Employability jobs

Recruitment Consultant

Location

Preston

Length of contract

Full time and permanent

Hours

37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday

To be worked between 8am and 6pm (inc 30-minute unpaid lunchbreak)

Pay Scale

£28,000 - £34,000 per annum plus on target bonus

Responsible to     

Director

Holiday entitlement

Paid holiday entitlement of 28 days, plus 8 bank holidays (both calculated pro rata for part time employees)

Plus a day’s leave on your birthday, plus a wellbeing day’s leave (not calculated pro rata)

The role                     

To place ex-offender candidates into sustainable paid employment with local employers

Purpose

We place people with convictions into paid work, so they can build purposeful lives and see their families thrive

Mission

We do this by providing practical employment support, linking them to companies with good jobs

Vision

A  society  where  people’s  past  convictions  don’t  define  their  employment future

Duties and Tasks

There are three main areas of work, all of which are vital to achieving the key positive outcome for the individuals we support: sustained meaningful employment.

1. Job Finder Support

Interviewing ex-offenders, offering one-to-one job coaching to help them into work, and providing ongoing mentoring for the first 12 months in employment.

Ours is a face-to-face, holistic and wraparound service that culminates in our candidates finding good jobs that last, with a wide array of socially inclusive employers on our books. Our job finder support can begin in custody and continue through the gate into the community, or start in the community. Typically, we will work with a person for between one and three months to establish work readiness and will continue to support them for up to a year once they find employment. Many people stay in touch and return to us for their second or third job over a period of years, and we consider our door to be open for as long as support is needed.

You will:

• Conduct one-to-one assessments with job-seeking candidates and, using your professional judgement, accept them directly into our paid-work search services or refer them to partner organisations for pre-employability support where issues such as substance misuse or homelessness remain significant barriers.
• Work with candidates over several weeks and months as a job mentor, meeting regularly to assist in all aspects of their job search.
• Help craft strong CVs and disclosure letters, ensuring candidates understand the facts and disclosure obligations relating to spent and unspent convictions.
• Check that candidates have the correct Right to Work documentation and arrange replacement birth certificates and National Insurance letters where required.
• Book candidates onto relevant training courses with third-party providers, including CSCS cards, HGV driver training and renewable energy qualifications.
• Encourage and support candidates in their own job search activity, including teaching them how to use online job boards and complete application forms.
• Submit candidates for vacancies with our inclusive employer partners and proactively identify additional opportunities on their behalf.
• Organise interviews, ensuring candidates have suitable interview clothing and the financial means to travel to interviews where required.
• Follow up immediately after interviews, helping candidates process outcomes, manage expectations and rebuild confidence if unsuccessful.
• Confirm job starts with both candidate and employer, ensuring candidates have access to any required workwear and travel-to-work support.
• Offer practical assistance as needed, including food parcels, hygiene packs, pre-loaded SIM cards, clothing and utility top-ups.

2. New Employer Engagement

Expanding our network of employers to generate a regular flow of job opportunities and enable more candidates to move into work.

This requires new business development and excellent relationship management. You will identify the roles most sought after by our candidates and focus on employers who demonstrate agility and responsiveness in their hiring processes. Contacts are likely to include business owners, divisional managers and site supervisors rather than social value or EDI teams.

You will:

• Proactively approach local employers advertising roles that match the skills and experience of current candidates, with the aim of securing interviews and recruitment instructions.
• Approach organisations that are not currently recruiting but are likely to offer suitable opportunities in the future.
• Maintain and develop a database of active and prospective employers.
• Take ownership of specific sectors or geographical areas in consultation with colleagues to maximise reach and avoid duplication.
• Visit employers to explain our services, answer questions about employing people with convictions and gain a thorough understanding of the workplace environment.
• Select and submit suitable candidates, advocating for each individual based on your knowledge of their strengths, achievements and progress.
• Positively challenge employer concerns where appropriate and advocate for fair consideration of candidates.
• Disclose offending history and risk profiles appropriately, highlighting personal attributes and workplace strengths while guiding employers through the recruitment process in partnership with the candidate.

3. In-Work Support

Supporting candidates to sustain employment for up to one year after starting work.

Maintaining employment is a key part of the journey. Newly employed candidates, particularly recent prison leavers, can face a range of practical, emotional and lifestyle challenges. The strongest chance of successfully supporting both candidate and employer comes from strong relationships built on trust, honesty and confidence.

You will:

• Advise employers on successfully onboarding new employees during their first weeks and months in work.
• Help employers understand and accommodate any additional support needs, such as housing transitions, medical appointments or probation requirements.
• Be aware of and proactively manage issues relating to media attention around previous convictions, including advising on measures to protect privacy and reputation where appropriate.
• Maintain regular contact with candidates during their first 12 months in employment through phone calls, meetings and ongoing mentoring support.
• Record all candidate and employer interactions, progress and outcomes on the Itris recruitment CRM database.

This is a non-exhaustive list of tasks and may be amended from time to time in line with the needs of the charity.

Our Interview Process

This vacancy will close on 6th September, with applications being shortlisted on 7th September.

If you are successful at the shortlisting stage, you will be invited to attend the first stage of our interview process on Wednesday 9th September, between 4:30pm and 7pm, at our new offices in Preston.

We want our recruitment process to give you the opportunity to get to know The Recruitment Junction (TRJ) just as much as it allows us to get to know you.

The evening will begin with an introduction to TRJ from our CEO and Senior Leadership Team, giving you the opportunity to hear more about who we are, our values. the work we do and what it is like to be part of our team. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions in an open audience environment, allowing you to find out more about TRJ, our work and our organisation. Refreshments will also be provided.

You will then have a short, informal, face-to-face conversation with one of our hiring managers. This is designed to be a relaxed opportunity for us to learn a little more about you, while also giving you the chance to ask questions and decide whether TRJ is somewhere you would like to continue pursuing a career.

Following the first-stage event, we will invite successful candidates for a formal final interview.

Key dates:

• Applications close: 6th September
• Shortlisting: 7th September
• Stage One – Recruitment Evening: Wednesday 9th September, 4:30-7pm
• Stage Two – Formal Final Interview: TBC within two weeks

We hope this approach creates a welcoming and informal first stage, giving you a genuine opportunity to learn more about TRJ, meet members of our team and decide whether we are a fit for each other.

Senior Recruitment Consultant (Manager fast-track)

Location

Preston

Length of contract

Full time and permanent

Hours

37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday

To be worked between 8am and 6pm (inc 30-minute unpaid lunchbreak)

Pay Scale

£34,000 per annum plus on target bonus

Responsible to

Operations Director

Holiday entitlement

Paid holiday entitlement of 28 days, plus 8 bank holidays

Plus a day’s leave on your birthday, plus a wellbeing day’s leave

The Role

The purpose of the role is to win vacancies and place ex-offender candidates into sustainable paid employment with local employers. Working towards a promotion to Manager within 6 months, you will then also provide leadership to the Preston office team, being responsible for the management and Recruitment Consultant responsibilities for 70% of your role.

Purpose

We place people with convictions into paid work, so they can build purposeful lives and see their families thrive

Mission

We do this by providing practical employment support, linking them to companies with good jobs

Vision

A  society  where  people’s  past  convictions  don’t  define  their  employment future

Duties and Tasks

There are four main areas of work, all of which are vital to achieving the key positive outcome for the individuals we support: sustained meaningful employment.

