Education research manager jobs

Role description:

We are excited to be seeking a talented and motivated individual to join Southampton Hospitals Charity as our Grants Manager.

This role will provide the right candidate with a rare opportunity to implement, embed and oversee the delivery of the Charity’s £2.5 million dedicated grant programmes from pre to post award.

Covering four programmes (Patient Care, Research & Development, Clinical Innovation and Staff Education & Improvement), the post holder will be responsible for managing circa £2.5M of expenditure each year, ensuring they deliver impact for patients, staff and donors.

This is a unique opportunity to work within the hospital environment where the projects we fund are delivered, supporting clinical staff to access funding to directly improve patient care. You will be vital in cultivating these in-hospital relationships.

This role will be key, as continue our ambitious new strategy to grow our reach and impact, and this opportunity offers the right candidate the chance to implement new ways of working as part of the management team.

We are looking for a passionate individual with the drive to deliver this programme of work, but most important they will believe in the Charity’s mission and ensure that every aspect of our work supports its delivery.

Main responsibilities

Grant Management & Compliance

• Oversee the delivery of the charity’s dedicated grant programmes from pre to post award: Patient Care, Research & Development, Clinical Innovation and Staff Education & Improvement. The post holder will be responsible for circa £2.5M expenditure per annum ensuring they deliver impact for patients, staff and donors (grant values typically range from £2K to <£0.5M).
• Oversee the management of the charity's current grant portfolio; ensuring grants are delivered on time and in accordance with internal processes.
• Ensure compliance with financial obligations (inc. payments, reconciliations and audits) and regulatory obligations (inc. data management, grant award contracts, procurement).
• Ensure grant making processes reflects and champion current best practice.
• Develop and implement a Grants Advisory Committee.

Relationship & Stakeholder Management

• Build relationships with key stakeholders within University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust (UHS), including senior health professionals, executive team members, partners and beneficiaries.
• Work to embed the grants programmes within the hospital environment and work with UHS staff to support them in access funding through working within the hospital and regular visits to clinical areas.
• Act as primary liaison for the Charity’s grant making responsibilities, ensuring alignment with charitable objectives and 2024-2027 strategic mission 
• Provide support to Director of Operations and Resources and the Senior Leadership Team, fostering a collaborative approach to grant programme delivery in tandem with fundraising, communication and art programme goals.
• Represent the organisation at meetings, attending hospital site visits, events and other external facing activities as required.
• Implement hybrid applicant and grantee support functions (e.g. webinars, Q&A events, promotional events, annual learning events).

Strategic Planning & Funding Prioritisation

• Lead the development of the Charity’s grant-making function, working with internal and external stakeholders in identifying key funding priorities that align with the Charity’s mission and future goals.
• Develop strategies for allocating resources effectively and the ongoing review of grant programmes (aiming for continual improvement).
• Develop strategies for working in partnership with UHS for joint decision making, the effective management of capital awards and high value grant requests.
• Identify new grant opportunities and potential partnerships to diversify funding streams.
• Maximise grant impact by contributing to the business planning process.

Evaluation, Reporting & Impact

• Oversee processes for effective grant monitoring, reporting and analysis of grants portfolio.
• Develop and implement an evaluation framework for the charity’s grants programme, ensuring this is embedded and linked to organisation wide reporting mechanisms and measurable outcomes are achieved.
• Use data and insights to inform the continuous improvement of grant-making practices and programme development.
• Utilise information captured to promote grant programmes and support Fundraising and Communications Directorate.
• Support the Grants and Impact Officer.

General

• Support the line management and continuing professional development of the grants team.
• Ensure content and material is in line with Directorate of Fundraising and Communications for marketing, publications, website and social media responsibilities.
• Support the wider work of the organisation, contributing to all staff events/meetings as required.
• Support the Director of Operations and Resources in the preparation of necessary Trustee reports, annual reports and impact reports.
• Support EDI journey.

Knowledge and experience

• Substantial experience in grants management, within a relevant not-for-profit setting (e.g. healthcare charity). Post holder must be proficient with pre and post award responsibilities including assessment.
• Demonstrable track record of contributing to organisational strategy.
• Demonstrable track record of utilising grants management systems.
• Demonstrable track record of budget management.
• Proven ability in managing impact measurement of charitable programmes.
• Proven ability in Committee Management.

Skills, abilities, and behaviours

• Strong attention to detail.
• Financially proficient.
• IT proficient.
• Excellent problem solver.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strong strategic thinking with excellent leadership skills and experience in managing and developing others.
• A passion for the Charity’s mission and a commitment to delivering high-impact programmes that enhances patient care.

Our Time Charity is seeking an experienced Development Manager to help grow and embed our early help and family mental health services across the UK.

This is a senior, outward-facing role focused on securing statutory income, developing high-quality tenders, and building strong relationships with local authorities, Family Hubs and strategic partners. A key priority will be positioning KidsTime Workshops as a recognised, commissioned early help offer within local authority family support systems.

Working closely with the CEO, you will identify high-impact opportunities, navigate commissioning processes, and help ensure more children affected by parental mental illness receive timely, preventative support.

This role is ideal for someone with experience in local authority commissioning, business development or statutory income generation, who understands early intervention and wants to use their skills to create lasting social impact.

To learn more about the role, responsibilities and how to apply, please download the full recruitment pack.

By providing finance and support, at SIB we enable charities and social enterprises to exist, grow and thrive. We have disbursed £0.8bn to thousands of organisations since 2002. Our team believes in the power of the social economy, champions the charities and social enterprises we support - and we are all working together to build stronger communities and a fairer society. 

It is a hugely exciting time to join the organisation. We are growing, investing in our expert team, and building on the successes of the last few years. 

Find out more about our values and what we do by visiting our website.

Our values are: People First, Curious, Bold, Collaborative, Accountable

About this role:

Reporting to the Head of Policy and Communications, the Policy and Communications Coordinator will support SIB’s track record of sector, government and media engagement, notably the high standard of publication set through its media partnerships with Tortoise and the Financial Times, its contributions to the policy landscape in the social sector, and its in-house data analysis and insight generation. This new post will contribute to SIB’s ongoing communications and public policy work and its reach and influence, building on a growing base of expertise across SIB’s three strategic priority areas: Green Transition, Infrastructure and Services.

Key responsibilities

1. Support the Head of Policy and Communications to deliver the Policy and Communications strategy for SIB.

2. Making use of media and parliamentary tracking software keep abreast of SIB’s strategic policy areas, sharing accessible updates and digests of relevant legislation and central and local government programming and media coverage.

3. Attend / watch online relevant parliamentary committees, All Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs) and Commons and Lords sessions, capturing relevant outcomes and identifying MPs and Lords that SIB should seek to work with / influence.

4. Support the Head of Policy and Communications to identify a key parliamentary contacts list. Create tailored communications for these key contacts which share relevant statistics and case studies from SIB’s portfolio, alongside policy influencing lines. This will include drafting questions and briefings where relevant, and ensuring that regular contact is maintained. 

