Employability manager jobs in East of england

Earliest Start Date: 2nd November 2026

Contract: 12 Months with Potential for Exentension

Job Title: Known internally as "Key Work Manager (Maternity Cover)"

Location: 30 Petworth Street, Battersea, SW11 4QW. The post will also involve working in the community so some local travel will be required.

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, including some evening & occasional weekend work

About the Role

As Key Work Manager you will lead on and oversee all Key Work activity at Carney’s Community. This includes undertaking key work yourself on a one to one basis with young people involved in the criminal justice system as well as managing a small team of key workers.

You will provide advice, practical support and befriending to a caseload of participants, aged 11-30, who are at risk of/involved in offending; to encourage and enable them to participate in Carney’s Community’s personal development opportunities and to access the wider services and support they may need in order to give them the best chances of being “the best they can be”. This will involve supporting young people to engage in positive and constructive activities, attend Youth Justice Service or Probation appointments and creating opportunities for their personal, social and emotional development

You will work alongside the employment support manager to plan and deliver the employment group, supporting participants that attend this group and leading specific employment programmes. As manager of the key work project you will oversee the small team of key workers, provide support, guidance and supervision. You will be involved in monitoring and reporting for the project, collecting feedback from participants. You will manage referrals to the project from other organisations including schools, social services, probation and the youth justice service.

About You:

You must have proven experience of working directly with young people in a youth work or key work setting, providing one to one support. You will have the ability to empathise and mediate for young people, a strong understanding of the local area, barriers facing young people, the interplay between material disadvantage, vulnerability and social exclusion and be highly skilled in diplomacy, professional distance, demonstrating empathy, boundaries and sound judgement. You will have experience managing other staff or volunteers.

About Carney’s Community

We support young people living in and around Wandsworth, targeting ages 11-30 facing extreme challenges including criminal justice system involvement or care experience. Carney’s works differently by providing long-term, consistent, unconditional support with empathy; a safe space and activities including boxing, bike workshops, employment support, studio sessions, mentoring and key work. Inspired by boxing legend Mick Carney, the charity was founded in his name after his passing in 2011, building on work led by our co-founders. We aim to create a “virtuous cycle”: while support is free of charge, we ask that when young people are ready, they channel the positivity they have received into others. As a result, many go on to volunteer, mentor, join our staff team or even set up their own community initiatives. Former participants make up the majority of our workforce. They provide the most authentic role models, people who genuinely understand the challenges our young people face and who show what is possible. For our young people we strive for equality and aim to: Improve Physical and Mental Health; Improve Education, Skills and Employability; Improve Community Engagement; Reduce Offending and Reoffending.

Each year Youth Careers Collective works with more than 6000 young people and we are supported by over 1000 employer volunteers, who take part in employer engagement events, careers and employability skills workshops, work experiences placements and one-to-one career mentoring.

The Youth and Volunteer Engagement Manager is a new role at Youth Careers Collective, establishing an active and well-supported alumni community, empowering our Youth Board, and actively engaging with and managing our wide network of Young Associates and volunteers.

This is an important and dynamic role in our team, seeking to develop deeper and more impactful relationships across our community.

To work effectively with these various stakeholders, you will be a natural relationship builder and an empathetic individual, with an understanding of different needs, extremely organised, able to identify opportunities and respond flexibly to change.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Experience

• Three years or more experience of working within a purpose-led organisation, such as a charity or social enterprise.
• Three years or more experience of working directly with and supporting young people (aged 16 to 24), ideally including young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
• Experience and understanding of how best to support inclusion and participation of young people with lived experience, alongside demonstrable experience of engaging and building productive relationships with marginalised and disconnected young people.
• Experience of working with and supporting diverse volunteers; driving recruitment, engagement and retention.
• Experience of designing and facilitating engaging and dynamic events, activities, learning and development opportunities, with and for young people and volunteers.
• Experience of managing and improving organisation wide systems and processes.
• A background and experience in one or more of the following disciplines:
  • Youth work
  • Training and facilitation
  • Careers and employability
  • Education
  • Personal and professional development

Skills

• Adept and enthusiastic relationship builder, with the ability to engage and energise others, including with marginalised young people.
• Good communication skills, able to speak confidently with young people, volunteers, and senior professionals.
• Very organised, with an attention to detail, excellent time management skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong IT proficiency, including the use of Excel and CRMs.
• Confident and effective at using a range of tools to support planning and project management.
• Able to create clear, professional and accessible resources and tools.
• Able to understand and explain complex concepts in a straight-forward and accessible manner.
• Able to self-manage, staying efficient and motivated and on task.
• Able to operate in a fast-paced environment without compromising on accuracy or quality.

