Director of fundraising and partnerships jobs

This is a rare opportunity to lead one of Yorkshire’s most respected community foundations and help shape the future of giving across Calderdale.

For over 35 years, Community Foundation for Calderdale (CFFC) has connected people who care with causes that matter. We believe local generosity has the power to transform lives, strengthen communities and create opportunities for everyone to thrive.

As an independent charitable funder, we work with individuals, families, businesses and organisations to invest in local charities and community groups tackling some of Calderdale’s biggest challenges. Every year, we distribute more than £2 million in grants to support people and places across the borough. At the same time, we are building our permanent endowment, creating a lasting legacy that will continue supporting local communities for generations to come.

This is what makes CFFC unique. We do not just make a difference today. We create a legacy that will benefit Calderdale in perpetuity.

Following many years of successful leadership from our current Chief Executive Officer, we are seeking an exceptional leader to build on this strong foundation and lead CFFC into its next chapter.

About the role

Reporting to the Board of Trustees, you will provide strategic and operational leadership, ensuring CFFC continues to grow its impact, strengthen partnerships and inspire philanthropy across Calderdale.

You will lead and develop a committed staff team, work closely with Trustees, build trusted relationships with donors, businesses, professional advisers, charities and public sector partners, and ensure the organisation remains financially sustainable, well-governed and ambitious for the future.

You will also act as CFFC’s public ambassador, representing the organisation across Calderdale and beyond, while championing the importance of local giving and community investment.

About you

We are looking for an inspiring and collaborative leader with significant senior leadership experience and the ability to build confidence and credibility with a wide range of stakeholders.

You will demonstrate:

Proven strategic leadership and organisational management experience.

Experience of developing successful partnerships, fundraising, income generation or business development.

Strong financial and governance awareness.

Excellent relationship-building, communication and influencing skills.

Experience of leading and developing high-performing teams.

A genuine commitment to community impact and the values of the voluntary sector.

You may come from a community foundation, charitable trust, grant-making organisation, charity, public sector, social enterprise or a commercial organisation with a strong social purpose.

What we offer

Salary in excess of £60,000, dependent on experience.

Permanent, full-time position.

Flexible and hybrid working, with a regular presence required in Calderdale.

20 days annual leave plus bank holidays, additional Easter Tuesday leave and office closure over the Christmas period, rising to 25 days after five years’ service.

Employer pension contribution, with details available in the candidate information pack.

The opportunity to lead a respected local foundation with a strong legacy, deep local relationships and ambitious plans for the future.

Closing date: 31 July 2026

First round interviews: Week commencing 17 August 2026

Second round interviews: Week commencing 24 August 2026

CFFC is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are happy to discuss any adjustments candidates may need during the recruitment process.

If you are an ambitious leader who wants to build on a strong legacy, inspire local philanthropy and help create lasting change for communities across Calderdale, we would love to hear from you.

Community Fundraising Assistant - North 

Are you ready to take on a new challenge with a leading charity making a real difference in brain tumour research?

Brain Tumour Research is an exciting, innovative, and ambitious charity. We are passionate about finding a cure for brain tumours through the establishment of dedicated Brain Tumour Research Centres of Excellence around the UK.​

After a successful 2025, we’re building on our momentum and looking ahead with ambition. As our work continues to expand, so does our impact. We are now looking for passionate people to join us on the next stage of our journey!

It is a fantastic time to be joining us and we are keen to share this with likeminded and talented individuals. We currently have an opening for a Community Fundraising Assistant - North, to join our Community and Digital Fundraising team.

• Do you want to make a difference in one of the most innovative and exciting medical research fundraising charities in the UK?
• Are you able to provide friendly and professional support to fundraisers and supporters?   
• Do you have experience in supporting events or community activities?
• Do you live in either Scotland, North East England, North West England or the East Midlands? 

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Have you answered Yes to these questions?

Does this sound like the opportunity to really take the next step in your career?

