Director of fundraising and external affairs jobs

Background
Bipolar UK’s mission is to build a better world together for everyone affected by bipolar; this includes both people living with the condition and their close friends, colleagues and family. To achieve this ambition we need to speed up diagnosis rates and ensure everyone with bipolar has the appropriate care and treatment they deserve. This includes peer support, self-management advice and research – which the charity itself provides and supports. Over the last four years Bipolar UK’s communication and policy function has grown substantially, with a dramatic increase in press coverage and steady growth in digital engagement and advocacy. It has a well developed tone of voice and will be launching a new brand profile alongside the website. The postholder will inherit a talented and growing team with four direct line reports and a wider team of skilled and engaged contractors.
 

Role purpose

You will be a seasoned communications leader with the skills and experience of overseeing a modern, efficient and dynamic communication function to achieve tangible outcomes for people affected by bipolar. The post holder will play a pivotal role in growing Bipolar UK’s brand awareness, contributing to the wider goal of achieving a £3m+ annual turnover so we can provide peer support to even more people affected by bipolar. In autumn 2025 Bipolar UK will be hitting two major milestones, launching both a new website and a high-profile campaign: ‘Could it be bipolar?’ to speed up diagnosis from the average 9.5 years it currently takes. You will be responsible for leading these projects in 2026 and beyond.

Specific Responsibilities

Overall:

• Lead the charity’s external communications, brand, and public-facing resources.
• Manage and support delivery of the charity’s external communications and marketing strategy to increase engagement with existing and new audiences and continue to improve the charity’s profile.
• Line manage and support our Senior Communications Officer, Senior Marketing Officer, Senior Website Officer and Senior Public Policy Officer.
• Develop engaging marketing campaigns to promote awareness, advocacy and services that remain true to the lived experience of bipolar.
• Oversee the Department’s budget alongside the Finance Manager.

Digital

• Lead and develop a compelling digital engagement and marketing strategy.
• Oversee the day-to-day management of our digital channels, including website, media, email marketing and social media.
• Work closely with the Head of Digital Transformation to ensure first-class digital practice.
• Lead engagement of the bipolar community through an engaging webinar, in-person events and conference programme,  which includes managing the charity’s flagship annual World Bipolar Day conference.
• Work with the CEO to develop and implement an effective charity-wide lead generation strategy.
• Work with the Directors of Fundraising and Research to develop engaging and effective campaigns that raise crucial funds and recruit research participants.
• Undertake social listening to ensure people living with bipolar are heard and have their voices amplified.

Press

• Lead the charity’s proactive and reactive press engagement to maximise the charity’s reputation and brand awareness.
• Manage the relationship with our PR agency, Sway PR, and our creative agency, Lark.
• Oversee a bank of over 150 media volunteers and high-profile Ambassadors.
• Implement the Crisis Communications Policy as and when necessary.

Policy

• Support the CEO and Senior Public Policy Officer to develop and implement an effective public affairs strategy to promote Bipolar UK public policy positions and campaigns.

The post holder will be expected to:

• Understand Protection, Health and Safety at Work, and Equality and Diversity legislation, and adhere to policies, procedures, and best practice at all times.
• Work collaboratively with other staff to deliver these responsibilities and agreed objectivesto tight deadlines.
• Be independently mobile, as travel will be required to meetings, alongside monthly trips to our London Office.
• Some evening and weekend work may be required.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties as deemed necessary by their Line Manager, Bipolar UK’s Chief Executive Officer.

In the interest of effective working the major tasks may be reviewed from time to time to reflect changing organisational needs. Any consequential changes will be carried out in consultation with the post holder.

The Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) is a national charity on a mission to end the suffering caused by cold homes and tackle the climate emergency. We want everyone to live in a warm, healthy home powered by a sustainable energy system.

We work across the UK with people, communities, local authorities, and national partners to deliver practical support, advocate for change, and share our knowledge. Collaboration, curiosity and commitment sit at the heart of how we work.

