Grassroots development officer jobs
First Give
First Give is a national charity that partners with secondary schools to inspire and equip young people with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to drive change. Through our structured programmes, students explore social issues, connect with charities, and take tangible steps to improve their community.
Empowering and equipping young people to meaningfully contribute to their community is a first step to addressing many of the challenges we face at this time of social disconnection and division. Our vision is of a more generous society where everyone is willing and able to give their time, money and skills to the causes they care about.
The Route to a Million Campaign
This is an exciting time for First Give, as we seek to expand and diversify our fundraising streams into Corporate and HNWI. To support this, we are launching the Route to A Million campaign in March, aiming to raise an additional £1.5 million over the next 3 years on top of our forecast income. The campaign is supported by a newly recruited campaign board, and the new Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships will spearhead the work required to achieve this target.
Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships
We are seeking a dynamic, strategic and entrepreneurial Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships to supercharge First Give’s next phase of income growth. This is a pivotal role at the heart of our mission, offering the opportunity to shape and deliver a multi‑year fundraising strategy that fuels real, measurable impact for young people and society as a whole. First Give is a small charity, with a growing fundraising team and big ambitions. You will therefore be someone who thrives in a start-up environment, brings new ideas to the table and is comfortable leading a brand-new team.
As the senior leader for all income streams, you will own and drive our major donor programme; unlock new philanthropic partnerships; and build a talented team across other income streams to achieve ambitious goals. Working closely with the Director and our emerging Campaign Board, you will play critical role in growing our £1m+ annual income, deepening donor engagement and building the culture, systems and relationships that will propel First Give into its next phase of expansion.
This is an exciting opportunity for an exceptional fundraiser who thrives in a values‑driven, high‑ambition environment and wants to make a lasting contribution to a fast‑growing education charity.
Contract: Full time (35 hours per week), Permanent
Salary: £60K (+£2K London weighting if applicable)
Location: This is a hybrid contract. The successful candidate will be expected to work from our London office or attend in-person meetings and host donors at school Final events as required. The remainder of the week can typically be worked remotely, with flexibility as required.
The students we work with come from a diverse range of backgrounds, and so do we. We want to foster a diverse and inclusive culture, to empower our teams to achieve our vision drawing on the broadest possible range of experiences. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates from minoritised groups currently underrepresented on our executive team, particularly black and minority ethnic and disabled candidates.
Please download the candidate pack for more details, and don't hesitate to get in touch if you'd like a chat about the role or any reasonable adjustments we can make before applying: contact details provided in the candidate pack.
Creating opportunities where young people are inspired and empowered to give their time, money or skills to charities and causes that they care about


First Give
First Give is a national charity that partners with secondary schools to inspire and equip young people with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to drive change. Through our structured programmes, students explore social issues, connect with charities, and take tangible steps to improve their community.
Empowering and equipping young people to meaningfully contribute to their community is a first step to addressing many of the challenges we face at this time of social disconnection and division. Our vision is of a more generous society where everyone is willing and able to give their time, money and skills to the causes they care about.
Corporate Parnterships Manager
We are seeking a self-motivated and driven Corporate Partnerships Manager to lead on growing and stewarding First Give’s portfolio of high-value funders. This role will focus on developing corporate partnerships and will also support our Campaign Board and major donor activity.
First Give is a small charity, with a growing fundraising team and big ambitions. You will therefore be someone who thrives in a start-up environment, brings new ideas to the table and is comfortable setting up new systems and processes. You will play a pivotal role in shaping First Give’s income growth, working closely with our Head of Philanthropy and the Director. This role will also support key engagement activities, including hosting donors at student-led Final events and facilitating employee volunteering at schools.
This is an exciting opportunity for a confident fundraiser and communicator looking for the next step in their career. Someone who thrives on strategy, storytelling, and social impact.
Contract: Full-time, 35 hours per week. Permanent.