1. New Employer Engagement

Expanding our network of employers to generate a regular flow of job opportunities, allowing us to place our candidates into work.

This will require new business development and excellent ongoing relationship management. You will identify which jobs are most sought after by our typical candidates and which are more specialist or occasional opportunities. Equally, you will gravitate towards employers who demonstrate agility and responsiveness in their hiring processes. Your client contacts are more likely to be business owners, divisional managers and site supervisors than social value or EDI teams.

You will:

• Proactively approach local employers who are advertising paid jobs that could suit current candidates on our books, for example through online searching using keywords for skills and industry sectors, sending over candidate details with the goal of obtaining recruitment instructions and securing interviews.
• Speculatively approach organisations that are not currently recruiting but are likely to have suitable vacancies in the future that match the typical skillsets of our candidates.
• Maintain a follow-up database of active and prospective clients and take ownership of industry sectors or geographical areas, in consultation with colleagues, to avoid duplication and maximise reach.
• Visit employers to explain our services, answer questions around protocols for interviewing or hiring ex-offenders and gain a clear understanding of the workplace environment, travel routes and employer requirements.
• Select and submit candidates who you consider suitable for vacancies, advocating for each individual based on your knowledge of them, their references, and the positive changes and efforts you have witnessed.
• Be prepared to positively challenge employer assumptions where you believe reluctance to consider a candidate is unfounded.
• Disclose the candidate’s offending history and risk profile, emphasising their personal attributes and work strengths.
• Guide employers through the interview and hiring process in close consultation with the candidate.

2. Job Finder Support

Interviewing ex-offenders, offering one-to-one job coaching to help them into work and providing ongoing mentoring during their first 12 months of employment.

Ours is a face-to-face, holistic and wraparound service that culminates in our candidates finding good jobs that last, with a wide array of socially inclusive employers. Our job finder support can begin in custody and continue through the gate into the community, or start within the community. Typically, we work with an individual for between one and three months to establish work readiness and continue supporting them for up to a year after they secure employment. Many people remain in touch and return to us for subsequent jobs over a period of years, and we consider our door to always be open.

You will:

• Conduct one-to-one assessments with job-seeking candidates and, using your professional judgement, either accept them directly into our paid-work search services or refer them to partner organisations for pre-employability support where barriers such as substance misuse or homelessness remain significant.
• Work with candidates over several weeks and months as a job mentor, meeting regularly to support all aspects of their job search.
• Help craft effective CVs and disclosure letters, ensuring candidates understand the facts and disclosure obligations relating to their spent and unspent convictions.
• Check that candidates have the correct Right to Work documentation and arrange replacement birth certificates and National Insurance letters where required.
• Book candidates onto relevant third-party training courses, including CSCS cards, HGV driver training and renewable energy qualifications.
• Encourage candidates’ own job search activity, including teaching them how to use online job boards and supporting them to complete online application forms.
• Submit candidates for opportunities available through our network of inclusive employers and proactively seek additional vacancies on their behalf.
• Organise interviews, ensuring candidates have the means to travel and appropriate interview clothing, providing support where required.
• Follow up after interviews, helping candidates manage expectations, process outcomes and rebuild confidence where applications have been unsuccessful.
• Confirm job starts with both candidate and employer, ensuring candidates have access to any required workwear and support with travel-to-work costs.
• Provide practical support where needed, including food parcels, hygiene packs, pre-loaded SIM cards, clothing and utility top-ups.

In-Work Support

After employment begins, there can often be unforeseen challenges facing newly employed candidates, particularly recent prison leavers. These may be practical, emotional or lifestyle-related. The strongest opportunity to advocate for a candidate and help sustain employment comes from having built trusted relationships with both the individual and their employer.

You will:

• Advise employers on successfully onboarding new employees during their first few weeks and months in work.
• Help employers understand and accommodate any additional support needs, such as housing transitions, medical requirements or probation appointments.
• Be aware of and navigate any negative Google or media reporting about a candidate’s previous offending, including advising on measures to protect privacy and reputation where appropriate.
• Remain in regular contact with candidates during their first 12 months in employment through check-in calls and meetings.
• Record all candidate and employer interactions and outcome reporting on the Itris recruitment CRM database.

3. Management of the Preston Team (Within Six Months)

You will:

• Line manage and develop the Preston office’s Recruitment Consultants, Trainee Recruitment Consultants and Resourcer, leading by example across business development and candidate support activities.
• Run the Preston office efficiently and effectively, ensuring the charity can carry out its work and, alongside the Operations Director, help develop, agree and implement business, operational and annual plans.
• Identify appropriate methods for monitoring office performance and report regularly to the Operations Director on performance against business, operational and annual plans and budget expectations.
• Ensure the office is aware of best practice and consistently works to achieve this within the constraints set by the Trustees and available resources.
• Facilitate regular group clinical supervision sessions for yourself and all team members.

4. External and Internal Relations

You will:

• Maintain and extend a network of referral partners who can direct candidates to us for job finder support, including charities, Jobcentres, probation services and police teams.
• Cultivate these relationships through regular visits, communication and updates.
• Assist in developing the charity’s local public profile and foster positive relationships with government, statutory, voluntary, private sector and other external stakeholders.
• Monitor changes in the external environment that may affect the charity, proactively advising the Operations Director and taking appropriate action where necessary.

This is a non-exhaustive list of tasks and may be amended from time to time in line with the needs of the charity.

Our Interview Process

This vacancy will close on 6th September, with applications being shortlisted on 7th September.

If you are successful at the shortlisting stage, you will be invited to attend the first stage of our interview process on Wednesday 9th September, between 4:30pm and 7pm, at our new offices in Preston.

We want our recruitment process to give you the opportunity to get to know The Recruitment Junction (TRJ) just as much as it allows us to get to know you.

The evening will begin with an introduction to TRJ from our CEO and Senior Leadership Team, giving you the opportunity to hear more about who we are, our values. the work we do and what it is like to be part of our team. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions in an open audience environment, allowing you to find out more about TRJ, our work and our organisation. Refreshments will also be provided.

You will then have a short, informal, face-to-face conversation with one of our hiring managers. This is designed to be a relaxed opportunity for us to learn a little more about you, while also giving you the chance to ask questions and decide whether TRJ is somewhere you would like to continue pursuing a career.

Following the first-stage event, we will invite successful candidates for a formal final interview.

Key dates:

• Applications close: 6th September
• Shortlisting: 7th September
• Stage One – Recruitment Evening: Wednesday 9th September, 4:30-7pm
• Stage Two – Formal Final Interview:TBC within 2 weeks

We hope this approach creates a welcoming and informal first stage, giving you a genuine opportunity to learn more about TRJ, meet members of our team and decide whether we are a fit for each other.

ReachOut is a youth development charity and a strategic partner for schools. Through collective mentoring and engaging activities, we build socio-emotional skills that transform outcomes for young people constrained by circumstance. 

The Schools & Universities Partnerships Manager will lead the development, growth, and management of ReachOut’s partnerships with schools, multi-academy trusts, and universities.

This new role is central to delivering ReachOut’s strategy to expand our reach, increase income, and deepen our impact for young people constrained by circumstance. Reporting to the CEO and sitting within the Income & Partnerships Team, the postholder will work closely with colleagues across Programmes & Impact and Volunteering.

