External affair director jobs in belfast
Location: Remote, North of England with some requirement to travel (UK) and to spend time in London
The Organisation
The CSJ Foundation was born out of the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) an independent think tank, established in 2004 that studies the root causes of Britain’s social problems and seeks to address these through innovative policy recommendations to government. The CSJ has changed the landscape of our political conversation by putting social justice at the heart of British politics. This has led to some of the biggest welfare reforms in a generation. The CSJ Foundation is committed to ensuring the voices of grassroots charities are elevated to national decision makers. Our aim is to bring much-needed frontline experience into national policymaking. Utilising local networks and a philanthropic platform to guide investment, the CSJ Foundation will ensure that charities who are fighting the root causes of poverty receive the right support – both in policymaking and funding. The CSJ Foundation was established to magnify and amplify the crucial role played by grassroots charities and social enterprises around the country. These organisations are on the frontline in the fight against poverty and do incredible work, day-in-day-out. Despite this fantastic work, these organisations remain largely unseen and underfunded. The CSJ Foundation seeks to change that.
The Role
The CSJ Foundation is looking for a Regional Portfolio Manager (North) to join its Portfolio team to help grow and professionalise it’s offering to charities and donors alike. The CSJF has big ambitions for its work with small charities over the next 3 years, central to this work is our Portfolio team. Based in the north of England (ideally north of Sheffield), the post-holder will be responsible for delivering first-rate charity due diligence on some of the best small charities in the UK. In this role you will use tech solutions to drive insights and understanding about CSJF’s work with charities, in addition, the post-holder will gather intel from frontline charities to create insights to inform the CSJ’s policy work. The post-holder will also seek to generate interesting media stories. The post holder will help to generate new income for the CSJF through multiple streams. The post-holder will work towards pre-agreed targets to grow the CSJF’s work, fully supported by the Managing Director and other colleagues. The Regional Portfolio Manager will hold responsibility for building and maintaining relationships with multiple charities based in the North of England, engaging in conversations with local organisations and individuals, to ensure that the CSJF’s work is driven forward effectively.
The Person
- Possessing the skills and aptitude to develop new policies and practices for delivering charity/portfolio services
- Interest in developing relationships with charity leaders, understanding their work and impact
- Proficiency for using and interpreting data, creating meaningful insights from gathered data about charities, philanthropy and the voluntary sector
- Understanding of systems and technology that can be used to interpret, analyse and present data
- Some proficiency with presenting information effectively using tools like Canva
- The ability to engage with stakeholders including business leaders, researchers, HNWs, and CEOs
- The ability to work independently and plan programmes of work and manage agreed timelines
- Ability to analyse, understand and synthesise complex information, and to present this in a concise and engaging way
- Ability to communicate well with colleagues and explain complex information simply
- A strong appreciation of the need for accuracy, quality control and process control
- An understanding of the economic and political environment of the day
- Ability to build relationships, utilising a high degree of social intelligence
- An interest in managing processes, driving business change, and developing the use of new technologies in business practice
- Strong understanding of UK charities, the issues faced by the sector, and the policy landscape that affects the voluntary sector.
- A commitment to the CSJF & CSJ’s vision, mission and values
- An interest in current affairs, politics and the social justice agenda
- Meticulous attention to detail and calm under pressure
- A collaborative team player with initiative and a positive “can do” attitude
- Highly organised, discrete, and with a high degree of personal integrity
Main Responsibilities
Responsibilities for this post include:
- Be a leading member of the CSJF’s portfolio team helping to professionalise and enhance our charity due diligence work
- Helping generate insights from charities to contribute to recommendations in CSJ policy reports
- Work with colleagues to develop a first-class data-input and reporting platform (or database) of charities to monitor their impact and activities
- Use this data to generate insights and presentations to showcase our work
- Interpret data to create insights about charities, philanthropy and the voluntary sector
- Use tech solutions to enhance our data analysis and presentation ability
- Use of presentational tools like Canva (and others) to create information packs for internal and external stakeholders
- Work alongside the Comms team to deliver mainstream media stories generated from frontline insights from the Northern charities
- Responsibility to generate new income for the CSJ Foundation
- Become the internal expert and ‘go-to’ person for 2-3 policy areas connected to CSJ’s research
- Streamline and maintain network of charity contacts across all pathways and then connect the best charities to the CSJ policy team
- Grow and maintain network of regional funders and supporters
- Steward relationship with CSJF Founders Club
- Host visits, events and forums to glean insights from frontline charities based in the North of England
- Support the CSJ Awards application process and judging
- Use the Awards process to onboard new charities
- Manage annual review of Portfolio charities for on/off boarding
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
This is a key role in fulfilling CEASE’s aim to drive legislative reform that strengthens accountability, scrutiny and regulation of all parts of the commercial sex industry and other vested commercial interests, which are driving sexual violence, abuse and exploitation. It is about holding the UK government accountable in its duty to protect citizens from high-harm industries, appealing to robust evidence, survivor testimony and a careful critical analysis of the ideological justifications that uphold it.
