Head of communication jobs in sittingbourne, kent

At Fuel Bank Foundation, we believe no one should have to choose between heating and eating. Every day, we help people across the UK who are facing fuel crisis—providing emergency financial support, advice, and long-term solutions that create lasting change.

We’re looking for an experienced Strategic Partnerships Manager to help us grow and nurture high-impact relationships with corporate partners, charitable trusts, and grant-making bodies. If you’re a confident communicator, natural relationship-builder, and passionate about making a difference, this could be the role for you.

About the Role:

As Strategic Partnerships Manager, you will play a central role in driving income growth and increasing the impact of our partnerships. You’ll work closely with the Head of Strategic Partnerships to deliver our partnership strategy—developing new funding opportunities, managing existing relationships, and ensuring excellent stewardship throughout the partner journey.

This is a dynamic and varied role that offers scope for creativity, strategy, and hands-on relationship management. You'll collaborate closely with internal teams to bring partner activity to life, demonstrate impact, and align our work with shared goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and manage a portfolio of strategic partnerships, including charitable trusts, corporate sponsors, and grant-making bodies.
• Deliver high-quality stewardship and build strong, long-term relationships with supporters.
• Identify and secure new partnership and funding opportunities in line with organisational strategy.
• Create compelling, tailored proposals and pitches that align with partner objectives and Fuel Bank’s mission.
• Track partnership performance, prepare reports and evaluations, and share impact stories with funders and internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate across departments to align partner activity with service delivery and communications.
• Contribute to income planning, forecasting, and the delivery of financial targets.

What We’re Looking For:

• Strong experience in partnership management, business development, account management, or fundraising—ideally within the charity, non-profit or social impact sector.
• A track record of building successful relationships and delivering income growth.
• Skilled in writing proposals, reports, and presenting ideas clearly and persuasively.
• Commercial awareness and confidence working with budgets, forecasts, and reporting tools.
• Strategic thinker with a creative mindset and the ability to spot new opportunities.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills.
• Comfortable working independently and managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

What You’ll Receive in Return:

• Team Support: Join a supportive and collaborative team committed to your success.
• Enhanced Annual Leave: 27.5 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell additional days.
• Flexible Working: Enjoy a flexible schedule that supports a healthy work-life balance.
• Comprehensive Benefits:
  • Enhanced pension contributions.
  • Private healthcare and access to an Employee Assistance Programme.
• Training and Development: Benefit from a comprehensive onboarding programme and ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Equal Opportunities Employer: We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

Mary’s Meals serves nutritious school meals to children living in some of the world’s poorest countries. The promise of a meal attracts these hungry children into the classroom, giving them the energy to learn and hope for a better future.

We are  recruiting for a Philanthropy and Partnerships Manager (High Value) to join Mary’s Meals UK. ​The Philanthropy and Partnerships Manager (High-Value) will be responsible for the development and implementation of the team’s Donor Advised Funds (DAF) programme. As a growing area of focus for the team, the role holder will have a significant impact on the strategic development of Donor Advised Funds fundraising at Mary’s Meals. This role will be responsible for creating and managing relationships with Donor Advised Funds themselves, with Donor Advised Fund donors, and for developing our organisation’s skills, resources, and knowledge of this audience.

MMUK is the largest and longest established National Affiliate in the Mary’s Meals network, currently raising c.£20M to support global school feeding programmes, reaching children living some of the world’s poorest countries. The promise of a meal attracts these hungry children into the classroom, giving them the energy to learn and hope for a better future.

We have a remote-first approach to work and are happy for you to work remotely and flexibly, in a way that best supports your work-life balance, but for this role you should be within commutable distance of London.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

• Support the Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships (PAP) to develop and implement the High Value Donor fundraising strategy​

• Build and steward relationships with Donor Advised Funds, both those we already receive funds from and others across the UK. These relationships will enthuse and encourage Donor Advised Funds to market Mary’s Meals to their donors, resulting in significant gifts to Mary’s Meals, long-term support, and mutually beneficial partnerships​

• Identify and secure partnerships with new Donor Advised Providers and Funders, developing warm trusting relationships and appropriate stewardship plans​

• Identify appropriate communication possibilities to communicate to our supporters about the possibility of giving through Donor Advised Funds such as through marketing emails or our website​

• Identify data needs for recording and managing Donor Advised Funds and donors on our CRM and Dashboard systems​

• Work closely with the Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships to expand the organisation’s High Value giving portfolio by proactively identifying and securing new philanthropic opportunities​

• Manage relationships with existing High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs), including those that give through non-cash assets such as shares or where there is potential to engage them through the prospect of DAF giving​

• Support the Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships to develop proposals and presentations to attract new innovative philanthropic opportunities

• Work as part of a wider Philanthropy and Partnerships team providing support to other Philanthropy Managers in their respective areas and leveraging and maximising fundraising opportunities​

• Collaborate with colleagues across Major Giving and Partnerships (MGAP), Communications, Mary’s Meals International and Data Insights teams to build appropriate supporter journey, communication and engagement opportunities for UK DAF and HNWI Engagement.​

About you:

• At least 3 years of relationship-driven high value fundraising and account management ​

• Ability to think strategically and manage a large and complex workload with good attention to detail​

• Experience working proactively with an entrepreneurial approach to network building ​

• Experience of identifying and cultivating new business approaches so as to grow the high-value portfolio ​

• Demonstrable evidence of devising, leading and delivering on complex projects with multiple stakeholders​

• Excellent written, telephone and in-person communication skills, including presentation skills and networking skills​

• Diplomatic and tactful approach with an ability to communicate well with a broad range of people​

• Excellent prioritisation and organisational skills​

• A commitment to Mary’s Meals vision, mission and values.

Please see the recruitment pack on our website by following the apply instructions on Charity Job.

Applicants must hold full right to work in the UK.​

We welcome applications from candidates of all different backgrounds and identities to apply. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse charity providing a supportive place for you to do the best and most rewarding work of your career.

Applications for this role will close on Sunday, 18 May at 17:00.

Interviews will be arranged on an ongoing basis. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible. 

Please note: If you have any special requirements or adjustments before an interview, please let us know. 

We are looking for an Engagement Manager (East of England) to join us on a fixed term contract, for 12-months, to cover maternity leave.

About the role

The key purpose of the Engagement Manager role is to deliver regional Sight Loss Councils across the East of England and to engage with blind and partially sighted people across the region.  We currently have two Sight Loss Councils (SLCs) in this region, so the postholder will be expected to care-take and develop both SLCs, focusing on the retention of the volunteers engaged and making sure the projects and work they are involved in, continue with success. You will also be managing and developing stakeholder relationships across all the areas in which we work including transport and health sectors, as well with local authorities and arts and culture venues in the region.

About you

You will have the passion and ability to use your lived experience or experience to influence change, for the benefit of blind and partially sighted people. As an experienced volunteer manager, you will engage and lead Sight Loss Council members in the implementation of the region’s business plans to bring about change across transport, health and the built environment, as well as areas of local interest such as arts and culture or retail.

You will be a self-starter and work well on your own but will also enjoy being a part of a team of other Engagement Managers across the country, with whom you can learn from, as well as share good practice with.