Excited to learn more about this position? Then please take a read through our recruitment pack which is included within this advert.​​​

If you have the skills and ambition that we are looking for we are excited to receive your application.  We are really looking forward to welcoming a new member to our team!​

We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process.  Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.

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We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.​

We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.

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First Give

First Give is a national charity that partners with secondary schools to inspire and equip young people with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to drive change. Through our structured programmes, students explore social issues, connect with charities, and take tangible steps to improve their community.

Empowering and equipping young people to meaningfully contribute to their community is a first step to addressing many of the challenges we face at this time of social disconnection and division. Our vision is of a more generous society where everyone is willing and able to give their time, money and skills to the causes they care about.

Trusts and Foundations Manager

We are seeking a dynamic, strategic and relationship-driven Trusts and Foundations Manager to lead on growing and stewarding First Give’s portfolio of high-value funders. This role will focus on securing income from Trusts and Foundations from first engagement to account management, delivery and reporting. 

First Give is a small charity, with a growing fundraising team and big ambitions. You will therefore be someone who thrives in a start-up environment, willing to try new things. We are looking for an exceptional writer, someone who can translate the impact of our work into proposals that inspire and motivate the reader to give.

You will play a pivotal role in shaping First Give’s income growth, working closely with our Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships and the Director to manage relationships with existing donors, and leading on the development of high value bids to expand our work. This role will also support key engagement activities, including hosting donors at student-led Final events and facilitating employee volunteering at schools.

This is an exciting opportunity for a confident communicator and grant fundraiser with experience managing and deepening relationships with high value trusts and foundations gifts – someone who thrives on storytelling and social impact. We currently have a strong pipeline of trusts and foundations and are looking for someone eager to write applications and secure funding.

Contract: Full-time, 35 hours per week; core hours - 10am till 4pm

Location: We have office space at the Pears Hub in West Hampstead, where some people come in one or two times a week, we're very flexible. 

Application process:

- Application form

- Task and interview (interviews will be conducted on MS Teams)

Please also fill out this equality & diversity monitoring form (this will not be linked to your application).

1. Application closes: 20th July 9am

2. Interviews: 23rd and 24th July

3. Start date: 1st September

The students we work with come from a diverse range of backgrounds, and so do we. We want to ensure that we are recruiting, retaining and promoting a diverse mix of colleagues. We want to foster a diverse and inclusive culture, to empower our teams to achieve our vision drawing on the broadest possible range of experiences. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates from minoritised groups currently underrepresented on our executive team, particularly black and minority ethnic and disabled candidates.

Please get in touch with Carmen O’Loughlin if you would like to request reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process or have any queries about the role.

Jimmy’s Cambridge are seeking a Director of Performance.  This is a completely new post, designed to radically transform assurance and accountability ahead of licencing and regulatory compliance within our sector.  We have always prided ourselves on being ahead of the curve within the sector, whether that’s through innovation, widening our offer, or resourcing our professions, and now again, we are getting ahead of the curve to drive up standards and lead from the front. 

The Director of Performance will hold the organisation and its staff to account for providing exceptional service and gold standard accommodation to our residents.  The post holder will line manage the Head of services, Head of Finance and People, Head of Fundraising, Communications and Communities and the Project Officer, holding them to account for delivery of business and service plans, effective and efficient running of portfolios and functions, high levels of Return on Investment (ROI), stakeholder satisfaction, regulatory compliance and commissioner and contract delivery.  The post holder will utilise data, evidence and insights to assess performance and assure the CEO and Board that Jimmy’s Cambridge is run effectively and efficiently for the benefit of our residents. 

