Executive assistant to the executive director jobs

The Haberdashers’ Company is one of the ancient Livery Companies of the City of London, with a history dating back to 1371. While custodians of a remarkable heritage, we are firmly focused on the present and future. Our enduring purpose is to empower young people from every background to fulfil their potential through our schools and by supporting their communities.

Today, the Company is a thriving membership organisation of more than 1,000 members from a wide range of professions, united by a shared commitment to service and social impact. We are a modern, values-led funder, committed to flexible, relational and transparent grant-making, working in partnership with our schools, churches, communities and charity partners to create lasting change.

Central to our approach is the Haberdashers’ Advantage, a distinctive funder-plus model that combines grant funding with member-led governance support, volunteering, mentoring and capacity building. Each year, the Company distributes over £5.6 million to support schools, young people, churches and charities across North London, Southeast London, South Wales and the West Midlands, with a primary focus on education and community resilience.

The Role

We are seeking a Director for Charities to lead and further develop the Company’s grant-making, philanthropy and fundraising. This senior leadership role is responsible for shaping and delivering charitable strategy and ensuring the Company’s resources create meaningful, long-term impact for young people and communities.

The Director for Charities will oversee our grant-making, steward key funding relationships and play a central role in developing fundraising with members, including growing individual giving, legacies and events-based income. The role is inherently relational, working closely with charity partners, schools, dioceses, Company members and colleagues. You will support and advise grant-making committees, convene learning and engagement events, and represent the Company within external funder networks to remain connected to best practice in modern philanthropy.

Who We Are Looking For

We are looking for a values-driven leader with strong experience of flexible and responsive grant-making and fundraising in the charitable sector, and a clear commitment to improving outcomes for young people and communities. You will have excellent communication skills, a warm, engaging and reflective leadership style, and will thrive in a small but highly collaborative organisation. You will be comfortable engaging with grassroots charities, senior stakeholders, Company members and robust governance structures, combining an appreciation for heritage and service with a commitment to modern, progressive philanthropy.

To read more about the opportunity and our work, please download the full appointment brief.

Closing Date: 3 March 2026

People Beyond Profit Screening Conversations: 9-18 March 2026

The Haberdashers’ Company Panel Interviews:

• First Stage: 27 March 2026
• Second Stage: 13 April 2026

Horatio’s Garden charity is looking for an experienced fundraising leader to develop this newly created role within the fundraising and events directorate. We are a growing, award winning, national charity delivering garden-based support to improve the mental health of people with spinal injuries across the UK. 

You will be joining the charity in an incredibly exciting year, as we launch our new 5 year strategy and head into a Capital Appeal for our tenth garden in Wakefield.

Our newly created role of Head of Philanthropy & Partnerships will play a critical part in this next chapter, leading the development of our existing high value fundraising portfolio to support our growth ambitions. This is both a strategic and hands-on role, operating in a small team environment and requiring the postholder to work with the Director of Income Generation and CEO to shape strategy, build relationships, and deliver income directly. 

The role will work across major donors, trusts & foundations and corporate partnerships, supporting a talented team of four fundraisers: Senior Philanthropy Manager (Trusts & MD), Senior Regional Partnerships Manager, Trust & Foundations Fundraiser and Trusts & Foundations Assistant.

The charity has a history of building successful high value relationships, and we are looking for someone with the experience and ambition to help us build on this solid foundation to deliver our 5-year strategy and complete our core capital appeal programme. 

You will need to have significant fundraising experience gained in a charitable environment across major donors, trusts and foundations and corporate partnerships. You will work with the team to develop compelling case for supports, identify and cultivate prospects and build partnerships to secure high value gifts.

This is an exciting opportunity to get experience with a large and growing charity with an engaged and fun team. You will be a key part of our mission to ​find a cure for all types of brain tumours.​

​Our Systems Manager is being seconded to an internal project for the next 6-9 months and so we are seeking an experienced IT professional to join our team for an interim basis for six months with the possibility of a three month extension.​​​​

In this role you will you lead a team of three people in supporting our staff team of 70 by providing reliable, effective and efficient IT systems and equipment. This include ​the monitoring and maintenance of our IT software and, with external support, our IT hardware. ​​

You will line manage the Database Assistant ​and Data Processing Assistant.