Salary: £40K (+£2K London weighting if applicable)
Location: The successful candidate will be expected to work from our London office or attend in-person meetings and host donors at school Final events for two days per week on average. The remainder of the week can typically be worked remotely, with flexibility as required.
Reporting to: Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships
The students we work with come from a diverse range of backgrounds, and so do we. We want to foster a diverse and inclusive culture, to empower our teams to achieve our vision drawing on the broadest possible range of experiences. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates from minoritised groups currently underrepresented on our executive team, particularly black and minority ethnic and disabled candidates.
Please download the candidate pack for more details, and don't hesitate to get in touch if you'd like a chat about the role or any reasonable adjustments we can make before applying: contact details provided in the candidate pack.
Creating opportunities where young people are inspired and empowered to give their time, money or skills to charities and causes that they care about


We have an exciting opportunity for someone to join a rapidly growing caring charity with the benefits of flexible family friendly working (from home), generous holiday, pension scheme, travel expenses, laptop and phone provided.
Reaching Families was established in 2008 to empower, inform and support parent-carers and families of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities in West Sussex. We achieve this through the delivery of a range of services including information, training and peer support.
Our ND Navigation Service provides information, training and support to parent-carers of children and young people waiting on, undergoing or completed an assessment for ADHD, Autism and other neurodivergent conditions.
We are looking to recruit a skilled and motivated Administration & Data Management Officer to join our Team. The post holder will be responsible for providing a range of administrative duties in support of our ND Navigation Service and Outreach team, including processing referrals, creating and maintaining records on our Charitylog database, collating data and generating monitoring reports as well as managing enquiries from parents.
Job Description & Person Specification
Key Tasks & Responsibilities
1. Processing referrals received into the NDP Navigation service
2. Creating and updating service user records on Charitylog and Excel including data entry and uploading documents, etc.
3. Weekly collating of data from Charitylog and generating monthly monitoring reports on Excel to provide senior managers, partners and funders
4. Arranging community outreach events (ND Navigation Roadshow) with local partners including CDC’s, Family Hubs, special schools, short break providers, parent support groups, etc.
5. Managing enquiries from parent-carers and professionals working with parents
6. Managing bookings in the event of staff sickness or absence – for the NDP Navigation service
7. Carrying out regular telephone surveys with parent-carers who have accessed the NDP Navigation service, maintaining monitoring records and testimonials and updating log sheets
8. Monitoring posts on Reaching Families Facebook group and where relevant, follow up with signposting to appropriate Reaching Families Services and other relevant providers
9. Providing other administrative support to the Outreach and Training Manager, Team Lead, Co-ordinators and ND Support Workers in executing their duties
10. To pursue a strategy of continual personal and professional development
11. To carry out other occasional duties commensurate with the role
See attached job description for details and full criteria
We welcome applications from all members of the community and value diversity in the organisation. Please contact us if you require any reasonable adjustments to be made to the application or interview process due to any disability or health requirements.
Closing date for applications is 2nd March 2026
Interviews to be held in Littlehampton on 11th March 2026
To apply please complete the attached application form and share why you feel you fit the role and person specification (see attached documents)
To empower, inform and support parent-carers and families of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities in West Sussex
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
the3million is the largest grassroots organisation for EU citizens in the UK, formed after the 2016 referendum to protect the rights of people who have made the UK their home.
Our work ranges from organising EU citizens’ communities and informing people about their rights, to holding the Government to account on the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement and advocating for social justice.
We are looking for an experienced and values-driven Community Organiser to lead the delivery of EU Voices, a project aimed at strengthening EU citizens’ communities in the UK through capacity building of civil society organisations (CSOs) and delivering a programme of engagement events and campaigns directly with EU citizens.
The ideal candidate will be passionate about social justice and migrants’ rights, able to plan, deliver and evaluate community engagement events, while also playing a key role in liaising with CSOs and delivering a programme of capacity building activities, enabling networks to be more effective and strategic in making change happen. The role requires strong experience in community organising, participatory approaches and working with diverse, grassroots-led CSOs.
