Director of fundraising and external affairs jobs

About the team​

The Investment Team is responsible for selecting portfolio partners, managing our charity investments and supporting our portfolio partners to improve and scale their impact.

The Investment Team also leads the Impetus Leadership Academy, a leadership development programme to support talent from ethnic minority backgrounds in the UK youth sector to progress into senior leadership roles.

The team is made up of 19 people, including former teachers, charity chief executives, charity impact leads, management consultants, social investment portfolio managers and impact consultants.

The team is led by a Portfolio Director who sits on the Senior Management Team. The Portfolio Director has 5 direct reports: a Deputy Portfolio Director, three Sector Leads (who lead our work in School engagement, School attainment and Employment Sectors) and an Impact Lead. Sector Leads line manage 6 Investment Directors. Investment Directors line manage Investment Managers (currently 6). Investment Directors and Investment Managers tend to primarily focus on a sector but might have mixed portfolios, depending on need, experience and interest.

The Investment Team has a good track record of role progression. All four Leads and a number of our Investment Directors were promoted from within the team.

The team is passionate, rigorous, determined, creative and warm. We come from a range of backgrounds and bring a broad mix of perspectives.  We care deeply for our colleagues, our portfolio partners and the young people we serve.

​About this role

We believe that all young people deserve to succeed in school and in work, whatever their background. We are pleased to be able to expand our team to support our growing portfolio of charity and non-profit partners, in order to reach and impact more lives. The role of Investment Manager presents an exciting opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the organisations we serve, the team itself, and the whole of Impetus.

We support a portfolio of 23 high potential charity and non-profit partners in the youth sector, helping them deliver benchmark-beating employment and education outcomes for young people, and to grow.

We believe the strength of our approach resides in three things:
1. Building deep, trust-based sustainable relationships with charity leaders by, investing time, kindness, integrity and honesty
2. Providing our charities multi-year, unrestricted funding to help them become sector-leading organisations and scale their impact
3. Offering tailored advice to charity leaders’ most pressing and strategic questions, including their mission, programme design, performance management, growth planning, and financial resilience.

Working with our portfolio partners is a privilege. The leaders we support are incredibly talented, passionate and keen for external advice, and the issues we work through with them are stimulating and stretching. Our senior management relationships are some of the most fulfilling relationships many of us have had in our careers. The growth and impact performance of our partners are testament to their commitment to disadvantaged young people and the influence we have on their development.

Partners and funders often comment on the quality of our people. Our team is analytical and data driven; we are deeply relational, low-ego and collaborative. We actively invest in our colleagues holding regular training and community of practice sessions, and use skills-based assessments to tailor development.

As an organisation we seek to embed diversity of thought, background and experience in every aspect of our work and actively challenge our assumptions to better deliver change. Over the past two years we have taken action to help reduce racial inequality in the youth sector. In 2021 we launched our Connect Fund to support diverse leaders and their robust solutions to the entrenched employment gap faced by young people from ethnic minority backgrounds compared with their white peers. We have also built a highly regarded Leadership Academy for emerging youth sector leaders from ethnic minority backgrounds, with generous from Bank of America and State Street Foundation.

If you are looking for a role combining strategic thinking, analytical insight and influencing emerging leaders, as well as the opportunity to work with a supportive team to transform young lives, I hope you will apply to work with us.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sebastien Ergas
Portfolio Director

Key responsibilities

Finding high potential charities and non-profit organisations to join our portfolio

• Supporting the annual cycle of identifying new investments - mapping the landscape of charities in thematic areas (e.g. Apprenticeships and Skills), conducting structured analysis of key impact and financial data and reviewing the current evidence base to identify high potential charities and inform options for Investment Directors.
• ​Contributing to due diligence of new organisations by reviewing quantitative and qualitative charity information ) and preparing clear assessments of suitability for investment; This includes considering impact and scale potential, financial stability and summarising risks and recommendations for senior review. Requires strong relationship management, in co-ordination with Investment Directors, when engaging with potential charity partners.
• ​Supporting Investment Directors in developing, preparing and presenting high quality investment propositions to our Investment Committee.