Attitude

• Passionate and enthusiastic about improving young people’s lives.
• Highly motivated and energetic.
• Can take initiative and is comfortable working independently
• Thrives in a busy and fast-paced working environment.
• Positive and solution-focussed, able to maintain a positive approach to problem solving.
• Self-assured, with a ‘can-do’ approach.
• Welcomes feedback, with a desire to continuously improve and develop.
• A commitment to our organisation values of; empowerment, collaboration, reliability, quality and learning.

WHAT WE OFFER

• £36,230 per annum

• 28 days leave (inc. 3 days between Christmas and New Year)

• 2 volunteering days

• 1 life event day

• Matched pension contributions (up to 6%)

• Flexible working (our core business hours are 10am to 3pm)

• Life insurance (5 x annual salary)

• Canada Life WeCare employee support package

Are you motivated to give our young people their first taste of working life and give them an opportunity to shine?

We are looking for a Senior Project Lead to champion our young people and secure them work experience opportunities that middle class peers often source from friends and family networks. In Tower Hamlets, The Switch steps in to provide that vital support and open doors to the world of work.

As a Senior Project Lead within the Work Experience team, you will take ownership of key elements of the delivery and development of The Switch's work experience programmes. You will manage relationships with employers and schools, lead on specific projects and workstreams, and provide oversight and support to ensure programmes are delivered effectively, safely and in line with agreed targets. 

You will take a proactive role in identifying and developing new employer relationships, coordinating complex placements and supporting the Work Experience Manager with the planning, delivery, monitoring and evaluation of projects. You will also provide guidance and support to colleagues where appropriate, using your experience to help ensure consistency and quality across the team's work. 

As a small charity we are able to provide a great work-life balance with early finishes on Fridays, Christmas shut down, training opportunities, a friendly office near Spitalfields, and a cash-back health plan.

This role is hybrid for the majority of weeks per year, with WFH normally 2-3 days per week. (NB Please note that during delivery weeks, the team is responsible for providing responsive support to employers and schools. In case of any issues, you may be required to work from the office up to five days per week during these periods.)

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) 

Contract Type: Fixed Term until 30th November 2028

Location: London, Birmingham, Leeds or Glasgow - 40-60% of your week in an office, with an expectation to travel when required

1st stage interviews: 21/09 over MS Teams

2nd stage interviews: 02/10 face-to-face (Location TBC but likely London)

This fully funded role runs until 30th November 2028 and offers the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to a major employability programme supporting young people across the UK.

Please note: this role is subject to The King's Trust securing funding through an ongoing DWP commissioning process. We are committed to only making appointments once funding and contract awards have been confirmed, ensuring full transparency for all candidates.

Lead a transformational national programme

We're seeking an experienced and ambitious individual to lead the delivery of our Jobs Guarantee programme, supporting thousands of young people into sustainable employment.

As Director - Jobs Guarantee, you will be accountable for this large-scale national contract, ensuring exceptional performance, compliance, quality, and impact. You'll work closely with government stakeholders, employers, delivery partners, and internal teams to create opportunities that change lives.

What you'll be doing:

• Leading delivery of a high-profile national employability programme
• Driving contractual performance, quality, and employment outcomes
• Building and managing strategic relationships with DWP, employers, partners, and subcontractors
• Using data and insight to continuously improve delivery and maximise impact
• Ensuring strong governance, safeguarding, compliance, and risk management
• Leading and developing a high-performing, multi-disciplinary team
• Contributing to wider organisational strategy and growth in employability services

Who will thrive in this role?

