Grants coordinator jobs
BACKGROUND
For over thirty years, Asylum Aid has been providing legal representation to some of the most vulnerable people seeking asylum in the UK. Our welfare advice team provide generalist advice on welfare benefits, housing, asylum support and related issues to Westminster residents with refugee and migrant backgrounds who do not have English as a first language and who would otherwise be unable to access vital advice which enables them to avoid destitution, homelessness and food poverty. We deliver this advice as part of the Westminster Advice Services Partnership through a drop in and outreach at local community venues, and supported by local volunteers many of whom speak community languages.
The post of Appeals Support Advisor is a new post established with the benefit of a grant from Westminster City Council. The post holder will support clients with appeals and reconsideration requests in relation to welfare benefits and housing. This will allow us to provide a more comprehensive service for our clients, many of whom struggle to lodge appeals and reconsideration requests, and to gather evidence in support of their appeals without advice, due to language barriers. The post holder will deliver advice in community languages, including with the assistance of interpreters, to local residents as part of our partnership work. Most of our clients are refugees, people seeking asylum and others with a refugee or migrant background. The Appeals Support Advisor will work with clients referred from Asylum Aid’s Information and Advice Service (including our weekly drop in) and from other partners in the local community. They will also provide training and supervision to the Generalist Advisor and our volunteers. External supervision will be arranged for the post holder.
The ideal candidate will be resident in or near to the City of Westminster and fluent in one or more community languages. In particular, fluency in one or more of the following is highly desirable: Arabic, Bengali, Farsi, Kurdish Sorani/ other Kurdish dialects, Somali, Amharic, Tigrinya.
As this is a new post delivering a specialist appeals and casework service from within our generalist advice team, it offers an exciting opportunity to set up and establish systems for the delivery of this service during the six month fixed term contract, including ensuring that case management processes are established which meet the requirements of our Lexcel quality mark and that clear referral procedures are established with the drop in service and our partners.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The post-holder will:
· Be part of a generalist advice service, with special emphasis on language support, as part of the Westminster Advice Services Partnership (WASP), a collaboration of advice agencies Asylum Aid, Westminster Citizens Advice, Age UK Westminster, and Deaf PLUS Westminster Advice Service.
· Provide specialist appeals casework and support to clients who do not speak English as a first language and need to challenge decisions, request mandatory reconsiderations, internal housing reviews, lodge appeals in relation to welfare benefits and housing.
· Provide ongoing casework support up to the Tribunal stage, including helping clients to gather evidence in support of their mandatory reconsiderations and appeals and preparing for hearings (but not including representation at hearings)
· Where capacity allows, help to deliver generalist face to face and telephone advice and information, in a community language and English, to migrants and asylum seekers on issues related to welfare benefits, housing and asylum support in accordance with Asylum Aid’s contract within the WASP partnership, and taking responsibility for the quality of advice given.
· Provide training and supervision to the Generalist Advisor and to volunteers, supporting the development of their advice skills and ensuring the quality of advice delivered throughout the advice service.
· Maintain a high standard of electronic case records (using AdvicePro) for the purpose of continuity of casework, information retrieval, monitoring and evaluation of the service, and to help identify issues to be raised through policy advocacy.
· Ensure that all casework is conducted in accordance with the Lexcel quality standard, including by establishing case management procedures for the delivery of specialist advice which meet the Lexcel standard, and participate as required in annual Lexcel quality mark audits
· Attend external and in-house training organised by Asylum Aid and regular supervision sessions to develop and maintain the skills and knowledge required to help deliver a quality advice service, and to keep up to date with changes in welfare benefits, housing and asylum support law
· Cascade information, changes, and developments in social welfare law, including learning from external training, to other staff and volunteers who assist with the delivery of the welfare advice service
· Work effectively with partners to provide a seamless service for clients, making and receiving referrals and maintain up to date information about other service providers for the purposes of referrals and signposting.
· Be responsible for achieving relevant targets for quality and quantity set by the WASP coordinator
· Provide case studies and other information from the work of the advice service to support policy advocacy and strategic legal work in support of Asylum Aid’s vision of fair and dignified treatment of people seeking asylum, refugees and other vulnerable migrants
· Carry out any other tasks within the scope of the post to ensure the effective delivery and development of the service.
The post holder will need to be able to travel to and within Westminster to deliver advice at outreach locations as well as at a drop-in in or around the Church Street Estate. Travel expenses will be paid to attend locations away from Asylum Aid’s office(s) and the main location of our drop-in service (currently the Church Street library).