The work crosses multiple different areas, from policing, online safety and child protection to violence against women and girls (VAWG). It involves close collaboration with experts and partner organisations through strategic partnerships and coalitions, and the building of trusted relationships with MPs, Peers, civil servants and other decision-makers.
This role sits within the Activism strand of CEASE’s strategy, alongside media outreach and commercial advocacy, and works closely with the Chief Executive and Strategic Director
Main Duties and Responsibilities
A. Strategic Leadership
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Work closely and effectively with the Chief Executive, Strategic Director and Trustees to advise on priorities and opportunities within this space.
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Develop both short- and long-term political strategies to engage key stakeholders with CEASE’s policy solutions.
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Identify and formulate strategies for gathering robust evidence on key issues where needed.
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Shape policy recommendations in line with CEASE’s strategic priorities and emerging trends.
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Ensure all external engagement reflects CEASE’s values and core messaging.
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Contribute political intelligence and insight to CEASE’s wider strategic planning and organisational development.
B. Policy
Goal: To ensure CEASE’s policy recommendations are robust, evidence-based, survivor-informed and coherent.
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Gather and present evidence on commercial and cultural drivers of sexual abuse and exploitation, and on systemic failures in regulation and enforcement.
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Identify evidence gaps and devise effective means for CEASE or partners within our networks to fill them.
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Produce policy briefings and consultation responses for parliamentarians and civil servants, often in collaboration with allies.
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Monitor parliamentary business in Westminster, analysing legislation and proposing amendments grounded in evidence and framed for maximum impact.
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Develop CEASE’s positions on new and emerging issues and technologies in line with our mission.
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Prepare speeches and statements for the Chief Executive or Strategic Director to deliver to parliamentarians, committees and inquiries.
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Integrate survivor insight and lived experience into policy and advocacy materials wherever appropriate.
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Analyse, distil and present research findings to provide credible, compelling evidence for policymakers and stakeholders.
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Track engagement outcomes and evaluate the impact of CEASE’s policy work, sharing learning internally.
C. Public Affairs
Goal: To ensure CEASE’s policy recommendations are seen, heard and acted upon.
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Create opportunities to promote CEASE’s policy solutions in Westminster through roundtables, drop-ins and parliamentary events.
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Engage directly with decision-makers, building trusted relationships across parties and with key officials.
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Identify and support parliamentarians who can champion CEASE’s issues through speeches, strategic questions, debate briefings and Private Members’ Bills.
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Build and maintain relationships with MPs, Peers, civil servants and officials in relevant government departments (Home Office, DCMS, DfE, etc.); participate in select committees and APPGs.
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Monitor the political landscape to identify alignment between CEASE’s goals and current government priorities, debates and legislative timetables.
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Collaborate with colleagues to nurture relationships with key stakeholders such as charities, public bodies, academic institutions, industry figures and experts.
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Lead or contribute to policy-focused coalitions and alliances aimed at influencing government and legislative reform.
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Support wider campaigns that leverage coalition backing (e.g. petitions, iParls or media initiatives), aligning messaging across CEASE’s team to amplify impact.
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Track and evaluate the reach and influence of CEASE’s public affairs activities to inform ongoing strategy.
D. Research
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Maintain awareness of political and legal developments in other countries and international bodies such as the UN.
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Commission or collaborate on research that strengthens CEASE’s evidence base and credibility.
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Distil complex research and policy information into accessible formats for internal and external audiences, in collaboration with the Chief Executive and Strategic Director.
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Work with the wider CEASE team to “demystify” the political process and support civic and grassroots engagement.
E. Fundraising
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Identify potential donors and funding opportunities through policy networks.
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Contribute to the development of compelling funding cases linked to CEASE’s policy impact and advocacy outcomes.
General Responsibilities
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Represent CEASE externally to promote its work and values.
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Uphold CEASE’s ethical and professional standards at all times.
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Undertake any other reasonable duties as directed by the Chief Executive.
Please see Job Description for full details.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Main Role & Responsibilities
The overall purpose of this role is to support the Head of Fundraising in establishing a corporate partnerships income stream as part of Ygam’s new Income Generation strategy, which underpins the organisation’s ambitious aims and objectives. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in diversifying our range of income streams to ensure financial health for the future of the charity, underpinned by sustainable and ethical fundraising models.
You will have the chance to work with a diverse range of organisations and develop compelling, creative pitches and applications for corporate support. You will also play a key role in identifying opportunities and developing relationships with corporates to strengthen the chance of bid success in both the short and medium term.
Join us in this pivotal role and be part of a mission-driven team dedicated to making a difference. Your contributions will bolster our fundraising efforts and advance our mission in meaningful ways.
Who are we looking for?
