Event executive jobs in Leeds, west yorkshire

This is a varied, outward facing role focused on building strong relationships with police forces (particularly Police Scotland), federations, benevolent funds, donors, ambassadors, patients, and local stakeholders. The post holder will act as the primary engagement lead for Castlebrae, helping to raise awareness, strengthen partnerships, support income generation, and ensure our work is visible, understood, and accessible.

Key responsibilities include:

• Acting as the main point of contact for engagement activity at Castlebrae
• Building and maintaining relationships with police forces, federations, donors, and stakeholders
• Delivering presentations and attending events, conferences, and wellbeing forums
• Supporting donor recruitment, fundraising activity, and identification of funding opportunities
• Recruiting and supporting charity ambassadors and working with Police Scotland Wellbeing Champions
• Sourcing testimonials and contributing to communications and media content
• Supporting external events, hospitality, and engagement activity at Castlebrae

The role involves regular travel, with occasional evening, weekend, and overnight work.

About you

You will be confident, professional, and relationship‑focused, with experience in engagement, partnerships, fundraising, or a related field. You will be comfortable representing an organisation externally and passionate about making a positive difference.

Purpose of the Role:

The Senior Research, Policy and Influencing Manager will play a pivotal role in driving Cerebra’s mission to influence national and local policy and practice. You will lead on the translation of research into actionable policy recommendations, develop strategic partnerships, advocate for systemic change and influence, persuade and engage with policy makers to improve outcomes for children with neurological conditions and their families. Alongside this you will work with the Research and Information team on Cerebra’s research contracts and the development and dissemination of information.

This is a senior role requiring strategic vision, strong analytical and communication skills, and an ability to build influence across government, academia, and the third sector.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

1. Policy and Influencing  

• Identify opportunities to influence national and local policy agendas, including legislation, guidance, and funding priorities related to childhood disability and neurological conditions.
• Develop accessible and compelling policy briefings, consultation responses, reports, speeches, and presentations for a range of stakeholders, including MPs, government officials, sector partners and the public.
• Monitor policy developments across the neuro-diverse landscape and lead on timely, evidence-led responses.
• Analyse data, trends and policy developments to produce insights and recommendations.
• Translate complex ideas into clear, persuasive communications that support positive change.
• Ensure our policy positions reflect the real experiences and insights of the neuro-diverse children and families we support.
• Develop and deliver Cerebra’s policy and influencing strategy, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and research priorities.
• Develop and deliver influencing campaigns in partnership with Communications team.
• Work closely with the Communications Team by contributing to the drafting of responses to media enquiries on our policy and influencing work and act as the media contact if required.
• Liaise with the Legal Rights Team to assess the impact of current or proposed policies in terms of their actual or potential effects on children with neurological conditions at both national and local levels, and for their input into consultation responses.

2. Engagement and Relationship Building

• Build and maintain strong strategic relationships with decision-makers across government departments, policymakers, NHS bodies, local authorities, professional associations, and sector partners.
• Represent Cerebra at meetings and events, including engaging with MPs, civil servants, policy forums, advisory groups, and cross-sector coalitions and other key influencers, or brief the CEO or Directors if attending.
• Work closely with internal teams to ensure our policy and influencing work is grounded in practice and informed by those delivering services.
• Work closely with the Communications Team to ensure consistent, impactful messaging.

3. Research and Information

• With one of our Lead Research Officers leading, you will oversee the tendering process and delivery of our research contracts.
• Working with our Information Development Officer to ensure that we maintain our PIF Tick accreditation for our information resources.
• Carry out high-quality research and analysis.
• Use findings from Cerebra-funded and external research to produce policy briefs, consultation responses, and evidence-based recommendations.
• Alongside our Lead Research Officers carry out horizon scanning to identify emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities in child health, neurodiversity, and public service delivery.

4. Budgeting, monitoring and forecasting

• Working with the team and Director to set income and expenditure budgets for Corporate, Philanthropy, Legacy and Trust & Foundations to assist with any funding applications.
• Monitoring and reporting on income and expenditure and KPIs throughout the year.
• Providing quarterly income and expenditure re-forecasts.
• Ensuring all relevant information is recorded in line with charity, fundraising and data legislation and best practice.

