Employer engagement officer jobs in Manchester, greater manchester

Supporter Engagement & Fundraising Communications Manager — Go Beyond £35,000–£37,000 | Fully Remote | Permanent | Full-time

Go Beyond has given over 21,000 vulnerable children life-changing residential breaks since 1994. Young carers who spend their days looking after parents. Children living in poverty for whom a school holiday means hunger, not adventure. Kids who've been bullied or bereaved and need a week away from their ordinary life.

The charity is entirely self-funded. £1.8 million a year, every penny raised by supporters. No government money. Which means the work this fundraising team does is directly and specifically what makes those breaks possible.

This is the role that sits at the heart of that.

What makes this moment unusual:

Go Beyond's flagship campaign, Ice Cream Moments, launches this summer — backed by Louis Theroux, James Acaster, David Gower and Jenny Agutter. The trustees want to go viral. A legacy programme is built and ready to launch. An alumni programme connecting with 21,000+ former beneficiaries is research-complete and waiting for someone to open the door. And a loyal supporter base of 200–300 regular givers — many of whom have been giving for over a decade — is generating £90,000 a year with almost no stewardship behind it.

Sara, the Director of Fundraising, describes what's needed like this: "Think of this as your own company. Think of this income stream as your domain — you could make it something amazing."

What the role involves:

The Supporter Engagement & Fundraising Communications Manager will own the supporter communications function end to end. This is a project management and strategy role — not an execution role. The doing sits with two direct reports and a network of freelancers. Your job is to build the plan, manage the team, deliver the campaigns and make sure the data tells you what's working.

In practice that means:

• Building and managing proper supporter journeys for regular givers, challenge event runners and Ice Cream Moments donors
• Project managing the full campaigns calendar — four annual appeals, Ice Cream Moments, challenge events, and a growing digital communications programme
• Developing and implementing a data strategy, setting up income dashboards and overseeing the CRM
• Launching the legacy programme and, in time, the alumni programme
• Managing two direct reports: a Digital Marketing Officer and a Data & Admin / Challenge Events Officer
• Writing an 18-month strategy with proper pipelines and income forecasts

What we're looking for:

This is not a pure fundraiser role or a pure marketing role. It's a hybrid — and the right person will see that as a feature, not a confusion.

• A track record of owning campaigns end to end — not being part of them, owning them. Specific examples, with dates, outputs and results
• Genuine data literacy — comfortable in a CRM, able to run queries, understand segmentation. Not expert-level, but curious enough that you're never caught out
• Financial awareness — you ask what the target is before anything else. You work backwards from an income number
• Hands-on as well as strategic — you can delegate and direct, but you can also do
• Strong project management — multiple workstreams, freelancers, deadlines you can't move

Charity sector experience is welcome but not essential. Commercial direct marketing, agency-side or individual giving backgrounds are all genuinely considered.

What Go Beyond offers:

• £35,000–£37,000 with annual pay review benchmarked to sector
• Fully remote — with the option to use Go Beyond's centres in Cornwall and Derbyshire
• 28 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Friday afternoons off — the whole business shuts down, every week
• Management training through the British Growth Fund's six-week programme
• A collaborative, supportive team culture in a genuinely mission-driven organisation

This role will suit you if:

You're energised by building rather than maintaining. You want to own a function, not just a job title. You think in income as well as engagement. And you want to be part of something where the work — the campaigns, the supporter journeys, the data — is directly connected to a child getting a break they wouldn't otherwise have had.

This role is being recruited exclusively through Raise + Recruit, an independent executive search adviser specialising in the charity sector. All enquiries are handled in complete confidence — including from your current employer.

To find out more or to express interest, contact John Austin. No lengthy application process at this stage — a conversation is all it takes.

Full candidate brief: https://go-beyond-roan.vercel.app/

Philanthropy Officer

Do you have experience or knowledge of major donor fundraising (or transferable relationship-based fundraising/sales experience?

We’re looking for a motivated and confident fundraiser to join the High Value Engagement team, helping to grow our philanthropy programme and ensure everyone affected by stroke can access the support they need to rebuild their lives.

This is a home based role and applications from individuals who are seeking flexible working options, including reduced hours or job shares are welcomed.

Position: CE407 Philanthropy Officer

Location: Home-based with regular travel to the London office. Occasional national travel will be required as part of this role (may include team meetings or other work-related meetings)

Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week

Salary: Circa £31,700 per annum (inner London weighting £3,950 per annum/pro rata or outer London weighting £2,457 per annum/pro rata may be applied in accordance with where you live)

Contract: Permanent

Benefits: 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (this will increase with service up to 30 days, full time equivalent) cashback and discount scheme, employee assistance programme, learning and development, pension scheme, Life Assurance, Eye Care vouchers, Long Service Award, Tax-free childcare, Health Cash Plan, Working Pattern Agreement, flexible working opportunities available.

