Education support assistants jobs

This new role at Young Sounds UK will provide a wide range of support across the organisation, managing the logistics for our events, assisting our Development team with vital fundraising tasks, and handling a wide range of organisational administration.

You'll need to be proactive, highly organised, and looking for a busy role within a passionate team. With at least 3 years experience you'll be keen to use your strong communication skills and attention to detail to provide high standards of administrative support.

For full information on this role, including key responsibilities and person specification, please view the job pack.

The closing date for applications is Tuesday 15 July 2025 at 12 noon.

About Young Sounds UK 

Young Sounds UK exists because musical talent is everywhere but opportunity isn’t: family finances and other obstacles too often get in the way. We’re here to change this in two key ways:

• We support young musicians from low-income families with funding and other help 
• We support music education through training, advocacy and research.

Established in 1998 we work across genres and across the UK. Our four programme areas are: 

• Discover: training teachers in how to spot young people’s musical potential 
• Connect: targeting and sustaining young people’s emerging talent through strategic support
• Thrive: funding young talent UK wide through annual grants and tailor-made help for individual musicians
• Innovate: leading new thinking and action on talent development

Just over a year ago, Children Not Numbers was founded in response to the unprecedented crisis facing Palestinian children in Gaza.

Our UK-based medico-legal NGO was established to be a voice for the most vulnerable and innocent victims: children. We chose the name Children Not Numbers to acknowledge that the dead and wounded are not simply statistics.

From the very beginning, our mission has been clear: to provide life-saving medical care, rehabilitation, and long-term support to children affected by war and poverty. Our six core objectives are:

• Immediate short-term medical evacuation
• Medical aid delivery
• Sustainable rehabilitation support
• Advocacy for children’s rights 
• Educational programme implementation
• Supporting junior Gazan medics 

We are looking for a proactive and enthusiastic Fundraising Assistant to support our growing and ambitious fundraising team. This diverse role is key to helping us raise vital funds through individual giving, community fundraising initiatives, and challenge events. You’ll support the smooth running of our regular giving programme, handle general fundraising administration and ensure excellent supporter care and team efficiency. 

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

To be considered for this role, it is essential that you:

• Have 1+ years' employment within a charity or NGO, ideally within a fundraising team or an international development organisation.
• Reside in the UK  and hold right to work status
• Are already set up, or are able to set up, in order to fulfil a contractor role (this is not a PAYE employee position)

You will also be skilled in: 

• Managing multiple tasks and deadlines within a fast-paced environment
• Written and verbal communication
• Demonstrating a high attention to detail and accuracy
• Using databases and online platforms (training will be provided)
• Acting as a team player with a positive, can-do attitude

It would be highly desirable if you:

• Bring lived experience of or strong affinity with the cause
• Are familiar with CRM systems, such as Beacon, Salesforce, Donorfy or Raisers Edge)
• Have knowledge of fundraising best practices and donor stewardship

Application is initially by CV only. Cover letters are not required for initial application. Therefore please ensure that the essential/desirable person specification points above are made clear on your CV. 

Please do not contact Children Not Numbers directly - recruitment for this role is being managed solely via the CharityJob portal. 

Suitable applicants will be contacted for an initial screening call where a detailed brief will be shared and your relevant experience discussed. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions about the role and organisation. 

Assistant x 2

1 x to the CEO | 1 x Communications & Helpline

Location: Hybrid – working from home, with at least 1 day a month working in London.

Contract: Full-time (35 hours per week).

Salary: £25,000 per annum

We’re looking for two enthusiastic, ambitious and organised individuals to join our team as Assistants, each supporting a different area of the charity. One role will provide high-level support to our Chief Executive Officer (CEO), while the other will focus on helping our Communications and Helpline team deliver their vital services. These are excellent opportunities to work at the heart of a charity that is committed to creating a dyslexia-inclusive society.

