Duty manager jobs in braintree, essex
Director of Fundraising and Development (Maternity cover)
Reporting to: CEO as part of the Senior Leadership team
Direct reports: Head of Business Development, Head of Corporate Partnerships, Head of Individual Giving and Engagement, Head of Major Giving, Department Coordinator Location of work: Remote/ Home based with travel to London and occasional UK travel.
Contract Length: 18 months Maternity Cover
Contract Type: Proposed full-time, 35 hours per week; 28 hours per week or 35 hours compressed may be considered. The role may require occasional evening and weekend work.
Salary: £80,000 - £85,000
BACKGROUND
Magic Breakfast’s mission is to end child morning hunger in the UK now and for good. The latest research suggests that the number of children and young people at risk of hunger has rocketed to 2.7 million, meaning that one in five children don’t have enough to eat. When a child is too hungry to learn, they struggle to concentrate, absorb information, and manage big emotions, causing them to fall behind in their studies.
Magic Breakfast provides a nutritious and filling breakfast to over 300,000 children and young people every school day. We work with schools in areas of high disadvantage, helping staff target the children most in need without barrier or stigma. We are now at an exciting point in our journey as we launch Nourishing Futures, our long-term strategy, which capitalises on market changes and government commitments to scale our work, while redefining breakfast spaces not just as places to eat, but as places to thrive.
JOB PURPOSE
The Director of Fundraising and Development (Maternity Cover) will provide strategic leadership and direction across all fundraising and income-generating activities, ensuring the charity continues to deliver against its financial objectives and accelerates long-term, sustainable growth across our philanthropic, public, and commercial income streams.
You will bring strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills to equip, support, and empower the team through a period of organisational change. You will help the team optimise and make the most of the new organisational strategy, embedding strategic focus, effective decision-making, and collaborative leadership practices across the fundraising leadership group.
You will use your commercial acumen and fundraising expertise to identify opportunities and support the team to recognise, shape, and pursue them confidently and effectively, enabling them to take ownership and drive progress across all income streams. A key part of the role will be ensuring that new commercial and public sector income streams are recognised, understood, and capitalised on across the organisation, working closely with the newly established Head of Business Development to embed this focus and enable them to succeed in driving this work forward.
Working closely with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team (SLT), you will play a crucial role in maintaining momentum, ensuring continuity, and supporting the organisation to deliver the new strategy and business plan, helping to realise opportunities, navigate challenges, and ensure long-term sustainability during this maternity cover period.
You’ll be responsible for:
- Driving income growth: establishing high-performing income pipelines across all income streams, with a strong multi-year focus, supported by robust data, reporting, and pipeline management.
- Integrating and accelerating public sector and commercial income streams: Ensuring newly integrated income areas are understood, valued and operational across the organisation.
- Embedding and executing a unified, co-owned fundraising and development strategy: Partnering with the CEO, SLT and Board to embed strategic focus, ensure integration, and alignment with organisational goals.
- Strengthening leadership, culture and team performance: Providing coaching-based leadership, direction, support and empowerment, helping the team thrive and achieve ambitious income targets across philanthropic, public sector and commercial streams.
- Advance cross-organisational impact, insight and influence: ensuring fundraising and development is tightly integrated with organisational strategy, marketing/engagement, service delivery and external influencing.
For more information on the role or to apply please contact:
Katie Booth | peridot partners| email and phone number can be found on the website link
Simon Callaghan | peridot partners | email and phone number can be found on the website link
Timetable
Closing date: 9 a.m. Monday 12th January 2026
Candidates informed of outcome: By 5 p.m. Tuesday 13th January 2026
First stage interviews: Friday 16th January 2026 (Online)
Second stage interviews: Tuesday 20th January 2026 (In person, London)
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Dancers’ Career Development (DCD), the national charity that enables and empowers dancers to thrive professionally and personally leading up to and beyond their performance careers, seek a Fundraiser.
DCD’s Fundraiser will work closely with the Executive Director and be instrumental in increasing fundraised and revenue income.
Our ideal candidate will be a creative thinker with an open mindset to propose and explore new avenues of fundraising and income streams.
This role is ideally suited to a self-starter with a passion for the performing arts, who is motivated to make a tangible difference to the quality of dancers’ lives.
