Head of communication jobs in Westminster, greater london

About the Aziz Foundation        

We at The Aziz Foundation are a family charitable foundation established to support British Muslim communities to flourish and give back to our country. Through our flagship Master's Scholarships programme, the Foundation has invested over £8 million into more than 700 scholarships for British Muslims pursuing postgraduate degrees, as well as working with employers to facilitate work experience and internships for young British Muslims. We have also supported a wide range of charitable initiatives, including funding of historic buildings, community sports, research into discrimination, interfaith activities and the engagement of British Muslims in the democratic process of our country. 

Job Purpose 

This is a new and vital role for the Foundation, involving developing our work around employment, which will support British Muslims to access employment and develop their careers in fields in which we are currently under-represented. You will be part of a matrix-working team that will collectively develop this piece of work, so you will not be simply implementing an existing plan; you’ll be there from the start with key input into how this should be designed and implemented. 

Your key role will be to engage with graduates and those with advanced vocational skills, to support them to develop the necessary skills to access employment and to support them once they are in employment in partnership with employers. Our target industries are journalism, law, arts, public policy, and tech/AI. This will involve direct engagement with employers, with graduates and other job seekers, with Aziz Scholarship/Internship alumni and with intermediary bodies that provide links between job seekers and employers. 

Internal relationships 

You will report to the Director of the Foundation, who will work closely with you in the development of this new programme. The Foundation currently has five staff, now growing to eight.We are a tight-knit team that goes over and above to support one another.

This role will work closely with the Head of Employer Engagement, who we are advertising in parallel.That role is more at the “demand” end – identifying and engaging employers to ensure that there are clear pathways for graduates and others seeking to develop their careers. 

Key Responsibilities 

Broadly, the main duties and responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, the following: 

• Build and manage engagement with British Muslim graduates/vocationally skilled job seekers in target sectors; journalism, law, arts, public policy, and tech/AI 

• Ensure our CRM system is maintained to track all external and internal communication for your area of work with graduates/job seekers 

• Convene and support development sessions for job seekers 

• Engage with the existing alumni network of Aziz Scholars and Interns 

• Collaborate with internal colleagues to support alignment of graduate skills with employer needs 

• Collaborate with the Communications function to ensure internal and external promotion of opportunities 

Person Specification 

When completing the cover letter as part of the application process, ensure that you address how you meet each of the “essential” criteria in the person specification and, where relevant, how you meet the “desirable” criteria. 

1. Experience

Essential 

• Minimum five years’ professional experience in a related role 
• Experience in recruitment, career development, or graduate programme management 
• Demonstrable commitment to equity and supporting underrepresented communities

Desirable

• Specific experience working in one of the target fields: journalism, law, arts, public policy, and tech/AI 
• Experience of managing networks of graduates or employees

2. Skills and Abilities

• Strong communication and facilitation skills 
• Solutions-focused – the ability to find ways to make things work rather than to find problems 
• An understanding of the challenges facing the British Muslim community 

About The Aziz Foundation        

We at The Aziz Foundation are a family charitable foundation established to support British Muslim communities to flourish and give back to our country. Through our flagship Masters Scholarships programme, the Foundation has invested over £8 million into more than 700 scholarships for British Muslims pursuing postgraduate degrees as well as working with employers to facilitate work experience and internships for young British Muslims.We have also supported a wide range of charitable initiatives, including funding of historic buildings, community sports, research into discrimination, interfaith activities and the engagement of British Muslims in the democratic process of our country. 

Job Purpose 

This is a new and vital role for the Foundation, involving developing our work around employment, which will support British Muslims to access employment and develop their careers in fields in which we are currently under-represented.You will be part of a matrix-working team that will collectively develop this piece of work, so you will not be simply implementing an existing plan; you’ll be there from the start with key input into how this should be designed and implemented. 

Your key role will be to engage with employers in target industries of journalism, law, arts, public policy, and tech/AI.This will involve direct engagement with employers with whom we have no existing engagement, building on relationships we already have and working with third-party ‘intermediary bodies’ and organisations representing employers across entire sectors.The role seeks to achieve a clear impact by getting people into good quality roles with leading employers. 

Internal relationships 

You will report to the Director of the Foundation, who will work closely with you in the development of this new programme.The Foundation currently has five staff, now growing to eight.We are a tight-knit team that goes over and above to support one another.

This role will work closely with the role we are advertising in parallel, the Head of Careers & Talent Development.That role is more at the “supply” end – identifying and engaging graduates and other potential candidates to engage with employers. 

Key Responsibilities 

Broadly, the main duties and responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, the following: 

• Build and manage employer partnerships across all target sectors: journalism, law, arts, public policy, and tech/AI 

• Ensure our CRM system is maintained to track all external and internal communication for your area of work 

• Convene roundtables and sector networks. 

• Deliver employer engagement on employment practices that will support the recruitment and retention of 

the best British Muslim young people 

• Collaborate with internal colleagues to align employer needs with graduate pathways. 

• Collaborate with the Communications function to ensure internal and external promotion 

Person Specification 

When completing the cover letter in the process of applying for the role, ensure that you address how you meet each of the “essential” criteria in the person specification and, where relevant, how you meet the “desirable” criteria. 

1. Experience 

Essential 

• Minimum five years’ professional experience in a related role 
• Experience in employer engagement or partnership management 
• Understanding of recruitment practices and workplace culture within British employers 
• Commitment to equity and supporting underrepresented communities.

Desirable

• Specific experience working in one of the target fields: journalism, law, arts, public policy, and tech/AI 

2. Skills and Abilities

Essential 

• Strong communication and facilitation skills 
• Solutions-focused – the ability to find ways to make things work rather than to find problems 
• An understanding of the challenges facing the British Muslim community 

We are looking for a confident, values‑led Head of Communications to lead SSAFA’s communications function at a time when trust, clarity and judgement truly matter.

This is a senior leadership role within the Fundraising, Marketing and Communications directorate, responsible for protecting and strengthening SSAFA’s reputation, leading issue management, and delivering clear, engaging internal communications for staff and volunteers across a complex national organisation.

You will lead a professional national and regional communications team, setting clear direction, supporting development, and creating a culture where people feel trusted, supported and able to perform under pressure. Acting as a senior communications adviser, you will work closely with executive leaders and colleagues across the organisation to ensure communications are timely, accurate, and grounded in SSAFA’s values.

This role is about judgement as much as delivery - knowing when to move fast, when to pause, and how to support people while maintaining high standards.

About the team

You’ll be leading a regionally dispersed communications team within our wider Fundraising, Marketing and Communications directorate, working closely with a range of stakeholders to shape compelling, consistent communications across the organisation. This is a collaborative, fast‑paced environment where strong relationships matter, and where your leadership will help ensure our voice helps deliver real impact

About you

You are an experienced communications leader who combines professional authority with emotional intelligence.

You will bring:

• Significant experience in reputation management and crisis communications.

• Credibility as a senior communications adviser in complex organisations.

• A strong track record of leading and developing teams, including through pressure or change.

• A deep understanding of internal communications and their role in organisational culture and trust.

• Excellent judgement, clarity of thought and calmness under pressure.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt tone for different audiences.

• A collaborative, people‑centred leadership style.

An understanding of the voluntary sector and the Armed Forces community is desirable, but above all we are looking for someone who leads with integrity, empathy and sound judgement.

About SSAFA

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity is a trusted source of support for the Armed Forces community in their time of need. In 2024 our trained teams of volunteers and employees helped more than 53,000 people, including veterans, serving personnel (regulars and reserves) and their families.

SSAFA understands that behind every uniform is a person. And we are here for that person and their family, any time they need us and in any way they need us..

Diversity and Inclusion at SSAFA

SSAFA exists to support a diverse range of beneficiaries within the armed forces community, and we believe diversity within our teams is key to ensuring we can deliver our services effectively. We thrive on differences and believe it is critical to our success as a worldwide charity. SSAFA is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace that seeks to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We therefore encourage applications from all genders, races, religions, ages and sexual orientations, as well as parents, veterans, people living with disabilities, and any other groups that could bring diverse perspectives to our business.

