Engagement and student membership jobs

We are seeking to appoint a new Director of Member Engagement to join our Senior Leadership Team and play a critical role in strengthening AoC’s relationship with its member colleges at a time of significant change for the sector. 

The Association of Colleges (AoC) is the national representative body for further education colleges in England. We have very high membership numbers and recent surveys show that member satisfaction is also high, but the world is changing fast, and the expectations on and challenges for colleges are increasing. We need to respond to those changes and ensure our support and advocacy for our members remains high quality, respected and valued.

This is a newly created role to help us do that, reporting directly to the Chief Executive, with responsibility for leading AoC’s membership engagement, regional member services and governance offer, ensuring a coherent, high-quality and consistent experience for member colleges across England.

Everything we do at AoC is aimed at helping colleges deliver on their purpose and continue making an impact. Colleges educate and train 1.6 million people each year. As their not-for-profit membership body AoC:

• Influences government and local and national policymakers to create the environment for strong and sustainable colleges at the heart of the economy.
• Provides high quality professional support, advice and intelligence to meet the needs of every member college.
• Champions and enhances the reputation of colleges, leaders, staff and students.

With a strong financial base and a strong team of passionate and highly dedicated staff, AoC will launch our new strategic plan in September 2026. The new Director of Member Engagement will provide strategic leadership to AoC’s regional structure, drive proactive and data-informed engagement with members and stakeholders, and be a part of the overall senior leadership team. This role will help maintain our position as a trusted, influential and indispensable partner to colleges at both national and regional level.

This role offers an opportunity to work within an organisation with purpose and impact in a sector that enriches lives through lifelong learning. If you are a strong leader, with excellent communication skills, able to travel regularly to provide a national presence for AoC senior leadership and strong support to a dispersed team, we would like to hear from you.

At AoC, we value trust, flexibility and professional growth. You’ll join a high-performing, mission-led organisation that offers generous benefits, flexible working, and opportunities to develop your career while making a positive impact on the FE community.

Please review the full job description and person specification, which outlines the role in more detail. If you have any questions or would like to have an informal discussion about the role please contact the Group HR Director.

Hours: Full Time, 37.5 Hours per week

How to Apply: If you think you have the skills, experience, and attributes to hit the ground running in this position, we would welcome your application. Click 'apply now' below.

To be considered for this role, your application must be submitted and received by 5pm on 25 May 2026.

Interviews: 
1st Stage - W/C 8 June
- Online interview
Location: online via Microsoft Teams

2nd Stage - W/C 15 June
- Candidates shortlisted for the final stage will have the opportunity to meet with the Deputy CEO
Location: online via Microsoft Teams

Final Stage - 25 June (fixed date)
- In person interview with a presentation exercise
Location: onsite @AoC London Office

AoC is committed to providing equal opportunities and embracing diversity. We encourage applications from everyone and will not discriminate against any applicants on the basis of age, disability, sex, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.

If you have a disability and would prefer to apply in a different format or would like us to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to apply or attend any interview, please contact us.

Thank you for your interest in this opportunity to join the AoC team.

REF-228 441

Students’ Unions are amazing membership organisations with unique structures and ever-changing leadership. The Student Communities Coordinator is a central part of the Student Activities and Communities department, working collectively to deliver UoGSU's work in engaging out student groups, societies and delivering events. 

The successful applicant will be passionate about supporting our members to create a sense of community. You will be enabled to lead on projects alongside playing an important role within a growing department of the SU engaging with our student community, societies and organising events within the University of Gloucestershire. 

To apply and see our full job pack, please visit our website. 

For an informal conversation, please visit our website. 

Important Dates

Closing Date: Thursday 18th June
Interview Dates: Week commencing 29th June 
Start Date: ASAP

Job Details

• Job Title: Student Events & Communities Coordinator
• Location: Across all of the main UoGSU sites, with a flexible working policy.
• Department: Student Communities
• Reports to: Student Activities & Communities Manager
• Salary: £24,600
• Contract Type: Full Time
• Hours: Full time, normally 9am-5pm. Some flexible hours required to meet demands of the Students’ Union.
• Working Days: Monday- Friday
• Benefits: 25 days holiday pro rata, contributory pension scheme available, excellent flexible working policy including some home working when appropriate.