Closing Date: 31 May 2026

Interview Date: 1st stage interviews 4 June 2026, 2nd stage 9 June 2026. Interviews will be held via video conferencing. Please let us know if this will present any challenges when you email your application.

The Role

Reporting to the Philanthropy Manager, the Philanthropy Officer will manage and grow a portfolio of supporters, focusing on cultivating and stewarding lower-level major donors. You’ll build strong, authentic relationships through thoughtful stewardship, and compelling communications, while identifying new prospects and securing vital income. This is an exciting opportunity to shape a new role, contribute fresh ideas, and work collaboratively across the organisation.

Key responsibilities will include:

· Managing and developing a portfolio of supporters to meet agreed income targets

· Building and maintaining strong relationships with supporters through high-quality stewardship and engagement

· Identifying and researching new funding prospects to grow the donor pipeline

· Developing and delivering compelling written communications, including donor updates and funding proposals

About You

You will be/ have experience/have a proven record of:

· A passion for the cause and commitment to supporting people affected by stroke

· Experience or knowledge of major donor fundraising (or transferable relationship-based fundraising/sales experience)

· Building and managing effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders

· Producing high-quality, engaging written content tailored to different audiences

· Researching prospects and identifying new funding opportunities

To fulfil the role, you must be a resident of the UK and have the right to work in the UK.

Applications

Please submit your CV, (including details of your current address), and a supporting statement of no more than two pages, demonstrating how you meet the person specification and what you bring to the role in terms of your skills and experience. Please state any preferences for flexible options in your covering letter. Applications from individuals who are seeking flexible working options, including reduced hours or job shares are welcomed.

You will be able to view the role profile when you apply.

Stroke Association

Finding strength through support

The Stroke Association is the only charity in the UK providing lifelong support for all stroke survivors and their families. We provide tailored support to tens of thousands of stroke survivors each year. This support includes one-to-one and group support, funding vital scientific research into stroke prevention, acute treatment, recovery and long-term care, and campaigning to secure the best care for everyone affected by stroke. 

We’re here for stroke survivors and their loved ones, from the moment they enter the new and frightening post-stroke world, supporting them every step of the way as they find their strength and their way back to life.

It’s only thanks to the generosity of our supporters and donors that we can provide vital support. 

Stroke Association is driven by our ambition to improve the lives of everyone affected by stroke. This means we’re determined to create an equitable and inclusive workplace that benefits from the difference, and thrives on the diversity, of our people. Guided by Our approach to solving inequity in stroke, we are prioritising listening to, and learning from, lived experience across our charity.

We are working to improve the representation of this lived experience at all levels within the Stroke Association and we are eager to recruit applicants from a variety of communities and backgrounds. We are keen to receive applications from people affected by stroke, people of colour, members of LGBT+ communities, and disabled people because these identities and experiences are underrepresented and would add enormous value to how we work.

We are a Disability Confident employer, and we are making great progress focusing on flexible working, reasonable adjustments and access to work. Our charity has a variety of staff network groups and we're committed to continuously improving our diversity and inclusion efforts. If you have questions, or access needs, we’re happy to discuss any support and adjustments we can make throughout the recruitment process so that you’re able to contribute your best in a way that meets your needs.

You may also have experience in areas such as Philanthropy, Philanthropy Fundraiser, Philanthropy Fundraising, Major Donor Fundraising, Major Donor Fundraiser, Fundraising, Fundraiser, Sales, Sales Executive, Sales Account Manager, Business Development Manager, Business Development.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client – Not For Profit People.

Are you a creative digital campaigner who can turn powerful stories into content that sparks action, builds movements, and drives change to help save lives and stop economic abuse?

About the role

We are looking for an exceptional candidate to play a central role in the delivery of Surviving Economic Abuse’s new digital engagement strategy by producing high-quality, impactful communications and compelling campaigns to extend our reach and to engage, inform and mobilise our audiences.

You will be responsible for managing and growing our digital presence across social media and ensuring this translates into action through our website and newsletters. This will include creating content tailored to victim-survivors and their family and friends, financial services professionals, policymakers, funders and other stakeholders.

As part of this role, you will help us develop and deliver digital campaigns that amplify our campaigning and policy work, as well as deliver communications to support our fundraising, consultancy and training.

About you

We’re looking for someone with proven experience running social media for a brand, organisation or campaign, with demonstrable results such as audience growth, reach, engagement or conversion. You’ll understand how campaigning and activism work, and how to mobilise supporters from diverse backgrounds to help drive meaningful change.

You’ll be a confident digital campaigner who knows how to make an impact across multiple platforms, especially Instagram, TikTok and other video first channels. You’ll have a strong understanding of trends, formats and algorithms, and know how to use them to create scroll stopping content that motivates people to take action.

This role is ideal for someone with bags of initiative, strong creative instincts, and the ability to turn complex issues into compelling digital content tailored to engage and mobilise different audiences.
If you’re excited by the opportunity to use your creativity, storytelling and digital campaign skills to amplify survivor voices, drive real-world impact and help end economic abuse, we’d love to hear from you.