About us

At Thomas Pocklington Trust, we’re promoting equality and inclusion blind and partially sighted people in every aspect of society. One of our many missions is to establish Sight Loss Councils across the UK, to tackle local issues and work with businesses and service providers to improve the accessibility of their services.

About VODG

The Voluntary Organisations Disability Group (VODG) represents over 130 organisations within the voluntary sector whose work is focused on enabling disabled people of all ages to live the lives they choose. VODG believes that an ambitious, reliable and vibrant voluntary sector that works together is critical to achieving this aim.

VODG’s mission is focused on two key areas – enabling our members to be the best they can and improving the environment in which its members operate. VODG believes that our membership approach and operations should centre around the views of disabled people and be influenced by professional expertise.

Introduction to the role

Reporting to the Head of Membership and Operations, the Business Development and Partnership Manager will play a crucial role in driving sustainable growth and cultivating strategic partnerships that align with the organisation's core mission and values. This newly created position aims to strengthen our expansion efforts and help us adapt to the changing landscape of care and support for disabled people.

We are seeking a dynamic and results-oriented Business Development and Partnership Manager who will lead initiatives to identify, develop, and manage partnerships that can drive significant growth and enhance our market presence. This role will also focus on existing revenue streams and explore new areas for development and growth. The position requires exceptional relationship-building skills and a deep understanding of partnership management. It also requires a strategic approach that blends attention to detail and results-oriented delivery.

The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills to effectively engage with stakeholders at all levels, along with a proven track record of successful partnership management and revenue growth. As we continue with our growth plans, this role will be essential in advancing our organisational goals and objectives while fostering an environment both internally and externally that draws in expertise and insight from beyond our membership.

Purpose of role

The role will:

· Formulate and nurture strategic partnerships with corporate partners and non-profit organisations.

· Enhance the visibility and reputation of VODG among key stakeholders.

· Identify and pursue new business opportunities aligning with VODG’s mission and vision.

· Manage relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.

· Foster collaboration and create synergetic relationships for mutual benefits.

· Assess partnership effectiveness through detailed metrics and feedback.

· Negotiate corporate partnerships and secure commercial sponsorships.

· Build long-term relationships that promote shared goals and lead to the development of new business opportunities.

· Focus on exploring new areas for development and growth.

· Support internal colleagues, as necessary, on partnership grants and awards.

· Coordinate with colleagues for alignment of activities with organisational goals.

Specific responsibilities and duties

Business Development Strategy and Implementation 

· Develop and implement comprehensive business development strategies to identify and secure partnership opportunities. 

· Identify and explore innovative areas for development and growth.

· Set clear goals and objectives to measure the success of business development efforts. Analyse market trends and the competitive landscape to inform partnership strategies.

Partnership Development and Relationship Management 

· Identify and engage potential partners while building and maintaining strong relationships with existing stakeholders. 

· Serve as the main point of contact for key partners, ensuring their needs are met and expectations exceeded. 

Opportunity Identification and Market Research 

· Identify and evaluate new business opportunities and partnerships that align with organisational goals, including new membership opportunities.

· Conduct market research to recognise trends, opportunities, and challenges in the sector, analysing competitor activities to inform strategies.

· Deliver on existing opportunities and identify new ones, including sponsorship activities for events, projects, programmes, work, events and conferences, and smaller strategic roundtables.

Negotiation and Contract Management 

· Lead detailed negotiations for partnership agreements, ensuring favourable terms for both parties, and oversee contract management to ensure compliance and performance monitoring.

Collaboration and Project Management 

· Work closely with internal colleagues to align partnership initiatives with business objectives, managing execution to ensure initiatives align with organisational priorities. 

· Collaborate with internal teams to coordinate campaigns and promotional events effectively.

Performance Tracking and Financial Management 

· Monitor and analyse partnership performance, using data to refine strategies and maximise impact. Prepare regular updates on business development activities and partnership outcomes. 

· Prepare budgets and financial forecasts related to business development activities, monitoring and reporting on the financial performance of initiatives and partnerships.

Networking and Representation 

· Represent the organisation at industry conferences, trade shows, and networking events to promote business development initiatives and cultivate a strong professional network for future partnerships. 

·Engage in community outreach and represent the organisation in public forums to expand its network and promote its mission

PRIMARY OUTPUTS

To contribute to raising funds through high-quality bid and application processes which includes supporting the development of funding applications, stakeholder engagement. Evaluation reports and research underpinned by excellent communication skills. 

To raise awareness of DMWS services through print, web and social media activity.

All the work must ensure that DMWS’ mission, values and aims are clearly articulated in a professional manner and that our vision for sustainability and growth to support our beneficiaries is successful.

To apply please submit a CV and covering letter explaining why you would be a good fit for the role. Please remember to click on ‘upload’ otherwise we may not receive your attachments.Applicants must hold a full UK Driving Licence and have access to a vehicle which may occasionally be required for this role.  Applications will be considered as they are submitted. DMWS reserve the right to close the application process early and feedback will only be provided to candidates who attend interviews.

Key Responsibilities 

• Contribute to the writing of consistently high-quality funding applications and bid documents which are accurate, substantiated, and contain compelling content.  Ensure these are submitted to deadline and in line with the funders criteria as well as DMWS aims. 

• Write, edit and submit evaluation reports as required by the funder – working with the Grant Manager and operational colleagues for support. 

• Develop, update, and maintain an electronic project bid library resource, including written templates and application responses. 

• Maintain an up to date register of all grant and trust fund providers applied to for projects, submission deadlines, and other relevant information, including timeframes for re-applying. 

• Research and assess potential opportunities to obtain funding from grant making trusts and foundations, organisations, in order to sustain and develop DMWS services against strategic aims. 

• Contribute to the development and updating of DMWS Website 

• Develop and promote content for DMWS Social Media channels and other communication mechanism including print and online. 

• Identify and build strong internal and external relationships. 
   

As and when required, attend at various meetings and events at headquarters or other locations. 

Work with other head office and operational colleagues to share intelligence and contribute to the delivery of DMWS Strategy and organisational sustainability. 

General Support Tasks 

• Promote the vision, mission and values of DMWS 

• Contribute creative thinking, ideas and support to colleagues to help facilitate the promotion of a positive organisational environment.

• Represent and promote DMWS and its services, working with and supporting other staff, maintaining a positive and professional approach with all contacts both internal and external. 

• Engage in, and undertake with enthusiasm, all opportunities for training and professional development in order to achieve additional skills as the role and organisation develops. 

• Adhere to the terms and conditions of employment working within the policies and procedures of DMWS. 

• Be responsible for own safety and others affected by your activities and to ensure adherence to DMWS’ policies and procedures regarding Health & Safety, GDPR, Data Protection, and confidentiality. 

• Develop and maintain effective communications within DMWS to optimise outcomes. 

• To establish and maintain links to other organisations relevant to the post, and to ensure that those links are shared as appropriate. 

• To be aware of, and work to, safeguarding principles, practice and procedures. 

The list of duties in the job description should not be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive. There will be other duties and requirements associated with the role and, in addition, as a term of employment you may be required to undertake various other duties as may reasonably be required 

Person Specification 

• Demonstrable experience of securing or involvement in funding through bid writing and funding applications. 