Main purpose of the job

This role is a central part of the Student Activities and Communities Department, working collectively with colleagues to deliver UoGSU’s work in engaging our student groups, societies and delivering events. We expect this role to deliver an inclusive and engaging environment for all and support students to actively participate in student-led groups. The post holder will co-create events and activities which maximise student engagement and build sense of community at University.

Main duties and responsibilities

High quality student-led events

• Coordinate and working with others promote our student-led societies offer and other student groups within UOGSU.

• Develop, enhance and deliver an active calendar of student-led events.

• Work in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders with event planning, design and delivery of student-led events.

• Provide operational support at student-led events and activities.

• Assist in the planning of large-scale events such as Welcome, SU crew volunteering programme, our Varsity series and Student Awards.

• Support the UOGSU events programme. Be a point of contact for students, University staff, UOGSU staff who wish to utilise on-campus spaces for events, and to assist them in the planning and delivery of a successful event.

• Assist in risk mitigation for events, ensure up to date risk assessments are in place and health and safety guidelines are being followed.

• Act as a premise license holder if required (training provided if necessary).

• To have operational responsibility for SU social spaces including ensuring equipment is functional, that space usage is recorded and that the environments evolve with changing student demands.

Support for student groups

• Develop effective partnerships to facilitate involvement and engagement with our student groups and support them to develop their capacity to achieve their potential.

• Ensure our student groups are accessible and inclusive to all members.

• Ensure our database of student leaders and members of our societies are up to date.

• Effectively engage students and provide ongoing support and assistance where necessary.

• Organise regular meetings with our elected student leaders and committee members.

• Contribute and support the development of a training programme for student groups.

• Provide financial guidance to student groups and support where needed.

• Coordinate our student staff team to enable them to provide the most effective and efficient service to our members.

• Assist with coordinating and dealing with member discipline and complaints contributing to effective process development.

• Assist in risk mitigation for student groups, ensure up to date risk assessments are in place and health and safety guidelines are being followed.

• Support the priorities of the elected officers.

Job title: Student Voice Coordinator

Job Summary: Coordinating and improving student experience and representation to ensure all student voices are heard and acted upon
 

Contract: Fixed-term, 1 year with possibility of extension
 

Recruitment Timeline:

Applications close: 8th June 2026

Interviews: w/c 15th June (final dates to be confirmed)

Start date: July
 

Who we are

Part business, part charity, part membership body – students’ unions are all seriously fun places to work. They are organisations in their own right. Professionally run, but different. Professional teams support elected student leaders to make change, improve lives and fulfil potential; we help make it happen.
 

Founded in 1897, LSE Students' Union is one of the oldest Students' Unions in the UK and is the representative and campaigning body for students at The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). Like other Students' Unions, it also funds and facilitates student activities of campus, including societies, sports clubs through the Athletics Union (AU), the Media Group and Raising and Giving (RAG) charitable fundraising initiatives.
 

About the job

LSESU is looking for someone who is highly organised and passionate about student experience to join our Student Voice Team. You will need to have a good eye for detail, a proactive approach, and be willing to get stuck into all aspects of student representation. The successful candidate will support the Student Voice Team in the delivery of LSESU’s liberation work, democratic processes, and lead on key strategic projects with our elected officers.
 

This role will involve supporting with a variety of tasks, including liaising with key stakeholders, engagement and outreach planning, and database administration. This is the ideal opportunity for someone with an ability to work collaboratively with people, and a passion for delivering high quality opportunities for membership engagement.
 

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for a highly motivated team player who is passionate about delivering change within a dynamic and democratic organisation. The successful candidate will have great communication skills and will be able to work with a variety of stakeholders. An interest in democratic procedure and processes, a commitment to equality and diversity, and an ability to handle politically sensitive situations, are all key to the successful delivery of this role.
 

Further to the above, we’re also looking for someone who is proficient in both Microsoft Office, and various social media platforms, and who holds excellent time management skills.
 