What we offer

• 25 days annual leave, plus 5 Wellbeing Days and Statutory Bank Holidays
• Home working
• Flexible working
• 5% Employer Pension Contribution
• Reflective practice
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Enhanced sick pay, family leave and carer’s leave
• The chance to be part of our highly professional, supportive team

To apply

Please apply via our website.

This post is only open to women applicants, as being a woman is considered a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010. 

Applications open from 6 May and close at 11.59pm on 26 May 2026. Interviews will take place week commencing 15 June 2026.

Direct applications only – no agencies please.

Surviving Economic Abuse (SEA) is committed to developing an inclusive team which reflects the diversity of the communities we support. Our culture celebrates diverse voices, and we particularly encourage applications from Black and minoritised applicants and disabled applicants who are under-represented at SEA.

SEA is a Disability Confident Committed, and Kinship Friendly Employer.

Senior Events and Community Fundraising Officer  

Salary: Band C, £32,106 - £38,460 (depending on experience) 

Hours: 35 per week with the option to work a compressed 9 day fortnight. Other types of flexible working would be considered. 

Contract: Permanent 

Location: Home based, with occasional travel to London area for team meetings and nationally to attend fundraising events and meet supporters

Reports to: Individual Giving Manager

Applicants must be UK-based and hold the right to work in the UK 

We’re looking for an enthusiastic, proactive community and events fundraiser with great project management and relationship building skills. You’ll be responsible for leading on a varied portfolio of fundraising activity, identifying new supporters, stewarding existing supporters and delivering community fundraising products and campaigns. 

Events and Community Fundraising is an established income stream at Breast Cancer UK but we know there is potential to grow, so we’re investing in proactively developing the area. This role is an opportunity for a talented fundraiser - with at least three years of experience working in Challenge Events and/or Community Fundraising and a strong track record of delivering results – to take a lead on these income streams and build something amazing. You’ll need a strong understanding of how to deliver excellent supporter experiences, and the ability to spot trends and opportunities aligned with our audiences and our brand, and capitalise on them. 

You will have opportunities to expand your skills and expertise and really own your area, as part of a small but mighty fundraising team. If you are highly motivated, collaborative, love building relationships and working as part of a friendly and supportive team, we want to hear from you!

What do we do? 

In the UK today, around 59,000 women and 420 men are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. 1 in 7 women will develop the disease at some point in their lives. 

But we believe in a future where fewer people have to face this devastating disease - because we know that at least 30% of breast cancer cases are preventable. 

By making changes to modifiable lifestyle and environmental risk factors, we can drive cases down. Our focus on prevention is unique - we are shining a light on the changes we can make at an individual and societal level to prevent breast cancer.

To achieve this, we: 

• Deliver an education programme - empowering individuals with trustworthy, science-backed information and guidance to help them understand and reduce their risk. 
• Fund research into the causes of breast cancer —while significant progress has been made in improving survival rates through new treatments, we are dedicated to ensuring fewer people ever receive a diagnosis.
• Run campaigns - to increase public understanding of the risk factors for breast cancer, such as Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals, and to influence policy-makers and industry, to protect consumers and provide safer alternatives. 

Not all breast cancers can be avoided, but we need a united movement for prevention, to tackle this devastating disease head on. We believe that everyone in society should be able to do something about breast cancer before it happens.

Why join us? 

• To be part of a fantastic supportive team. 
• Work for an organisation that values a positive and inclusive culture. 
• Fully remote working. 
• Competitive salary of £32,106 - £38,460 PA (depending on experience) 
• 29.5 Days Annual Leave Plus Bank Holidays. 
• Option for full time colleagues to compress hours and work a 9 day fortnight. 
• Healthcare cover and employee assistance programme. 
• Enhanced Sickness, Maternity and Paternity pay. 
• Great supportive culture with generous professional training and development programmes. 
• For full details see our website

How to apply 

The closing date for applications is Monday 1st June at 9am.

To apply for this position please complete the application form and a Equality and Diversity monitoring Form found on our website  The full Job Description can be found in the Recruitment Pack 

Interviews 

First round interviews will be held virtually w/c 8th June

We anticipate holding a second round w/c 15th June 

For further information on the charity see our website   

At Breast Cancer UK, we're dedicated to being a caring and welcoming place, where everyone feels supported and employees feel like they belong. Our aim is to create an inclusive culture where our employees can reach their full potential, without prejudice and discrimination. We value respect, understanding, and the richness that diversity brings. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, identities and abilities.  

This is a new role leading on engagement in the Transport for the South East area, playing a vital role in building and strengthening local networks, supporting grassroots campaigning, and ensuring that disabled people’s experiences inform both regional and national influencing work. You’ll organise campaigns and forums, represent Transport for All at events, and work with service providers and councils to make transport fairer and more equitable.