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​If you are excited to learn more about this position, please take a read through our recruitment pack provided in the advert.

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If you have the skills and ambition that we are looking for we welcome your application. ​ We are really looking forward to welcoming a new member to our team!​​​

We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process. ​

Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.​

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We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.​

We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.

The Operations Director is a  senior leadership role at St Stephen’s, helping turn vision and strategy into effective day-to-day delivery. A highly relational role, combining strong operational leadership with collaboration, trust-building and a genuine care for people. The person we are looking for will lead across people, finance, systems, buildings and operations helping the church respond to the Holy Spirit and deliver our mission well.

Direct Reports and span of control: Head of Property Compliance, Head of Mechanical & Electrical, Head of Specialist Repairs

Dimensions (budget holder, level of contract/systems etc responsibility):

• Responsible for delivery of compliance related services of over 30,000 homes, 90,000 customers
• Controls budget >£20m per annum
• Responsible for headcount of circa 200 colleagues including managers and trades
• Member of the Property Services Senior Leadership Team
• Representation at operational panels to support Compliance Delivery
• Organisation leader

Created/Reviewed date: October 2025

Role Purpose

Oversee a blended model of in-house direct labour teams and external supply chain partners, lead and empower your teams to successfully deliver effective building, mechanical, electrical and regulated compliance related works and services across the organisation's property portfolio to ensure our homes are safe and well maintained. Delivering against challenging KPI's, ensure continuous improvement and customer safety across gas, fire, water, electrical, lifts, M&E and asbestos.

Working with the Property Services Director and Assistant Directors to shape and implement the Property Compliance Delivery strategies to deliver effective building/property regulatory compliance in line with statutory, regulatory and policy requirements. Instrumental in leading change and embedding a positive, enthusiastic, and empowered culture that enables colleagues to deliver good performance and great customer service.

Lead on new ways of working including the use of modern digital solutions to make our business more effective, agile, and responsive, requiring a forward and outward looking approach as well as an open mind and applying Lean principles in decision making.

Key Accountabilities

• Shape and contribute to the organisation's long-term compliance strategy, ensuring alignment with national housing policy and emerging legislation.
• Lead on the effective management of statutory compliance, ensuring all regulatory and legislative responsibilities for gas, electrical, asbestos, fire safety, legionella, water, and lifts are delivered.
• Oversee the delivery of regulatory repairs within the required timelines such as Damp, Mould and Condensation, Disrepair cases, and HHSRS related complex repairs, oversee escalated complaints that require additional attention to de-escalate and resolve.
• Responsibility for preparing and presenting detailed assurance, risk and performance reports to the senior leadership teams and relevant committees / boards.
• Ensure services delivered have customers at the heart of decision making, proving excellent customer service which prioritises keeping them safe.
• Accountable for performance targets, budgets and work programmes, agreeing and monitoring these and ensuring team managers align and set objectives that deliver the strategic and directorate plan.
• Manage critical relationships with stakeholders both internally and externally including but not limited to, in-house colleagues and external contractors, senior stakeholders, governing bodies, external auditors and consultants and legal representatives.
• Lead a team which is capable of delivering all current and new regulated delivery, such as Awaab's Law, HHSRS, and disrepair cases.
• Lead on external audits, inspections and regulatory reviews.
• Ensure effective property compliance 1st line assurance is in place for all areas of service and works delivery.
• Lead on the development of the compliance schedule, creating programmes on a pre-emptive cycle to ensure that the business remains compliant.
• Recruit, manage, coach, motivate, and develop colleagues within your team in line with organisational policies.
• Critically evaluate compliance information and KPIs, producing regular assurance reports covering all areas of compliance performance, processes, procedures, and statutory responsibilities.
• Oversee the development and on-going review of compliance related policies and procedures, in line with legislation and industry best practice.
• Ensure a sustainable suite of competent specialist Supply Chain partners is in place.
• Ensure that business compliance responsibilities are complied with in respect of properties where there is no maintenance responsibility.
• Responsible for a responsive aspect of repairs and maintenance in respect of Gas/Heating b

Chelsea / Sutton (with 1 day a week working from home)

About Us

The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity raises money to save the lives of people with cancer, everywhere. We ensure our nurses, doctors and research teams can provide the very best care and develop life-saving treatments, which are used across the UK and around the world. Join our ambitious and supportive Individual Giving Team and help us deliver our most ambitious fundraising strategy yet.