Supporting and managing relationships with portfolio partners 

• Working closely with Investment Directors to support portfolio partners across all areas of our work - leadership, impact and sustainability – owning defined(e.g. impact management or financial analysis).
• ​Building trust-based relationships with portfolio partners including senior leaders and  delivery staff, acting as a valued advisor on practice improvement contributing insight and support while escalating strategic issues to Investment Directors and Programme/Impact leads.
• ​Working with Impact teams at portfolio partners to develop and refine impact management practices; including data collection, dashboard development, performance review meetings, programme design and evaluation.
• ​Supporting portfolio partners functional leads (e.g. Director of Impact) to develop as leaders by contributing insights and tools to help drive and strengthen impact-led approaches within their organisations.
• ​Coordinating pro- bono projects leveraging our large network of corporate volunteers to provide targeted support for our portfolio partners in key areas (e.g. strategy, marketing advice, financial analysis).
• ​Supporting Investment Directors with the design and delivery of theory of change workshops, conducting preparatory analysis of charity impact data developing and analysing pre-workshop surveys and co-facilitating workshops.
• ​Supporting the coordination and delivery of Impetus’ quarterly peer learning forums for our portfolio partners, in particular the Impact Forum.
• ​Supporting investment governance by preparing clear and accurate reports for Investment and Steering Committees.

Support to Impetus​

• Developing knowledge and expertise in Education and Youth Employment domains, staying up to date on relevant sector developments and applying this insight to support analysis and decision making.
• ​Working collaboratively on Impetus’ public affairs and philanthropy objectives by contributing evidence, insight and content to case studies, research, policy campaigns, donor reports and events.
• ​Sharing the learning from our work across the team and organisation and supporting communication of insights externally where appropriate.
• ​Working within Impetus strategy, policies and procedures.

Person specification

​Essential​

• A commitment to Impetus’ mission and values
• ​Able to build productive, trust-based relationships internally and with senior external stakeholders including portfolio partners and co-investors, escalating strategic issues to Investment Directors as needed
• ​Strong relationship building and management skills
• ​Highly analytical and numerate, able to draw insights from a range of data sources, with good command of Excel or similar tools
• Clear and strategic thinker; able to clearly and concisely communicate insights and key messages via a range of mediums, including PowerPoint and Word
• ​Proven ability to work independently, within a defined scope and escalate risks promptly
• ​Clear and analytical thinker; keen to work collaboratively with Investment Directors and contribute evidence based insights to team discussions and decision making
• ​Strong planning and time management, able to balance between priorities 
• ​Displays tenacity and initiative in progressing work within agreed frameworks
• ​Growth mind-set; seeks out and acts on feedback
• ​A strong interest in partnering closely with organisations, supporting them to strengthen delivery and impact.
• ​A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion in our work and our organisation

If you don't tick all these boxes, but still feel that you fit the profile, please apply anyway.

Desirable​

(candidates with one or more of the following may be particularly well suited to the role)

• Experience in consulting, investment management, or other in-depth grant making and capacity building work
• ​Previous experience working with charities. Could be in a previous role, pro-bono volunteer or Trustee capacity
• ​Experience in charity impact management or monitoring, evaluation and learning
• ​Experience working in, or deep understanding of, UK education and youth employment sectors 
• ​Experience facilitating workshops or presenting to larger groups
• ​Financial acumen – including experience supporting financial analysis and modelling, fundraising pipeline development and review of financial information e.g, annual accounts, to assess and identify financial risk
• ​Project Management experience  

​About Impetus

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our Values​

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

We are brave and curious

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

We bring high trust, high challenge

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

We are evidence led and results driven for young people

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

We thrive through diversity

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

We always seek collaboration

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

Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

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

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

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

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

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

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

​Our employee benefits ​

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

How to apply

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

You will need to:​

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

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

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

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

The deadline for applications is Sunday 29th March 2026, 11:59pm.​

Interviews:​

1st Interviews will take place on w/c 13th April 2026.

2nd Interviews will take place on w/c 20th April 2026.​

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

Personal Data

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

Bible Society believes the Bible is God’s gift for God’s world. We share it because we believe it changes lives for good. We want Christians to be confident in the Bible’s truthfulness and reliability, and we want to change how people talk about it in wider society and invite them to see it as a source of wisdom and joy.