You'll likely bring:

• Significant leadership experience in employability, skills, welfare-to-work, or related public service programmes
• A track record of delivering results within complex, high-value contracts
• Experience working with government-funded programmes and outcome-based delivery models
• Strong commercial, financial, and operational leadership skills
• The ability to influence senior stakeholders and build effective partnerships
• A passion for improving outcomes for young people and creating lasting social impact

This is an opportunity to shape a flagship programme, influence how services are delivered nationally, and help more young people move into sustainable employment.

What happens next?  

Please submit a CV and Cover Letter that includes your experience, transferable 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 a Director of Jobs Guarantee? 

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 a Director of Jobs Guarantee! 

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) 

Providence Row works with people experiencing homelessness and insecure housing in East London. We provide integrated support across crisis intervention, advice, health, substance use, volunteering, learning and training.

Our work is grounded in compassion, respect, inclusiveness, empowerment and justice. We aim to ensure that people can access the support and opportunities they need to build greater safety, stability and independence.

About the Progression & Training Service

The Progression & Training Service supports clients to identify and take practical steps towards learning, volunteering, training and employment. Through one-to-one coaching, group learning, digital inclusion, vocational training and partnerships with external organisations, the service helps clients build skills, confidence and access to meaningful progression opportunities.

The service works closely with Providence Row’s wider teams, including Catering Training, Gardening, Volunteering, Health Inclusion and Advice and Support, to provide coordinated pathways that reflect each client’s goals, strengths and circumstances.

Role purpose

The Progression & Training Manager is responsible for the leadership, quality, performance and development of the service.

The postholder will lead the team, oversee client progression pathways, maintain strong partnerships and ensure that the service delivers high-quality, trauma-informed and strengths-based support. They will also be responsible for performance monitoring, reporting, safeguarding, service improvement and the effective use of resources.

Key Responsibilities

• Service leadership and people management
• Client support and service quality
• Learning, progression and employment pathways
• Performance, data and reporting
• Safeguarding, risk and operational compliance
• Service development, partnerships and resources

Benefits

• 27 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Season ticket loan
• Employee assistance programme
• Access to shopping discounts
• Learning & development opportunities
• Monthly reflective practice

To apply:  Please upload your CV with a covering letter, detailing how you meet the job specification. CV’s without a covering letter will not be considered.

Research shows some people, especially women and marginalised groups, may hesitate to apply unless they match all the criteria. However, we want to assure everyone that we encourage applications from all individuals, regardless of whether they fulfil every point in the job description. Your unique perspective matters to us – please apply with confidence.

Interviews
Please note that we may interview on a rolling basis and therefore encourage early applications.

Providence Row is a charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales; company number 07452798 registered charity number 1140192.

We are seeking a confident, experienced and motivated Fundraising Manager to join our team! 

Our Organisation 

SLRA is a frontline community organisation established in 1991 which supports refugees, asylum seekers and migrants in crisis in South London. We provide specialist legal advice and holistic casework to enable people to regularise their immigration status, access rights and entitlements and move on from destitution. Every year we provide support directly to over 1000 migrants in the London Boroughs of Lambeth, Merton, Croydon, Wandsworth, Southwark and beyond. Our support gives marginalised people access to justice and the opportunity to build a safe, stable and positive future. 

The Role 

This is a key role in ensuring that we continue to secure the resources we need to provide our vital services and activities for refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants in South London. As Fundraising Manager for SLRA, you will play a pivotal role in implementing our fundraising strategy, building relationships with donors and exceeding fundraising goals. We are predominantly funded by Trusts and Foundations and you will be responsible for maintaining and expanding this funder base, while helping to diversify our income streams in order to ensure that established services and activities are sustained. 

If you have substantial experience of building relationships and securing funds from Trusts and Foundations, and an understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by small, local voluntary organisations we would love to hear from you! 

Closing date: Monday 21st September at 9am (please note that we will close the advert early if enough strong applications are received, so please apply promptly) 

First stage interviews online: Monday 28th and Tuesday 29th September 

Second stage in person: Friday 2nd October

As an organisation working with migrants, we particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of the impact of the UK immigration or asylum system. We guarantee an interview for all applicants with lived experience who meet the essential criteria for this post. 

The Programmes and Work Experience Coordinator is a dynamic and varied role working to support the delivery of diverse employability events and activities, high-quality work experience placements and other related projects as required.