Other duties:
• Respect for client confidentiality at all times in line with Asylum Aid’s confidentiality agreements and consent forms.
• To attend staff meetings as required.
• To undertake other duties which are generally compatible with the functions of the post.
• To comply with the organisation’s policies and procedures, particularly those relating to safeguarding, health and safety, diversity, equity & inclusion, confidentiality and security, as set out in the Office Manual as well the policies of other relevant partner organisations.
Person Specification
Essential skills, knowledge and experience:
· At least 12 months’ experience of supporting benefits appeals through to Tribunal stage and Housing Reviews
· At least 5 years’ experience of working face to face with clients to deliver generalist advice in different areas of law including welfare benefits and housing
· Knowledge on a range of issues on which advice may be sought including health and social care, housing and welfare benefits, including a thorough and up to date understanding of social security and welfare benefits legislation and policy
· Experience of managing a case load
· Knowledge or ability to understand and use relevant legislation
· Have completed Advice UK’s Learning to Advise training or hold the Citizens Advice Generalist Adviser certificate or an equivalent qualification
· Be fluent in written and spoken English as well as a second language spoken by a substantial proportion of the Westminster population, ideally Arabic, Bengali, Farsi, Kurdish Sorani/ other Kurdish dialects, Somali, Amharic, Tigrinya (to a standard that enables accurate advice to be given in the language)
· Experience of working with interpreters in the delivery of advice
· Able to meet deadlines, work under pressure, meet performance targets and take responsibility for their work, while working flexibly within a team environment
· Able to relate to a wide cross section of clients in a non-judgmental way.
· Able to use a range of IT systems and packages confidently and competently to be able to support and encourage others in using online systems and resources to enable them to self-help.
· Able and willing to learn and assimilate new knowledge in a working environment.
· Able to give and receive feedback objectively and sensitively.
· Able and willing to work both on own initiative and as part of a team.
· Understanding of and commitment to the aims and principles of Asylum Aid service and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
· Good understanding of the needs of migrants and asylum seekers and the issues and barriers that affect them in UK.
Desirable:
· Experience of specialist advice work, including appeals and mandatory reconsiderations
· Friendly, polite, and patient
· Experience of working under a relevant quality mark such as the Advice Quality Standard or Lexcel
· Understanding of the housing and other support available to people seeking asylum who do not have the right to work in the UK
· Experience of working with volunteers
· Experience of supervising other advisers, including volunteers
· Demonstrable understanding of issues facing vulnerable clients whose English is not the first language and many with mental health problems.
· Lived or learned experience of the difficulties that migrants and refugee communities face when they have to deal with the UK welfare system
· Personal experience and/or Knowledge of the advice process and experience in the areas of either benefits, housing or debt.
· Experience of using interpersonal skills, including sensitive listening, and questioning skills to understand the needs of others,
· Ability to communicate with other organisations, housing, and welfare departments.
How to apply
The first stage is to complete on our online application form on our website by 9am on 9 June 2025.
The website form will ask you to:
1. Upload a short covering letter. Please tell us why the position appeals to you, and how your
relevant skills and experience, including any voluntary experience and lived experience, matches the listed responsibilities and person specification. Please also state in your covering letter when you would be available to start the role.
2. Upload your current CV
3. Complete an online Equal Opportunities monitoring form – completion of this form will help us ensure that our recruitment procedures operate in such a way as to provide genuine equality of opportunity. The questions are entirely optional and this information will not be available to members of the selection panel.
Selection Process
We anticipate that we will invite candidates to an initial 15-minute online screening meeting week commencing 16 June 2025, followed by shortlisted candidates attending in-person interview week commencing 23 June 2025. We will also ask you to complete a short written task on the day.
We regret that we can only respond to applicants who make it to the interview stage.
Eligibility
Please note that the successful candidate must have the right to work in the UK (as a small charity we do not have the capacity to sponsor work visas).
Successful candidates will also be subject to a basic DBS check. If appointed, you will also be required to give your consent to the charity to receive regular updates on your criminal records status throughout your employment and to disclose any relevant convictions incurred during your time with us.
Adjustments
We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. If you require a different format of the application form, such as large print or Word format, or if you would like to discuss any specific requirements, please get in touch with us.
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.
This is an exciting opportunity for a creative and adaptable individual. This person will develop and deliver outstanding communications that brings people into the movement to improve the rights of people seeking sanctuary. By doing this they will create positive change and increase the number of individuals donating to the cause.