5. Line Management

• Line management responsibilities for a small team, currently comprising of 3 staff.
• Be responsible for the day-to-day management of the team.
• Complete regular supervision and team meetings.
• Provide effective performance management to the team.
• Promote a positive and inclusive team culture aligned with Cerebra’s values.

6. General

• Monitor and evaluate the impact the areas of work that leading on.
• Support collaboration across the different Cerebra teams.
• Experience using Client Relationship Management (CRM) systems or similar digital tools for recording and tracking work.
• Uphold Cerebra’s Data Protection Policy and all relevant confidentiality and safeguarding policies.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties in line with the needs of the team and organisation.

Please see attached job description for person specification.

Job Title: Communications Manager
Location: Remote
Salary: £38,000 per annum
Reporting to: Head of Fundraising and Communications
Responsible for: Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Hours: 35 hours per week
Contract: Full time, permanent

GFS is seeking a strategic, proactive and values-led Communications Manager to lead the delivery of our communications function and elevate our profile across audiences and platforms. The role will support the shaping and delivery of a communications strategy that amplifies our voice, showcases our impact, and builds trust and engagement with our community. You’ll work across all areas of the organisation to coordinate messaging, manage risk and lead communications activity that reflects our feminist values and purpose.

The Communications Manager will oversee digital content, media relations, marketing and digital fundraising campaigns, working in close collaboration with the CEO, Leadership team and wider team. You will line-manage the Marketing and Communications Coordinator, ensuring high-quality content, storytelling and messaging are delivered consistently across all channels.

Please see the attached documents for more information and details on how to apply. 

Timeline 

• Closing date for applications midnight on Sunday 26 April 2026 
• First stage interviews w/c 11 May 2026
• Second stage interviews TBC May 2026

How to apply

To apply for this role, please submit the following documents:

1. An anonymised CV Please remove your name and any other personal identifying details.
2. A personal statement Your personal statement should respond directly to the three application questions listed below. Please keep within the stated word limits.
3. The optional diversity monitoring form This is not seen by the hiring panel and is entirely voluntary.

Please send all documents by midnight on Sunday 26 April 2026 

Your personal statement should address the following three questions:

1. GFS is a feminist, values led organisation. Please tell us about a time you shaped or delivered a communications approach that reflected specific organisational values. What was your role, what actions did you take, and what impact did it have? 
   (300 words max) 
2. Describe a situation where you identified or managed a communications risk (e.g., media issue, sensitive messaging, reputational challenge). What steps did you take, who did you work with, and what was the outcome? 
   (300 words max) 
3. Tell us about a digital communications or fundraising campaign you developed or led. How did you use audience insight to shape it, what channels or methods did you use, and what results did it achieve? 
   (300 words max)

Harris Hill is working with an education based organisation, supporting their search for an interim Events Manager, working remotely, 4 days per week, for 6 months. 

The pro rota salary would be £36-40k, on the basis that you work 4dpw, but could spread the 4 across 5. You would however be responsible for attending the various events, with one in June and another in October.

We are looking for a seasoned Events Manager, who is adept at the whole life cycle of events, with a emphasis on planning, and the marketing of the events themselves, so someone with both events and marketing experience is essential.

The team does have some events, admin, and communications support, but you would need to steer the a little, be very hands on, and flexible to the needs of the role.

Specifically, the role of the Events Manager involves:

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, and working closely with the staff team, to develop and deliver ALT’s programme of events.

Organising the logistics for in-person and online events and conferences, managing associated budgets and revenue generation, and negotiating with exhibitors and sponsors.

Leading on events-related stakeholder management, including working in partnership with volunteers to create conference programmes and managing event-related collaborations with partner organisations, nationally, and internationally.  This also includes leading on logistics for the Annual Awards.

Leading on events marketing and communications and social media, including promoting opportunities for members and partners across sectors.

Overseeing delegate and exhibitor liaison and carrying out event evaluations, including acting as the person responsible for feedback and complaints.

Evaluating and reporting on events to committees including the Board of Trustees.

Business and project management

Devise and manage project plans, risk registers and budgets for events and associated areas of operations.

Negotiate with potential and selected suppliers of products and services to secure best value, and manage and develop long term relationships with its suppliers.

Recruit, train, and line manage casual staff employed by the organisation in the run-up to and during conferences. 