You will come from a very strong performance background, most likely with a highly detailed understanding of regulatory compliance within any regulated / licenced sector.  You will be unafraid to ask difficult questions, scrutinise business and operational planning, put into practice swift and effective performance improvement initiatives, and assure a Board of your services / portfolios efficiency, effectiveness and grip within complex operating environments.  Unafraid of robust conversations and relationships, you will not shy away from what needs to be done to ensure the very highest standards for our residents.  You will not necessarily come from a homelessness or housing background, but you will possess a strong poverty reduction, inclusion and social justice ethos.  Empathetic with a titanium core! 

Closing Date: 12 noon Friday 10th July 2026.

Interviews will be held in Cambridge on Tuesday 21st July 2026 with Natasha Davies, CEO and Ian Cardwell, Trustee.

Please get in touch if you would like to arrange an informal Conversation with Natasha Davies CEO. Please be aware Natasha is unavailable 6-10 July. 

How to Apply

To apply, please send us your CV (maximum 3 pages) plus a short statement (maximum 2 pages) explaining why you are interested in the role with detailed reference to the person specification.

No agencies will be considered. 

Join Generate at a pivotal moment in our journey and help shape the future of a growing charity supporting transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse people across North Yorkshire. This is an opportunity to combine strategic leadership, fundraising and organisational development with meaningful impact in a values-driven organisation.

Generate is looking for an inspiring and collaborative Charity Director to lead our next chapter. We work to improve wellbeing, resilience and connection for transgender, non-binary, gender-diverse and gender-questioning adults through peer support, counselling, mentoring, outreach and more.

Since beginning as a volunteer-led initiative in York in 2011, Generate has grown into an established charity delivering a range of services across North Yorkshire. We are now looking for a leader who can build on this strong foundation, strengthen our sustainability and support the organisation's continued development.

As Charity Director, you will provide both strategic and operational leadership across the organisation. Working closely with our Board of Trustees, staff team, freelancers, volunteers and external partners, you will lead the delivery of our strategic vision and ensure Generate continues to be effective, sustainable and responsive.

This is a varied and rewarding role that offers the opportunity to:

• Shape the future direction and development of Generate
• Lead fundraising and develop sustainable income streams
• Build and strengthen strategic partnerships and stakeholder relationships
• Drive organisational development and improve systems and processes
• Support and develop a committed and motivated team
• Ensure strong governance, financial oversight and operational effectiveness

We're looking for someone who can think strategically while also being comfortable with the practical realities of leading a small organisation. You will be a confident relationship-builder and effective communicator, with a strong commitment to delivering positive outcomes for the people we support.

Role details

Salary: £36,000–£40,000 FTE (pro rata based on a 35-hour week), depending on experience
Hours: 21–28 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Location: Home-based, with regular travel into York and occasional travel across North Yorkshire

If you are looking for an opportunity to lead an organisation through its next stage of development, we would love to hear from you.

If you’d like to have an informal conversation about the role, please get in touch and we will be happy to arrange a call with our current Charity Director.

Hours: Part Time, 21 hours per week

Location: Any of our King's Trust offices or homeworking

Interviews: 5th and 6th August 2027

At The King's Trust, every gift from a supporter helps a young person take a positive step towards a brighter future. As our Supporter Care Executive, you'll play an important role in making sure every donation is processed accurately, every supporter feels valued, and every interaction reflects the exceptional experience we're committed to providing.

Working as part of our Supporter Care team, you'll be at the heart of our fundraising operation. You'll process donations, maintain supporter records, send acknowledgements and thank you letters, and work closely with colleagues across fundraising, finance and data to ensure income is recorded accurately and efficiently. You'll also be the first point of contact for many supporter enquiries, providing a friendly, professional service that builds confidence and lasting relationships with those who choose to support our work.

This is a varied role where you'll balance accuracy with excellent customer service. You'll help identify opportunities to improve processes, support fundraising campaigns and events, and ensure our supporter care activity is compliant with fundraising regulations and best practice.

What we're looking for

We're looking for someone who enjoys working with detail, takes pride in delivering excellent service, and thrives in a busy environment. You'll be organised, proactive and able to manage competing priorities while maintaining a high level of accuracy.