We particularly welcome applications from people who have personal experience of the asylum system and migration. To support all applicants, a preparation session will be offered by the New Beginnings team at Voluntary Action Sheffield.
For further information about our work please visit our website.
To Apply
To apply, please submit the following:
1. A covering letter (no more than 2 pages long). In this letter:
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Say why you are applying for the job.
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Tell us how you meet the job requirements detailed in the person specification. Give practical examples of what you have done that meets the requirements.
2. A brief summary of the work and volunteering you have done or a short CV.
3. Name, phone number, and email addresses of two references, at least one of whom can comment on recent work or volunteer experience.
A free preparation session will be run by the New Beginnings team at Voluntary Action Sheffield. This will be open to anyone applying for the role to learn a bit more about the job and get support with their application. This session will run on the week commencing 2nd June at The Sanctuary - (exact date and time tbc).
Closing date for applications is Sunday 15th June at 5pm.
Interviews will be held on Monday 23rd June.
To apply, please submit the following:
1. A covering letter (no more than 2 pages long). In this letter:
- Say why you are applying for the job.
- Tell us how you meet the job requirements detailed in the person specification. Give practical examples of what you have done that meets the requirements.
2. A brief summary of the work and volunteering you have done or a short CV.
3. Name, phone number, and email addresses of two references, at least one of whom can comment on recent work or volunteer experience.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
This is an exciting opportunity to steer Asylum Aid at an important time in its 30-year existence. As Executive Director you will be responsible for delivering on our strategy for impact. You will oversee our work to increase access to expert, trauma-informed legal representation to those in the asylum, trafficking and statelessness systems and lead our policy and strategic legal work to achieve systemic change that contributes towards our vision.
You will line manage the Director of Legal Casework to oversee the provision of supportive and enabling leadership to Asylum Aid caseworkers so that they can continue to deliver high quality expert advice in complex cases, while being supported in their professional development and wellbeing. You will also manage and develop the work of our welfare advice team within the Westminster Advice Services Partnership and beyond, and work collaboratively with colleagues in the sector to build capacity and increase our impact.
The ideal candidate, who may be legally qualified, will have experience of leadership in the charity/NGO sector and a sound understanding of the asylum, human rights and trafficking processes in the UK and the legal frameworks which govern the protection of refugees, survivors of trafficking and stateless people, and of the role of law in achieving system change.
We are looking for someone who is strategically minded and passionate about providing supportive and inclusive leadership to our expert team. You will be committed to our objectives and to the role which expert legal representation plays in enabling people in need of protection in the UK to obtain it.
As is the nature of this sector, the role may be exposed to a high volume of traumatic and distressing material and, whilst they will be supported by the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO and surrounding team, the candidate should also be able to demonstrate knowledge of good self-care principles in an intense work environment and dissemination of those principles to junior members of the team.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Leadership and strategy
·Be responsible, with the support of the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO, for the development, implementation and monitoring of Asylum Aid’s organisational strategy
·Provide leadership and strategic direction at Asylum Aid in accordance with its aims and objectives, with the support of the Director of Legal Casework
·Act as external spokesperson for Asylum Aid, maintaining and strengthening Asylum Aid’s position as a leader in the refugee rights, statelessness and legal aid sectors;
·Work collaboratively with others in the sector to promote and strengthen Asylum Aid’s work, identify and establish potential partnerships, with the support of the Director of Legal Casework;
·Work collaboratively with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO and Executive Leadership team to drive the implementation of the Group strategic framework;
·Ensure that all reporting and monitoring requirements are met to support fundraising, contract compliance and monitoring strategic impact;
·Support the cross collaboration of the Asylum Aid team with the Helen Bamber Foundation team and play an active part in the management of the Helen Bamber Foundation Group.
Governance
·Act as the Data Protection Supervisor with responsibility for data protection and cyber security within Asylum Aid
·Together with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group CEO and designated safeguarding leads, be responsible for child and adult safeguarding within Asylum Aid
·In collaboration with the Director of Legal Casework, ensure compliance by Asylum Aid with all legal and regulatory obligations, including the Legal Aid Agency contract, the Immigration Advice Authority and Solicitors Regulation Authority;
·Lead on the preparation and presentation of quarterly reports on Asylum Aid’s activities, strategy and risks to the Asylum Aid Board, the Finance and Fundraising Committee and the People and Governance Committee;
·Lead on the preparation of the Trustees’ annual report and ensure that monitoring and evaluation systems are adequate to enable reporting on Asylum Aid’s activities and impact.