Most importantly, we’re looking for someone who wants to get stuck in, contribute to an effective team dynamic, and make a difference. Students’ Unions are innovative, dynamic places to work and we’re so excited about what we’ve got in store for LSE students.
 

Why apply?

Because you’re excited by the challenge! The exact opposite of corporate, we’re progressive, daring and creative individuals working to make a difference in unconventional workplaces.
 

Benefits and Perks
In return for your passion and experience we offer:

· 25 days holidays per year

· Additional closure periods at Christmas and Easter

· Free LSE Students’ Union gym membership, advice from dedicated professionals, with a wide range of activities including yoga classes, dance classes, pilates classes

· Cycle to Work scheme enabling significant savings on bicycle purchase

· Access to LSE staff training courses

· Ability to purchase TOTUM (NUS) card giving wide range of discounts

· Flexibility for work-life balance

· Interest-free Travel loan

· Free eye exams

· Employee Assistance Program - external consultants providing advice and counselling on a broad range of issues
 

Want to apply?

Please complete an online application found on our website. We ask you to prepare and upload three documents:

1. Covering Letter

2. CV

3. Equal Opportunities Form.
 

We want to ensure all systems, policies and processes are free from bias or discrimination and are fair and accessible, therefore we will only share your covering letter with the shortlisting committee. Please do not include any personal information, such as your name or contact details in this letter. If you are selected for an interview, we will then share your CV with the interview panel.
 

In your cover letter, please address the following three questions:
· Q1 Paying particular attention to the job description and person specification, please tell us why you believe you are most suitable for this role?

· Q2. Please tell us about your values, attitudes and behaviours and why these would be important in the role you are applying for.

· Q3. Please tell us about a time where you have had to juggle multiple priorities from different people and how you handled this.
 

Interviews will be held for shortlisted candidates on the week commencing 15th June. If you are unable to make these dates, please let us know in the ‘notes’ section of the application portal.

We are seeking an experienced and passionate People & Culture Manager to lead the delivery of a high-quality, people-focused service. This is a key leadership role responsible for shaping an inclusive, values-driven culture while ensuring effective people operations across the organisation.

You will oversee the full employee lifecycle, provide expert advice to managers and senior leaders, and drive initiatives that enhance employee engagement, wellbeing and organisational development. In addition, you will lead a newly established central operations function, bringing together customer services and administration to deliver a seamless and efficient support service across The Union.

About You

We are looking for a proactive and collaborative professional who is passionate about people and culture. You will bring:

• Strong generalist people management experience, ideally in a similar role
• In-depth knowledge of UK employment law and best practice
• A commitment to inclusion, wellbeing and creating a positive workplace
• A proven ability to drive engagement, culture, and organisational development initiatives
• Excellent communication and leadership skills

Why join us?

• Opportunity to shape and influence organisational culture
• A collaborative and supportive working environment
• The chance to make a meaningful impact on staff and student experience

For more information and to apply, visit our website via the ‘apply’ button.

Application Closing Date: 11:59pm on Thursday 18th June 2026

The Organisation

The Open SU serves the interests of around 170,000 part-time and distance-learning students spread across the UK, continental Europe and beyond. Our role is to represent and support the interests of this vast and diverse community of students. The Open SU is an independent registered charity, governed by elected student leaders. Our team of vibrant, friendly and dedicated professional staff provide the vital support needed to deliver our ambitious strategy. Though your skills and experience are important, vital to us, are your values. Here at the Open SU we are committed to a positive team culture to enable and empower all members to be their very best.

The Job

In these exciting fixed-term roles, you’ll play a vital part in empowering students to become confident advocates, making sure their voices are heard and their experiences help shape decisions that affect the wider student community. Your involvement will be key to deliver Open SU’s Student Voice objectives, and you’ll work collaboratively with the Student Voice team to deliver projects and raise awareness of opportunities for students to get involved and make a difference.

You’ll support our volunteers through recruitment, providing ongoing guidance, and helping them grow into changemakers and positive representatives of Open SU.

