Education research manager jobs
Are you a passionate and proactive Philanthropy Manager eager to play a pivotal role in transforming education opportunities for children through locally powered change? If so, we’d love to hear from you.
This one year maternity leave cover role comes at an exciting time for AfriKids! With the recent launch of a new brand identity and with an ambitious new strategy taking shape, we are looking for a driven fundraiser to join our team to identify and steward AfriKids committed and passionate supporters in the UK.
With outstanding relationship-building and stewardship skills, you’ll work collaboratively with the AfriKids team in northern Ghana to increase AfriKids’ visibility with donors and co-create impactful ask and appeals to secure income for our work.
Reporting to the Head of Fundraising, and part of a small but ambitious fundraising team, you will lead our relationships with many of AfriKids existing and prospective major donors, as well as have oversight of our small individual giving and community & events programmes.
Your role will focus on building existing relationships, developing stewardship plans, identifying and researching prospects and forming proposals and appeals. You’ll also play a key role in supporting the development of the team’s fundraising strategy, using your experience and knowledge of the fundraising landscape to help us devise an ambitious but sustainable plan to expand and safeguard our work into the future.
With an eye for detail and the creativity to identify new opportunities, you will bring the energy and drive to deliver results for children.
Unlocking the power of communities to ensure children's rights in northern Ghana, so that they can thrive now and as the leaders of tomorrow.


Join an amazing charity that makes a difference for the more than 110,000 adults and children in the UK with a muscle-wasting condition. This is a role where you can really make a difference.
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those from underrepresented groups including people from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with lived experience of conditions we represent. We believe that diversity strengthens our work and helps us better support our beneficiaries.
As part of our safer recruitment and safeguarding responsibilities, this role requires a DBS check and professional/character references. We are committed to inclusion and will consider each application fairly.
About you:
This is a terrific opportunity to play a fundamental role as Research Communications Manager at Muscular Dystrophy UK’s in developing and shaping our research communications ensuring the timely and proactive communication of our research impact.
- You will have a strong ability for explaining research and science to a lay audience.
- You will also proactively identify communication opportunities and ideas for engaging content to promote and publicise our research projects.
- You will work closely with teams across the organisation providing them with information about our research activity to support their work.
- You will manage the charity’s research information service, our Research Line.
- You will work with the Director of Research and Innovation and Director of Marketing and Communications to lead the development of our research communications plan.
Your Cover Letter Guidance
When submitting your application, please ensure your cover letter provides clear evidence of the following:
• Experience of communicating scientific and clinical information to a range of target audiences
• Proven experience in communicating complex research topics to a lay audience
• Excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to build effective relationships internally and externally
•Proactive and able to identify communication opportunities and ideas for content in a range of formats
• Excellent copywriting, editing and proof-reading skills with ability to write copy for a range of audiences
Your cover letter should demonstrate how your background aligns with these criteria, using specific examples where possible.
About us:
Muscular Dystrophy UK is a charity that connects a community of more than 110,000 people living with one of over 60 muscle wasting conditions, and all the people around them. So everyone can get the healthcare, support and treatments needed to feel good, mentally and physically.
This is an exciting time to join Muscular Dystrophy UK. We recently launched our new 10 year strategy to transform the lives of people living with muscle wasting conditions. Our vision is clear, a world without limits for people with muscle wasting conditions, and we won’t stop until we achieve it.
Values and behaviours:
- A positive attitude and approach that reflect the charity’s values.
- Seek opportunities to contribute to the development of the charity.
- A commitment to and an understanding of disability issues, equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Always demonstrate role model behaviour.
Benefits:
We appreciate the range of skills and experience our staff have to offer. In return for your enthusiasm and commitment we commit to actively developing and supporting you. We believe in supporting our people both professionally and personally.
Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to promote wellbeing, work–life balance, and career development. Our offerrange of benefits includes great pension contributions, life insurance, cycle scheme, health cash plan, employee assistance programme, instant retail and events discounts, and much more...
Location: We operate a hybrid model (home and office, London SE1).