• Demonstrable ability to communicate compelling messages in written form. 

• Experience of coordinating and updating a knowledgebase system. 

• Experience in organising, prioritising, and managing your time effectively. 

• Creative instinct and ability to think laterally about new business opportunities. 

• Collaborative and adaptive working. 

• Experience of raising funds within the third sector. 

• Experience of research and data analysis. 

• Experience of working within the health, social care, wellbeing, or military third sector is desirable but not essential. 

• Experience of working within project delivery or project development is desirable but not essential. 

Skills 

• Strong interpersonal skills that enable you to communicate internally and externally, and the ability to engage clearly with people at all levels. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 

• Accuracy and management of deadlines. 

• Team working skills and the ability to work independently with little direction to prioritise work areas. 

• Excellent IT skills including use of Word, Excel and PowerPoint Packages. 

• Confident, self- motivated, target driven, strong team player. 

• Ability to work under pressure and to demanding deadlines, delivering objectives to agreed timescales. 

Personal Qualities 

• The ability to deal positively within deadlines and presenting information with accuracy 

• A flexible approach to work. 

• Willingness to travel to DMWS HQ and other locations as required, with some overnight stays, and occasional weekend work. 

• Proactive, committed, and forward thinking. 

• Engaging manner and personality with the ability to forge effective working relationships with a range of staff and other stakeholders. 

• Personal sensitivity, empathy, and flexibility to operate within the distinctive ethos and structure of DMWS. 

• Strong commitment to DMWS’ aims of providing medical welfare services to those in need.

BENEFITS

We offer employees the following benefits: -
• Annual Leave: We give employees 30 days a year annual leave plus Public Holidays (pro-rata'd for part-time employees).
• Pension: Auto enrolment onto DMWS workplace pension scheme – subject to eligibility. You will make a minimum contribution of 5% which DMWS will match. Contributions will be matched up to 6% by DMWS.
• Death in Service Scheme: Three times your annual salary to nominated beneficiaries - subject to eligibility.
• Flexible Working: All flexible working requests are considered - many of our staff work flexible hours and work wholly, or partly from home.
• Smart Health: Access to a 24/7 virtual GP service, with a counselling service and on-line help and support around health and well-being matters.
• Work-based Parking/Mileage: For those who pay to park at their work-base, fees are repaid through expenses. Mileage claims are reimbursed in line with HMRC guidelines.
• Enhanced Sick Pay: Enhanced sick pay scheme for all employees upon completion of their probationary period.
• Staff Recognition: Staff are regularly recognised for their work by the leadership team and their peers, via internal events, social media, and industry awards.
• Personal Development Programme: DMWS supports employee continuing professional development and training.
• Above all, being part of the DMWS team means that you are making a difference to the lives of those working on the frontline.
• Great training opportunities
• £25 contribution towards eye tests and a contribution of £50 towards glasses. (As long as they are only needed for DSE use and not otherwise needed on a standard prescription).
• Enhanced maternity / paternity / adoption family friendly benefits

Please identify your notice period and salary expectation in your cover letter.

Note: Unfortunately we cannot support applications from international candidates at this time

As one of the largest federated charities in the UK, with arguably greater reach into the lives of families and educational settings than any other non-Government organisation, Parentkind is on a bold and urgent mission: to support, champion, and empower parents to be partners in their children’s education and wellbeing. To help deliver this, Parentkind's fundraising efforts helped grow Parentkind's income from £1.5m to £10m (including in-kind donations) between 2022 and 2024.

Although best known for our support of almost 24,000 Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs), Parent Councils, and Schools, helping them build strong school communities whilst they raise over £130 million each year to enhance children’s education, our work stretches far beyond the school gates. Parentkind is building a powerful movement that recognises parental engagement not as a nicety, but a necessity.

In recent years, families have faced a series of compounding challenges: the cost-of-living crisis, rising child poverty, and deepening educational inequality. These pressures have left many parents struggling to meet basic needs—let alone feel confident engaging in their child’s learning journey.  Parentkind has responded to this moment with compassion, agility and purpose, through a series of transformative campaigns, resources, and partnerships. Our recent transformational journey has seen Parentkind’s network grow by more than 70% of schools, and the income Parentkind has delivered both for itself and for its members by more than 550%. 

Our No Cold Child initiative, launched with FatFace, stepped in to address a stark statistic: over 150,000 children in the UK do not own a winter coat due to poverty. Through our trusted relationships with schools, we distributed 10,000 warm, high-quality coats worth £600,000 to the children who needed them most. Shortlisted for two Business Charity Awards, the campaign has been praised not just for providing warmth, but for restoring dignity, inclusion, and school readiness to thousands of children.

Our collaboration with Asda on Cashpot for Schools is another example of unlocking support at scale. This innovative community-led funding model allows shoppers to nominate and fund their local schools simply through everyday spending. In just the last year, this campaign has generated £5.78 million for schools—supporting everything from basic classroom supplies to vital extracurricular programmes and pupil wellbeing initiatives. Also shortlisted for a Business Charity Award, it is already a model for community-driven philanthropy.

Meanwhile, our All Dressed Up campaign—developed with World Book Day and Rubies Masquerade—confronted the often-overlooked issue of financial exclusion on key celebration days. More than 100,000 free dressing up costumes worth £1.34 million were delivered to children from low-income families. By enabling participation in events like World Book Day, we helped spark imagination, joy, and belonging for children who might otherwise feel left out—boosting self-esteem and supporting a positive connection to learning.

Alongside these national campaigns, Parentkind supports families year-round through a growing suite of programmes designed to inform, prepare and empower parents. Our Be School Ready programme offers crucial guidance and confidence to parents preparing their children for the leap into primary education. With a mix of practical advice, developmental tips, and reassurance, through the distribution of 135,000 copies of Be School Ready and an online campaign, it supports families at one of the most formative moments in their child’s life.

We also deliver a wide-ranging series of live expert webinars and parent-friendly resources, covering topics such as managing anxiety, supporting special educational needs, navigating school transitions, and building home-school partnerships. These resources—developed in consultation with experts and rooted in lived parent experience—equip families to feel informed and empowered, no matter what challenges arise.

This month, we launched our Parent-Friendly Schools Accreditation Programme, designed to formally recognise schools that go above and beyond in fostering positive, inclusive relationships with parents. The accreditation celebrates schools that actively listen to parent voices, make engagement easy and accessible, and embed family partnership in their culture. It is a practical and inspiring tool to drive long-term change in the sector and offers a roadmap for schools wanting to strengthen their community.

Our work is grounded in evidence. Every year, we conduct the UK’s largest parental engagement study: the National Parent Survey. In 2024, over five thousand parents participated, providing invaluable insight into what families think about the education system. The findings are fed directly into government consultations and have already influenced national debates on school funding, attendance, mental health support, SEND provision, and curriculum reform. We believe passionately that parents must not be the missing voice in education policy—and we work tirelessly to ensure their views shape the decisions that affect their children’s lives.