The role is responsible for building a strong pipeline of partners, securing sustainable funding, and managing existing relationships to ensure mutual value. Through both new and established partnerships, the postholder will support ReachOut’s mission while helping schools and universities achieve their own strategic objectives.

Who we are looking for

• An ambitious, proactive fundraiser with the ability to develop, deliver, and grow long-term partnerships with schools and universities across London, Manchester, and new locations in line with ReachOut's strategy.
• A confident communicator who thrives in a small, collaborative organisation and can build strong relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders across multiple departments and sectors.
• Someone who can work autonomously, manage competing priorities, and identify opportunities to generate income, raise our profile and increase impact.

How to Apply

• To apply please visit our website.
• We are unable to provide visa sponsorship. To apply for the role you must have the right to work in the UK.

Key Dates

• Applications close: 9am on Friday 18th September 2026
• Interviews (in person in London or Manchester): Wednesday 23rd September 2026 
• Start Date: ASAP

If the date for interviews causes any issues, please still apply and let us know in your email as we may be able to be flexible on the interview arrangements.

Please note: the successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced criminal records check with the Disclosure and Barring Service. ReachOut will cover the cost of the check and guide you through the process. All staff have a responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and adults. The post holder will undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation.

Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

ReachOut is committed to being an inclusive and diverse organisation. We therefore welcome applications from people of all ethnicities, ages, religious beliefs, gender identities, sexual orientations and any other protected characteristics, to provide a diverse range of experiences, ideas and insights into our work. ReachOut wants to increase the representation of our young people amongst our staff, so if you are from these ethnic groups, we would particularly appreciate receiving your applications.

We’re looking for a Project Development Lead to join our Day Opportunities team in Flintshire and play a key role in transforming what day opportunities can look like for the people we support.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about employment, independence, inclusion and creating real opportunities for people to achieve their ambitions.

About the role

As Project Development Lead, you’ll be a catalyst for change.

Working alongside people we support, colleagues across Hft, commissioners, education providers, employers and community organisations, you’ll help us reimagine and develop day opportunities across Flintshire and North Wales.

A key focus of the role will be supporting the development of a new autism service and creating a programme that enables people to build skills, confidence and experience based around their individual interests, strengths and aspirations.

This isn't simply about getting people into jobs. It’s about helping people discover what they want to achieve, developing the skills and confidence to get there, gaining meaningful experience and creating sustainable pathways into employment, volunteering, education and other opportunities within their communities.

You’ll have the opportunity to challenge traditional approaches, identify new possibilities and develop projects that help people live gloriously ordinary lives – with greater choice, independence and connection to their communities.

What you'll be doing:

• Design and deliver training and development programmes that help people build the skills and confidence they need for employment and greater independence.

• Review existing day opportunity provision across Flintshire and identify opportunities to develop and improve our offer.

• Develop project plans, implementation plans and risk assessments to turn ideas into successful projects.

• Work closely with people we support to understand their interests, strengths, career goals and aspirations.

• Develop personalised pathways towards employment, education, volunteering and other meaningful opportunities.

• Work alongside Hft’s Supported Employment team to help people progress towards meaningful, paid employment where this is their goal.

• Build strong partnerships with education providers, employers, commissioners, local authorities and third-sector organisations.

• Challenge low expectations and advocate for reasonable adjustments, inclusion and equality of opportunity.

• Ensure projects are delivered safely, respectfully and in a genuinely person-centred way.

• Support colleagues to develop the skills and knowledge needed to deliver new approaches.

• Develop tools to measure the impact of the programme, including personal outcomes, skills development, qualifications, vocational achievements and employment or move-on opportunities.

• Maintain accurate records and ensure projects meet Hft and commissioning requirements.

About you

We’re looking for someone who is ambitious, creative and passionate about what people can achieve when they are given the right opportunities and support.

You’ll bring experience of successfully delivering projects and be confident managing multiple priorities, developing partnerships and turning ideas into action.

You'll ideally have experience working with learning disabled and/or autistic adults, particularly within education, supported employment, employability, health or social care.

You’ll also have:

• A project management qualification and demonstrable experience of successfully delivering projects.

• A strong understanding of person-centred and strength-based approaches.

• A genuine belief in every person's right to work, develop skills and build a career if that is what they want.

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

• Experience working collaboratively with employers, education providers, community organisations or other external partners.

• Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage your own workload and priorities.

• A solution-focused and collaborative approach, with the confidence to challenge existing thinking and explore new possibilities.

• Good IT skills, including the ability to maintain accurate records and produce reports.

• A full UK driving licence, access to a vehicle and willingness to use your own vehicle for work purposes. Mileage will be paid.

• Welsh language skills would be desirable.

Why join us?

This is a chance to take on a role where your work can have a genuine and lasting impact.

You’ll be joining a team that wants to do things differently – moving beyond traditional models of day opportunities and creating more opportunities for people to develop skills, build confidence, connect with their communities and pursue the future they want.

At Hft, our values guide everything we do:

Diverse – We appreciate that everyone is unique and champion equity, diversity and inclusion.

Kind – Our compassion shines through everything we do.

Positive – We focus on finding solutions, partnering for progress and getting others involved.

Visionary – We are proud to paint a picture of what the best life possible could look like.

If you’re passionate about creating opportunities, challenging expectations and helping people turn their aspirations into reality, we’d love to hear from you.

Part-Time Training Kitchen Chef

Hours: Part-Time, 3–4 days per week MON - FRI (Term Time Only)

Salary: £30-34K per annum pro rata, dependant on experience

CareTrade is a non-profit organisation that supports young autistic adults to develop the skills, confidence and experience they need to access meaningful employment. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to achieve their potential, and we are passionate about creating supportive, inclusive learning environments.

Due to the growth of our training programmes, we are looking for a Part-Time Training Kitchen Chef to join our friendly team. Working alongside our existing Chef, you will help deliver practical catering and hospitality training to our students in our purpose-built training kitchen.

This is a rewarding role for someone who enjoys sharing their skills, mentoring others and making a real difference in people's lives.

About the Role

As a Training Kitchen Chef, you will:

• Support and assist students as they develop practical cooking and catering skills within our training kitchen.
• Work collaboratively with our existing Chef, Kitchen & Café Manager and wider CareTrade team.
• Lead and facilitate the training kitchen independently when required.
• Promote independence, confidence and employability skills through practical learning experiences.
• Deliver high-quality educational support in line with CareTrade's policies, procedures and values.
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene, health and safety and kitchen organisation.
• Support students to work safely, effectively and as part of a team.
• Occasionally provide cover within our on-site café when required.

 About You

We're looking for someone who:

• Has professional experience working as a chef.
• Is passionate about developing others and enjoys teaching or mentoring.
• Is patient, encouraging and committed to helping young people succeed.
• Can work independently as well as collaboratively within a team.
• Has excellent organisational and communication skills.
• Holds (or is willing to obtain) relevant food hygiene certification.
• Shares our commitment to inclusion, equality and person-centred support.

Experience of working with autistic people or individuals with additional needs is welcomed but not essential. We value the right attitude, empathy and willingness to learn, and full support will be provided.

CareTrade is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of learners and expects all staff, volunteers, and partners to share this commitment. All roles are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check (with barred list where applicable), references, verification of identity and qualifications, and proportionate online checks of publicly available information as part of the shortlisting process.

At CareTrade, we are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and identities including any support available via Access to Work if needed.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will do our best to support you.