Closing date: Sunday, 11th January 2026
NB Interviews likely to be held on Wednesday, 21st January 2026
Please download the job description to see full role responsibilities
We connect a community of more than 110,000 people living with one of over 60 muscle wasting and weakening conditions and people around them.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Legasee is a charity committed to ensuring that future generations can learn about our history through the personal recollections of the men and women who witnessed it first-hand. We provide students, teachers and researchers with unique access to a high-definition video archive of interviews with veterans and civilians connected to British military conflict from 1939 to the present day.
We are now seeking to recruit an experienced Project Manager to oversee the delivery of a major new oral history project focusing on the Aden Emergency, made possible thanks to a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. At its heart, the project will record the oral histories of 30–40 veterans and civilians whose lives were shaped by service in, or connection to, Aden during the final years of British rule.
The Project Manager will have overall responsibility for project planning, delivery, reporting and budget controland will work closely with project partners and funders to ensure that agreed outcomes are met. The role will provide leadership and direction to the project team and its volunteer network, ensuring that activity is well coordinated, realistic and delivered to a high standard.
The recorded testimonies will form a permanent digital archive and support public engagement, interpretation,and learning, ensuring that the experiences of those who served are not forgotten. A key part of the role will be the recruitment, coordination and ongoing support of a part-time Project Coordinator.The Project Coordinator will lead volunteer engagement, research support, transcription, and day-to-day project activities.
Education is central to the project. The Project Manager will oversee the development of educational activity delivered in partnership with schools and community groups, ensuring that young people are supported to explore the history and legacy of the Aden Emergency through original research, oral history and the thoughtful use of digital technologies. This work will result in the creation of new teaching resources, deeper community engagement and strengthened links with educational and cultural institutions nationwide.
The role is home-based, with flexible working hours agreed to ensure effective delivery of the project and coordination with partners.
If successful, your role will be:
- To work with the charity, its partners and the Project Steering Group to complete the project, in line with the requirements of the National Lottery Heritage Fund and within a rigorous evaluation framework.
- To work with the lead oral historian to create a video archive of the personal experiences and observations of up to 40 veterans of the Aden Emergency and ensure that all participants are supported throughout the entire process.
- To work with volunteers and project partners to develop and launch a new interpretation.
- To work with a local school to deliver creative ways of learning about oral history.
- To be responsible for the overall recruitment, training and participation of all volunteers in the Project,ensuring that they benefit from their involvement by gaining new life skills and a greater understanding of the role of veterans of the Aden Emergency.
In the first instance, please send a covering letter detailing why you think you are best suited to the role along with an up-to-date CV.
Thank you for your interest in our work and best of luck.
Preserving veterans' stories through a digital archive, making their experiences accessible for future generations and education.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Amala’s mission is to use the power of education to transform the lives of young refugees, their communities, and the world. We deliver innovative learning programmes for displaced youth globally, including the world’s first internationally accredited secondary education programme for out-of-school refugee and crisis-affected young people, as well as Changemaker Courses in Peace-building, Ethical Leadership, and Social Entrepreneurship.
We’re seeking a strategic and driven Trusts & Foundations Manager to grow our global trust, foundation, and institutional fundraising portfolio. In this role, you’ll build and steward high-value donor relationships, secure six- and seven-figure grants, and work closely with our Education Programmes and MEL teams to craft compelling proposals and demonstrate impact.
Key responsibilities include:
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Cultivating and stewarding high-value partnerships with trusts, foundations, and institutional donors
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Securing six- and seven-figure grants that support Amala’s global programmes
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Developing compelling proposals, concept notes, and donor briefings aligned with funder priorities
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Managing reporting cycles and producing timely, high-quality submissions
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Collaborating with Education Programmes and MEL colleagues to align proposals with evidence and impact data
If you share our commitment to transforming education for displaced young people, we’d love to hear from you.
Learn more and apply: For detailed information on this role, including the full list of responsibilities, experience, and application instructions, please refer to the job description.
Closing date: Wednesday 7 January 2026, 12:00 GMT
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are looking for a dynamic and experienced programme manager who will oversee The Advice Workforce Development Fund (AWDF). AWDF is a collaborative programme dedicated to strengthening and sustaining the social welfare advice sector in London. The role will coordinate and run steering and advisory groups, and ‘task and finish’ groups, working with cross-sector stakeholders to enable the implementation of recent recommendations generated by research commissioned by the programme, and help with monitoring and evaluating the project and funded projects under this programme. The successful candidate will have strong project management skills, a commitment to social justice, and a track record of delivering impactful support to external partners.