Management and Supervision
·Responsible for line management of the Director of Legal Casework and Welfare Advice service coordinator, and other team supervisors as required;
·Together with the Group Director of People, responsible for Human Resources and implementation of the People Strategy within Asylum Aid, including development and implementation of HR policies and procedures;
·Together with the Director of Legal Casework and team supervisors, drive the effective management and supervision of the Asylum Aid team and ensure that they comply with relevant professional standards and accreditation;
·Foster a supportive and inclusive team culture at Asylum Aid in which each member feels valued and supported to develop professionally and to perform to the best of their ability;
·Ensure the team’s well-being and that self-care practices are established and work in tandem with the Director of Legal Casework and supervisors to ensure trauma-informed ways of working.
Policy & Strategic Legal Work
·Together with the Group Director of Policy, identify policy priorities and coordinate the preparation of evidence and briefings drawing on Asylum Aid’s experience and expertise to influence system change;
·Build and maintain relationships and partnerships with sector colleagues to support joint strategic engagement including policy advocacy and strategic legal work;
·Work closely with the Director of Legal Casework and team supervisors to drive changes in the UK asylum, trafficking and statelessness systems through strategic legal work.
Finance & Fundraising
·Work closely with the CEO and the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Finance Team to set and manage budget(s) and general financial matters for Asylum Aid
·Together with the Director of Legal Casework and the Group Finance Team, establish systems for monitoring legal aid Work In Progress and billing, and securing casework income including legal aid, and inter partes income from judicial review cases;
·Work closely with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Fundraising and Communications Team to secure funding for Asylum Aid from a range of sources including trusts and foundations, corporate philanthropy and major donors;
·Ensure that Legal Aid and other income is maximised, and targets are achieved.
Other duties
·Manage the recruitment and supervision of volunteers where necessary in collaboration with the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Volunteers Coordinator;
·Support the Helen Bamber Foundation Group Facilities team to ensure the smooth running of the office and that the facilities meet the needs of Asylum Aid;
·Work outside normal office hours as required and travel in order to carry out the responsibilities of the post.
·To undertake any task that may be requested from time to time that may be consistent with the nature and scope of this post.
Essential Experience, Skills and Knowledge
•Experience of running a small to medium sized charity/legal NGO and/or legal department within the NGO sector (or other equivalent senior management role);
•Demonstrable experience of managing and leading a successful team and the ability to manage a growing team with mixed roles from team supervisors to administrative support staff, working co-operatively with colleagues to maintain transparency and effective working relationships within the team;
•Strong communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with people from a wide range of backgrounds
•Strong understanding of good governance including legal, regulatory and financial responsibilities;
•Ability to work with a range of stakeholders from trustees to external partners;
•Experience of leading and/or participating in organisational strategic planning;
·Experience of legal policy work within the human rights field and /or of strategic litigation, whether as an NGO claimant or legal representative;
•Experience of managing diverse funding sources and setting and implementing budgets;
•Experience of working in a service delivery partnership with other organisations;
•Experience of fundraising, especially grants from trusts and foundations;
•Sound working knowledge of the law and policy as it relates to immigration, asylum, human rights and modern slavery/trafficking;
•Demonstrable understanding of the asylum and human rights sector in the UK;
•An understanding of the barriers migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers face regarding access to legal advice, reasons why they may become destitute and why this makes it more difficult to access advice and support; and
•The passion for working empathetically and supportively with migrants, refugees, stateless people and asylum seekers.
Desirable Experience
·Experience of managing the delivery of frontline casework with people in the asylum or trafficking systems
·Experience of tendering for and delivering publicly funded contracts e.g. LAA or local authority funding;
·Working knowledge of Legal Aid Agency contracts, including the delivery of casework and billing under a legal aid contract in the immigration and asylum category and/or the public law category;
How to apply
The first stage is to complete on our online application form on our website by 9am on 23 June 2025.
The website form will ask you to:
1.Upload a short covering letter. Please tell us why the position appeals to you, and how your relevant skills and experience, including any voluntary experience and lived experience, matches the listed responsibilities and person specification. Please also state in your covering letter when you would be available to start the role.
2.Upload your current CV
3.Complete an online Equal Opportunities monitoring form – completion of this form will help us ensure that our recruitment procedures operate in such a way as to provide genuine equality of opportunity. The questions are entirely optional, and this information will not be available to members of the selection panel.
