Director of fundraising and communications jobs

This role sits at the heart of Operation Smile UK’s five-year strategy to deliver transformational growth across all income streams. As Senior Lead - Acquisition and Digital Fundraising, you will be instrumental in delivering on three of our four core strategic priorities:

1. Build Regular Giving – laying the foundation for higher long-term value and stronger ROI across acquisition channels.
2. Drive All Donors to Legacy – recruiting quality donors who have the potential value to feed into legacy and long-term giving goals.
3. Maximise Growth Through Digital Fundraising Integration – leading the expansion and optimisation of digital acquisition within a cohesive fundraising strategy

The Senior Lead - Acquisition & Digital Fundraising role is responsible for delivering Operation Smile UK’s strategic individual giving acquisition programme. This role is key to driving income growth and expanding our supporter base across multiple channels, including digital, DRTV, dialogue fundraising and print.

You will lead the strategy, planning, delivery and evaluation of acquisition campaigns, including the onboarding process, with full accountability for managing significant budgets, agency partnerships and performance metrics. This is a senior, hands-on role suited to an experienced acquisition fundraiser with strong commercial acumen and a data-driven mindset.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Campaign Leadership

• Develop and implement the multi-channel acquisition strategy, aligned with income targets and supporter growth objectives.
• Lead on the planning and delivery of campaigns across direct dialogue, digital, DRTV, and print channels.
• Lead on the planning and delivery of the onboarding process for all new recruits.
• Monitor and report on campaign performance, providing insight-driven recommendations to optimise results.
• Drive testing and innovation to expand existing channels and introduce new ones within acceptable risk and return parameters.

Budget Ownership & Performance Monitoring

• Take full responsibility for acquisition budget management, income forecasting and cost control.
• Set, monitor, and evaluate key performance indicators (KPIs), reporting against ROI, CPA, and long-term value across all acquisition channels.
• Collaborate with the Senior Database Manager and the Director of Data and Technology to develop and maintain performance dashboards (e.g., Power BI) and support strategic data analysis, including both short-term and long-term channel performance evaluation.

Agency & Partner Management

• Manage day-to-day relationships with external fundraising and creative partners.
• Lead briefings, content sourcing, agent training, stakeholder approvals, and quality assurance processes.
• Negotiate contracts and hold suppliers accountable for delivery and performance.

Cross-Team and Market Integration

• Represent the acquisition programme in cross-functional planning meetings and contribute to a unified team culture focused on strategic delivery.
• Deliver and optimise the onboarding and conversion programme for new donors.
• Develop CRO strategies and implement with support from the Communications team, whilst supporting the enhancement of web development
• Ensure consistent campaign integration across touchpoints and maximise thematic/creative cohesion, working in collaboration with the Senior Communications Manager to lead and develop the creative and content strategy for acquisition.
• Act as a key liaison with colleagues across Operation Smile global markets, sharing insights and exploring opportunities to align strategy, co-develop creative, or pilot cross-market initiatives.

Compliance, Risk & Best Practice

• Ensure all campaigns meet legal, ethical and data protection requirements (e.g., GDPR, Fundraising Regulator).
• Act as a key contributor to organisational risk assessments relating to income performance and supplier performance.
• Keep up to date with sector trends, innovations and benchmarks to maintain best practice.

Person Specification

Essential Experience

• Extensive experience (ideally 5+ years) in Individual Giving or fundraising acquisition roles.
• Proven success delivering multi-channel acquisition campaigns with strong ROI.
• Experience managing external agencies and suppliers to high-performance standards.
• Strong background in digital fundraising and paid media.
• Demonstrated experience managing and reporting on substantial acquisition budgets.

Skills & Attributes

• Strategic thinker with excellent campaign planning and execution skills.
• Highly numerate and confident using data for decision-making and optimisation.
• Strong project and stakeholder management abilities.
• Proactive, self-starting approach with high levels of ownership and accountability.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to represent the organisation externally.

Desirable

• Understanding of retention and supporter journey optimisation.
• Familiarity with CRM and data system Donorfy.
• Experience with Power BI or other reporting tools.

First-round interviews are set for the week of 23rd March 2026. We strongly encourage early applications.

Disability Confident Committed Employer

We're a Disability Confident Committed employer, so we guarantee an interview to any disabled applicant who meets the minimum requirements for the job.

At Operation Smile UK, we value individuals based on their performance and potential. We're dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that supports everyone's needs. We're happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the application and employment process, and we particularly welcome applications from diverse backgrounds.

If you need this document in a different format, require any adjustments, or need help with your application, please contact us (further details contained within the job description).

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Operation Smile UK knows fundraising could better reflect the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people the charity sector supports. If you don’t meet every requirement but believe your transferable skills align with the role, we encourage you to contact us for a conversation. 

We want our team to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, offering equal opportunities to everyone, regardless of, age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

We celebrate diversity and encourage you to bring your authentic self to Operation Smile UK. We are committed to supporting all applicants and ensuring a fair hiring process. All appointments will be made solely on merit, and we are happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. 

About Fields in Trust

Fields in Trust is the charity that protects the future of our parks, playgrounds, playing fields and green spaces. As a proud Royal Charter charity operating through the UK we work to legally protect thousands of spaces forever ensuring that millions of people have access to a green space close to home.

We act as the long-term stewards of these protected spaces and, through our green space standards and advocacy, have influenced the creation of thousands more.  We’re proud of our 100 year legacy and excited about our bold new five-year strategy to grow our impact and strengthen our influence.

Job Description

Relationship Fundraising Manager

Reports to: Director Income Generation and Communications

Salary: Circa £50,000

Role Overview

This is the ideal role for someone who is genuinely people‑focused, thrives on building meaningful relationships, and takes pride in doing what they say they’ll do — and doing it brilliantly. You’ll inspire potential supporters and surprise and delight funders through thoughtful stewardship, timely communication, and personalised engagement that stands out.

You’ll work as part of the Income Generation Team to build engaging relationships with potential funders, helping to grow our income and deepen the connections that fuel our mission. Working closely with colleagues across our small, collaborative team, you’ll inspire supporters with compelling stories about our work, connect their passions with our purpose, and deliver exceptional experiences that grow and strengthen long‑term support.

