Head of Programmes
United Way UK
Home-based with frequent national and international travel and overnight stays around 2-3 times a month. The ideal candidate will be based close to good transport links and able to get to London easily, with access to a car and/or a full clean driving licence
Salary £42,000 - £45,000 based on experience
12-month contract with potential for extension
Full-time, with flexible working
Excellent benefits including annual leave of 25 days per year plus bank holidays, increasing by a day annually for each year of service up to 30 days and 6% employer pension contribution
Charity People are delighted to be partnering with the United Way UK, a charity which believes that all individuals should be empowered through opportunity and resources to reach their true potential, to recruit a Head of Programmes.
United Way is a global organisation that supports local communities around the world in more than 40 different countries. Communities all over the world face similar challenges, but each one requires a unique approach to solving them. United Way UK was established in 2014 and harnessing experience and learnings from United Way Worldwide, UWUK uses local knowledge and global expertise to implement the very best programmes for communities across the UK and is constantly evolving to meet the needs of the times.
Driven by the local community, UWUK works with charity partners, businesses and individuals to provide everything a community needs to thrive (education, financial stability and health), providing support in the form of funds, time and expertise. UWUK funding is privately sourced so that the charity is driving new revenue to the voluntary sector.
The Head of Programmes leads UWUK's talented delivery team and works closely with the CEO on relationship development and strategic planning. As part of a small team (UWUK is currently five staff members), the Head of Programmes will be a strong team player and problem solver, with initiative, reliability and high emotional intelligence.
Key responsibilities
* Programme design, delivery and growth: You ensure the successful delivery of programmes, monitor and report on impact, oversee the budget and ensure compliance with safeguarding, data protection and charity regulations. You will support the growth of programmes by creating, developing and writing proposals, and travel throughout the UK to support project delivery.
* Partnership development: You will scope, develop and secure partnerships across sectors, building and maintaining strong relationships with funders, partners, schools and charities across the UK and support the organisation of fundraising events, campaigns and other fundraising activities.
* Line management: You will line manage the programmes team (x 2 posts), supporting professional development, conducting performance reviews, and promoting strong team moral and wellbeing.
* Operations and strategy: You will support reporting to United Way UK Board of Trustees, United Way Worldwide and UK regulators, as well as work closely with the CEO on strategic planning and implementation.
What we're looking for
The successful candidate will demonstrate the following essential skills and experience:
* Experience in programme management, stakeholder engagement and partnership building, with strong relationship skills combined and a natural ability to cultivate positive relationships with internal stakeholders, charity partners, prospects, funders, corporates, volunteers and internal partners
* Strong project management skills with ability to manage diverse tasks and priorities with attention to detail and accuracy.
* Experience of monitoring and evaluation to collect feedback from stakeholders and continually improve and learn from programmes and report to funders.
* Solid communication skills, in both written and oral English, with the ability to present to stakeholders and write compelling project proposals.
* Experience working in the charity sector or within corporate social responsibility.
* Experience managing staff, including supporting professional development, conducting performance reviews, and promoting strong team moral and wellbeing.
* Experience in volunteering, either working with, or leading volunteer programmes, or being a volunteer.
* Experience either leading or supporting proposal writing for programme delivery.
* Advanced Microsoft Office skills, including Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint.
* Full driving license.
The successful candidate will demonstrate the following personal attributes:
* Self-motivated and results-driven
* Proactive and responsive
* Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team
* Collaborative work style and positive team player.
* Commitment to the core mission, values and work of UWUK.
As UWUK is a small organisation, the ideal successful candidate may also have fundraising experience although this is not essential.
The UWUK team are passionate about their mission and delivering results and have a caring, trusting, collaborative and close-knit culture, based on shared values and respect. This role is home-based, but you will be able to travel regularly across the UK, at least 2-3 times a month and be willing and able to easily attend meetings in London on a regular basis. Travel is covered but you will need to be able to be based with easy access to a major transport hub.
How to apply
If you would like to apply, please upload your CV using the link below in the first instance. Jen D'Souza from Charity People will be in touch with the full details about the job and how to apply. The deadline is 9am Tuesday 11 November. The interviews will take place online w/c 24 November. The ideal candidate will be able to start in December and at the latest in mid-January. We will be hosting a webinar on Friday 7 November at 1pm for candidates interested in the role (this will be recorded and shared if you are unable to attend).
Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.
About Restless Development
Restless Development is a locally-led, globally connected network, independently registered and governed in nine countries (India, Nepal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, UK, USA, Zambia and Zimbabwe) bound together by our vision for youth power. We support the collective power of young leaders to create a better world. We run youth-led programmes to tackle the issues that young people care about the most.
We also run the Youth Collective – a growing network of over 5000 local youth civil society groups and organisations in 185 countries. We are committed to creating a network that walks the talk on power shifting, using the power shifting checklist, both internally and externally.
Our approach to safeguarding
Restless Development considers the welfare and protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults to be an organisational imperative with primacy over the success of programmes or strategic objectives. We recognise that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and we expect all of our staff, volunteers and partners to ensure we protect the communities in which we operate from harm and abide by our Safeguarding Policy.
More information about Restless Development:
- Restless Development Strategy
- Youth Collective
- Power Shifting Checklist
- We Are Restless Blog
About the Programme
The Schools Triathlon is a fun, mass participation sporting event for 7–13 year olds. Its mission? To get more young people moving, having fun, and discovering the power of fundraising. In 2025, over 10,000 young people took part in 12 events, raising an incredible £1.5 million for Restless Development and local charities. Since it began, the Schools Triathlon has raised over £5 million—making it our flagship fundraising event.
About the Role
This is a fantastic entry-level opportunity for anyone looking to kickstart their career in fundraising and events management. As our Assistant Fundraising Events Coordinator, you’ll play a vital role in Restless Development’s close-knit fundraising team, helping to deliver our flagship events — the Schools Triathlon.
You’ll gain hands-on experience working with a wide range of stakeholders, including our volunteer Schools Triathlon Committee, schools, pupils, parents, and event delivery partners. A big part of your role will involve delivering fun and engaging school assemblies, encouraging pupils to take part and fundraise for Restless Development.
Alongside this outward-facing work, you’ll provide essential administrative and operational support behind the scenes. This will include managing participant data in Excel, Eventrac, and Salesforce; uploading and running reports; processing donations (including cash and cheques); and ensuring our records are accurate and up to date.
You’ll also be the first point of contact for event participants and their families, providing warm, professional support through email and phone queries.
We’re looking for someone who thrives on variety, can juggle multiple tasks, and stays calm under pressure. You’ll be highly organised, detail-focused, and self-motivated, with excellent interpersonal skills and a positive, can-do attitude.
This role is pivotal to the success of our Schools Triathlon and wider fundraising efforts. If you’re enthusiastic, ready to learn, and eager to grow your skills in fundraising and events, we’d love to hear from you.
Job title : Assistant Fundraising Events Coordinator.
Location :Home Based - Preferably Manchester however applications are welcome from other locations within England
Salary : £26,143 gross per annum
Preferred start date: ASAP
Length of contract : Full Time
Visa requirement : Must have the right to work in the UK
Other requirements : Must have a full drivers licence and access to reliable and roadworthy vehicle
Reports to : Senior Fundraising Manager
Expected travel : Travel to London for staff meetings and other areas in the UK. Evening and weekend work for which time off in lieu will be given. Expenses for travel and work outside working hours will be given according to our policy..
Key Responsibilities:
Systems and processes (30%)
- Manage the assembly tracker to ensure it is kept up to date, with relevant members of the team notified when new assemblies are booked in
- Maintain accurate records across our registration platform (Eventrac), our CRM system (Salesforce) and Excel, including registrations, fundraising data, and supporter information.
- Monitor and track fundraising progress for over 11,000 participants, encouraging and supporting them to reach their goals.
- Manage JustGiving pages, ensuring all fundraising activity is accurately logged.
- Liaise with Finance to process donations (online, offline, and cheques), allocate income correctly, and thank supporters promptly.
- Support with the merchandise and fulfillment process
- Occasional website updates.
Fundraising and relationship management (30%)
- Be the first point of contact for schools, parents, and participants via the Schools Triathlon inbox.