Key responsibilities
1. Community organising and civic engagement
- Lead the planning, delivery and evaluation of the project’s community organising strategy, working closely with the3million’s other Community Organisers to deliver a cohesive programme of opportunities.
- Plan, organise and facilitate listening sessions with EU citizens’ communities in partnership with local grassroots organisations.
- Deliver outreach activities at cultural, educational and community events, including stalls promoting the project and voter registration drives.
- Design and facilitate intercultural dialogue events that build bridges between EU citizens and British residents.
- Ensure all community engagement activities are inclusive, participatory and grounded in lived experience.
- Work with the Communications Manager to effectively promote the project in the media and the3million’s website, newsletter and social media as appropriate.
2. Capacity building for CSOs
- Lead the delivery of capacity building activities for EU citizens’ organisations, coordinating with fundraising, communications and anti-oppressive practices training providers.
- Work closely with grassroots CSOs providing one to one guidance and support, including on organising local engagement events.
- Support CSOs to deliver and implement community organising plans and deliver local outreach and campaigning events.
3. Coordination and project management
- Act as the main point of contact for the3million within the EU Voices consortium, working closely with the Project Coordinator and partners.
- Coordinate activities to ensure coherence, timely delivery and alignment with project objectives and indicators.
- Lead on project planning, internal coordination meetings, and risk management.
- Support monitoring, evaluation and learning processes, including the collection of qualitative and quantitative data from community activities.
4. Stakeholder engagement
- Work with the Head of Policy and Advocacy to ensure community insights and grassroots priorities inform and lead the3million’s advocacy.
- Support the3million’s policy-focused webinars and engagement with UK and EU decision-makers.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with a wide network of external stakeholders including grassroots community leaders and CSOs.
5. Reporting and documentation
- Lead on the3million’s narrative reporting for EU funders, including event reports, progress updates and evidence of impact.
- Ensure accurate documentation of activities, participant engagement and outcomes in line with EU funding and visibility requirements.
- Support the production of case studies, testimonials and stories of impact from participating CSOs.
6. General responsibilities
- Represent the views of the3million at events, conferences and in the media, as appropriate.
- Provide assistance in other areas of the3million’s work as and when deemed necessary by the CEO.
Person specifications
Knowledge and experience:
- Significant experience (minimum 3 years) in community organising, grassroots mobilisation or community development.
- Proven experience working directly with EU citizens or other minoritised, racialised or migrant communities.
- Strong understanding of participatory, rights-based and inclusive organising approaches.
- Experience coordinating complex projects with multiple stakeholders and partners.
- Experience of working with people from different backgrounds, including different language skills, cultures/ethnicities, ages, etc. Comfortable interacting with people who hold different opinions with a view to build mutual understanding and solidarity.
Skills:
- Excellent facilitation skills (experience of running workshops, events, stakeholder meetings)
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience producing funding reports, ability to write clear emails with compelling calls to action and the confidence to speak in public settings
- Familiarity with anti-oppression practices (which can include anti-racism, co-liberatory and intersectional principles) and ability to apply them in practice (centering the voices of racialised, minoritised and under-represented community members in project design and implementation)
- Strong administrative skills, time management and attention to detail, including the ability to set meeting agendas, keep records of volunteers/partners and to follow up on agreed actions
Personal attributes:
- A deep commitment to migrants’ rights and a passion for social justice
- Strong understanding of power, inequity and intersectionality, and how these shape participation and community engagement
- Ability to work independently, managing competing priorities and thrive in a fast-paced environment
- A positive, proactive and solutions-oriented attitude, able to take initiative
- Willingness to travel across the UK
Desirable
- Experience working on EU-funded projects.
- Experience working with EU citizens’ communities or on post-Brexit rights issues.
Before you apply
One of the3million’s core values is equity - we are people led, we value diversity and are enriched by differences. We strive to listen to, engage with and represent the broadest range of people.