Responsibilities include:

Relationship Management

• Build and steward relationships with major Trusts, Foundations, Major Donors, and high‑value volunteers.
• Maintain strong rapport so key contacts feel valued, informed, and inspired.
• Represent the charity as a warm, credible ambassador.
• Provide exceptional stewardship that surprises, delights, and strengthens funder connection.
• Deliver high‑quality updates, reports, and personalised communications.
• Organise meetings, calls, visits, and events that deepen engagement and show impact

Income Generation and Proposal Development

• Write tailored, compelling applications to strategic Trusts and Foundations.
• Deliver inspiring and engaging content to potential Major Donors, working with the wider senior leadership team as appropriate. 
• Work with teams across the charity to gather stories, data, and insights that strengthen cases for support.

Internal Collaboration and Cross‑Team Working

• Partner closely with colleagues — everyone plays a role in income generation in a small team.
• Share pipeline updates, opportunities, and challenges transparently.
• Act as an internal advocate for potential funders, ensuring colleagues understand expectations and commitments.

Data, Systems & Compliance

• Keep accurate, up‑to‑date records of all interactions, applications, and activities in the charity’s Customer Relationship Management system (Donorfy).
• Ensure all fundraising activity complies with data protection laws and fundraising standards.
• Track pipelines, deadlines, and reporting requirements to support effective planning and forecasting

Qualifications

• Experience working with high‑net‑worth clients, building strong relationships and networks.
• Clear understanding of commercial vs. philanthropic giving, with the ability to tailor conversations to donor motivations.
• Experience writing bids, proposals, or tailored funding submissions.
• Natural relationship‑builder — warm, confident, and personable.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience or clear aptitude in fundraising, partnerships, donor relations, or account management.
• Highly organised, reliable, and comfortable managing multiple priorities.
• Curious, proactive, and quick to follow up.
• Passionate about the charity’s mission and impact‑driven.
• Collaborative team player who enhances visibility and understanding of the charity’s work.
• Confident using CRM or database systems to keep accurate records

Additional information

• 25 days annual leave (plus one additional day per year of service, up to five years). 
• Discretionary leave between Christmas and New Year. 
• Two employee volunteer days per year. 
• 5% employer pension contribution. 
• Interest-free season ticket loan. 

SURVIVE-MIVA, a well-respected and trusted Catholic charity with a proud history spanning 50 years, is seeking a dynamic Director to lead our mission of providing essential vehicles for medical and pastoral work. The successful candidate will deliver strategic leadership, championing the charity’s ongoing development and inspiring both staff and volunteers, while furthering our positive impact within the Catholic community and wider society.

Ideal candidates will offer substantial leadership experience within the charity sector, preferably with organisations active in the developing world. They should demonstrate a proven record in organisational leadership, team building, and compliance within regulated environments, as well as a strong commitment to fostering a supportive workplace culture and upholding our long-standing Catholic mission.

• Job Title: Director – SURVIVE-MIVA
• Contract: Part-time (30 hours per week)
• Pay: £55,000 pro rata
• Location: Liverpool (Bootle)
• Reporting to: Board of Trustees
• Responsible for: All staff and volunteers
• Main Purpose: Leadership and long-term development of SURVIVE-MIVA

Closing date for applications:  5pm, 2nd March2026

Mansfield College is seeking an exceptional fundraising professional to join its high-performing Development team, at an exciting moment in the College’s history. We are looking for an outstanding individual to lead the College’s annual (or ‘regular’) giving programme, and create and deliver engaging stewardship opportunities for donors at all levels.

Mansfield’s annual giving programme is central to the College’s ongoing success and generates vital and significant income for the College every year for every aspect of life and work within our academic community. Now in the public phase of our For Mansfield. Forever. campaign, you will be joining a friendly, supportive and high-performing team that is responsible for delivering consecutive record-breaking fundraising years for the College.

The Development Manager is a senior role within the College’s Development & Alumni Relations team and has responsibility for executing an annual giving strategy that includes telephone campaigns; online giving days using compelling social media content to drive support; direct mail appeals; and encouraging membership of Mansfield’s 1886 Circle. This role is also responsible for ensuring engaging stewardship opportunities for donors to the College at all levels.

One of London’s historic “Magnificent Seven” cemeteries, the Cemetery Park is now a Local Nature Reserve and a vital green space in the heart of the East End — where biodiversity, heritage and community come together.

Founded in 1990, the Friends are an award-winning charity dedicated to protecting and caring for this unique site. Now, we are looking for a values-driven, collaborative leader to help strengthen our organisation for the future.

About the role

This is a senior leadership position within a collaborative charity structure. You will:

– Work closely with the Board of Trustees on strategy and governance

– Lead on finance, fundraising and organisational sustainability

– Support and develop staff and volunteers

– Represent the charity externally

– Work in close partnership with our longstanding Cemetery Park Manager

Importantly, this is not a corporate CEO role. It is an opportunity to lead within a community-rooted, place-based charity where humility, partnership and emotional intelligence matter as much as strategy.

We’re looking for someone who:

•  Has senior experience in a charity or values-led organisation
•  Understands governance and financial sustainability
•  Can build trust with staff, volunteers and stakeholders
•  Is excited by heritage, conservation and community

As a small charity, this role balances strategic thinking with hands-on involvement.

Join an amazing charity that makes a difference for more than 110,000 adults and children in the UK with a muscle-wasting condition. This is a role where you can really make a difference.

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We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those from underrepresented groups including people from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with lived experience of conditions we represent. We believe that diversity strengthens our work and helps us better support our beneficiaries.

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As part of our safer recruitment and safeguarding responsibilities, this role requires a DBS check and professional/character references. We are committed to inclusion and will consider each application fairly.

 

About you:

The Special Events Manager is an exciting role at MDUK, that will sit within the Fundraising team. 

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You'll develop and deliver Muscular Dystrophy UK’s exciting Special Events portfolio.

You'll be working closely with the Associate Director of High Value Engagement

You'll have direct line management of the Special Events Officers to achieve agreed objectives and fundraising targets. 

You'll be working collaboratively within the High Value Engagement team to identify prospects from Special Events that can be stewarded to create long term high value relationships across the organisation.

 

About us:

Muscular Dystrophy UK is a charity that connects a community of more than 110,000 people living with one of over 60 muscle wasting conditions, and all the people around them. So everyone can get the healthcare, support and treatments needed to feel good, mentally and physically. ​

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This is an exciting time to join Muscular Dystrophy UK. We recently launched our new 10 year strategy to transform the lives of people living with muscle wasting conditions. Our vision is clear, a world without limits for people with muscle wasting conditions, and we won’t stop until we achieve it.

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Values and behaviours:

• A positive attitude and approach that reflect the charity’s values.
   
• Seek opportunities to contribute to the development of the charity.
   
• A commitment to and an understanding of disability issues, equality, diversity and inclusion.
   