General

Represent the organisation at events, promote the organisation and establish new and develop existing relationships with partners and stakeholders. This will involve occasional weekend, and evening work, and travel within the UK, and will include attendance at the two in-person conferences in the UK.

Contribute to the development and implementation of the Strategy.

Undertake training to ensure appropriate skills are acquired or developed.

Provide occasional holiday and sickness cover for posts at the same or lower grade.

Undertake any other duties and responsibilities as may be determined by the organisation that are commensurate with the level and grade of this post.

If you would like to hear more about this opportunity, please apply for further details. 

Events and Community Coordinator - Remote (UK based) – 0.8FTE

• Salary: £30,000 for 0.8 FTE (£37,500 FTE equivalent) + 5% pension + 25 days holiday
• Location: Remote (must be UK-based), with occasional travel for events
• Eligibility: Applicants must have the right to work in the UK
• Application deadline: 20 April 2026 at midday (GMT)

The Engineers and Scientists in Business Fellowship (ESBF) is a UK charity with a clear mission: to champion the impact of business education for engineers and scientists. 

Through our flagship Sainsbury Management Fellows programme, we award £50,000 MBA scholarships to outstanding individuals, supporting them to study at leading global business schools. Our Fellows go on to lead organisations, build companies, and drive innovation across sectors. 

We also support entrepreneurship across more than 50 UK universities by sponsoring enterprise competitions for engineering and science students, helping them develop entrepreneurial skills early and turn ideas into ventures with real-world potential. 

Founded by Lord David Sainsbury and delivered in partnership with the Royal Academy of Engineering and the National Physical Laboratory, our work sits at the intersection of science, business, and leadership. 

The Role

This is a role for someone who enjoys making things happen and bringing people together. 

As our Events and Community Coordinator, you will deliver a high-quality events programme while building strong, lasting relationships across a network of 400+ Fellows. You will play a central role in shaping how our community connects, contributes, and grows. 

You will also lead on our CRM system, helping us use data more effectively to strengthen engagement and support alumni philanthropy. 

Working in a small, collaborative team, you will have real scope to shape the role, particularly as we build towards our 40th anniversary in 2027. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Plan and deliver a programme of high-quality events, including our flagship events and events with partner organisations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Fellows, supporting an active alumni community.
• Coordinate engagement initiatives, including networks and special interest groups.
• Manage and develop the CRM system to support engagement and fundraising.
• Contribute to the smooth running of the organisation as part of a small team. 

About You 

You are organised, proactive, and people-focused, with a natural ability to build relationships and keep multiple priorities moving. 

You will bring experience in events delivery and community or stakeholder engagement, along with strong communication skills and attention to detail. Experience managing CRM systems is important and previous experience in higher education, charity, fellowship or scholarship management would be a bonus. 

Why Join Us? 

• Be part of a purpose-driven organisation with national impact.
• Work with an inspiring network of leaders across business, science, and engineering.
• Shape how a growing alumni community connects and contributes.
• Join a small team where your ideas and input matter.
• Play a role in a significant milestone: our 40th anniversary. 

We are seeking a dynamic and highly motivated individual with excellent communication skills who will be a first point of contact with our membership network.

You will proactively increase member engagement whilst nurturing existing relationships and demonstrating commitment to promoting the value of helplines.

This role is supporting the Partnership and Engagement manager to deliver a sustainable membership and partnership model that keeps pace in a constantly moving and diverse climate.

You will be central in supporting HLP’s sustainability and will help to progress continued growth and attract new and diverse collaborations.

You will ideally have experience of working within a fast-paced and proactive team. You will enjoy engaging with a wide range of diverse stakeholders.

The role is predominantly home-based with regular travel to meetings and events. 

We offer attractive staff benefits including 25 days’ annual leave rising with length of service, a company pension scheme, free life assurance and an employee assistance programme.  HLP is committed to equality of opportunity.