We recognise our team is not currently representative of communities that experience racism and that our own ways of working may replicate wider societal oppression and injustices. We are actively working towards becoming an anti-oppressive organisation, including taking steps to create a more inclusive recruitment process.
You may not have worked in an organisation whose focus is campaigning for migrants’ rights. Or you may have experience in a grassroots setting which is not formalised. Please still consider applying as many other settings offer transferable skills.
If you are from a background that is underrepresented in the migration sector - for example you are from a community that experiences racism, or you have lived experience of migration, or you are a disabled person, or you did not go to University or had free school meals as a child - we strongly encourage you to apply.
We believe our work will be stronger with greater diversity. the3million welcomes the whole person to work, and we understand that each of us brings our experiences, our backgrounds and our own unique lens to what we do.
We are part of the Experts by Experience Employment Initiative. The network supports inclusive recruitment of people with lived experience of the UK asylum or immigration system. If this is your experience, you can find useful resources on their website.
Working conditions
Position: 4 days / week
Duration: three years contract, with possibility of extension, subject to funding
Salary: £38,419 FTE
Location: London, UK. Majority home working. Travel will be required - majority within the UK, in addition to trips to Brussels and Rome (all travel expenses covered)
Benefits: 28 days holiday + birthday, bank holidays, contributory pension scheme, flexible working patterns.
Reporting to: CEO
About applying
Apply by submitting an up to date CV and cover letter, detailing your motivations for applying for this post and how your skills, knowledge and experience fit the person specifications of the role. Please note we will not be reviewing applications which do not include a detailed cover letter.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About The Public Interest Law Centre
The Public Interest Law Centre exists to challenge unlawful state practice and systemic injustice through legal representation, strategic litigation, research and legal education. We specialise in public law, actions against public authorities and public inquiries, bringing cases to court for individuals and grassroots groups who have been treated unfairly.
We hold government and public bodies to account, challenge unlawful policies and practices, and promote access to justice for marginalised individuals and communities. We will not rest until we achieve a fairer and more equitable society.
About the Role
As Fundraising Manager, you will work closely with, and be fully supported by, the Director to execute and implement PILC’s fundraising strategy, with a specific focus on trusts and foundations. You’ll be a skilled fundraiser with demonstrable experience in securing income from trusts and foundations.
Position: Fundraising Manager
Responsible to: Director
Location: Cambridge Health, London (E2) / Hybrid working - two days per week in the office
Hours: 35 hours per week (full-time), or part-time, with flexible working around core hours
Salary: £41,814 - £47,464 per annum (from 1 April 2026)
Main Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain a strong, strategic pipeline of trust and foundation prospects aligned with organisational priorities and funding needs.
- Grow PILC’s individual donor and supporter base.
- Work closely with the Director and project teams to translate our legal and advocacy work into clear, compelling funding propositions.
- Manage the full grants cycle, ensuring excellent stewardship and compliance with funder requirements.
- Build new relationships with trusts and foundations and steward relationships with existing funders.
- Secure income from trusts and foundations, including developing multi-year or higher-value grants over time.
- Ensure all fundraising activity complies with PILC’s Ethical Fundraising Policy and relevant regulations.
Annual leave and benefits
- We offer 25 days of holiday per year, plus additional time off over Christmas when our office closes
- A 7% employer pension contribution and option to join our Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme
- Flexible working around our core hours of 10am – 4pm
- Friendly, collaborative and truly inclusive culture
- Laptop and mobile phone
- Support and supervision
- Learning and development budget
- Access to our 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme
- Enhanced support when you need it most, including enhanced maternity pay, family leave policies and sick pay
Please review the recruitment pack before applying which contains:
- Background information about PILC
- Information about the selection process
- A detailed role description and person specification
- Application form
- Equality & Diversity monitoring form
How to apply: Please submit your completed application form and equality and diversity monitoring form to the email address in the recruitment pack by the closing date: Friday 14 February 2026 at 12pm.