About the roles

Executive Assistant

This role will support the smooth day-to-day functioning of the CEO’s office, helping manage key processes, communications, and external relations. You’ll be central to diary coordination, board support, stakeholder liaison, and financial administration, contributing to strong governance and strategic delivery.

Key responsibilities include:

· Managing the CEO’s diary, inbox, travel and meeting logistics

· Preparing board papers, agendas, minutes, and reports

· Liaising with stakeholders and trustees

· Supporting advocacy and public affairs activity (e.g. parliamentary events)

· Helping with financial admin tasks such as raising invoices and supplier forms

· Providing wider administrative support to the senior leadership team as needed

This role would suit someone confident in managing sensitive information, working to tight deadlines, and liaising with senior contacts across the charity and beyond.

Communications & Helpline Assistant

This varied and rewarding role provides hands-on support to our helpline and external communications work. You’ll be helping our volunteers offer accurate and empathetic support to the public while also assisting with digital content, social media and outreach campaigns.

Key responsibilities include:

· Supporting helpline volunteer coordination, training and performance

· Helping develop and maintain helpline resources and records

· Creating and publishing content for our social media and website

· Supporting email marketing, digital analytics, and campaign promotion

· Assisting with press releases, stakeholder communications and events

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys helping people, has strong communication skills, and an interest in digital content and community engagement.

What we’re looking for (both roles)

· Excellent organisational, administrative and multitasking skills

· Demonstrable experience in a similar job

· Excellent written and verbal communication abilities

· A friendly, proactive, can-do attitude and attention to detail

· Confidence using IT systems, including MS Office and databases

· Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a small team

· Discretion when handling sensitive or confidential information

The following is also highly desirable - experience in a charity setting, knowledge of dyslexia/neurodiversity, and familiarity with tools like Xero, Canva, or WordPress (depending on the role).

Please view the job descriptions for additional information.

Why join us?

At the BDA, we are passionate about making the world more inclusive for people with dyslexia. You’ll join a friendly, supportive team where your work makes a real impact. Whether supporting our CEO’s strategic aims or helping deliver services to the public, you’ll be contributing to lasting change.

Closing date – 15 July 2025. Please note, we reserve the right to close these vacancies early if we receive sufficient applications for the roles. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

Ambitious About Autism is a national charity for autistic children and young people. We stand with autistic children and young people, champion their rights​ and create opportunities. We run specialist education services, an award-winning employment programme and children and young people are at the heart of our charity's decision-making, policy work and campaigning. 

We are proud to announce that TreeHouse School has retained their Ofsted “Outstanding” grading as of June 2024.

In this role, you will be working on a 1:1 basis with our Autistic pupils. You will provide support to pupils so that they can access the curriculum whilst also promoting their independence and self-esteem through community led activities.

Position: Specialist Teaching Assistant

School: TreeHouse School, Muswell Hill, N10 3JA

Contract Type: Full time, Permanent (Hours: 8.45am – 4.35pm)

Salary: £25,988 to £27,322 (based on experience)

About the School:

TreeHouse School is a happy and vibrant community where autistic children and young people learn and flourish. Currently, we have 100 pupils on roll aged 4- 19 years old. We provide children with the specialist, intensive and integrated support to enable them to learn, thrive and achieve. All pupils have a Primary diagnosis of autism with some that also have additional complex needs. We adopt a person-centred approach which ensures that the voice of the young person is at the centre of all we do.

As part of the Ambitious About Autism team, you will enjoy the following benefits:

• Term time only role (yet paid across 52 weeks)
• A competitive salary of up to £27,322 with an increase every September
• Free healthy breakfast available everyday
• We put mental health and wellbeing at the heart of everything we do; the SLT practise “compassionate leadership”
• State of the art Autism specific training including person centred approaches, positive behaviour support, medical training and understanding sensory needs
• Working with experts in the Autism industry with 1:1 meetings and training provided
• Eye test vouchers, season ticket loans and a cycle to work scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme, to help you balance your work, family, and personal life
• Continuous professional development including access to coaching and mentoring as well as e-learning and online training courses

This is a fantastic opportunity for somebody who wants to make a difference to our autistic children, their families and the community. If you would like more information, please refer to our job description or website.