SSAFA is committed to using the Disclosure & Barring Service to ensure we, as an employer, safeguard those we serve.

No agencies please. Any unsolicited submissions from agencies will be accepted as a direct application from the candidate and no fees will be payable.

Closing date: Midnight on 06 May 2026 SSAFA reserves the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Interviews: TBC

Longmire Recruitment is our dedicated recruitment partner for this vacancy

Location: Home-based and London

Hours: Full-time (35 hours per week), with some evening work and travel required*

* The RSB currently offers a four-day working week (32 hours), which is non-contractual and reviewed annually

Position: Permanent

The Royal Society of Biology is a single unified voice, representing a diverse membership of individuals, learned societies and other organisations across the biosciences. Our members study, work and research in fields that encompass humans, animals, plants, fungi, microorganisms, ecosystems and the molecular mechanisms of life. Our vision is of a world that values biology's contribution to understanding and improving life for all.

This exciting new Head of Communications role will sit within the External Affairs department and line manage two direct reports. You will lead the RSB’s strategic communications, branding and stakeholder engagement activities, in order to advance its mission, grow its influence with key audiences, enhance its resonance with members and potential members, and strengthen its reputation. As Head of Communications, you will also champion consistent, impactful communication across digital and social media and the press, fostering trust among stakeholders and shaping and delivering compelling narratives about the biosciences and the RSB's work.

The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate:

• Experience in leading a communications function in the charity, research or science sector.
• Strong experience in media relations, including managing press enquiries and securing high-impact coverage.
• Experience in overseeing digital communications, marketing, branding and content production.
• The ability to translate complex scientific or technical information for non-specialist audiences (Education,  qualifications or experience in the biosciences or related subjects would be an asset)
• Experience in managing and developing high-performing teams, with a collaborative and supportive leadership style.

Longmire Recruitment is our dedicated recruitment partner for this vacancy.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK

The RSB is committed to ensuring equal opportunities in the life sciences, and supports diversity throughout lifetimes at school and higher education, in the workplace and training; we value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, abilities and cultures and believe that a diverse workforce will help us to achieve our mission.

Head of Communications

Salary: £60,000–£65,000 (depending on experience)
Location: Hybrid: role can be based out of Leeds/London with regular travel (8 days in per month), please state your home location on your CV
Contract: Full time

BookTrust is the UK’s largest children’s reading charity, supporting 1.4 million children and families each year. Working with partners across education, health, libraries and social care, the organisation focuses on reaching those who need support most, helping to tackle inequality and improve life chances through reading.

The role

BookTrust is seeking a Head of Communications to lead its strategic communications function at a pivotal moment, following the launch of its five-year strategy, Reading for a Brighter Future.

Reporting to the Director of Communications, the role leads an integrated approach across media, content, campaigns, internal communications and stakeholder engagement. The postholder will ensure a clear, consistent and audience-led voice, strengthening reputation, extending reach and increasing influence.

As a senior leader, the Head of Communications will advise the Executive Leadership Team on reputation, risk and organisational positioning, while leading a high-performing team and delivering impactful communications.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of the communications strategy
• Advise senior leadership on reputation and positioning
• Ensure a consistent, audience-led approach across all communications
• Oversee brand, messaging and storytelling
• Lead media relations, including high-profile coverage and crisis communications
• Set content priorities and ensure effective, insight-led delivery across channels
• Position BookTrust as a leading voice in children’s reading and social impact
• Support campaigns, advocacy and fundraising through compelling communications
• Lead and develop the communications team and manage resources effectively

Person specification

Essential:

• Significant senior communications leadership experience
• Proven track record of delivering integrated strategies
• Strong media relations and reputation management expertise
• Excellent writing and storytelling skills
• Experience advising senior stakeholders
• Team leadership and budget management experience
• Commitment to inclusive, audience-focused communication
• Passion for improving outcomes for children

Desirable:

• Experience in policy, advocacy or fundraising communications
• Professional membership (e.g. CIPR)
  
  How to Apply 
  To apply, please submit your CV demonstrating your suitability for this role by clicking the 'apply now' button.
  
  Please Note: All speculative/ direct CVs sent will be forwarded to The Talent Set for review. 
  
  Commitment to Diversity 
  The Talent Set are committed to diverse and inclusive recruitment practices, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability, or age. We actively encourage applications from a wide range of backgrounds and are always happy to make reasonable adjustments to ensure a fair recruitment process. 

Reports toDirector of External Relations

Hours37.5 hours per week 

Salary£56,959.05 - £63,886.54

ContractFixed Term Contract - 12 Months

LocationRemote (with occasional travel across UK) 

BenefitsA generous package including 25 days holiday per year plus public holidays, employee pension scheme with 4% employer contribution, Cycle2Work scheme, 365 days a year Employee Assistance Programme 

About SafeLives

We are SafeLives, the UK-wide charity dedicated to ending domestic abuse, for everyone, for good.

We work with organisations across the UK to transform the response to domestic abuse. We want what you would want for your best friend. We listen to survivors, putting their voices at the heart of our thinking. We look at the whole picture for each individual and family to get the right help at the right time to make families everywhere safe and well. And we challenge perpetrators to change, asking ‘why doesn’t he stop?’ rather than ‘why doesn’t she leave?’ This applies whatever the gender of the victim or perpetrator and whatever the nature of their relationship.

Last year alone, we delivered more than 700 sessions to over 15,000 learners across the UK in policing, health, housing, justice, education and the specialist sector. And we have reached 90,000 adult and 100,000 child survivors through programmes designed and delivered with partners.

In the last 9 years, close to 7,000 perpetrators have been challenged and supported to change through flagship interventions developed by our Drive Partnership and the programme continues to expand year on year.

Together we can end domestic abuse. Forever. For everyone.

Description

You will provide strong and steady leadership for SafeLives’ communications, marketing and public affairs work over the next year, communicating our Whole Picture Strategy, finding what works and helping it happen to end domestic abuse for everyone for good.

You will shape and deliver strategic communications and influencing work to reach decision-makers, strengthen public trust, and support our mission to drive real change in the UK’s domestic abuse response.

You will be able bring to together robust data, the voice of survivors, and the view of practice experts to position SafeLives at the centre of the conversation with professionals, key policy and decision makers and influencers as a credible and trusted voice.

You’ll lead a cross-functional team of comms, marketing and public affairs colleagues to:

• Strengthen core messaging and consistency around our Whole Picture strategy and the WP Framework, to support delivery and impact
• maintain our communications and marketing and our brand
• provide oversight of our influencing through policy and public affairs, working with senior colleagues where escalation is required
• support income generation through targeted marketing, and support for fundraising
• ensure we are sharing evidence, data and research in support of our strategy

You will connect reactive work with long-term strategic priorities, ensuring our external engagement supports our strategic priorities, policy goals, and income generation ambitions. And you will lead high-quality responses to breaking news and emerging issues, providing clear strategic advice to the Senior Leadership Team and acting as a trusted lead on reputational risk.

You will ensure SafeLives is visible, authoritative and survivor-centred in public and policy conversations, with timely responses, briefings and support, ensuring our communications and influencing are clear, consistent and drive impact.

You will work with our training, practice, and fundraising teams to drive our business development and income generation, as well as helping us to understand all our audiences and better meet their needs.

And as part of the Operational Management Team (OMT), you’ll work closely with colleagues to ensure an inclusive and supportive organisational culture, role modelling our values.

Undertake any other duties as may reasonably be required.

Responsibilities

1. Leadership

·Provide calm, structured and values-led leadership across the Comms, Marketing and Public Affairs team.

·Ensure reliable systems, processes and workflows for communications, marketing and public affairs.

·Set expectations, priorities and working rhythms that bring stability and clarity to the team.

·Promote a supportive, inclusive and collaborative culture with clear communication channels.

2. Core Narrative, Messaging and Evidence Sharing

·Lead the development of SafeLives’ core messages, ensuring they are used consistently across all teams, and the development of our influencing asks.

·Translate SafeLives’ research, data and evidence into accessible, impactful content for external audiences, including practitioners, policy and decision makers.