What You’ll Be Doing

As our Individual Giving Assistant – Supporter Acquisition, you’ll play a vital role in supporting our fundraising campaigns and projects, helping to recruit new supporters to the Charity. You’ll be one of the first points of contact for our donors, providing exceptional supporter care and ensuring every supporter feels valued. Your day-to-day will include:

• Responding to supporter enquiries by phone, email and in-person, ensuring all queries are handled efficiently and with care. 
• Thanking donors and personalising communications to build strong relationships and ensuring a positive and lasting first impression.
• Accurately recording and processing donations, and updating supporter records on our database.
• Supporting the delivery of fundraising campaigns, including creating timing plans, proofreading copy and assiting with briefs. 
• Managing invoices and helping with campaign reporting.
• Supporting the team with administrative tasks.
• Working with colleagues and volunteers to deliver the best possible supporter experience.

What We’re Looking For

You’ll be an enthusiastic team player with:

• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• The ability to prioritise, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.
• A proactive, flexible approach and willingness to support the team as needed.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office (experience with customer databases is desirable).
• Commitment to providing outstanding supporter care and working in a supporter-focused environment.

Previous experience in customer or supporter service, office administration, or the charity sector is desirable but not essential – full training will be provided.

Why Join Us?

We’re a values-driven charity committed to saving lives by funding world-leading research, treatment, and care at The Royal Marsden. You’ll be part of a collaborative, ambitious, and kind team, with plenty of opportunities for learning and development.

What we offer:

• 27 days annual leave (rising with length of service), plus UK bank holidays
• Up to 6% employer pension contributions (increasing with service)
• Enhanced maternity and adoption pay
• Life insurance and employee assistance programme
• Flexible and hybrid working options (work from home one day a week)
• Access to subsidised staff restaurants, wellbeing initiatives, and more
• Bright, modern offices in Chelsea and Sutton, with excellent transport links

Inclusion Matters

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and walks of life.

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, we’d love to hear from you.

How to apply:
Please submit your application as soon as possible, as we may close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. 

In the decade to 2030 we aim for 30% of Suffolk to be connected and well looked after for nature, and for 1 in 4 people in Suffolk to be actively helping to make that happen. This role helps build the supporter power to get us there by delivering an excellent membership experience & ensuring our members feel valued, informed and connected to the work of Suffolk Wildlife Trust.

The post holder will take responsibility for the efficient day-to-day administration of the Trust’s membership schemes, using the Charity CRM database to maintain accurate contact & financial records in line with GDPR. This includes processing new, renewing and lapsed memberships, handling payments ( Direct Debits, PayPal & Gift Aid) and providing consistently high-quality communication with members through enquiries, welcome packs, renewal reminders and supporter care.

You’ll also support member growth and retention by helping deliver key supporter journey communications, thanking activity and retention projects, and by liaising with external partners such as the membership recruitment agency. Alongside this, you’ll help co-ordinate membership resources such as welcome packs, leaflets and magazine mail-outs (working with the volunteer delivery network), and contribute to continuous improvement in data quality, reporting and processes to strengthen our systems and supporter relationships.

To succeed in this role, you’ll be committed to Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s mission and bring a proactive, ‘can-do’ approach. You’ll have experience in an administrative, office or customer service role, with strong organisation, attention to detail and a methodical approach to maintaining accurate records.

You’ll be confident using Microsoft 365 and databases/systems with an understanding of GDPR and data protection. You’ll communicate professionally and warmly by phone and in writing, handling confidential information and difficult conversations with sensitivity. Willingness to learn Direct Debits, Gift Aid and charity income processes is essential; charity/membership sector experience is desirable.