Today, through Parentkind’s federated network of more than 130,000 parent and teacher volunteers, our work impacts the lives of millions of parents, carers, teachers and children throughout the UK through our membership, programmes, advocacy and campaigns. But we know we can—and must—do more.

We’re looking for someone with passion, purpose, and creativity—someone who understands that a warm coat, a World Book Day costume, or a parent’s voice at the table can all be catalysts for lifelong change.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our growing Fundraising Team and play a leading role in shaping a brand-new trust fundraising programme from the ground up. We’re looking for someone with experience in securing income from trusts and foundations—someone who’s a confident communicator, both in writing and in person, and who brings a curious and strategic mindset to prospect research.

You’ll help craft compelling cases for support and develop a portfolio of proposals and reports that showcase the impact of our work—amplifying the voices of parents and schools and demonstrating how Parentkind is driving positive change. Strong attention to detail is essential, along with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently.

If you believe, like we do, that when parents matter, children succeed, we’d love to hear from you.

You’ll have:

• Proven experience in trust and statutory fundraising, securing five- and six-figure grants.
• Demonstrable success in developing compelling proposals and reports for funders.
• Strong relationship management skills with a track record of stewarding long-term partnerships.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to convey impact effectively.
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Knowledge of the education, family support, or community development sectors.

You’ll get:

• To join a fast-moving charity with an exciting future
• To build your own team, playing a key role in driving forward the charity’s strategy and shaping our fundraising activity
• Remote working full-time with a great online team culture
• 25 days holiday in addition to UK public holidays.

How to apply

A full candidate pack is attached on this listing. To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter outlining your motivations for applying for the role and how you meet the Person Specification.

Interviews will be held on a rolling basis via video conference.

Parentkind is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and we ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and equally.  We would be grateful if you would complete the equal opportunities monitoring questions when applying online to help us check that we are carrying out our policy of equal opportunities for all people.  The information will be kept confidential and will be separate from your application.  It will have no bearing on your application.

Parentkind is committed to meeting the needs of applicants with disabilities.  Please let us know if you require any adjustments to your application or interview process.

Location: Home based

Contract: Fixed term until 31 March 2026 – Full time 35hrs per week

Salary: £27,250 gross per annum

Closing Date: 26th May 2025

Interview: Interviews to be held 5th June 2025

Are you looking for a new opportunity?

The Marine Society & Sea Cadets (MSSC) is a vibrant and growing charity delivering life changing nautical adventure for young people through the Sea Cadets to give them the best possible head start in life. We also provide personal and professional development opportunities for seafarers with the Marine Society. Working with our staff, cadets, and volunteers, we have built a vision and five-year strategy to take us forward and further improve the astounding contribution already made through our work to the lives of thousands of young people and seafarers, while fully supporting our volunteers who are vital to our success.

We are currently looking for a Growth and Development Worker based in England to join our team. This is an externally funded post which will be focused on opening new provision and supporting existing provision in order to reduce waiting lists within specific funding areas. This is a very varied and rewarding role that requires someone who is self-motivated, organised, creative, tenacious, positive, IT competent and with a real interest in people. You need to be able to coach, empower and inspire our volunteers and cadets, both in person and remotely, to grow the Sea Cadets.

Responsibilities

• Delivering a variety of training sessions on, for example, recruitment of cadets and volunteers
• Developing new growth and recruitment tools and ideas
• Promoting flexible volunteering and the volunteer strategy
• Assisting with running our social media accounts
• Working with and empowering our volunteers to develop plans for growth
• Planning and setting up Juniors Sections in new and existing locations/units
• Delivering assemblies in schools
• Forming part of various working groups with colleagues to develop the tools, resources and processes needed to increase the positive impact of the Growth and Development team.
• Supporting the delivery of funded outreach projects

Requirements

• Previous experience of working with volunteers
• Experience delivering on multiple project plans simultaneously
• Ability to build and maintain excellent relationships with a variety of stakeholders remotely and face-to-face
• Experience delivering workshops and/or training
• Self-motivated and able to manage your time and workload effectively
• Flexible and enthusiastic
• Able to work as a team player with creative ideas and solutions who will empower our volunteers to make a difference to the lives of even more young people across the UK

For further information, please download the Recruitment Pack attached.

Benefits

• Flexible Working hours and a hybrid culture
• Cycle to work scheme and Season Ticket Loan
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Life assurance (4x salary) for those that join the pension
• Private medical insurance
• Pension (employer contribution up to 10%)
• Wellbeing portal and EAP with 121 counselling
• Employee development: We are investing in our employees' development and have an annual calendar of learning and development opportunities, designed to support employees to develop into their roles and stretch them to achieve their full potential.
• National staff conference: All employees come together once a year to reflect on the past year and celebrate success at our offsite staff conference. This is a great opportunity to listen to employees' views, and for employees to network, share information and socialise.

If you are interested in this Growth and Development vacancy, please apply now!

Additional Information

MSSC positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates from all backgrounds. Equity, diversity, and inclusion really matters to us, so we can best serve our beneficiaries from every community. We work to ensure a fair and consistent recruitment process and aim to be a charity where diversity of experience, identity and skills are valued and welcomed. MSSC is an equal opportunities employer.

We recognise our responsibilities to safeguard and protect the young people and vulnerable adults with whom we work. We do all we can to promote their health, safety and wellbeing, and we expect our staff to share this commitment and work in line with safeguarding policy, the MSSC’s values and ethos of inclusivity. We adhere to safer recruitment practices and therefore employment is subject to detailed pre-employment checks for successful candidates, including references and criminal disclosure checks and the completion of a disclosure questionnaire.

All successful applicants are required to attend safeguarding training and undergo a criminal record check.

We are working in partnership with SongBird Survival, an independent charity working to solve the ecological crisis for songbirds through scientific research, to secure their new Scientific Research and Impact Manager.

Since 2000, SongBird Survival has been fighting for a better future for UK songbirds, and they are the only national UK charity solely dedicated to make a positive impact for songbirds in the face of this devastating ecological emergency. Their goals are to drive impactful conservation through scientific research, protect songbirds by raising awareness and inspiring action, and safeguarding the most at-risk songbird species in the UK. SongBird Survival do this by commissioning independent scientific research into the causes of the catastrophic decline in songbird numbers, translating research findings into actionable strategies, which aim to make a tangible difference in the protection and preservation of songbird populations. They also campaign for change, working with other NGOs and policymakers.

The Scientific Research and Impact Manager role is at the heart of SongBird Survival’s mission, ensuring that their research not only advances scientific understanding but also influences policy change, engages stakeholders, and strengthens communications and fundraising strategies. The postholder will oversee research projects, build key partnerships, and turn findings into practical conservation strategies. 

The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate:

• Degree level education in Ecology or an appropriate discipline or equivalent experience, with comprehensive knowledge of songbird and other small bird ecology.
• Knowledge and understanding of how scientific research is commissioned and delivered, as well as the ability to assimilate and appraise relevant information.
• Track record of translating scientific findings into policy, communications and stakeholder engagement.
• Knowledge of UK environmental policy and its impact on conservation efforts. 

For more information, please contact Katherine Anderson-Scott, Associate Director, Charisma Charity Recruitment. Your application should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and supporting statement.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law. 

