relationships, as well as continued relationship management for key, established relationships.

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

Working closely with the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships, the role will translate the fundraising strategy into clear new business priorities, pipeline plans and prospect engagement approaches, ensuring a strong flow of qualified opportunities and sustainable growth in high-value income.

Working closely with colleagues across Philanthropy and Partnerships, the postholder will personally lead and support significant six and seven-figure prospects and strategic funding opportunities, while overseeing the stewardship and retention of current partners. 

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

Key responsibilities

New Business, Pipeline & Conversion

• Personally lead on six and seven-figure level priority prospects and strategic funding opportunities, managing the full fundraising cycle from qualification to close.
• Work with trustees, senior volunteers, and networks to unlock introductions and new opportunities, providing clear support and follow-up to maximise success.
• Evolve Impetus’ new business strategy, driving the identification, cultivation, and conversion of new high-value donor and partner relationships.
• Translate Impetus’ impact, evidence base, and venture philanthropy model into compelling propositions for new audiences and sectors.

Strategic Relationship Management & Growth 

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

Research, Insight & Pipeline Development

• Provide strategic leadership for the Research & Insights function, ensuring prospect research, donor intelligence and market insight inform fundraising strategy, pipeline development and organisational planning.
• Lead the strategic development of fundraising pipelines, ensuring focus on opportunities with the greatest potential for long-term income growth, impact and strategic fit.
• Ensure donor intelligence and prospect research are used effectively to identify, qualify and prioritise new funding opportunities.
• Maintain oversight of gift acceptance, due diligence and fundraising compliance in relation to fundraising opportunities, ensuring adherence to relevant regulatory requirements and organisational policies.
• Identify and escalate strategic, reputational or compliance risks associated with donors and partners.

Leadership and Team Performance

• Line manage and develop the Head of Development, providing strategic direction, coaching and performance oversight.
• Establish the Head of Development as the operational lead on new business, ensuring capability, succession and high performance across the wider team.
• Set clear objectives and success measures for new business growth, aligned to Impetus’ wider income strategy.
• Build and sustain an inclusive, evidence-led and high-performing team culture that balances pace and ambition with quality, learning and collaboration.
• Build fundraising capability across your team through leadership, coaching and consistent, fair, and high-quality performance management, including objective-setting, feedback and development planning.

Pro Bono, Events, Volunteering & Partnership Value

• Ensure engagement opportunities, including volunteering, pro bono and events, strengthen strategic partnerships and support long-term income growth through strong collaboration with colleagues.

Operational Excellence, Governance & Risk

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

Cross-Organisational Leadership & Representation

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

Strategic leadership

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

Person specification

Essential:

Fundraising & new business leadership

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

Senior stakeholder engagement

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

Leadership & people management

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

Strategic & intellectual capability

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

Financial, operational & delivery capability

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

Communication, values & ways of working

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

Desirable 

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

About Impetus

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our Values

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

We are brave and curious

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

We bring high trust, high challenge

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

We are evidence led and results driven for young people

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

We thrive through diversity

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

We always seek collaboration

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

Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our employee benefits

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

How to apply

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

You will need to:

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

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

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

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

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

Interviews:

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

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

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

Personal Data

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

About the team

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

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

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

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

About this role

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

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

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

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

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

Key responsibilities

Strategic Relationship Management & Growth

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

New Business: Pipeline & Conversion 

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

Performance and KPI Reporting

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

Donor Communications

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

Leadership and Team Performance

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

Pro Bono, Events, Volunteering & Partnership Value

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

Operational Excellence, Governance & Risk

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

Cross-Organisational Leadership & Representation

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

Strategic Leadership

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

Person specification

Essential:

Fundraising & new business leadership

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

Senior stakeholder engagement

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

Leadership & people management

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

Strategic & intellectual capability

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

Financial, operational & delivery capability

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

Communication, values & ways of working

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

Desirable 

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

About Impetus

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our Values

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

We are brave and curious

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

We bring high trust, high challenge

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

We are evidence led and results driven for young people

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

We thrive through diversity

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

We always seek collaboration

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

Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our employee benefits

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

How to apply

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

You will need to:

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

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

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

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

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

Interviews:

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

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

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

Personal Data

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

Saferworld is seeking an experienced Programme Development Manager to join our Funding & Programme Development Team. The Programme Development Manager will support a portfolio of Saferworld’s teams in co-designing and mobilising funding for peace, security and justice programmes alongside Saferworld’s partners. The successful applicant will have a focus of 3-4 countries, which will be decided based on the candidate’s experience and preference. Working closely with Regional Directors, Country Managers, and programme and grant management colleagues, the post-holder will lead on: coordinating and facilitating programme co-design processes (including taking the lead in facilitating co-design, processes, drafting high quality concept notes and proposals, theories of change, logical models, risk matrixes and budgets); developing and supporting the implementation of long-term country funding strategies; and supporting new donor engagement and sustaining relationships with current donors. The post-holder will be responsible for managing funding portfolios across institutional and non-institutional donors in our programmes.

The post-holder will have a successful track record in developing programmes and leading new business development efforts with institutional donors such as Global Affairs Canada (GAC), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the European Union (EU), UN agencies and European Governments such as Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). Additional experience in mobilising resource from trusts and foundations and other non-traditional funding mechanisms is desirable.

Strong applicants will have proven programme experience, such as in project management or programme support, which equips them to lead and inform high-quality programme design. They will be skilled in coordinating complex processes, facilitating participatory co-creation with partners, and ensuring proposals are robust, contextually relevant, and strategically aligned.

Global Head of Communications and Marketing

We are seeking a strategic and hands-on communications leader to shape the global profile of an international heritage charity and its commercial work.

Position: Global Head of Communications and Marketing
Location: Home-based in the UK, with frequent travel to London and international travel as required
Salary: £52,000 to £65,000 per annum, depending on experience
Hours: Full-time
Closing Date: 4 October 2026

The closing date may be brought forward if a high volume of applications is received.

About the Role

This is an influential leadership role responsible for developing and delivering a global communications and marketing strategy across multiple countries, audiences and channels.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, you will help position the organisation as a leading heritage charity, a trusted partner for commercial collaborations and a powerful advocate for artisans and cultural heritage.

Combining strategic leadership with practical delivery, you will oversee brand, marketing, media relations, digital communications, thought leadership and internal communications. You will also lead a fully remote communications team and work closely with creative, commercial, fundraising and country teams.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and delivering a multi-year global communications and marketing strategy
• Strengthening the organisation’s brand and reputation across commercial, philanthropic and public audiences
• Leading global media relations, public affairs and crisis communications
• Overseeing digital channels, content, newsletters and audience engagement
• Supporting the promotion of artisan collections, exhibitions and commercial partnerships
• Developing communications that support fundraising, philanthropy and donor engagement
• Creating consistent global messaging, brand standards and approval processes
• Supporting major events, launches and external speaking opportunities
• Leading, developing and setting clear expectations for the communications team
• Managing budgets, performance measures and communications reporting

About You

You will be a highly capable and collaborative communications leader who can combine strategic judgement with creativity, organisation and attention to detail.

You will bring:

• Significant senior-level communications, marketing or corporate affairs experience
• Experience developing organisation-wide communications strategies
• A strong background in brand, reputation and media relations
• Digital communications, content and audience engagement expertise
• Experience leading and developing communications teams
• Exceptional writing, editing and storytelling skills
• Confidence advising senior leaders and supporting high-profile stakeholders
• Experience working across multiple countries, regions or cultures

Experience within cultural heritage, arts, luxury, creative industries or international development would be particularly valuable. Applications are welcomed from candidates qualified through experience.

About the Organisation

The organisation is an international charity supporting artisans and communities to protect and revitalise cultural heritage. Working across several countries, it provides training, healthcare, education and access to international markets.

Through its charitable and commercial activity, the organisation helps artisans generate sustainable incomes while preserving traditional skills, historic places and cultural identity.

Other roles you may have experience of could include Head of Communications, Head of Marketing, Director of Communications, Global Communications Director, Brand and Communications Director, Head of Corporate Affairs, Head of External Affairs or Marketing and Communications Director.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client, Not For Profit People.