If you are excited by this opportunity and resonate with DCD’s values, please get in touch; we would love to hear from you.
Contract: Full-time permanent role
Salary: £35,000 per annum, pro-rata
Start date: As early as possible
Location: This is a remote working role, with monthly in-person team meetings which take place in London or Birmingham. Due to additional in-person events and meetings, as appropriate to the role and usually in London, the Fundraiser should be either based in London or within commutable distance.
Benefits: 23 days holiday pro-rata plus Bank Holidays (increasing to 28 days with length of service), 5% Employers contribution to pension scheme, Health & Wellbeing package, Professional Development opportunities.
Deadline: Applications must be submitted by 9am, Thursday 22 January 2026
Info: Download job application pack from our website for full job spec and how to apply.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Key info
Closing date: Sunday 25th January 2026 at 23:59.
Annual salary: £42,400
Hours: 37.5 hours per week (full time)
Contract length: 3 years initially, with contract extension subject to funding
Location: UK based, mainly remote with occasional in person work
The role
TransActual is recruiting a Communications Lead to join our rapidly growing team. You’ll be working alongside our board and Senior Management team to develop and implement a communications strategy across all media channels that supports the accurate representation of TransActual’s work to the wider world and our mission to advocate, empower and inform.
We are looking for someone with strong interpersonal skills both in terms of understanding and responding to underlying questions in a sometimes hostile media environment, identifying the effective ways of proactively and reactively communicating about our advocacy goals, and working closely with our Policy Lead, Director of Operations and for Healthcare, staff team, board and volunteers to achieve that.
Your responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, the creation of a communications strategy, communications processes, protocols and standards, press releasing and liaison, and line management of our communications officer. You will be responsible for forward planning of communications where events are foreseeable and will also be required to enable rapid and sensitive response to unpredictable events and consequent media inquiries.
An in-depth understanding of trans people’s lived experiences and an ongoing commitment to bringing about positive change for all trans people in the UK is absolutely essential for this role. This understanding can come from your own lived experience. You will demonstrate a strong understanding of and commitment to equity, particularly in relation to race equity and disability equity.
We particularly welcome and encourage applications from trans people, Black People and People of Colour, neurodivergent people and disabled people.
TransActual are working towards a world where trans people can live safely, in dignity and with access to the healthcare that we need.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Job Purpose
Within the National Influencing & Networks team, the Digital Communications Officer is responsible for delivering core communications functions. The postholder will work directly with the Director of National Influencing and Networks to plan communications activity in line with organisational objectives, and to deliver planned, regular and ad-hoc outputs. They will also work closely with the Area Engagement and Partnerships Team. It is desirable for the postholder to bring innovative video editing and production expertise, along with strong digital content creation skills, to enhance Clinks’ communications reach and impact.
Duties and key responsibilities
· Contribute to the continued development of communications outputs of relevance to the voluntary sector working in criminal justice
· Deliver Clinks’ communications functions to ensure our work and the voluntary sector is promoted in an accurate and timely manner.
· Contribute to Clinks’ communications outputs through oversight of the organisational communications planner, supporting the development of timelines and executing as appropriate
· Responsible for publication and design of organisational policy reports, e-bulletins, newsletters, blog posts, ad-hoc publications and other relevant digital outputs
· Responsible for the collation and distribution of Clinks’ Light Lunch on a weekly basis as well as newsflashes, women’s network updates and art alliance updates
· Provide communications and digital expertise to all Clinks staff, including planning of social media, publications or key deliverables including Clinks’ annual State of the sector research
· Work closely with the Membership and Digital Development Officer to ensure coordination of Clinks’ digital output, and supporting the Clinks digital era by contributing to project managed task groups from a communications perspective
· Work with Clinks’ partners on the delivery of local communications outputs
· Lead on Clinks’ regular programme of reporting and benchmarking, with relevance to communications metrics, triaging responsibility within the organisation, and escalating as appropriate, as well as liaising with third parties as needed
· Track and evaluate the impact of Clinks’ communications and digital outputs and advise colleagues accordingly
· Responsible, with the Membership and Digital Development Officer, for keeping information on the website up to date.