5. Support the drafting of consultation responses and press releases using SIB’s core messaging, reporting, research and data.

6. Support SIB’s annual party conference attendance with coordination and administration in advance and in person.

7. Support the Head of Policy and Communications with attendance at influencing meetings and webinars with, for example, the Association of Decentralised Energy, Community Energy England, Locality, Better Society Capital, the Access Foundation and others.

8. Draft internal and external copy for newsletters and the SIB intranet and website.

9. Monitor the press email address and support correspondence with journalists on reactive and proactive stories.

10. Attend and provide oversight to the Social Investment Forum, as part of SIB’s secretariat and hosting.

11. Write, edit and produce engaging and relevant content at pace for web, social media and e-newsletters, as well as earned and paid channels.

12. Management of external suppliers of communications and policy activities, including agencies, designers, consultants and think tanks.

13. Work with the Marketing Manager, Marketing and Events Coordinator, Business Development Manager and wider team to deliver successful external events with customers, stakeholders and partners including attendance at Party Conferences.

14. Work in line with the organisation's values, principles and processes to achieve operational excellence.

15. Adopt our continuous improvement and learning ethos

16. Support and embed equality, diversity and inclusion into day-to-day behaviours and activities within your role as well as contributing more widely across SIB’s commitment to E, D & I

17. Support and contribute to the implementation and delivery of SIB’s strategy

18. In agreement with manager to undertake other tasks and work on cross team projects that support the objectives of SIB as required

Core competencies

• Previous experience of working in a public policy, PR, marketing, external affairs or communications role
• Excellent writing skills
• Good research skills, with an ability to absorb large amounts of information at pace, including in unfamiliar policy areas and produce cogent syntheses
• Strong collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively teams across functions in an integrated way
• Good established networks through experience in a similar role, and a commitment to expanding those networks to support SIB’s strategic aims
• Experience of building effective media partnerships
• Good working knowledge of data-driven storytelling in a variety of outlets from organisation websites to mainstream media and confidence in interpreting data and understanding the key points to be drawn from it to gain traction in media and campaigning environments
• Experience of developing and delivering effective communications campaigns, including through a range of digital channels
• Strong planning skills and an ability to multi-task, work well under pressure and meet deadlines
• Strong understanding of UK political context, especially as it concerns the social economy, and parliamentary process
• An understanding of how to promote research, policy papers, data analysis and other activities of a think tank and consultancy
• Excellent IT skills and the ability to learn new programmes quickly

Desirable competencies

• Data visualisation skills
• Data storytelling
• A good aesthetic eye and ability to shape images, visuals and formatting, and to liaise confidently with designers
• Understanding of the UK charity and social enterprise sectors

Education / Professional experience

• Experience in policy, research and media
• Experience of collaborative working across teams
• In-depth digital communications expertise

We are looking for an exceptional, value-driven candidate who can hit the ground running as our Legal Education Officer, working closely with the Director and the rest of our small and dynamic Right to Remain team.

The person must be someone who understands the Right to Remain ethos and is prepared to bring their whole self to our organisation. Needless to say, the role requires an impeccable grasp of the asylum and immigration system and its operation on the ground, including how it impacts our community of people seeking asylum, refugees, migrants, their families, friends and allies. It requires an ability to help and guide our community to navigate the complex and hostile asylum and immigration system.

You will be working closely with the Director and the rest of our small and dynamic Right to Remain staff team: another Legal Education Officer based in Leeds (generally) covering the North, the Organiser based in Manchester leading our mighty These Walls Must Fall, and the Engagement Officer based in London. In particular, the post holder will be closely coordinating their work with another Legal Education Officer in Leeds. The post holder is also expected to be already embedded in the local and regional asylum and migration field, familiar with its dynamics and able to tap into their existing relationships and connections with local groups and actors. 

We are proud of Right to Remain’s unique and bold approach that really believes in collective power. We are focused on building knowledge, radical solidarity and the power of our community. We show up authentically at work and for our community, always giving our 100%. We are determined and calm amidst the crisis and chaos of the world. We know that now is not a ‘business as usual’ time, and we need to meet the moment as the anchor organisation for the migration justice movement. That comes with a lot of responsibility but we also carry it with lightness. We want our new team members to be similarly passionate, ambitious and compassionate. 

With the rest of the team, you will be responsible for maintaining, developing, and increasing usage of our highly popular and accessible resources about the asylum and immigration system, most notably the Right to Remain Toolkit. You will deliver interactive workshops on the legal system for people navigating that system as well as professionals and volunteers. You will engage with our network of community groups to ensure that we are apprised of developments on the ground and we are communicating important changes to these support groups. You will also work with the Director and other colleagues to develop and deliver specific public legal education projects, when necessary. You must have outstanding communication skills and the ability to engage with a wide range of audiences, in a manner that reflects Right to Remain’s mission and values. 

About the team

The Philanthropy & Partnerships Team at Impetus is high performing, experienced and ambitious, united by a shared commitment to achieving lasting change for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. We combine deep fundraising expertise, strong sector insight and a clear focus on impact, working collaboratively to build partnerships that enable Impetus and our charity partners to succeed.

We are brave and curious in our pursuit of better outcomes, open to new perspectives and supportive of taking considered risks that help us learn and improve. We set high standards for ourselves and are evidence-led and results-driven for young people, with rigour and excellent execution underpinning our work across the full fundraising cycle.

We bring high trust and high challenge, building strong relationships through honesty, kindness, integrity and respect, while creating a safe environment for constructive challenge and accountability. We thrive through diversity, valuing difference in background, experience and thought, and we always seek collaboration, knowing that we will not achieve our mission alone.

Team members are trusted with responsibility and encouraged to take ownership of their work. You will be supported by skilled, engaged colleagues and challenged to grow in a team that values learning, reflection and continuous improvement.

Why work with us?

Working at Impetus means joining an organisation that is serious about impact and serious about people. Our values actively guide how we make decisions, how we work together and how we deliver change.

In the Philanthropy & Partnerships Team, you will:

• Be part of a high-performing and respected fundraising team
• Build meaningful, long-term relationships with thoughtful, impact-driven donors
• Develop your skills across the full fundraising cycle, supported by strong leadership
• Work on some of the charity sector’s most exciting and long-term partnerships
• See a clear connection between your work and improved outcomes for young people

If you are motivated by purpose, enjoy working to a high standard, and want to be part of a team that is ambitious about both impact and excellence, we would be delighted to hear from you.​

Harbi Jama,

Director of Philanthropy & Partnerships

About this role

The Philanthropy Manager will own an assigned portfolio of prospects and donors at five to six figure level and act as the day-to-day relationship manager within that portfolio.

The role plans and delivers cultivation, solicitation and stewardship activity to agreed KPIs, makes timely operational decisions within scope, and escalates risks/opportunities early.

The post holder contributes evidence and insight into team planning, supports senior colleagues on major/strategic accounts, and collaborates across teams to ensure high quality, inclusive delivery.