Hours: 0.8-1.0 FTE (Full time is 37.5 hours with use of flexi hours)
Location: Remote/home working with occasional travel and visits to SongBird Survival office in Diss Norfolk.

Closing date: 21 May 2025

Charisma interviews must be completed by EOD 28th May in preparation for submission of the shortlist on the 29th. 

The eoa exists to grow and strengthen employee ownership as a force for powering fairer livelihoods, stronger businesses, and a more resilient economy. With 800+ member businesses and a community of thousands of employee owners, we are the national voice for employee ownership in the UK.

Our refreshed strategy is focused on accelerating impact through people powered growth. We’re here to make employee ownership a mainstream business model choice—by expanding the sector, setting the standard for excellence, and building a connected, values-led ecosystem. We do this through sharp insight, high-impact advocacy, and a thriving member experience.

For founders and business owners exploring employee ownership, or for leaders and managers building Great EO businesses, the eoa offers tools, knowledge, experience and connection. We facilitate powerful peer learning, codify what works, and champion the stories that inspire others to choose EO.

Together with our members, we’re creating the conditions for employee ownership to thrive—seizing the political, cultural, and digital opportunities ahead. and this is where you come in.

As Director of Partnerships and Growth, you’ll be the driving force behind the eoa’s external influence and reach. you’ll lead our advocacy and external affairs strategy, build meaningful partnerships, and deliver powerful events programmes that accelerate adoption of Great EO. You’ll also shape the narrative—ensuring our insights, policy recommendations and thought leadership land with impact.

This is a high-profile, senior leadership role at a pivotal time for the EO community. It calls for someone with a track record in advocacy or external affairs, strong commercial acumen, and the ability to lead high-performing teams. It also needs a big-picture thinker - someone who can champion EO, influence change, and help us build a more inclusive, resilient economy.

If you’re excited about the opportunity to grow an economy that puts people at the heart of business, we’d love to hear from you.

Role Details

At the heart of this Director of Parnterships & Growth role is the opportunity to shape the external environment for employee ownership, champion the voice of our members, and lead high-impact strategies that grow both our reach and the sector itself.

You’ll lead on policy, advocacy, external affairs and events—crafting compelling narratives, building powerful partnerships, and delivering programmes that drive commercial sustainability and sector-wide change.

From shaping relationships with key stakeholders and securing strategic sponsorships, to overseeing the delivery of thought leadership, content, and events, you’ll ensure that the eoa is not just part of the national conversation—but leading it.

Your ability to influence, convene, and inspire will be critical to removing barriers to employee ownership and unlocking the potential of our £1.7m organisation to deliver even greater impact.

Join us on this exciting journey where your leadership will shape policy, grow influence, and contribute to our mission of unlocking the potential of people, businesses, and the economy through employee ownership.

This role is remote, however regular travel to our HQ in Brough and across the UK is expected.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead external affairs, collaborating with stakeholders to shape policy, advocacy and best practice that removes barriers and expands EO.
• Establish relationships and secure commercial partnerships and sponsorships, generating revenue to support advocacy, events, and sector growth initiatives.
• Engage key stakeholders to co-produce content that positively influence EO practice and policy and amplify the eoa’s voice in public affairs.
• Oversee delivery of an effective content strategy that delivers our commercial objectives and positions the eoa as the leading EO authority.
• Oversee events programmes, ensuring they drive knowledge-sharing, sector development, and commercial sustainability.
• Represent the eoa at industry forums, policy roundtables, and public affairs events, championing the employee ownership model.
• Collaborate with the Director of Membership & Operations to align advocacy efforts with member needs and engagement.
• Lead and develop high-performing teams, fostering innovation and delivering measurable impact across advocacy, policy, event activities.

Success in this role

Success in this role means having a positive impact on the growth rate, influence and adoption of great EO across the employee ownership sector. Strengthening and expanding stakeholder relationships, driving advocacy impact and securing commercial sustainability through a diverse mix of sponsorships, partnerships will also be indicators of success.

Key outcomes for the role

• Growth of the employee ownership sector. Measured by increased number of EO businesses, heightened sector awareness
• Strengthened corporate engagement. Measured by growth in strategic partnerships, corporate and government engagement
• Strong Commercial Sustainability. Measured by increased sponsorship revenue, secured long-term commercial partnerships
• Increased policy influence. Measured by policy recommendations adopted, increased government engagement
• Enhanced sector insight and intelligence. Measured by utilisation of high-quality data and insights for regular sector related content outputs.
• Development and adoption of best practice. Measured by creation, adoption and promotion of best practice across the EO network.
• Successful events programmes. Measured by iIncreased participation, sponsorship growth, positive feedback.

About you

• Proven expertise in advocacy, public affairs, or policy leadership, ideally within a business, trade body, or membership association.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with experience influencing government, media, and corporate partners.
• Demonstrated ability to drive sectoral or policy change, leading successful advocacy initiatives.
• Strong commercial acumen, with experience in sponsorship acquisition, revenue generation, and developing financially sustainable initiatives.
• Exceptional strategic communication and storytelling skills, able to engage and mobilise diverse audiences.
• Experience in event programme development, ensuring high engagement and sector impact.
• Passion for employee ownership and economic models that promote shared prosperity.
• Innovative, creative, and proactive in problem-solving and strategy execution.
• A confident and transparent leader who fosters collaboration and inclusivity through teamwork.
• Self-aware with emotional intelligence, resilience, and integrity.

Role Summary

• Contract: Permanent
• Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours per week
• Location: Remote, with regular travel to eoa offices and national events
• Salary & Benefits: £65,000 p/a + 7% Pensions. 30 Days leave + Bank Holidays.
• Reports to: CEO
• Management: TBC

Context and Background

The NSPCC’s commitment to fight for every childhood is only made possible through the support of people across the UK. Over 80% of the NSPCC’s vital work is funded by public support. We are committed to providing the best possible experience for our supporters and ensuring that a supporter centric approach is taken in all the work we do.

The Individual Supporters department is responsible for the largest single source of income for the NSPCC and we are committed to recruiting new supporters to help grow our income. The Direct Fundraising team has been established to ensure best practice and a high quality supporter experience through one-to-one fundraising channels.

We are looking for a self-motivated, enthusiastic and well-organised professional to join the team.

Candidates for this position should have experience  and skills that cover:

• Highly developed written communication skills to understand, interpret and present complex information in a clear and persuasive way for a range of audience
• Well-developed ability to apply effective numeracy skills in entering and recording financial data, interpreting, analysing, and presenting financial data in clear and accurate format to meet desired outcomes
• Experience in using Windows based software packages including word processing, excel spreadsheets, e-mail and the internet, in order to deliver tasks and projects.
• Willingness to travel within the UK via car or public transport to conduct mystery shopping. 
• Being dynamic and a team player is essential.

Join us at this exciting time and you’ll become part of a team that cares about the work they do and the people they work with. You’ll discover opportunities to grow, along with challenges and a shared purpose that’ll bring the best out in you. And you’ll get to find your own way to make a difference that means more, and that impacts millions of young lives. We want to ensure roles are accessible and inclusive of everyone, which is why the NSPCC offers a high degree of flexibility around ways of working.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) is at the heart of what we do. At the NSPCC, we understand how important it is that our workforce is representative of the people we support and who support us. We believe that every individual has the right to be their true self and to live a full life without prejudice, fear or barriers. This is the starting point for all our commitments and actions and underpins our commitment to be there for all children.