The role

We’re looking for an experienced and values-driven Senior Fundraising Manager to help us grow and diversify our income in support of CSE’s mission.

This is a strategic and hands-on role that will see you lead charitable fundraising activity across trusts and foundations, individual giving and corporate partnerships. You will work closely with the Director of Development & External Affairs to set and deliver ambitious but realistic income targets and identify opportunities that align with our goals.

You will support the development of high-quality, compelling funding proposals in collaboration with our delivery teams. You will also contribute to organisational strategy, refine internal systems and processes, and provide leadership to other development team members.

Who you are

You are a creative and collaborative fundraiser with a strong track record of securing funding and developing projects with social impact. You are comfortable taking ownership, spotting opportunities, and communicating persuasively with funders, colleagues and partners.

You bring strategic thinking, strong organisational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities. You enjoy working across teams and disciplines and are committed to building relationships and growing impact.

You will bring:

• Demonstrable experience of securing significant funding from charitable trusts and foundations.
• A broad range of fundraising experience across corporate, statutory and individual giving.
• Experience of writing compelling proposals, tenders and expressions of interest.
• Knowledge of fundraising compliance and best practice, including data protection (GDPR).
• A collaborative mindset and confidence working with senior stakeholders and delivery teams.
• Experience of line management and supporting others to learn and grow.

What we offer

Working at CSE means joining a purpose-driven and supportive team, where your work helps tackle the climate crisis and support people in need. We offer:

• Salary: £43,349 – £51,924 (Salary Grades H/I)*
• Pension: 8% employer / 6% employee
• Holiday: 25 days plus bank holidays
• Flexibility: TOIL system and hybrid working
• Development: A commitment to your career progression, training and learning
• Wellbeing: Health Cash Plan, Life Assurance, Employee Assistance Programme
• Culture: Staff-led groups including Employee Voice and our EDI working group
• Lifestyle benefits: Tech Scheme, Cycle to Work Scheme, retail discounts and more

* Starting salary will typically be at the lower end of the scale and may increase over time, based on performance and experience. There is potential to progress to Salary Band I.

Our values

We want everyone who joins CSE to feel part of something meaningful and supported. Our work and culture are grounded in our core values:

• Commitment to CSE – working together to achieve our mission and making everyone feel they belong
• Collaboration – valuing others’ contributions, sharing ideas and communicating with openness and respect
• Conscientiousness – taking care with our work, using resources wisely and striving for improvement
• Initiative – looking for ways to solve problems and support others while responding flexibly to change

How to apply

To apply, please download and complete the application form available from our CSE website and send it to our Jobs email. Your application should demonstrate your suitability for the role against the criteria outlined in the person specification and job description.

To be considered for this role an application form must be sent to us via the email. Please refer to the Information for Applicants. 

The closing date for applications is 09:00 Wednesday 6 August 2025.

Interviews are expected to take place on Tuesday 12 and Wednesday 13 August 2025, though this is subject to change.

If you require any reasonable adjustments to take part in the recruitment process, please let us know and we’ll be happy to accommodate your needs.

If invited to interview, we will ask you to provide evidence of eligibility to work in the UK.

About Us

We’re Learning and Work Institute, an independent policy and research organisation focused on lifelong learning and better work.

We're focused on the big questions. How do we help more people find work and build careers in a changing jobs market? How do we help people to be active and engaged citizens? How can more adults develop their skills over their lifetime?

About the role

This role within our external affairs team focuses on securing impact for our work through the management and delivery of effective communications, events, campaigns and public affairs work.

This varied role involves management of L&W’s digital communications, press and media work, stakeholder relations and events throughout the year. The role also involves supporting the delivery of L&W’s flagship campaign, Get the Nation Learning, and supporting L&W’s public affairs work. The postholder will work closely with the senior management and research and development teams to develop and deliver effective communications and influencing strategies, and to support fundraising through sponsorship of our events and other communications activities. The role involves working with our team in Wales who lead on campaigns and activities in Wales.