Start date: September 2025

Ambitious about Autism is fully committed to equality of opportunity and diversity and we warmly welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates. We welcome applications regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, disability, or age. All applications will be considered solely on merit.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. As part of our Safer Recruitment checks, an online search maybe carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

The Safeguarding responsibilities of the post as per the job description and personal specification. Whether the post is exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendment to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance.

Executive Personal Assistant - 3-Month Contract
Location: Central London / Hybrid
Start Date: Immediate
Duration: 3 months
Hourly Rate: £31/hour

We are seeking an experienced Executive Assistant who has supported at a senior level to join a respected not-for-profit organisation. Reporting to an incoming Director, this role suits someone confident, proactive, highly organised, who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is comfortable juggling priorities and dealing with senior-level internal and external stakeholders.

Key Duties

• Extensive Diary and Inbox management
• Being a gatekeeper for the director and triaging their inbox
• Attending and administering a variety of committees, including minute taking at a high level, with a quick turnaround time, collating & preparing papers and packs for the committees.
• Attending and administering the weekly team SLT meeting
• Working alongside the other senior Executive Assistants, booking both national and international travel - including accommodation and flights.
• Responding and liaising on behalf of the director, dealing with senior level internal and externalStakeholders, including managing inbound queries.

What you'll need to succeed

• High level experience working as an Executive Assistant at Director or C-Suite level
• Experience working within Higher Education, Government, Local Authorities, Membership organisations is preferable.
• Extensive Diary and Inbox management.
• Experience of arranging international and national travel.
• Experience in support committee meetings
• Experience and evidence of dealing with senior-level stakeholders, ideally within the public sector or at academic level.
• High level verbal and written English skills
• Strong interpersonal skills as you will be working as part of a large team
• Flexibility and adaptability will be very key in this role, as you will be dealing with a range of personalities and in different environments.

What you'll get in return
Flexible working options could be available after the first couple of weeks.

What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk

Executive Personal Assistant - 3-Month Contract
Location: Central London / Hybrid
Start Date: Immediate
Duration: 3 months
Hourly Rate: £31/hour

We are seeking an experienced Executive Assistant who has supported at a senior level to join a respected not-for-profit organisation. Reporting to an incoming Director, this role suits someone confident, proactive, highly organised, who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is comfortable juggling priorities and dealing with senior-level internal and external stakeholders.

Key Duties

• Extensive Diary and Inbox management
• Being a gatekeeper for the director and triaging their inbox
• Attending and administering a variety of committees, including minute taking at a high level, with a quick turnaround time, collating & preparing papers and packs for the committees.
• Attending and administering the weekly team SLT meeting
• Working alongside the other senior Executive Assistants, booking both national and international travel - including accommodation and flights.
• Responding and liaising on behalf of the director, dealing with senior level internal and externalStakeholders, including managing inbound queries.

What you'll need to succeed

• High level experience working as an Executive Assistant at Director or C-Suite level
• Experience working within Higher Education, Government, Local Authorities, Membership organisations is preferable.
• Extensive Diary and Inbox management.
• Experience of arranging international and national travel.
• Experience in support committee meetings
• Experience and evidence of dealing with senior-level stakeholders, ideally within the public sector or at academic level.
• High level verbal and written English skills
• Strong interpersonal skills as you will be working as part of a large team
• Flexibility and adaptability will be very key in this role, as you will be dealing with a range of personalities and in different environments.

What you'll get in return
Flexible working options could be available after the first couple of weeks.