·Ensure all outputs are survivor‑centred, values‑aligned and evidence‑led

·Develop our brand to reflect our approach to equity, equality, diversity and inclusion and in line with our values - human, rigorous, brave and inclusive.

·Oversee production of communications, marketing and policy materials that help to amplify our Whole Picture strategy and our related priorities.

3. Communications and Media Leadership

·Lead SafeLives’ overall communications strategy and activity.

·Oversee media relations, with strong focus on clear messaging and reputational resilience.

·Implement rapid-response and crisis‑comms protocols with clear escalation to Directors.

·Lead the development and management of our website, digital channels and content strategy.

·Ensure SafeLives is timely, authoritative and survivor‑centred in its external interventions.

4. Marketing and Audience Engagement

·Lead marketing strategy to support:

·Statutory and voluntary income generation

·Training uptake

·Consultancy and practice development

·Fundraising and supporter engagement

·Strengthen audience insight, segmentation and targeting.

·Oversee campaigns that bring SafeLives’ strategy and evidence to life and drive measurable action.

·Ensure that communication and marketing resources are used effectively to support business development.

5. Public Affairs and Policy

·Provide strategic alignment between SafeLives’ core messaging and evidence sharing and our influencing work

·Ensure public affairs activities and outputs (briefings, consultations, correspondence) are clear, accurate and consistent with SafeLives’ communications approach.

·Maintain awareness of political and policy developments relevant to SafeLives’ mission, advising Directors on risks and opportunities for influencing, working with colleagues across the organisation to develop policy.

·Senior level engagement will be led by Directors, as needed, with this role and the public affairs team leading stakeholder engagement and supporting preparation, messaging and follow‑up.

6. Planning, Governance and Performance

·Lead forward planning for all communications, marketing and public affairs activity.

·Set realistic, measurable KPIs that support the delivery of our comms and influencing strategy and our income generation.

·Embed continuous improvement processes and ensure compliance with GDPR and data protection.

·Oversee budgets for communications, marketing and public affairs, ensuring value for money and resource prioritisation.

7. Authentic Voice

·Ensure that the voices, experiences and priorities of survivors remain at the heart of all external communications.

·Support colleagues and Pioneers who use lived experience in SafeLives’ work in a trauma‑informed and respectful way.

Person Specification

Experience

·Strategic communications, including influencing, brand/profile raising, media relations and reputation management in complex, high profile environments (E)

·Media relations, including securing high quality coverage and rapid-response experience (E)

·Developing and delivering effective communications and marketing cmapaigns, including support for fundraising and income generation (E)

·Digital communications across owned, earned and paid media (E)

·Experience using data, research and evidence to inform communications, influencing and storytelling (E)

·Understanding of public affairs or policy environments within the social sector (D/E)

·Leadership and people development, ideally across multi-disciplinary teams (E)

·Influencing professional and policy audiences through clear, impactful communications, information and guidance (E)

·Working with people affected by domestic abuse to support storytelling and influence change (D)

Skills

·Confident in providing strategic communications advice aligned with organisational strategy and policy priorities (E)

·Exceptional written, oral and influencing skills, including excellent writing and editing ability (E)

·Strong political and media awareness

·Excellent judgement under pressure, making sound, values‑led decisions at pace (E)

·Ability to turn complex and fast‑moving information into clear messaging for different audiences, particularly professional and policy maker audiences (E)

·Strong issue and risk management in sensitive public contexts (E)

·Excellent digital and social media skills (E)

·Strong analytical skills to design and deliver campaigns (E)

·Numerate, with experience preparing and managing budgets (E)

·Strong planning, prioritisation and ability to meet multiple deadlines (E)

·Able to identify problems early and propose solutions (E)

·Commitment to equity, equality, diversity and inclusion (E)

·Commitment to ending domestic abuse (E)

Competencies

Leadership, organisational and strategic awareness 

·Inspires trust and confidence in others 

·Commitment to SafeLives’ values – Human, Rigorous, Inclusive and Brave - underpins all actions and decisions 

·Remains calm, decisive and collaborative in fast-moving situations, while maintaining message clarity, survivor focus and organisational credibility

·Demonstrates an understanding of how your own role contributes to achieving SafeLives’ goals 

·Is responsive to change which helps achieve goals

·Pursues tasks/goals with energy, drive and need for completion 

Teamwork & collaboration 

·Fosters an inclusive working environment so that others can contribute effectively 

·Supports colleagues in demanding situations, recognises the importance of well-being in self and others, accepts help and support from other team members 

·Listens to the views of others and shows flexibility in working with collective decisions 

People management and decision making 

·Ability to lead and manage effective teams and create an inventive, responsible and generous team culture 

·Strong focus on quality, performance and impact 

·Coaches staff to reach their full potential 

·Makes effective decisions on a timely basis 

·Judgement and problem solving is based on identifying outcomes and victim focus 

Communications and relationship management 

·Communicate with energy and direction 

·Ability to build strong and effective relationships with key internal and external stakeholders 

·Promote and contribute to cross team working 

·Speaks and writes clearly and effectively and in a timely manner, tailoring communication to suit the audience 

·Maintains confidentiality 

Delivering quality 

·Self-starter with the ability to use initiative and judgement to identify problems and propose solutions 

·Excellent organisational skills including the ability to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines 

·Takes responsibility for own workload, acts on own initiative, seeks feedback from others, evaluates own performance and then acts upon it 

·Tries out new ideas and ways of working and identifies and shares learning 

Influence 

·Inspires confidence and trust– demonstrating high standards of integrity, honesty and fairness 

·Actively engages the knowledge, ideas and contributions of others 

·Uses appropriate techniques to influence others 

We are looking for an all-round Communications Manager to join our small team.  You'll be able to build on your existing experience with some exciting upcoming projects that will have direct impact on the head and neck cancer community – as well as generating awareness across the general public.  We have a unique opportunity to develop our organisation to create maximum impact for head and neck cancer patients and their families while staying true to our origins.  There’s a lot of work to do.

Main responsibilities and duties:

• Contribute to a PR and communications strategy in conjunction with our Executive Director.
• Produce and rollout a new brand identity for the organisation.
• Manage and develop a new organisation website.
• Maximise media opportunities by identifying news angles and producing stong stories.
• Produce high quality materials – written, digital and visual – to promote the organisation and engage audiences to action.
• Use case studies and impact to develop our storytelling and create compelling copy to encourage financial support.
• Oversee literature production to support head and neck cancer patients and their families through their experience and work towards PIFtick accreditation.
• Co-ordinate production of a quarterly e-newsletter to keep our supporters informed of charity developments and that of the wider head and neck community.
• Regularly update our website to ensure all information is current and fit for purpose.
• Design and implement a social media plan to increase awareness of the charity and its activities.
• Produce monthly reports to track engagement and use these to improve our reach.
• Create campaigns to support our work in HPV awareness in line with the government’s target to increase vaccine take up.
• Identify opportunities to promote the organisation to those diagnosed with head and neck cancer and their families.
• Work with the Fundraising Manager, develop compelling fundraising campaigns that will appeal to the wider general public as well as our existing stakeholders.
• Liaise with the Executive Director to represent head and neck cancer patients with policymakers and raise awareness of the unique issues that affect this group.
• Act as the organisation’s spokesperson when required.
• Ensure that the charity meets all GDPR and data handling responsibilities in line with UK law.

Role Purpose

The Head of Philanthropy is accountable for delivering significant philanthropic income for Justice & Care, including through personally secured major gifts, alongside building and leading a high-performing philanthropy function.

The postholder will design and execute the philanthropy strategy, hold and actively manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects, and personally secure five- and sixfigure gifts through direct relationship management and solicitation.

This is a hands-on income-generating role: the Head of Philanthropy will lead from the front on donor cultivation, stewardship and asking, while also setting direction, prioritising effort and building capability within the team to maximise long-term philanthropic income.

They will work closely with the Global Director of Fundraising on key relationships and strategic opportunities, supporting the growth of philanthropy across the UK and expansion into the US and emerging markets.

This role combines senior-level leadership with significant personal income delivery; candidates should expect to spend a substantial proportion of their time directly engaging donors and securing major gifts.