Interviews will commence before the end of February 2026.
Please note, we do not accept CVs.
PILC exists to challenge systemic injustice through legal representation, strategic litigation, research and legal education.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We’re hiring a Director of Communities, Health and Partnerships.
Hackney CVS is in an exciting new phase and we’re looking for a senior leader to help shape it.
Following a major restructuring and redesign of our support offer, we’re focusing more sharply on our core mission: strengthening, connecting and championing the voluntary and community sector (VCS) across Hackney and the City of London.
Our Director of Communities, Health and Partnerships will:
- Lead our networks, forums and engagement work.
- Amplify community voice in local decision-making.
- Build powerful cross-sector partnerships.
- Support the voluntary sector to influence systems change.
You’ll join our Senior Leadership Team at a pivotal moment, helping us embed new ways of working and secure a brighter future for the VCS.
If you care deeply about equity, collaboration and the potential of the VCS to transform lives, and if you thrive in complexity, influence and relationship building, we would love to hear from you.
For the full job description and person specification, please see the attached recruitment pack.
#director #community #health #partnership
We support voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations in Hackney and the City of London.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
This is a practical, hands-on leadership role at the heart of Richmond CVS’s work with local charities and community groups. The postholder will lead our support to voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations across the borough – helping them to grow stronger and more sustainable.
The main focus of the role is to strengthen the fundraising skills and income generation of local organisations, alongside providing high-quality advice on governance, planning and strategy. The role requires curiosity, creativity and strong problem-solving skills to help organisations find practical solutions to real-world challenges.
Richmond CVS already works with a range of experienced consultants and trainers and has an established suite of training resources. The postholder is not expected to be an expert in every aspect of charity management. A key part of the role is to coordinate and facilitate this support, drawing on specialist expertise where needed, while providing direct advice particularly in relation to fundraising and the fundamentals of good governance.
Working with a small, passionate team, you will deliver support, facilitate learning and manage projects that make a real difference to grassroots groups.
Key Responsibilities
Organisational Support
· Provide practical tailored advice and support to VCSE organisations on governance, fundraising, income generation, and strategic planning.
· Help groups to identify funding opportunities and develop strong, realistic funding applications
· Support organisations to become more sustainable and resilient
· Develop clear resources, toolkits and guidance
· Ensure all support is inclusive and accessible
Training & Events
· Oversee and coordinate a high-quality programme of training and learning opportunities
· Work with an established network of external trainers and consultants to deliver specialist training
· Facilitate meetings, workshops and network events where appropriate
· Develop new learning opportunities based on emerging needs
· Maintain and develop existing Richmond CVS training materials and resources
· Promote peer learning and collaboration across the sector
Project & Programme Management
· Lead and manage capacity building projects from start to finish
· Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget and to agreed outcomes
· Monitor and evaluate impact and produce reports for funders
· Oversee external consultants and specialist support ensuring quality and consistency
· Identify opportunities for new funded projects
Leadership & Team Management
· Lead and support a small, committed team
· Coordinate workplans and priorities
· Provide supervision, support and development for staff
Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement
· Build strong working relationships with Richmond Council, the NHS and other partners
· Represent Richmond CVS at meetings and networks
· Facilitate networking and collaboration across the VCSE sector
· Encourage digital skills and innovation across the sector
Income Generation & Operations
· Lead on income generation for capacity building work
· Contribute to funding bids and proposals
· Support budget planning and financial monitoring
· Ensure compliance with organisational policies and procedures
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential Criteria
Experience & Knowledge
· Significant experience of working within the VCSE sector
· Strong practical experience of fundraising and bid writing
· Experience of helping organisations improve income generation and sustainability
· Experience of managing or supervising staff or volunteers
· Experience of developing, coordinating or facilitating training and learning opportunities
· Good understanding of the principles of charity governance and good management practice
· Confidence in using digital tools to support organisations
Skills & Abilities
· Excellent communication and presentation skills
· Strong problem-solving skills and a solutions-focused approach
· Curiosity and a genuine interest in understanding organisational needs
· Ability to build positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders
· Ability to recognise when specialist expertise is needed and work effectively with external trainers and consultants
· Strong organisational and time management skills
· Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
· Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
Desirable Criteria
· Knowledge of the Richmond upon Thames VCSE sector
· Experience of working with local authorities or the NHS
· Experience of grant assessment or management
· Understanding of charity law
· Experience of hybrid working environments and flexible team management
· Relevant qualification in fundraising, charity or project management
Personal Qualities
· Curious and keen to learn
· Resourceful and solution-focused
· Approachable and supportive
· Passionate about the VCSE sector
· Flexible and willing to get involved where needed
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Philanthropy Manager
We are seeking an exceptional Philanthropy Manager to grow impactful giving and strengthen life changing community support across Milton Keynes.