CEO

• Salary for FTE: £62,000 - £75,000 dependant on experience
• 38 hours a week over 5 days (flexibility for right candidate)
• Home-based with travel for events and meetings

Reporting into the Board of Trustees, we are seeking an inspirational CEO for the PDA Society, who can lead with humility and curiosity, empowering and supporting our staff along the journey. They will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the charity and its staff and volunteers, and will oversee the development of our training products, research and support services, whilst ensuring sustainable growth in impact and income.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a trusted enterprise within the PDA community with a strong mission and a committed, values driven team. The successful candidate will be passionate about improving the lives of PDAers and their families. You will be energetic, creative and bring new ideas for enhancing the charity’s reputation, through nurturing existing relationships and developing new ones to achieve the charities goals. Our ideal candidate will have lived experience of autism, PDA or other neurodivergence although this is not essential.

Closing date for applications: Midnight on 22nd April 2026

Interviews with Trustees:  April / May 2026

Details

Position:Head of Community Support and Operations

Location:Barnsley, South Yorkshire

Hours:30 hours to be taken flexibly over Monday – Friday; 1 day wfh allowance

Salary:                                £50,562 FTE (£40,996 pro rata)

Contract type:Permanent

Reportable to: CEO

Direct reports: Volunteer Development Co-ordinator, Charity Advisor and Partnership Coordinator and any relevant roles that develop

Job Purpose

The Head of Community Support and Operations is a pivotal new role being introduced to the executive team at Barnsley CVS.  This person will be a key role in the growth and development of the executive team.  You will play an exciting part in the delivery and development of the recently developed 4-year strategy and theory of change. Your role will drive intention and focus on developing our support to the sector in a meaningful way to high standards, whilst ensuring our own internal operations reflect best practice.  You will need a strong knowledge of charity set up, management and governance along with a passion for what the VCSE sector does.  You will be confident in people management and development; have the ability to work inclusively with a wide range of people and backgrounds and the skill to see gaps and opportunities for service development.

You will work closely with the Head of Strategic Partnerships to identify gaps and opportunities to develop our offer of support to the sector whether through direct services, training, brokerage agreements or membership offers.  As you identify these opportunities, you will work collaboratively with the Head of Business Development to explore commercial income options that are also in line with our mission and vision.

Using your excellent people skills, you will act as the first point of contact for HR matters within the charity, overseeing the general management of our online HR system, policies and procedures.  You will work in collaboration with the CEO in any areas that need significant development or management.

You will keep up to date with new initiatives and ideas in the wider infrastructure sector, relevant legislation and modern thinking in relation to charity management best practice.

Benefits:

- 33 days annual leave increasing with years of service + annual leave given between Christmas and New Year that doesn't count against your annual leave

- Sick leave entitlement increases with years of service

- 5% pension contribution

- Paid leave to complete voluntary activity for up to 5 days pro rata

- Discount on local gym membership

- Flexible working with TOIL given for any additional hours worked

Based at the heart of South Leeds, The Hunslet Club has been helping young people achieve their full potential for over 85 years. With a membership of 4000 young people and around 87,000 individual visits, we are one of the largest youth organisations in the country, dedicated to helping young people aged 18 months to 25 years. The club provides a safe space with diverse activities, including football, rugby, dance, boxing, gymnastics and youth clubs alongside alternative education, and vocational training.

Job TitlePhilanthropy Manager

Reporting to Chief Executive Officer

Location The Hunslet Club, Hillidge Road, Leeds, LS10 1BP / Hybrid Working

Salary                          £40K - £50K depending on experience.

Role

We are looking for a successful Philanthropy & Fundraising Manager with a proven track record in face-to-face major donor fundraising, or an individual with outstanding transferable skills and experience of working within the charity sector. The individual must thrive on building trusted relationships and be confident in securing significant philanthropic gifts by successfully securing complex, high-value partnerships over the line.

Management Supervision and Guidance

You will be responsible to the CEO for your daily tasks and duties, and ELT in any other matters.

Purpose
The Philanthropy Manager will create and drive The Hunslet Club’s fundraising strategy by cultivating and securing significant philanthropic support a new capital project to expand opportunities for young people across South Leeds. This role is central to building meaningful, long-term relationships with individual donors, trusts, foundations and partners, translating their passion for youth development into transformational investments that strengthen programmes, increase participation and create sustainable impact. The successful candidate will combine strategic vision with confident stewardship, ensuring that funding growth aligns with The Hunslet Club’s mission to help young people achieve their full potential.