For an informal conversation about the post before applying, please contact Alison Pickup, the current Executive Director.
Selection Process
We anticipate that we will invite candidates to an initial online interview on Wednesday 3rd July 2025, followed by shortlisted candidates attending in-person interviews at our office in Old Street on Wednesday 9 July 2025.
We regret that we can only respond to applicants who make it to the interview stage.
We offer a guaranteed initial interview for refugees, stateless people and others with lived experience of forced migration, provided that they meet at least 50% of the essential criteria.
Eligibility
Please note that the successful candidate must have the right to work in the UK (as a small charity we do not have the capacity to sponsor work visas).
Successful candidates will also be subject to a basic DBS check. If appointed, you will also be required to give your consent to the charity to receive regular updates on your criminal records status throughout your employment and to disclose any relevant convictions incurred during your time with us.
Adjustments
We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible. If you require a different format of the application form, such as large print or Word format, or if you would like to discuss any specific requirements, please get in touch with us.
EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Our commitment to principles of equity, diversity and inclusion is an integral part of our approach to our clients, our volunteers and our staff, and we are an equal opportunities and Living Wage employer.
We are committed to attracting and recruiting diverse candidates because we are keen to make sure that our staff, trustees, volunteers and ambassadors reflect the communities we serve and the wider community we work in.
We genuinely welcome and encourage applications from candidates from a range of backgrounds, especially people of colour, people with disabilities, people from low socio-economic backgrounds, refugees, stateless people and others with lived experience of forced migration or trauma and of the housing and welfare system, who are under-represented in our organisation.
We recognise and value the role of lived experience in meeting the needs of our clients and acknowledge the under-representation of people with lived experience of forced migration and statelessness in the advice sector. We value experience gained overseas as well as in the UK.
We are also proud to be a member of the Experts by Experience Employment Network which aims to increase representation of people with lived experience in the charitable sector.
If you are an expert by experience (a refugee or a migrant with direct, first-hand experience of issues and challenges of the UK asylum or immigration system), you can ask for an independent and confidential support for your job application from the Experts by Experience Employment Network and access other information and resources which may help in preparing your job application.
Please complete the form on their website to request support and they will confirm if they can match you with a mentor to support your application.
The National Lottery Community Fund is seeking a Senior Government Relationship Manager to lead our relationships with governments across the UK as part of our newly restructured communications function. This role represents a significant opportunity in our new function as we implement our ambitious communications strategy that shifts from traditional grant-making support to demonstrating the powerful impact that communities have across the UK.
As a senior member of the External Affairs team and a key part of our wider communications team, you will lead our relationship with DCMS as our sponsor department and build a coherent approach to government relations across the UK that recognises the needs of all of the devolved administrations. You will build connections with relevant government departments, acting as the key coordinator and source of knowledge and insight for all government-related activity at the Fund.
Your role as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on government relations and building our reputation will be critical to our success. Your political insight will help the Fund maintain its identity as a champion of community-led change while providing senior counsel on engaging with ministers and officials.
You will work in close collaboration with communications and funding colleagues to anticipate and mitigate risks in a structured way, handling sensitive issues when they arise. Your strong understanding of the political landscape and ability to build strong relationships will support the Fund’s wider strategic objectives.
We're looking for a government relations professional with significant experience who can build influential relationships across all levels of government and who can provide expert analysis of policy developments. The ideal candidate will bring a sophisticated understanding of the UK political landscape and the workings of government. You will be politically astute with experience navigating complex stakeholder environments and balancing diverse priorities. Your background might include policy development, stakeholder or government relations or public affairs in a government department, a public body or a large mission-driven organisation.
Key responsibilities
- Design and deliver a consistent approach to government relations across the UK, maintaining systems and processes for ensuring effective delivery
- Lead our sponsor relationship with DCMS and build relationships and connections with relevant departments, managing and co-ordinating responses to departmental requirements and identifying opportunities to demonstrate our value.
- Provide strategic horizon scanning and expert policy analysis, disseminating information and advice to senior leaders
- Coordinate the Fund's interactions with governments across the UK
- Develop engagement plans for ministers and senior officials
- Create high-quality briefing materials for senior leadership for meetings with government ministers and senior officials, attending meetings as appropriate
- Lead on policy positioning papers on key issues
- Support Communications colleagues to ensure country and regional government relations are aligned
Location: We have a hybrid approach to working. Work pattern and location will be agreed with the successful candidate. The role can be based at any of our UK offices: Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Exeter, Glasgow, Leeds, London, Newcastle and Newtown.