- Book and coordinate school assemblies, and deliver assemblies or fundraising workshops.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with schools, pupils, and parents, thanking and supporting them throughout their fundraising journey.
- Provide admin support to the Restless Development US Board, including coordinating quarterly meetings.
- Attend meetings with third party suppliers and schools when necessary
- Support on wider charity initiatives as and when needed
Event management and Communications (30%)
- Support the planning and delivery of two Schools Triathlon events, including site visits, logistics, and on-the-day support.
- Coordinate event communications, including assembly slides, parent invites, and regular registration reports.
- Work collaboratively with the Schools Triathlon team to ensure smooth delivery of all events.
Others (10%)
- Support the Senior Fundraising Manager with developing an individual giving process.
- Attend Schools Triathlon events (April–June) and occasional evening/weekend work for which Time Off In Lieu (TOIL) will be provided.
- Regular travel to schools is required, so access to a reliable vehicle is essential (travel costs will be reimbursed).
- Carry out any other duties as required to support the fundraising team.
We are looking for people with the right competencies and skills for the role, and who demonstrate the personal qualities consistent with our Values.
Skills and Experience
Essential
- Good organisational skills, with the ability to help plan and support events and fundraising activities.
- Strong people skills – friendly, approachable, and confident in working with colleagues, volunteers, and supporters.
- Clear written and verbal communication, with the ability to write emails, updates, and speak to supporters.
- Able to manage time well, meet deadlines, and balance different tasks.
- Confident using IT systems, especially Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
- Comfortable working with numbers and handling financial information accurately.
- Able to work independently when needed, while also being a supportive team player.
- A good eye for detail and pride in producing accurate, high-quality work.
- Full driving licensed and access to a vehicle.
Desirables
- Some experience (paid or voluntary) in fundraising, events, or community activities.
- An interest in international development, the charity sector, or community engagement.
- Experience helping to organise events or projects, either in work, study, or volunteering.
- Familiarity with using a database or CRM system (training can be given).
- Confidence in speaking to groups, or a willingness to develop public speaking skills.
Our Commitment to Youth Leadership
As a youth-led agency, we are especially keen to hear from young people under the age of 35.
Restless Development is an Equal Opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sectors of the community. Restless Development will ensure that no applicant or staff member receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, marital status, social status, caste, race, ethnic origin, religious belief, age, HIV status, disability, or any other factor that cannot be shown to be relevant to performance.
What we do for you
Remuneration
We are proud to commit to a transparent global salary scale, ensuring a fair and comparable system of pay across all global locations. In addition to salary, we offer pension contributions and other benefits in accordance with the local Hub.
Values and Culture
At Restless Development, we’re proud that the strength and integrity of our Values has been recognised by staff, young people, donors and others who we work with. Beyond this, we have a culture of recognising and celebrating both our Values and our global achievements with monthly Values Champions and an annual Values Day.
Work-life Balance
It goes without saying that we work hard at Restless Development. We also recognise the importance of helping staff to maintain a positive work-life balance by offering:
- 24 days annual leave (in addition to public holidays and with an extra day of annual leave given for each full year of service, up to a maximum of 28 days).
- Birthday Leave
- Access to flexible working.
- Generous study leave, maternity, paternity or adoption leave, and other leave allowances.
Professional Development
Restless Development is proud to be an employer who recognises potential and invests in the development of its staff. We are committed to the professional development of our staff through:
- Empowering opportunities to work on significant projects which stretch and inspire staff – allowing them to develop on-the-job.
- Regular performance management.
- Training and development opportunities, including supporting our staff to identify mentors both within and outside of the agency.
- Quarterly Staff Workshops for all staff to give and receive agency updates, receive training, and socialise.
Travel and Medical Insurance
When travelling abroad with work, all staff will be covered by Restless Development's travel insurance. Any additional insurances/benefits will be shared with the successful applicant, and are dependent on the country of hire.
How to Apply
Please submit your CV and an expression of interest that provides tangible examples of how your skills, knowledge and experience will support your ability to perform the key priorities outlined in the above job description (using no more than 750 words)
Apply by Monday 20th October 2025. For more tips on how to apply visit our website here.
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