Duties and responsibilities

The Philanthropy & Fundraising Manager will work on a full-time basis, or part-time on a pro-rata basis. The primary responsibility of the role is to secure £700,000 and above in philanthropic income over a 18 month period. This will be achieved through identifying, researching and cultivating individual donors, corporate supporters, trusts, foundations and strategic partners, using research tools and publicly available information to build and manage a strong portfolio of prospects, particularly those with an interest in supporting young people and communities.

To be successful, the postholder will develop an excellent understanding of The Hunslet Club, its mission and its inspirational youth and community work, and will help to develop and articulate a compelling case for support. The role will involve achieving a clearly defined set of Key Performance Indicators, providing high-quality stewardship to maximise donor retention, and maintaining, developing and leveraging existing relationships with current supporters. The postholder will work closely with colleagues across the organisation, including Executive/Senior Leadership and Trustees, to ensure effective involvement in fundraising activity where appropriate.

The successful candidate will organise suitable events and cultivation opportunities to build long-term relationships with potential supporters. Attendance at events, meetings and conferences will be required, with support from Executive/Senior Leadership and Trustees.

The successful candidate will also be expected to volunteer at a minimum of three cross-club community events per year and to carry out other reasonable duties as requested by the Executive Leadership Team.

The Fawcett Society is the UK’s leading membership charity campaigning for women’s rights.

We are recruiting a Head of Campaigns & Influence to lead our public campaigning and movement-building work. This is a senior role for someone who can turn build campaigns that cut through, mobilising supporters and communities, raising awareness of the most pressing issues facing women today, and helping shape the political conditions for progress on women’s rights.

This role drives how Fawcett builds our influence & impact. It brings together campaigning, public affairs, supporter mobilisation and leadership, with a strong focus on turning evidence and policy priorities into clear, credible and compelling public asks.

About the role

The Head of Campaigns & Influence will lead the development and delivery of Fawcett’s campaigning strategy, ensuring our work is politically sharp, driven by women's experiences, and capable of building momentum over time.

You will work across campaigns, public affairs, digital and membership, helping ensure that our external work is joined up, strategic and effective. You will also play a key role in connecting our national influencing work with the energy, insight and experience of our members, supporters and communities.

This is a senior leadership role, reporting to the Chief Executive and contributing to wider organisational planning and decision-making. You will line manage campaigning capacity, help shape a collaborative and inclusive culture, and support Fawcett to grow its public impact over the coming years.

You would be joining a small but ambitious team, with the opportunity to shape both the work itself and how we work together. At the moment, the team is small, which means this role will suit someone who is comfortable leading in a hands-on way while supporting others to grow. We expect to strengthen our campaigning capacity over time, so there is real scope to help shape the next phase of that development.

What you will do

• Lead and deliver an integrated campaigns strategy aligned to Fawcett’s priorities and mission.
• Turn research and policy positions into clear, compelling and politically credible campaign narratives and asks.
• Build momentum by mobilising members, supporters and people with lived experience in meaningful and effective ways.
• Lead Fawcett’s cross-party public affairs approach and represent the organisation in external meetings, coalitions and forums.
• Work closely across campaigns, communications, digital, membership and income generation to strengthen impact and visibility.
• Define success measures for campaigns and improve how we understand and evidence our impact.
• Line manage and support staff through inclusive, accountable and values-led leadership.
• Contribute to senior leadership planning, organisational development and wider strategic decision-making.

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who brings:

• Experience of leading and delivering campaigns, advocacy or movement-building work designed to achieve social, political or cultural change.
• Experience of mobilising supporters, communities and/or people with lived experience in ways that strengthen campaigns, projects or organisational work.
• Experience of influencing political, institutional or other decision-makers, including translating evidence, policy positions or strategic objectives into clear and credible public asks.
• Previous line management experience, with evidence of supporting and developing others well through inclusive, accountable and values-led leadership.
• A strong commitment to women’s rights and tackling misogyny, with a clear understanding of intersectional feminist and anti-racist practice.
• Strong strategic judgement and the ability to work effectively in politically sensitive or fast-moving contexts.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across different teams and audiences.

Encouragement to apply

We know that women and people from marginalised backgrounds are less likely to apply for roles unless they meet every single criterion listed. If this role excites you and you feel you could do it well, we strongly encourage you to apply even if you do not meet 100% of the requirements.

This is a a unique opportunity has arisen within a national breastfeeding charity to support the organisation through an exciting new phase of development. 