Global Scope

This role will support the growth of philanthropy across multiple markets, including strengthening the UK portfolio and developing opportunities in the US and emerging markets (e.g. Middle East), working closely with senior stakeholders to shape and deliver market-specific approaches. 

Main Responsibilities

Your key responsibilities include, but are not necessarily limited to:

1. Strategic Leadership and Income Delivery

• Lead the development and delivery of the philanthropy strategy, with a clear focuson generating major donor income in the UK and driving growth in the US and emerging markets
• Be accountable for achieving philanthropy income targets, including through personally secured major gifts, working closely with the Global Director of Fundraising
• Translate organisational priorities into fundable propositions and compelling donor opportunities
• Actively shape and drive the philanthropy pipeline, making clear, evidence-based decisions about where time and effort are invested
• Work with the CEO, Board and senior leaders to prepare and support major donor asks, including co-solicitation where appropriate

2. Major Gifts and New Business

• Personally manage and grow a portfolio of high-value donors and prospects, typically at £25k-£250k+ level
• Lead all stages of the donor journey: identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship
• Personally secure new major gifts through one-to-one relationship building, tailored proposals and direct asks
• Develop and maintain a live pipeline of prospective donors with clearly defined next steps
• Take primary responsibility for preparing and delivering high-value asks, working closely with the CEO, Board members and Global Director of Fundraising
• Convert access to senior networks into tangible income outcomes

3. Team Leadership and Development

• Line manage and develop the Philanthropy Specialist and future members of the team
• Build capability within the team to support pipeline growth, donor stewardship and future expansion of the philanthropy function
• Establish strong ways of working, including prioritisation, pipeline management and CRM discipline
• Set clear objectives and KPIs for the team

4. Events and Strategic Engagement

• Design and lead a programme of philanthropic events with clear income andpipeline objectives
• Personally leverage high-value donor events to progress relationships towards major gifts
• Use international engagement and trips selectively where they support donor cultivation and solicitation
• Represent Justice & Care in philanthropic networks to generate new donor relationships

5. Pipeline, CRM and Reporting

• Own and maintain a live, decision-ready major donor pipeline
• Ensure robust pipeline management and accurate forecasting
• Maintain high-quality CRM data and reporting (Salesforce)
• Provide strategic insight on income performance, risks and opportunities

6. Other ad hoc duties

• Collaborate across the organisation to support delivery of shared objectives
• Contribute to cross-functional projects and organisational initiatives
• Undertake other tasks as required to support Development Team and organisational priorities

Head of Fundraising & Partnerships

Salary band: c. £60,000 per annum, negotiable based on experience

Reporting to: CEO

Key leadership role in a dynamic, friendly charity transforming young people’s lives in London.

Construction Youth Trust is an ambitious, impact-led organisation pushing the boundaries of how charities work in partnership with business to create social change. We are seeking a dynamic and motivated fundraising leader to join our Senior Leadership team as Head of Fundraising and Partnerships. A genuine passion for social mobility is essential, as well as a deep commitment to creating effective charity-industry partnerships that drive social impact. This is a key external facing role with responsibility for fostering strong partnerships with our funders and supporters.

Social mobility is at the heart of Construction Youth Trust, and our mission is to enable young people achieve their full career potential through meaningful early engagement with employers in an important growth industry. We prioritise young people from low-income backgrounds and under-represented groups and those facing significant barriers to employment. Through our long-standing partnerships with employers in the built environment sector (over 200+ across London), we connect young people to relatable role models, world of work experiences and ultimately rewarding jobs and apprenticeships. The built environment sector is at the forefront of achieving net zero and future economic growth, offering young people substantial opportunity for career progression.

The role

Construction Youth Trust is in a strong financial position with an excellent Fundraising & Partnership team, supported by well-established systems. We already have a strong pipeline in place to meet our fundraising targets (£2M - £2.5M p.a.) This is an opportunity for a Senior Fundraising Leader with the skills and experience to consolidate and build on this success. We are looking for someone with the drive and experience to help the Trust meet our ambition to significantly increase opportunity for disadvantaged young people within the build environment.

We are seeking a Head of Fundraising & Partnerships with a strong desire to play an active Senior Leadership role and contribute to the Trust’s wider strategy, governance and day-to-day charity management. There is the opportunity to play a significant role shaping and steering the Trust’s next business planning cycle. Ideally, the post-holder would be willing/able to deputise for the CEO and the salary offered to the successful candidate will be dependent on experience and level of responsibility.  There is significant headroom at the Trust for a fundraising leader who is looking to take on a more strategic role within this dynamic charity, either immediately or with structured development and support.

How do I apply?

If you are an ambitious fundraising leader and are passionate about transforming the life chances of young people, please send your CV and your supporting statement (no more than 500 words) explaining why the role interests you and how/where you meet the person specification. Short-listed candidates will be asked to complete our application form in due course, but if you are interested in this role we are keen to hear from you as soon as possible.

Closing date: 5pm 14th May. However, we strongly recommend that you send your CV as soon as possible as we will reach out to potential candidates as we receive suitable applications and could close the application deadline earlier if a successful candidate is found.

We will hold 2-stage interview process with first interviews planned for week commencing 18th May.

You can access Job Description, and Person Specification for this role directly via this Charity Jobs page.

We strongly believe that a diverse and inclusive team is vital to our work. We are especially interested in hearing from individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds and/or those with a lived experience of the young people we support.

If you have not heard from us 2 weeks after the application closing date your application has been unsuccessful at this time.

Benefits and entitlements:

You’ll be eligible for many of our benefits including:

• 25 days annual leave per year (pro rata for part-time or any period less than 1 year) which increases by a day each year after 2 years’ service up to a maximum annual leave entitlement of 30 days per year

• Discretionary “Day for You” as an additional well-being day

• Opportunity to take a 6-week sabbatical after 3 years of service

• The Trust’s contributory pension scheme after three months – The charity will match your employee contribution up to 7%

• All travel expenses covered over and above your regular commute to and from work. Any extra travel for  work purposes will be reimbursed.

• Access to Workplace Options EAP (a provider of employee support services)

• Opportunity to Work from Home (in line with Trust policy)

• Opportunity to take part in the wider team’s wellbeing and social activities

• A supportive Training and Development policy which encourages colleagues to develop as professionals and achieve relevant qualifications (e.g. CIOF’s Certificate in Fundraising).

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We will only consider candidates for employment that share this commitment. All roles are subject to safer recruitment practices, and this position will require an Enhanced Disclosure with Barred list check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

This is an exciting opportunity to work on the frontline of policy advocacy and development in child health. As Head of Policy and Research you'll be responsible for overseeing the development of our policy positions and all related outputs, as well as the research that underpins our campaigns and advocacy, across England, Scotland and abroad. You will be an integral thought partner to the Director of Strategy & Delivery and wider leadership team on the development of pioneering research concepts that will drive the child health agenda forward. You will be our internal technical expert on food policy, ensuring all of our work is evidence-based and impactful, as well as being our external representative, liaising with leading policy and research experts across academia, civil society, and government agencies. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Research

• Work with the Director of Strategy & Delivery and Research Manager to plan research projects and support their delivery, ensuring they support policy calls and reflect young peoples’ experiences.

• Lead the translation of  Bite Back’s research into high quality outputs including reports, briefings and submissions.

• Work with campaigns, communications and content teams to turn research findings into high impact creative communications for a range of audiences.

• Serve as a primary spokesperson for our research including in media placements, speaking slots and government evidence sessions. 

Policy development

• Lead on the development of Bite Back’s policy positions in key and emerging areas, ensuring young peoples’ views and experiences are fed in at every stage.

• Lead the development of all policy outputs including submissions, consultation responses and briefings, ensuring they are evidence-based and reflect young peoples’ voices. 

• Lead the technical policy liaison with stakeholders and experts in the field to gather evidence and critically assess the Bite Back’s positions. 

Evidence

• Keep abreast of new evidence on key areas relating to nutrition, climate and health and consider the implications for Bite Back’s policy and relevant activity.

• Collaborate internally to provide knowledge and advice on policy and evidence issues with colleagues and the youth board.