The Person

This role is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated individual with strong communication skills and experience in leading projects and supporting volunteers. You’ll be passionate about empowering others, helping them grow into confident advocates for their peers. As part of a small but busy team, you’ll be comfortable in a fast-paced environment and be confident managing deadlines, prioritising tasks, and organising your workload effectively. You’ll also enjoy working collaboratively, as you’ll be supporting both colleagues and volunteers to achieve shared goals.

The Partnership & Events Coordinator plays a key role in creating a vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming student experience. Working across campus and with local businesses and community partners, you will design and deliver an exciting programme of events that promote student belonging, wellbeing, and connection to the wider town. From lively daytime activities to engaging evening events, you’ll help build a hive of activity while developing meaningful partnerships that generate sustainable income for the Students’ Union. As part of the Marketing team, you’ll collaborate on promoting events, attend networking opportunities, and nurture strong relationships with partners and University colleagues. If you’re creative, organised, and passionate about student engagement, with the confidence to deliver safe, accessible events and the flexibility to work across locations and hours, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on campus life and the local community.

The Organisation

The Open SU serves the interests of around 170,000 part-time and distance-learning students spread across the UK, continental Europe and beyond. Our role is to represent and support the interests of this vast and diverse community of students. The Open SU is an independent registered charity, governed by elected student leaders. Our team of vibrant, friendly and dedicated professional staff provide the vital support needed to deliver our ambitious strategy. Though your skills and experience are important, vital to us, are your values. Here at the Open SU we are committed to a positive team culture to enable and empower all members to be their very best.

The Job

In these exciting fixed-term roles, you’ll play a vital part in empowering students to become confident advocates, making sure their voices are heard and their experiences help shape decisions that affect the wider student community. Your involvement will be key to deliver Open SU’s Student Voice objectives, and you’ll work collaboratively with the Student Voice team to deliver projects and raise awareness of opportunities for students to get involved and make a difference.

You’ll support our volunteers through recruitment, providing ongoing guidance, and helping them grow into changemakers and positive representatives of Open SU.

The Person

This role is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated individual with strong communication skills and experience in leading projects and supporting volunteers. You’ll be passionate about empowering others, helping them grow into confident advocates for their peers. As part of a small but busy team, you’ll be comfortable in a fast-paced environment and be confident managing deadlines, prioritising tasks, and organising your workload effectively. You’ll also enjoy working collaboratively, as you’ll be supporting both colleagues and volunteers to achieve shared goals.

At KCLSU, our vision is to create a future where every student has the opportunity to thrive. With our members, we are a union of students where individuals love their university experience, are involved in shaping the future, and have the power to make change and connect to each other. We work to achieve this in a way that is aligned to our values - Inclusive, Collaborative, Open and Brave. These values guide how we behave, and how we go about our work.

As the Culture, Faith & Identity Communities Coordinator, it will be your role to support our 3,600 Student Leaders, Volunteers and Representatives who lead our 400 Student Groups. You will help students develop their leadership skills, build strong and inclusive communities through community cohesion, strengthen partnerships and collaboration, and ensure their groups remain compliant with relevant policies and procedures.  

This role will also be responsible for supporting and developing KCLSU Student Groups which include:

• Cultural Heritage & Nation Societies
• Faith & Spirituality Societies
• Identity & Community Societies

To apply for this role, please complete an application form, including a personal statement detailing how your skills and experience meet the person specification. 

To be eligible for this role, you must:

• Be eligible to work in the UK, and provide proof of this (i.e. a passport or visa) when asked by KCLSU. Please note that KCLSU is unable to offer visa sponsorship.
• Have a National Insurance number, or be in the process of applying for one. 
• Not be a trustee of King's College London Students' Union.  

REF-228 468

Head of Public Affairs

Over the past 2 years, GuildHE has been transforming into the voice for distinctive higher education providers, building our brand on the principle that diversity is necessary for a healthy and vibrant higher education sector.  We have a new look, a renewed energy, and a bold vision for the future of distinctive institutions. Now, we need the final piece of the puzzle: our first-ever Head of Public Affairs. 

This is a landmark appointment for us. As a newly-created role following our recent rebranding, you’ll be building our external presence, taking our fresh identity and the work we’ve undertaken so far to the next level as we seek to double-down on our high-impact advocacy and engagement work.