The ABM is a small but growing national charity. To support our expanding activity, we are creating a new role that provides comprehensive administrative and operational support across the organisation. The Team Support Officer will ensure the smooth running of core processes while also assisting colleagues working across all functions, including but not limited to, fundraising, communications, training, governance, and events.

This new post integrates and expands on previous administrative functions, providing flexible operational support across all areas of ABM’s work. It replaces the former Administrator and Admin Assistant roles, bringing together core administrative functions with additional capacity to support ABM’s strategic growth.

Main Role & Responsibilities

Working with approximately 45 staff, the HR & Admin Officer will provide effective and well-organised HR and administrative support across the organisation. The role ensures smooth people processes, reliable administrative coordination and highquality support for the CEO and Senior Leadership Team (SLT).

The role also plays a key part in bringing colleagues together by coordinating internal events, including the planning and delivery of all-staff Together Days. 

Our commitment as a People Team is to help the wider staff group on their journey within Ygam. We aim to provide an environment which brings out the best in our team, so that they can provide the best possible service to the people we support.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for an organised and proactive HR & Admin professional who is motivated by supporting people and contributing to our cause. 

If successful in this role, you will be a trusted first point of contact for colleagues and a discreet, reliable support to senior leaders. With excellent attention to detail and strong IT skills, you will manage the employee lifecycle, maintain accurate records and coordinate diaries, meetings and travel. 

You’ll also play a key role in creating a positive colleague experience, including bringing people together through well‑planned internal events. Above all, you’ll share our values and enjoy helping a purpose‑driven organisation to make a difference.

Role Requirements

Duties will include but not be limited to:

HR Support

• Act as a first point of contact for routine HR queries, providing timely and professional advice.

• Administer the employee lifecycle, including onboarding, contracts, changes of terms, probation and leaver processes.

• Maintain accurate and confidential employee records, ensuring GDPR compliance at all times.

• Support recruitment administration, including interview coordination, offers and pre-employment checks.

• Provide administrative support for absence management, performance reviews and appraisal processes.

• Assist with HR reporting and people data as required.

CEO & Senior Leadership Team Support

• Provide confidential and proactive administrative support to the CEO and SLT.

• Coordinate diaries, meetings and scheduling, ensuring effective use of time.

• Book and manage travel arrangements, including transport, accommodation and itineraries.

• Arrange and prepare meeting rooms, including room bookings, catering and technology requirements.

Together Days & Internal Events

• Take ownership of the planning, booking and coordination of all-staff Together Days.

• Source and manage venues, suppliers, catering, travel and accommodation as required.

• Coordinate logistics, timelines and budgets to ensure events run smoothly.

• Communicate clearly with colleagues before and after events.

• Gather feedback to support continuous improvement of future events.

Administration & Office Support

• Provide general administrative support to ensure the effective running of the organisation.

• Maintain HR templates, policies and people documentation.

• Support invoice processing and supplier administration linked to HR and events.

• Act as a reliable point of contact for internal administrative queries.

At Ygam, we are committed to safeguarding and protection of children and vulnerable people in our work.  We will do everything possible to recruit only suitable people to work with children or vulnerable people.

Ygam is an equal opportunity employer. It is Ygam’s approach that all employees have a working environment which promotes dignity and respect and where individual differences, and the contributions made are recognised and valued.

Person Specification 

Essential

• Previous HR Officer/administration experience.

• CIPD L3 qualification (or working towards).

• Experience in working with senior stakeholders.

• Excellent knowledge and proficiency with MS Office tools and an aptitude for learning new software and systems.

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with a high level of professionalism and discretion.

• Excellent organisational and time management skills plus ability to multi-task and work to deadlines within a busy environment.

• Flexible team player, excellent interpersonal skills and a willing to adapt to changes.

• Experience in developing and maintaining internal processes and filing systems.

• Confident in dealing with difficult conversations and complex situations.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, while also functioning effectively as part of a team.

• Commitment to the mission and values of the organisation, with a genuine passion for making a positive impact.

• Professional and positive manner and approachable to establish and maintain good working relationships at all levels.

• Understanding of (and commitment to) an inclusive culture.

• Employment rights to live and work in the UK

Desirable

• Experience of organising events or staff away days.

• Previous experience of working within the Charity sector.