We are a small, committed and disabled-led team working to make sure that disabled people’s voices are heard in politics, the media and beyond. This role is central to ensuring lived experience drives systemic change in London’s transport system.

You must be disabled and live in the South East of England to apply for this role

This role has a genuine occupational requirement of lived experience of disability. This explicitly includes those of us who are Deaf, neurodivergent, chronically ill, have a mental health condition, have age-related impairments, and people with both visible and non-visible impairments. If you do not meet the genuine occupational requirement, your application will not be shortlisted for an interview.

Salary: £26,978 - £29,663 (Grade A)

Contract: Permanent

Hours: 37 hours per week

Location: Manchester / Hybrid

We’re looking for an enthusiastic and driven Communications and Engagement Lead to help shape how students are represented, heard and connected across Greater Manchester.

The Greater Manchester Students’ Partnership (GMSP) brings together students’ unions from across the city region to collaborate, campaign and influence on behalf of students. As Communications and Engagement Lead, you’ll play a key role in telling that story — creating engaging content, supporting regional campaigns and helping to grow a partnership that’s entering an exciting next phase.

This is a varied, fast‑paced role where no two days are the same. You’ll own GMSP’s digital channels, work closely with elected student officers and partner students’ unions, and support activity that amplifies student voice at a city‑region level. Alongside creative communications, you’ll also gain experience of partnership working, events and governance — building a strong foundation for future career development.

About you

This role is ideal for someone early in their career who’s motivated, proactive and excited by making real impact. You’ll bring experience from communications, marketing, campaigns or engagement‑focused work, and you’ll be keen to learn, grow and take ownership of your work.

You’ll also demonstrate:

• Strong content creation skills, with the ability to tell compelling stories across digital and social platforms.

• Confidence working with a wide range of people, including students, elected officers and external partners.

• The ability to manage multiple priorities and stay organised in a busy environment.

• A collaborative, can‑do approach and the confidence to use your initiative.

• A genuine interest in student representation and making a difference at a regional level.

Why work with us?

You’ll be part of a growing regional partnership focused on improving the student experience across Greater Manchester. This role offers the chance to build your skills, shape creative campaigns and work alongside students and professionals from across the city region — all while contributing to meaningful change for students.

If you’re looking for a role where you can develop quickly, work creatively and see the impact of your work, we’d love to hear from you.

For further information and to apply, please click the apply button.

Closing Date: 23:59pm on Sunday 31st May 2026.

Interview Date: Monday 15th or Tuesday 16th June 2026.

Transport for All has a strong reputation for leading the debate and advocating for change to improve the journeys made by disabled people. This role presents an opportunity for a strong leader with the commitment, enthusiasm and expertise to build on our success.

Our Chief Executive will be responsible for continuing to delivering the remainder of our 5-year strategy, whilst horizon-scanning to work with the team and wider DPO community to engage in the opportunities and changes ahead. We’re a small team and this is a wide-ranging role which includes:

• Representing the voice of the 16 million+ people in the disabled community by influencing policy and infrastructure decision-makers through our campaigns.

• Overseeing a highly regarded policy and public affairs function with associated communications and stakeholder engagement, maintaining our high profile and reputation with national and local governments.

• Ensuring the charity’s funding is robust and sustainable, looking at how we can diversify our income and direct it towards what matters through continuing to deliver our strategy and planning for our future.

• Overall responsibility for our successful training, research and consultancy business, building partnerships and further growth. This includes the National Accessible Transport Survey.

• Championing our award-winning support services for disabled people.

• Leading our expert teams through a period of growth and consolidation, embedding a strong organisational culture and matching our structure and systems to our upcoming challenges and increasing size.

You will report to and be supported by a well-functioning and committed Board of Trustees who are professionals with experience of working in the charity and transport sectors, as well as finance, legal and government backgrounds.

Our Room is a values-driven, creative support community working with male, trans and non-binary people who do sex work: an often-hidden population experiencing some of the highest levels of homelessness, trauma, poor mental health and social exclusion in Manchester. For twenty years, we have been a trusted, specialist service providing intensive advocacy alongside creative, developmental programmes that help participants stabilise their lives and imagine new futures.

As a Manchester-based organisation, we are the only organisation in the UK whose core mission is to support male, trans and non-binary people who do sex work. We believe that everyone who sex works deserves dignity, respect and safety.

We are seeking someone who can bring together clear strategic thinking and hands-on-leadership to inspire our staff team and represent the charity externally across key sectors and partnerships. This is an opportunity to lead a unique and vital organisation supporting male, trans and non-binary people who sex work.

The CEO acts as the primary external ambassador for the organisation, maintaining partnerships across housing and homelessness, sex work and VCSE sectors. The role is responsible for establishing our inclusive, values-led culture and is accountable for ensuring the charity delivers impact for male, trans and non-binary people who sex work. 