The workforce development programme was created after working closely with a group of funders and advice sector representatives who are now steering group members. The programme has reached an exciting stage, as it transitions from a foundation-laying and research phase into more of a focus on influencing and implementation of the learning generated to date, while also maintaining and strengthening new and existing relationships. This role, with support from the Head of Sector Support and Grants and the CEO, will oversee the continued development and delivery of this exciting partnership into the longer-term. This role will also work closely with the Propel initiative under London Funders to ensure effective coordination of work is done at all levels.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Join us and help create opportunities that change young lives.
Career Ready is a UK-wide social mobility charity, working to empower young people with the skills, confidence, and networks they need to succeed. We're looking for a Partnerships Manager to help transform young people’s futures. In this role, you’ll retain and grow corporate partnerships that fund our programmes and provide paid internships, mentoring, and volunteering opportunities.
You’ll lead a portfolio of corporate partners dontating five figure amounts, inspire businesses to invest in social mobility, and secure long‑term commitments that deliver real impact. Working closely with colleagues across programmes and income generation, you’ll ensure partners see the tangible difference they make while championing employer engagement at events and through networks.
We’re seeking someone with proven account management experience at a mid to high level, exceptional relationship‑building skills, and the ability to collaborate brilliantly with colleagues and partners. If you’re proactive, organised, and motivated by creating opportunities for young people, this is your chance to make a lasting difference.
For full information view our candidate pack, which is available when you click on Apply.
Closing date for applications: 9am on Monday 12 January 2026
First stage interviews: expected to take place w/c 19 January 2026
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
In Spring 2028, the National Gallery will launch a new, public-facing Research Centre to facilitate and showcase our world-leading research in the history and science of painting. This will be a complex space sitting at the intersection of multiple valued research stakeholders both within and beyond the Gallery, including the Gallery’s own wide array of research-active staff, our Artists-in-Residence, specialist users of our extensive Library & Archive collections, and a research-engaged general public attending events and consulting materials.
We are now recruiting for a new role, a Research Centre Manager, to support in the creative planning and daily delivery of an exceptional experience at the Research Centre. The role-holder will provide vital clarity and consistency in the day-to-day running of this multifaceted space to ensure a smoothly functioning whole. This includes coordinating all aspects of the Research Centre operations, managing staff, ensuring compliance with regulations, and maintaining the Research Centre facilities and administration. They will also think creatively about the Centre’s different spaces and, alongside Gallery colleagues, will help produce exciting research programming.
An ideal candidate will have experience in a comparable multifaceted role, and will bring to the Gallery strong leadership, excellent communication, creative programming, innovative problem-solving, and strong organisational skills to manage both day-to-day operations and strategic planning for the Centre.
This is a full time, permanent position and requires on-site working 5 days per week.
Applications closing date is 2nd January at 23:30hrs.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About the Ri
The Royal Institution (Ri) is an independent charity which has been connecting people with science for over 200 years. Founded in 1799 through the wonderful generosity of 58 patrons, to this day we remain based in our original, magnificent, Georgian home in central London. Thanks to the support of those early philanthropists, the Ri has inspired generations of scientists over the years whose discoveries have helped shape our modern world.
The Ri has a clear vision that ‘Science is for Everyone’ and it is our belief that everyone should have equitable access to science. Through our packed event programme available in person or online, our UK schools outreach and social impact initiatives, and our global digital reach including almost 1.7m YouTube subscribers we achieve our mission by connecting people with scientists to explore science together.
About the Role
We are looking for a motivated major gifts fundraiser to join our small fundraising team to contribute to our ambitious goal to raise £20 million across 4 years – our Be the Spark campaign.
You will need to be a collaborative self-starter who wants to make an impact, working at all levels of the organisation to build and develop the relationships that will enable the Ri to succeed. You will be used to identifying, researching and managing a portfolio of major donors or high value clients and comfortable working with donors at the highest levels.
This role is responsible for driving major donor engagement and income by proactively identifying and cultivating new supporters aligned with our mission.