As our inaugural Head of Public Affairs, you will have a unique mandate to shape the way GuildHE interacts with the world, where you can:

• Own the Narrative: Take our new brand and shape the 'GuildHE voice' across Westminster, the media, and the wider HE sector.

• Build the Blueprint: You will have the autonomy to design our engagement frameworks from scratch—working with the Director of Policy and Strategy to decide how we influence policy and how we best champion the value of specialist education.

• Create a Legacy: Because this is a brand-new headcount, every success will be yours to claim. You are here to build a function that will help define our influence for the next decade.

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who will champion diversity in higher education. From world-leading arts and agricultural institutions to large and distinctive HE providers who serve their students, industries and communities in innovative ways, you will find the common threads that bind our members and weave them into a compelling national story. You aren’t just representing institutions; you’re representing a vision of a more varied, vibrant educational landscape.

We’re looking for pioneers, who are energised by the phrase, “we haven’t done that before.” We’ve done the work on our look and feel—now we need you to provide the megaphone. If you’re a strategist who loves the 'start-up' energy of building and expanding functions within a respected, established body, we want to hear from you.

This this is the right job for you?  Please send a cover letter explaining that to us (max 2 pgs) and a CV by the deadline.

Application closing date: May 22

Interviews: June 3-4

 

Are you an experienced fundraising leader ready to drive major gift growth at one of the world’s most significant museums? Join the University of Oxford and lead fundraising for the Ashmolean Museum, securing significant philanthropic support that advances its global cultural and academic mission.

• Location: Oxford (with hybrid working options)
• Salary: £65,336 – £75,439 per annum (with possible extension to £82,225 including an Oxford University Weighting of £1,730 per year (pro rata).
• Contract: Full-time, Permanent

About Us

The Ashmolean Museum- Britain’s first public museum has been open since 1683, and is the University of Oxford’s world-class museum of art and archaeology. Situated in the heart of the city we are an iconic cultural destination welcoming over 1million visitors a year. Entering a new phase of ambitious fundraising as part of the Oxford Excellence Campaign, the Ashmolean seeks to deliver planned major projects to transform access to, engagement with and understanding of our collections. Development and Alumni Engagement (DAE) drives philanthropic support across the University, enabling impact at a global scale.

Spanning the historic streets of the “city of dreaming spires”, the University of Oxford has been ranked the world’s leading university for ten consecutive years. A place where centuries of tradition meet world-changing innovation, we offer you the chance to shape the future while working in an inspiring environment that promotes excellence. Here, you’ll contribute to an organisation which delivers ground-breaking research that tackles global challenges - from advancing sustainability to pioneering healthcare solutions - and join a diverse, inclusive community that champions your wellbeing, development, and aspirations. Apply now to become part of our extraordinary legacy.

What We Offer

Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as:

• 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service.
• One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave.
• A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle.
• An excellent contributory pension scheme.
• Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.
• Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.

About the Role

This is a senior leadership opportunity with significant influence and visibility.

You will lead the Ashmolean’s fundraising strategy, driving major gift activity that supports the Museum’s priorities. You will shape and deliver a compelling case for support, building a strong pipeline of donors.

You will personally manage a portfolio of high-value donors, cultivating long-term relationships and securing six- and seven-figure gifts. Working closely with the Museum Director, Board of Visitors, and senior academic colleagues, you will connect donors with opportunities that align their interests with the Ashmolean’s mission and global impact.

Alongside your external focus, you will lead and develop a high-performing team, fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture. You will also contribute to the wider DAE strategy, working across Oxford’s collegiate and departmental network to maximise philanthropic success.

About You

• Proven track record of securing major gifts (six- and seven-figure) and building strong donor relationships
• Experience developing and delivering fundraising strategies in complex organisations
• Strong leadership skills, with experience managing and supporting teams
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage senior stakeholders
• Ability to think strategically while taking initiative and driving results

Sponsorship and Right to Work

This role meets the criteria for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa. The University will meet the cost of the Skilled Worker visa and NHS surcharge for applicants that require a visa. Please let us know in your application if you require sponsorship.

Application Process

To apply, please upload:

• A covering letter/supporting statement
• Your CV
• The details of two referees

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Thursday 28 May 2026.