Location: Home based within commuting distance of either Edinburgh, Cardiff or Belfast 

Salary: £32,750 per annum
Hours: 35 hours per week 

Closing date: Monday 19 May 2026 at midnight 

Interview date: week commencing 25 May 2026 over video with possible second stage in person week commencing 1 June 2026 

This is a full time fixed-term position for one year (with possible extension subject to funding). 

Who we are looking for  

Breakthrough T1D is the UK’s leading type 1 diabetes charity, dedicated to funding research, advocating for change, and supporting the T1D community. A year into our exciting rebrand from JDRF to Breakthrough T1D, we’re looking for a Senior Policy and Public Affairs Officer – Devolved Nations to help us build on this momentum. 

The role of the Senior Policy and Public Affairs Officer - Devolved Nations is vital to achieving our UK-wide advocacy mission: to reduce health inequalities in type 1 diabetes, to widen access to type 1 diabetes treatments and technologies and to ensure that people with type 1 get access to emerging new treatments and future cures in the devolved nations.  

You will lead on projects with key stakeholders and high-level Parliamentarians, such as our access to treatments and early detection work, as well as people with type 1 diabetes, policy makers and researchers. You will help to deliver Breakthrough T1D’s influencing plans, improving access to and choice of type 1 diabetes treatments and technology in the devolved nations.  

Experience required 

• Experience of working successfully with politicians, their offices, Government departments, and other public affairs audiences to influence policy and to influence public/stakeholder discourse  

• Experience of leading public affairs delivery in one of more of the devolved nations  

• Experience in analysing Government policy in-depth and creating policy briefings   

• Experience of drafting briefings, reports and policy submissions   

• Experience of communicating across a range of parliamentary and professional stakeholders at all levels  

• Demonstrable knowledge, interest and experience of working in a public affairs and policy-based environment  

• Experience of organising stakeholder events  

About Breakthrough T1D 

Breakthrough T1D is the world’s leading charitable research funder into type 1 diabetes, improving lives until we find the cure. We are dedicated to our 400,000 strong type 1 community in the UK and work closely with our international affiliates across the world, including the US, Canada and Australia. 

You will find a vibrant atmosphere and spirited team at Breakthrough T1D, always striving to make a difference to people living with type 1. 

Employee benefits 

As an employer we offer: 

• Hybrid working arrangements 

• Flexible working and will consider compressed hours 

• Generous annual leave entitlement – 25 days per year plus bank holidays for full-time staff with leave increasing after three and five years’ service 

• Health cash plan that allows you to claim for some treatments such as dental, optical and physiotherapy treatment 

• Season ticket and cycle loan 

• Pension scheme 

• Family-friendly policies – maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave at enhanced rates 

• Personalised training to suit your career aspirations and professional development 

Breakthrough T1D is an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all individuals regardless of race, gender, disability, religious belief, sexual orientation or age. 

The Senior Fundraising Manager is responsible for delivering Brightside’s fundraising activity with a core focus on grants from trusts and foundations, and major donors. Reporting to and working closely with the CEO, the postholder will forge new relationships with major donors and manage our grant applications to support Brightside to achieve its fundraising targets. The postholder will deliver high quality stewardship across our major donor relationships and act as the key point of contact for all grant activity, working closely with the delivery teams to support funder relationship management and reporting.

The postholder will work closely with colleagues across the organisation to develop clear cases for support for potential funding projects, as well as managing our approach to individual giving and increasing regular donations. The role will involve working closely with the CEO and the trustees, who will provide warm introductions to their networks of potential major donors and support in their stewardship.

Please review the job description attachment at the end of the advert for full roles and responsibilities, application instructions, the essential criteria and further information on salary and benefits.

Responsible for:

Trusts and foundations:

• Identify and research trusts and foundations that would support our organisational priorities and funding needs
• Develop high quality, compelling grant applications and cases for support
• Build and maintain a healthy pipeline of funding opportunities
• Lead funder relationship management and deliver high-quality stewardship
• Lead on grant reporting, including monitoring, accountability and opportunities for reapplication
• Working closely with technology and delivery teams to build evidence-based cases for support for key projects
• Ensure clear and effective handover of successful grants to delivery teams, including reporting requirements and timelines
• Attending external events and meetings to support our fundraising strategy and learning

Major donors:

• Identify and research potential major donors whose interests and capacity align with our mission
• Cultivate new donor relationships through targeted outreach, contact mapping, networking and events
• Build and maintain a healthy pipeline of potential major donors
• Develop tailored engagement and stewardship plans approaches for each donor
• Create meaningful opportunities for donors to share insight, experience or sector knowledge and ensure this expertise is valued and acknowledged
• Lead major gift conversations and negotiations, including face-to-face meetings
• Provide high quality, personalised stewardship to major donors
• Identify opportunities to grow or repeat giving through deeper donor engagement
• Deliver exceptional stewardship to major donors

Individual giving

• Maintaining regular contact with donors and potential donors (including our volunteers and alumni) to generate donations
• Maintaining and monitoring our individual giving platforms
• Ensure all donations and supporter interactions are accurately recorded and that donors receive timely acknowledgements

Application instructions

• Submit your CV and one-page cover letter via CharityJob
• Your cover letter should be no more than 1-2 pages and must explain how you meet the essential criteria for the role, with a focus on the items tested in application and clear examples (see job description for the essential criteria)
• You must answer the screening question on the application page
• Applications without a cover letter or screening question will not be considered
• Applications due: 23:30 Wednesday 27 May
• First round interviews (online): 4/5 June 2026
• Final interviews (online or in person) 10/11 June 2026

What does it take to lead the national voice for special schools at a time of real change?