This is a maternity cover role to cover a period of maternity leave (up to one year) working 22.5 hours per week over three days (office hours are Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm) based at Brooke House in Ashbocking. There may be opportunity for the role to become a permanent contract. We operate flexible homeworking arrangements where colleagues spend more time working together than homeworking. The starting salary is £14,398.80 per annum pro-rata (FTE £23,998.00).

To apply for this opportunity, please submit an application via our website by 9:00am on Tuesday 17 February 2026. The application process will include uploading a CV and optional cover letter. The interviews are planned for Monday 23 February 2026 at Brooke House. 

Annual leave entitlement starts at 33 days per annum (including Bank Holidays), increasing annually to 38 days plus employees receive an extra day off for their birthday. We offer a 9% employer pension contribution with no employee contribution required, free 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme, free life insurance from day one of employment, free access to a private GP and discounts at high street retailers. Staff can also enjoy a 10% discount in our visitor centre cafes, including retail.

Suffolk Wildlife Trust is committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone is welcome. As a conservation charity, we recognise the importance of diversity in both nature and our workforce of staff and volunteers. We strive to ensure that everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute to our vision of “A Wilder Suffolk where nature is thriving and abundant because everyone is doing more to help”.

Community Fundraiser – South East (Kent, Surrey or Sussex)​​

​​We are really excited to have welcomed our new Director of Income Generation and Development to Brain Tumour Research this month, a great new start for the new year!​

This is a fantastic time to be joining our ambitious and growing charity and we are keen to share this with likeminded and talented individuals. We currently have an opening for a Community Fundraiser, to be based in the South East region.​

As the Community Fundraiser covering the South East you will play a crucial role in helping the charity meet its strategic plans and objectives, which include campaigning to increase the national investment in brain tumour research to £35 million per year, while fundraising to create a network of seven sustainable Brain Tumour Research Centres of Excellence across the UK.  Your role will be to generate and grow our income through community fundraising activities, contributing to a regional team target of more than £1.5 million.

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• Do you want to make a difference in one of the most innovative and exciting medical research fundraising charities in the UK?
• Do you live in Kent, Surrey or Sussex?
• Do you have at least one years' experience of working in a professional Community Fundraising position?​

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Have you answered Yes to these questions?

Does this sound like the opportunity to really get 2026 off to an amazing start? ​​

If you have the skills and ambition that we are looking for we welcome your application.  We are really looking forward to welcoming a new member to our team!​

​​​We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.

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We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.

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As part of an ambitious Business Development team, you’ll work closely with partners from the commercial, not-for-profit and government sectors to plan and implement activities that enable people to report crime without fear.

Reporting to the Head of Business Development, you will work collaboratively, whilst showing initiative and proactivity. Much of the work we do is cutting-edge for the sector and as such, we welcome creativity, curiosity and a solutions-based approach. 

The Account Manager position is very varied – liaising closely with Operations, MarComms and our Data teams and of course, at all times, overseeing and meeting partners, producing reports and writing evaluations. 

You'll find the job pack below, and you can apply via our careers page via the link.

Please note that you must submit both a CV and a covering letter to be considered for this role.

Please ensure that your application reflects your genuine voice and experiences that demonstrate your suitability for this role.

Agile - London Head Office (SE5 8FJ)/Home

The Salvation Army, the UK’s leading social welfare charity, is seeking a direct marketing expert to lead its newly formed Supporter Acquisition and Innovation Unit and provide strategic leadership, direction, and management of the annual acquisition programme.

The Salvation Army is one of the largest, most diverse providers of social and community services after the Government. With more than 600 local centres, they make a powerful difference to people across the UK who might otherwise be excluded.

The Assistant Head of Individual Giving is a key, senior role in the Individual Giving Section, overseeing the development and delivery of multi-channel direct marketing activities that inspire and motivate many thousands of new supporters to join the charity’s donor base each year. The post also leads the development and implementation of new acquisition products from concept to launch and meeting an annual fundraising target of approximately £1M. The role leads a unit of three people including one direct line report.