​Key responsibilities

• Own and manage an assigned portfolio of prospects and donors at the five to six figure level, delivering agreed income and engagement targets.
• Build and maintain professional, long-term relationships within the portfolio, escalating strategic issues or risks promptly.
• Act as the day-to-day relationship manager for donors in your portfolio, adapting style to audience and context and ensuring clear, timely communications; seek support for major strategic relationships.
• Maintain structured cultivation plans with milestones, update stakeholders proactively, and adjust plans based on learning.
• Develop clear, evidence-led proposals and reports using agreed templates, definitions and KPIs; quality check data before submission.
• Support senior colleagues on major prospects with briefings, meeting notes, and follow ups.
• Supporting Senior Philanthropy Managers, Development Directors and the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships on key accounts (typically £500k–£1m+), preparing high quality materials and inputs and maintaining accurate records of progress through the fundraising cycle in Salesforce.
• Contribute insights to identify and prioritise new grant opportunities and themes; share relevant sector updates with the team.
• Co-develop stewardship plans tailored to donor priorities in collaboration with Engagement, Pro Bono and Events teams.
• Maintain accurate, complete records in Salesforce; apply definitions consistently and quality check data before reporting.
• Maintain Salesforce and contribute inputs for SMT/committee reporting via the Senior Philanthropy Manager; propose lightweight improvements to existing processes.
• Keep professional knowledge current; share useful updates/resources and ensure compliance with relevant standards and legislation.
• Support delivery of major fundraising, cultivation and stewardship events, and ad-hoc Philanthropy Team activities.
• Demonstrate professionalism and best practice in all duties, complying with organisational policies and procedures, and proactively supporting the wider team.
• Model inclusive, professional behaviours; design inclusive meetings/interactions, act as an ally and challenge bias constructively while supporting the wider team.
• Share know‑how and peer‑coach officers/assistants, offering constructive feedback and supporting onboarding for new colleagues.
• ​Attend Impetus events to provide support to Philanthropy team.

​Person specification

​Essential​

• Demonstrable experience generating gifts at five to six figures from UK trusts, corporate partnerships and/or foundations.
• Ability to work through the fundraising cycle with donors to initiate, renew and grow gifts.
• Experience developing partnerships and managing an allocated portfolio of donor relationships.
• Excellent research and prospecting skills.
• Strong experience using Microsoft Office, especially PowerPoint, and substantive experience using Salesforce or a comparable CRM.
• Strong planning and organisation skills – build structured plans with milestones/dependencies and track portfolio income/expenditure, highlighting variances early.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong bid-writing and storytelling ability.
• Ability to grasp and convey complex ideas, including Impetus’ model and the private equity industry.
• Able to engage confidently and professionally with senior stakeholders, adapting style and seeking support where appropriate.
• Ability to work well under pressure, meet tight deadlines, manage multiple projects and maintain excellent attention to detail.
• A commitment to Impetus’ mission
• Demonstrated inclusive practice in meetings/interactions, challenges bias constructively and acts as an ally to colleagues and young people.   

Desirable​

• Knowledge of the youth, education or employment sectors.
• Experience fundraising for grant makers, infrastructure organisations or intermediaries.
• Digital fundraising skills.
• Ability to think innovatively.

​​

​About Impetus

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

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

• Lost learning through absence, suspensions, exclusions from school  

• Stagnation in education attainment outcomes, which means many are missing out on key qualifications like GCSE English and maths 

• The large numbers of young people out of education, training and employment  ​

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

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

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

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

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

​

Our Values​

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

We are brave and curious

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

We bring high trust, high challenge

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

We are evidence led and results driven for young people

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

We thrive through diversity

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

We always seek collaboration

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

Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

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

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

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

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

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

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

​

​Our employee benefits ​

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

​

How to apply

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

You will need to:​

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

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

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

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

The deadline for applications is Sunday 1st February 2026, 11:59pm.​

Interviews:​

1st Interviews will take place on Monday 9th - Tuesday 10th February 2026.​

2nd Interviews will take place on Tuesday 17th February 2026.​

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

​

Personal Data

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

Head of Water Safety and Education

CONTRACT: Permanent, Full Time (35 hours per week, Monday to Friday)
ORGANISATION: Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK)
DEPARTMENT: Membership and Education
LOCATION: Hybrid working, with three days a week at RLSS UK Headquarters, Worcester.
*This is negotiable, depending on the travel time of the successful candidate.
REPORTS TO: Director of Membership and Education
REPORTS: Education Manager
SALARY: £43,997.00 (Grade A)

JOB PURPOSE
To develop, lead, and oversee the delivery of RLSS UK’s Education Strategy, and represent the charity at strategic stakeholder meetings/events.

ROLE OVERVIEW
Early intervention and education is considered critical in the development and resilience of young people to encourage safe experiences. Water plays a vital role in the way we live our lives but it can also result in devastation if not treated with caution. Providing young people with the knowledge and skills to make safe decisions around water is empowering, profound and life-saving.

You will be a passionate and ambitious leader with the skills, knowledge and experience to drive forward this area of work in collaboration with RLSS UK team members across the organisation. You will have a dynamic approach with the ability to combine relationship management, stakeholder engagement, project management and operational oversight to ensure our work in this area aligns with our purpose, mission and vision and enables us to achieve our strategy.

In 2025 the Department for Education (DfE) agreed for the Water Safety Code to be integrated into the newly released Relationships Education, Relationships and Sex Education, and Health Education (RSHE) statutory guidance for schools in England. RLSS UK were part of a collaboration of various organisations, who campaigned for this important change which is due to be embedded into the curriculum from September 2026. This role will be pivotal to ensuring that RLSS UK’s voice and expertise is maintained in this educational delivery as well as putting in place robust KPIs to allow us to assess its ongoing impact.

KEY TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES
Water Safety and Education
• Lead on the development of an ‘Education Strategy’ for RLSS UK that ensures that more young people have access to high quality water safety education
• Represent RLSS UK at wider forums and groups as our water safety and education expert and identify opportunities to increase our impact further
• Work with the Education Manager to develop and deliver education pilots and interventions that are informed by the ‘Education Strategy’
• Work closely with the Policy and Public Affairs Manager to ensure that policy work blends seamlessly and consistently into our educational delivery
• Plan research and evaluation to inform future developments of RLSS UK’s education packages, ensuring that they are impactful and inclusive
• Extend the capability of the community to deliver water safety education, training volunteers, partners, and members to standardise the delivery of our education
• Work with the Education Manager to lead the growth of our education workforce so that RLSS UK is more visible in schools and youth settings across the UK and Ireland
• Work collaboratively with RLSS UK teams to raise awareness of our water safety and education offering and our impact
• Build relationships with those developing similar work in the education space to network and elicit best practices
• Ensure compliance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 by complying with internal information governance policies and maintaining up to date records as part of RLSS UK’s compliance programme

Other Duties and Responsibilities
• Lead on and support ad hoc projects, as required
• Manage, mentor, and support the Education Manager
• Contribute to the successful operation of the charity by undertaking such other tasks as may from time to time be required, including all other duties associated with your role, as directed by your Line Manager
• To always demonstrate and uphold the Society’s values and behavioural standards
• Proactively participate in the Society’s equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives and training, and to promote a culture of respect and inclusion for all staff and customers

This job description is not to be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive. It is intended as an outline indication of areas of activity and responsibility and will be amended in the light of the changing needs of the organisation.

PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential Relevant Experience, Skills and/or Aptitudes
• A minimum of 10 years’ experience of working in water safety and education
• Significant experience of working in a leadership role, ideally in a water safety or education organisation
• Experience of collecting research and insight to inform continued development
• Demonstrable experience of contribution to delivery of education strategy and policy
• Dynamic and proactive with the ability to generate innovative ideas and solve problems
• The capacity to lead groups, as well as be a participative member of them
• The ability to relate to, motivate and emphasise with a range of people from different backgrounds
• A positive ‘can do’ attitude
• Excellent at building and maintaining relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, both internally and externally
• Excellent team player who works well under pressure and to deadlines
• Experience in line management, including developing and supporting direct reports to deliver the organisation’s objectives
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate persuasively to a wide range of audiences
• High levels of emotional intelligence
• Proficiency in MS Office applications
• Willingness and ability to travel as required for the role including occasional evenings and weekends

Desirable Relevant Experience, Skills and/or Aptitudes
• Knowledge and understanding of RLSS UK and its work in water safety education
• An understanding of the lifesaving, lifeguarding and water safety sector/communities

WHAT RLSS UK CAN OFFER YOU
RLSS UK is a national Charity based in Worcester, and we offer great staff benefits including -

• Annual Leave based on 27 days + Bank Holidays + a discretionary day off for your birthday
• Private Medical Scheme*
• Enhanced Society Sick Pay*
• Eye Care*
• Employee Assistance Programme via Health Assured
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Howdens Sports Benefits/Perks at Work
• Free RLSS UK Membership
• Free tea and coffee when working from HQ, including access to our wonderful Coffee Machine
• Free on-site parking when working from HQ
• Company Events and more!

*Subject to eligibility criteria

YOUR APPLICATION
Please send your CV and a Cover Letter outlining why you should join our Membership and Education team
Closing Date – 11.59pm, Sunday 1st February 2026
Interview Date – Monday 16th February 2026, at our Worcester Head Office (subject to change)

Should you wish to discuss the role, any reasonable adjustments you may require throughout the recruitment process, or have any questions, please get in touch where a member of the RLSS UK HR Department will be happy to help.

RLSS UK are a Disability Confident Committed Employer and an INclusive Worcestershire Leader.

Job Title: Operations Manager – Osborne Partnership

Hours: 37.5 hrs per week (full time equivalent).

Salary: £53,508 dependent on qualifications

Responsible to: Chief Executive - Senior Management Team (SMT)

Responsible for: 4 x Senior Service Managers

3 x Service Managers

Responsible for the safe delivery and environment of the Osborne Centre (both Partners and staff) delivering a range of quality services for our Partners (service users) and ensuring that the management systems are in place and operational.

Qualification(s) Level: Applicants with Level(s) 5 Leadership & Management  Social Care/ Education/ Health (particularly with adults with learning disabilities) or similar qualifications (including degree equivalents or better), are especially welcome however we will consider applicants with alternative qualifications and experience subject to expressly agreeing to upskill on the job and provided there is an evidentiary trail that can show evidence of a caring mentality and empathy with our service user group and or in a home care environment or other learning type institution.

Overall purpose:

To manage all aspects of the ‘Operations’ of Osborne Partnership and supporting the strategic development of the organisation alongside the Chief Executive to ensure a  fully functional and operational service for the overall benefit of our Partners (service users) day learning and support development as per the Charities aims and objectives of Education, Skills Attainment, and Employability Skills for adults with learning disabilities.  

To actively train and support Partners to gain independence skills, life skills, and other skills through a ‘mixed ability’ support service that includes supporting the training of Partners through formal qualifications (Entry level NVQ teaching & support), on the job training, and internal qualifications and benchmarks.

To ensure that the service is:

- Properly monitored and utilising an internal database for the recording of information (Storii);

- Delivered on the basis of an agreed organisational and service Scheme of Works/ Service Plan as well as Partner Individual Learning Plans (ILPs);

- Reviewing Partner progress on a quarterly basis showing ‘distance travelled’ by individual Partners;

- Serviced by managed, trained and motivated staff;

- Delivered under the highest standards of health & safety and safeguarding welfare for our Partners.

Role:

To develop, support and deliver the day to day operations of the Osborne Partnership, in partnership with other senior Managers, and Service Managers, with a particular focus on the quality agenda as it relates to Partner services, service development, benchmarking, and external accreditations. The role will ensure that Partner services are engaged in a cycle of continuous review and improvements and providing Service Managers with the tools and support to deliver the highest standards of service through building confidence and expertise, and identifying service and personal development training where appropriate.

Main Duties:

1. To support the development and best practice of all Osborne Partnership service areas to ensure relevant, meaningful, and objective focused delivery for Partners.

2. To work with the relevant Service Managers and Project Supoort Officers (PSOs) to review current service delivery and to provide an objective, supportive, but challenging voice in the development of services.

3. To benchmark Osborne Partnership services and delivery against similar services in the borough and wider afield.

4. Working with other senior managers, identify and action new service areas of delivery commensurate with the Osborne Partnership Memorandum and Articles of Association and subject to Partners consultation and approval.

5. To identify, research, and action plan frontline external accreditations that will provide a objectifiable list of outcomes that will support and benefit Partners; staff development; and the professional standing of the Osborne Partnership.

6. To support senior managers in the development and implementation of new policies and procedures as they may relate to updated legislation; new service provision; Partners welfare, safety and development; staff development and benefits; or any other relevant area of service.

7. To line manage (including appraisals) relevant Service Managers as leaders of services ensuring that they understand the concept of continuous improvement and are supporting Project Support Officers (PSOs) to do likewise.

8. To ensure that Service Managers have identified and developed service schemes of work, annual development training plans for Service Managers and their PSOs in line with continuous improvement principles and to ensure best practice activities for Partners.

9. To work with senior managers to identify and action activities/ services/ initiatives/ documents/ plans that will support the on-going professionalisation and modernisation agenda of the Osborne Partnership

10. To actively support other senior managers in the day to day delivery of the Osborne Centre service provision ensuring health and safety at work principles are adhered to; safeguarding of Partners is paramount; that staff are adequately prepped and prepared for delivery of their services; and that a professional service approach is adhered to at all times.

11. To be the primary development Officer of the Storri database as it relates to Osborne Partnership, information gathering (and mindful of GDPR), and Partmner journeys travelled in the service.

12. To identify personal development opportunities and requirements as dictated by the role.

13. Any other reasonable task as defined as a management role and directed from time to time by the Chief Executive. 

14. To undergo training necessary in relation to the requirements of the post.

15. To undertake any other duties consistent with the overall purpose of the post within the competence of the post holder.