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – National Association of Special Schools (NASS)

National – home-based, with regular travel across England and Wales, particularly London

£90,000–£110,000 per annum

Full-time, permanent.

About NASS 

The National Association of Special Schools (NASS) is the membership association for special schools in England and Wales. We bring together independent special schools, non-maintained special schools, special academies, maintained special schools and multi-academy trusts with specialist provision.

We exist to inform, support and represent our members, helping specialist schools improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND and secure the place of specialist provision within the wider education system. NASS is known for being accessible, responsive and personal, combining national influence with practical support that members value as timely, human and trustworthy.

This is a pivotal moment for the organisation. In February this year, the Department for Education published a major white paper on SEND reform which will require NASS to both influence national policy on behalf of our members and children and young people, as well as support them to navigate the changes. Our new CEO will need to review our strategy while building on our strong platform and momentum to further deepen our influence and strengthen our internal capacity.

As our next Chief Executive, you will:

• Strategy & Impact: Lead NASS through a period of policy and structural change, ensuring the organisation remains clear on purpose, responsive to members and influential in the SEND landscape.
• Governance & Finance: Work closely with the Board of Trustees to provide strong governance, prudent financial stewardship, robust risk management and clear strategic oversight.
• Operational Leadership: Provide confident leadership to a small, remote team, strengthening collaboration, accountability, resilience and a positive, high-trust culture.
• Income Generation: Oversee budgeting, planning and reporting while developing thoughtful opportunities to diversify income through membership, partnerships, events and related activity.
• Community & Partnerships: Build and sustain trusted relationships with government, parliament, regulators, sector bodies and member schools, ensuring NASS remains relevant and well connected.
• Member Services: Protect and enhance the practical offer to members, from briefings and special interest groups to conferences, webinars, training and peer-to-peer learning.
• Brand & Profile: Act as a credible public ambassador for NASS, helping to modernise communications and broaden the organisation’s voice beyond a founder-shaped model.
• Future Growth: Shape a distributed leadership profile and support a more varied, accessible and engaging approach to membership, advocacy and communications.
• A seasoned senior leader with experience in a charity, membership body, education or public sector setting, and a clear track record of leading through change.
• A strong strategic thinker, able to absorb complex information quickly and translate it into clear, practical direction.
• A confident communicator with the gravitas to represent NASS with members, staff, trustees, MPs, peers, media and national partners.
• A politically astute relationship-builder, comfortable navigating a complex and fast-moving external environment.
• Experienced in governance, with a sound understanding of working with boards or trustees and supporting effective decision-making.
• Numerate and commercially minded, with experience of budgets, financial planning, income generation or partnership development.
• Credible, approachable and resilient, with the emotional intelligence to lead well in a high-profile, remote and sometimes uncertain context.
• Direct SEND experience would be a significant advantage, alongside understanding of specialist education or similarly complex stakeholder environments.

Why NASS?

• This is a chance to lead a respected, member-led organisation with a strong national reputation and a clear public purpose.
• You will help shape the future of specialist education at a time when SEND reform is high on the agenda.
• NASS has a loyal, experienced and collegiate remote staff team, supported by an active Board of Trustees.
• The organisation offers a genuinely influential platform, with strong connections across the sector and with government.

Application

For full details of the role including how to apply, please download the full appointment brief. For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny Hills at Harris Hill via apply button with times to speak and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile which will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 8th June 2026

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

About Adolescent Health Study

The Adolescent Health Study (AHS) (Registered Charity Number 1213337) is an ambitious new UKRI-funded initiative to establish a prospective, longitudinal population study that will generate a globally leading open science data platform and research resource. AHS aims to recruit at least 100,000 young people aged eight to 18 years from across the UK and to follow their mental and physical health and wellbeing over at least 10 years. It plans to collect data through questions and measures; to obtain bio-samples for a wide range of genomic and other high-throughput assays; and to capture linked data relevant to health and wellbeing from participants’ health, education and other administrative records.

There will be a strong emphasis on engaging with and involving young people, schools, parents and other relevant stakeholders in the design and delivery of the study, as well as on including young people that represent as wide as possible a range of backgrounds, experiences and characteristics. AHS will focus on enabling a wide range of research, including studies of the critical biological and social developments that occur during the transition from childhood to adulthood and the determinants of both mental and physical health and wellbeing in adolescents and young adults.