We’re now seeking aHead of Communications, with exceptional PR campaign experience, someone who canlead high-impact multi-channel campaigns that influence opinion and spark conversations. You’ll set and drivea bold, integrated communications strategy at a significant cultural moment for Bible Society. You will ensure we continue to speak clearly and confidently into both the Church and wider public life, helping position the Bible as a source of wisdom and hope. This is a role for a gifted communicator who can navigate complex cultural issues with clarity and grace, while bringing theological sensitivity, cultural intelligence and strategic insight 

You’ll oversee all aspects of our external and internal communications – from media relations,campaign delivery, digital engagement and reputation management to editorial quality, storytelling and internal messaging. Leading a talented multidisciplinary team, you will help shape how Bible Society is understood, trusted and talked about, equipping senior leaders (including our Chief Executive) to communicate with confidence and impact.

If you’re excited by the challenge of creating standout PR campaigns, engaging diverse audiences and championing the credibility and relevance of Scripture today – and you have the legal right to work and remain in the UK – we’d love to hear from you. Please provide your CV and a 250-word statement that sets out your motivation and relevant experience for the job. 

The Vacancy

We are looking for an entrepreneurial and proactive Partnerships Manager with a strong instinct for business development and a track record of turning opportunities into significant funding partnerships. You will be energised by identifying new prospects, opening doors and building relationships with trusts, foundations and corporate partners. Creative and strategic in your approach, you will be comfortable shaping compelling propositions and developing confident high seven figure funding asks that resonate with large philanthropic donors.

You will also be a mature, thoughtful and kind manager who can lead and develop a high performing team. We are looking for someone who can set ambitious targets, encourage initiative and create an environment where colleagues feel trusted, motivated and able to grow, while playing a central role in expanding and diversifying a major global funding portfolio.

JOB PURPOSE

The Partnerships Manager will be a key position within the fundraising team, managing key private donors and co-leading on developing and implementing a new business strategy focused on significantly increasing trust and foundation and corporate funders.

They will also be working with SLT members to put together strategic seven and eight figure grants and strategic plans to engage large global donors to support Start Network programming.

The Resource Mobilisation team works collaboratively with those in programmes to manage internal and external relationships, adopting a coordinated approach when it comes to donor management and reporting.

The Partnerships Manager, together with the Head of Resource Mobilisation, will set and deliver a strategy that maximises trust and foundation and corporate funding and set a clear path to bring in new donors and increase income substantially over the coming three years. Currently the funding portfolio you will be managing is over £30million from 13+ global donors. This means this role is personally responsible for engaging and retaining 60% of our donors. This role will set a strategy to increase income according to targets, maximise donors plus retain all key strategic donors through robust engagement plans. Beyond this, the person in post will line manage three with scope for growth in 2026. 

Additionally, across 2026-2028 and beyond they will lead on the development of an employee engagement offering with our corporates and corporate foundations in order to create a new avenue of unrestricted funding. 

Beyond this, we expect this role, to lead on behalf of the resource mobilization team key global events, particularly Skoll / Marmalade and Shift the Power. In collaboration with the Institutional Funding Manager they will also plan our activities London and NY Climate Weeks. They will set the plans and strategy for the organization to engage with these events and work with Directors, CEO, Heads of, and coordinate cross organisational plans for this together with our Head of Advocacy and Influence. 

Finally, this role will act as a key point of contact for the communications and advocacy teams and will need to make sure donor requirement and visibility will be taken into account across teams projects and strategies. 