Job purpose

This role sits in our Direct fundraising Team within the Individual Giving department. The key purpose of the job is to:

•  Support the Associate Head and Senior Fundraisers to continue to grow and develop face-to-face direct recruitment and telephone fundraising activity at the NSPCC.
• To work with Senior Fundraisers and Associate Head within the Direct fundraising team to deliver agreed campaigns in line with business requirements.
• Advocate and reinforce the team’s ethics and values across compliance, safeguarding, supporter experience and best practice fundraising.
• Enhance the supporter experience and protect the NSPCC’s reputation when working with professional fundraising agencies.
• Through mystery shopping, call listening and other activities, ensure all activity, by agency partners and relevant internal teams, is compliant with regulation, codes of practice and NSPCC policies.
• Monitor campaign performance and income, ensuring that campaign KPIs and metrics are reported accurately and consistently.
• Monitor expenditure, including financial processes such as raising POs, checking invoices and reporting against budgeted expenditure figures.
• Work with data, including checking data selections for telephone activity.
• Work effectively with other departments within Individual Giving, Communications and Fundraising Directorates and other functions within the NSPCC to maximise income for children. Also working with external agencies to deliver large scale campaigns.
• Work as part of a larger team to meet the same objectives and work effectively with other teams within the NSPCC to maximise income for children.
• Working on behalf of stakeholders and representing brand values in the work that you produce. Being dynamic and a team player is essential.

Main duties and responsibilities

1. With the Associate Head of Direct Fundraising, agree and deliver face-to-face and telephone  direct fundraising activities in line with the Individual Supporters department’s annual business plan and budget to enable the NSPCC to plan its activity and services.
2. Work with the Associate Head to maximise the opportunities by which the fundraising activity can contribute to the NSPCC’s mission of fighting for every childhood over and above fundraising objectives.
3. Be responsible for the development of relationships and delivery of income from potential supporters engaged through face-to-face activity
4. Work with internal NSPCC support teams to set up new agencies and campaigns.
5. Keep up to date on best practice and developments within the charity sector generally and particularly changes to fundraising regulations, compliance and codes of practice relating to direct dialogue fundraising. Updating existing or creating new processes and working with agencies to implement changes in activity.
6. Work with internal compliance teams and external agencies to plan and implement a monitoring schedule in line with the most up to date codes of practice, guidance and regulations.  This should include regular mystery shopping and call listening.
7. To work with the Associate Head to maximise the opportunities by which the fundraising activity of the Direct Fundraising team can contribute to the NSPCC’s mission of ending cruelty to children over and above fundraising objectives.
8. To carry out research through a range of sources, including the Internet, Intranet, publications and other external contacts, including other charities, in order to obtain relevant information that can contribute to the fundraising activities of the Direct fundraising team.
9. To work cross-functionally to ensure that fundraising activities are managed and developed in a way that maximises income for the NSPCC.
10. To undertake specific fundraising projects and activities as necessary or as required to support the department’s fundraising as a whole.

Responsibilities for all staff within the Income Generation directorate

• A commitment to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people.
• To update databases and supporter information systems on a regular basis in line with Data Protection legislation and NSPCC policy and procedures.
• To actively participate in regular department and team meetings, contributing to strategy, discussions and decisions which will be beneficial to the Directorate and wider NSPCC activities.
• To adhere to all the NSPCC’S service standards, policies and procedures.
• To evidence an understanding of and commitment to the demonstration of NSPCC’s values.
• To maintain an awareness of and comply with NSPPC data protection regulations and to ensure currency of changing GDPR regulations.
• To be responsible for personal learning and development, to support the learning and development of others and the whole organisation.
• To work in a manner that facilitates and encourages inclusion.
• To be pro-active in identifying ways to improve personal and team performance.
• To maintain an awareness of own and others’ Health and Safety and comply with the NSPCC’s Health and Safety policy and procedures.
• To take personal responsibility for keeping up to date with NSPCC work to end cruelty to children, including securing updates on project and service developments and general NSPCC news.

Key Relationships - Internal

• Reports to Associate Head – Direct Fundraising.
• A member of staff in the Direct Fundraising team, within the wider Individual Supporters department.
• Work with Compliance Team to mitigate risk and ensure compliance in face-to-face activity.
• Work with Finance Department to assist with reporting budget and reforecast all activity.
• Engage with staff in other NSPCC functions, as necessary to increase engagement between potential supporters and professional fundraisers to further fundraising relationships. 

Key Relationships – External

•  Work with a range of agreed agencies to engage the public through a supporter centric approach to fundraising, providing engaging content and materials, and ensuring that professional fundraisers align with our values and cause whilst maintaining high levels of compliance.

Person Specification

Skills and abilities

1. Highly developed written and verbal communication skills to understand, interpret and present complex information in a clear and persuasive way for a range of audiences.
2. Ability to collect data from various sources, analyse findings, identify opportunities, evaluate their viability and present findings clearly in a way that meets desired outcomes.
3. Well-developed ability to build, manage and develop relationships with individuals within an organisation and externally and achieve objectives through these relationships.
4. The ability to plan, monitor and implement projects/events/initiatives to agreed deadlines often with conflicting priorities.
5. An ability to organise and plan own work, identifying conflicting demands and establishing clear priorities in order to meet agreed objectives.
6. Well-developed ability to apply effective numeracy skills in entering and recording financial data, interpreting, analysing, and presenting financial data in clear and accurate format to meet desired outcomes.

Knowledge and experience

1. Experience in using Windows based software packages including word processing, excel spreadsheets, e-mail and the internet, in order to deliver tasks and projects.
2. A personal commitment to ending cruelty to children.

Personal characteristics

1. Commitment to apply NSPCC’s values and behaviours to all aspects of work.
2. Willingness to travel within the UK via car or public transport to conduct mystery shopping and to work flexibly in approach to work and/or work time requirements.

Safer Recruitment

As an organisation, we are committed to creating and fostering a culture that promotes safeguarding and the welfare of all children and adults at risk.

Our safer recruitment practices support this by ensuring that there is a consistent and thorough process of obtaining, collating, analysing and evaluating information from and about candidates to ensure that all persons appointed are suitable to work with our children and adults.

The recruitment and selection of our people will be conducted in a professional, timely and responsive manner and in compliance with current employment legislation, and relevant safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance.

Our principles:

•  Always seek to recruit the best candidate for the role based on merit including their skills, experience, motivation and competencies. Our robust recruitment and selection process should ensure the identification of the person best suited to the role and the organisation.
• Committed to diversity and equality of opportunity and will interview all applicants (internal and external) who self-declare at application as having a disability and who meet the minimum requirements in the person specification of the vacancy they are applying for.
• We will make reasonable adjustments at all stages of the recruitment process in order to enable successful candidates who declare disabilities to start working or volunteering their time with us.
• Any current member of staff or volunteer who wishes to apply for vacancies and is suitably qualified will be considered and addressed fairly and objectively based on their merit.
• As an organisation committed to safeguarding, we will ensure all under 18’s joining the organisation will have ongoing risk assessments to ensure their role and activities are safe and appropriate
• All documentation relating to candidates will be treated confidentially in accordance with the GDPR legislation.