You'll bring:

• Experience of working in a customer service, supporter care or similar administrative role.
• Confident using Charity CRM-ideally Microsoft dynamics.
• Excellent attention to detail, particularly when processing financial information or large volumes of data.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with supporters and colleagues alike.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities while delivering a consistently high standard of work.

Why join us?

Every donation we receive helps transform the lives of young people. By ensuring each gift is processed accurately and every supporter receives an excellent experience, you'll play a vital role in helping us continue that work.

If you're excited by this opportunity and think you could make a difference, we'd love to hear from you.

What happens next?  

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

Why do we need Supporter Care Executives? 

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

Perks for working at The Trust! 

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

Harris Hill is delighted to be supporting a national cancer support charity in their search for a Corporate Partnerships Officer.

Epsom, Surrey (Hybrid) | Full Time | £35,000 per annum

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a growing and ambitious charity that provides life-changing support to people affected by cancer across the UK.

They are looking for a relationship-focused fundraiser to help drive the growth of their corporate partnerships programme. Working closely with the Director of Income Generation, Marketing and Communications, the successful candidate will support new business activity while managing and developing a portfolio of valued corporate partners.

This role offers the opportunity to work with a wide range of partners, create engaging partnership opportunities and contribute towards ambitious income growth plans. It would suit someone who enjoys building relationships, delivering excellent stewardship and helping corporate supporters maximise their impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the development of new corporate partnership opportunities.
• Manage and grow a portfolio of existing corporate partners.
• Deliver excellent stewardship and relationship management.
• Create compelling partnership proposals and presentations.

What They're Looking For

• Experience building and managing external relationships.
• A proactive and solutions-focused approach.
• Experience in fundraising, partnerships or account management would be advantageous.
• A genuine passion for supporting people affected by cancer.

The charity operates a hybrid working model, with regular attendance at their Epsom office and partner locations. Candidates should be based within London or the South East and able to travel as required.

Apply to Hannah at Harris Hill onto learn more and get the full job pack. Rolling recruitment

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

The Freedom Fund

The Freedom Fund is a global non-profit dedicated to ending modern slavery. Since 2014, we’ve invested over $100 million into frontline organisations and coalitions, helping to shift power to local actors and create lasting systems change. Our new strategy doubles down on this commitment, investing in anti-slavery movements, fostering collaboration, and working as a trusted partner to the incredible people and organisations driving this work forward. 

About the position

The Senior Strategic Partnerships Manager - Individual Philanthropy (SSPM) is a key member of the Freedom Fund’s partnerships team, responsible for developing and implementing the organisation’s individual fundraising strategy. Based in New York and reporting to the Head of Strategic Partnerships, the postholder will work collaboratively with colleagues across the U.S. and U.K. to build and steward a portfolio of high-net-worth individuals and help shape the broader strategic partnerships strategy.

This is a strategic, high-autonomy role with responsibility for building and managing a global portfolio of individual donors and prospects, guiding them through all stages of the donor lifecycle - from identification and cultivation to solicitation and stewardship. The SSPM will lead the design and execution of a donor experience strategy to enhance engagement, deepen relationships, and increase long-term support. They will design, curate and host donor salons, convenings, and engagement events in New York City and other priority cities, in order to grow our networks and generate new leads. They will also manage and coordinate the strategic involvement of senior leadership - including the CEO, Managing Director of External Relations, and Head of Strategic Partnerships - in high-level donor engagement.

Interview process: 2 stage interview process: week commencing  29th July 2026
Please see the job description for all details.

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Director/CEO to help lead a multi-award-winning charity into its next phase of growth and impact.