N.B.   As the Osborne Partnership works with and supports vulnerable adults, all posts require post holders to be in possession of a current DBS clearance (formerly Criminal Records Bureau – (CRB).

Job Title:  Operations Manager

The following skills, experience and qualities are required for the position of Operations Manager:

ESSENTIAL

1. Demonstrable evidence of having caring qualities and empathy for our service users group either through direct employment experience or on a personal carers basis.

2. Experience of working with people with learning difficulties or in a wider social care setting or in a home environment (carer), or in a learning institution

3. Demonstrable experience of leading operational team(s), motivating colleagues, and communicating a service vision and an ability to facilitate the development of individuals and groups in a work context.

4. A flexible approach to the work situation sufficient to cope with a variety of tasks and situations.

5. A good general education, sufficient to communicate verbally in a clear manner, and to complete monitoring forms and write reports in a clear and concise manner.

DESIRABLE

1. Qualification in Leadership & Management at Level 5 (or above) and willingness to train in other areas relevant to working with vulnerable adults (see below).

2. Ability to break down tasks into achievable steps for an individual with learning difficulties.

3. Training/ qualification in areas relevant to working with vulnerable adults, e.g. Safeguarding, Lifting & Handling, more general Health & Safety, etc.

4. Knowledge of relevant legislation, e.g. Mental Capacity Act, Deprivation of Liberty Act, etc.

5. IT skills.

6. Full driving license.

Join NDTi and help drive meaningful social change

As a key member of NDTi’s Research & Evaluation team, you will play a central role in shaping, delivering and demonstrating the impact of our commissioned, grant‑funded and internally funded programmes. You will lead a varied portfolio of research and evaluation projects, ensuring high‑quality delivery and contributing to the wider development of our work.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about social justice, committed to inclusive practice, and eager to use evidence to influence change.

As our Research & Evaluation Manager, you will:

• Lead, design and contribute to research and evaluation projects, acting as a key liaison for staff and associates involved in delivery.

• Identify, synthesise and share learning from our work, showcasing innovative approaches, partnerships and achievements.

• Develop and refine research and evaluation methodologies and materials, ensuring a consistent, high‑quality approach across NDTi.

• Build and maintain a healthy pipeline of opportunities, negotiating, securing and managing a range of contracts.

• Grow and nurture diverse networks, generating new contacts and opportunities for both yourself and the wider organisation.

Key responsibilities

Day to day, you will manage and deliver a portfolio of projects, ensuring each is completed on time, within budget and to a high standard. This includes:

• Designing and planning research and evaluation projects, including developing theories of change.

• Facilitating stakeholder workshops and sessions, undertaking qualitative and quantitative fieldwork, and conducting evidence reviews.

• Analysing data, producing high‑quality reports and creating a range of outputs.

• Writing and publishing blogs, reports and other resources tailored to different audiences.

• Working collaboratively with colleagues to share learning across NDTi, stimulating creativity and informing future work.

• Managing associates and partners involved in your projects, ensuring clear communication and alignment with NDTi’s mission, policies and contract protocols.

• Developing your professional profile and cultivating relationships that strengthen NDTi’s visibility and influence.

• Leading or contributing to proposals and tenders to secure new work aligned with NDTi’s mission.

• Supporting organisational income targets and quality standards.

• Representing NDTi at national, regional and local networks and forums.

Person specification

We’re looking for someone who brings both expertise and values‑driven practice. You will have:

• At least three years’ experience delivering high‑quality research and evaluation activity.

• Proven experience conducting fieldwork, including qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis.

• Experience using a range of methodologies, with strong analytical and reporting skills.

• Ability to interpret and present complex data to varied audiences.

• Strong project management skills, with a track record of delivering work to agreed timescales and budgets.

• Experience writing reports for publication and diverse audiences.

• Knowledge and understanding of social inclusion issues.

• (Desirable) An honours degree and/or postgraduate qualification in a relevant social science discipline.

• (Desirable) Personal experience of health or social care services, or experience as a family carer.

The closing date for completed applications is 9am on Monday 2nd February 2026.

Interviews will be held on Wednesday 11th February in person (Bath)

Evaluation Manager (2 posts)

£46,000 per annum + benefits
Full-time, permanent 
Central London (hybrid working, minimum one day per week in the office​)

​Education Endowment Foundation

Our client, Education Endowment Foundation is an independent charity dedicated to breaking the link between family income and education achievement. They do this by supporting schools, nurseries and colleges to improve teaching and learning for two-to 19-year-olds through better use of evidence.​

​Roles:
​
We’re looking for two Evaluation Managers to commission and oversee robust, cost-effective evaluations of promising projects, manage a portfolio of studies, and contribute to the development of methodological best practice at the heart of the EEF’s work.

As an Evaluation Manager, you’ll play a pivotal role in commissioning and managing high-quality, cost-effective evaluations of EEF -funded projects. You’ll oversee a portfolio of studies from design to delivery, working closely with external evaluators and programme teams to ensure rigorous, practical evaluations and clear communication of findings. This is a chance to shape influential research, strengthen the evidence base on what works in education, and contribute to the EEF’s wider strategic work.

You’ll join one of two closely connected teams at the heart of the EEF’s evidence-generation work, offering distinct but complementary opportunities.

One role sits in the Evaluation Team, a large, expert team responsible for commissioning and managing EEF’s major independent evaluations, including large-scale randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental evaluations, and for supporting external research teams to deliver rigorous, high-quality studies across the portfolio.This will suit someone with a quantitative leaning with a strong understanding of trials and experimental design.

The second role sits in the Programme Development and Scale-up Team, a smaller, highly cross-functional team working at the earlier and later stages of the evidence pipeline. This team leads pilots, early-stage and scale-up evaluations, with a stronger focus on implementation and process evaluation, and on developing and testing innovative evaluation approaches to support effective scale-up.This will suit someone with a mixed methods background and a more qualitative skillset.

Both roles work closely together and across the organisation to ensure EEF’s evidence is rigorous, relevant, and has real impact in the system.

In these roles you will:

• Commission evaluations in our priority areas, including critically reviewing evaluation proposals to ensure proposed designs are high quality and cost-effective and that the most suitable external evaluators are matched with projects.​
• Manage a portfolio of evaluation projects once external evaluators are appointed and being the primary point of contact for evaluators.
• Liaise between the evaluator and the delivery team (that is delivering the intervention) and chairing meetings to ensure the evaluation project is set up effectively with a high-quality design (working closely with colleagues in EEF’s Programmes team).
• Work closely with the evaluator and delivery team to understand the practical issues involved in delivering evaluations, mitigating risks, and providing support when problems arise.
• Manage evaluation contracts and budgets, and monitoring delivery of evaluation plans.
• Conduct technical reviews of protocols, study plans, statistical analysis plans and evaluation reports.
• Work closely with other teams to ensure that published reports are of high quality and effectively communicate findings to an audience of practitioners, academics, policymakers and the general public.
• Draw on expertise from across EEF to shape and apply innovative evaluation approaches, working collaboratively to strengthen evaluation design, learning and the use of evidence.
• Develop, improve and monitor implementation of evaluation guidance and resources to clarify best practice and build the capacity of evaluators to conduct high quality research.