The ideal candidate will need experience of working in a busy communications role; experience of developing and delivering in person and online events; a track record of building relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels; flexibility and adaptability; excellent project management skills; and an interest in adult learning, employment and skills policy. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Communications

• Secure press and media coverage for L&W’s work, including proactively identifying opportunities to promote our work, responding to press and media enquiries, and working with colleagues to launch research reports and other outputs.
•  Lead the development of regular and ad-hoc external communications, including press releases, newsletters and marketing communications.
•  Manage our social media channels and website, producing regular, high-quality content.
•  Ensure all activities are monitored and evaluated to assess impact and to inform future work.

Events

• Manage the planning and delivery of L&W’s in-person and online events, including our annual Employment and Skills Convention.
• Work with internal and external colleagues to develop content for L&W’s events, including securing high-profile speakers.
• Secure sponsorship for L&W’s events.
• Ensure all activities are monitored and evaluated to assess impact and to inform future work.

Campaigns

• Support the delivery of Get the Nation Learning, including national awards, Get the Nation Learning Week, and regional adult learning awards.
• Work with colleagues to secure sponsorship for Get the Nation Learning.

Policy and public affairs

• Support the planning and delivery of L&W’s public affairs activities, with a focus on UK Parliament, UK Government, Mayoral Combined Authorities, and local government in England, in order to raise our profile and deliver impact.
• Undertake regular public affairs activities, including: horizon scanning and planning for upcoming parliamentary activity; writing to Ministers and MPs; coordinating parliamentary briefings, parliamentary questions and consultation responses; and other policy influencing opportunities.
• Ensure all activities are monitored and evaluated to assess impact and to inform future work.

Other duties

• Line manage staff according to organisational need.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade and level of responsibility for this post.

About you

Essential criteria:

• Excellent communication (oral and written), good copywriting, with the ability to tailor communications to a range of audiences.
• Proficient in MS Office.
•  Strong social media skills including the use of platforms such as Bluesky and LinkedIn, with proficiency in the use of web and social media analytics tools, such as Google Analytics.
• Basic design skills and familiarity with design software, such as Canva.
• Proficient in the use of CRM, email marketing and website editing software.
• Strong project management skills.
• Knowledge of the press and media, and how to secure coverage.
• Knowledge of, and commitment to, L&W’s charitable aims and purpose.
• Proven experience in a communications role.
• Experience of designing and managing events.
• Proven ability to work under pressure, prioritise workloads, negotiate and meet deadlines.

Desirable Criteria:

• Knowledge of the policy-making process and how to influence it. 
• Knowledge of current policy and practice in education, skills, and employment, and associated areas of public policy.
• Experience of managing successful influencing campaigns.
• Experience of fundraising, marketing and securing sponsorship to support activities.
• People management.

A full job description and person specification is available on our website.

Benefits

Salary of £35,450 - £44,115, depending on experience and location

- 31 days' holiday increasing to 33 days after 5 years’ service, of which 3 are shutdown days in addition to public holidays.

- Generous company pension scheme with 8% employer contribution

- Group Life Assurance 3*salary

- Hybrid working (with 40%-60% of your time in the office)

- Flexible working practices

- Employee Development Scheme

- Retailer Discounts

- Enhanced occupational maternity, adoption, paternity and shared parental pay

- Enhanced occupational sick pay

- Eye care scheme

- Employee Assistance & Wellbeing Programme

- Gold award in Investors in People

Job Title: Food Education Network Director

Position Type: Paid/Part time

Reports to: Food Education Network Steering Group

Salary: £44,000 FTE equating to £26,400 pro rated

Location: School Food Matters, London TW9 2RD (minimum one day a week in office)

Working Hours: Three days per week

Holiday: 19 days including bank holidays that fall on working days

Pension: School Food Matters matches pension contributions at 7% of pensionable earnings

Contract: Fixed term for one year to be extended with successful fundraising

Background

The Food Education Network (FEN) began in 2020 as a coalition of organisations passionate about improving food education in schools and other settings to influence recommendations for the National Food Strategy.