The postholder will work collaboratively across the Ri and fundraising team to build strong relationships, develop innovative and compelling proposals, and deliver exceptional account management and stewardship to existing donors. Key responsibilities include researching, developing and cultivating new prospects, building a strong major gifts pipeline, visiting donors and prospects, and advising colleagues on best practice for stewarding major donors throughout their relationship with the Ri.
If you are a warm, professional and engaging communicator, adept at managing a portfolio of high-net-worth donors and able to cultivate and develop influential relationships, we would love to hear from you.
This role is part time (21 hours), permanent and will require a willingness to undertake occasional travel, evenings and occasional weekends. Requests to work flexibly or part-time will be considered.
Main responsibilities
- Owning and managing a portfolio of major donors, building strong, long-term relationships and serving as their primary point of contact.
- Devising and delivering tailored stewardship journeys for each donor in the portfolio, ensuring personalised engagement
- Securing repeat and increased support
- Proactive identification and researching of new major donor prospects, and building a strong pipeline for cultivation
- Maintaining major donor engagement levels through regular communications and meetings and maintaining CRM records.
- Developing a fledgling giving circle aligned to the Be the Spark campaign.
- Monitoring and managing a budget, reporting to the board and analysing performance against agreed KPIs.
- Supporting and empowering other teams at the Ri to enhance major donor relationships.
- Collaborating with the events teams to ensure that major donors receive an exceptional experience at all Ri events and activities.
About you:
Essential:
- Experience of identifying, researching, pitching to and managing a portfolio of major donors or high value clients and comfortable working with donors at the highest levels.
- Confidence in talking fluently about money in a professional environment and working with donors at the highest levels
- Proven experience of building excellent relationships and networks both internally and externally
- Experience of managing relationships with donors or high value clients
- Demonstrable experience of maximising opportunities from researching prospects to generating meetings, and securing income
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Desirable:
- Substantial demonstrable experience working in a fundraising position for a charity or educational organisation.
- Experience of organising small to medium sized events for major donors and prospects
- Experience leading a giving club or members networking group
- Patron/Major Donor/Legacy fundraising experience, securing 6-figure donations.
The Ri is a charity that brings the public and scientists together to share their interest and passion for science.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Join us in the ambitious ‘Birmingham In Action’ campaign, which commits to raising over £600 million of charitable funding and 1.25 million volunteer hours positioning the University as one of the world leaders in University development. To fulfil our exciting campaign ambitions, we are recruiting a Philanthropy Manager to help grow our philanthropic funding and to take our campaign to the next level.
Our world has many challenges that will deeply affect our generation and the next. As a Philanthropy Manager, you will cultivate significant gifts for amazing education and charitable research projects, you will provide funding for scholarships to support students from underrepresented backgrounds and will raise philanthropic funds for priority research areas including cancer, other global health issues and climate change. You will encourage and inspire donors to make long-term, sustainable gifts.
You will be joining an established team of fundraisers made up of Senior Philanthropy Managers, Philanthropy Managers and Philanthropy Officers. You will have experience of delivering against financial targets, along with the ability to translate complex information into a compelling ask in both verbal and written form. As a Philanthropy Manager in DARO, you will be innovative, self-motivated, and take ownership of fundraising opportunities in this area and generate significant gifts for amazing philanthropic projects. You will have an enthusiasm for building relationships, the skill to interact with high-level donors and supporters, and the ability to showcase the sector-leading academic research to a range of audiences.
We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy.
World-class research and outstanding global education



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Location: Flexible
Join our small but mighty team and help transform the future for people affected by primary bone cancer.
We’re looking for a motivated and detail-driven Trusts & Foundations Fundraising Officer to support a growing and strategic income stream. You’ll work closely with the Trusts & Foundations Fundraising Manager to research prospects, write compelling applications, manage reporting, and build warm, meaningful relationships with funders who want to make a real impact.
In this role, you’ll contribute to raising around £500,000 a year to fund life-saving research and vital support services for patients and families. You’ll collaborate with colleagues across the charity, turning insight, data, and stories into persuasive cases for support that inspire funders to give.