What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk

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

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

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

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

Overview of the Team  

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

 Purpose of this role  

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

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

Responsibilities and Expectations  

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

Skills and Experience  

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

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

The Royal School of Needlework

The Royal School of Needlework (RSN) is the International Centre of Excellence for the Art of Hand Embroidery. Based at the historic Hampton Court Palace, we have been dedicated to preserving and innovating in the art of hand embroidery since 1872. Our thriving education programme offers courses for all levels, from beginners to degree level, and we teach onsite and online in locations across the UK, and internationally in America, Japan, and Australia. Our renowned Embroidery Studio creates bespoke embroidery for fashion, art, and royalty and offers expert conservation and restoration services for valuable and historical embroidered pieces.

The RSN is unique. No other single organisation covers the breadth of education and practice to promote the art and technique of hand embroidery or has our connections, collection, archive and heritage. Embroidery is an international language. Cultures and communities have used embroidery-based techniques to tell stories and record events for hundreds of years while the individual benefits of mindfulness and mental wellbeing are now increasingly being recognised today.

Overview

The Royal School of Needlework (RSN) is seeking a highly motivated and organised Fundraising Assistant to join our team and provide administrative support for our fundraising activities. The Fundraising Assistant will play a key role in generating vital income and helping the organisation achieve its fundraising goals by assisting with donor relations, event planning, grant research, data management, and campaign coordination.

Key Responsibilities:

Donor Support and Stewardship:

• Become a ‘super’ user of the CRM/database.
• Maintain donor records in the CRM/database, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information.
• Help with the acknowledgment process, including sending thank-you letters and recognition communications to donors.
• Assist in coordinating donor communications and outreach campaigns (e.g., newsletters, appeals, and stewardship materials).

Event Support:

• Provide logistical and administrative support for fundraising events, including venue coordination, volunteer management, invitations, and guest lists.
• Help with event set-up, registration, and follow-up tasks.
• Assist in preparing event materials, such as programs, signage, and donation forms.

Grant Research and Application Support:

• Assist in researching potential grant opportunities from foundations, corporations, and government sources.
• Help prepare grant proposal materials and ensure submission deadlines are met.
• Track and report on the status of grant applications and funding received.
• Campaign Coordination:
• Support the planning and execution of online and offline fundraising campaigns, including peer-to-peer campaigns, crowdfunding, and direct mail appeals.
• Assist with creating and managing campaign content, such as donation pages, emails, and social media posts.
• Help monitor campaign progress and gather data to report on results.

Data Entry and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate records of donations, donor interactions, and event participation.
• Provide regular reports on fundraising progress, event outcomes, and donor engagement to the fundraising team.
• Assist in preparing data for end-of-year reports and audits.

Administrative and Operational Support:

• Provide general administrative support to the fundraising team, including scheduling meetings, preparing materials, and handling correspondence.
• Help with office management tasks, such as ordering supplies and maintaining filing systems.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Previous experience in a fundraising, administrative, or nonprofit role is a plus, but not required.
• Strong interest in education, heritage, fundraising, and community engagement.

Skills:

• Excellent organisational and multitasking skills, with attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent IT skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with donor management software (e.g., Beacon, Access/ThankQ, Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge) is preferred.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact prof essionally with donors, volunteers, and staff.
• Educated to degree level or equivalent experience or qualifications

Personal Attributes:

• Proactive and eager to learn, with a willingness to take on new tasks and challenges.
• Professional, courteous, and able to work well with a diverse group of stakeholders.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality.
• Passion for the arts, education, and heritage

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS ASSISTANT

Salary - £22,500-£23,000 per annum

Hours of work: This is a full-time post (35 hours per week).

Location: Hybrid – working from home, with at least 1 day a month working from our office in Bracknell, Berkshire.