• Always demonstrate role model behaviour.

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Benefits:

We appreciate the range of skills and experience our staff have to offer. In return for your enthusiasm and commitment we commit to actively developing and supporting you. We believe in supporting our people both professionally and personally. Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to promote wellbeing, work–life balance, and career development. Our offer range of benefits includes great pension contributions, life insurance, cycle scheme, health cash plan, employee assistance programme, instant retail and events discounts, and much more...
 

Location: We operate a hybrid model (home and office, London SE1). 

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Closing date: Thursday 19th March 2026

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NB Interviews likely to be held on the week commencing Monday 30th March

 

Please download the job description to see full role responsibilities

Job Title: Head of Public Fundraising & Engagement

Reporting To: Executive Director of Fundraising

Salary Range: Up to £60,000

Contract Type: Permanent

Location: Hybrid, across London sites. Old Street, Canary Wharf & Poplar.

Working days/hours per week: 35 per week, 9am – 5pm

Our Vision: A UK where “No good food goes to waste”. 

The Felix Project and FareShare have recently merged to form the UK's largest food redistribution charity. Its vision is a UK where good food is never wasted, and nobody goes hungry.

The organisation rescues high quality edible surplus food, from across the food industry and gets it to over 8,000 organisations across the UK who are working to strengthen communities and improve lives.

The charity manages seven depots across London, Suffolk, Merseyside and Hampshire and works with 16 network partners who operate a further 26 regional depots across the UK.

Over the next year our ambition is to rescue enough food nationally to provide nearly 200 million meals, turning an environmental problem into social good with measurable impact for people, planet, and the economy.

Why this role and why now?

This is a hugely exciting time to join our organisation.

We have recently brought together two £20m organisations – FareShare UK, a national food redistribution charity, and The Felix Project, our London network partner who has made waves across the capital in recent years. We are in the early stages of shaping our future together, while at the same time, developing our fundraising strategy for the next three years – setting the direction for how we grow income, engage supporters and deliver even more impact across the UK.

Public fundraising and engagement will be central to that strategy, and as Head of Public Fundraising & Engagement, you will play a leading role in shaping it.

We already have strong foundations to build on. Recent testing of private site fundraising for both organisations has exceeded KPIs, showing strong public appetite to support our work. We also have the opportunity to learn from The Felix Project’s success in London and explore how proven approaches can be adapted and scaled nationally.

Alongside this, we have a clear ambition to become a destination directorate for fundraisers across the sector – a place where talented people want to build their careers, test new ideas and do their best work.

This newly created role offers a rare opportunity to build on that momentum: helping to shape our three-year fundraising strategy, embedding a new brand, working creatively with network partners, developing new products and propositions, scaling what works nationally, growing mass-market and legacy fundraising, modernising systems and supporter journeys, and bringing together newly merged teams around a shared direction and culture.

This is a role for someone who enjoys building, experimenting, learning from what works and creating something genuinely transformational. If you’re excited by the idea of leading through change and helping create new ways for people to support our cause, we’d love to hear from you.

About the role

The Head of Public Fundraising & Engagement will lead our public fundraising portfolio. This newly created role will oversee Individual Giving and Legacies, Community Fundraising, Mass Participation and Challenge Events, and Fundraising Operations, with five direct reports.

You will be accountable for public fundraising income and performance, whilst also helping to bring together teams, systems and ways of working following the merger. You’ll sit on both the Fundraising Senior Management Team and the organisation’s Senior Management Team, contributing to organisation-wide strategy, decision-making and culture.

You will play a key role in shaping our three-year public fundraising strategy, ensuring it is ambitious, realistic and rooted in audience insight.

Whilst much of the portfolio is delivered through Senior Managers, there is particular scope and opportunity, to shape the future of Community and Mass Fundraising – where we’ve deliberately protected delivery while leaving space for the new Head to define long-term strategy, growth and resource.

You’ll also play a leading role in embedding a new organisational brand once agreed.

What you’ll be responsible for

•Setting direction and growing income

•Champion the growth of long-term sustainable income that supports the organisation’s 3–5-year income ambitions.

•Strengthen our regular giving proposition and performance, embedding a clear strategy for acquisition, retention and lifetime value growth.

•Shape and deliver the organisation’s three-year public fundraising strategy.

•Set the overall direction for public fundraising and lead its delivery.

•Be accountable for public fundraising income, including planning, budgets, forecasting and performance working alongside your Senior Managers and Managers to achieve this.

•Build on strong early signals of public support, including the face-to-face fundraising pilots.

•Learn from proven success from both legacy organisations, including The Felix Project’s fundraising in London, and explore how this can be scaled nationally.

•Drive sustainable growth across the portfolio, balancing short-term delivery with the need to maximise supporter lifetime value.

•Make clear, confident decisions about priorities, investment and risk.

Leading the public fundraising portfolio

•Lead and support Senior Managers and Managers across Individual Giving, Community and Mass, Legacies and Fundraising Operations.

•Bring different income streams together under a joined-up, supporter-centered approach.

•Encourage collaboration, testing and learning across teams.

•Step in where needed to resolve issues, reset direction or move things forward.

A focus on Fundraising Operations

•Provide strategic oversight of Fundraising Operations, ensuring excellent supporter care, compliant processes and efficient income processing across the portfolio.

•Integrate a ‘best in class’ approach to thanking and supporter stewardship across the portfolio.

•Ensure robust fundraising compliance in line with regulation and sector best practice.

•Champion operational excellence, embedding processes and systems that enable sustainable growth.

•Work closely with the Senior Fundraising Operations Manager to ensure visibility and value of the function across the directorate and wider organisation.

Innovation and new product development

•Work collaboratively with colleagues to shape and embed the organisation’s innovation framework within public fundraising, ensuring disciplined testing, learning and scaling.

•Contribute a public fundraising perspective to cross-organisational and directorate innovation priorities, ensuring opportunities are commercially viable and audience-led.

•Lead the development of new fundraising products, propositions and approaches, from ideas through to testing and scale.

•Explore new ways for people to engage and give – particularly in acquisition-led activity such as face-to-face, digital and mass fundraising.

•Use insight, data and supporter feedback to shape and refine new ideas.

•Balance creativity with a commercial mindset i.e. Stopping what doesn’t work and scaling what does.

Shaping Community and Mass Fundraising

•    Make a hands-on strategic lead in shaping the future direction of Community and Mass Fundraising.

•Build on recent business planning that has protected delivery whilst leaving space for longer-term strategic choices.

•    Identify growth opportunities and test new approaches to help define future operating models.