Salary: £38000-£42000 per annum
Location: Milton Keynes (hybrid working 3 days a week in the office ) Free Parking
Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours per week
Closing date: 28th February 2026
About the Role
As Philanthropy Manager, you will play a pivotal role in developing and nurturing high value relationships that help drive positive change across Milton Keynes. Working as part of a collaborative and mission focused team, you will connect donors, businesses, fundholders and community partners with the causes that matter most.
You will lead a portfolio of donor relationships, ensuring exceptional stewardship and delivering tailored engagement that inspires long term support. Using your strategic insight, you will develop giving opportunities aligned with community needs, informed by the Foundation’s data and research.
Key responsibilities include:
- Managing and growing a portfolio of high value donors, fundholders and corporate partners.
- Developing and delivering stewardship plans that demonstrate impact and inspire renewed investment.
- Creating compelling cases for support, proposals and reports tailored to donor motivations.
- Leading and supporting donor events, briefings, visits and engagement activities.
- Working closely with colleagues in Programmes, Finance and Communications to ensure funds are allocated effectively and transparently.
- Identifying new prospects and building philanthropic networks across Milton Keynes.
- Representing the organisation professionally at meetings, events and community forums.
- Upholding best practice in compliance, data management and ethical fundraising.
About You
You will be an ambitious and relationship driven fundraising professional with a passion for making a difference. You’ll bring confidence working with senior stakeholders, excellent communication skills and the ability to translate community impact into meaningful philanthropic opportunities.
You will have:
- Experience in major donor fundraising, high value partnerships, or relationship based income generation.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, able to craft engaging proposals and impact reports.
- The ability to manage a diverse portfolio and prioritise effectively.
- A proactive, collaborative approach and a commitment to outstanding donor care.
- Sound judgement, professionalism and the ability to manage confidential information appropriately.
A genuine commitment to fairness, inclusion and community empowerment is essential.
About the Organisation
This Foundation is a long established, place based funder dedicated to strengthening the local voluntary sector and supporting the most pressing needs across the city. Through strategic grant making, donor partnerships and community insight, the Foundation ensures resources are directed where they can make the biggest difference. The organisation manages a diverse range of funds, supports grassroots to large charities, and plays a vital role in shaping a fairer, more resilient Milton Keynes. Joining the team means becoming part of a collaborative, values driven organisation with a deep understanding of the people and places it serves.
Other roles you may have experience of could include:
Major Donor Manager, Partnerships Manager, Philanthropy Officer, Development Manager, Trusts & Foundations Manager, Relationship Manager, Fundraising Manager, Donor Engagement Manager, Grants & Impact Manager.
Citizens UK
Citizens UK is the UK’s biggest, most diverse and most effective people-powered alliance. We bring communities and local organisations together to work on issues that matter; from campaigning for zebra crossings on dangerous roads, to reforming the immigration system, to the Living Wage campaign. We have a track record of winning change through hundreds of local and national campaigns. We know everyday people have the ability to shape the world around them. We believe that through developing local leaders, we can drive nationwide change and create community-led solutions to big and small problems.