Interview dates: Week commencing 30th June and 7th July
On application, please align your supporting statement to the criteria below
Essential criteria
- Significant experience in government relations, policy and public affairs, working with government departments, ministers and officials
- Understanding of DCMS and its broader universe, particularly related to VCSE sector
- Strong background in political analysis skills, parliamentary and legislative knowledge
- Demonstrable success in influencing policy outcomes
- Experience advising senior leadership
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, evidence of ability to turn complex policy into useful briefings at short notice
- Ability to engage diverse political and other stakeholder audiences
- Project and matrix management experience, particularly in complex organisations managing competing deadlines.
Desirable criteria
- Experience with devolved administrations
- Background in non-departmental or arms-length public bodies
- Relevant professional qualification
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Communities in the UK come in all shapes and sizes. National Lottery funding is for everyone – therefore, we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and we work hard to ensure our funding reaches where it is needed.
We also believe our people should represent the communities, organisations and individuals we work with. That’s why the National Lottery Community Fund is committed to being an inclusive employer and a great place to work. We recognise and celebrate the fact that our people come from diverse backgrounds. We positively welcome applications from people from ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities or longstanding health conditions, people who are LGBTQ+, and people from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds, as well as people of all ages.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we take a proactive approach in making reasonable adjustments, if needed, throughout the recruitment process and during employment. (This can be related to a physical and mental health condition.)
It starts with community.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Trees for Cities is the only national charity dedicated to improve lives by planting, protecting and promoting urban trees. We do this by working closely with communities, landowners, partners and funders to deliver transformational change in towns and cities across the UK and overseas. We plant trees in schools, streets, estates, parks and open spaces to create nature-rich urban woodland, hedgerows, orchards, avenues and playgrounds.
Benefitting people and the environment lies at the heart of what we do and this role comes at an exciting time for our organisation. As we enter a critical decade for environmental action, we’re looking for a strategic, ambitious, and collaborative Head of Corporate Fundraising to lead our corporate partnerships programme and secure the vital income needed to power our mission.
This is a unique opportunity to join a passionate, high-performing team at a pivotal moment. With our current strategy, The Turn of Trees (2022–25), coming to a close, and a bold new plan launching later this year, we’re scaling our efforts to drive a movement for tree equity—a future where everyone can enjoy the benefits of trees, no matter where they live. We already work with a range of leading businesses and foundations including BUPA Foundation, CBRE, and Bauer Media, and are seeking a leader who can deepen these partnerships while unlocking ambitious new opportunities.
As Head of Corporate Fundraising, you’ll help shape a bold and proactive fundraising approach, and personally drive high-value partnerships of £100,000+. You’ll combine strategic vision with hands-on leadership—crafting compelling propositions, nurturing long-term collaborations, and ensuring excellence in delivery. You’ll play a critical role in shaping our next phase of income growth, aligned closely with the wider organisational strategy and impact goals.
Trees for Cities is a fantastic place to work. We have a warm, inclusive and vibrant culture, where you will work collaboratively to witness the impact of your work to make a tangible difference in urban communities. If you’re an experienced and passionate corporate fundraiser ready to help build greener, healthier, more resilient cities—this is your moment.
Apply now and join us in growing a future where every street, every school, and every city is alive with trees and the benefit they bring.
For full details on the role and organisation, please download the Appointment Brief, where you will also find contact details of who to speak to should you have questions about the role and recruitment process and details on how to apply.
Closing Date: 29 June 2025
People Beyond Profit conversations: 2-7 July 2025
Panel Interview Dates: 8 & 15 July 2025
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Fundraising and Communications Executive is a new role and will play a pivotal part in advancing our communications and fundraising strategies. As OTR continues to grow, this position will be instrumental in expanding our online presence and ensuring we connect with a broad audience, including young people, families, professionals, and supporters of our mission. It’s an ideal opportunity for someone who is both creative and analytical, skilled in producing compelling content and using data to amplify digital impact. This role would suit someone who can take initiative, think proactively, and confidently manage projects independently – qualities that are especially important in our small, dedicated team.
You’ll work on a wide range of projects, creating engaging content that aligns with OTR’s brand and values across our website, social media, and email campaigns. This includes developing multimedia content (including graphics, videos and blogs) to promote our work and highlight our impact in the local community.