​Candidate:

You'll be able to demonstrate:

• A commitment to the aims of the EEF and a genuine interest in the education sector in England.
• An understanding of technical aspects of evaluation methodologies (implementation and process evaluations, randomised controlled trials, quasi-experimental designs, choice of outcome measurement, etc.) and an ability to identify high quality evaluation plans and reports.
• Experience in delivering or commissioning rigorous evaluation projects in education, health, or another related field
• Strong relationship management skills, including managing stakeholder performance and differences in opinion.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to communicate complex information to a variety of audiences including practitioners, academics, and policymakers.
• An organised and methodical approach, with excellent project management skills and the ability to prioritise own workload and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• The ability to work independently with strong attention to detail and a commitment to fact checking own work, as well as the ability to work closely and collaboratively across teams.
• A proactive, flexible, and pragmatic approach to evaluation, with an ability to balance a commitment to rigour with accessibility and impact.
• A degree with substantial research methodological training, or equivalent research experience.
• Strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring these principles are upheld in all aspects of their work.

In addition, there are a few desirable skills for this role which could help you to stand out. Great if you already have them, but we don’t expect any candidate to have them all, and will provide training as required for the right candidate:

• Experience in delivering or commissioning quasi-experimental evaluations (for the role in the Evaluation team).
• Experience in delivering or commissioning qualitative, mixed-methods and theory-based research and implementation and process evaluations (for the role in the Programme Development and Scale Up team).
• Experience or familiarity with working on programmes as they develop and scale, and an understanding of how evaluation and evidence can inform decisions about programme design, adaptation and readiness for scale-up (for the role in the Programme Development and Scale Up Team).
• A PhD or Masters with training in quantitative methods and/or mixed methods.
• Experience conducting relevant statistical analysis and/or qualitative analysis.​​

Apply:

Please send (via the "Redirect to recruiter" button above) your CV together with a personal statement addressing the following:

• Why you want to work as an Evaluation Manager at the Education Endowment Foundation including how the role aligns with your interests and career aspirations. (250 words)
• What experience do you have of undertaking and/or supporting evaluations. This may include experience with randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental designs (particularly relevant for the Evaluation Team), and/or qualitative, mixed-methods or theory-based research and implementation and process evaluations, including how evaluation evidence has informed programme development, adaptation or scale-up (particularly relevant for the Programme Development and Scale-Up Team). (300 words)

If you have a preference for working in the Evaluation Team or the Programme Development and Scale-Up Team, please state it when applying.

Closing date: Monday 26 Jan (23.00)
First stage interviews: w/c 2 Feb 2026
Second stage interviews: w/c 9 Feb 2026

As specialist recruiters we are committed to building inclusive and diverse organisations, and welcome applications from all sections of the community.​

The Royal Commission's diverse and growing alumni community spans academia, industry, science, engineering, and the arts. We are now seeking an Alumni Manager to strengthen engagement with this community and help build meaningful, long-term relationships that enhance the impact of our programmes.

The Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 is a historic charitable foundation established to carry forward the legacy of the Great Exhibition. Today, we support excellence in research, innovation, and STEM education through prestigious postgraduate fellowships and awards, alongside the stewardship of our South Kensington estate.

The Role

Reporting to the Secretary to the Royal Commission, the Alumni Manager will lead the coordination and delivery of our alumni strategy. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with strong communication and organisational skills who enjoys building communities and working in the not-for-profit or higher education sector.

Key Responsibilities

Alumni Relations & Community Building

· Maintain and develop the Commission’s alumni network, fostering long-term engagement.

· Work with the Secretary and Alumni Steering Group to develop and deliver an alumni engagement plan.

· Act as the main point of contact for alumni enquiries.

· Manage alumni use of Commission facilities.

Communications & Content

· Produce newsletters, alumni profiles, updates, and case studies.

· Manage alumni-related online content, including website updates and mailing lists.

· Coordinate content and publication of the annual external stakeholder magazine.

· Develop targeted communications for different alumni audiences.

Events

· Plan and deliver dedicated alumni events.

· Support alumni in delivering their own events.

· Assist the Events Coordinator and executive team with other Commission events.

Data & Administration

· Maintain and develop the alumni database, CRM (Hivebrite), survey tools, and internal records.

· Ensure alumni data is accurate and up to date.

· Track engagement metrics and prepare reports for internal review.

You may also be required to undertake other duties reasonably associated with the role.

About You

Essential qualities

· Experience in alumni relations, community management, stakeholder engagement, or a similar role.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

· Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects.

· Experience planning and delivering events.

· Ability to build positive relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.

· Proficiency in CRM or database systems and Microsoft Office.

Desirable

· Experience in higher education, charities, research organisations, or learned societies.

· Understanding of academic or research environments.

· Experience in digital communications, content creation, or website management.

Salary & Benefits

Salary: £16,932 per annum (10 hours per week; £59,262 FTE).

Flexible working hours agreed with the Secretary, within core hours of 10am–4pm.

At least one day per week working from the office.

Annual leave: 8.5 days plus public holidays (pro rata).

Employer pension contribution of 15% of gross salary via The People’s Pension or a personal pension scheme.

Enrichment Lead (Corporate Programmes)

Salary: £37,000 - £41,000 per annum

Location: York (or home-based depending on location with regular travel to York)

The Role

STEM Learning is seeking an Enrichment Lead for Corporate Programmes to take strategic and operational responsibility for the delivery of high-profile, employer-led STEM initiatives. This exciting role will focus on leading the design, launch, and management of a flagship STEM innovation competition for a major global engineering organisation, alongside other key corporate programmes that engage young people in real-world STEM challenges, careers, and skills.

You will act as the senior delivery lead and relationship manager for our corporate partners, ensuring each programme achieves exceptional educational impact, strengthens employer value, and enhances the public profile of STEM Learning.

Your responsibilities will include overseeing the end-to-end delivery of programmes, cultivating meaningful industry partnerships, driving programme innovation, and ensuring operational excellence. You'll also play a key role in shaping new corporate opportunities, supporting revenue growth, and advancing STEM Learning’s position as the partner of choice for industry-led STEM, careers, and talent-pipeline initiatives.

Our Ideal Candidate

Candidates will demonstrate our values: Sustainable – Innovative – Proactive

We’re seeking a dynamic leader with a proven track record of delivering large-scale educational outreach or enrichment programmes that create meaningful impact. You’ll need a blend of strategic vision and hands-on management expertise, with a passion for STEM education and a commitment to building industry-education partnerships that benefit young people.