Citizens UK has played a pioneering role in introducing and developing community sponsorship of refugees in the UK. In response to the Syrian refugee crisis in 2015, we campaigned successfully for the introduction of community sponsorship in the UK. Citizens UK was then instrumental in proving the model can work in the UK and through training, advocacy, and coordination, we have helped hundreds of local groups welcome thousands of refugee families. In 2022, Citizens UK expanded its work by launching the Communities for Ukraine programme, matching Ukrainian refugees with UK hosts and most recently has run Communities for Afghans, resettling dozens of refugees. Throughout, it has combined grassroots organising with national advocacy to build a sustainable, community-led model of refugee resettlement. In 2025, we campaigned successfully to persuade the Government to introduce ‘named sponsorship’, giving communities greater choice in who they would sponsor. This creates a huge opportunity to grow community sponsorship and to enable UK civil society to step up and honour our proud tradition of offering sanctuary.
Head of Community Sponsorship Role
This is a rare opportunity to lead Citizens UK’s community sponsorship campaign and help build the movement that will be at the heart of a community-led welcome.
This new role comes at an exciting and crucial time, as we seek to build and embed this new form of named community sponsorship in the UK. As Head of Community Sponsorship you will lead on our strategy to develop named sponsorship as a transformative part of the UK’s approach to refugee resettlement and community power. This will involve building a broad-base of civil society partners ready to sponsor refugees and to add their voice to the campaign. You will lead on the campaigning and advocacy strategy as we ensure quality in the Government policy and cross-Party political support. Citizens UK acts as the Lead Sponsor for local community sponsorship groups and you will oversee their ongoing support and further engagement.
The role foster collaboration with Citizens UK Organisers and alliances, develop sustainable funding strategies, and ensure alignment with Citizens UK’s broader migration and transformation goals. The role will work alongside Citizens UK’s Migrant and Refugee Organising Team and will contribute to the efforts to build the power to create a more welcoming country. You will lead on relationships with senior stakeholders, policy makers, and funders, and support the creation of campaigns and resources to expand public awareness and support for community sponsorship. With responsibilities spanning communications, and external representation, the role is key to shaping Citizens UK’s refugee resettlement strategy and building its national impact as a driver of cohesion.
Working as the Head of Community Sponsorship for Citizens UK, reporting to the Assistant Director for Migrant and Refugee Organising (MARO), your main responsibilities will include:
Career Pathway Headings
Objectives
Contribute to Citizens UK and Project Strategic Objectives
• Build a broad and deep engagement across civil society in named sponsorship, demonstrating the potential for scale and the big tent of support.
• Develop and implement campaign approaches that secure policy goals and build cross-Party political support.
• Develop strategy that develops the leadership of local Citizens members and refugees, strengthens civic institutions and builds trust across difference.
Build and Manage Projects & Achieve Work Targets Effectively
• Oversee multiple work strands, working in partnership.
• Develop and manage project workplans, KPIs and budgets, ensuring delivery to time, standard, and impact goals.
• Establish systems for performance tracking, evaluation, and continuous improvement across project streams.
Learning, Expertise, Wellbeing & Inclusion
• Act as a senior expert in sponsorship strategy; coach and mentor staff and partners, and facilitate learning across departments and projects.
• Influence and lead the integration of equity, wellbeing and refugee voice into strategic decisions and delivery frameworks.
Develop and Manage External Relationships
• Lead high-level relationships with national and senior stakeholders, including government departments (e.g. Home Office), civil society institutions and funders.
• Build and manage partnerships that advance sponsorship reform and position Citizens UK as a sector leader.
• Ensure stakeholder experience is consistently excellent and take the lead on resolving reputational risks or tensions.
Communications
• Act as a senior spokesperson for Citizens UK’s sponsorship work in the media, at public events, and in government or civil society forums.