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Increase new business from trusts and foundations and corporate funders

• Lead on the development of an innovative strategy together with the Head of Resource Mobilisation and Director of Business Development to identify and drive new business from trusts and foundations and corporates.
• Responsible for growing our funding from new geographical areas (focus on US and Asia) and sectors (Insurance) – and set a plan that will enable the diversification of our funding portfolio. 
• Oversee the development and implementation of an employee engagement offer in order to create a new avenue of unrestricted income and boost the interest of corporate donors.  
• Drive high quality prospecting of new potential funders across the organisation by working with and guiding heads of teams and the CEO strategically to engage with this task. 
• Oversee how the organisation engages strategically with large trusts and foundations and corporates (potential giving 7 and 8 figures).
• Co-lead on the planning of key global events with our external affairs team such as Climate Week (New York and London) and make sure we have a cross organisational strategic approach to these events. 
• Oversee the strategy to catalyse new relationships with middle sized trusts and foundations and corporates with a potential giving of 6 figures.
• Set a plan to attract more flexibility funding that can enable the organisation to catalyse key strategic projects that fall out of our programmes.
• Lead on developing positioning for corporate partnerships (insurance, finance, and tech industries), new areas of business for Start Network.
• Lead on the business planning process for the Trust and Foundations and Corporates Team.
• Manage large event budgets and make sure resources are used effectively.
• Work with programmes teams and colleagues to understand funding needs and develop creative ways to position and pitch areas of Start Network such as hubs, innovation etc.
• Work with programmes teams and finance team to drive and support the development of robust budgets and narrative proposals for large and medium sized asks.
• Attend and speak at key advocacy events, representing the resource mobilisation team as required, in order to meet donors and advocate for Start Network’s mission

Ensure high quality stewardship of current philanthropic donors

• Responsible for the overall stewardship of several high giving trusts and foundations (6, 7 & 8 figures).
• Oversee the development of quality reporting and updates for donors and make sure we have clear processes and systems for this to happen
• Responsible for making sure the resource mobilization team is creating informative and engaging updates across programmes for T&F and corporate donors.
• Work across teams to implement the insurance advisory group and make sure this group links back to resource mobilization strategies. 
• Work with heads of teams to develop an engaging agenda for the insurance advisory group, taking into account the function and work with finance team to ensure appropriate expenditure of grant. Oversee the development of complex donor budgets and make sure they are ready for CFOO and Director approval.
• Support grant management function and work with finance team to ensure appropriate expenditure of grants.
• Work closely with the communications team in order to set up a strategic comms plan that will enable the organisation to position itself as a trend setter in the humanitarian sector, particularly around our core areas of work. 

Influence externally

• Work with the Head of Resource Mobilisation and Director of Business Development to position Start Network strategically in global funding discussions.
• Engage key donors at strategic events and meetings.
• Work with the Head of Advocacy and External Affairs to coordinate advocacy messages for donors.
• Represent the organisation in key donor events globally, as required.
• Build knowledge and capacity within the organisation
• To carry out the responsibilities of the role in line with the Start Network Code of Conduct and with a commitment to safeguarding adults and children.
• A commitment to the Start Network vision, principles, values, and approach.
• The Start Network team is an agile group of individuals who use their experience and skills across the network, so flexibility to work in and with different teams and functions is a part of our culture.

Line Management

• To carry out effective line management of a team, including recruiting and training direct reports and having an active role in building an inclusive team culture in line with our values
• Oversee and manage high performing team.
• Coach and mentor team members, as appropriate, enabling them to fulfil their potential.
• Mentor hubs and in country fundraising manager, sharing and catalysing foundation and corporate opportunities for hubs.
• Ensure the organisation builds its capacity around donors’ compliance and policies.
• Deputise for the Head of Resource Mobilisation where required.
• Ensure all staff members in the Trust and Foundation and Corporate team have relevant objectives, targets and other KPI’s.
• Lead by example, building the team’s confidence, supporting them as appropriate and being a positive influence across the organisation.
• Drive a positive culture of fundraising within the Resource Mobilisation team and across Start Network.

Start Network Culture

• To carry out the responsibilities of the role in line with the Start Network Code of Conduct and with a commitment to safeguarding adults and children 
• A commitment to the Start Network vision, principles, values, and approach 
• The Start Network team is an agile group of individuals who use their experience and skills across the network, so flexibility to work in and with different teams and functions is a part of our culture. 

This role description is non-exhaustive and includes any other duties that may reasonably be required for the role. 