To excel in this role, you’ll have:

• Extensive experience in programme leadership and delivery, including managing teams or external contractors and building strong relationships with clients.
• The ability to think strategically, plan analytically, and respond creatively to challenges.
• A proactive, solution-focused approach with excellent multitasking and organisational skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Experience with data management and reporting to support business planning and continuous improvement.
• A passion for STEM and a commitment to promoting inclusion, diversity, and social mobility within STEM pathways.

About Us

At STEM Learning, we work to improve lives through STEM education. We are a purpose-driven organisation, supporting teachers through high-impact professional development, inspiring young people to build confidence and curiosity in STEM, and connecting schools with employers to grow the UK’s future talent. Guided by our values, we focus our effort where it can make the greatest difference - helping all young people, whatever their background, to see themselves in STEM.

Take a look inside the National STEM Learning Centre in York to see our facilities.

Why Join Us

At STEM Learning, you’ll be part of an organisation that’s making a real difference in the lives of young people. As Enrichment Lead for Corporate Programmes, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the future of STEM education, connecting students with industry leaders, and driving innovation in careers education.

By joining us, you’ll:

• Lead exciting, high-profile STEM initiatives that have a lasting impact on students and employers alike.
• Work alongside passionate colleagues dedicated to shaping the future of STEM careers.
• Be supported by a collaborative and dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and creativity.
• Gain the opportunity to grow professionally in a role that blends strategic thinking with hands-on delivery.

If you’re passionate about STEM education and ready to lead dynamic, impactful corporate programmes, we’d love to hear from you.

Our Benefits

• 30 days holidays plus bank holidays
• Access to an attractive pension scheme
• Our full-time hours are 37 hours per week
• Up to 3 paid volunteering leave days per year
• A comprehensive employee assistance programme
• Access to a voluntary staff benefits scheme including cycle to work loan scheme; health cash back plans; free eye tests; discounted vouchers and much more

Next Steps

Closing date for applications: 09:00 on Monday 2 February 2026

First Stage Interviews (online): Monday 9 February 2026

Second Stage Interviews (in person in York): Monday 16 February 2026

To Apply

Please provide us with:

• Your up-to-date CV including the contact details of two referees (please note, references will not be approached without your permission and will not be taken up until the offer stage)
• A covering letter (no more than the equivalent of 2 sides of A4) explaining your interest in the role and why you think you would be the ideal candidate.

STEM Learning strives to be diverse and inclusive – a place where we can ALL be ourselves. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities, and are committed to employing teams with diverse abilities, skills, and experiences.

We foster a culture where every employee’s voice is respected and valued.

Main Responsibilities

· Assisting the CEO and the Executive Team Members in the development and delivery of the Society’s many activities and projects to ensure all tasks are being completed within timelines, effectively and to high standards

· Supporting the Conferences and Events Manager in the development and running of an extensive programme of network events and workshops, and the Society’s annual conference

· Promoting the Society and its events on social media platforms including LinkedIn, Bluesky, and X

· Scheduling meetings, organising papers, and some note/minute taking, as required

· Ensuring all actions are recorded and completed following Meetings of the Board of Trustees and standing committee and working group meetings.

· Developing an understanding of the Society’s CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems and managing related data.

· Ensuring the SRHE website is kept up to date, in liaison with other team members

· Providing quality customer service for members and external contacts

Qualifications, skills and experience

You will need to demonstrate that you possess the following qualifications, skills and experience:

· Demonstrable experience in a team support role or an administrative assistant role

· Excellent organisation and administration skills

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills

· Good numeracy skills

· Excellent knowledge/application of office IT systems (Microsoft Office: Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel)

· Familiarity with website maintenance and basic website management

· Managing, maintaining and manipulating databases

· Preferred education is to undergraduate level with an interest in higher education provision

We are recruiting a Support Manager to provide clear leadership, coordination and oversight of our support services during a period of growth. This role is pivotal in ensuring our services are safe, sustainable, well-governed and responsive to patient needs, while supporting staff and volunteers working in emotionally demanding environments. You will work closely with the Director of Research & Programmes and collaborate across the organisation to align support services with wider strategy.

This is an ideal role for someone with experience managing support or community services in the charity or health sector, who values clarity, collaboration and compassionate leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Service Leadership & Oversight

• Provide operational oversight of Make 2nds Count’s support services, ensuring high-quality, consistent delivery.

• Embed clear processes, boundaries and decision-making routes across support activities.

• Monitor service activity, risks and capacity, escalating issues appropriately.

Safeguarding, Risk & Quality

• Act as the operational safeguarding lead for support services.

• Ensure safeguarding, incident reporting and crisis procedures are embedded, understood and followed.

• Support a culture of emotional safety and reflective practice.

Team & Volunteer Support

• Line manage and support staff within the support team.

• Work with the Director of Research & Programmes to ensure appropriate supervision structures are in place.

• Support volunteers and facilitators through clear guidance, training pathways and escalation routes.

Planning & Collaboration

• Contribute to service planning, improvement and prioritisation.

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the charity, including fundraising and communications, to ensure joined-up delivery.

• Support the evaluation and development of services based on insight and learning.

About You

Essential

• Experience managing or coordinating support, community or health-related services.

• Strong understanding of safeguarding in sensitive or high-risk environments.

• Experience supporting staff or volunteers in emotionally demanding roles.

• Ability to bring structure, clarity and consistency to complex service delivery.

• Confident communicator, able to navigate sensitive conversations with care.

• Comfortable working remotely and managing your own workload.

Desirable

• Experience in cancer, health, mental health or lived-experience-led services.

• Knowledge of governance, data protection and information management.

• Experience working in a small charity or resource-constrained environment.

• Understanding of trauma-informed or compassionate practice.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a mission-driven, patient-led charity making a real difference.

• Work with a supportive, values-led leadership team.

• Flexible, home-based working.

• Annual leave enhancements over Christmas and New Year.

• Opportunity to shape and stabilise vital support services at a key moment.

How to Apply

Please submit:

• A CV, and

• A supporting statement (no more than 2 pages) outlining how your experience meets the requirements of the role and why you are interested in working with Make 2nds Count.

We are committed to inclusive recruitment and welcome applications from people with lived experience of cancer.

Martingale Postgraduate Foundation (Martingale) exists to fund and support the next generation of talented researchers. We believe that family income should not be a barrier to the pursuit of excellence, and our mission is to enable and nurture talented individuals from low-socioeconomic backgrounds to thrive within world-leading postgraduate research.

Martingale’s flagship programme is the Martingale Postgraduate Scholarship, which supports students from low-socioeconomic backgrounds to pursue and excel in postgraduate degrees, by providing:

• A fully-funded Living Wage Scholarship to pursue a one-year Masters degree or a four-year PhD.
• All tuition fees and research expenses, including a tax-free stipend for living costs.
• Tailored support to apply for Martingale courses at our partner universities.
• Access to Martingale programmes, including leadership training and connections with top academic and industry professionals.
• Membership of a pioneering community of talented researchers.

In the three years since Martingale launched, we are now supporting over 100 Scholars to undertake postgraduate degrees across our ten partner universities and have committed over £7.7m in Scholarships. We are continuing to expand our offer, bringing on new partners each year.