From a fundraising perspective, you will help drive our fundraising activities and ensure efficient administration using the newly acquired ‘Donorfy’ database. This includes leading on the stewardship of donors and community fundraisers, managing our fundraising CRM database, and working on small and medium-sized trust and grant applications. You’ll also support digital campaigns and new initiatives, to encourage sustained support for our work. You’ll directly help to secure the financial support needed to expand OTR’s services and reach more beneficiaries. In addition, you’ll analyse the performance of our digital channels – interpreting website analytics, social media metrics, and email campaign results – to provide recommendations that enhance our communications strategies and ensure ongoing impact.
This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a supportive and passionate team. If you’re a skilled communicator driven by purpose, enjoy creating compelling digital content, building strong relationships with donors, and using data to inform creative strategies, this could be the role for you.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Fundraising and Communications Executive
Location: Hybrid or office-based – OTR has two offices, both based in Leigh Park. PO9 3SU and PO9 5BG.
Reports to: Head of Fundraising
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: Part-time (up to 22.5 hours a week, with hours and working pattern negotiable)
Salary: £15,795 - £16,380 per annum (FTE £25,974 - £26,936)
JOB PURPOSE
The Fundraising and Communications Executive will play a key role in implementing OTR’s fundraising and communications strategies. The role involves planning, creating, curating and managing high-quality digital content across our website, social media platforms and email marketing campaigns. Furthermore, you will support key areas of our fundraising strategy, including trust and grant applications, horizon scanning and ensuring excellent fundraising administration across all areas of activity.
This position is instrumental in supporting the Head of Fundraising in developing and strengthening OTR’s income streams and increasing awareness of OTR’s services through effective communications.
Specific role duties
Supporting the fundraising strategy
• Lead on OTR’s donor and community fundraiser stewardship through excellent communication and effective relationship management.
• Lead on the implementation of fundraising communications across channels.
• Responsible for small to medium size trust and grant applications, including horizon scanning
• Support the stewardship of small and medium-sized trusts and foundations including scoping, applications, reporting and funder management.
• Create engaging content and campaigns to drive income generation.
• Help build the small pool of regular donors.
Website and CRM maintenance
• Work with OTR’s Head of Fundraising, the Administration Manager and web developer to maintain, update and enhance the OTR website.
• Monitor website performance, user engagement and SEO trends, suggesting and
implementing improvements to enhance user experience and visibility.
• Lead on ensuring our CRM (Donorfy) is utilised effectively to record, monitor and report on fundraising activity and income.
Social media
• Working with the Head of Fundraising, CEO and Volunteer Coordinator and Business Support Officer, contribute to OTR’s social media presence by creating and scheduling engaging, accessible, and informative content that resonates with our audience and supports OTR’s mission.
• Monitor social media platforms to ensure timely and appropriate responses to comments and messages.
• Identify new opportunities to grow OTR’s social media reach, building awareness of our services, fundraising and outreach work.
• Regularly report on social media performance, using insights to inform future content and strategy.
• Utilise paid ads to support fundraising and training.
Email marketing
• Support the planning, creation, and delivery of OTR’s, soon to be launched, email marketing campaigns, including newsletters, fundraising initiatives and service information and signposting.
• Ensure all email communications are engaging, well-structured, and in line with OTR’s brand and tone of voice.
• Assist in the promotion of key OTR events, such as the Big Charity Bash and annual Great South Run and other special events.
• Manage and grow OTR’s email marketing lists, ensuring they are up to date and GDPR compliant.
• Track and analyse the performance of email campaigns, providing reports and insights to the Head of Fundraising.
Content creation
• Create engaging, accessible, and informative content for OTR’s digital channels, including the website, social media and email marketing.
• Develop multimedia content (for example, videos and graphics) to enhance OTR’s
communication methods and increase engagement.
• Contribute to blogs, news articles and case studies that highlight OTR’s work, impact and achievements in the sector.
Brand and tone of voice
• Ensure that all digital content aligns with OTR’s brand, tone of voice and style,
maintaining a cohesive and recognisable identity across all platforms.
• Promote OTR as the leading place to turn to for support, ensuring that our content
reflects our professionalism, reputation and expertise.
Analytics and reporting
• Use analytics tools to track the performance of OTR’s digital communications, including website traffic, email engagement and social media reach.
• Provide regular reports on digital performance to the Head of Fundraising, including insights and recommendations for improvement.
• Provide regular reports from the CRM and other online fundraising platforms to the
Head of Fundraising.