The successful candidate will have

• Extensive expertise in all aspects of direct marketing, specifically acquisition, including detailed knowledge and experience of how best to maximise both offline and online channels, as well as successfully implementing new and innovative products or offers.
• Experience in successful strategic planning, management and implementation of strategy will be critical as well as strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Candidates must be highly organised project managers with excellent leadership and people management skills and the ability to think analytically and critically. They will also possess skills in creative development and, finally, have the ability and willingness to work within, and be empathic with, the Christian ethos and values of The Salvation Army Mission.

Benefits:
25 days annual leave + bank holidays (pro rata for part-time) a contributory pension scheme; an employee assistance programme.

Working hours: Minimum of 35 hours per week, working a minimum of 40% across each month in the Territorial Headquarters, London, SE5 8FJ.

Closing date: Monday16th February 2026 at 9am.

In order to complete your application please download and read the job profile and any other attachments. 

In the job profile you will find the criteria required for the role please make sure that you address this in your supporting statement as this forms the basis of our shortlisting.

Appointment subject to satisfactory references, proof of right to work in the UK.

For details of how to prove your right to work in the UK please click here and please note that we are unable to offer sponsorship. 

We reserve the right to close this advert earlier if we feel that we have received sufficient applications.

Promoting equality in the workplace and as a disability confident leader scheme employer, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet all the minimum essential criteria for the vacancy.

Wells Cathedral is on an exciting journey.

We have embarked on an ambitious ten-year plan. We are on a mission to become the UK’s most joyful cathedral, and we want to have a genuinely positive impact on individual lives, on the City of Wells, the County of Somerset and far beyond.

We are carefully conserving our stunning world-class, 850-year-old heritage site, and we remain committed to being a beacon of light and hope, a sacred space of prayer and a place of wonder – now and for generations to come.

We also want to elevate our brand and grow our visitor numbers. We are investing in making our visitor experience even better, for everyone. We want to ensure Wells Cathedral is known as one of the UK’s top ‘must see’ tourism attractions, and we want to reach and engage a much wider range of people. And as part of that mission, we are now investing in growing our Marketing & Communications Team.

Wells Cathedral’s Marketing & Communications Team delivers direction and support across all areas of Cathedral life, including visitor experience, fundraising, worship and music, events, venue hire, library and archives, as well as our Cathedral Shop and Loft Café. The Team covers the full scope of marketing and communications activities, including researching and identifying target audiences, designing strategic marketing plans, generating earned media exposure through PR activity, developing and implementing brand identity, and delivering integrated campaign creative across social, digital, print, broadcast and OOH channels.

Reporting the Director of Marketing & Communications, the Marketing & Communications Assistant will play a significant role in supporting the delivery of all of this, effectively and efficiently, across the organisation. This is a truly unique early career opportunity for an ambitious marketer looking to gain hands-on experience across a wide range of disciplines.

Key Responsibilities:

- Supporting efficient workflow by responding to incoming requests and scheduling projects

- Enhancing online customer experience and engagement by providing real-time responses to social media DMs, comments and reviews

- Timely display and removal of onsite promotional and information banners, posters, flyers and POS material

- Assisting the Director of Marketing & Communications, Head of Filming and Content Creator during film crew, photographer, influencer and media visits

- Assisting the Director of Marketing & Communications in strategic marketing campaign planning

- Actively participating in team meetings both within Marketing & Communications, and with stakeholders across the organisation

- Supporting the Content Creator in capturing photographic and video content at services, events and activities, as required

- Assisting the Design and Digital Services Executive in the production of on-brand artwork for corporate literature, signage and point-of-sale material

- Ensuring website content is always up-to-date

- Capturing marketing performance data to create KPI dashboards and inform campaign strategies

Person specification

Criteria

Essential

A clear and demonstrable interest in marketing and communications, with ambition to progress within this field

Excellent written communication skills and a confident proof-reader

A professional approach to both internal and external communication

An eye for audience-appropriate graphic communication, including typography and photography within brand guidelines