We are seeking an experienced communications lead to join our external engagement team and play a key role in shaping Martingale’s external profile and scholar recruitment.

As Communications Manager, you will lead on several critical aspects of Martingale’s work including all external communications from social media to PR, and brand management. Crucially, you will lead on the annual recruitment campaign for Martingale’s Postgraduate Scholarships. This three-month campaign each autumn is a fundamental part of Martingales work, ensuring we are finding and supporting as many talented people to apply as possible. Working closely with the Head of Communications and External Engagement, you will lead on all Martingale’s external communications.

A key responsibility will be ensuring that Martingale’s messaging is consistent, with a bold brand presence and strong collaboration with various external stakeholders including funders, universities, media, and government. You will also line manage the Events and Communications Officer who leads on all Martingale events and social media.

We are looking for a strong communicator with some leadership experience including line management, partnership management and external relations. You will bring excellent organisational skills, strong attention to detail, a proactive mindset, and a strong alignment with Martingale’s mission. We welcome applicants from a range of career paths who are excited to be part of a growing, fast-paced charity delivering meaningful impact.

Martingale Foundation is incubated by Purposeful Ventures who provide operational and strategic support. The Communications Manager will be employed by Purposeful Ventures.

About Purposeful Ventures

Our vision is for a fairer society where all young people thrive. We work with social entrepreneurs, organisations and philanthropists that share our vision. Through our work with these partners, young people are given opportunities in education and beyond, helping them reach their true potential.

Purposeful Ventures offers philanthropists and funders bespoke advice, using an evidence-based approach to help them to identify high-impact opportunities to fund. We then partner with visionary individuals and mission-driven organisations with strong theories of change. We help them turn great ideas into sustainable and successful ventures by offering fully individualised and very hands-on support, access to funding and a ‘high-challenge, high-support’ home. We do the minimum necessary and whatever it takes to succeed.

Key Responsibilities:

Working with the Head of Communications and External Engagement, you will lead on the design and implementation of end-to-end marketing for the recruitment campaign for Martingale Scholars:

• Ensure widespread marketing of the Martingale Scholarship opportunity across the UK, including in media (e.g., student newspapers), on university campuses and on graduate job boards.
• Coordinate an effective paid advertising campaign across multiple channels.
• Directly engage prospective scholars to increase interest and convince them to apply for Martingale opportunities. For example, leading email campaigns, visiting university campuses, or hosting webinars.
• Build relationships with university academics, careers departments, student societies, graduate careers platforms, and other organisations who work with Martingale’s target audience. Encourage them to share Martingale opportunities to relevant people.
• Develop marketing materials and coordinate circulation: leaflets, brochures, social media content, video, email and newsletters, case studies and interviews with relevant people incl. current scholars.
• Procure and coordinate any relevant external providers: e.g., paid digital advertising agencies.
• Manage the Applicant Tracking System, embed and manage a CRM system for enrolled scholars.

Manage brand and increase brand awareness:

• Manage and develop Martingale Foundation’s brand identity, and the identity of our programmes: visual identity, communication style, digital presence, in-person style and feel of events.
• Design and manage a creative and innovative social media campaign across multiple channels, incl. paid ads.
• Manage the website, including maintenance, development, and SEO – with agency support.
• Lead engagement with media outlets and relevant press, including student newspapers. Write engaging press releases and generate interest in Martingale.
• Develop innovative opportunities to grow Martingale’s brand awareness including opportunities for you or the CEO to showcase Martingale’s work.

Stakeholder management and communications:

• Produce and coordinate engaging communications and events for scholars and applicants, alongside the Programme’s team.
• Manage relationships with partner universities Marketing and External Relations teams, ensuring they are consulted and pleased with progress, while also delivering on their commitments.
• Develop collaborative relationships with charity partners or organisations with similar missions to Martingale, as well as potential employers of Martingale Scholars, and ensure they are aware of Martingale’s mission and progress whilst supporting recruitment and brand building efforts.
• Build productive relationships with funders relevant communications teams.

Organisation and team:

• Line manage the Events and Communications Officer, ensuring they are supported, clear on responsibilities and how they fit into the wider strategy of Martingale.
• Work across all departments in the organisation, ensuring that staff are supported to produce communications and that all Martingale’s work is being promoted effectively.

Monitor and report on the progress of the Martingale Foundation:

• Lead the production of impact reports.
• Collect and analyse data from applications, and annually review and refine the Martingale Scholarship’s recruitment campaign to make appropriate adjustments in future years.
• Assess, evidence and communicate the impact of the Martingale Foundation Scholarship in innovative ways.

General

• As duties and responsibilities change, the job description will be reviewed and amended in consultation with the post holder.
• The post holder will carry out any other duties as are within the scope, spirit and purpose of the role as requested by the line manager.

Key Requirements:

Essential Criteria

• Right to work in the UK

Experience and skills

Essential

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively communicate with diverse audiences including senior stakeholders.
• Strong experience in communications within a mission-driven organisation.
• Good track record of developing and delivering highly effective communications campaigns.
• Strategic thinking combined with hands-on content expertise.
• Experience managing and cultivating partnerships.
• Understanding of UK education, social mobility, or research funding landscapes.
• Experience in managing an organisation’s social media and website (including wordpress or similar).
• Able to assimilate complex information quickly, identifying the pertinent points and making them accessible for a wider audience.
• Advanced IT proficiency: Spreadsheet, Word Processing, CRM or Databases, Email, Web-based applications.
• Experience managing multiple projects/workstream and priorities simultaneously, while maintaining attention to detail, prioritising, and meeting deadlines. 

Desirable

• Experience working with or within higher education or research organisations.
• Graphic design experience in Adobe.
• Proven experience line managing staff.
• Familiarity with charity fundraising or philanthropic communications.
• Experience delivering communications in a startup or scale-up environment.
• Experience in working with governance boards and/or trustees.
• Experience delivering ambitious recruitment campaigns.

Personal Characteristics

• Excellent interpersonal skills: able to build rapport and trusting relationships and able to work co-operatively in a multidisciplinary setting.
• A commitment to Martingale’s mission to support postgraduate students from low-socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Comfortable working in a rapidly growing and changing organisation with a degree of ambiguity – confident to create processes and ways forward where they might not yet exist.
• Creative and innovative: willing to think outside the box to maximise reach.
• Resourceful, able to act on initiative, hardworking, detail-oriented, and systematic.

Benefits

• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays, rising to 29 days after two years of service and to 30 days after three years of service. This entitlement is pro rata for part-time employees. This entitlement excludes bank holidays.
• Full office closure between Christmas and New Year.
• A flexible approach to working with understanding and consideration for work-life balance and personal commitments.
• As a Purposeful Ventures employee, you will have the opportunity to be part of the TPT (The Pension Trust) scheme, our workplace pension scheme, where we make an 11% contribution; you are not required to contribute towards this scheme unless you choose to.
• Access to Charlie Perks, offering discounts and rewards at over 30,000 brands and retailers.