•Build momentum and organisational confidence in areas with significant untapped potential.

•Increase partnerships with small and medium-sized corporates within Community Fundraising, developing scalable propositions that can grow nationally, working in partnership with network partners.

Working with our network partners

•Play a leading role in shaping how we fundraise with, for and alongside our network partners in the public fundraising space, working closely with the Senior Network Fundraising Manager.

•Work collaboratively to explore ideas, test approaches and unlock opportunities that benefit both the network and the organisation.

•Ensure public fundraising activity reflects the stories and impact of our network partners in a respectful and sensitive way.

Developing high-potential partnerships

•Lead the strategic development of high-profile partnerships including our newly launched three-year partnership with Nectar.

•Work closely with internal teams and external partners to grow reach, impact and value over time.

•Develop and embed a robust a partnership strategy for within public fundraising, to ensure we are maximising opportunities with third party providers.

Shaping our legacy fundraising proposition

•Take a strategic lead in developing our legacy fundraising approach, working closely with the Senior IG & Legacy Manager.

•Shape a compelling legacy proposition linked to our impact, values and volunteer workforce – an area of untapped potential.

•Ensure legacy fundraising asks are integrated into wider supporter journeys and long term planning.

•Build organisational confidence, capability and momentum in this area over time.

Brand embedding and supporter acquisition

•Play a leading role in embedding the new organisational brand across all public fundraising activity once agreed.

•Work closely with colleagues in Marketing & Communications to ensure fundraising needs are reflected in the new brand as it develops over time.

•Support your team to translate brand strategy into practical, high-performing fundraising activity.

Merger transition and CRM

•Play a senior role in the organisation’s merger transition, with particular focus on the Fundraising Transition, working closely with the Fundraising Transition Lead, ensuring that public fundraising’s priorities are reflected in change planning.

•Act as the senior fundraising lead for the implementation of a combined CRM, ensuring public fundraising needs shape system design, data structure, reporting and supporter journeys.

•Work closely with colleagues in digital, data and IT, as well as external partners, to ensure systems support future growth and great supporter experiences.

•Balance business-as-usual income delivery with the demands of transformation and change.

•Help modernise processes and ways of working so the organisation can scale effectively.

Leadership and culture

•Lead and develop Senior Managers and Managers, creating a supportive, inclusive, high-performing and psychologically safe culture.

•Play an active role in shaping organisational culture following the merger.

•Support teams through change with clarity, empathy and pace.

•   Help build our reputation as a great place to work for fundraisers – where people feel supported, challenged, proud and able to grow.

•Role model collaborative, values-led leadership.

Organisation-wide leadership

•   Attend organisation SMT meetings.

•Contribute to organisation-wide strategy, decision-making and problem-solving.

•Work collaboratively with senior colleagues across the organisation.

•Be a strong, credible voice and advocate for public fundraising internally and externally.

The International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), one of the world’s foremost independent international policy and research organisations, is seeking an outstanding fundraising and communications leader to work alongside our Executive Director and senior team.

Following the launch of our strategy - Manifesto for a Thriving World – and a recent organisational restructure, we decided to bring the functions of fundraising and communications together under a single Director. This is a tactical move, appreciating our funding sources, audiences, and how to reach them are quickly shifting, with the need to think differently about our brand, positioning, use of technology and relationships.

You will lead and shape our strategy in these areas, while also managing strong existing teams and being a key voice in IIED’s governing bodies. You will be the focal point for our institutional funding partnerships and take accountability for achieving a fundraising target and set of objectives. You will be at the heart of guiding IIED’s impact-focused communications, brand, marketing and influencing approach, as well as creating a reinforcing positive trajectory by connecting fundraising and communications. 

In joining IIED, you will have the opportunity to work with creative, innovative and committed colleagues striving to achieve IIED’s six propositions. You will be part of an organisation hosting the Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, supporting the Least Developed Countries in international negotiations and delivering highly influential research, events and equitable partnerships tackling climate change, nature loss and inequality. 

About Us
IIED is an international policy and research organisation working to build a fairer, more sustainable world, in partnership with others across the globe.

• We stand up: challenging the systems and structures that perpetuate economic, social and environmental injustice – acknowledging our own role in this.
• We speak out: calling out the big blockers that prevent progress for communities and working to amplify voices, redistribute power and strengthen rights.
• We innovate: developing, co-producing and supporting evidence-based ideas to drive progress towards a thriving world for all.
• We collaborate: building connections at local, national and international levels, to support diverse partners to tackle the climate, nature and inequality crises so that people and the planet can thrive. Come and be part of this exciting journey with us

The Benefits
- Salary of £78,715 - £91,102 per annum dependent on experience
- 25 days' annual leave per year, plus bank holidays and additional leave over Christmas
- 7.5% employer pension contributions
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
- Cycle-to-work scheme
- Employee protection scheme (life, critical illness, income protection)

This is a rare and exciting opportunity for a senior fundraising and communications leader with significant experience in an international NGO or charity settings to join our globally influential organisation at a moment of strategic transformation.

About You
To be considered as the Director of Fundraising and Communications, you will need:

• Significant experience leading fundraising functions, delivering multi-stream income generation strategies
• Significant experience overseeing a broad communications portfolio, including research communications, brand positioning, digital engagement and media, and internal communications.
• An impressive track record in securing large-scale funding and have exceptional communications and influencing skills across diverse stakeholders.
• Strong leadership experience in multi-cultural environments, building high-performing, values-led teams.
• The willingness and ability to travel internationally.

If you are ready for a career-defining role at a pivotal point for our organisation and the global community, we are waiting to hear from you.

The closing date for this role 24 March 2026.

IIED is a Global organisation that serves the Global Majority. We are committed to equity of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in IIED’s workforce, including members of minority groups and those with lived experience of the work we do. Even if you don't satisfy all the criteria, we still encourage you to apply, as we will offer training and development to upskill the right candidate for the role.

So, if you want to become our Director of Fundraising and Communications, please apply via the button shown. This vacancy is being advertised by Webrecruit. The services advertised by Webrecruit are those of an Employment Agency.

About Young Roots

At Young Roots, we want to see a compassionate and welcoming society for young refugees and asylum seekers in the UK. We work alongside young people seeking safety in the UK, building trusted relationships, providing practical and emotional support and promoting young people’s rights and power.

Our youth clubs and casework are transformative for young refugees, allowing young people who have fled danger, had traumatic journeys and who are often here alone, to find community and connection, have a space to be a young person and access support in addressing a whole range of practical challenges they face. We also draw on our evidence from working every day with young refugees and asylum seekers to call for change to the laws and policies which are harming young people. 