 Company Benefits

We offer a range of benefits designed to support our employees’ wellbeing, development and work-life balance:

• Generous annual leave allowance
• Workplace pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Season ticket loan
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Training and professional development opportunities
• A friendly and supportive team, with regular staff wellbeing activities

How to Apply

To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter outlining why you would like to join CareTrade and how your experience meets the requirements of the role.

Due to the anticipated volume of applications, we regret that we will not be able to respond individually to every applicant. If you have not heard from us within three weeks of applying, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion. We sincerely thank you for your interest in joining CareTrade.

Senior Fundraising and Engagement Manager

The Harlequins Foundation | £45,000 | Twickenham Stoop | Full time, permanent

Charity People is delighted to be partnering with Harlequins Foundation to recruit their new Senior Fundraising and Engagement Manager.

The Harlequins Foundation is entering an exciting phase of growth and ambition. This newly created senior role offers the opportunity to shape and lead fundraising strategy for a well-respected sports charity that uses the power of rugby to improve lives, develop essential skills and create lasting social impact across communities.

About the charity

The Harlequins Foundation is the charitable arm of Harlequins Rugby Club, delivering programmes that help young people and communities develop the essential skills needed to thrive both on and off the pitch. Established in 2015, the Foundation works across three key areas: wellbeing, education and employability, and inclusion, creating opportunities that remove barriers and improve outcomes for people of all backgrounds

Leveraging warm connections and using our regular events and fixtures to engage potential donors, you'll work closely with the Head of the Foundation to develop our fundraising strategy, establish pipelines and targets, and deliver income growth from the ground up.

About the role

As Senior Fundraising and Engagement Manager, you will play a pivotal role in building and growing key income streams, including Individual Giving, Major Donors, and Trusts & Foundations, while helping to shape the future of the Foundation's fundraising capability and supporter engagement strategy.

Responsibilities include:

• Leading cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major donors and high-net-worth individuals
• Working closely with trustees to open up their networks
• Building the trusts and grants programme; prospecting, applications, and funder reporting
• Developing the Foundation's case for support and oversee how it's communicated across campaigns and channels
• Putting in place the data, systems and insight needed to run fundraising properly
• Sitting as a senior member of the Foundation team, with input into wider strategy

About you

We'd love to hear from you if you can demonstrate:

• Proven success in senior fundraising
• Experience across major donors, trusts and/or individual giving
• Excellent relationship-building skills
• Strategic thinking with strong delivery capability
• Exceptional communication and influencing skills
• A proactive, entrepreneurial approach and comfort working in evolving environments.
• Excellent storytelling skills and the ability to communicate impact effectively.

Why Join the Harlequins Foundation?

This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of a charity with a powerful platform, strong heritage and ambitious plans for growth. You will have the chance to build meaningful supporter relationships, create sustainable income streams and contribute directly to programmes that transform lives across communities.

The Foundation values innovation, inclusion, collaboration and impact, and is committed to creating opportunities for everyone to succeed.

If you're a strong relationship fundraiser with a passion for changing the outcomes of young peoples' lives, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to succeed, and creating social value that has a positive impact on individuals as well as society, then this is the perfect next step for you.

How to Apply

Please send your up-to-date CV and a cover letter (1 page max.) addressing why you are interested in the role and how you fit the job description to Philippa at Charity People.

Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis, so please apply early to avoid missing out on this exciting opportunity.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential. Please inform us if you require any assistance or adjustment to help ensure the application process works for you.

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.

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of autistic young people? Do you thrive on helping individuals develop their skills, confidence and independence? If so, we'd love to hear from you.

Ambitious College is an independent specialist day college supporting autistic young people aged 16–25. Our person-centred approach puts each learner at the heart of everything we do. We provide highly personalised learning programmes and specialist support, helping learners develop the skills they need to achieve their aspirations and participate more independently in everyday life.

Based at the West Thames College campus in West London, Ambitious College provides a vibrant and inclusive learning environment. Our learners benefit from a wide range of opportunities both on campus and in the wider community. Through partnerships with local businesses, community organisations and mainstream colleges, we create meaningful opportunities for learners to develop their confidence, independence and employability skills in real-world settings.

About the role

As a Specialist Teaching Assistant, you will play an important role in supporting our learners to achieve their individual goals. You will provide personalised support, often on a 1:1 basis, both within the college and out in the community.

You'll work closely with teaching and specialist staff to support learning, communication, independence and personal development. No two days will be the same, and you'll have the opportunity to see the direct impact your support has on the lives of the young people you work with.

This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who is patient, compassionate and motivated to help autistic young people develop their skills, confidence and independence.

At Ambitious College, our values shape everything we do. We put autistic young people at the centre of our work and are committed to creating an environment where every learner is valued, supported and empowered to reach their potential.

If you're looking for a role where you can build meaningful relationships, develop your skills and make a genuine difference every day, we'd love you to join us.

Working pattern: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Working weeks: 41 weeks per year, paid over 52 weeks

Start date: October 2026

Interviews: Ongoing throughout September 2026

Please note: Only applications submitted online via our recruitment portal will be considered.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

This is an opportunity to help shape one of the UK's most ambitious youth development charities as we move from a founder-led organisation to a nationally recognised institution. The successful candidate will help build the systems, culture and capability that will enable 20/20 Levels to scale its impact over the next decade.

This role owns the 20/20 Levels brand and turns it into growth. It leads the Branding, Marketing & Communications stream of our 2026–2028 strategy: one consistent brand narrative across our 'in real life' and online presence, youth-centred storytelling that puts young people and alumni at the centre of every touchpoint, and a structured content operation that reduces our reliance on agencies and on CEO visibility.

The 'Commercial' half of the role is focused on our income-generation mandate. Our income strategy commits us to building unrestricted income, and this role builds the engine: tiered sponsorship propositions and renewals, a consultancy pipeline, licensing and digital products, monetised research and insights, and the commercial forecasting that makes this income plannable working hand in hand with the Business Development function, which leads the employment partner sales pipeline.

WHAT YOU OWN

• Brand strategy : positioning, narrative, visual identity and brand architecture.

• Marketing budget : the full branding, marketing and production budget, including agency and freelance spend.

• Communications calendar : the master content and communications calendar across all channels.

• Brand governance : brand guidelines, approval standards and their enforcement across the organisation.

• Commercial propositions : sponsorship packages, consultancy offers, licensing and digital products.

• Reputation & PR : media strategy, press activity, awards and crisis communications.

• Marketing technology stack : the tools used for content, email, social, analytics and campaign management.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Brand & Messaging ~ Extend and enforce our digital brand guidelines (with agency input), aligning tone, visuals and youth-centred storytelling across every channel so participants, alumni and mentors are visible at all touchpoints.

2. Content & Engagement ~ Build and run a structured master content calendar across all channels, replacing high-volume unstructured output with purposeful, story-led content.

3. Reputation, PR & Research ~ Lead the PR and awards strategy: targeted press activity, quarterly media features and two award submissions per year.

4. Partner Network (Corporate & Commercial) ~ Design the 20/20 Levels Partner Network proposition, intentionally articulating what partners and mentors give and receive, to strengthen commitment, retention and long-term reciprocal relationships across all partner types.

5. Commercial Development & Unrestricted Income ~ Design and package tiered corporate sponsorship propositions with clear, differentiated value for partners at each level.