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with strong writing skills, excellent relationship-building abilities, and a proactive approach. Whether you already have experience in trust fundraising or are looking to develop in this area, we’ll support you every step of the way.
What we offer:
• 30 days holiday + bank holidays
• Flexible working and home-working support
• 6% employer pension
• Private Health Insurance (after probation)
• Generous training and development opportunities
• Supportive, collaborative culture where you can genuinely make an impact
If you’d love to use your skills to support a passionate community and help drive positive change, we’d be delighted to hear from you.
Our mission is to save lives and improve outcomes for people affected by primary bone cancer through research, information, awareness and support.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Since 2009 we’ve been creating engaging education content to empower young people through tech for good. We are now seeking an experienced, forward-thinking educator to take the leading role in creating a brand-new, sector-defining Apps for Good course. This is a moment of profound significance for our charity and the young people we serve.
We need our new project-based education content to rise to the challenge of the rapidly evolving AI landscape. You will be the course designer responsible for defining, scoping, and creating a reimagined course that explicitly addresses the rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI); delivers on our Theory of Change in terms of developing essential and digital skills, incorporates industry engagement; takes on the social challenges most significant to young people and aligns with the highest education standards, ensuring young people are truly prepared to shape their future with technology.
This is a high-impact project and will be a brilliant opportunity to make your mark in education. This unique, short-term opportunity will make a foundational impact on a national charity and the future of thousands of young people.
To Apply: Please submit a CV and a Statement (no more than 500 words). Describe why you want to join our mission, and how your vision for a future-focused, AI-integrated course meets the strategic requirements of this pivotal role.
Timeline is critical: We’re looking for our new Education Content Developer to start work in February. We will therefore be reviewing applications and conducting interviews on a rolling basis. The final closing date is Friday, January 16th, 2026, but we strongly encourage early applications as we reserve the right to close the role sooner if suitable candidates are identified.
We give young people the skills to shape their future



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Job Title: Innovation and Practice Manager – Youth Homelessness
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time
Salary: £37,221 – £41,741
Location: London
Closing Date: Monday 5th January 2026
Interviews: w/c 12th January 2026
Centrepoint, the UK’s leading youth homelessness charity, is looking for an Innovation and Practice Manager to join our Services team.
About us
We help vulnerable young people by giving them the practical and emotional support they need to find a job and live independently. Centrepoint provides homeless young people with accommodation, health support and life skills so they can move into education, training and employment. Our ambition is to end youth homelessness by 2037.
Together with our partners, we support over 16,000 young people each year.
About the role
This is an exciting new role focused on developing, testing and embedding innovative and best-practice approaches to ending youth homelessness.
You’ll work across Centrepoint and with external partners to coordinate innovation activity, develop replicable service models, influence practice nationally, and ensure that learning is captured, evaluated and shared widely. A strong emphasis of the role is co-production, ensuring young people and frontline practitioners shape everything we do.
Centrepoint operates a hybrid working model
The requirement is a minimum of 50% of your working week in the office. For most full-time colleagues, this means attending the office for five days over a two-week period (e.g. two days one week and three days the next). This will be adjusted accordingly for part-time or compressed hours contracts.
What you’ll be doing
- Programme managing Centrepoint’s work to develop a replicable model to end youth homelessness across local authority areas
- Coordinating innovation activity across services and partner organisations to ensure consistency, oversight and learning
- Keeping abreast of best practice in youth homelessness in the UK and internationally
- Developing best-practice tools and resources for commissioners and practitioners
- Engaging and influencing local, regional and national partners to improve service delivery
- Supporting evaluation, learning and dissemination of innovation outcomes
- Ensuring meaningful co-production with young people and professionals with lived experience
What we’d be looking for from you…
- Experience delivering, commissioning or managing services within a housing, homelessness or social care context
- Strong understanding of the issues affecting young people at risk of homelessness
- Experience coordinating projects or programmes involving multiple stakeholders
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence at senior levels
- Strong written skills, including producing reports and materials for external audiences
- A genuine commitment to reducing youth homelessness and amplifying young people’s voices
Why join Centrepoint?