Promote
• Promote OTR as an exceptional and specialist charity.
Equality and diversity
• Promote good equality practice and play a key role in ensuring equality of opportunity in the workplace.
• Observe all relevant law relating to equality of opportunities.
• Encourage a working atmosphere where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
Any other duties
• The post-holder will work collaboratively with all OTR trustees, staff and volunteers to provide a seamless service.
• Any other duties commensurate with the post.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Knowledge, training and qualifications
Essential
• Understanding of charitable organisations.
• Understanding of principles of communications, marketing and fundraising.
Desirable
• Understanding of issues facing families in Havant and South East Hampshire.
Experience
Essential
• Experience of working in a communications or marketing role.
• Experience in planning, creating, and managing digital content across websites, social media, and email marketing.
• Experience in developing and managing content using online platforms including JustGiving, Mailchimp and Canva.
• Experience of managing a diverse workload in a busy environment.
Desirable
• Experience in utilising a CRM database to improve administrative systems.
• Experience in creating multimedia content, such as graphics and videos, to enhance digital communications.
• Experience in supporting fundraising initiatives, including donor stewardship and relationship management.
• Proficiency in using analytics tools (e.g. Google Analytics and social media insights) to monitor and report on digital communication performance.
• Experience in upholding and applying brand guidelines in various forms of content.
• Experience in communicating expert information/advice to wider audiences.
Skills
Essential
• Strong writing and editing skills with a focus on creating engaging, accessible, and audience specific content.
• Exceptional customer service skills with proven ability to respond appropriately and effectively to enquiries on the phone, on social media, and by email.
• Strong time and project management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to build effective relationships and to be impactful with people of varying levels and experience.
• A flexible, pro-active approach to work including the ability to work to deadlines, plan, prioritise and manage own workload.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work autonomously and demonstrate initiative.
• A team player committed to working collaboratively to achieve results.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office Packages including SharePoint, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and the internet.
• Ability to learn and better utilise IT systems.
• Ability to deal with sensitive information with discretion and to always maintain confidentiality.
Safeguarding
Our organisation implements safeguarding protocols in all aspects of service delivery and operations; we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults. All successful applicants will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check with the relevant barred checks in line with the role.
Other requirements
• A commitment to treating your colleagues fairly, consistently and with respect (Essential)
• An interest in and understanding of OTR’s mission and strategy (Essential)
• Resilient, creative, determined and hard working (Essential)
WHAT WE OFFER YOU
We will provide a laptop, and other necessary IT equipment to facilitate hybrid and home working.
As an employee, you will receive the following benefit package:
• Generous annual leave entitlement including bank holidays
• Flexible start and finish times between core hours of 8am and 6pm
• Flexible hours to take time off for medical appointments and caring responsibilities
• Hybrid working
• 3% employer pension contribution if eligible
• Paid sick leave
To apply
Please submit a full CV (accounting for all gaps in employment - for Safer Recruitment).and a covering letter detailing all of the below:
- why you believe you are right for this role.
- why you wish to work at OTR.
- detailing your experience in all ‘essential’ criteria of the person specification
Registered charity number 1064275
Limited company 3333729
Funded by the National Lottery Community Fund
Supporting young people’s mental health to fulfil their potential for a brighter future
As the first Head of Operations, you will provide strategic oversight, work with staff to translate our strategy into actionable, measurable plans for efficient and effective work, which will enhance the impact for people in immigration detention. Your management of the team’s operations will support our growth, resilience, and sustainability.
For futher information see the Application Pack
What they say about Medical Justice;
“What Medical Justice did was absolutely remarkable. They sent two specialists to see me in Harmondsworth and they did the most amazingly thorough job documenting all my scars. Then I got my medico-legal report which was over 40 pages long. They did thorough, professional work – there is nothing more that they could have done and ultimately this work got me out of detention.” – former detained person and Medical Justice client
“[Medical Justice] has strong characteristics and a highly respected reputation. It is regarded as principled, expert and evidence-based, tenacious in its casework and policy work, fierce and ferocious when needed and brave in the way it speaks truth to power.” – fellow non-governmental organisation
“Medical Justice has an outsized impact for its size – it is highly effective and the team is absolutely terrific, which is all the more impressive in the difficult political context.” – Medical Justice funder
Informal online information sessions
An opportunity to ask questions about Medical Justice and its work as well as about the Head of Operations role ;
12.30-1.30pm Thursday 22nd May
12.30-1.30 Thursday 5th June
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.