6. Employer Brand ~ Worrking with the Chief of Staff to develop the employer value proposition, recruitment pack and employer presence (LinkedIn, Glassdoor) to support recruitment of staff, facilitators and mentors as the organisation grows.

7. Team Leadership & Budget ~ Lead and develop the brand and content team, including recruitment, task allocation, coaching and performance management.

8. Evaluation & Reporting ~ Track performance against strategy targets using Impact Hub data and platform analytics, and report quarterly to senior leadership and the board on achievements, risks and opportunities.

9. Organisational Leadership ~ Contribute to organisational strategy, annual planning and budgeting as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

Read the full Job Description attached to see the full Key repsonsibilites, Person specification and 12 month success metrics.

The role

This is an exciting opportunity to join NEYDL’s growing team and help us establish and develop our work with young dads in Tees Valley.

As a Senior Young Dads Worker, you will provide direct, intensive support to young dads across Tees Valley, working with some of the most disadvantaged young men in the region. You will manage your own caseload, lead peer support activity, work in close partnership with Family Hubs, social care and other local services, and take a lead role in ensuring every young dad you work with is effectively supported from first contact through to positive outcomes.

This is a senior role with real responsibility. Alongside direct delivery, you will take ownership of your project budget, contribute to funder reporting, supervise junior staff and/or volunteers, and develop a designated area of specialism agreed with the senior leadership team. You will be part of a close, supportive team and will play an active role in shaping how NEYDL grows its presence in Tees Valley.

What we are looking for

We are looking for someone with experience of working with disadvantaged young people or young families in a direct support role, ideally in a statutory or voluntary sector context. You will be confident working independently and managing a complex caseload, and you will understand the challenges facing young dads and the systems they navigate.

We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of young fatherhood or young parenthood, from individuals with local knowledge of Tees Valley communities, and from people from minoritised backgrounds.

What we offer

NEYDL is a close, inclusive and supportive team that actively invests in the development of its staff. We are a non-judgmental organisation built on mutual trust, respect and honesty. If you join us, you will be part of a team that genuinely believes in what it does.

In addition, we offer:

• 7.2 weeks’ annual leave per year, inclusive of statutory and public holidays
• 5% employer pension contribution
• A flexible hybrid working arrangement
• Regular supervision and fortnightly team meetings
• Funded professional development and training
• Mileage paid at 55p per mile for business travel

Job purpose

To provide high-quality, intensive support to young dads and expectant fathers (aged 25 and under) across Tees Valley; to lead and coordinate peer support activity; to manage allocated budgets and contribute to funder reporting; and to take an active role in the development of NEYDL’s commissioned services in the region.

Key responsibilities

1. Direct support

• Provide in-person and online 1-to-1 support to young dads and non-birthing people, helping them address key challenges and achieve personal outcomes
• Assess new referrals and manage a complex caseload, prioritising according to need and risk
• Support young dads to attend key meetings with professionals (including child protection, child in need, family court and multi-agency forums)
• Help young dads to access wider opportunities including volunteering, employment, education and community activities
• Support young dads and their families to engage in father and child activities, stay and play sessions, and peer supported recreational activities
• Promote and support access to DigiDAD, NEYDL’s free e-learning platform, and other training and information resources

2. Peer support and group work

• Establish, coordinate and co-facilitate in-person peer support groups for young dads in Tees Valley
• Support the development and delivery of parenting, relationship skills and employability sessions in response to community-identified needs
• Support peer moderated video gaming groups as part of DigiDAD Gaming where relevant

3. Induction, onboarding and milestones

• Ensure every young dad is effectively inducted onto the NEYDL service, completing key onboarding steps and baseline self-evaluation measures
• Track and record progress against key milestones throughout the support journey, in line with NEYDL’s evaluation framework
• Ensure all relevant data is recorded accurately and on time in NEYDL’s data management system

4. Budget and targets

• Take ownership of allocated project budgets, monitoring expenditure and liaising with the Programme Manager (Commissioned Services) and Finance Officer as required
• Work proactively to achieve agreed referral rate targets, taking responsibility for building pathways and relationships that generate consistent referrals
• Contribute to the preparation of funder reports under the oversight of the Programme Manager and Fundraiser, providing accurate data and case study material

5. Specialism

• Take on a designated area of specialism within NEYDL, agreed with the Senior Leadership Team (for example, volunteering, safeguarding or environmental programmes)
• Take a lead role within the team in relation to your specialism, contributing expertise and supporting colleagues

6. Management of staff and volunteers

• Line manage junior staff, project workers and/or volunteers as required
• Support staff and volunteers with operational queries and day-to-day delivery
• Contribute to the induction, supervision and professional development of staff and volunteers
• Support the recruitment and progression of young dads into volunteering roles, including as DigiDAD content creators, peer researchers, DADvocates, AmbassaDADS and community leaders

7. Monitoring and evaluation

• Support the effective recording, monitoring and reporting of programme performance via NEYDL’s data management system and evaluation framework
• Comply with all monitoring, evaluation and reporting requirements, both internal and funder-related
• Support the work of NEYDL’s research partners and independent evaluators as required

8. Collaboration and partnerships

• Work in partnership with key stakeholders in Tees Valley to improve the service offer for young dads, including Family Hub teams, social care, health, housing, education and voluntary sector organisations
• Build referral pathways and maintain strong working relationships with local services and networks
• Develop and build effective relationships with principal stakeholders, supporters and referral partners

9. Advocacy and engagement

• Represent NEYDL at external events and meetings to raise awareness of the service and influence other organisations
• Promote, campaign and advocate with and on behalf of young men, ensuring NEYDL continues to be a leading voice for positive change
• Work proactively to enable young dads to influence the design and delivery of the service, including supporting their participation in community leadership programmes
• Support the charity’s communications and engagement activity, including contributing content to annual reports, social media and local media

10. Other

• Deputise for the Programme Managers as required
• Report to the Board of Trustees in person or in writing on a quarterly basis as required

11. Standard clauses

• The post holder must carry out their responsibilities at all times with due regard to NEYDL’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion strategy, policy and statement, and Safeguarding Policy
• The post holder is responsible for ensuring that policies and procedures relating to health and safety in the workplace are adhered to at all times
• The post holder must respect the confidentiality of data stored electronically and by other means, in line with NEYDL’s Data Protection Policy
• This role requires satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance prior to appointment

This job description is not exhaustive. NEYDL reserves the right to reasonably add to or revise it at any time in agreement with the post holder.

The Role 

Thank you for the interest in this role – it is an exciting one. 

You would be joining us at an exciting point in our journey as we reach the midpoint of our ambitious five-year Evolve strategy, following the launch of our new identity as the Leadership Skills Foundation. Over the next two and a half years, we will continue working towards our goal of reaching 200,000 young people annually across through education and community leadership programmes, while cementing our position as the trusted voice for leadership skills development. 

This role will play a significant in making that happen via: 

• Identifying and securing new customers.

• Retaining and growing income from our current customers. 

• Building relationships that drive programme registrations. 

• Using data and insights to adapt approaches and drive efficiency. 

Looking ahead, with a new identity for the organisation and new programmes and partnerships emerging, this role requires a dynamic storyteller who can confidently identify the needs of our customers and clearly demonstrate the value our programmes can offer. 