About VODG

The Voluntary Organisations Disability Group (VODG) represents over 130 organisations within the voluntary sector whose work is focused on enabling disabled people of all ages to live the lives they choose. VODG believes that an ambitious, reliable and vibrant voluntary sector that works together is critical to achieving this aim.

VODG’s mission is focused on two key areas – enabling our members to be the best they can and improving the environment in which our members operate.

VODG believes that our membership approach and operations should centre around the views of disabled people and be influenced by professional expertise.

Introduction to the role

The coordinator role is crucial in enhancing the productivity and efficiency of the leadership team within the organisation. Serving as a central point of contact, this position involves a diverse range of responsibilities, from managing executives' calendars and coordinating meetings to handling communications with professionalism and discretion. By implementing improvements to organisational processes and maintaining meticulous record-keeping, the coordinator role contributes significantly to the smooth operation of daily activities of the organisation.

Additionally, the role involves coordinating events, assisting with project administration, and supporting financial reporting, all while embodying the core values of the organisation.

This position not only demands strong organisational skills but also a proactive approach to achieving corporate objectives and fostering a collaborative work environment. 

Purpose of role 

The Operations Coordinator will: 

• Act as a central point of contact, managing executive calendars, coordinating meetings, and facilitating effective communication while maintaining a high level of professionalism and discretion. 

• Be responsible for improving organisational processes, ensuring meticulous record-keeping, and contributing to the seamless execution of daily activities.

• Coordinate events, project administration, and financial reporting, all aligned with the organisation's core values. 

Specific responsibilities and duties 

Administrative Support  

• Assist with a variety of administrative tasks that enhance the productivity of the leadership team, such as scheduling and coordinating meetings, managing executives' calendars with attention to priorities, and organising files and documentation for easy access.

• Identify and implement improvements to existing organisational processes and procedures to boost efficiency, ensuring that the team can operate at maximum effectiveness. 

Communications  

• Act as a central point of contact for both internal team members and external stakeholders, handling communications with a professional demeanor.

Meetings  

• Collaborate closely with the Business and Operations Manager to support the overall management of meetings, including preparing detailed agendas, taking comprehensive minutes during meetings, and circulating documents to all participants in a timely manner, ensuring that all follow-up actions are clearly outlined. 

Event Coordination 

• Coordinate a variety of events and meetings, supporting logistics such as venue selection, catering orders, accessability requirements and technical arrangements.

• Assist in the planning and scheduling of member events and meetings, ensuring all details are attended to, such as invitations, attendee confirmations, and venue preparations. 

Project Administration 

• Maintain comprehensive administrative records relevant to projects, ensuring that all documentation is current and easily accessible to project team members. 

Record Keeping 

• Establish and maintain accurate records, comprehensive databases, and organised documentation related to office operations and employee activities, including diligent management of the CRM system to ensure timely updates and accuracy of information. 

Finance 

• Assist with the preparation of financial statements and reports, maintaining accurate and organised accounting records, and supporting the reconciliation of accounts to ensure data integrity.

General 

• Support the organisation to achieve its corporate objectives. 

• Be a proactive and professional representative of VODG and its values at all times, including in relation to the prioritisation of your own responsibilities and professional development. 

• Undertake such duties as may be deemed necessary by the CEO and/or the line manager that are commensurate with the level of this post. 

The Talent Set are partnering with Mary’s Meals to recruit for a Philanthropy & Partnerships Manager to join their growing team. This role will play a key role in the Charity’s development of their high-net-worth audiences, translating the charity’s exceptional grassroots support into compelling and innovative proposals to inspire individuals and Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) to contribute to the Charity’s mission, providing more school meals for children across the world.

This role is primarily home based, within a commutable distance to London for meetings as needed. 

Key duties include:

• Build and steward relationships with new and existing Donor Advised Funds, encouraging these funds to market Mary’s Meals to their donors, ensuring mutually beneficial partnerships, multi-year support and transformational gifts.
• Work closely with the Head of Philanthropy & Partnerships to develop the charity’s high-value giving strategy, working closely to expand the portfolio by identifying and securing new philanthropic opportunities through individuals and DAFs.
• Manage relationships with current High Net Worth (HNW) donors, including those who give through non-cash assets such as shares, engaging them through the prospect of giving through DAFs where appropriate.
• Identify and maximise communications and engagement opportunities with new and prospective individual donors and DAFs, ensuring that the charity’s mission and case for support is effectively communicated to high-net-worth audiences.

We’re looking for the following skills and experience:

• Tangible experience of managing high-net-worth donor relationships, personally securing 5 figure+ gifts.
• Experience and ability to network proactively, with an entrepreneurial approach to relationship building.
• An understanding and curiosity around diverse mechanisms of high-value giving, including through non-cash assets and through Donor Advised Funds.
• Experience and knowledge of account management principles, with the ability to manage relationships with individuals and Donor Advised Funds to drive mutually beneficial outcomes.
• A flair for exceptional donor communications and engagement, with the ability to translate a powerful grassroots message to a compelling high-value proposition.

We highly encourage you to submit your CV as soon as possible to be considered for this exciting opportunity as interviews are taking place on a rolling basis.

Please note that due to the high volume of applications, we may not be able to respond to every applicant, but we truly appreciate your interest.

We are committed to diverse and inclusive recruitment practises that ensure equal opportunity for everyone, regardless of race, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, age or gender. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and will happily make reasonable adjustments to always ensure a fair process

Position Title: Trust & Grants Manager

Responsible to: Head of Income Generation and Fundraising

Salary: Up to £36,000, pro rata

Hours: 0.8 FTE (4 days a week)

Benefits include: Flexible work environment, 23 days annual leave (pro-rata) which increases after 2 years, 3 Volunteering Days (pro-rata), 3 Trust Days, Death in Service, Employee Assistance Programme, Auto Enrolment Pension, paid agreed expenses.  

Location: Home-based with the ability to travel nationally (including small number of overnight stays)  

Term: 0.8FTE, permanent    

Closing Date: 14 May 2025 at 5pm 

Interview Dates: 21 & 22 May2025 (via teams) 

About Dame Kelly Holmes Trust  

Dame Kelly Holmes Trust puts world-class athletes shoulder to shoulder with young people. Equipping them with a winning mindset and shaping their futures - it's a teammate like no other.   

Whether that’s building relationship skills, improving self-esteem or learning to stay focused, our sporting champions help the next generation move forward with confidence.  

Application Process:
Please send your application of a CV and Cover Letter of no more than 2 pages. Your Cover Letter should demonstrate how you meet the key responsibilities of the role and job criteria detailed below.

We actively encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, perspectives and lived experiences. To ensure an inclusive recruitment process, all cover letters and CVs are anonymised before shortlisting.