A specific interest in working within the arts, culture and heritage sector

An understanding of online data analysis for monitoring and informing marketing

A confident and collaborative team player, able to work with direction

An energetic and enthusiastic creative thinker

Ability to meet deadlines and remain calm under pressure

Able and willing to attend occasional evening and weekend events as required

Demonstrable commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults

Desirable

A marketing-related qualification at degree or diploma level

A good working knowledge of Microsoft 365 applications, including Word, Excel and Powerpoint

Demonstrable experience of using Adobe Creative Cloud applications such as InDesign, Photoshop and Acrobat

Demonstrable experience and/or knowledge of any of the following subjects: Christianity, Tourism, History, Music, Live Events, Hospitality, Retail

A confident verbal communicator

An understanding of marketing campaign strategies

Main Terms and Conditions

Employment status: Permanent contract of employment

Location: Wells Cathedral Offices, Wells, BA5 2RB

Hours of work: full-time, 35 working hours per week (Monday to Friday). Flexible working will be considered.

Remuneration: £25,000  per annum, payable on the 24th of the month or the nearest working day thereto

Discount: A discount of 10% is available from the Cathedral Shop and The Loft Café.

Parking: Limited parking is available in the Cathedral car park. Cars are parked at the risk of the owner.

Pension: Defined Contribution Scheme. Contributions as % of salary:

Age Employee Employer

<50 3% 5%

50–55 4% 8%

>55 5% 10% 

Expenses: All reasonable working expenses will be met in line with Cathedral policy.

Holiday (inclusive of bank holidays): 6.8 weeks per holiday year. The holiday year runs from 1 January to 31 December.

Probation: This post will be subject to a probationary period of 6 months.

How to Apply

To apply, please fill in the Application Form and Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form available on the Vacancies section of Wells Cathedral's website and return them to the HR Manager.

Closing date: 9am Friday 20 February 2026

Shortlisting date: Monday 23 February 2026

To ensure the fairness of the selection process, shortlisting will be based upon the information which you provide in your application and assumptions will not be made about your experience or skills.  We will look for demonstrable evidence that you meet the criteria set out in the Person Specification. Information provided on the Application Form will be viewed by HR, the recruiting manager, and interview panel. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of the shortlisting process.

Interview date: Wednesday 4 March 2026

Further details about the selection process will be provided to shortlisted candidates.

The appointment will be subject to the completion of pre-employment checks, including references and a satisfactory basic DBS check.

Safeguarding

We are committed to the safeguarding and protection of all children, young people, and adults, and the care and nurture of children within church communities. We will carefully select, train, and support all those with any responsibility within the Church, in line with Safer Recruitment principles.

This means that we will:

· Ensure that our recruitment and selection processes are inclusive, fair, consistent, and transparent;

· Take all reasonable steps to prevent those who might harm children or adults from taking up positions of respect, responsibility, or authority where they are trusted by others; and

· Adhere to Safer Recruitment legislation, guidance, and standards.

The successful candidate will be required to complete a Declaration of Suitability as part of our recruitment process when an offer of employment is made. This form is strictly confidential and, except under compulsion of law, will be seen only by those involved in the recruitment process. All forms will be kept securely in compliance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018.

The Difference is an education charity, founded to change the story on lost learning. Our vision is to see lost learning falling nationally by 2030 and for schools to be better equipped to support all children, particularly those most vulnerable.

Leading national policy strategy

As Head of Policy and Public Affairs, you will work closely with the CEO to develop and execute a four-year influencing plan.  Together we’ll aim to shift local and national incentives on inclusion by 2030, which see the national trend of rising suspension and absence begin to fall. 

You will hold relationships with the Department for Education and Ofsted and advise on policy priorities ahead, such as:

• Widening the definition of inclusion beyond special needs, recognising the needs of those young people historically or currently interacting with social services

• Reducing perverse incentives for schools to alter their school roll through admissions and pupil exits

• Expectations for multi-academy trusts in capturing and analysing data on lost learning, including how it disproportionately affects different groups

• Improving local alternative provision eco-systems, to improve outcomes for young people

• National standards for inclusive school practice, at a universal and targeted level

• Professional development standards for school inclusion

Developing implementation expertise in the middle tier

In your first six months, you will advise on the internal development of a new programme for middle tier policy actors: multi-academy trust and local authority leaders.  You will support the Programme team in its design, to plan strategically for the recruitment of trusts and local authorities, and you will plan the research and influencing work which will seek to share their success nationally.