Interviews will take place on Friday 12 June 2026, and will be held face-to-face in Oxford.

Student groups, community building, and personal development are at the heart of the Activities Team and this role plays a key part in bringing those to life. You’ll join a passionate team supporting student groups, while delivering standout events across the year, including Freshers’ Fair and the Shadowing Scheme.

As the Activities Coordinator for events, you will help deliver Cambridge SU’s core events programme, working collaboratively with teams across the organisation. You’ll take ownership of our flagship events, leading on planning and delivery, while also supporting a wide range of smaller events run by colleagues and students.

At the centre of this role is Freshers’ Fair, our largest member engagement event which welcomes over 20,000 students and showcases the full breadth of opportunities available within the university community.

If you’re motivated by meaningful work in a student-led organisation that drives positive change, we’d love to hear from you.

For more information about the role and how to apply, please visit our website. 

Are you passionate about building global communities and creating meaningful connections?

Join the University of Strathclyde as an Alumni Relations Officer and play a key role in engaging a worldwide network of over 230,000 graduates.

Strathclyde’s alumni community spans the globe - from the UK and Europe to North America, Asia and the Middle East. As part of our Alumni & Development team, you’ll help bring this network to life through events, volunteering opportunities and inspiring communications that celebrate alumni success and strengthen lifelong connections with the University.

What you’ll do
You will build and nurture relationships with alumni volunteers and ambassadors across key international regions, supporting the growth of local networks and working closely with volunteers to develop meaningful activity in their areas.

Alongside this, you will plan and deliver a varied programme of events in Scotland and internationally, helping bring the alumni community together. You’ll also create engaging content - across social media, newsletters and case studies - to showcase alumni impact and achievements, while collaborating with colleagues and stakeholders across the University to strengthen and enhance alumni engagement initiatives.

What we’re looking for
We’re looking for someone with experience in relationship management, stakeholder engagement or volunteer coordination, who brings strong communication skills and the ability to connect with diverse, global audiences.

You’ll be confident leading conversations with senior stakeholders and comfortable representing the University in a variety of settings. A proactive, self-starting approach is essential, with the ability to turn ideas into action, alongside a genuine interest in international engagement and community-building.

Why join us?
You’ll be part of a collaborative and forward-thinking team, working at the heart of a globally connected university. This is an opportunity to shape how we engage with our alumni community worldwide -strengthening partnerships, celebrating achievements and making a lasting impact.

Interviews are scheduled to take place on 9 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.

Forensic Architecture (FA) is an internationally recognised research agency based at Goldsmiths, University of London. We investigate state and corporate violence using cutting-edge architectural, spatial, and digital methodologies. Our work supports legal processes, human rights advocacy, investigative journalism, environmental justice movements, and communities affected by violence.

FA is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and values‑aligned Development Lead to play a pivotal role in establishing our individual giving and donor engagement programme at a critical moment of organisational growth.

This interim, six‑month role will focus on building the foundations for a sustainable and diversified individual donor base, cultivating supporters inspired by FA’s work across a range of giving levels.

The postholder will help shape systems, relationships, and long‑term potential for future development growth.

This role is available at 0.60 or 0.80 FTE over the initial six‑month period and is intended as an interim position to lay the groundwork for a longer‑term role.

About the Candidate

We are seeking an individual who brings a strong commitment to human rights and antiracist and anticolonial values, alongside experience in individual giving, community fundraising and donor stewardship.

This may have been gained within NGOs, charities, advocacy organisations, or grassroots movements.

You will have experience developing supporter and joiner journeys that centre dignity, care, and respect for affected communities, recognising the complexity and sensitivity of their experiences.

This role is well suited to a professional fundraiser who thrives in mission‑driven environments, is comfortable working autonomously, and is motivated by the challenge of building and opportunity new systems, relationships and philanthropic pipelines from the ground up. You will join an organisation with an excellent international reputation and a broad base of potential individual giving support.

We welcome applicants who have taken non‑traditional pathways into fundraising roles. We also strongly encourage applications from individuals and communities directly affected by state violence, structural racism, colonialism, and displacement.