You will help shape and deliver the organisation’s strategic vision while ensuring the successful delivery of our programmes.  Key responsibilities include:

• Leading strategic planning and organisational growth opportunities
• Developing fundraising and income generation strategies understanding the funding challenges and landscape for the charity sector
• Securing income contracts and partnership opportunities
• Overseeing financial planning, budgeting and reporting
• Leading and supporting a dispersed hybrid team
• Working as an ambassador with funders and stakeholders

Job Description

The Head of Delivery & Partnerships is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the 
successful implementation, quality of outcomes, and retention of DFN Project SEARCH programmes 
across the UK, the Republic of Ireland and Iberia, in line with our franchise agreement from Project 
SEARCH . This role leads the Delivery & Partnerships team, ensuring strategic alignment, excellence 
of delivery, and sustained impactful partnerships.
You will play a pivotal role in driving programme quality, ensuring retention, maintaining model 
fidelity, and ensuring high-quality outcomes for interns. Additionally, you will oversee the growth of 
our number of programmes, in line with our strategic regional and national plans. You will also 
contribute to the strategic direction of the organisation, working closely with cross-functional teams 
to maximise DFN Project SEARCH’s impact.
Regular travel throughout the UK will be required, with occasional travel to other areas of our delivery. 
In addition, occasional international travel may be required, for example to the annual conference in 
the United States.

Essential Experience and Skills
• A passion for changing the lives of young people with learning disabilities and / or who are 
autistic 
• Educated to degree level or relevant Professional Qualification 
• Highly motivated and organised self-starters with the ability to work under your own initiative 
• Strong understanding of supported employment, education, and local authority partnerships.
• Experience in project management, partnership development, and stakeholder engagement.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and negotiation skills.
• Experience using data systems and performance management tools.
• Experience delivering training and speaking at events or conferences.
• Understanding of SEND provision and funding arrangements in the UK (e.g., EHCPs, DWP, local 
authorities).
• Experience working with senior stakeholders via formal reporting mechanisms.
• Leadership experience managing people/teams.
• Financial literacy and experience managing budgets.

Desirable Experience and Qualifications
• Experience working with DFN Project SEARCH programmes or similar supported internship 
models.
• Experience in selling services or products and effective account management.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and health & safety in programme delivery.
• Knowledge and experience of using the Microsoft suite, in particular Outlook and Excel 
• Experience of using a CRM for administrative and reporting purposes

DFN Project SEARCH are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young 
people and adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject 
to an enhanced DBS disclosure. 

We particularly welcome applications from black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ 
candidates, disabled candidates, and from men, because we would like to increase the 
representation of these groups at this level at DFN Project SEARCH.

-Interviews will take place on:
  1st round July 23rd and July 24th
  2nd and final round: July 31st
  Closing date: Sunday July 12th

-Start date - Asap

The Head of Commercial Partnerships is a pivotal leadership role responsible for developing and delivering Jericho's corporate engagement and partnership strategy.

The postholder will build and maintain relationships with employers, businesses, funders and strategic partners to create employment pathways for participants, generate income for Jericho's social enterprises and unlock wider support through corporate fundraising, social value partnerships, volunteering and advocacy.

Working across multiple areas of the organisation, the role will act as a bridge between Jericho's employability, enterprise and income generation functions, ensuring partnerships deliver meaningful social impact while strengthening the organisation's long-term sustainability.

This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of Jericho's corporate engagement strategy and become a key external ambassador for one of Birmingham's leading employment-focused charities.

We would consider 0.8 FTE for the right candidate. The successful applicant must have the Right to Work in the UK as we are unable to offer sponsorship.

What you’ll be doing:

Strategic Leadership

• With support from the Director of Income Generation, develop and deliver Jericho's Commercial Partnerships Strategy.
• Identify opportunities to increase income, employment outcomes and social impact through external partnerships.
• Contribute to organisational strategy, business planning and growth objectives.
• Monitor partnership performance and provide regular reporting on outcomes, income generation and impact.
• Act as a senior ambassador for Jericho across Birmingham and the wider region.