About the role

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of an influential charity at a pivotal point in its development.

Young Roots has a strong track record of impact, trusted relationships with funders, and is a respected voice in work with young refugees. We are now ready to significantly increase our visibility and influence — and this role is central to making that happen.

As Head of Fundraising and Communications, you will bring together fundraising, communications and impact to tell a powerful, credible story about Young Roots’ work and to unlock new, high-value funding. You will work closely with the CEO and trustees to position the organisation strategically, grow our profile, and build relationships with major donors and other senior partners.

This is a role for someone who enjoys both setting direction and making things happen. You will personally lead high-value fundraising and strategic communications, while enabling and supporting a skilled team to deliver across trusts, individual giving, engagement and impact reporting. As a member of the Leadership Group, you will help shape organisational strategy, culture and long-term sustainability.

If you’re excited by building influence, diversifying income, and using communications and evidence to drive change for young refugees, this role offers scope, autonomy and purpose in equal measure.

About you

You will bring senior experience in fundraising and/or communications within a charity or mission-driven organisation, with a strong track record of raising profile, engagement or income. You’ll be a strategic thinker who is comfortable being hands-on, credible with senior stakeholders, and motivated by working for social justice.

We’re particularly interested in people who bring:

• Experience leading fundraising and/or communications teams
• A strong understanding of high-value fundraising (e.g. major donors)
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to tailor messages for different audiences
• Experience managing people, budgets and complex priorities
• A commitment to equity, empowering young people and safeguarding

Why join Young Roots

• A senior role with real influence in a respected, impactful organisation
• The opportunity to shape income, profile and strategy at a key stage of growth
• A collaborative leadership team and values-led culture
• Flexible, hybrid working

To Apply:

To apply, please submit your CV alongside a personal statement by the closing date outlining how you would be a great fit for the role.

Your personal statement should be no more than 800 words, answering the following questions:

1. What is your motivation for working with Young Roots? (100 words)
2. What is your motivation for applying for this role specifically? (200 words)
3. What skills and experience would you bring that will enable you to be successful in this role?  Please ensure you refer to the essential criteria on the person specification and provide examples to demonstrate how and where you meet the criteria. (500 words)

Please submit your application via Charity Jobs.

No agencies, please.

Closing date: 10th March

Interview date: 17th March

Young Roots recognises the positive value of diversity, promotes equity and challenges discrimination. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those who can face disadvantage in employment, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ individuals and people with disabilities. As an organisation that supports refugees, asylum seekers and migrants, we particularly welcome applications from people within these communities. We offer a guaranteed interview for those with lived experience of the asylum system and those with disabilities, where they meet the essential elements of the person specification. If aspects of the application process create barriers to you applying and you’d like any adjustment to the process or you’d like an informal discussion or advice on your application, please get in touch. We would also like to alert you to the existence of organisations which support people from under-represented groups to access employment, who can advise you on applying for this role. For example, Scope, Young Women’s Trust and Experts by Experience.

Young Roots is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. We take this duty very seriously.

Our work is underpinned by policies and procedures which promote safe working practices. We have a framework of training and supervision which everyone is expected to comply with and systems for monitoring, quality assurance and gaining service user feedback. On joining you will be expected to be part of this approach to safeguard our service users.

About CoppaFeel!

CoppaFeel! are the UK’s only youth focused breast cancer awareness charity, and we’re on a mission to get every 18-24 year old checking their chest. We educate people on the signs of breast cancer and encourage them to check their chests monthly, so that if they notice something unusual they are empowered to contact their GP and advocate for themselves.

We do this because when diagnosed early, breast cancer treatments are more effective and survival rates are higher. Early detection can save lives.

Breast cancer does not need to be detected late, and as long as we are here and continue to be supported by people like you, we will do all we can to make sure this doesn’t continue to happen.

The Role

CoppaFeel! is seeking an inspiring and strategic Fundraising Director to lead our fundraising activity and help to drive the next phase of our growth.

As a key member of the senior leadership team, you’ll be responsible for shaping and delivering our fundraising strategy, ensuring a strong, diverse and sustainable income portfolio that enables us to reach more people and move closer to a world where all breast cancers are diagnosed early. Leading and supporting a newly formed but high performing team, you’ll oversee new business development, high value corporate partnerships and outstanding stewardship of our supporters. Working closely with the CEO and colleagues across the organisation you’ll set ambitious targets, identify opportunities for growth and champion long term, values aligned partnerships.

CoppaFeel! has experienced a period of exceptional financial growth, increasing income from £1.6m to £7m in 5 years, driven in large part by the success of our partnership with Asda. This has placed the organisation in a strong and exciting position with the opportunity to build for the long term, diversify our income, and significantly increase our impact.

The Fundraising Director will provide bold, strategic leadership to shape the next phase of CoppaFeel!’s growth, evolving our fundraising model, reducing reliance on any single income stream and ensuring long term sustainability. This role is about setting vision, unlocking opportunity and embedding fundraising as a strategic, organisation wide function. While oversight of day to day fundraising performance remains important, this role is fundamentally future focused building resilience and driving innovation.

This is a hybrid role requiring 2 days per week in our offices based in London Bridge. This role sits within our Senior Management Team and reports into the CEO.

Duties and responsibilities

Strategy & Leadership

• Work as part of the CoppaFeel! SMT shaping the organisational strategy, culture and cross departmental ways of working
• Set and lead an ambitious, multi year fundraising vision aligned to CoppaFeel!’s organisational strategy and impact goals
• Develop and support the Fundraising Team in the delivery of the fundraising strategy to ensure long term sustainability and maximum impact
• Provide strong, clear and consistent leadership through a period of growth, transformation and increasing complexity
• Champion innovation, testing and learning across all fundraising streams to unlock new opportunities and audiences
• Work collaboratively across all departments to ensure that fundraising is integrated across the organisation and aligned with our organisational delivery

Governance

• Work closely with the SMT to develop strategic recommendations for the Board of Trustees and support effective governance
• Development of the 3 year budget, including regular reforecasting and longer term projections to inform investment and growth decisions
• Analyse and monitor the ROI of across all income streams, using insight to drive decision making! 
• Take on fundraising related governance responsibilities, including attendance at Finance Committee meetings and contributing to the annual report.
• Provide confident, strategic leadership on financial risk, opportunity and sustainability