In return for your efforts you’ll receive a competitive salary, excellent learning and development opportunities, and a wide range of benefits including:
- 25 days annual leave per year, rising to 27 with service
- Healthcare cash plan (including dental, optical and therapies)
- Private medical insurance
- Income protection
- Employer pension contribution of 5%
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Interest-free travel loan
At Centrepoint we challenge the discrimination within society that contributes to youth homelessness, and we are just as committed to fairness and equality within our organisation. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, including those with lived experience of homelessness.
Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to join Centrepoint as an Innovation and Practice Manager – click ‘Apply’ now!
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
High Trees are seeking a new team member to provide full administrative and programme support to the Research & Impact team. You will be joining us at an exciting time as High Trees continues to grow the reach and scale of our research and impact. This is an exciting opportunity for a thoughtful and proactive individual to work within a small, collaborative and dynamic team in a varied role. You will be passionate about ensuring that the voices of the communities that we work with remain at the heart of what we do and how we do it.
This role is central to supporting the team in the day-to-day running of our service. You will be responsible for producing dynamic and impactful marketing and communications content, and providing administrative support for our research, evaluation and partnership activities and events. You will also be proactive, keeping abreast of developments and opportunities in the sector to raise the profile of our work. You will be highly organised and details-focused, a compelling communicator, and confident to take initiative.
Collaboration with colleagues is an essential part of this role and you will enjoy working with others and be a valued partner, peer and colleague. Supporting the Head of Community Research and Impact and the wider team, you will actively contribute to delivering and shaping our service. You will need to be highly responsive to the needs of colleagues, service users, partners, and be able to provide practical solutions for a range of situations. This is an entry-level post, and you will be encouraged and supported to grow and develop your skills and expertise across a range of areas.
Connecting with people and communities to strengthen skills and build stronger voices.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Research is at the heart of our charitable objectives at Sarcoma UK. The charity provides funding for research to understand sarcoma better, improve treatments and ultimately, make a difference to the lives of people affected by sarcoma. Since 2009, we’ve funded more than 100 projects, representing an investment of more than £10 million.
The Research Officer role enjoys a varied workload and brings the opportunity to work with autonomy and develop new skills within a friendly and dynamic team. You will work on a broad range of projects, including being involved with our grant management processes, working closely with the Research Manager and Director of Research, Policy and Support. The post-holder will also work closely with other departments across the charity, including producing engaging research communications content for print, online and social media, and will also have the opportunity to interact with senior researchers, clinicians and people affected by sarcoma.
This is an ideal role for someone with a scientific background and an active interest in research management, and it offers the opportunity to make a real impact for people affected by sarcoma and their families.
At Sarcoma UK, we are committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, communities and experiences. We are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.
Benefits
- Flexible working options including hybrid working
- Pension with 5% employer contribution
- 25 days holiday entitlement per annum plus bank holidays and the working days between Christmas and New Year
- Additional day off for your birthday
- Health and wellbeing:
- Health Cash Plan
- Therapy sessions
- Wellbeing Group
Our Values
- Pioneering we are leading the way to a better future for the sarcoma community.
- Together we are creating a community to make a difference for all those affected by sarcoma.
- Expert we use our expertise in understanding sarcoma to deliver better outcomes.
Duties and Key Responsibilites
Sarcoma UK’s research programme
- To support Sarcoma UK’s grant application processes under guidance from the Research Manager. This will include calls for proposals, identifying expert peer reviewers, administering a high-quality peer and lay review process, communication with applicants and potential applicants, administration of grant awards and supporting patient involvement.
- To provide support to the Grant Review Panel and Research Strategy Committee, including organising meetings and preparing minutes.
- To manage Sarcoma UK’s portfolio of active research grants, under guidance from the Research Manager. This will include use of grant management software for administration of newly awarded grants, monitoring progress of current grants, oversight of grant finances and reporting on final outputs.
- To support opportunities for patient involvement within the research programme, including managing a network of lay reviewers and facilitating new opportunities, with support from the Involvement and Volunteering Coordinator.
- To support new developments in Sarcoma UK’s research programme, including organising and attending events, collaborative funding calls and initiatives to support early career researchers.
Research Impact and Communications
- To monitor and gather outputs and long-term impact of research grants funded by Sarcoma UK and support in ensuring these are shared with internal and external audiences.