Employer Engagement and Employment Pathways

• Build and maintain relationships with employers across a range of sectors.
• Create opportunities for work placements, work experience, internships and employment pathways for participants.
• Develop employer partnerships that support individuals facing significant barriers to employment.
• Work closely with People Support and Employability teams to understand participant needs and identify suitable opportunities.
• Promote inclusive employment practices and encourage employers to recruit from underrepresented groups.

Corporate Partnerships and Business Development

• Identify and secure new business opportunities for Jericho's social enterprises.
• Develop relationships with procurement teams, HR leaders, CSR teams and senior decision-makers.
• Promote the commercial services offered by Jericho's enterprises and identify opportunities for growth.
• Create strategic partnerships that deliver both commercial value and social impact.
• Support the development of new enterprise opportunities and routes to market.
• Identify opportunities arising from corporate social responsibility and social value commitments.

External Representation

• Represent Jericho at networking events, conferences, business forums and partnership meetings.
• Build Jericho's profile within Birmingham's business community.
• Deliver presentations and pitches to senior stakeholders.
• Develop relationships with key influencers, business leaders and strategic partners.

Who are we looking for?

Essential

• Significant experience in corporate partnerships, business development, employer engagement, relationship management.
• Proven ability to build and maintain high-value strategic relationships.
• Experience developing partnerships that deliver measurable outcomes.
• Strong commercial awareness and understanding of how businesses operate.
• Excellent communication, networking and presentation skills.
• Experience influencing and engaging senior stakeholders.
• Ability to identify opportunities and convert them into tangible results.
• Strong planning, organisational and project management skills.
• An appreciation of and sympathy with The Jericho Foundation's Christian roots and values, and a commitment to its mission of supporting people facing barriers to employment into sustainable work.

Desirable

• Experience within the charity, social enterprise, employability or recruitment sectors.
• Knowledge of Birmingham's business landscape and key employers.
• Experience securing corporate funding, sponsorship or social value partnerships.
• Understanding of supported employment and employability programmes.
• Experience managing budgets, income targets or commercial contracts.

About JERICHO 

JERICHO is an award-winning Birmingham-based charity and family of six social enterprises. We provide supported work opportunities for people facing extreme challenges in getting a job and have been helping people across Birmingham into employment for over 30 years. We primarily support marginalised young people and survivors of modern slavery. What makes our model so effective is the way we combine work placements with individualised wrap-around support, training and a range of targeted activities. Our approach is focused on helping people address the issues that are affecting their life chances, build skills and confidence and ultimately become more employable.

INTERVIEWS ARE PLANNED IN PERSON ON TUESDAY 11th AUGUST 2026. 

Location: Hybrid, one day a week in the London office (Borough)

Salary: £75,000-80,000 per annum

Contract: Permanent, full-time role - Spinal Research operate a 4-day/32 hour week

Spinal Research is seeking an exceptional Director of Research & Innovation to help shape the future of spinal cord injury research. The organisation exists to fund the research that will cure paralysis. This appointment comes at a pivotal stage as scientific advances in spinal stimulation, neurotechnology and rehabilitation move closer to real-world application, bringing renewed hope to people living with paralysis.

For over 40 years, Spinal Research has been the UK's leading charity dedicated to funding medical research into spinal cord injury, moving the global conversation from "if" paralysis can be treated to "when". With the first function-restoring therapies designed and licensed for spinal cord injuries now becoming available in the UK, this position will directly drive the next chapter of the charity's mission.

Reporting to the CEO and joining the Senior Leadership Team, the Director of Research & Innovation will play a central role in reviewing, influencing and driving forward our established scientific and innovation strategy. The successful candidate will lead a diverse portfolio spanning discovery science, translational research, clinical development and neurotechnology, ensuring investment decisions are guided by strong scientific insight and a clear view of patient impact.