• Lead the design and implementation of a high-profile communications strategy to influence narratives on refugee welcome and community leadership.
• Ensure communications align with ethical storytelling principles and amplify sponsor and refugee voices responsibly.
Develop and Manage Internal Relationships
• Lead and develop high-performing cross-functional teams, with clear expectations, direction, and collaboration structures.
• Effectively line manage senior staff and foster shared leadership culture across sponsorship and Citizens UK team
• Ensure that the community sponsorship strategy is aligned with Citizens UK’s other campaigns and work closely with other members of Migrant and Refugee Organising team.
• Contribute to senior leadership structures, including strategic planning processes and transformation initiatives.
Generate Income and Resources
• Initiate and grow significant and sustainable income streams to fund Citizens UK’s sponsorship work.
• Develop and lead high-value funding partnerships with trusts, foundations and strategic donors.
• Demonstrate strong budget oversight and ensure effective use of financial and human resources in sponsorship delivery.
Personal Specification
(D) Desirable, (E) Essential
Qualifications
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Degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field such as migration, social policy, international development, or community organising (D)
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Management or leadership qualification, or relevant CPD in project or programme management, public policy, or team leadership (D)
Experience
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Proven experience in leading complex, multi-stakeholder programmes related to refugee resettlement, community organising, or social impact (E)
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Demonstrable track record of strategic leadership in a charity or community-focused setting (E)
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Experience of managing cross-functional teams to deliver against ambitious organisational goals (E)
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Experience of developing and sustaining strategic partnerships with civil society organisations, local authorities, or government departments (E)
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Experience in leading campaigning and influencing strategies to secure changes in Government policy (E)
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Experience of designing and implementing systems for monitoring, evaluation, and learning to track progress and report to funders and or government stakeholders (D)
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Demonstrable experience of driving collaborative campaigns or outreach efforts that engage diverse communities (E)
Key skills and knowledge
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Strong leadership and team coordination skills – able to motivate, direct, and support multidisciplinary teams across multiple workstreams (E)
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Excellent project and performance management skills – able to set strategic priorities, delegate effectively, and ensure accountability (E)
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In-depth knowledge of refugee resettlement systems, community sponsorship models, and UK migration policy, including recent developments affecting Afghan and Ukrainian pathways (E)
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Knowledge and skills in community organising and an understanding of how community sponsorship and campaigning connect with and support the method and aims of organising (E)
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Outstanding written and verbal communication – confident in producing compelling cases for support, policy communications, and public messaging (E)
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Ability to design and deliver stakeholder engagement strategies, with a clear understanding of influencing policy and public opinion (E)
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Skilled in developing and managing strategic partnerships with funders, policy-makers, and community groups (E)
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Strong analytical and problem-solving skills – able to assess complex challenges, identify risks, and implement effective solutions (E)
Personal qualities & values
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A mission-driven leader with a passion for refugee rights, community empowerment, and social justice (E)
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Politically astute and able to navigate relationships with stakeholders from civil society, government, and grassroots communities (E)
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Collaborative and people-centred, able to work constructively across teams and with volunteers, refugees, and community leaders (E)
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Committed to embedding refugee leadership and lived experience into programme design and delivery (E)
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Resilient, adaptable, and able to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced and evolving policy environment (E)
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Comfortable working within an accountable team culture – open to feedback, reflective practice, and continuous improvement (E)
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Willingness to work occasional evenings or weekends, and to travel when necessary to support programme delivery (E)
Note:
At Citizens UK, we work with communities to develop leaders, strengthen organisations, campaign for change and organise across difference. This work is rewarding and can be challenging; it requires a personal commitment to inclusion, a willingness to listen and disagree respectfully, and an interest in working in an organisation where our staff, member institutions and leaders will come from a diversity of backgrounds and often hold views that may be very different from our own. More information about how we operate within this context and build trusted relationships across difference can be found on our website and is covered in induction. Onboarding and navigating this relational culture, and type of work, is supported by line managers and further training.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