· Ensure the implementation of Clinks’ Content Creation Strategy and social media strategy, and contribute to development of wider organisational digital strategy
· Continuously review comms process’ and outputs to ensure a continued high standard to Clinks overall delivery
· Support fundraising activity and bid applications to help secure income for development work.
Additional responsibilities
· Contribute to team activity, including the communication of policy positions rooted in evidence, expertise and experience
· Ensure high standards across all Clinks communications products
· Support the development and operation of the various groups, networks and structures facilitated by Clinks
· Represent Clinks at external meetings and events
· Work with colleagues to maintain and develop Clinks’ database of stakeholders to support the distribution of published materials and other communications.
General responsibilities
· Represent and be an ambassador for Clinks
· Work to support the mission, ethos and values of Clinks
· Be flexible and carry out other associated duties as they may arise, develop or be assigned in line with the broad remit of the position
· Support and promote diversity and equality of opportunity in the workplace
· Work collaboratively with others in all aspects of our work.
This job description does not form part of your contract of employment and can be amended from time to time as the needs of the organisation require.
Person specification
Education and experience
- 2-3 years’ experience in a communications-related role
- Experience in innovative video editing, production, and digital content creation is highly desirable.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
· An understanding of issues related to:
- The role of the voluntary sector in addressing social exclusion and inequalities
- The criminal justice system, in particular prisons and probation.
· The ability to engage audiences, persuade, and encourage understanding and participation in written and/or other communications, with a focus on social media output.
· Ability to manage multiple workstreams and competing priorities
· A collaborative approach to working with colleagues
· Strong IT skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Office, and an ability to support online platforms, including Drupal and Simple News, as well as proficiency in web development
· An eye for design, with the ability to liaise with external designers and to use design software, for example InDesign to create documents and manipulate document templates and Canva to produce assets.
· Clear, concise and engaging written and online communication skills
· A scrupulous approach to proofreading and a high level of skill in written English.
· Good knowledge of social media platforms such as LinkedIn and Bluesky, how to create and schedule engaging content for social media, and how to track engagement
· Monitor feed, share content and engage with Clinks’ members via social media
Personal attributes and other requirements
· Working well in a team with a flexible approach to work
· Ability to manage multiple and sometimes competing priorities
· Personal resilience and ability to stay focused in a rapidly changing environment
· Commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities, including for people with lived experience of the criminal justice system
· Ability to apply awareness of diversity issues to all areas of work
· Commitment to upholding the rights of people facing disadvantage and discrimination in the criminal justice system.
We are looking for someone who:
- Demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust with key stakeholders
- Has experience of supporting the wellbeing of caring professionals, ideally with those in Christian ministry
- Is familiar with the Anglican diocesan structures and culture
- Is a strategic thinker with experience in partnership development
- Shares our vision to see flouishing clergy
This newly created role within St Luke's is supported by a generous grant from the Henry Smith Foundation to develop our wellbeing programmes over the next three years. The Associate Director will engage with dioceses and individual clergy as they explore and embed our wellbeing programmes.
The post holder will represent St Luke's and our Christian ethos within senior diocesan teams and help shape and deliver our strategic vision for flourishing clergy. This role will support the advancing clergy reflection programme and support dioceses, other networks and communities and Theological Educational Institutions in establishing wellbeing practices.
The role is home based with travel around the UK as required. There will be a requirement to be in London at least once a month for team meetings.
This role carries an occupational requirement for the postholder to be a practicing Christian, in accordance with Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010. The role involves representing and upholding the Christian ethos of St Luke’s in both internal leadership and external engagement.
Please note the closing date is 5th January 2026 (as per job pack and St Luke's website)
Please see job pack for more information.
A leading charity in clergy wellbeing and mental health
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you passionate about school libraries? Do you believe in the power of school libraries to transform children and young people’s experiences in education? Can you communicate confidently to a wide audience and range of stakeholders?
The School Library Association (SLA) supports approximately 2000 members working in schools across the UK with advice, training and advocacy. The School Library Lead will be at the forefront of our member offer and outreach, to help us deliver on our mission to support all those working in school libraries, so that more children and young people reach their full potential through the school library.