School Food Matters is now looking for an experienced and passionate leader with skills in advocacy and communications to lead the future development of the Food Education Network and its next stage of influencing government policy around food education from early years into the secondary phase.

Main Responsibilities

The Director will build on the foundations already laid to establish the Food Education Network as a new member organisation to bring the sector together. This role will involve building close relationships with a wide range of external partners to ensure the Network is a credible voice on food education policy and is campaigning with its members to make change happen. The role will be split between governance of the network (40%) and influencing government policy (60%). 

Principle Duties:

· Define and clearly present the top policy priorities around food education and take these to politicians, the media and wider world

· Build close relationships with key decision-makers to influence food education policy

· Raise awareness of food education within the educational community

· Support the steering committee to raise funds

· Grow and solidify the Food Education Network, setting out a one-year plan with clear objectives, purpose, operations and governance

· Continue to build the membership of the Network, reaching out to organisations in the food education sector who can help add to the Network’s voice and evidence

Ideal Candidate

· Can work confidently in a start-up role to grow an organisation almost from scratch

· Solid understanding of public affairs, policymaking, and communications

· Significant experience of working in advocacy at a senior level

· Proven ability to effectively influence a range of political stakeholders and communicate complex policy positions verbally and in writing

· Ability to bring together a range of stakeholders behind a shared strategy, matrix managing multi-disciplinary teams across organisations and managing differences of position and views

· Comfortable with managing multiple workstream, rapidly assessing the changing political environment and adapting strategies accordingly

· Genuine interest in championing food education.

Are you passionate about the wellbeing of people and the planet?

Can you engage people through effective communications and events?

If so, we’d love to hear to hear from you.

We believe in people and the planet thriving together. We want to see a world where thriving is possible - because society is structured to support people's wellbeing rather than to undermine it. We're building a network of wellbeing changemakers who share our vision.

We're now recruiting for a Network Development Manager to oversee our relationships with our followers, including by rolling out a new Ambassador programme. Working from home, somewhere in the UK, flexibly for three days a week, the successful candidate will play a major role at the heart of a growing movement to embed wellbeing in our economy and our society.

They will be a good team player with experience of engaging networks of passionate people. They will have excellent spoken and written communications skills and a track record in organising exciting online and in-person events. Some fundraising experience would be an advantage, but above all, they will have a passion for wellbeing - of people and of the planet.  

Note

• We are looking to ensure the diversity of the staff group reflects the diversity of people in the UK and would welcome applications from people in all social groups.
• We offer 28 days paid leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays and membership of our pension scheme.
• All appointments to the Network of Wellbeing are subject to a six-month probation period.

Head of Individual Giving & Supporter Engagement

We are looking for a Head of Individual Giving & Supporter Engagement to join the team in this hybrid working role.

This is an exciting time to join the team and the charity on its incredible journey.

Position: Head of Individual Giving & Supporter Engagement
Location: Cambridge/Hybrid
Salary: £50,000 - £55,000 per annum (depending on experience)
Hours: Full Time (37.5 hours per week)
Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: Thursday 24th July 2025
 

The Role

You will lead the Individual Giving and Supporter Engagement strategy, delivering the growth needed to make two new hospitals – Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital and Cambridge Children’s Hospital – a reality.

You will:

• Lead a team of fundraisers to deliver inspiring appeals and innovative fundraising propositions.
• Drive net income and supporter growth across all Individual Giving streams including regular giving, digital, appeals, and lottery.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and analysis, ensuring activities are insight-led and maximise return on investment.
• Develop first-class donor journeys and stewardship experiences to foster supporter loyalty.
• Play a pivotal role in engaging Addenbrooke’s patients and staff to build a sustainable mass participation fundraising model.