Building the evidence base

In your second six months, you will work with the CEO to build out our research function. Your influencing plan will include how The Difference can learn from the work across our multi-academy trust, local authority and internal AP pioneer partners over the next four years, to develop influential publications. Research work ahead will include publishing sector-facing publications of The Difference’s own research, carried out by our research lead and associates; alongside managing external contractors and internal colleagues to bid for and deliver aligned research disseminating our ideas.

Raising your voice

This is an exciting opportunity for someone committed to inclusive policy change. The Difference has always punched above our weight in national and sector press reach. In post,  you will publish blogs and comment pieces, disseminating our shared ideas.  You will be a prominent voice on inclusion.

The Difference is still a small and growing charity. This means that our work is fast-paced, our roles are broad, and there is a culture of being highly autonomous, reactive and flexible, as the needs of the organisation evolve. If this sounds exciting rather than daunting, then this could be the role and team for you!

The Role
This is an exciting time to join The Difference as we increase our impact, reach more schools, and develop our influencing strategy. As Head of Policy and Public Affairs you will: 

Design and execute an impactful influencing plan 

• Design an influencing plan - Identify via horizon scanning opportunities to influence national policy using open policy windows, or by nudging/creating new ones. 

• Execute an influencing plan - Utilise own assets and assets across the organisation, including the Director team, to deliver against the influencing plan.

• Relationship building - Build highly credible and impactful relationships with a variety of stakeholders who hold power. This will include policy makers in national governments, local government officials, politicians, other third sector organisations and think tanks. 

• Leadership - Play a significant role internally and externally in communicating the organisation’s policy position, raising organisational and own brand.

Build policy capacity and credibility across the organisation

• Policy positions and solutions- Use the concepts, work and experience of The Difference’s programmes to develop new, and refine existing, national policy positions to shift incentives. 

• Thought leadership - Be the organisation’s education policy and political expert. 

• Generating income - Use own and team’s expertise and credibility to generate income via speaking engagements and consultancy to support the organisation’s financial sustainability. 

Person Specification

Essential – We are looking for someone with the following knowledge, experience and skills, though you may be stronger in some areas than others:

• Deep expertise in education policy, particularly on the topic of lost learning and the various policy and political debates, including areas of controversy, surrounding this policy topic. 

• Strategic thinker with a proven track record in identifying policy windows and designing activities that lead to meaningful national policy change. 

• Excellent relationship builder, who brings with them their own network of influential stakeholders and has a plan for building new relationships. Adept at navigating tricky situations and explaining complex, sometimes difficult, messages.

• Expert convener with a strong knowledge of the education sector, including which schools, trusts and local authorities are influential and experience in bringing a variety of perspectives together to generate consensus. 

• Persuasive and clear writing style for publication, including reports, press, blogs and ghost writing for members of the senior leadership team, often based on consensus positions, and designed to communicate key messages for impact. 

• Confidence and credibility in communicating nuanced messages in a contentious landscape, in writing, verbally and in public (e.g. on panels), to raise the profile of The Difference. 

• Strong project manager who can design systems and processes to keep self, team and other stakeholders on task and on time. Experience of designing programmes of work and monitoring their effectiveness. Flexible project management style that can adapt to a changing environment. Confidence in managing a variety of stakeholders and supporting them to deliver on time. 

Desired – You are more likely to be successful in your application if you have one or more of the following: 

• Familiarity with The Difference’s programmatic work, theory and practice. 

• Lived experience or insight into the school experiences of marginalised young people (e.g. those with experience of the care system, mental ill health, special educational needs, exclusion, and racism).