This role will lead on providing advice, inspiration and support for schools looking to develop their school library provision and all the benefits this brings. An expert in school libraries, you will be comfortable supporting members 1:1, delivering training to larger audiences, providing consultancy to schools and sector organisations, writing training and resources, or preparing book recommendations. An exciting opportunity for someone experienced in school libraries with knowledge of the curriculum, teaching and learning and children’s books, you will be the first port of call for library advice and expertise, contributing to the growth and sustainability of the membership network.
You will be experienced in developing relationships with a variety of stakeholders at all levels relish a busy role. This will include supporting our Branch network, collaborating on initiatives for development, delivery and new projects as they come online. As resident children’s book expert, you will support with programmes and projects such as the SLA Information Book Award and member book-related events. You will work with your SLA colleagues to develop and deliver high-quality member events and training as well as advocacy events to raise awareness of the importance of school libraries. Using your sector insight, you will identify opportunities for development of initiatives that will support the SLA vision and mission enabling us to reach more children and young people through our work. This is a busy and rewarding role and will suit someone with passion and resilience.
This is a full time role working remotely, throughout the year (37 hours per week). Find out more about the role including full job description and how to apply by downloading the job specification pack.
Application deadline: 19th December
Interviews: First round interview (online): 13th/14th January
Second round interview in person TBC: 20th/22nd January
Applications without a covering letter will not be considered. No agencies please.
Due to the volume of applications we cannot provide individual feedback. We really appreciate your interest. If you haven’t heard from us within four weeks of the deadline, it means we’ve moved forward with other candidates on this occasion. We encourage you to apply again in the future. Please note we may close recruitment early should the right candidate be identified.
Applications without a covering letter will not be considered. No agencies please.
Helping schools develop vibrant reading and learning communities



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Key Details
We are seeking a proactive, confident, and relationship-driven Partnerships & Growth Officer to contribute to Bridging the Bar’s external income and growth activities. This is a highly client-facing role that involves engaging with chambers, organisations, major sponsors, donors, grant funders, and other external stakeholders to secure financial support for BTB’s mission and programmes. You will take ownership of outreach, lead meetings and negotiations, and build strong, long-term relationships that underpin the charity’s sustainability and impact.
Job Title: Partnerships & Growth Officer
Location: Remote (c. twice a month travel to London and other UK cities, with expenses reimbursed).
Working Hours: Mon- Fri 9:00–18:00 with a one hour lunch break.
Weekend Work: 1–2 Saturdays per month (September to June), with time off in lieu.
Salary:£25,396.80 per annum, with eligibility for a discretionary bonus linked to organisational performance. The expected range for this bonus is £1,000–£5,000, depending on results.
About Bridging the Bar
Bridging the Bar (BTB) is an award-winning charity working to increase diversity at the Bar of England and Wales. We support aspiring barristers from underrepresented backgrounds through a range of high-impact programmes, events, and partnerships with leading chambers, law firms, and institutions.
The Role
We are seeking a proactive, confident, and relationship-driven Partnerships & Growth Officer to contribute to Bridging the Bar’s external income and growth activities. This is a highly client-facing role that involves engaging with chambers, organisations, major sponsors, donors, grant funders, and other external stakeholders to secure financial support for BTB’s mission and programmes. You will take ownership of outreach, lead meetings and negotiations, and build strong, long-term relationships that underpin the charity’s sustainability and impact.
As Partnerships & Growth Officer, you will manage the delivery and renewal of our annual Partnership Cycle, cultivate major sponsorships, prepare award and grant applications, support the development of new income streams such as our accreditation scheme, high-value individual giving, and crowdfunding, and innovate novel initiatives. You will work closely with the Head of Operations and Programmes, as well as the wider Programmes team, to ensure high-quality delivery across all external commitments, seamless coordination, and effective communication of BTB’s outcomes and impact.
This role is ideal for someone who is motivated by securing resources, enjoys leading external meetings, thrives in a varied and fast-moving environment, has a flexible and innovative approach, and is excited by the opportunity to contribute to BTB’s strategic growth and long-term success.