You'll be a proactive and confident development professional, skilled at spotting opportunities and transforming these into tangible outcomes. You'll thrive on creating and delivering development and engagement plans that directly support our departmental income goals and customer service objectives. With a passion for building strong relationships, you'll bring excellent communication and presentation skills to every interaction. 

Previous experience in a business development, or sales role is essential as well as good knowledge of the education systems in the UK. Ideally you will be based within or near the West Midlands, South West or Wales due to potential travel requirements in these regions.

Please note: You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. The Leadership Skills Foundation cannot offer visa sponsorship. 

Role summary: 

 Role purpose: 

Retain and grow relationships with existing centres through tailored engagement strategies that drive programme registrations and increase impact. 

• Identify and convert new opportunities through proactive outreach, lead generation, and effective nurture tactics to deliver new business income. 

• Deliver excellent customer service, ensuring a high-quality centre experience that builds trust and long-term loyalty. 

 Key responsibilities: 

 Retain and grow existing centre relationships 

• Manage a portfolio of existing centres, ensuring regular and meaningful engagement aligned to their needs, delivery patterns, and growth potential. 

• Deliver against annual centre income targets by supporting centres to continue and expand programme delivery. 

• Develop and implement tailored engagement plans that reflect sector priorities, sector and programme maturity, and centre feedback. 

• Analyse Business Intelligence (BI) dashboards to identify retention risks, spot growth opportunities, and respond to trends with proactive support. 

• Coordinate requalification conversations and re-engagement activity to sustain long-term partnerships. 

 Generate and convert new business 

• Identify and research high-potential leads across your allocated sectors (e.g., secondary, Wales, community, international schools) using BI and CRM insights, sector intelligence, and marketing-generated activity. 

• Plan and deliver proactive outreach activity via a Sector, Segment and Region Development Plans. 

• Build and maintain a personal pipeline of prospects and log progress regularly updating conversion insight and forecasts. 

• Support new centre onboarding, from initial conversations through to registration and early delivery support. 

• Collaborate with Marketing on lead nurture campaigns, sales funnel activities, and content that targets sector-specific priorities. 

Deliver outstanding customer experience 

• Proactively communicate and engage with customers to support their delivery of Leadership Skills Foundation programmes. 

• Serve as a primary point of contact for your centres, responding promptly and professionally to queries, issues, and feedback. 

• Ensure every interaction reflects the Leadership Skills Foundation’s values. 

• Proactively use our Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system to maintain consistent and accurate records of communications, registrations, and engagement history. 

• Support customer feedback collection and contribute to the analysis of satisfaction and improvement opportunities. 

• Champion a customer-first mindset and share insight to improve performance against our customer experience objectives. 

Use data, systems, and insight to drive decisions 

• Regularly review and report on programme performance, income data, and registration trends for your assigned centres and sectors. 

• Use BI dashboards and management reports to inform your planning, prioritisation, and stakeholder engagement. 

• Report on your own progress against KPIs and contribute to departmental performance reviews and forecasting activities. 

• Use our CRM systems and workflow as a planning and prioritisation tools to anticipate risk and drive quality interactions and personal efficiency. 

 Collaborate across teams and support innovation 

• Work closely with key teams to plan and coordinate campaigns, messaging, and respond to customer feedback. 

• Feedback insight from centres to inform programme development and sector-specific improvements. 

• Contribute to team planning meetings, training sessions, and department-wide initiatives. 

• Support the induction of new team members and contribute to a collaborative, learning-focused team culture. 

 Skills, experience, and knowledge 

 Essential 

Previous experience in a customer supporting role, with an emphasis on relationship management and customer experience.  

• An understanding of education systems in the UK. 

• An understanding of initiating prospect engagement, business development strategies and meeting sales targets. 

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills. 

• Experience of working on own initiative and being a self-starter. 

• Confidence in presenting externally to customers and partners. 

• Experience of working with CRM systems, sales forecasting tools, and Management Information systems. 

• Analytical thinking and evaluation skills, with the ability to interpret data and performance metrics to support decision making. 

• Ability to present information concisely using Microsoft Office programmes. 

• An ability to network, influence and build relationships with key stakeholders andcustomers. 

• An ability to convert external relationships into long standing customers results. 

 Desired 

 Previous experience in a sales environment. 

• An understanding and passion for leadership skills development and the value it provides for young people and centres. 

• Excellent customer service skills. 

• An understanding of awarding bodies and their operating landscape. 

The role

This is an exciting opportunity to join NEYDL’s growing team and help us establish and develop our work with young dads in Sunderland.

As a Senior Young Dads Worker, you will provide direct, intensive support to young dads across Sunderland, working with some of the most disadvantaged young men in the region. You will manage your own caseload, lead peer support activity, work in close partnership with Family Hubs, social care and other local services, and take a lead role in ensuring every young dad you work with is effectively supported from first contact through to positive outcomes.

This is a senior role with real responsibility. Alongside direct delivery, you will take ownership of your project budget, contribute to funder reporting, supervise junior staff and/or volunteers, and develop a designated area of specialism agreed with the senior leadership team. You will be part of a close, supportive team and will play an active role in shaping how NEYDL grows its presence in Sunderland.

What we are looking for

We are looking for someone with experience of working with disadvantaged young people or young families in a direct support role, ideally in a statutory or voluntary sector context. You will be confident working independently and managing a complex caseload, and you will understand the challenges facing young dads and the systems they navigate.

We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of young fatherhood or young parenthood, from individuals with local knowledge of Sunderland communities, and from people from minoritised backgrounds.

What we offer

NEYDL is a close, inclusive and supportive team that actively invests in the development of its staff. We are a non-judgmental organisation built on mutual trust, respect and honesty. If you join us, you will be part of a team that genuinely believes in what it does.

In addition, we offer:

• 7.2 weeks’ annual leave per year, inclusive of statutory and public holidays
• 5% employer pension contribution
• A flexible hybrid working arrangement
• Regular supervision and fortnightly team meetings
• Funded professional development and training
• Mileage paid at 55p per mile for business travel

Job purpose

To provide high-quality, intensive support to young dads and expectant fathers (aged 25 and under) across Sunderland; to lead and coordinate peer support activity; to manage allocated budgets and contribute to funder reporting; and to take an active role in the development of NEYDL’s commissioned services in the region.

Key responsibilities

1. Direct support

• Provide in-person and online 1-to-1 support to young dads and non-birthing people, helping them address key challenges and achieve personal outcomes
• Assess new referrals and manage a complex caseload, prioritising according to need and risk
• Support young dads to attend key meetings with professionals (including child protection, child in need, family court and multi-agency forums)
• Help young dads to access wider opportunities including volunteering, employment, education and community activities
• Support young dads and their families to engage in father and child activities, stay and play sessions, and peer supported recreational activities
• Promote and support access to DigiDAD, NEYDL’s free e-learning platform, and other training and information resources

2. Peer support and group work

• Establish, coordinate and co-facilitate in-person peer support groups for young dads in Sunderland
• Support the development and delivery of parenting, relationship skills and employability sessions in response to community-identified needs
• Support peer moderated video gaming groups as part of DigiDAD Gaming where relevant

3. Induction, onboarding and milestones

• Ensure every young dad is effectively inducted onto the NEYDL service, completing key onboarding steps and baseline self-evaluation measures
• Track and record progress against key milestones throughout the support journey, in line with NEYDL’s evaluation framework
• Ensure all relevant data is recorded accurately and on time in NEYDL’s data management system