Purpose of the post

The Engagement and Involvement Lead will engage with young people, families, schools and other interest-holders in the process of designing, delivering and ensuring the best outputs from the Adolescent Health Study, and is critical for the success of the project.  We are at the early stages of laying the foundations for this and in this new role we are seeking an experienced and passionate individual to co-ordinate and lead AHS’s cross-UK participant and public involvement and engagement activities.

This is a role that requires high levels of confidence, autonomy, enthusiasm and skill. The postholder will be responsible for delivering the project’s new Engagement and Involvement Strategy, including:  coordinating a Young Persons’ Advisory Group for AHS; developing and delivering AHS public engagement and involvement activities; outsourcing and supervising engagement and involvement activities that are better provided by external partners; scoping and advising on which routes for involvement and engagement activities are best suited to different tasks. 

Main responsibilities

 Planning & strategy delivery

•  Ensuring the study delivers the values and approaches set out in the AHS engagement and involvement strategy
•  Planning, delivering and reporting on an ongoing, regular and important programme of engagement events and activities
•  Reviewing/revising/adding to existing policies, processes and procedures to support effective working together with people and communities (such as reimbursement, compensation, making reasonable adjustments)
•  Developing and implementing appropriate evaluation, monitoring and reporting of Community Engagement & Involvement
• Keeping up to date with good practice & sector advances and sharing these with the AHS team.

Practical engagement and involvement

• Developing methods to enhance engagement and involvement, and helping to build positive relationships with young people and stakeholder groups, including charities, third sector & advocacy groups
• Overseeing day-to-day planning & delivery of a high-quality engagement and involvement programme.  To include, for example:
  • Managing and supporting Youth Advisors
  • Running a standing Young People’s Advisory Group (YPAG)
  • Organising & delivering other ad hoc engagement activities as necessary
• Securing external partners where necessary, and managing contracts and delivery of their work across the UK
• Ensuring that any external parties (e.g. organisations, freelancers, consultants) supporting AHS’s involvement and engagement work have clear roles, responsibilities & goals
• Working with the Head of Communications to develop and manage provision of relevant information to members of the public, teachers, young people & researchers
• Keep clear records of involvement and engagement activities, ensuring results are used to inform the study and the wider research community.

Team support

• Checking for and capitalising on possible opportunities for engagement and involvement to be embedded in the work of the wider team
• Ensuring appropriate induction, training, mentoring and support is organised for the research team and communities involved
• Sharing examples of emerging good practice and impact across the research team.
• Line managing an Engagement and Involvement Officer

Wider

• Contributing to shared learning and future sustainability as part of wider communities of practice
• Acting as a key point of contact for community members and partners involved in the research
• Representing and presenting the AHS study’s engagement and involvement work to the wider research community at a senior level, including in national engagement & involvement networks as necessary.

Knowledge, skills and experience

 Essential criteria

Engagement and involvement

•  Experience developing and delivering engagement and involvement activities with young people and other relevant interest-holders (such as parents, families, teachers and schools)
•  A proven track record or professional background in working with young people – such as in youth work, counselling, mentoring, education, or a related setting
• Understanding and experience of good practice in youth engagement and involvement,  including the principles and implementation of safeguarding, data protection, and inclusive practice
• Awareness of culturally sensitive approaches and methods to be inclusive of all relevant perspectives, including  marginalised and vulnerable groups
• Ability to design and deliver workshops, focus groups or meetings that encourage open dialogue and collaboration
• Demonstrated commitment to youth participation and the meaningful inclusion of young people’s perspectives.

Other essential criteria

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field
• Experience of successful project management and ability to deliver, working independently.
• Ability to manage a budget and report on financial activity accurately
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team, with experience of working alongside and influencing senior level professionals
• Research literacy, with a clear understanding of large UK-wide research initiatives and the various competing demands and pressures the study will face
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills - able to communicate effectively and confidently with a range of stakeholders and to summarise and report key information clearly and accurately, both verbally and in writing
• Confident using online tools (e.g. MS Teams, Zoom), and collaborative platforms (e.g. SharePoint, Microsoft 365)

Desirable criteria

• Relevant qualification in engagement and involvement
• Post-graduate degree or equivalent experience
• Understanding of key concepts and challenges in young people’s health and wellbeing and the transition to adulthood
• Familiarity with health research and data governance frameworks
• Understanding and knowledge of key potential partners across the UK for delivering youth engagement in the sector.
• Experience using digital engagement and facilitation tools for online workshops (e.g. Miro, Mural, Mentimeter, Canva, PowerPoint)

Dimensions

• This has been designed as a full-time role, although part-time work could be considered for the right candidate.
• Flexible working across several geographical locations in the UK.  Travel may be required to AHS locations and partner organisations.
• AHS is a national organisation, and our activities take place across the UK.

Application Process

This post is subject to receipt of satisfactory references, an enhanced DBS check and right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship is not available).

Please apply via CharityJob, making sure to answer the screening questions in full.