- To plan and produce engaging and reactive and proactive communications about sarcoma research, including website, social media, written and video content, working with the Research Manager and Communications Team to ensure our research activities and outcomes are shared with the sarcoma community and wider public.
- To proactively engage with grant holders to gather impactful insights and to support engaging communication about sarcoma research.
- To regularly review and update Sarcoma UK’s website with progress updates on research grants and promote funding opportunities.
- To support work undertaken by the Fundraising Team where required, such as lab tours and supplying information about funded grants for donor reports.
External relationships
- To be a point of contact for Sarcoma UK grant holders and their host institutions.
- To maintain positive relationships with Sarcoma UK’s research panels, potential grant applications, researchers and clinicians, and the wider sarcoma research community.
- To work directly with a range of people personally affected by sarcoma to place the voice of lived experience at the heart of our research programme.
General
- To support the integration of the research programme across Sarcoma UK.
- Attend Sarcoma UK events and contribute to the wider work of Sarcoma UK.
- Travel occasionally to meetings and events. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required (time off in lieu will be given).
- Work flexibly and collaboratively in a dynamic environment, undertaking other duties as required to support the wider operations of Sarcoma UK.
Sarcoma UK is a national charity that funds vital research and offers information and support to anyone affected by sarcoma.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Development Manager - Major Gifts
Location: Kingston upon Thames (Hybrid working - minimum 2-3 days on campus)
Salary: £45,025 per annum
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Closing Date: midday Friday 16 January 2026
Interviews in person: TBC 28 or 29 Jan 2026
Help to shape the future of philanthropy and alumni engagement at Kingston University.
Kingston University is an incredible place to work. For over 125 years, we've been shaping student futures through academic excellence and forward-thinking teaching. Our recent TEF Gold rating reflects our commitment to delivering outstanding education and research. Through our ambitious Town House Strategy, we're embedding a progressive new model of education and driving innovation through partnerships with businesses, communities, and organisations.
The Development, Alumni Relations and Engagement (DARE) team plays a vital role in delivering these ambitions. With a global alumni community of over 270,000, we foster meaningful relationships that drive philanthropic support, unlock partnerships, and enhance the University's reputation and reach.
The Role
As Development Manager - Major Gifts, you will be a senior member of the DARE team, responsible for generating philanthropic income to meet ambitious annual targets. Reporting to the Head of Major Gifts, you will:
- Manage a portfolio of high-value donors (individuals, trusts & foundations, corporates), personally soliciting gifts of £10,000+.
- Support the pipeline of mid-level prospects and help develop ultra-high-net-worth individuals for transformative gifts.
- Deliver against KPIs and income targets, contributing to our goal of growing major giving from £450,000 annually to £1 million within three years.
- Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders and academic leaders, producing compelling proposals and leading donor engagement.
This is a dynamic, outward-facing role requiring excellent relationship-building skills, strategic thinking, and a passion for the impact of fundraising in higher education.
About You
You will be an experienced and driven fundraiser with:
- A proven track record of securing and stewarding four-figure and above gifts.
- Strong influencing and communication skills, with confidence engaging high-profile individuals.
- Experience managing a varied portfolio and achieving ambitious KPIs.
- A collaborative approach and the ability to work across a complex organisation.
Experience in higher education or the charity sector is desirable, but not essential.
Why Join Us?
- Hybrid working (minimum 2-3 days on campus).
- A supportive, ambitious team committed to innovation and impact.
- The opportunity to make a lasting difference to students and the University community.
We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are committed to building an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
Apply now and bring your expertise, passion, and authentic self to Kingston University.
Please share a copy of your profile or CV with Philippa at Charity People as the first step.
Benefits include:
* Generous holiday entitlement of 35 days (from entry at all levels), in addition to bank holidays
* Three 'meeting free' weeks each year to create space for reflection and time to plan for the period ahead
* Flexible working - we can consider and accommodate various work patterns
* Family-friendly policies that support the needs of our employees
* Exceptional professional development opportunities
Key Details
- Location: Kingston upon Thames (Hybrid working, 2-3 days/week on campus)
- Closing Date: midday on Friday 16 Jan
- Interview Date: in person provisionally 28 or 29 Jan
Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.