Key Responsibilities
Partnerships Cycle
Each year, Bridging the Bar works with a cohort of chambers and organisations who financially support our work through the Partnership Cycle. This cycle runs from April to April, with partners donating a set amount in return for formal recognition and a package of benefits delivered throughout the year. As the cycle progresses, you will be responsible for outreach and renewals, onboarding, benefit delivery, and ongoing relationship management.
As Partnerships & Growth Officer, you will be responsible for:
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Researching and identifying potential partner organisations, and conducting proactive outreach to engage them in the Partnership Cycle
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Renewing existing or recurring partnerships, ensuring positive and long-term relationships
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Leading meetings and negotiations with potential or existing partners to secure onboarding to the current Partnerships Cycle
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Ensuring the smooth delivery of partnership benefits, including coordinating agreed activities and supporting partners to maximise the value of their engagement
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Coordinating with programme teams where cross-team collaboration is required to ensure expectations are met in relation to partner benefits
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Maintaining accurate partnership tracking, including invoicing, communications, benefit allocation, and delivery deadlines
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Monitoring partner accounts and taking a proactive approach to managing partner relationships and resolving issues
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Developing and refining partnership materials, such as proposals, benefit decks, and outreach resources
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Bringing an innovative, solutions-focused approach to the design and delivery of partnership benefits and improvements to the overall cycle
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Gathering partnership feedback, ensuring partners understand the value and outcomes of their contribution
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Supporting impact reporting, including gathering relevant data, preparing summaries, and assisting the Head of Operations and Programmes in the production of reports for the Board
Major Sponsorships
Bridging the Bar also secures major sponsorships to fund specific programmes, such as the Academy. These agreements are individually negotiated and supported through tailored engagement plans. You will be responsible for identifying potential major sponsors, supporting negotiations, coordinating the delivery of agreed benefits, and managing these relationships to ensure strong long-term sponsorships.
As Partnerships & Growth Officer, you will be responsible for:
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Researching and identifying potential major sponsors, and conducting proactive outreach to engage organisations aligned with our programmes and new initiatives
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Cultivating and renewing major sponsorships, ensuring positive, long-term relationships with key funders
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Developing proposals, presentations, and engagement resources tailored to major funders to support pitches
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Collaborating with programme teams to ensure cross-team deliverables related to major sponsorships are met effectively and on schedule
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Maintaining accurate tracking of major sponsorships, including records of communications, deliverables, invoicing, and benefit fulfilment
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Proactively monitoring sponsor accounts, addressing emerging needs, and supporting strong relationship stewardship
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Gathering sponsor feedback and helping sponsors understand the outcomes and impact of their contribution
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Supporting impact reporting, including gathering relevant data, preparing summaries, and assisting the Head of Operations and Programmes in producing reports for the Board
Grants and Awards Applications
Bridging the Bar also pursues opportunities through both achievement awards and monetary grants. Achievement awards help raise our profile and showcase the impact of our work, while grant funding supports the delivery and growth of our programmes. You will contribute to identifying suitable opportunities, preparing strong applications, and supporting the stewardship and reporting required by award bodies and grant funders.
As Partnerships & Growth Officer, you will be responsible for:
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Researching and identifying suitable opportunities that align with Bridging the Bar’s mission, programmes, impact, and funding requirements
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Drafting and preparing high-quality applications, including gathering evidence, impact data, and supporting materials
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Monitoring deadlines and submission requirements to ensure timely, accurate applications
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Assisting with stewardship of award bodies and grant funders, including timely communication and relationship management
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Supporting grant reporting requirements, such as gathering programme data, preparing summaries, and assisting the Head of Operations and Programmes with narrative and financial reporting
New Initiatives
In addition to established activities, Bridging the Bar pursues new and emerging initiatives to support long-term financial sustainability, programme expansion, and reputational growth. This includes in our current development phase; a Chambers focused accreditation scheme, high-value individual giving, and crowdfunding campaigns. Future expansion has the scope to include other opportunities whether identified by the organisation or by you. You will help develop, test, and implement these initiatives as they evolve.