• Review and sign off key outputs to ensure they reflect the latest evidence and data.

Stakeholder engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with a range of external stakeholders to support Bite Back’s influencing agenda, including with senior government policymakers, academia, WHO and other charities in England, Scotland, and abroad.

• Represent Bite Back on a range of alliances, coalitions and partnerships.

• Deputise for the Director of Strategy & Delivery when needed.

Leadership

• Line management of Research Manager and Impact & Evaluation manager, with a dotted line to the Policy & Engagement Executive and Senior Programmes & Policy Manager for Scotland.

• Operate as a member of the extended leadership team, collaborating with other Heads and the Directors to ensure research and policy considerations are embedded seamlessly into campaigns, communications and programmes.

• Lead the policy and research strategy development for Bite Back in new geographies, providing visionary technical leadership in how we expand to new countries across the UK and abroad.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

We will be looking for applications that demonstrate experience in at least some of these areas, and evidence of capacity to build skills in others. Please don’t be put off applying for one of our jobs because you can’t demonstrate every skill. If you're passionate and excited about working for us, and possess the main skills and experience we are looking for, go ahead and apply. You could be just what we are looking for!

Required: 

• Significant experience  of managing food policy work, which has informed and influenced national and local food policy in England. 

• In depth knowledge of the breadth of the food, nutrition and obesity public health landscape and the key challenges faced in the policy environment.

• Deep technical expertise in food policy research, development, and communication - with a strong focus on commercial determinants of health.

• Strong analytical skills, including a good understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methods, including creative implementation research techniques. and experience with commissioning external research.

• Ability to synthesise and utilise evidence to support policy development and influencing. 

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including ability to communicate complex issues.

• Calmness under pressure, with ability to prioritise multiple projects to agreed objectives and deadlines. 

• Line management experience.

• A passion for our mission and a commitment to our values: Fresh, Resilient, Respectful, Energetic, Real.

Desired: 

• Strong policy and research networks in the UK across academic, civil society, and government agencies. A trusted technical voice.

• Post graduate experience in public health or nutrition and/or evidence of continuing professional development of relevant knowledge and skills in the field. 

• Experience in working with young people.

• Experience with designing creative, outside the box research with fresh ways of influencing food policy change.

• Understanding and some experiencing working on food policy across devolved nations (Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland), and within other global contexts.

​SUMMARY​

​Position Title: Head of Programmes (CMDP) Mat-Cover

Level: Level 6

Salary: £40, 000 - 46, 000 (FTE yearly) 

Reports to: Director of Programmes and Partnerships

Location: The Liberation centre Brixton, London (New office in Brixton)/ Remote working within the UK with at least 2 days’ work from our office (Pro rata for part time)

Contract: Fulltime (40hrs/weekly), fixed-term maternity cover contract for 1 year with potential for Part time (e.g., 32hrs/weekly) extension subject to funding.

Hours: TAA has flexible working hours, with some expected evenings (e.g. one 9pm finish once every two weeks) and weekends due to the nature of the role. All extra hours are reimbursed as Time off in Lieu (TOIL).

Start date: As soon as possible(potentially June with consideration for notice period)

Benefits:  TAA laptop (employee assistance and health cash package including staff supervision, counselling, dental, optical care and more.).​

The Advocacy Academy is an activist youth movement. We serve as the political home for grassroots youth organising and the catalyst for collective action. The lives of the young people we work alongside have been directly shaped by living in an unjust world, and we exist to turn their anger into action.

Young people are often the catalysts for major social change, from the Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee at the heart of the Civil Rights Movement, to the Soweto Uprising mobilising young people to resist the apartheid regime's education policies, to the Sunrise Movement redrawing the electoral map across America, and more recently encampments and protests across the world protesting the genocide in Palestine. How successfully they achieve real and lasting change depends on whether they are organised and whether they have the right strategy and tactics to be effective.​

We want youth organising to be enshrined in the UK for generations to come, and for young people to have tangible political power to influence national policy. That’s why we have launched two national coalitions, one around climate, and the other around gender. Each will train organisations across the country to become youth organisers and work together to bring 100 young people together to identify the strategy and tactics needed to achieve change. These young leaders will organise others and work collectively to build a campaign which shakes the status quo.​

We want youth organising to be enshrined in the UK for generations to come, and for young people to have tangible political power to influence national policy. That’s why we have launched two national coalitions, one around climate, and the other around gender. Each will train organisations across the country to become youth organisers, and work together to bring 100 young people together to identify the strategy and tactics needed to achieve change. These young leaders will organise others and work collectively to build a campaign which shakes the status quo.​

We are looking for a Head of Programmes who believes in this vision and is capable of building the leadership of young people that enables them to turn the resources they have into the power they need to make the change they want. It will be your job to help grow the Changemaker Development programme, train and organise Changemakers, create magic and spark the hope for something more! If this excites you, then please apply.

Before you skim the job description, please remember you don’t have to tick all the boxes for each role to apply. Charity experience is not a requirement! We all experience a bit of imposter syndrome, including the staff here at The Advocacy Academy. Let’s name it for what it is - a manifestation of the oppression many of us face on a day to day.​If this role pulls you and you believe you could make a difference, then apply anyway or reach out to us to discuss more!​​

​AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY​​​

​1.You will be responsible for the Changemaker Development Programme (CMDP) including but limited to:

• Working with the Associate Director of Programmes and Associate Director of Partnerships to coordinate programmes planning and delivery timelines for CMDP.
• Managing cross programmatic projects to standardise processes and practices in the Programmes Department
• Designing and developing the recruitment process for Alumni to join the CMDP and create a targeted recruitment strategy to grow the Alumni Changemaker pool
• Managing the monitoring and evaluation of the programme including quantitative and qualitative data, and facilitate the process of ongoing learning being integrated into the programme
• Working with Programmes Leadership Team to coordinate and deliver a holistic safeguarding, wellbeing and pastoral care strategy across TAA’s work with young people
• Responsible for holding the CMDP budget and ensuring that it is managed and spent in accordance with TAA expenses procedure e.g. signing off expenses up to £1,000 expenditure and escalating to Director of Programmes and Partnerships for amounts exceeding this.

2.​You will be accountable for the learning design and delivery to include but not limited:

• Leading the design of the CMDP curriculum to agreed TAA standards engaging key stakeholders, e.g. alumni, programmes team, external partners 
• Supporting Alumni Changemakers to design, deliver and facilitate social justice workshops in line with established pedagogical approaches at TAA.
• Leading the development of learning journeys for Alumni Changemakers.
• Working during school holidays for camps, and in the evenings to accommodate school hours, which may include regular evening work and unsocial hours during programme delivery.​

3.You will be the port of call for the Changemakers and Community Organisers who will help run the programme, and a regular and trusted individual whom the young people know and can connect with. To include but not limited to:

• You will support the Changemakers in co-creating this space with young people in the community and helping them identify ways to bring participants along into the membership.
• You will be managing the Changemakers who are delivering the programme - and updating both the Community Director and Director of Programmes and Partnerships on their progress and development. 
• You will hold the budget for the programme - keeping track of expenses and thinking through ways to keep costs down. 
• You will ensure that you provide accurate and timely financial information to the budget lead for your work and to the Finance, HR & Operations team
• You will be responsible for holding relationships with Alumni Changemakers and holding the relational culture of the CMDP to ensure we have a brilliant atmosphere for learning, nurturing and growth for Alumni Changemakers, including but not limited to:
• Taking responsibility for the pastoral care of Alumni Changemakers on placement including building the pastoral care approach with the Programmes Leadership Team.
• Taking responsibility for building and nurturing key relationships with fellow social justice activists, organisers and educators in the sector who can support, challenge and inspire our Alumni Changemakers.
• Representing TAA at any applicable events, in the press and in activist circles 
• ​Building and nurturing relationships with alumni/members.​

4.You will be accountable for the learning design and development of the Leadership Development Framework. To include but not limited to:

• Designing and developing a cohesive, high-quality curriculum aligned to TAA’s strategic goals and organisational values
• Establishing and embedding a clear pedagogical approach that underpins all delivery and supports effective facilitation
• Creating structured learning journeys that support the progression and development of young people as leaders
• Developing and maintaining facilitator guides, resources and tools to ensure consistency and quality across delivery
• Working with staff and members to ensure curriculum and pedagogy are effectively understood and implemented
• Reviewing delivery, gathering feedback and insights from members, and iterating on the curriculum and approach to continuously improve quality and impact​

5.You will ensure that your programmatic activities are managed as well-oiled machines through pulling in the right people at the right time and ensuring that key milestones are met:

• Responsible for ensuring effective departmental administration including delegating key administrative tasks to relevant staff
• You will be working with the Director of Programme and Partnerships, Director of Community, the Safeguarding and Wellbeing Team and others to think about the safety, safeguarding, and wellbeing needs of the young people participating in the programme and beyond. 
  • You will ensure safeguarding and Health and Safety standards are met across the programmes team and other critical policies and practices within the organisation, working proactively with relevant leads to understand requirements and operationalise effectively
  • You will contribute towards risk management standards and ensure Health and Safety standards are met across programmatic and community team
  • You will be responsible for managing and overseeing a suite of behind-the-scenes systems, databases and resources which comply with UKGDPR, safeguarding and other legal requirements.
• You will be responsible for overseeing the logistics of the CMDP including the organisation and coordination of venues, food, travel, staff and risk assessments, individual care plans etc.
• Work closely with the development team to align work with fundraising targets and support them in identifying and securing appropriate fundraising opportunities
• You will be committed to learning, monitoring outcomes, and holding us accountable to ourselves, our communities, funders, allies and donors. This includes shaping thoughtful MEAL practices and developing systems that go beyond compliance, enabling genuine learning and innovation while respecting the integrity and privacy of the young people in the programme.​

6.Culture, values and wider strategy and mission. Provide senior accountability within your remit for ensuring the delivery of our strategic objectives by embedding our vision, mission, strategy, ideology and cultural values across your area and the wider organisation. Play a central role in shaping organisational direction and leading cross-departmental priorities and initiatives. To include but not limited to:

• Embodying and championing our commitment to social and economic justice, ensuring this is consistently reflected in organisational strategy, decision-making, delivery and partnerships
• Acting as a champion of organisational culture and values, setting the standard across teams and holding others to account in upholding these in practice
• Leading on identifying and driving opportunities that strengthen organisational impact, working closely with your senior leadership, including the Director of Finance, HR and Ops, and contributing to high-level strategic direction
• Holding ultimate responsibility for identifying, assessing and addressing risks to our integrity, authenticity and alignment with our ideology and culture, taking decisive and timely action within your area of responsibility
• Enabling and leading effective cross-departmental collaboration within your remit, ensuring teams are aligned, appropriately resourced and working cohesively towards shared goals
• Shaping and modelling a culture of openness, care and accountability, contributing to organisational wellbeing approaches and supporting leaders across the organisation to do the same
• Taking ownership of your continued leadership development, while also actively supporting the development of others and building leadership capacity within your area
• Taking responsibility for communicating your own wellbeing and needs and providing feedback on TAA wellbeing initiatives to your line manager, and contribute to living the TAA transformative culture​

7.Governance and Compliance

• Provide strategic leadership on governance and risk management within your portfolio, working in close partnership with the Finance, HR and Operations team.
• Lead and hold accountability for risk identification, analysis and mitigation, ensuring risks to strategic objectives are anticipated, escalated and managed effectively
• Maintain oversight of risk across your area, ensuring robust systems, controls and practices are in place and consistently applied
• Ensure strong organisational compliance with TAA policies and practices, taking responsibility for their effective implementation, continuous improvement and alignment with wider organisational standards
• You will support Campaigns and Community Departments by ensuring that the operations, structures, processes, and practices within CMDP and Open Access align with and support TAA's campaigning and organising goals, activating new allies' goals, and community goals​

A BIT ABOUT YOU​

• You are passionate about, and committed to, creating a more fair, just and equal world.
• You believe in the potential of young people to challenge the status quo and are dedicated to helping them become more powerful citizens.
• You’ve got a deep understanding of, and a personal relationship with, issues of social justice. From racism to the housing crisis to climate justice, you’ll be aware of how systemic injustice operates in our society, clued-up and well-informed on the big issues of our time and committed to changing them.
• You’ll be comfortable managing a “to-do” list of competing priorities and balancing your workload to meet competing deadlines.
• You’re a sensitive and thoughtful relationship-builder who is interested in building a network of relationships to support the Advocacy Academy’s work. You’re a great listener, and remember people’s names, faces, and stories.
• You’re a confident written and verbal communicator, who is comfortable with tailoring communication to reach a diverse range of audiences and stakeholders.
• You’re proactive, organised, and eager to learn, whether that’s chatting with potential funders, researching new opportunities or collaborating with teammates.​

​IDEAL SKILLS & EXPERIENCE​

• At least 5 years of experience in programmes delivery on issues of social justice working with young people and/or 
• At least 5 years of experience in supporting others to grow in confidence and capability to develop and deliver organising or campaign efforts, including leading and managing groups such as mentors, interns and young people
• Detail oriented
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience in identifying challenges within programmes and using insight, feedback and data to iterate and continuously improve delivery
• Detail oriented
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience working with different audiences or types of stakeholders 
• Strong project management and experience working collaboratively across teams both in person and online
• Excellent organisational skills with confidence managing multiple tasks at the same time/ balancing multiple priorities to meet deadlines
• Experience with our existing systems e.g., Gmail/ Google Doc/ Google Sheets/ Canva/ Slack
• Confidence working in a fast-paced environment

This is an outline of the responsibilities and duties of the Head of Programmes role; it is not intended as an exhaustive list and may change from time to time to meet the changing needs of the Liberation Centre and our young people. Any changes will be made in consultation with the post holder.

HOW TO APPLY​

Candidates will be asked to provide a CV and a Cover Letter OR a supporting video application addressing the following questions (no more than 1000 words or 10 minutes for all questions).​

• ​Tell us about a social justice issue that makes you angry and why it matters to you?
• ​Our Head of Programmes will train Changemakers (young people) to become confident leaders and organisers. Tell us about a training programme you were part of, what it achieved, what it didn’t, your role in that effort and any reflections you have about being part of it?
• ​Our Head of Programmes will support people to act on their developing political interests. Tell us about a time when you helped someone learn and develop their capacity to make change in the world?
• ​Include anything else you would like us to know as we consider your candidacy for the Head of Programmes role.

In addition, please also provide information on your notice period and your availability for interview. You may also attach any other content that would be relevant for us to have in order to showcase interest and experience. The content can come in any form of media, including but not limited to - a mind map of ideas, a timeline or portfolio of your work, life or experiences; a recording; a Powerpoint or other form of presentation; a song, article, poem or other writing samples.​

DATES​

• Closing Date: The deadline for applications 25th May 2026 by 10am.
• Task: If shortlisted you may be required to complete a brief facilitation activity with young people around organising or campaigns.
• First Round of Interviews: will be scheduled for 29th May 2026 (Dates are subject to change).
• Second Round of Interviews: will be scheduled for w/c 08 June 2026 (Dates are subject to change).​

Please be aware that we will be interviewing as we receive applications. The application date might be brought forward if we find the right person.​

ONLINE OPEN HOUSE​

We will not be hosting an online open house for this role.  However, if you have any questions about the role or are interested in hearing more about what The Advocacy Academy is about we are happy to do 15-20mins exploratory phone call. Contact us on the email indicated on the JD to indicate your interest for this.​

A NOTE ON USING AI TOOLS IN YOUR APPLICATION​

We understand that AI tools like ChatGPT can be helpful when preparing an application, and you’re welcome to use them as a support. However, we’re most interested in hearing directly from you. Please ensure your application reflects your own voice, experiences, and perspective.

We value the unique insights, lived experiences, and ways of thinking that each candidate brings. These are what help us understand who you are and what you would bring to the role, and they are an important part of how we assess applications.