The closing date for this position is midnight on Sunday 31st May. 

Interviews are currently expected to be held Wednesday 1st/Thursday 2nd July.

Equal Opportunities Policy Statement

AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. It is our policy to provide employment equality to all, irrespective of age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Beyond these protected characteristics, we acknowledge the importance of socio-economic background, childcare and caring responsibilities, educational background, neurodiversity, and any other factors that shape an individual’s identity and opportunities. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel valued, supported, and able to contribute fully.

Values

It is an exciting time for the Adolescent Health Study (AHS) as we establish our senior leadership team and begin to plan the pilot studies. As the senior executive team evolves, the AHS values will be grounded in inclusivity, integrity, accountability, and collaboration. 

We are seeking a talented and creative Communications Officer to join our dynamic team to cover a period of maternity leave. The Communications Officer will play a crucial role in enhancing the ASE’s external and internal communication efforts. The ideal candidate will be a talented multitasker with excellent communication skills, a strong grasp of social media platforms, maintaining website content using a CMS, graphic design expertise, and a keen eye for detail. This individual will be responsible for enhancing our brand presence, engaging our audience, and maintaining consistent and effective communication across various channels. Understanding that this is a broad role, if you are experienced in one area but would need a bit more guidance in another then we are still interested to hear from you.

Deadline is 9am on 18th May. 

CEO

We’re looking for a CEO who is inspiring, values-driven, and a confident fundraiser to lead the next exciting chapter for one of Manchester’s most ambitious youth charities

This is an exciting time to join an organisation with an established youth work provision, strong reputation in private, public and voluntary sectors, and a successful track record of grants and trusts which includes a capital expenditure investment of £1.4M.

Position: CEO

Location: Manchester/Hybrid

Salary: Up to £80,000 per annum (dependent upon experience)

Contract: Permanent 

Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week

Benefits: Hybrid working, 5% pension contribution, 33 days inclusive of bank holidays (pro-rata), extra day off for your birthday, learning & development opportunities, access to EAP, onsite gym, sports, arts and music facilities and subsidised food from our canteen

Closing Date: 21st May 2026

About the Role

As Chief Executive, you will combine inspirational leadership with a strong, hands-on approach to fundraising and commercial direction. Acting as a visible ambassador for the Youth Zone, you will build trust with partners across the city, influence at a regional and national level, and lead with integrity, creativity and purpose to ensure lasting impact for young people and the communities we serve.

Alongside fundraising leadership, you will provide strategic direction, financial clarity and cultural leadership to a values-driven organisation focused relentlessly on young people. You will empower a talented Senior Leadership Team and wider workforce to deliver high-quality, inclusive youth work, while ensuring strong safeguarding, and a safe, inspiring facility that remains fit for purpose.

You will report to the Chair of the Board, through a high support and high challenge relationship, managing an annual budget of approx. £1.2-£1.5m p.a. ensuring the Youth Zone delivers a high-quality offer to local young people.

Key areas of responsibility include:

• Strategy & Governance
• Fundraising & Financial Sustainability
• Leadership & Culture
• Partnerships, Profile & Influence
• Youth Work Quality & Safeguarding
• Building and Facilities

About You

We are looking for a proven leader with significant fundraising experience who can demonstrate success in building long-term relationships with major donors (£25k+), corporate partners, trusts and statutory funders, and who can confidently translate ambition into a diverse, resilient income pipeline that secures the future of the organisation.

You will have experience of:

• Successful senior leadership experience within a charity or similar complex organisation.
• Experience of hands-on fundraising, such as securing and stewarding major donors (£25k+), corporates, trusts and statutory funding.
• Developing and delivering organisational strategies and business plans.
• Leading financially sustainable organisations with strong governance and controls.
• Developing and overseeing high-quality youth-focused services or programmes.
• Working within multi-agency environments, particularly around safeguarding.

To apply, please submit a CV and Cover Letter (of not more than one page), explaining clearly why you are interested in the role.

About the Organisation

The Youth Zone is a limited charity that has been delivering high quality youth provision for 12 years. Originally commissioned with MyPlace funding, the organisation has become a community hub in Harpurhey, North Manchester – one of the poorest wards in England with 94% of youth members come from 1st/ 2nd indices on the national poverty index scale, where cost of living increases impacted hard and caused further adversity and inequality.

As an equal opportunities’ employer, we welcome applications from under-represented groups; in particular from Black, Asian, Mixed Race & other ethnically diverse individuals, people with disabilities, and members of LGBTQ+ communities. 

The charity is committed to the safeguarding of young people. In accordance with their Child Protection and Safeguarding procedures, this position requires an enhanced DBS check.

Other roles you may have experience of could include CEO, Chief Exec, Chief Executive, COO, CFO, Managing Director, Charity Director, Head of Fundraising, Director of Operations, Deputy CEO, Deputy Chief Exec, Deputy Chief Executive.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client, Not For Profit People. #INDNFP