As Partnerships & Growth Officer, you will be responsible for:
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Overseeing the pilot of the accreditation scheme including; conducting meetings with pilot chambers, co-ordinating with consultants, ensuring deliverable are met, assisting with evaluation and refinement, supporting materials production
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Overseeing the initial stages of our high value individual giving work stream including; identifying potential givers, conducting relevant meetings, co-ordinating with suppliers, dispatching thank you gifts, and supporting materials production and distribution
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Developing crowd funding and fundraising initiatives including; innovating themes for targeted campaigns, overseeing campaign delivery, co-ordinating with volunteer fundraisers, administering recurring donations, and supporting materials production and distribution
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Applying a creative, solutions-focused mindset to identifying and shaping future opportunities
Other Duties
Beyond core responsibilities, you will also support wider organisational activities as needed. This may involve assisting with the BarNav newsletter, representing Bridging the Bar at events, and completing additional tasks that contribute to the charity’s overall effectiveness.
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Overseeing production of the BarNav newsletter including; brainstorming issues themes, co-ordinating contributions from partners, sponsors, staff, and/or candidates, compiling contributions and drafting final issue in Canva, and collaborating with the programmes team to ensure distribution of each issue.
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Providing support to the Head of Operations and programmes where needed including; taking meeting minutes, supporting production of financial reports, and assisting with presenting to the Board
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Collaborating with operations and programmes departments to support cross-functional delivery
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Representing BTB at BTB hosted events, relevant sector events, award ceremonies, or grant briefings where required
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Maintaining a flexible approach and supporting emerging needs across the charity as they arise
About You
Essential
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Adaptable and flexible, comfortable working in a changing environment
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Confident communicator, able to liaise with senior stakeholders and clients, lead meetings, negotiate, and network effectively
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Proactive and self-motivated, with the ability to take initiative
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Innovative, with a willingness to propose new ideas and approaches
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Aligned with the organisation’s values and mission-driven in approach
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Commercially aware, with an understanding of opportunities, markets, and value creation
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Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
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Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities
Desirable
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Experience with business development, corporate relations, grants, or sales or similar
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Demonstrated ability to build partnerships, generate opportunities, or support income-generating activities
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Understanding of the charity or legal landscape
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Creative approach to outreach and audience engagement, including digital communications and social media
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Competence with common work tools (e.g., Google Workspace, Canva) and a willingness to learn new systems
What We Offer
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The opportunity to support an award-winning charity driving systemic change within the legal profession
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Opportunities to contribute to organisational strategy and shape new initiatives
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Remote-first working environment, enabling flexibility and autonomy
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Flexible scheduling, allowing you to balance work and personal commitments
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Additional annual leave, with one extra day of paid holiday for each year of service (up to three years)
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Reimbursed travel and accommodation expenses for all work-related travel
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Annual funded team celebration days to recognise achievements and strengthen team connection
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Role-specific training and professional development, tailored to your growth
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Regular supervision and mentorship to support your ongoing professional development
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Access to our Employee Development Fund to fund training courses or other progression costs
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Access to our Employee Equipment Fund to fund to help you enhance your home-working setup
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Supportive, inclusive, and values-driven organisational culture
How to Apply
Please submit a one-page cover letter and CV via the form with the subject line (NAME) – Partnerships & Growth Officer Application - Stage One. Your cover letter should reflect your experience, vision for how you would contribute to the organisation, and commitment to BTB’s mission. This should be submitted to us directly via the email address on our website: applications that are not emailed directly will not be considered.
If you are successful at stage one, you will also be asked to complete pre-interview tasks as stage two between 12th Jan - 16th Jan.
Our third and final stage is an interview stage. Applicants successful at stage two will be invited to interview in W/C 19th Jan.
We aim to make an offer in W/C 26th Jan.
All applicants, successful or not, will receive application feedback from the panel.
Application Deadline: 09:00 12th January 2026
Intended Start Date: 09:00 2nd March 2026
Please note that you must both be located within and have the right to work in the UK for this role.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The role
The Project Officer will be responsible for the day-to-day delivery of our Council funded Adult Bereavement Service in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. This service aims to provide accessible, accessible, empathetic and effective support for adults affected by bereavement, particularly sudden or drug/alcohol-related deaths. The Project Delivery Officer will work collaboratively as part of the local and regional volunteer and staff team. We welcome applications from candidates who wish to job-share the responsibilities of this role.
How to apply
Your application must consist of a CV and covering letter, which outlines your suitability for the role with reference to the Job Description and Person Specification and should be no longer than two pages.