If you require any adjustments or support during the application process, please don’t hesitate to let us know. we’re committed to making our recruitment process as accessible and inclusive as possible.​​

NOTHING ABOUT US WITHOUT US​

​We aim to be representative of the community we are working with. We encourage applications from people of colour, those who identify as LGBTQIA, working class as well as disabled people, those living with mental health conditions, refugees and migrants. We welcome people from all identities who are made to feel marginalised.​

We’re not just committed to being an equal opportunity employer, we actively celebrate diversity in all its forms. Let us know if we can do anything to make the application or interview process more accessible. If you are invited to interview, we will at that point ask you for any accessibility requirements or preferences.

As an employer we make all reasonable adjustments to support employees in their work if they are disabled or have a health condition. We support the Access to Work scheme which could provide you with financial support to get the help you need to do all tasks successfully. We are happy to facilitate Access to Work assessments and reclaims and would actively welcome applicants who would need this in order to do the job.​​

All staff who work on our programme must have, prior to starting work, a returned satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) dated no earlier than 1st January 2021. The Advocacy Academy will assist the application for, and pay for the processing of, a new DBS for staff members where required.​

We welcome applications from people with convictions. Please disclose in your applications if you have any convictions, cautions, reprimand or final warnings that are not "protected" (as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). We consider each person on their own merits, taking into account all the circumstances.

​

The Head of Strategic Communications will lead strategic communications at ECU, building on our track record of shaping media narratives around the economy and working across multiple campaigns and programmes.

As our Head of Strategic Communications, you will devise and deliver impactful communications strategies to shape the way the UK media covers economic policy. You’ll help ensure that UK media debates are grounded in robust and innovative economic thinking and rise to the scale and urgency of current societal challenges.

If you believe that media and public debate on economics could be improved - and if you have the strategic communications track record to make that happen - then we would like to hear from you.

​SUMMARY​

​Position Title: ​Head of Spacemaking and Operations

Level: Level 6

Pay: £40, 000 -46, 000 (FTE yearly)

Reports to: Director of Finance, HR and Operations

Location: Liberation centre Brixton, London (New office in Brixton)/ Remote working within the UK with at least 3 days’ work from our office (Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays)

Contract: Full time (40hrs/weekly), 2-year Fixed Term contract.

Start date: As soon as possible

Benefits: TAA laptop and phone, (employee assistance and health cash package including staff supervision, counselling, dental, optical care and more.)

The Advocacy Academy is an activist youth movement. We serve as the political home for grassroots youth organising and the catalyst for collective action. The lives of the young people we work alongside have been directly shaped by living in an unjust world, and we exist to turn their anger into action.​​

Young people are often the catalysts for major social change, from the Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee at the heart of the Civil Rights Movement, to the Soweto Uprising mobilising young people to resist the apartheid regime's education policies, to the Sunrise Movement redrawing the electoral map across America, and more recently encampments and protests across the world protesting the genocide in Palestine. How successfully they achieve real and lasting change depends on whether they are organised and whether they have the right strategy and tactics to be effective.​

We want youth organising to be enshrined in the UK for generations to come, and for young people to have tangible political power to influence national policy. That’s why we have launched two national coalitions, one around climate, and the other around gender. Each will train organisations across the country to become youth organisers and work together to bring 100 young people together to identify the strategy and tactics needed to achieve change. These young leaders will organise others and work collectively to build a campaign which shakes the status quo.​

We are now looking for a Head of Spacemaking & Operations who believes in this vision and can ensure that TAA’s Liberation Centre is safe, fully operational, and intentionally designed as a welcoming, accessible, and inclusive environment. This role bridges operational delivery and spatial experience, ensuring that the Centre not only functions effectively behind the scenes, but also reflects TAA’s values in how people experience, move through, and use the space. You will combine operational oversight, facilities management, and space experience design, working across teams to ensure the Centre is safe, compliant, efficient, accessible and welcoming for staff, young people, and the wider community. 

Before you skim the job description, please remember you don’t have to tick all the boxes to apply. We all experience a bit of imposter syndrome, including staff here at The Advocacy Academy. If this role pulls you in and you believe you could make a meaningful difference, we encourage you to apply or reach out to us to discuss further. We are especially interested in people who bring lived experiences, perspectives, and ways of working.​​

​AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY​​​

​1.You will become a key member of the Finance, HR & Operations Team, including but not limited to:

• Supporting the Director of Finance, HR and Operations in maintaining and improving operational systems and processes
•  Supporting the delivery of the Liberation Centre strategy, working across teams to ensure the Centre provides a functional, welcoming, inclusive, and safe environment for staff, young people, and the wider community
• Building relationships across departments, understanding their needs, and communicating operational updates to the Director
• Ensure escalations to the Director of Finance, HR and Operations are timely, well-prepared, clearly articulated, and supported by relevant information to enable effective decision-making. ​

2.​You will ensure that your responsibilities run like well-oiled machines by supporting TAA’s facilities, ensuring the Liberation Centre operates safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with relevant regulations by:

• Acting as the main operational liaison for the Liberation Centre, including council, building management, and external contractors
• Managing relationships with facilities providers, maintenance contractors, cleaners, and IT vendors
• Overseeing health & safety compliance, including staff training, evacuation procedures, drills, and statutory checks
• Supporting the development and implementation of risk assessments (fire, general, wellbeing, incidents, remote work, etc.)
• Ensuring procurement, supplies, and stock levels are managed effectively and responsibly
• Coordinating first aiders and fire marshals as required
• Ensuring operational cost-efficiency across facilities and space-related services​

3.You will help shape the Liberation Centre as a purposeful, accessible, and welcoming environment by:

• Supporting the ongoing development of the Liberation Centre as a safe, inclusive, and values-aligned space
• Leading on accessibility improvements across the physical environment, ensuring equitable access for disabled community members
• Shaping improvements to layout, usability, and overall experience of the space
• Ensuring the space reflects TAA’s values of care, inclusion, and liberation in its physical design and use
• Working with internal teams to understand spatial needs and translating them into practical and experience-led improvements
• Supporting a positive, caring, and community-centred environment across all users of the space​

4.You will support reliable and secure operational infrastructure by:

• Acting as liaison for IT and facilities providers
• Supporting setup, maintenance, and improvement of workplace systems and equipment
• Ensuring infrastructure supports accessibility, inclusion, and ease of use
• Identifying improvements to systems that enhance operational efficiency and user experience
• Supporting secure onboarding and offboarding of staff from a systems and access perspective

​5.You will act as a key connector between operations and delivery teams by:

• Work with the Working closely with programmes, Organising & Campaigns, community, and communications teams to ensure smooth operational delivery
• Supporting logistics for events, residentials, camps, and programmes, including venue sourcing, bookings, and on-site coordination
• Providing operational and administrative support for space usage, scheduling, and bookings
• Supporting onboarding and offboarding processes from a space, systems, and logistics perspective
• Supporting new staff inductions and ensuring new starters are equipped to use the space effectively
• Supporting internal communication of operational updates across teams​

6.You will support the Director in embedding safety, wellbeing, and care into how the space is used and experienced by:

• ​Ensuring health & safety processes are embedded and consistently followed
• Coordinating safety training and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of regulations
• Supporting a culture of shared responsibility for safety within the Liberation Centre
• Working with the community team to ensure safety practices are values-aligned 
• Supporting emergency preparedness and incident response processes
• FMaintaining a safe and functional environment by ensuring the space is kept clear, organised, and free from unnecessary clutter or hazards.​

7.Culture, values and wider strategy and mission. Provide senior functional leadership for Spacemaking and Operations, ensuring delivery of organisational strategy through effective planning, coordination, and implementation across your area. Contribute to shaping organisational priorities through insight, delivery experience, and cross-departmental collaboration. To include but not limited to:

• Embodying and championing our commitment to social and economic justice, ensuring this is consistently reflected in organisational strategy, decision-making, delivery and partnerships
• Champion the organisation’s commitment to social and economic justice, ensuring this is embedded in the design and delivery of spacemaking and operational activity, and reflected in partnerships and ways of working within your remit.
• Act as a role model for organisational culture and values, setting expectations within your teams and supporting colleagues to apply these consistently in day-to-day practice.
• Work closely with leaders across the organisation to identify opportunities to improve organisational impact and efficiency, contributing operational insight to strategic planning and decision-making.
• Identify, assess and escalate risks related to operational delivery, organisational culture, and alignment with stated values and principles, ensuring timely mitigation within your area of responsibility.
• Lead and enable effective cross-departmental collaboration within your remit, ensuring teams are aligned, appropriately resourced, and working effectively towards shared organisational goals.
• Foster a culture of openness, care, accountability and continuous improvement within your area, contributing to wider organisational wellbeing practices.
• Take responsibility for your own ongoing leadership development, and actively support the development of others, building capability and leadership within the Spacemaking and Operations function.
• IEngage in organisational wellbeing practices by communicating needs appropriately, participating in feedback processes, and contributing constructively to living the TAA transformative culture​

8.Governance and Compliance

• Provide strategic leadership on governance and risk management within your portfolio, working in close partnership with the Finance, HR and Operations team.
• Lead and hold accountability for risk identification, analysis and mitigation, ensuring risks to strategic objectives are anticipated, escalated and managed effectively
• Maintain oversight of risk across your area, ensuring robust systems, controls and practices are in place and consistently applied
• Ensure strong organisational compliance with TAA policies and practices, taking responsibility for their effective implementation, continuous improvement and alignment with wider organisational standards
• ​You will support Programmes, Campaigns and Community Departments by ensuring that the operations, structures, processes, and practices align with and support TAA's campaigning and organising goals, activating new allies' goals, and community goals​

WHAT SUCCESS WILL LOOK ​

• The Liberation Centre runs smoothly, safely, and reliably day-to-day
• Staff and community members experience the space as welcoming, accessible, and well cared for
• Operational systems are efficient, compliant, and low-friction
• Space improvements are intentional, values-led, and responsive to user needs
• Teams can focus on delivery, supported by strong operational and spatial infrastructure​

A BIT ABOUT YOU​

• You are passionate about, and committed to, creating a more fair, just and equal world.
• You believe in the potential of young people to challenge the status quo and are dedicated to helping them become more powerful citizens.
• You’ve got a deep understanding of, and a personal relationship with, issues of social justice. From racism to the housing crisis to climate justice, you’ll be aware of how systemic injustice operates in our society, clued-up and well-informed on the big issues of our time, and committed to changing them.
• You’ll be comfortable managing a “to-do” list of competing priorities and balancing your workload to meet competing deadlines.
• You’re a sensitive and thoughtful relationship-builder who is interested in building a network of relationships to support the Advocacy Academy’s work. You’re a great listener, and remember people’s names, faces, and stories.
• You’re a confident written and verbal communicator, who is comfortable with tailoring communication to reach a diverse range of audiences and stakeholders.
• You’re proactive, organised, and eager to learn, whether that’s chatting with potential funders, researching new opportunities or collaborating with teammates.​

​IDEAL SKILLS & EXPERIENCE​

• 3-5+ years’ experience in operations management, ideally including leadership responsibility for teams, workflows, or service delivery.
• Comfortable operating as the senior operational lead on site when required, maintaining full delivery responsibility and ensuring clear communication and escalation pathways.
• Demonstrated experience in facilities management and/or IT systems coordination, with an understanding of how operational infrastructure supports organisational effectiveness.
• Working knowledge of operational tools and systems (e.g. Microsoft Excel / Google Sheets, Canva, and similar platforms), with willingness to learn and adapt to new systems as needed.
• Experience supporting or developing operational processes, with an interest in improving efficiency, clarity, and user experience across systems and teams. 
• Proven ability Experience working with diverse audiences and stakeholders, with an understanding of access needs and inclusive practice to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously, prioritise effectively, and maintain delivery in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience designing and delivering spaces, services, or operations with a strong understanding of access needs, ensuring inclusive and equitable participation.

This is an outline of the responsibilities and duties of the Head of Spacemaking & Operations role, it is not intended as an exhaustive list and may change from time to time to meet the changing needs of the Liberation Centre and our young people. Any changes will be made in consultation with the post holder.​

HOW TO APPLY​

​Candidates will be asked to provide a CV and a Cover Letter OR a supporting video application addressing the following questions (no more than 1000 words or 10 minutes for all questions).

• Tell us about a social justice issue that makes you angry and why it matters to you?
• Our Head of Spacemaking & Operations role entails working and building relationships with different stakeholders. Tell us about a time when you successfully cultivated a relationship with someone when working towards a shared goal - What did you do and what did you learn?
• Include anything else you would like us to know as we consider your candidacy for the​ Head of Spacemaking & Operations role.

In addition, please also provide information on your notice period and your availability for interview. You may also attach any other content that would be relevant for us to have in order to showcase interest and experience. The content can come in any form of media, including but not limited to - a mind map of ideas, a timeline or portfolio of your work, life or experiences; a recording; a Powerpoint or other form of presentation; a song, article, poem or other writing samples.​

DATES​

• Closing Date: The deadline for applications 8th June 2026 by 10am.
• First Round of Interviews: will be scheduled for w/c 15th June 2026 (Dates are subject to change).
• Second Round of Interviews: will be scheduled for w/c 29th June 2026 (Dates are subject to change).

Please be aware that we will be interviewing as we receive applications. The application date might be brought forward if we find the right person.​

A NOTE ON USING AI TOOLS IN YOUR APPLICATION​

We understand that AI tools like ChatGPT can be helpful when preparing an application, and you’re welcome to use them as a support. However, we’re most interested in hearing directly from you. Please ensure your application reflects your own voice, experiences, and perspective.

We value the unique insights, lived experiences, and ways of thinking that each candidate brings. These are what help us understand who you are and what you would bring to the role, and they are an important part of how we assess applications.

If you require any adjustments or support during the application process, please don’t hesitate to let us know. we’re committed to making our recruitment process as accessible and inclusive as possible.​​

NOTHING ABOUT US WITHOUT US​

​We aim to be representative of the community we are working with. We encourage applications from people of colour, those who identify as LGBTQIA, working class as well as disabled people, those living with mental health conditions, refugees and migrants. We welcome people from all identities who are made to feel marginalised.​

We’re not just committed to being an equal opportunity employer, we actively celebrate diversity in all its forms. Let us know if we can do anything to make the application or interview process more accessible. If you are invited to interview, we will at that point ask you for any accessibility requirements or preferences.​

As an employer we make all reasonable adjustments to support employees in their work if they are disabled or have a health condition. We support the Access to Work scheme which could provide you with financial support to get the help you need to do all tasks successfully. We are happy to facilitate Access to Work assessments and reclaims and would actively welcome applicants who would need this in order to do the job.​

All staff who work on our programme must have, prior to starting work, a returned satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) dated no earlier than 1st January 2021. The Advocacy Academy will assist the application for, and pay for the processing of, a new DBS for staff members where required.​

We welcome applications from people with convictions. Please disclose in your applications if you have any convictions, cautions, reprimand or final warnings that are not "protected" (as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). We consider each person on their own merits, taking into account all the circumstances.

​

Communications Manager 

About the role

We are looking for an experienced Communications Manager to help bring our mission and impact to life.

Reporting to the Head of Communications & Transformation, you’ll lead on high-quality, engaging communications that support our programmes, partnerships and organisational goals.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and delivering social media content and managing day-to-day channels
• Producing compelling written, visual and video content, including impact case studies
• Copywriting for our website, email campaigns and publications
• Delivering internal communications to support colleague engagement
• Supporting stakeholder communications and marketing campaigns
• Developing and implementing brand assets 

About you

You’ll be an experienced communications professional, comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and managing multiple priorities. You’ll bring creativity, strong organisational skills and a passion for social impact.

Essential experience includes:

• Experince of working in an internal communications-based role
• Excellent planning and project management skills
• Strong writing, editing and visual content skills
• Experience managing social media channels
• Video editing skills (Adobe Premiere Pro)
• Experience using Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop)
• Experience with email platforms such as Campaign Monitor (or similar)

For full details of the role and our rewards and benefits package, please view the candidate pack.

How to apply

Please apply via CharityJob with your CV and a cover letter.

Closing date for applications: Tuesday 5 May at 9am
Interviews: Interviews are intended to take place week commencing 18 May