PERSON PROFILE

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• A well stablished fundraiser, with experience of developing relationships with a wide range of private funders (including 7-8 figure multi-year grants).
• A leader with management experience who can grow a team effectively.
• Good understanding the humanitarian sector  and key stakeholders and can represent Start Network accordingly in global external event.
• An experienced bid writer who can oversee the process of bids creation and can write them when required. 
• A person who is experienced in putting together multi million pound budgets, working across teams.
• An experience fundraiser who has managed large donors such as Gates, Hilton, IKEA.
• Experience in managing a £10m annual plus portfolio.
• Experience negotiating complex multi-million pound contracts.
• A confident speaker who can pitch and convince technical donors to fund our cause.
• A leader with experience in setting funding strategies and executing them
• Proactive and strong skills in business development, with experience of taking the lead on identifying and securing new funding opportunities.
• A creative eye, with skills and experience supporting and leading on the development and implementation of communications strategies for fundraising.
• An individual who is keen to be part of a smaller organisation, playing a significant role in furthering a collaborative fundraising culture, with the autonomy to try new approaches and build on existing relationships.
• A person who is target and output driven and is looking to set ambitious goals for themselves and the team and not afraid to try, fail and improve
• A fundraiser who enjoys working across complex proposals and donors requirements and is solutions focused

Desirable

• Experience in impact investment, insurance or blended finance 
• Masters in relevant subject such as international development, international relations, etc.
• Fluency in Spanish or French and other languages 

The Company

Start Network is made up of more than 90 non-governmental organisations across five continents, ranging from large international organisations to local and national NGOs. Our programmes allow members to deliver humanitarian action around the world.

Our mission is to create a new era of humanitarian action that will save even more lives. We aren’t driven by media headlines or political will, we’re here for the communities affected by and at risk of crises.

We are an organisation committed to doing things differently. For some roles, we need more technical humanitarian expertise, but for other roles, we are looking for relevant transferable skills, the right attitude, and a passion to bring change.

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.

Project Information 

Butetown and Grangetown Neighbourhood Fund project, funded by the Youth Endowment Fund. More details here: Neighbourhood Fund | Youth Endowment Fund 

Citizens Cymru Wales has developed an innovative approach to reducing youth violence with community organising at its heart, working across four unique assumptions:  

• ‘It takes a village to raise a child’  

• ‘Anger without power leads to rage’  

• ‘Recognising the need to address Adverse Community Experiences’  

• ‘If you are not at the table, you’re on the menu’  

In 2021 it developed a community led action plan to address youth violence in the neighbourhoods of Butetown and Grangetown. This work then secured £1m funding from the Youth Endowment Fund (YEF) to demonstrate how community organising can improve the lives of children and young people. Across Grangetown and Butetown, almost 2500 people were listened to, and issues workshops took place from which seven interventions were identified including Mental health, Additional Learning Needs and Literacy, an Employment partnership, Sports and diversionary activities and local microgrants. Each intervention is led by a local community-based organisation. At the heart of the work is building a hyperlocal community organising alliance.  Underpinning the work is the development of a Youth Action Zone, a youth-led multi-agency partnership to support young people in the neighbourhood for the long term. The project is in its final year of delivery and needs a locally based project manager to support the current organisations to fulfil the action plan and build a long-term legacy.

Main Responsibilities 

This is a unique role, focused on project management but embedding community organising. As project organiser for Butetown and Grangetown Neighbourhood Fund you will support the project aims, enabling core partners and intervention leads to fulfil the action plan and build a legacy for the long term. Alongside this, you will develop a craft of community organising, working closely with civic organisations based in the neighbourhoods, understanding local power and building partnerships with wider stakeholders, and developing local institutions and youth leaders. All of this should ladder up to building the power of the broader Cardiff Citizens alliance. 

You will embed the ethos of community organising across the project and its legacy by: 

• developing the leadership of people within local organisations - our 'leaders' who lead the campaigns we work on 

• helping them to collectively identify the changes they want to see and create strategies to win those changes 

• strengthen institutions’ own abilities to achieve their missions. 

• Support leaders in connecting the hyperlocal work to the Cardiff Citizens alliance – developing their capacity to work with other leaders and civic institutions across the city to develop collective ambitions and actions (leading up to the 2027 Local Authority elections). 