Ygam is seeking an experienced corporate fundraiser, or individual with transferable skills, to join our tight-knit and ambitious team. This role offers a fantastic opportunity to use your communication skills and initiative to manage and develop a pipeline of corporate partnerships opportunities, spotting synergies and developing relationships with potential donors. By writing proposals and managing a calendar of supporting activities, you will not only hone your communication skills, corporate account development and management, but also make a tangible impact on our mission to Safeguard our Digital Generation.
Key tasks:
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manage and grow a portfolio of small to medium corporate partners, increasing income by identifying new prospects and through the stewardship of existing donors.
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write high quality applications and communicate accurately and transparently on the progress made in partnerships.
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work with our programme experts to develop expertise in key programme areas and build your knowledge of Ygam’s work.
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support with applications and reports to large corporates and other associated fundraising activity.
The ideal candidate will be motivated, creative, and organised, with a knack for relationship building. This role suits an ambitious self-starter with excellent research, communication, writing, IT, and presentation skills. We are looking for someone who believes in Ygam’s mission and is excited to collaboratively shape and develop our fundraising work.
Role Requirements
Duties will include but not be limited to:
Business Development
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Work with the Head of Fundraising to develop strategies which increase Ygam’s visibility in the corporate space.
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Conduct prospective supporter research; establish and grow the partnerships pipeline, and develop pitches to meet shared objectives, working with the Head of Fundraising.
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Build strong relationships with organisations that share our values.
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Manage the prospect pipeline using Salesforce, segmenting the pipeline into areas of programme interest and tracking applications, expected and actual income and reporting deadlines.
Relationship Building:
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Craft engagement plans to deepen existing relationships and maximise fundraising opportunities
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Provide excellent account management for new and established partners, including regular and meaningful communication.
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Produce relevant, creative, and compelling proposals, reports and updates to keep our corporate partners motivated and engaged.
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Identify and execute creative ways to bring our work to life for funders.
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Ensure that relationships with donors (both new and existing) are maintained and managed effectively before, during, and after receipt of funds.
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Effectively communicate Ygam’s vision, mission, and programmes to potential donors. Delivering and shaping engaging and emotive copy for appeal letters, emails, newsletters, and other promotional materials.
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Contributing to wider Fundraising Department objectives, sharing innovative ideas, supporting all income streams, and promoting a culture of positive team-working.
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Working closely with the External Affairs team to ensuring effective use of case studies, photography, statistics, and organisational information and that all communications are consistent and in line with Ygam brand guidelines.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Location: Remote with travel across the UK.
About the role
It’s an exciting and important time for our charity as we work to help more people out of homelessness and poverty as part of an ambitious strategy.
The newly created role of Federation Development Lead will sit within the Partnerships and Federation Development directorate, to support the delivery of key charity and federation-wide objectives, as part of our mission to empower people affected by homelessness and poverty to change their lives for the better while using our voice to achieve social change.
The principal responsibility will be to support our ambition to become a best practice national body, responsible for leading on and supporting the development of key projects within Emmaus UK and the wider federation.
This will include providing leadership to support Emmaus communities across the UK to prepare and respond to the introduction of the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act, you will require an understanding and commitment to best practice and legislative requirements related to the provision of supported housing, with the ability to translate regulatory requirements into user friendly support, training, guidance and policies and procedures
The role will also provide a critical role in the implementation and delivery of Emmaus UK’s ambitious plans to seek registration as a provider of social housing. You will provide the project management and technical skills required to support the successful delivery of the application process, ensuring that risk and regulatory requirements are considered and acted upon at each stage, maintaining strong communication with key stakeholders externally and across the federation.
As the Federation Development Lead, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the growth and development of the Emmaus movement within the UK, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement, and supporting the overall success of the federation. Your role will involve supporting the development and delivery of strategic plans, programme design and implementation, stakeholder management, and continuous evaluation and improvement of developed initiatives.
Working with the Director of Partnerships and Federation Development and wider Senior Leadership Team, the role will be central to the delivery of strategic objectives related to the development of the movement.
About Emmaus UK
We understand that a home is more than just a roof over your head; it’s somewhere to belong, where you feel part of a community, and that’s what Emmaus offers.
Emmaus is a unique, secular organisation supporting homeless and socially excluded people by providing a home for as long as it is needed, meaningful work in a social enterprise and a sense of belonging.
There are currently over 30 Emmaus communities across the UK, stretching from Glasgow to Dover and Norfolk to South Wales. Collectively the Emmaus federation supports more than 1,000 people with experience of homelessness.
How To apply
To apply for the role, please complete our application form and equal opportunities monitoring form and email us. The email address is in the Application Pack with applications needing to be submitted by 9am on Thursday 13th November 2025.
Please ensure you download the job pack and refer to the job description and person specification when completing your application form.
Those shortlisted will be invited to an interview conducted via Microsoft Teams on Thursday 27th November 2025. Second interviews to be held on Friday 5th December 2025.
If you would like to arrange an informal discussion about the role, please email us. Email address can be found in the Application Pack.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.