Fundraising

• Drive the delivery of CoppaFeel!'s growth strategy, including achieving fundraising targets across multiple fundraising streams
• Develop new strategies and adapt existing ones in response to external trends, audience insight and organisational priorities
• Support the Asda partnership at a strategic level, ensuring income is stewarded effectively and impact is clearly reported
• Oversee and empower the Department Heads in the implementation and optimitisation of the fundraising strategy
• Lead the diversification of income, reducing reliance on any single partner or activity and building a resilient, balanced fundraising portfolio Identify and develop fundraising opportunities that are accessible, inclusive and engaging for 18–24-year-olds and priority audiences

Sector representation

• Act as a visible ambassador for CoppaFeel! within the fundraising sector
• Build CoppaFeel!’s fundraising credibility through conference speaking, thought leadership, award entries and sector engagement

General duties of a CoppaFeel! employee

• To work cooperatively, respectfully and effectively with colleagues to ensure CoppaFeel! achieves its annual strategy
• Update database with relevant contacts
• To assist in identifying and highlighting key external trends which are relevant to the Charity’s operation and provide relevant advice
• To participate, as appropriate, in staff forums and meetings
• To adhere to CoppaFeel!’s Policies and Procedures
• To be flexible with working hours and be willing to work weekend hours where appropriate (i.e. fundraising events) where time off in lieu will be rewarded
• To carry out other tasks as required by the CEO occasionally

Skills and attributes

Essential

• Strong negotiation and influencing skills, with the ability to represent CoppaFeel! credibly at the highest levels
• Experience operating successfully at a strategic leadership level within a medium sized or large organisation
• A proven, creative and commercial approach to income generation, underpinned by strong market insight
• Strong financial acumen, with confidence in budget management, forecasting and ROI analysis
• Experience reshaping or diversifying a fundraising portfolio
• Experience working closely with and presenting to a Board of Trustees and senior stakeholders
• Ability to inspire, lead and develop high performing teams
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with sound judgement around risk and reputation
• Thrives in a fast paced, ambitious and evolving environment

Desirable

• Comfortable leading through change, complexity and growth
• Experience working in a rapidly scaling organisation

Application information

Applications will close on Sunday 8th March 2026 with the aim to commence first interviews on W/C 9th March 2026.

CoppaFeel! reserves the right to close the vacancy early in the event that we receive a high number of applications before the closing date.

Main benefits, Terms & Conditions

Annual leave entitlement: 22 days, plus office closure at Christmas, a day off on our Founders birthday, and a day off for your birthday.

• Employee Assistance Programme; advice and support offered by an external body.
• Health Cash Plan; cash back on everyday health expenses, as well as a GP advice line and access to PerkBox.
• Access to Self Space training and 1:1 therapy
• Core working hours of 10am to 4pm
• Working from home up to 3 days per week
• Flex Friday; every other Friday off, offering the time to recharge and ensuring work life balance, while remaining available in case of emergencies
• Training; we have a budget each year for employees training and development plans.
• Treats cupboard; full of biscuits, fruit, chips, fancy tea, coffee, and snacks.
• Expenses; travel for events and food during events will be reimbursed.
• Notice period: 3 months

All annual leave and benefits are pro-rata'd for part time employees.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

At CoppaFeel! we support a diverse range of communities and we understand that diversity within our team is central and crucial to meeting the needs of the young people we exist to serve. We strongly encourage applications from Black, and people of colour, LGBTQIA+ candidates, candidates with disabilities, from men, and from those with a lived experience of cancer because we would like to increase the representation of these groups within the charity.

We promote equality, diversity and inclusion in our workplace and make recruitment decisions by matching the charity's needs with the skills and experience of candidates, irrespective of age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We recognise the value in encouraging a diverse range of perspectives, skills, experience and knowledge at the charity.

While the successful candidate will be selected purely on merit, in the event of a tie between two candidates with equal suitability, we may select a candidate with lived experience of the issues we are seeking to address through our work.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and we commit to offering an interview for all applicants with disabilities who meet our required criteria for the role. If you have any accessibility requirements or need any adjustments for the interview process please get in touch.

The Alumni Engagement Manager is a key role dedicated to nurturing lifelong relationships between the School and its global alumni and parent(s) of alumni community. By leading meaningful engagement, communications, and events, the role supports strategic initiatives that build a strong sense of community and encourage ongoing philanthropic support.

To apply for this role, you must have the right to work in the UK currently. We are unable to offer a visa sponsorship for this position.

Summary of duties and responsibilities:

Engagement and events:

• Execute a successful series of annual alumni and parents of alumni events locally and in the US, ensuring robust attendance, and driving successful event-based fundraisers when applicable

• Plan and support annual milestone reunions

• Schedule and host alumni tours and visits to the campus

• Actively facilitate meaningful networking and connection opportunities among current students, employees, and alumni, including alumni-to-alumni engagement

• Oversee the alumni and Grade 12 mentor program with the Office of Student Advising

• Manage the onboarding of the graduating Grade 12 class into the alumni network throughout the students’ final year at ASL, with event engagement and a fundraising appeal, in partnership with the high school leadership team

• Coordinate with the Director of Development and Giving Manager to annually promote fundraising appeals and giving challenges at alumni events and in alumni communications

Communications:

• Execute alumni communications in coordination with the Director of Development and the Communications team

• Write, design, and publish a monthly alumni newsletter, London Calling

• Research, meet, and conduct interviews with alumni of note in order to write monthly in-depth feature stories in London Calling

• Serve as lead on alumni networking software (ASLConnects, a Graduway site)

• Develop alumni content for ASL social media and online alumni platforms.

• Partner with the Giving Manager to drive success and class engagement during Grade 12 class gift campaign drive each year

• Monitor and provide updates for alumni web pages 

• Assist with copywriting for alumni fundraising around the Annual Fund and other fundraising initiatives as requested by the Director of Development

• Work with the Web Editor to ensure that alumni pages of ASL website are up-to-date, relevant, and compelling

Additional responsibilities:

• Design and occasionally send mass broadcast emails and invitations related to alumni and/or parents of alumni, in coordination with the Director of Development

• In partnership with the Communications team, build monthly London Calling features on ASL (a Finalsite website), including news stories, in memoriam notes, and class notes

• Handle daily alumni inbox communications, including processing web login and alumni portal access requests

• Manage the Eagle mascot volunteers, and select student-facing events 

• Photograph alumni and parents of alumni groups and events

• As requested, provide occasional copywriting and copy editing support to the rest of the Development team, including non–alumni specific projects

• Perform any other duties within the scope, spirit, and purpose of the job, including occasional weekend and evening hours for event coverage 

Essential qualifications/experience:

• A proven track record of event planning experience with high attention to detail, time management, budget oversight, specific management knowledge of AV and decor, and handling multiple event projects simultaneously