We envisage the role to be roughly 2 days project management and 1 day Community Organising, but given the nature of the project, these will naturally bleed into one another. 

Working as the Project Organiser for Citizens UK, your main responsibilities will include: 

Career Pathways Headings 

Build and manage projects and achieve work targets effectively 

• Project manage the YEF/Citizens UK Neighbourhood Fund project in the neighbourhoods of Butetown and Grangetown

• Support the delivery of four interventions (Mental health, ALN & Literacy/Sports and Police action team) including due diligence, accountability, measurement and impact monitoring. 

• Ensure good governance; setting up stakeholder meetings and working with community leaders to develop the agenda and actions 

• Develop an understanding of place-based systems change and support system behaviours across the project, including feedback, collaborative leadership and shared power 

Develop and manage external relationships 

• Maintain and extend local relationships and partnerships with community and civic organisations and wider statutory power 

• Map and develop an ecosystem of strategic relationships at the local level

• Ensure the YEF work is embedded within the local ecosystem of support for young people.

Communications 

• Support the interventions with communicating the impact of their work individually and collectively 

• Create comms outputs that communicate the work of the YEF project for internal and external stakeholders 

• Represent the organisation effectively to external audiences in meetings and at events

Generate income and resources 

• Support the interventions to seek additional funding to continue their work beyond 2027 

• Support local organisations to increase their capacity  

Identify and develop relational leaders prepared to act with others for the common good and support them through a cycle of action and training in our curriculum 

• Conduct 5 relational one-to-ones per week 

• Identify and discern actual and potential leaders with the passion and ability to drive change

• Achieve significant development of primary and secondary leaders; nominate new leaders for training on the Citizens UK core taster curriculum and for National Training

• Attend Citizens UK 6-day training to further understanding the method of Community Organising used by CUK 

• Teach sessions of the core taster Community Organising curriculum at a local level (supported by a senior Organiser) 

Strengthen institutions and develop a broad-based neighbourhood alliance 

• Ensure good understanding of the basic interests and traditions of typical member institutions

• Support the development of the Cardiff Citizens alliance 

• Support with running institutional development campaigns in a range of organisations in the local area 

Personal Specification 

(D) Desirable, (E) Essential 

Qualifications 

Bachelor’s degree in any subject (D) 

Qualification in a subject of relevance to community work or community organising (D) 

Experience 

• Evidence of having acted in a leadership role with peers or in local community activities (e.g., organising clubs or societies) (E) 

• Experience of project management; evidence of having set up and/or delivered projects on time and to standard (E) 

• Able to demonstrate previous experience of ‘learning by doing’ in a work or project environment; evidence of being open to feedback and comfortably coachable (E) 

• Experience of building consensus between diverse stakeholders to drive progressive change (D) 

• Previous campaign experience (D) 

Key skills and knowledge 

• Excellent interpersonal awareness – ability to listen well and appreciate a viewpoint or opinion that is different from one’s own (E) 

• Excellent concern for impact – ability to adapt own behaviour to address the needs or concerns of someone else (E) 

• Good communication skills – able to speak with conviction and passion; and to make a logical argument (E) 

• Excellent time management skills with the ability to juggle a wide range of competing demands (E) 

• Strong IT skills to include MS Office (E) 

• Understanding of policy and campaign landscape in the UK, particularly around young people, community empowerment and neighbourhoods (D) 

Personal qualities & values 

• A self-starter with ability to take initiative and work independently (E) 

• A passion for justice (E) 

• A positive enthusiasm for working with faith congregations, trade unions, schools, and other community organisations (E) 

• An interest in and experience of politics and public life (E) 

• Able to work in a team (E) 

• Willingness to work within accountable relationships (E) 

• Self-motivated and adaptable (E) 

Our Organisers and some project teams work closely with our member institutions and will be expected to attend member events that take place in the evenings and occasional weekends. We operate a Time Off in Lieu approach and have very flexible working arrangements to ensure a good work-life balance. 

The successful applicant will be required to undertake a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check. DBS checks are renewed on a 3-year cycle. 

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.