The closing date for applications is the 17th of December 2025 with interviews taking place on W/C 12th January via zoom or Teams due to the festive break.
Please be advised that if you do not hear from us by Thursday 8th January unfortunately on this occasion you have not been shortlisted.
Cruse welcomes and encourages applications from all protected groups as defined by the Equality Act 2010. Appointment will be made on merit.
Criminal Record Checks
All staff are required to complete a Criminal Record check. Staff working directly with clients will be required to complete an enhanced check. We comply with the relevant codes of practice and they can be viewed online:
· Applicants in England and Wales: DBS Code of Practice
· Applicants in Northern Ireland: AccessNI Code of Practice
· Applicants in Scotland: Disclosure Scotland Code of Practice
Previous convictions will not prevent full consideration of your application to work with Cruse. Our Recruitment of Ex-offenders' Policy & Handling Criminal Record Check Data Policy are available on request by email.
We comply with all relevant data protection legislation and process your data fairly.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
This is an exceptional opportunity to join Belong’s Senior Leadership Team as Director of Policy & Research, a role that sits at the heart of our mission to shape national conversations on cohesion and integration. You will lead Belong’s policy development, research strategy, and national partnerships, ensuring our work is grounded in robust evidence and lived experience. This position offers the chance to influence systemic change, amplify Belong’s voice with policymakers and opinion formers, and ensure our insights drive real-world impact.
As Director of Policy & Research, you will:
- Lead the development of Belong’s policy and research agenda, aligning it with organisational strategy and national priorities.
- Produce high-quality policy outputs, including reports, briefings, consultation responses, and thought leadership pieces.
- Oversee the design and delivery of research projects, including commissioning and partnership work, ensuring rigor and inclusivity.
- Translate research findings into actionable policy recommendations and advocacy strategies.
- Foster strong collaboration between the Policy & Research team and Programme Delivery team, ensuring insights inform both policy and practice.
- Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, parliamentarians, journalists, and opinion formers.
- Represent Belong externally at high-level meetings, events, and in the media, amplifying our impact and reach.
- Develop strategic messaging and narratives that position Belong as a thought leader in social cohesion.
- Support campaigns and public engagement initiatives that promote Belong’s policy goals.
- Contribute to organisational development, strategic planning, and income generation through proposal development and funder engagement.
- Line manage policy and research staff, providing leadership, support, and professional development.
This is a senior leadership role for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and wants to drive systemic change at scale.
About You
We are seeking a strategic and insightful leader with:
- Proven experience in policy development and research leadership.
- Experience working in or with government, think tanks, or advocacy organisations.
- Strong understanding of social policy and influencing processes.
- Knowledge of cohesion, integration, and community relations.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including media engagement and public speaking.
- Ability to translate complex research into accessible policy messages.
- Familiarity with participatory and applied research methods.
- Strong strategic thinking and planning abilities.
- Relevant qualification in public policy, social research, or a related field.
- Experience managing teams and budgets, and supporting income generation through fundraising and proposal development.
Personal Qualities
- Passionate about improving cohesion and integration in the UK.
- Strategic and visionary thinker.
- Collaborative and inclusive leader.
- Politically astute and intellectually curious.
- Practical, focused, and reliable.
- Committed to personal and professional development.
Why Join Us?
At Belong, you’ll be part of a dynamic, values-driven team united by a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and connected society. We offer:
- 30 days’ annual leave
- Hybrid working (typically 3 days in the office)
- Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly policies
- 3% pension contribution
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
Join us and help shape national policy and research that builds stronger, kinder, and more connected communities across the UK.
Salary: £65,000–£70,000
Location: UK-wide (regular travel across England and Wales)
Contract: Permanent, Full-time
About Belong
Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network is the UK’s leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to building a more united and less divided society. Established in 2019, we work across sectors to strengthen trust, belonging, and resilience in communities. Through research, policy influence, and place-based programmes, we connect people, places, and organisations to share learning and drive systemic change. Our growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society, and businesses. Belong is collaborative, evidence-led, and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Our office is based in Manchester and we offer hybrid working for those able to travel there. However, this role is open UK-wide and can be worked remotely, with regular travel across England and Wales required.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.