We’re looking for an enthusiastic and organised individual to join our team. In this role you will work closely with the Head of Professional Standards to deliver the BDA’s specialised services in a professional and efficient manner, working collaboratively and proactively with all stakeholders to make a positive contribution to our ambitious and caring organisation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Responding to queries and process assessment and membership requests promptly and professionally.
• Supporting the coordination and administration of assessments, accreditations, and memberships.
• Liaising with assessors, peer reviewers, and corporate clients, including upselling where appropriate.
• Maintaining accurate records across CRM and SharePoint, ensuring compliance with GDPR.
• Assisting with invoicing, reporting, and other finance-related admin tasks.
• Gathering and collating feedback to support service improvement.

This role would suit someone who has excellent administration and communication skills, who has a strong attention to detail.

Please view the job description for further information.

Why join us?

At the BDA, we are passionate about making the world more inclusive for people with dyslexia. You’ll join a friendly, supportive team where your work makes a real impact, and you’ll be contributing to lasting change.

Closing date – 15 July 2025. Please note, we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

Early Literacy Interventionist (Birmingham)

Are you looking for a new challenge? Are you keen to work with children to support and develop their phonics and reading skills? 

38% of children from disadvantaged backgrounds leave primary school in England each year unable to read to the expected standard. Chapter One is a fast-growing charity, with a vision of a world in which all children have the literacy skills they need to thrive. We work to ensure that all children have 1:1 reading support at the time they need it most.

Our Early Literacy Intervention (ELI) programme (based on a model that serves 20,000 children successfully in the USA) provides daily, 1:1, 7 minute phonics sessions for children who are behind in phonics. Using a bespoke technology tool, a trained Early Literacy Interventionist works individually with target children. 

This ELI role, reporting to the Schools Development Manager, is a great opportunity for someone who wants to develop and grow their knowledge of phonics and/or their teaching skill set. It is ideal for someone with previous school experience who is looking for a new and exciting challenge.

You will conduct initial baseline assessments and then deliver differentiated, 1:1, targeted, 7 minute phonics sessions to pupils using a systematic, synthetic approach. Although you are employed by Chapter One, you will work closely with the school team to understand the progression of the school’s phonics teaching; establish tailored plans for each child and feedback on pupil progress. Using your knowledge and insight, you will also collaborate with colleagues at Chapter One to further improve the ELI model, the online tool and programme delivery.

Please read the full job description for details of the responsibilities of the role, and our employee recruitment pack to learn more about Chapter One. This is a part-time role, based in a primary school in Birmingham.

Chapter One is committed to safeguarding children and young people. All post holders are subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service disclosure. Copies of our Safeguarding Policy and Safer Recruitment Policy are available on request.

As a charity that values and celebrates people's diversity and champions opportunities for all young people, we are keen to receive applications from people who have experienced disadvantage and from those who are of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities who are currently underrepresented in the organisation. We believe that a diverse organisation is one that is more innovative, more creative and gets better results.

Bluesci is recruiting for a manager to join our Bluesci at Night team!

At Bluesci, we believe that everyone deserves good mental health and wellbeing. Our staff and volunteers, many of whom have experienced our services, collaborate with individuals and their communities to help them achieve their aspirations and wellness.  

Bluesci operates across the borough of Trafford from four Wellbeing Centres, offering arts, cultural and volunteering opportunities, social prescribing, talking therapies, and group support. We partner with Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Trust (GMMH) to deliver Trafford Living Well and with Trafford Libraries to co-deliver library services from two of our centres. Bluesci at Night offers a safe, welcoming space for people 365 nights a year, and we also provide Smoking Cessation Support.   

The post-holder will be responsible for providing practical and emotional support to individuals living with and affected by HIV, and LGBTQ+ people living across the Liverpool City Region. This includes ensuring they have access to essential services, resources, and community networks. The post-holder will also support our outreach efforts, working alongside our wonderful partners to promote good sexual health.

This is a unique opportunity for a committed individual to develop their experience and expertise within an evolving regional charity.

The post will involve some travel across the Liverpool City Region (excluding Wirral).