4. Budget and targets

• Take ownership of allocated project budgets, monitoring expenditure and liaising with the Programme Manager (Commissioned Services) and Finance Officer as required
• Work proactively to achieve agreed referral rate targets, taking responsibility for building pathways and relationships that generate consistent referrals
• Contribute to the preparation of funder reports under the oversight of the Programme Manager and Fundraiser, providing accurate data and case study material

5. Specialism

• Take on a designated area of specialism within NEYDL, agreed with the Senior Leadership Team (for example, volunteering, safeguarding or environmental programmes)
• Take a lead role within the team in relation to your specialism, contributing expertise and supporting colleagues

6. Management of staff and volunteers

• Line manage junior staff, project workers and/or volunteers as required
• Support staff and volunteers with operational queries and day-to-day delivery
• Contribute to the induction, supervision and professional development of staff and volunteers
• Support the recruitment and progression of young dads into volunteering roles, including as DigiDAD content creators, peer researchers, DADvocates, AmbassaDADS and community leaders

7. Monitoring and evaluation

• Support the effective recording, monitoring and reporting of programme performance via NEYDL’s data management system and evaluation framework
• Comply with all monitoring, evaluation and reporting requirements, both internal and funder-related
• Support the work of NEYDL’s research partners and independent evaluators as required

8. Collaboration and partnerships

• Work in partnership with key stakeholders in Sunderland to improve the service offer for young dads, including Family Hub teams, social care, health, housing, education and voluntary sector organisations
• Build referral pathways and maintain strong working relationships with local services and networks
• Develop and build effective relationships with principal stakeholders, supporters and referral partners

9. Advocacy and engagement

• Represent NEYDL at external events and meetings to raise awareness of the service and influence other organisations
• Promote, campaign and advocate with and on behalf of young men, ensuring NEYDL continues to be a leading voice for positive change
• Work proactively to enable young dads to influence the design and delivery of the service, including supporting their participation in community leadership programmes
• Support the charity’s communications and engagement activity, including contributing content to annual reports, social media and local media

10. Other

• Deputise for the Programme Managers as required
• Report to the Board of Trustees in person or in writing on a quarterly basis as required

11. Standard clauses

• The post holder must carry out their responsibilities at all times with due regard to NEYDL’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion strategy, policy and statement, and Safeguarding Policy
• The post holder is responsible for ensuring that policies and procedures relating to health and safety in the workplace are adhered to at all times
• The post holder must respect the confidentiality of data stored electronically and by other means, in line with NEYDL’s Data Protection Policy
• This role requires satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance prior to appointment

This job description is not exhaustive. NEYDL reserves the right to reasonably add to or revise it at any time in agreement with the post holder.

Head of Alumni Engagement & Operations with Kingston University
£60,996 (negotiable) | Full-time (37 hours) | Hybrid working | Kingston upon Thames

Charity People is delighted to be partnering with Kingston University to recruit their next Head of Alumni Engagement & Operations.

Kingston University has spent over 125 years transforming lives through education, innovation and opportunity. With TEF Gold recognition across the board, and a Town House Strategy that's rewriting what a modern education looks like, we are focused on helping students develop the skills, networks and experiences to thrive throughout their careers. Integral to this ambition is our global community of more than 280,000 alumni, who's futures have been shaped by the university.

As Head of Alumni Engagement & Operation, part of the senior leadership team of our Development, Alumni Relations and Engagement (DARE) team, you will help us build lifelong relationships with our alumni to support future growth and success.
About the role:

We have a 3-year strategy in place to develop alumni engagement, increase participation and embed philanthropy more deeply across the University, with full support of senior leadership across the board. This is a fantastic opportunity to join our growing team and work with senior stakeholders across the University, to champion the role alumni can play in student success, employability, mentoring, partnerships and philanthropy, and develop a lifelong alumni offer.

Reporting in to the Director of DARE, you'll lead a broad portfolio including alumni communications, events, volunteering, individual giving, CRM, data insight and operational delivery.

About you:

We're looking for someone who understands the power of communities and relationships.

This is a broad leadership role spanning alumni engagement, communications, volunteering, individual giving, CRM, data insight and operational delivery. While experience within alumni relations or advancement in higher education would be valuable, we're equally interested in hearing from candidates from the charity, membership, fundraising, supporter engagement or relationship management sectors. What matters most is your ability to build communities, create meaningful engagement opportunities, use insight to drive decision-making and inspire people to connect with a shared purpose.

You'll be strategic enough to shape the future direction of alumni engagement at Kingston, whilst remaining hands-on enough to build relationships, spot opportunities and bring colleagues and stakeholders with you.

You'll bring:

• Experience developing and delivering successful alumni engagement, advancement, membership, supporter engagement or relationship-management programmes.

• A track record of building communities, growing participation and creating meaningful engagement opportunities
• Strong leadership skills and experience developing high-performing teams
• Confidence using insight, data and CRM systems to inform strategy and decision-making
• Experience overseeing communications, events, volunteering, supporter engagement or related activities
• An understanding of how long-term relationships can lead to advocacy, mentoring, volunteering, partnerships and giving

Most importantly, you'll believe that alumni engagement is about much more than communications and events. You'll be excited by the opportunity to help graduates become mentors, volunteers, advocates, partners and lifelong supporters of the University.

Benefits include

• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Excellent pension scheme
• Hybrid working (with a minimum of 50% of time spent on campus)
• Access to professional development opportunities
• A supportive and inclusive working environment
• The opportunity to shape a high-profile function at one of London's leading universities

Key Dates:

• Closing date: 9th September 2026 - we encourage not delaying your application.
• Interviews: 28th and 30th September 2026 (in person)

How to apply

Charity People are managing this search on behalf of Kingston University.

In the first instance, please send your CV to Glen at Charity People. If your profile matches what we're looking for, we'll be in touch with the full candidate pack and further details about the recruitment process.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. Please inform us if you require any assistance or adjustment to help ensure the application process works for you.

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.

Contract Type: Fixed Term until 31st March 2030

Location: Any UK Trust office - 40-60% of the week spent in the office and an expectation to travel when required

Interviews: 24/09 and 25/09 over MS Teams

We are looking for an ambitious and commercially minded Senior Manager to lead the launch and delivery of a flagship corporate volunteering and fundraising campaign for The King’s Trust.

This fully funded role runs until March 2030 and offers the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to a major employability programme supporting young people across the UK.

This high-profile role sits at the heart of our corporate partnerships’ strategy, driving both employee engagement and income growth across a portfolio of valued partners. The income generated through this campaign will help fund a bold new initiative at The King’s Trust; one that will inspire businesses, communities, and volunteers to come together and support young people to thrive. You will work closely with corporate stakeholders to build strong relationships, unlock opportunities, and create compelling campaigns that inspire employees to take action and maximise impact.

Working alongside the Head of Corporate Volunteering, you will lead planning and execution, bringing together internal teams, corporate partners, and external stakeholders to deliver seamless, engaging experiences. From developing innovative engagement strategies and managing communications, to overseeing events, budgets, and performance reporting, you will ensure every aspect of the campaign delivers against commercial objectives, generates income, and supports organisational goals.

A key part of the role will be identifying and pitching new ideas, initiatives and engagement opportunities to corporate partners, helping them deepen their involvement and achieve their own social impact ambitions. You'll work closely with the Corporate Partnerships team, providing creative solutions, campaign expertise and strategic support to help unlock new fundraising, volunteering and partnership growth opportunities across their portfolios.