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, highly organized and a problem-solver, positive and friendly, strong people management and interpersonal skills

• Collaborative team colleague and a self-starter

• Ability to adjust to dynamic event environments with ease

• A proven commitment to the safeguarding and welfare of children

Desirable qualifications/experience:

• Demonstrable alumni relations experience, building and developing effective relationships

• Educated at degree level

• Independent and/or international school experience

• Knowledge proficiency in Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge

• Knowledge proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud

• Experience working with volunteers 

• Fundraising experience as it relates to cultivation and stewardship

• Experience working with effective digital marketing and communication tools including web-editing, social media communications and bulk email marketing

St Hugh’s is one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford, and the second-largest college in the University by student numbers, with a long-standing commitment to academic excellence, inclusion, and widening access. The College supports a diverse and active academic environment across a wide range of disciplines, bringing together students, academic staff and professional services colleagues in support of its core academic mission. Situated on a beautiful site near the new Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities, the College is made up of 70 academics, 130 professional services staff and 900 students. The College offers a unique and vibrant environment in which to work. 

As the College looks ahead to celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2036, we are seeking an exceptional Development Director to play an important role in the College’s future. This is a pivotal role, responsible for setting the strategic direction of the College’s fundraising activity, and for building deep, last relationships with alumni, supporters and friends of the College. Working in close collaboration with Fellows and colleagues across St Hugh’s, they will shape and deliver an ambitious new fundraising campaign to be launched ahead of the College’s 150th anniversary.  

The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on fundraising.  The Development Director will cultivate and secure principal gifts and steward key donors. They will lead the Development Office, developing and motivating a small, highly capable team of five. Reporting to the Principal, the postholder will be put forward to the College’s Governing Body for election as a Fellow by Resolution, reflecting the importance of close relationships between the Development Director and the Fellowship as a whole.

We are looking for an outstanding collegial individual, with a successful track-record of setting and delivering ambitious fundraising targets and personally securing principal gifts. Experience of leading or contributing to a major capital campaign would be an advantage. The successful candidate will be a confident communicator and diplomat, with natural influencing skills, who will be able to engage effectively with all College members, including Fellows and alumni. They will bring an inclusive and collaborative leadership style, respect the traditions of the College, and combine this with a forward-thinking approach.  This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in securing philanthropic support that will sustain the College’s academic mission for future generations.

The closing date for this role is midday on 24th March 2026.

Citizens UK 

Citizens UK is the UK’s biggest, most diverse and most effective people-powered alliance. We bring communities and local organisations together to work on issues that matter; from campaigning for zebra crossings on dangerous roads, to reforming the immigration system, to the Living Wage campaign. We have a track record of winning change through hundreds of local and national campaigns. We know everyday people have the ability to shape the world around them. We believe that through developing local leaders, we can drive nationwide change and create community-led solutions to big and small problems.

Living Wage Foundation 

The Living Wage movement began in 2001, after Citizens UK brought together communities in East London to discuss poverty and low pay. The campaign grew in momentum and soon required a mechanism to recognise employers who wanted to join the movement, which saw the establishment of the Living Wage Foundation in 2011.

Still part of Citizens UK today, the Living Wage Foundation continues to work with community organisations to make sure the voices of both workers and businesses are part of the Living Wage movement. We now work with over 16,000 employers, benefitting half a million people and winning over £3bn of better wages for people who need it most.

Citizens UK works with a broad base of institutions across the political spectrum. At the Living Wage Foundation, we take the same deliberately broad-based approach and accredit all organisations who pay the real Living Wage to their directly and indirectly employed staff and are committed to tackling in work poverty.  As a team we work across a range of industries and sectors to achieve this mission. We seek pragmatic coalitions to progress specific campaigns, and partnership around a particular issue such as Living Wage, does not imply an endorsement of broader purpose and policies.

Purpose 

The Living Wage Foundation has an exciting opportunity to join our dynamic team as a Communications Officer. We are looking for an exceptionally motivated and organised individual who enjoys working in a fast-paced, high-profile communications environment.

The role will support the objectives of the Living Wage Foundation and Citizens UK by communicating our work to a wide range of audiences, including senior business leaders and politicians, through a mix of communications methods: social media, newsletters, media outlets, website and internal communications channels. The role will be predominantly focused on work and wages activity through the Living Wage Foundation, but there will be opportunities to support cross-Citizens UK communications activity including for example: campaigns on housing, refugees and more. 

This post will be joining a Communications team that spans media, digital communications, research and events, with colleagues based across the UK with monthly in-person team meetings. 

The post holder will support the delivery of our media and press office activity, including monitoring media coverage, supporting with journalist enquiries, and helping to develop proactive press campaigns to build awareness of the Living Wage Foundation’s work. They will also support the creation of written and visual content across our channels and help monitor and manage our social media presence on a day-to-day basis. The role will work closely to support the Communications team’s work and help communicate the work of the wider-team and our employer network. 

The role is also responsible for key communications with our network of over 16,000 accredited Living Wage Employers, including our monthly newsletters, blogs, videos and case studies to celebrate our network of accredited employers   

The position would suit an applicant with strong written and communication skills, with some experience of working within a communications team and a passion for press work, social media and content creation.  

We don’t expect you to have experience of all areas of this job. Training will be provided to help you develop into this role. 

Main Responsibilities 

Working as a Communications Officer for the Living Wage Foundation, reporting to the Media Manager, your main responsibilities will include: 

Media 

• Contribute to media strategies and plans that help to win public, business and political support for the Living Wage Foundation and its work 

• Write compelling press releases, blogs and opinion editorials to promote the Living Wage Foundation’s work 

• Support story gathering and storytelling development with workers, employers and others affected by low pay and insecure work, ensuring lived experience and employer voices are reflected effectively across media work and wider communications platforms 

• Build effective relationships with the media, colleagues and other stakeholders to find new ways to raise our profile 

• Monitor and evaluate media campaigns and reports

• Maintain and regularly update communications resources, including press contact lists, internal databases and other media materials 

• Participate in the out of hours duty press (being on hand to very occasionally answer emails and phone calls in the evenings or weekends) 

Social and digital media 

• Oversee our digital communications channels to raise awareness of the Living Wage and our wider accreditation schemes, champion responsible employers and grow our movement. 

• Help the team keep up to date with social media trends and opportunities.

• Create, manage and schedule posts for our social media channels including, LinkedIn, Instagram, Bluesky, Facebook and YouTube, tailoring the content to different channels and audiences. 

