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School Partnerships Alliance

Membership & Communications Manager

3-4 days per week

£35,000-£45,000 pro rata and subject to experience

Mainly remote (at least initially), with in-person attendance required at monthly team meetings and in-person membership related events which may take place at differing locations, across the UK.

First-round interviews will be held online on Tuesday 12th August. Second round interviews will be in person in London on Friday 15th August.

We are willing to wait for the successful candidate to work through a notice period, but that candidate will be able to start from 1st September 2025 or as soon as available thereafter.

About Us

Formed in 2021, the School Partnerships Alliance (S.P.A.) is an independent, non-politically aligned membership and delivery organisation which supports and promotes impactful, sustainable and mutually beneficial cross-sector school partnerships. We promote and develop best practice, commission research, provide training and offer a wide range of partnership brokering and audit support. We wholeheartedly support the delivery of the strongest pupil outcomes for all children and our national programmes and initiatives are informed by research and experience and driven by impact. 

The S.P.A.’s ambition is to become the leading, evidence-led, trusted voice on school partnerships in the UK. Working as a force for school improvement, our vision is for independent-maintained school partnership work to embed itself into the fabric of the national school system; one which is both self-improving and sustainable. We work to enrich both public and policymaker understanding of the benefits of cross-sector school partnerships through research, targeted initiatives and impact analysis.

Our long-term goal is for all UK schools to partner in some form, to improve both their own and their partner schools’ performance and deliver benefits to all pupils, particularly those attending schools in under-resourced areas. We want to work with a wide range of organisations and individuals who share our vision for a fairer future for all children and build a national strategy for school partnerships. A future where all schools work together for meaningful, mutual benefit to support the educational and emotional needs and aspirations of the next generation.

Purpose of the Role

The Membership & Communications Manager is a new part time role at the School Partnerships Alliance, reporting to the Chief Executive and working closely with our Executive Assistant. You will join us at an exciting time as we develop our new organisational strategy and expand our current school membership offer. As this is a new position this post does not currently have direct reports, but there may be an opportunity to recruit additional team member(s) as the organisation continues to grow over the next 12-18 months. You will be required to work closely with both our CEO and Director of Programmes and Research to lead on the development and delivery of the membership strategy, both stewarding and growing our membership base year on year. You will also be required to manage our new website, provide support with our social media, and ensure that all member communications align with both our brand values and guidelines.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and deliver a new, robust membership strategy that supports the S.P.A.’s key objectives. This will include new member acquisition, current member retention and ensuring that stewardship of school members is effective and fit for purpose. You will work with the Director of Programmes and Research to help deliver a credible school partnerships CPD programme and collaborate with the wider S.P.A. team to create a tangible, attractive membership offer (both on and off-line) that will bring schools together, challenge existing partnership practice and support new thinking.
• Actively identify, solicit and enrol new schools as members, building and maintaining an evolving pipeline of new membership prospects.
• Plan and prepare for meetings with current and potential members and accompany CEO and/or Director of Programmes and Research to cultivation meetings where appropriate.
• Be the first point of call for all members and with the support of the Executive Assistant to the CEO, oversee the processing of all new membership applications, renewals and invoices and ensure all enquiries from existing and prospective members are responded to in a timely manner.
• Work with the wider team to confirm a calendar of membership events across the school year. These will take place both online and/or in locations across the UK, so occasional travel will be required.
• Oversee the membership budget and provide quarterly income forecasts and reports to the CEO and Trustees, monitoring and reporting against income targets.
• Build and maintain partnerships with wider S.P.A. stakeholders to include external school membership organisations, MATs and S.P.A. trustees.
• Empower S.P.A. staff and our trustee board to support membership development, utilising their talents and networks effectively.
• Lead on the preparation of high-quality digital membership communication and related marketing and event materials.
• Oversee the establishment of an appropriate administration system to ensure effective membership tracking, due diligence, and to ensure that the S.P.A. has a robust, professional approach to member stewardship.
• Ensure all membership delivery complies with our internal protocols and all external regulations.
• To attend relevant S.P.A in person events.
• To be an active ambassador for the organisation and carry out any other related duties deemed commensurate with the requirements of the role.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Passionate advocate for young people and a commitment to the School Partnerships Alliance’s central mission.
• A minimum of 3 years non-profit membership/communications/fundraising experience in a relevant role would be desirable.
• A proven track record of securing membership subsidies and/or donations from trusts and foundations, corporate partners and major donors.
• Excellent relationship and people management skills, varying your style to the needs of the audience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Excellent team skills, strong listening and problem-solving abilities with a positive attitude.
• Excellent organisational skills, and the ability to work to deadlines.
• Proficiency in CANVA/In Design and MS PowerPoint to create impactful digital communications.
• Thorough knowledge of structured CRM systems and support tools, all MS Office including Excel.
• Strong understanding of account management and relationship management.