We seek someone with experience working with diverse communities. Knowledge and understanding of the common experiences and need of people living with HIV, and the LGBTQ+ community is desirable.

The ideal candidate will possess a relevant qualification (such as an NVQ Level 3 or above in social work, health, education) or equivalent experience and demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

We are looking for someone with strong interpersonal skills (working with staff, volunteers, and service users), excellent organisational skills, and enthusiasm.

Merton Winter Night Shelter provides a much-needed emergency shelter for the homeless during the coldest winter months. We offer a warm, safe and respectful place, with a welcoming environment, providing hot food and professional support to those who would otherwise be on street. We offer an opportunity for guests to rest, recharge and be supported into a more sustainable and stable lifestyle. 

We are seeking a part time Project Assistant to work with the Project Coordinator, who leads the project on a permanent basis. Min 6hrs over 3 evenings per week and occasional management meetings outside of the shelter. This would be initially shadowing the Project Coordinator at the different shelter venues and then independently and unsupervised attending venues supporting venue convenors and their volunteers. The hours will include weekends and bank holidays.

Purpose of Job:

· Supporting the Project Coordinator in managing and coordinating the Night Shelter to ensure that all venues give a consistent service to all homeless persons accepted into the shelter, i.e., its guests.

· Standing in for the Project Coordinator in supporting shelter convenors and their volunteers on two evenings per week after initial induction.

· Assisting the Project Coordinator in providing advice and support to help each guest work through the challenges they are facing, recognising that homelessness is often a result of complex and multiple problems.

Responsibilities:

In close consultation with the Project Coordinator to:

· Liaise with the Host Venue Co-ordinators to ensure timely communication and information, particularly in maintaining the Shelter Log Book, to enable the smooth running of the shelter.

· Support guests who are using services for welfare, legal, debt, housing and other specialist issues, where necessary.

· Engage with vulnerable people in a sensitive, empathetic and professional manner.

· To assist in maintaining detailed case records ensuring all sensitive data is adequately protected and handled.

To apply for this role, please download the attached Job Description and Application Form and return the completed Application Form to us. Applications will close on 31st July 2025 and those shortlisted will be interviewed shortly after.

Closing Date: midday 21 July

Reports to: Chief Executive

Hours of work: 0.8 FTE (30hrs per week) (flexible for the right candidate)

Holidays: Uncapped annual leave, plus two week-long shutdowns

Main work address: Hybrid - a mix of remote working and time at our Abingdon office. The role involves regular travel across Oxfordshire to meet funders, partners, and community supporters, and occasional evening or weekend work for events and networking.

Closing date: midday 21 July

Interviews: w/c 28 July or w/c 4 August

About Quest for Learning
Quest for Learning is an education charity on a mission to close the gap for primary school children in Oxfordshire who are falling behind - often due to complex and compounding disadvantage. Many of the children we support are growing up in poverty, with limited access to books, low parental literacy, and challenging home environments. Some face health inequalities, live in areas affected by crime, or have recently arrived in the UK as refugees or asylum seekers.

We work closely with schools to provide targeted, high-impact literacy and numeracy programmes that give these children the chance to catch up, thrive, and believe in their potential. On average, our small-group tutoring helps pupils make 13 months of progress in just 10 hours - building not only essential skills, but also confidence, motivation, and a renewed sense of possibility.

The impact extends well beyond the classroom. By supporting children early, we help prevent the need for more complex and costly interventions later in life, from mental health support to exclusion and social care. Our work contributes to stronger, fairer communities by giving every child the foundation they need to participate fully in society. In doing so, we are advancing social sustainability and helping to meet global goals such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals for Quality Education, Reduced Inequalities, and Good Health and Wellbeing.

Role Purpose

This is a hands-on and outward-facing role for a confident, capable fundraiser ready to lead Quest for Learning’s income generation efforts. As our sole dedicated fundraiser, you’ll take ownership of securing income across a broad mix of streams - including trusts and foundations, community fundraising, individual giving, and corporate partnerships.