• Monitor our social media channels, replying to enquiries from the public and our networks of supporters and employers and flagging any potential issues to the wider team 

Content creation 

• Working with the communication team, design and implement engaging digital engagement campaigns for Living Wage Employers and supporters, and to support Living Wage Foundation campaigns.

• Design communications collateral to increase engagement on social media, including creation and editing of short-form videos for our online channels and creation of social media graphics. 

• Improve our digital offering for our network of accredited Living Wage, Living Hours and Living Pension Employers, by creating resources and improving our communications support. 

• Liaise with the Living Wage and Citizens UK team to keep up-to-date with news to share with key stakeholders 

• Collate and summarise content to schedule newsletters and updates for our varied audiences. 

• Support in adoption of updated brand across our communications content and materials, supporting others to use brand and tone of voice guidelines. 

• Sourcing and creating original content for both the Living Wage Foundation and external websites, including creating blog posts, news, guidance and general pages. 

• Auditing and reviewing existing website content to ensure it is effective and up-to-date. Support on improvements and developments where necessary. 

Network communications 

• Drafting email communications to support the experience of our network of accredited employers, including regular newsletters as well as automated email content for new accreditations.

• Work closely with the Operations and Insight team to put in place the communications infrastructure to help our network of employers engage with us online, e.g. utilising our online dashboard for accredited members and creating new resources.

General 

• Administrate and facilitate communications team meetings. 

• Communications support for key events and campaign moments including the annual Champion Awards and Living Wage Week 

• Monitor communications outputs, analyse performance data and evaluate impact to support learning and improvement across our communications work 

Person Specification

(D) Desirable, (E) Essential 

Experience 

• Experience working within a Communications team or function (E)

• Experience using graphic design software (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite).  (D)

• Experience filming and editing video content (D) 

• Experience using website content management systems (CMS) such as Drupal, WordPress or similar (D)

• Experience of using social media scheduling tools (D)

• Experience of supporting press office or media relations work (D)

 Key skills and knowledge 

• Excellent knowledge of a wide range of social media channels and good awareness of current social media trends and developments (E)

• Strong written and verbal communication skills including the ability to produce clear original content for different audiences and use digital tools (including AI) appropriately and responsibly (E)

• Excellent attention to detail (E)

• Ability to create high-quality and engaging content for social media (whether for a personal or business account) and a good understanding of what makes compelling content (E)

• Strong analytical skills and ability to evaluate the success of a campaign(E)

• Ability to build strong relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders(E)

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders (E)

• Ability to plan and prioritise workload effectively, manage competing demands, and flag capacity issues early to support effective team planning(E)

• Good IT skills, including experience using Microsoft Office(E)

• Creative thinker and problem solver (E)

• Excellent planning, organisation, and prioritisation skills (E)

• Creative with an eye for design and ability to come up with new ideas for content(E)

 Personal qualities & values 

• Interest in media and the news landscape (E)

• An interest and enthusiasm for communications and marketing, and the mission of the Living Wage Foundation (E)

• Highly self-motivated with ability to work well independently as well as part of a team (E)

About the application process 

We work within diverse communities bringing people together. In line with our Inclusion value, we would love to see applications from LGBTQIA+ people, people from racialised communities, people living with disabilities and people of faith, all to better represent the communities we work in. We want our employees to have the working conditions that allows them to fully participate, be able to be their best authentic selves and thrive doing so, and we have employee networks to support staff. Even if you don’t quite meet all the required criteria still consider applying, as we invest in our employees and support them to develop the skills and knowledge required to deliver their role.

For questions and reasonable adjustments regarding your application including information in a different format, or our recruitment process, please email us

Got any more questions?     If you would like further information on the role, the organisation, or our commitment to addressing under-representation and the development and progression of all colleagues, we would be happy to answer any questions.   

We will be holding a webinar on Tuesday 10 March 2026 at 12pm which anyone can attend to find out more about the role. In the past, candidates have found this a helpful space for understanding whether the role is right for them. Attendance at this session is optional and will not be taken into account at any stage of the recruitment process. To sign up, please use this link.

If you’d like to know more but cannot attend the webinar, please email us.

Bedford Foodbank is an independent charity operating as a member of the Trussell Trust network of foodbanks. We employ 2 paid full time and 5 part time staff and are supported by 120 volunteers each week. The mission of Bedford Foodbank is to provide emergency food and support to individuals and families in crisis, ensuring that no one in the community goes hungry. The vision is to be a beacon of hope and support for those facing financial difficulties providing a minimum of 3 days of emergency food and support.

Role Purpose

The Operations Director role is responsible for the effective day-to-day management of the foodbank, ensuring sustainable service delivery while driving income generation and fundraising growth. You will oversee operations, fundraising strategy, partnerships, and compliance, ensuring the charity can meet increasing community need in a financially sustainable way with a passion for tackling poverty.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all operational aspects of the foodbank, ensuring efficient, safe, and compassionate service delivery.
• Oversee logistics including food sourcing, storage, distribution, and volunteer deployment.
• Deliver a fundraising and grant writing strategy to ensure long-term financial sustainability
• Monitor operational performance and report regularly to the Trustees.
• Managing employees and volunteers to ensure they are supported, motivated, and aligned with the charity’s mission
• Build strong relationships with local authorities, faith groups, businesses, schools, and other charities.
• Represent the foodbank at events, networks, and public forums to raise profile and funds.
• Maintain compliance with all policies and procedures including Health and Safety and Safeguarding

Person Specification

• Demonstrable success in fundraising, income generation and grant writing.
• Passionate about tackling poverty with empathy for people from disadvantaged, marginalised or socially excluded backgrounds
• Understanding and sympathetic approach to clients, volunteers and referral agencies
• Running a small to medium size charity operation.
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills.
• Commitment to the mission and values of a foodbank.

· Willingness to support and promote the Christian values of Bedford Foodbank

Requirements:

· Right to work in the UK

· Clean UK driving license

· Some evening and weekend work required

Use of AI in applications

We recognise that candidates may choose to use AI tools to support aspects of their application – such as grammar, formatting, or drafting. We understand that using AI tools in this way can help you express your strengths more clearly. However, your final submission must be a genuine, accurate reflection of your own skills, experience, and understanding of the role. 

To support integrity and transparency in our recruitment process, we ask that you include a brief note explaining where and how AI tools were used. Applications that appear overly generic, inconsistent with interview performance, or rely heavily on generative AI without clear attribution may raise concerns during the selection process.

Equal employment opportunity

We are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and is determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race, or is disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be justifiable.