We know that some people, especially those from marginalised backgrounds, may hesitate to apply unless they meet every listed requirement. If this role excites you and you believe you could make a strong contribution, we warmly encourage you to apply. 
We actively welcome applications from people whose backgrounds are under-represented in the charity sector, including but not limited to: people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, people with experience in the case system, non-graduates and first-in-family graduates.

Are you enthusiastic about giving supporters the best experience when contacting us?

Do you have the professionalism and empathy to make every interaction with our brain tumour community supportive and meaningful?​

After a successful 2025, we’re building on our momentum and looking ahead with ambition. As our work continues to expand, so does our impact. We are now looking for passionate people to join us on the next stage of our journey!​

It is a fantastic time to be joining our ambitious and growing charity and we are keen to share this with likeminded and talented individuals. We currently have an opening for a Supporter Care Officer.​

As a Supporter Care Officer you will play a crucial role in being the first point of contact for supporters, delivering an excellent support experience. ​

You will: ​

• Lead on thanking supporters for all our existing Appeals, Core Campaigns and National Events; working with other teams to ensure that supporters are thanked in a timely manner
   
• Work with the Community Fundraising Team to evaluate the next best ask and proactively contact supporters with promoting fundraising and campaigning products for new and existing supporters
   
• Support all new Individual Giving and Supporter Care activities
   
• Provide excellent customer service to existing and potential new supporters offering an empathetic and supportive service via the main telephone line, email and general correspondence ​

Can you see yourself making a difference in one of the most innovative and exciting medical research fundraising charities in the UK?

Do you want your work to have a real, positive effect on someone’s life?

Does this sound like the opportunity to really get 2026 off to an amazing start?

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If you’ve answered yes to these questions and feel this role could be right for you, we encourage you to learn more about this position. Please take a read through our recruitment pack Supporter Care Officer - Recruitment Pack included within this job advert. 

We are asking for a CV as the first step, but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process.  Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.​​

We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.​

We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.

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Reporting to, and working closely with, the Head of Fundraising and Engagement, the Senior Philanthropy and Partnerships Lead will shape and implement innovative strategies, driving growth in philanthropic giving, secure corporate partnerships and obtain critical funding. With a focus on cultivating mutually beneficial, long-term relationships, you’ll craft compelling proposals, develop tailored stewardship plans, and create sponsorship opportunities that inspire ongoing support.

You’ll lead the way in securing multi-year corporate partnerships and nurturing donor relationships to meet ambitious income targets. As a key player in the senior fundraising team, you’ll contribute to strategic planning, represent the charity at events, and champion new approaches to fundraising.

With our newly formed Development Board, the Senior Philanthropy and Partnerships Lead will identify and utilise key networks to grow our philanthropic supporter base across corporate and major donor income streams. With strong writing skills, this person will also craft tailored and compelling corporate proposals and trust and foundation applications.

Who are we looking for?

To support our vision and ensure the achievement of ambitious income targets to support children and families affected by neuroblastoma, we are looking for a strategic and results-driven high-value fundraiser to join our team.

We are particularly keen to speak with interested candidates who enjoy cultivating high-value relationships from scratch and stewarding five- and six-figure corporate partnerships, and/or major donor relationships.

Person specification:

• Demonstrable significant experience working in corporate fundraising (experience in major donor and trusts & foundations fundraising would also be of benefit).
• Strategic thinker with significant experience at a managerial level, developing strategic plans to grow and optimise high-value fundraising.
• A proven record of being results-driven and working to achieve income targets, KPIs and outcomes.
• Proven ability to proactively identify, cultivate and secure new corporate relationships, demonstrate strong new business development acumen and confidence opening new opportunities.

See our Recruitment Pack for the full role description and specification and for information about Solving Kids' Cancer UK. 

Location: Home-based within England with regular travel to London and elsewhere in the UK as required
First stage interviews: Thursday 26th February
Second stage interviews:  Wednesday 4th March

As a safeguarding charity whose work and practice are underpinned by safeguarding principles to protect children and young people and enhance their welfare, we always work in accordance with legislation, statutory guidance, and best safeguarding practices. All our roles require a basic criminal record check.