If you’re passionate about transforming healthcare and understand the power of emotionally intelligent donor engagement, we’d love to hear from you.

About You

We’re seeking an ambitious and data-savvy fundraising leader who can think both strategically and creatively.

You will have:

• Significant experience in direct marketing and individual giving at management level.
• Strong leadership credentials with a proven ability to develop and motivate teams.
• A track record in delivering successful donor acquisition and retention campaigns.
• Exceptional understanding of supporter engagement, CRM systems, and compliance including GDPR.
• Experience in developing innovative products and donor propositions, ideally in a healthcare or charity setting.

Benefits Include:

• Pension Scheme with 7% Employer Contribution
• 25 days annual leave (plus Bank Holidays) increasing with service
• Birthday Leave
• Health Cash Plan (Medicash)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Group Life Assurance (4x salary)
• On-site Leisure Centre
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• NHS Discount Schemes

About the Organisation

Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT) is the only charity dedicated to supporting innovation in patient care across Cambridge University Hospitals. We’re working to make two world-leading hospitals a reality and improve lives for thousands of people across the region and beyond. Our supporters are at the heart of what we do – many have experienced our hospitals first-hand and their stories are integral to our success.

ACT is committed to diversity and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Individual Giving Manager, Supporter Engagement Manager, Head of Fundraising, Direct Marketing Manager, Lottery Fundraising, Head of Donor Development, Head of Supporter Experience.

Help us speak up for Scotland’s seas

Open Seas is a small, ambitious, and fast-growing environmental charity on a mission to protect and restore marine life around Scotland. We expose harmful practices, challenge bad policy, and work alongside fishers, communities and scientists to bring our seas back to life.

We’re looking for a dynamic Head of Communications to lead our external communications, shape compelling campaigns, and help us punch far above our weight.

Why join us?

We are a team of eight and we spend a lot of time out on the water and along the coast investigating damage, gathering evidence, filming, photographing, and engaging people face-to-face. We own a boat and do our own fieldwork. We take pride in turning complex science and policy into clear, motivating messages that cut through to media, decision-makers and the public.

You will work closely with our Director and Operations Lead as part of the senior management team bringing creative leadership and strategic direction to our comms team. This is your chance to help shape an organisation with growing public influence, strong legal wins, and a track record of impact in one of the most important environmental issues in Scotland, and the rest of the UK.

Who we’re looking for

We are looking for a natural storyteller and strategic thinker. You know how to land a headline, write a great campaign plan, and build lasting relationships with a range of people (journalists, supporters and other stakeholders). You will be comfortable translating science into tweets and research into narrative. You care deeply about nature, especially life under the waves.

You might have worked in campaigns, public affairs, journalism or the charity sector. You may have led a team, or be ready to step into a leadership role. Most of all, you want to make a difference.

What is the role?

• Lead all external communications across the organisation

• Develop and deliver bold, values-led campaign comms

• Manage and grow communications staff and freelancers

• Shape our digital presence, media strategy and brand

• Collaborate closely with our campaign, legal and research teams

• Help us grow our reach, profile and impact
   

What we offer

• A flexible, friendly and passionate team

• Opportunity to shape a growing organisation

• Meaningful work with real-world impact

• Time outdoors from field investigations to coastal storytelling

• Remote and flexible working, with travel across Scotland

• Supportive, collaborative environment with space to lead

To apply, please submit your CV and a short covering letter explaining why you’re the right fit for this role by 25/07/25

Please note we are unable to consider application without a covering letter

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities. If you’d like to chat informally before applying, please get in touch.

Salary: £57,000 per annum.

Location: Hybrid Work Culture. We are proud to promote a truly hybrid work culture, recognising that every role is different, and everyone has unique needs and preferences. Our Hybrid Work Arrangement empowers each team member to work with their manager to choose the most effective way to work that balances your needs and Hospice UK’s.