Person Specification

• You are an enthusiastic professional who is passionate about opportunities for young people and education.
• You have an effective and energetic work ethic and are comfortable approaching and working with senior stakeholders across a wide range of organisations and educational institutions.
• You have a keen eye for a prospect and the knowledge and experience to convert them into lasting supporters.
• You are able to work independently and as part of a team.
• You are flexible, reliable and with a can-do attitude.

Equal Opportunities

 The School Partnerships Alliance is fully committed to the principles of equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital or disability status and welcome applications from applicants of all backgrounds.

Safeguarding

 We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is therefore subject to an enhanced DBS check, online checks and two satisfactory references.

We are looking for a passionate and ambitious Head of Fundraising to lead and grow our voluntary income. Your focus will span the full range of fundraising activities, from statutory and trust funding to developing and increasing income across major donor giving, legacies, corporate partnerships, and individual giving.

This role offers an opportunity to shape how we communicate our value to funders and supporters, build long-term partnerships that reflect our mission, and grow a culture of income awareness across the organisation. It is a fantastic opportunity for an existing Head of Fundraising, or someone who feels ready to take the next step in their career and play a key role in shaping the future of our fundraising strategy.

As Head of Fundraising, you will work closely with the CEO and senior leadership team to increase philanthropic support and voluntary income. You’ll lead our efforts to diversify and grow income streams – securing support from individuals, corporates, and other partners – with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and long-term impact. You’ll be part of an organisation where you can see the direct effect of your work on the services we deliver to keep children safe.

You will lead and support a small team, bring fresh thinking and strong relationship-building skills, and work closely with project leads to ensure our funding reflects real needs and delivers real impact. You will be able to combine strategic and commercial awareness, with hands-on delivery.

This role will give you the opportunity and responsibility to build on our successful fundraising and extend our appeal to new donors as well as maintain our existing supporters. You will need demonstrable fundraising experience and the ability to work confidently as a strategic thinker as well as a practical fundraiser. You will come with strong ideas and skills to implement them.

If you’re driven by making a difference – especially, in the field of child protection and want to bring your fundraising leadership to a mission that matters, we’d love to hear from you.

What you’ll get from us

We offer hybrid working, with a minimum of 2 days in the office after one month in the position, a NEST pension, 33 days’ annual leave rising to 38 days (inclusive of statutory bank holidays following qualifying period), up to 5 days’ learning and development per year, flu jabs, eye tests, charity discounts, an employee assistance programme and the option of Benenden medical cover. We are proud to partner with the Living Wage Foundation and be an accredited employer of choice.

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and protecting the vulnerable adults, children and young people that we work with. As such, all posts are subject to a safer recruitment process including the disclosure of criminal records and vetting checks. We ensure that we have a range of policies and procedures in place which promote safeguarding and safer working practices across our services.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

We believe in creating a positive environment where our differences are respected and each of us feels valued for our contribution. Showing respect and consideration to all is part of our values and at the core of our culture.

As an inclusive employer, all qualified candidates will be considered regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or belief, age, socioeconomic background, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity and caring responsibilities, marital status, nationality and disability including invisible disabilities and neurodiversity. As part of our safer recruitment process, we actively remove bias from applications i.e. applications are anonymised prior to sharing with the recruiting panel and equal opportunity monitoring forms are removed from applications on receipt and retained by HR for analysis reporting.

#fundraising #headoffundraising #charity #funding #partnerships

‘Communication is one of the most important things, and I feel the ESU has set us up for life.’ Schools’ Mace 2024 participant  

 Oracy gives young people the skills and confidence to shape their lives and to build a more connected and cooperative world   

Both nationally and internationally, public discussion and political debate are increasingly polarised and divided. Social media, fake news and new technologies such as AI can create echo chambers, where claims pass unchallenged, and different views are hard to find. The English-Speaking Union shows that there is a more constructive and collaborative path.  The ESU was founded in 1918 to build greater understanding and friendships between people and nations. We are an educational charity with international reach, with an ESU in over 50 countries. Today our work is focussed on training young people in oracy – speaking and listening skills, in critical thinking and self-expression - to build skilful communicators and engaged citizens and leaders.  

The English-Speaking Union and our work is more important now than ever.  

Overview of the Team  

The Corporate Services team provides essential strategic and operational support across the organisation. Our governance function oversees compliance, risk management, and performance frameworks. The finance team manages budgets, financial planning, and reporting. All of this contributes to effective decision making. We are also responsible for looking after our properties, which includes maintaining oversight of two commercial leases, and maintaining Dartmouth House which is a grade II* listed events venue and our Head Office in Mayfair.

 Purpose of this role  

The Senior Governance Officer will provide high quality support to the Board of Trustees and its sub-Committees, and the Chief Operating Officer. This role will work closely with the Executive Assistant to the Director General. 

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys being at the heart of an organisation’s operations—helping to keep the corporate services running smoothly, so that our Education and Supporter teams can focus on delivering impact through our programmes. 