• Working knowledge of Health & Safety requirements.

As Director of External Affairs across the Bild Group of four small charities (with collective turnover of approx. £3m/yr), you will have a deep commitment to human rights and improving people’s lives.

You will provide strategic direction and leadership to the External Relations function across all four charities in the group, taking overall responsibility for and providing thought-leadership on our strategic approach to policy, influencing, public affairs, stakeholder engagement. 

You will play a lead role in planning, developing, and implementing the communication and external relations and wider engagement strategic plan to grow awareness and profile of Bild, Respond, Restraint Reduction Network (RRN) and ACT.

By sharing the impact of our work and programmes in improving the lives of people with learning disabilities, autism and /or mental health conditions, you will support Bild in becoming the sector leading provider of organisational and workforce development (and RRN in becoming the leading charity in reducing restrictive practices globally – and Respond as leaders in trauma informed therapy).

You will champion Bild and RRN’s brand, vision, mission and values acting as an ambassador for the organisation both internally and externally to partners, stakeholders and media.

Key Responsibilities and Duties: 

Strategic Leadership:  

• Develop and implement an integrated communications and external relations strategy across the four charities in the group to raise our profile and to influence change which positively impacts on our beneficiaries, aligning media, campaigning, and public affairs with the charity’s mission and strategic priorities 

• Lead and inspire a high-performing team including Membership and Events Officer, Resources Coordinator and comms team as required 

Comms & Marketing:

• Plan, develop and implement strategic communications and marketing plans to maximise awareness of the Bild Group of charities across the broad spectrum of communications disciplines including media relations, stakeholder management, influencer engagement, ethical (impact focused) marketing, social and new media and the production of new materials and resources 

• Write, develop and produce materials such as infographics, press releases, briefing documents, media statements and online information suitable for stakeholders, including people with lived experience

• Ensure effective marketing across all four charities focusing on impact and including ensuring we attend a range of external events and that all four websites are best practice. 

Influencing & Public Affairs:  

• Working with the CEO, you will drive policy change by developing strategies to influence key decision makers through building relationships with parliamentarians, government departments, and sector stakeholders to ensure the charity's policy agenda is impactful 

• Lead proactive and reactive media engagement, calls and requests for information in order to capitalise on suitable opportunities for maximising the reach and impact of all four charities

• Build our credibility as a thought leader in the sector 

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships:  

• Build and sustain strategic alliances with senior civil servants, civil society groups, and community partners to increase the organization's influence and impact 

• Develop effective stakeholder relationship management processes that ensure partnerships of all levels are provided with a rich, immersive engagement experience with the organisation and the work that we do 

• Identify, liaise with and ensure positive relationships with key stakeholders – internal and external including media, government departments, partners, charities, providers, customers, other relevant parties to secure maximum impact for all four charities and their beneficiaries

Reputation, Brand Management & Marketing:  

• Champion the Bild group brands, promoting the mission, values and impact of the organisation and ensuring consistent, engaging narratives and high-quality storytelling across all external channels

• Shaping the charity's profile and protecting its reputation through media relations, digital engagement, and consistent key messaging and building our credibility as thought leaders in sector. 

Membership, Events & Communities:  

• By ensuring appropriate, effective and engaging communications to all relevant audiences and stakeholders, your role will support the growth and development of our membership, Communities of Practice and the event programme (including webinars and conferences).

• Effectively plan, manage and lead a range of events for the Bild group of charities and associated marketing and communications

• Develop framework for Communities of Practice and strategy for engagement and growth 

• Supporting Bild and RRN spokespeople with PR and media outreach

• Keep abreast of communications and engagement activity within the sector and demonstrate an awareness of the impact these may have on existing and future communications activity

General Responsibilities 

• Contribute to evaluation and assessment of results against KPIs and tracking activity

• Allocate, manage and evaluate budget spend

• Identify resource requirements for activity across Bild group

• Develop and maintain systems, databases and procedures to support Bild group communication activities

• Plan, monitor, appraise and report progress of activity regularly with an innate understanding of how this supports activity across the Bild group

• Plan, manage and oversee budgetary spend related to outsourcing specialist activities such as video editing and design

• Ensure communications and marketing work complies with data protection and other legal, professional and agency requirements, standards and policies

• Support the senior leadership team on any activity as required. 