You will work on multiple programmes and project coordination with different stakeholders, including businesses, schools and most importantly the young people on our programmes. You will contribute particularly to our work experience programmes, which is one of our most impactful activities.

To work effectively with the different stakeholders, you will be an empathetic individual, with an understanding of different needs (e.g. young people, schools, and employer priorities), and you’ll be able to respond flexibly to change. You will need an excellent attention to detail, able to work on multiple projects simultaneously, and be committed to ensuring our programmes make a real difference in the lives of the young people we serve.

Salary: £40,000 per annum
Reporting to: Chief Operating Officer
Start Date: September 2026

About The Skill Mill

The Skill Mill is a social enterprise that provides employment opportunities for young people with criminal convictions. Through paid work in environmental projects, horticulture and grounds maintenance, we help young people develop skills, confidence and positive futures while creating benefits for local communities and the environment.

Our programmes bring together Supervisors, Youth Justice Services, employers, Pathways Advisors and local partners to support young people into sustainable education, training and employment.

The Role

This is an opportunity to help shape and strengthen the delivery of The Skill Mill across the South.

As Regional Operations Manager, you will ensure young people receive a high-quality and consistent experience throughout their time with The Skill Mill. Working closely with Supervisors, Youth Justice Services, Pathways Advisors and the Commercial Sales Manager, you will oversee day-to-day operations, support programme delivery and ensure projects run safely, effectively and to a high standard.

You will play a key role in creating the conditions for young people to succeed by supporting frontline teams, building strong partnerships and ensuring programmes deliver positive outcomes for the young people and communities we serve.

What You'll Do

Support High-Quality Programme Delivery By:

• Managing the day-to-day operation of The Skill Mill programmes across the South.
• Supporting Supervisors to deliver safe, effective and impactful work programmes.
• Monitoring programme activity and resolving operational challenges.
• Ensuring compliance with organisational policies, procedures and health and safety requirements.
• Maintaining high standards of delivery across all sites and projects.

Build Strong Partnerships By:

• Working closely with Youth Justice Services, Pathways Advisors and local partners.
• Supporting collaboration between operational teams and commercial projects.
• Acting as a key point of contact for stakeholders across the region.
• Representing The Skill Mill at partnership meetings and local events.
• Strengthening relationships that create opportunities for young people.

Monitor Performance and Impact By:

• Tracking programme delivery and performance against agreed targets.
• Monitoring progress towards social impact and employment outcomes.
• Preparing reports and updates for the Senior Management Team.
• Supporting the development of systems that measure quality, efficiency and impact.
• Using data and feedback to improve programme performance.

Support and Develop Teams By:

• Providing guidance, support and mentoring to Supervisors.
• Identifying training and development opportunities.
• Promoting a positive, collaborative and accountable culture.
• Supporting teams to deliver the best possible outcomes for young people.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who can bring people together, support high-quality delivery and help create opportunities for young people to thrive.

You'll have:

• Experience in operational, service or project management.
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience coordinating multiple workstreams, teams or projects.
• Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and working with vulnerable or disadvantaged young people.
• Strong IT and reporting skills.
• A commitment to The Skill Mill's mission and values.

Desirable:

• Experience in social enterprises, youth justice, employability or community-based services.
• Experience managing commercial contracts or operational delivery programmes.
• Understanding of outcomes-based commissioning.
• Health and Safety qualification or relevant practical experience.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to help shape services that improve outcomes for young people.
• A supportive and committed leadership team.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Training and professional development opportunities.
• The chance to contribute to a growing social enterprise with a proven track record of creating social and environmental impact.

Why Join The Skill Mill?

Every day, you'll help ensure young people have access to meaningful employment, skills development and progression opportunities. By supporting the teams that work directly with young people, you'll play an important role in helping them build brighter futures while creating positive change in local communities.

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.

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.

Location: Any UK Trust office - hybrid - 40-60% of the week spent in an office

1st stage interviews: 21/09 over MS Teams

2nd stage interviews: 29/09 face-to-face (location TBC)

At The King's Trust, we believe that every young person should have the opportunity to develop the skills, confidence and recognised achievements they need to succeed. Our qualifications play a vital role in helping young people take positive steps into education, employment and training.