You’ll be out and about representing the charity, building relationships with local businesses, community groups, and supporters, and bringing our mission to life with energy and clarity. You'll need to be a proactive self-starter who enjoys meeting people, thrives in a varied role, and is motivated by delivering results that improve life chances for disadvantaged children.

This is a busy and varied role which often involves working on multiple fundraising activities at once. A typical day could include working on an application to a new funder, designing a supporter newsletter, gathering information for an end of grant report, and researching new prospects.

This role would suit someone with experience of securing funding, managing funder relationships, and developing new opportunities - all with a focus on practical delivery. You’ll work closely with the CEO, leadership and programme teams, and our board of trustees to help grow a diverse and sustainable income base.

Key Responsibilities

Trusts and foundations

• Research and identify prospective funders, building a robust pipeline
• Write and submit compelling, tailored funding applications
• Deliver timely, high-quality reports with evidence of impact
• Build and maintain strong relationships with funders through clear, proactive stewardship
• Monitor success rates and financial information and adapt strategy to improve performance

Community fundraising

• Initiate and grow partnerships with local community groups (e.g. WIs, Rotary clubs, schools, churches)
• Support or coordinate local fundraising events and campaigns (e.g. fun runs, quizzes, coffee mornings)
• Attend community events to represent the charity and engage new supporters
• Equip and support individuals and groups to fundraise on our behalf

Corporate partnerships and other earned income

• Build relationships with local and regional businesses to secure sponsorship, gifts-in-kind or Charity of the Year support
• Develop creative, mutually beneficial opportunities to engage corporate partners
• Work with the CEO and board to identify and cultivate prospects
• Explore other potential income streams including education consultancy or training offers

Individual Giving and supporter engagement

• Support the development of campaigns to encourage donations from individuals
• Help create a compelling case for support across our communications
• Identify opportunities to increase visibility and supporter base (e.g. speaking engagements, community fairs)
• Ensure Quest for Learning is regularly engaging with our supporters
• Champion the use of storytelling and pupil outcomes to inspire giving

Marketing and communications (fundraising-focused)

• Develop fundraising messaging and materials with the CEO and team
• Lead on all communications relating to fundraising and supporter engagement
• Ensure consistent branding and tone across all fundraising-related comms
• Share our impact with passion and clarity to motivate supporters

Planning and systems

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in our Beacon CRM
• Track income performance and contribute to budgeting and forecasting
• Create and deliver realistic workplans to manage multiple deadlines
• Liaise with programme staff to gather data and stories for funders
• Report on income and fundraising activities to CEO and trustees

Person Specification

Essential

• Proven experience in fundraising, with a track record of securing income across multiple streams
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain our mission clearly and persuasively to a wide range of audiences
• Excellent bid writing and reporting skills
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Confidence in networking, public speaking, and relationship-building
• Proactive, self-motivated, and happy to work independently
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Values-led, personable and enthusiastic - able to represent the charity with warmth and professionalism

Desirable

• Experience working in a small charity or education setting
• Knowledge of the Oxfordshire funding landscape or local networks
• Experience with community fundraising, challenge events, or individual giving
• Skills in Canva, Mailchimp or similar content creation tools
• Familiarity with Beacon or similar fundraising CRMs
• Understanding of primary education and the barriers disadvantaged children face
• Experience producing fundraising workplans or reports for trustees

Why work with us?

Quest for Learning is a friendly, values-led education charity with a big mission and a supportive culture. We’re committed to flexibility, wellbeing and professional growth, and we believe in helping our team thrive while doing meaningful work.

We offer:

• Unlimited annual leave (minimum 28 days pro rata, plus bank holidays), with full charity shutdowns in August and at Christmas
• Flexible hybrid working with autonomy over your schedule
• A culture of trust, kindness, and high standards
• Opportunities to test ideas, develop skills and shape a growing organisation