Personal Development  

• Be part of a culture of quality in all areas of communications, PR and marketing

• Participate and contribute to individual performance appraisal and supervision sessions

• Keep abreast of relevant initiatives and developments within the adult health and social care, education & disability sector and the wider communications / engagement profession

• Undertake relevant training, as necessary including accessing new systems and software as required to support the role.

Organisational Responsibilities: 

• Access and work within Bild’s policies and procedures.  

• Attend internal cycle of team meetings relevant to this role.  

• Engage with line management, supervision (where appropriate) and appraisal process.  

• Comply with data protection regulations, ensuring that information on clients, employees, volunteers and other stakeholders remains confidential.  

• Take responsibility for personal learning and development with support from line manager.  

• Work in a manner that facilitates equal opportunities and inclusion for all.  

• Remain professional and respectful at all times, promoting positive relations with all those we encounter in our work.  

• Maintain health and safety and risk awareness for self and others across the organisation.  

• Undertake any other duties that Bild may require within the remit of this role.  

This job description does not form part of the contract of employment. It is intended as a guide to the general scope of duties and is not definitive or restrictive. It is expected that some duties will change over time and this description will be subject to review with the postholder at their annual appraisal.  

Person Specification  

Job Title 

Director of External Relations 

• Exceptional copy writing and verbal communication skills

• Good presenting, negotiating and influencing skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build mutually beneficial relationships

• The ability to work effectively within a small team

• Ability to work under pressure, and plan, manage, and adapt own workload

• A flexible, proactive and problem-solving approach to work

• A motivated attitude and ability to work on own initiative 

• A commitment to human rights and modelling accessibility and inclusion throughout activity

• Willingness to travel and work flexible hours as demanded by the post

• Fit to undertake the duties of the post. 

Experience/Skills/Competencies 

Essential 

• Significant experience working in communications, policy and PR with demonstrable success

• PR and media management experience, including both online and traditional PR

• Experience of managing and implementing social media plans, including post development, scheduling, evaluation and monitoring feedback

• Experience of overseeing the design and production of print and electronic publications, including website management and development

• Experience of managing CRM systems and ensuring effective data capture and utilising data to inform decision making

• Ability to analyse data and shape results into reports that inform decision making

• Ability to build effective relationships and networks and establish credibility for Bild, RRN, Respond and Bild ACT 

• Ability to work collaboratively and develop positive relationships with colleagues, members and wider stakeholders

• Demonstrated digital comms / social media skills and understanding of emerging digital marketing tools and platforms

• Ability to use a variety of IT packages/databases including CRM systems.

• Experience managing budgets and associated reporting

• Ability to work remotely and regularly travel to in person events

• Time management skills and ability to prioritise workload under pressure as part of a small but vibrant team

• Strong awareness and interest in news/current affairs/politics and the broader third sector, social care and education sector. 

Desirable 

• Experience working in the not-for-profit sector, preferably in another disability and/or membership charity

• Strong understanding of education, health, social care, disability and not for profit environment

• Strong media contacts within relevant trade sector publications

• Ability to use externally managed media databases (such as Agility etc.)

• Experience with conferences, webinars and hybrid events. 

• Experience supporting and manging a remote team

Education and Qualifications: 

Other Requirements: 

• Commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities and able to apply awareness of diversity issues to all areas of work.  

• Regular travel to attend meetings and events. 

• Occasional evening meetings.  

Legal requirements: 

• Enhanced DBS check. 

If you seek a fresh and rewarding challenge, look no further than Open Country! Seeking to help disabled people to access and enjoy the countryside, we embrace a wide range of fundraising methods, so this role could be adapted to suit either full-time or part-time work. We are also able to cater for your particular skill set, though core duties would likely include: 

• Researching and writing grant applications to charitable trusts, grant-making bodies and other funders.
• Developing and delivering new and imaginative community fundraising activities.
• Encouraging appropriate corporate sponsorship and fundraising.
• Developing and delivering Open Country fundraising events and third-party events.

This is a hands-on, dynamic role requiring creativity, insight and panache, coupled with great communication and relationship-building skills.

You will work collaboratively with our Finance and Fundraising Manager at our Head Office in Harrogate, though an element of home working can be considered.

Appointment to this post is subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service check.