The External Affairs team is based across the UK, including in Wales and Scotland. We’re open minded about where you are based, but the nature of our work, particularly our media and public affairs, means regular presence in London is necessary. We’re looking for someone who is happy to commit to being in London a day a week on average. 

Contractually this role in London-based.

Benefits:

• 25 days in the first year, increasing to 27.5 days in the second year of service and 30 days in the third.
• Matched pension scheme up to 7% of salary
• Support for staff with caring responsibilities
• Family-friendly culture

How to Apply: CV and supporting statement. 

Closing date for applications: 12-noon on Monday 21 July 2025

Interview dates: Wednesday 30 and Thursday 31 July 2025. Interviews will take place in person at our offices in London. 

We’ll send assessments and some questions to you in advance so that you can prepare. Let us know if you have any specific needs to be able to fully engage with the process.

Job Information

This is an opportunity to lead an award winning communications team – Third Sector Communications Team of the Year in 2024 – that’s tasked with changing how we think about hospice, end of life and palliative care in the UK.

As the charity representing the UK’s 200+ hospices, we have secured ourselves a significant national platform in the past year or two, with regular, top-tier national media, and online campaigns which have forced the government to act. 

With assisted dying legislation progressing across the UK, now is a critically important moment for the public – and for politicians – to better understand what hospice care is all about, and the challenges we face.

As part of our mission to promote and protect hospice care for all, it is critical that our communications team keeps it high on the agenda. We’ve built huge momentum – whether with regular national TV news coverage, a rapidly growing online supporter base, or though our recently overhauled brand. But we need a savvy, politically switched-on Head of Communications and Campaigns to keep that going, and to make it pay off.

Hospices are amongst our most loved community charities, and our job as the national charity for hospice care is to rally the public – as well as major donors like companies and trusts – to support these brilliant organisations.

You’ll need a strong eye for a story, and an integrated understanding of the full spectrum of communications, campaigns and marketing. You’ll likely be a specialist in one area – which is fine – but we want someone who can join the dots, spot the opportunities, and inspire a team of specialists.

Hospices are under huge pressure. Funding is tight, and demand is surging. This is your chance, in the coming years, to play a leading role in fighting for hospices to get the support they need – from government, from the media, and from the public.

More information about the role is available in the candidate information pack (available on our website to download)

How to apply

If you would like to apply for this role, please send the following documents to us by 12-noon on Monday 21 July 2025:

• Your CV. Ideally in Microsoft Word format and less than 3 pages of A4
• A completed supporting statement form (where you can demonstrate how you meet the person specification) - available on our website to download
• A completed equalities monitoring form - available on our website to download

We will shortlist candidates based on their CV and supporting statements. A briefing of what to expect will be sent in advance to shortlisted candidates.

Closing date for applications: by 12-noon on Monday 21 July 2025.

We believe in fair recruitment and working to remove bias, so all applications will have identifying indicators removed before being submitted to the shortlisting panel.

Please make sure you provide your contact details in your email. Please note the interview dates above and let us know if there are any accommodations you might need to participate fully in the process. We will try to be flexible.

To be considered for this role you must have the right to live and work in the UK for your application to be progressed. Hospice UK is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

The Policy and Advocacy Manager will play a key role in the Doctors of World UK policy and advocacy team and organisation, driving and shaping UK health policy and delivering programmes to advance the right to health in the UK.

The role works to maximise DOTW’s influence and impact on health policy debates whilst influencing practice in health services to ensure accessible and equitable healthcare for everyone living in the UK.

The role will take a lead on Doctors of the World’s work to build capacity within the UK health system to provide accessible and equitable primary care services for migrants and refugees and be responsible for managing, analysing and reporting on data from our medical programmes in order to support advocacy and research work.

Full time role. Applications for the role on a part time basis are welcomed. Please specify this in your covering letter.