Responsibilities and Expectations  

• Provide governance support including the preparation and timely circulation of agendas, papers, minutes and action logs for Board and Committee meetings. 
• Monitor and report on progress against Board and Committee actions, ensuring timely follow-up and delivery. 
• Ensure the charity complies with statutory, regulatory and sector best practice, including maintenance of key registers including the risk register, gift & hospitality register, declarations of interest, and compliance trackers. 
• Maintain the organisation’s contract register, tracking review dates and supporting internal contract reviews and renewals. 
• Provide high-quality administrative and organisational support to the Chief Operating Officer, helping to ensure smooth day-to-day operations. 
• Assist with the planning and delivery of the annual external audit, working with colleagues and auditors to meet key deadlines. 
• Support the delivery of the annual Board effectiveness review, gathering feedback and helping to implement improvements. 
• Facilitate due diligence checks as needed, liaising with legal advisors to ensure accuracy and compliance. 
• Deliver one-off projects and provide flexible support across the Corporate Services team as required. 

Skills and Experience  

• A good understanding of Charities Act and Charity Governance Code. 
• A track record of providing secretariat support, including minute taking. 
• Excellent administrative skills, highly organised with very good attention to detail. 
• A tactful and conscientious individual who can navigate through complex situations 
• Understands the importance of maintaining confidentiality
• Strong written and oral communication skills. 
• A motivated self-starter who can quickly translate issues into solutions. 
• A team player who can quickly build trusted relationships at all levels. 
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Can confidently and professionally challenge and hold people to account. 
• The ability to manage several projects simultaneously whilst working at a high standard.
• Excellent IT skills including Microsoft Office. 

• 28 Days Annul leave plus bank holidays
• Enhanced pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Group life cover
• Employee Assistance
• Virtual GP
• Season Ticket Loan

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Technical Project Lead to manage and collaborate with an external development/implementation partner and coordinate the smooth adoption of Salesforce within the Charity.  This critical role will be responsible for the full project lifecycle, from planning and requirements gathering to execution, testing, training, and post-implementation support. You will be the central point of contact for all project stakeholders, ensuring seamless communication and collaboration throughout the project.

 Main Responsibilities

• Work with the Director or Finance & Operations (DFO)  to invite tenders for and engage a development / implementation partner to support the adoption of this phase of Salesforce implementation
• Work with the development/implementation partner to develop detailed project plans, timelines, budgets, and resource allocation. Manage the execution of these plans, tracking progress, and ensuring on-time and within-budget delivery.
• Coordinate with the implementation partner to gather and document business requirements from relevant team members to translate these into technical specifications.
• Lead and motivate key stakeholders including the implementation partner and end-users. Foster a collaborative environment and ensure effective communication between team members.
• Act as the primary point of contact for all project stakeholders, providing regular updates on project status, risks, and issues. Manage stakeholder expectations and ensure their buy-in throughout the project.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate potential project risks. Develop contingency plans to address unforeseen challenges and ensure project success.
• Define and implement quality assurance processes to ensure the delivered Salesforce solution meets business requirements and is free of defects. Oversee testing activities and ensure proper documentation of test results.
• Develop and execute change management plans to ensure smooth user adoption of the new Salesforce solution. Provide training and support to end-users.
• Manage project budgets effectively, tracking expenses and ensuring cost-effectiveness.
• Maintain comprehensive project documentation, including project plans, requirements documents, technical specifications, test plans, and user manuals.
• Providing updates against outcomes / budget to the Director of Development (Grants/Major Gifts) to enable rigorous, timely feedback to the project funder.

 Person specification 

• Proven experience (three years minimum) of leading digital transformation projects, with a strong focus on Salesforce implementations and customisations and a strong record of success.
• Deep understanding of Salesforce platform capabilities.
• Excellent project management skills, including budget and stakeholder management.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and leadership skills with the ability to explain technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.  
• Ability to manage, coordinate and get buy-in from technically inexperienced team members.
• Experience with data migration and integration is a plus.
• An understanding of safeguarding data, confidentiality, safe working practices and GDPR compliance.
• Knowledge of appropriate project management frameworks (agile, waterfall) to set project scope, meeting key milestones and budget constraints
• An understanding of equal opportunities issues and a commitment to diversity.
• Commitment to Create, its activities and mission.

Terms & Conditions

• This is a part-time (0.6 FTE), fixed term contract for one year, with a review to extend at the end of that term.
• This role is based in London.
• Salary: £45,000 per annum pro rata (0.6 FTE).
• Holiday: 25 days (including 3 faith days*) + 8 Public Holidays pro rata.
• A beautiful office based in the City of London. Hybrid working is available following induction period.
• 21-hour week: standard office hours are 9.30am-5.30pm, Monday to Friday with an hour for lunch. Work outside these hours is required on occasions.
• The opportunity to visit projects and Showcase events.
• As part of Create’s Green Action Plan, the charity offers the Cycle to Work scheme. T&C Apply.
• In line with Create’s Safeguarding Policy, all staff are required to have a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which Create will carry out upon appointment.

*  Create closes the office over the Christmas period. For staff members who celebrate other faith days, however, the charity is happy to discuss alternative dates.

Create is committed to a policy of equal opportunities embracing diversity in all areas of activity and positively welcomes applications from disabled people and people of all ethnicities.