Crucially, the role involves building meaningful collaborations across academia, healthcare, industry and philanthropy to accelerate the delivery of treatments. The Director will also lead the establishment of a new Scientific Advisory function, recruiting world-class experts to guide the portfolio, while collaborating with fundraising and communications teams to bring scientific insights to life for major donors.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of developing complex research programmes and navigating the wider life sciences ecosystem. This position demands the ability to critically appraise scientific data, translate it into compelling narratives for non-specialist audiences, and collaboratively drive promising ideas into tangible patient outcomes.

For a leader with the strategic ambition and the drive to play a central role in turning scientific progress into life-changing reality, this role offers an extraordinary platform to help cure paralysis.

Please click through for the full Candidate Pack and details of how to apply. 

Closing date: 9am, Friday 10 July

About the role

Cardiomyopathy UK's Director of Research and External Affairs leads the charity's research, policy and advocacy, and communications and marketing functions, with a team of four staff. The post-holder sets the strategic direction of the directorate, drives high-quality delivery,  upholds the charity's values, and represents the charity externally. The Director is a member of the charity's Leadership Team, working closely with the CEO to steer the charity forward. 

For the right person, this is an opportunity with real strategic scope. We want to build on our strong policy positions and evidence base and translate them into more proactive campaigning and influencing, moving from good policy thinking to concerted public affairs activity, strategic stakeholder engagement, and campaigns that achieve real change. 

The Director will also lead the next phase of our research work, following our inaugural research grant-funding activity and James Lind Alliance top ten work. They will work with the Research Manager and our clinical and academic partners to better define and deliver our ambitions.

Raising awareness of cardiomyopathy, its signs, symptoms and genetic risk, is also within the team's scope. Too many people are still diagnosed late because neither they nor their GP knew what to look for. The Director will drive our communications and marketing agenda purposefully, equally ensuring the charity’s external profile is actively managed and enhanced.

About you

We're looking for a leader who is a collaborative and inclusive, able to build trust with staff, colleagues, external partners and the Board. They will have strong strategic, analytical and planning skills, with the ability to develop coherent strategies. They will have experience as a senior leader/ manager in a charity, health, research or patient-focused organisation. See the Person Specification for further details.
 
Why join us?

Cardiomyopathy UK is the national charity for people affected by cardiomyopathy. We provide specialist nurse support, peer support, wellbeing services and trusted information to thousands of people each year, as well as influencing policy, supporting advocacy, and funding and enabling better research.

We are ambitious about our future. We are committed to quality, accountability and continuous improvement. Most importantly, we are committed to ensuring that everyone affected by cardiomyopathy can live well with the condition.

We are a family friendly employer with flexible and hybrid working. We offer an enhanced Employee Assistance Programme, additional annual leave linked to length of service, and an extra special occasion day each year.

We are midway through our five-year strategic plan, at a genuinely exciting moment, both for the charity and for cardiomyopathy more broadly. If you are excited by the opportunity to shape our Research and External Affairs work, lead a strong team and ensure we can clearly demonstrate the impact of our work, we would love to hear from you.

This is a new capacity-building role, created in response to the scale of the Trust’s future repair programme and the need to diversify and grow income streams.
We are looking for an experienced and proactive fundraiser who can work strategically and independently within a small team environment. Using the Trust’s existing network of contacts and grant target list as starting points, the post holder will develop and manage a pipeline of grant applications, cultivate relationships with trusts and foundations, build corporate and philanthropic partnerships, and help position the Trust for larger strategic funding opportunities.
The role requires a self-motivated individual who can balance long-term relationship building with the discipline of meeting application deadlines and income targets. The successful candidate will work closely with the Executive Director and Trustees, embedding fundraising as a core organisational function.

Please view the full job description and find details of how to apply at: Current Vacancies | Norwich Historic Churches Trust
This post is offered on a 12-month fixed-term basis (either 1FTE or 0.8 FTE), with the intention that, subject to performance and income secured, the role will be reviewed with a view to permanency.