Job Description  

Reporting to the Head of Income Generation and Fundraising, we are looking for someone with a passion for helping vulnerable young people to achieve their potential and who is excited by playing their part in raising funds towards our £1 million target. Working in our small Income Generation Team, you will have responsibility for writing compelling proposals and reports that showcase the impact of our work. You will have the opportunity to build lasting relationships with current and potential funders, building and stewarding our restricted income pipeline which you will own.

We are looking for someone with a strong track record of securing funding, preferably within the youth, sport for development or health & wellbeing sector. Strong attention to detail is essential, along with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently.

We are a home working charity which is committed to flexible working.  We are open to considering different working patterns for this role.

Key responsibilities  

Fundraising and business development  

• Write compelling funding proposals and cases for support, from £5000 to £100,000s

• Own and grow Trusts and Grants pipeline, identifying and researching new funding opportunities 

• Cultivate and steward relationships with new and existing funders

• Represent Trust at programmes, events, funder meetings

Relationship Management 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with current and potential funders

• Ensure effective communication with funders, providing high quality reports and updates 

• Work collaboratively with internal teams to ensure funded projects deliver maximum, demonstratable impact in line with funder expectations

Managing systems and processes 

• Create a calendar of opportunities for grant submissions, ensure application deadlines are met

• Maintain accurate and up to date funder records in Trust’s CRM system, Salesforce 

• Maintain efficient systems for tracking applications and reporting

• Work closely with Senior Finance Manager to ensure restricted income is accurately forecasted and updated accordingly 

General responsibilities 

• To ensure Data Protection procedures are followed at all times 

• Role model the Trust’s values and behaviours and encourage individuals to do the same 

• To ensure that a positive image of Dame Kelly Holmes Trust is projected at all times 

• To contribute to other activities undertaken by Dame Kelly Holmes Trust 

• To contribute to organisational effectiveness through positive team working 

• To adhere to Dame Kelly Holmes Trust Health and Safety & Safeguarding Procedures. 

Criteria: Essential/Desirable

How Evidenced & Assessed: Interview/Application 

Proven experience in trust and grants fundraising, securing five and six-figure and multi- year funding partnerships - E (Interview/ Application) 

Demonstrable success in developing compelling proposals and reports for funders - E (Interview/ Application) 

Strong relationship management skills  - E (Interview/ Application) 

Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to convey impact effectively - E (Interview/ Application) 

Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines - E (Interview/ Application) 

Knowledge of youth, sport for development or health & wellbeing sectors - D (Interview/ Application) 

Experience of using CRM systems, ideally Salesforce - E (Interview/ Application) 

Ability to work effectively with colleagues to establish a collaborative working environment - E (Interview/ Application) 

Able to handle significant confidential material and information - E (Interview/ Application) 

Dame Kelly Holmes Trust recognises the value that a diverse workforce can bring to our organisation and strives to reflect this among our employees, athletes, volunteers and other stakeholders.  

Introduction to TDS

TDS is a not-for-profit organisation with a clear social purpose: to raise standards in the private rented sector. Established to create a fairer and more professional rental market by protecting deposits and resolving deposit disputes, TDS has since expanded its mission. Today, we invest in a range of additional services and initiatives that further our commitment to improving the sector.

Key initiatives relevant to this role include:
- Developing an influential research programme to ensure that laws and regulations are informed by robust evidence.
- Funding a range of projects and organisations through our two independent charities.
- Leveraging our direct communication channels with millions of tenants, landlords, and letting agents to educate and inform all parties.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Key initiatives relevant to this role include:
- Developing an influential research programme to ensure that laws and regulations are informed by robust evidence.
- Funding a range of projects and organisations through our two independent charities.
- Leveraging our direct communication channels with millions of tenants, landlords, and letting agents to educate and inform all parties.

Introduction to the Role

We are looking for a Research and Policy Officer (Maternity Cover) to join our expanding Policy and Research department, which also oversees the TDS Charitable Foundation. This is a pivotal role supporting our mission to improve standards in the private rented sector through impactful research, thought leadership, and policy engagement.
The successful candidate will play a key part in delivering our research programme, including overseeing flagship projects like the Voice of the Tenant and Voice of the Landlord surveys, and producing high-quality qualitative and quantitative research.

You will also support the smooth running of the Charitable Foundation’s grant-making and governance activities and contribute to our work influencing policy and practice across the UK’s private rented sector.
This is a great opportunity for someone passionate about housing, with a solid grounding in research and an interest in policy, to join a values-driven organisation delivering real-world impact.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Research
1. Collaborate with external research contractors to deliver the regular ‘Voice of the Tenant’ and ‘Voice of the Landlord’ Survey.
2. Ensure the research findings are widely disseminated through different channels, including events, publications, briefings and digital content.
3. Help identify research gaps and contribute to the development execution of new research projects or commissioning of external research.
4. Conduct proactive desk-based research to identify emerging trends, new policy developments, and partnership opportunities relevant to the Foundation and the sector.
5. Undertake in-house research activities, such as literature reviews, focus groups, stakeholder interviews, where required.
6. Contribute to the drafting and production of high-quality research reports and briefings, ensuring clarity, accessibility, and relevance for policy and practice audiences.

Policy
7. Monitor and analyse relevant legislative and regulatory developments, consultations, and debates, identifying implications for the sector and TDS’s work.
8. Support the development of TDS’s policy positions by preparing briefings, drafting responses to consultations, and summarising evidence from research.
9. Help communicate TDS’s policy insights and positions clearly and effectively to internal stakeholders, partners, and decision-makers.

Charity co-ordination
10. Act as a key point of contact for grant-funded projects, supporting projects to share progress and impact, and identify any support needs.
11. Help to Coordinate the TDS Charitable Foundation’s quarterly Board of Trustee meetings, including preparing board papers, taking minutes, and following up on actions.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential characteristics

1. Qualifications and experience
Essential:

• Educated to degree level in a relevant subject.
• At least 3 years’ experience in research, social policy or similar role (or equivalent post-graduate study).
• Knowledge of research design
• Proven track record of producing content to communicate to different audiences.
• Experience of building relationships with external stakeholders.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of the housing sector or charitable work.

2.  Job Knowledge
Must be able to:

• Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Show an ability to build relationships with stakeholders.
• Demonstrate organisational skills to help coordinate multiple projects.
• Utilise strong IT skills including sound knowledge of MS Office.
• Prove ability to write content for different audiences.

3. Communication
Must be able to:

• Work as part of a team;
• Have good interpersonal skills, communicating effectively with colleagues, funded projects and other stakeholders.

4. Equal Opportunities

• Must be able to demonstrate a commitment to equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion.

5. Required behaviour and attitude

• Applicants must be able to:
• demonstrate an affinity for customer excellence
• recognise the importance of fairness in all of our work
• demonstrate how they are making a difference in the work that they do
• is able to articulate the importance of teamwork
• are committed to excellence in all that we do;
• help create a great place to work.

TDS offers a plethora of benefits inclusive of:

• 33 days holiday inc bank holidays
• BUPA Private healthcare
• BUPA Wellbeing cash plan
• Pension Scheme
• Additional day off for your birthday
• Plus many more!

Hours of the role
35 hours per week. Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letting outlining how your skills and experience match the person specification.

TDS is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in our workforce and to be truly representative of all sections of society and our customers.