This is a fast-paced, highly collaborative role for someone who combines strong commercial acumen with exceptional relationship-building skills. You'll be comfortable influencing senior stakeholders, spotting opportunities for growth, developing compelling propositions, and bringing diverse teams together to deliver ambitious targets. If you're energised by creating meaningful partnerships, driving measurable results, and delivering campaigns that make a lasting difference, we'd love to hear from you.

What happens next?  

Please submit a CV, and Cover Letter that includes your experience, transferrable skills and motivation to work for The King's Trust! The Team will be in touch about the next steps shortly after the closing date. 

Why do we need Senior Managers of Employee Engagement? 

Last year, we helped more than 40,000 Young People, with three in four young people on our programmes moving into a positive outcome in work, education or training.The young people we help face a range of challenges, such as unemployment, mental health issues or some who have been in trouble with the law. We believe all young people should have the chance to succeed, and that young people are the key to a positive and prosperous future for all of us. We want to continue having a positive impact on young people’s lives, and we couldn’t do this without the important work of the Senior Managers! 

Perks for working at The Trust! 

• Great holiday package! 30 days annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays. Office closure on the days between Christmas and New Year 
• Flexible working! Where operationally possible, our roles require a combination of office days and working from home (please speak to the hiring manager about this particular role)
• You can volunteer for and/or attend events – The King's Trust Awards, Pride, active events, etc. 
• In-house learning platform! Develop your skills for your career and your role 
• Benefits platform! Everything from health and financial well-being support to discounts on your favourite restaurants, shops and cinemas. 
• Personal development opportunities through our Networks – KT CAN (Cultural Awareness Network), KT GEN (Gender Equality Network), KT DAWN (Disability & Wellbeing Network), and PULSE (LGBTQIA+ Network). 
• Fantastic Family leave! Receive 13 weeks of full pay and 13 weeks of half pay for maternity and adoption leave. Receive 8 weeks of full pay for paternity leave. 
• Interest-free season ticket loans 
• The Trust will contribute 5% of your salary to the Trust Pension Scheme 
• Generous life assurance cover (4 x annual salary) 

About Perennial

Perennial is the UK's only charity supporting everyone working in or retired from the horticultural community.

Working in horticulture isn't always straightforward. Challenges such as seasonality of work, physical injury, isolation, ill-health and financial hardship can arise when least expected.

As the charity for the industry, Perennial has a unique understanding of these challenges. Our free and confidential support services help horticulturists and their families navigate difficult periods in their lives through practical, financial and emotional support. Delivered through a network of caseworkers, debt advisers and wellbeing services across the UK, our work helps individuals and families build resilience and find stability during times of crisis.

At the heart of our work is a commitment to helping people in horticulture thrive. By offering the right support at the right time, we strengthen wellbeing, improve financial security, support family relationships and help people remain connected to the industry they love.

Alongside our support services, Perennial operates a select number of gardens and learning environments that help develop horticultural skills and careers, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the sector.

For more than 185 years, we have been helping people build better lives within horticulture.

The Opportunity

This is an exciting opportunity to shape and grow Perennial's trusts and foundations fundraising programme.

Our current trust income is modest but established, with a loyal group of family trust supporters generating circa £50,000–£60,000 annually against a growing pipeline of opportunities. We have recently strengthened our Services Directorate, creating a culture where colleagues are increasingly developing new projects and approaches that have strong potential for charitable funding.

We believe there is significant untapped opportunity within both our existing services and emerging projects. From advice and advocacy services to health, wellbeing, family support and employability programmes, Perennial delivers work that aligns strongly with the priorities of many charitable trusts and foundations.

This role is as much about developing fundable opportunities as it is about writing applications. We are looking for someone who enjoys building as well as managing; someone capable of identifying opportunities, developing persuasive cases for support and helping colleagues transform strong and growing service delivery into compelling funding propositions.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to build a trusts and foundations programme with genuine growth potential and play a key role in unlocking significant future income for Perennial.

Purpose of the Role

To develop and grow income from charitable trusts and foundations by identifying opportunities, building meaningful relationships and securing significant grants for both core services and project-based activity.

The postholder will play a key role in strengthening Perennial's readiness for trust fundraising by helping colleagues develop projects, articulate impact, evidence need and create compelling cases for support.

A central aspect of the role will be collaborating with teams across the organisation to bring our work to life for funders, helping colleagues translate their expertise, ideas and service delivery into attractive and fundable propositions.

The successful candidate will maximise support from Perennial's existing trust and foundation partners whilst developing a strong pipeline of new funders capable of supporting both current services and future strategic priorities. They will also work with senior colleagues to develop compelling narratives around organisational sustainability, long-term impact and the strategic use of charitable resources.

Key responsibilities

Trusts & Foundations fundraising

• Develop and deliver a trusts and foundations fundraising strategy.
• Build and manage a pipeline of charitable trusts, foundations and institutional funders.
• Prepare high-quality funding applications, proposals, expressions of interest and cases for support.
• Research and identify new funding opportunities aligned with Perennial's strategic priorities.
• Manage funder stewardship, reporting and grant compliance requirements.
• Maintain accurate records of applications, reporting deadlines and relationships within the CRM.
• Monitor income performance and provide regular pipeline and forecasting reports.

Project development

• Collaborate with teams across the organisation to bring our work to life for funders.
• Support colleagues to identify, shape and develop fundable projects and services.
• Work closely with service leads to gather impact data, outcomes, beneficiary stories and evidence of need.
• Help develop funding propositions ranging from small service enhancements to larger strategic initiatives.
• Ensure projects are clearly costed and supported by realistic budgets and outcomes frameworks.

Relationship management

• Develop strong relationships with new and existing funders.
• Create tailored stewardship plans for key supporters.
• Arrange visits, presentations and meetings with prospective funders.
• Act as a trusted internal adviser on trusts and foundations fundraising.

Strategic development

• Work with senior colleagues to develop compelling narratives around Perennial's financial position, reserves and long-term sustainability.
• Identify opportunities for multi-year and transformational funding.
• Monitor trends in trusts and foundations funding and advise on emerging opportunities.

Person Specification

Essential

• Proven track record of securing significant grants from trusts and foundations.
• Experience managing a trusts and foundations pipeline.
• Excellent proposal and bid-writing skills.
• Experience developing compelling cases for support.
• Strong relationship management and stewardship skills.
• Ability to translate complex services into fundable propositions.
• Experience working with project budgets and impact reporting.
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills.
• Experience using fundraising CRM systems.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across teams.

Highly desirable

• Experience helping organisations build or expand a trusts fundraising programme.
• Experience securing five-figure and six-figure grants.
• Experience fundraising for welfare, health, employment, community or advice services.
• Understanding of balance sheet and reserves issues and how these can be addressed in grant applications.
• Membership of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising.

Success in the First 12 Months

The successful candidate will:

• Produce a comprehensive trusts and foundations fundraising strategy.
• Build a robust pipeline of prospective funders.
• Develop a portfolio of compelling funding propositions and cases for support
• Strengthen internal project development processes.
• Increase the value and number of trust applications submitted.
• Secure significant new grant income.
• Establish strong relationships with key funders and prospects.
• Improve understanding of trusts fundraising across the organisation.