We're looking for an experienced and strategic Head of Assessment & Quality to lead the quality assurance, assessment and compliance functions within our Qualifications team. This is a key leadership role, responsible for ensuring the integrity, quality and regulatory compliance of our qualifications provision, while helping to shape the future development of The King's Trust as a recognised Awarding Organisation.

Reporting to the Responsible Officer, you will lead our quality assurance strategy, driving continuous improvement across assessment, awarding, governance and operational practices. You'll oversee compliance with regulatory requirements, manage key quality and risk processes, and provide expert leadership to ensure learners receive a fair, consistent and high-quality experience across our qualifications provision and associated apprenticeship assessment and quality activities.

Working closely with regulators, centres, delivery partners and colleagues across the organisation, you'll play a central role in maintaining confidence in our qualifications and ensuring they continue to meet the needs of young people and the wider education and skills sector.

We're looking for someone who brings:

• Significant experience leading assessment, quality assurance and compliance functions within an awarding organisation environment.
• Strong knowledge of qualification frameworks, assessment methodologies and awarding organisation requirements, complemented by experience leading quality assurance and assessment activities across qualifications and apprenticeships.
• A detailed understanding of regulatory requirements, including Conditions of Recognition and quality assurance principles.
• Experience of leading audits, compliance activity, governance processes and risk management frameworks.
• The ability to analyse quality and performance data to identify risks, inform decision-making and drive improvement.
• Experience building effective relationships with regulators, external partners and senior stakeholders.
• A passion for improving opportunities and outcomes for young people.

In this role, you will:

• Lead and develop our quality assurance approach, ensuring robust standards across assessment and awarding activity.
• Drive continuous improvement through effective quality monitoring, audit and compliance arrangements.
• Oversee key processes including malpractice, appeals, complaints, reasonable adjustments and regulatory reporting.
• Provide expert advice and leadership on assessment, quality and compliance matters across the organisation.
• Support the ongoing development and growth of The King's Trust Qualifications offer and its impact on young people.

Join us and help ensure every qualification awarded by The King's Trust is underpinned by quality, integrity and a commitment to creating better futures for young people.

What happens next?  

Please submit a CV and Cover Letter that includes your experience, transferable 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 a Head of Assessment & Quality? 

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 Head of Assessment & Quality! 

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) 

This is an opportunity to lead an established and respected charity with a strong reputation, ambitious plans and genuine influence across Northamptonshire.  You will pay a pivotal role in shaping programmes that improve health, education, employability, inclusion and community wellbeing, leaving a lasting legacy for thousands of people.

Northampton Town Football Club has been a central part of life in Northamptonshire since 1897 – a source of local pride, identity, and connection.  The club inspires passion, brings people together and plays a powerful role in uniting communities across the county.

As Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Northampton Town FC Community Trust, you will provide visionary leadership, strategic direction, and operational excellence to drive the charity’s impact in leveraging the power of football for social change and community development across Northamptonshire.

You will develop, lead and deliver the NTFC Community Trust Strategy, increasing the Community Trust and Football Club’s brand, impact and reputation locally and nationally.

The Community Support Worker will provide direct, practical and person-centered support to mentees approaching release from prison and after release into the community. Working under the direction of the Project Manager, the post-holder will help mentees identify priorities, develop and progress action plans, access appropriate services and maintain engagement during a period of significant transition.

This is a front-line resettlement and community support role. The post-holder will work alongside mentees, volunteer mentors, prison and probation colleagues and community services to reduce barriers to stability, support safe mentoring relationships and help mentees progress towards realistic goals.

The role requires someone who can build trust while maintaining clear professional boundaries, work confidently across prison and community settings, manage a varied caseload, respond proactively to changing needs and escalate safeguarding or risk concerns appropriately.

Key relationships

· Project Manager and Service Delivery Director.

· Other Trailblazers staff and project colleagues.

· Volunteer mentors and prospective volunteers.

· Mentees and, where appropriate, family members or other community support networks.

· Prison staff, including resettlement, offender management and other relevant departments.

· Probation practitioners and other statutory services.

· Community organisations, accommodation providers, DWP / Jobcentre Plus, employers, education and training providers, health and substance misuse services and other local partners.