Head of education advocacy jobs
How's your job search on our site?
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We’re an award-winning charity running local learning centres in the heart of the communities where the young people we support live. Our centres provide a high-impact education programme which includes practical learning support, pastoral care, and motivational and confidence-building activities for young people aged 7-18. Our aim is to enable students from the least advantaged neighbourhoods to realise their ambitions and achieve their wonderful potential.
As the UK’s leading university access organisation, our staff team is helping over 60,000 young people each year at its 46 learning centres across England and Scotland, and we plan to scale-up our provision over the coming years.
We are recruiting a Head of Communications to join our Senior Leadership Team to lead the charity’s communications work, ensuring that the charity’s ambitious growth plan is supported by exceptional strategic communications that engages our key stakeholders and builds support for the charity’s work, particularly with funders and university partners.
This is a senior position and will involve close work with the charity’s senior managers, trustees and high-profile stakeholders. This is both a strategic and hands-on role, ranging from having senior oversight of the charity’s communications strategy, through to rolling your sleeves up to work with the team to meet a tight deadline.
The role at a glance
Contract
Permanent. The role is available on either a part-time (30 hours per week, 0.8 FTE) or full-time basis, with responsibilities adjusted appropriately.
Start date
September 2026 (or as otherwise agreed with candidate)
Working hours
The role is available either 30 hours per week (0.8 FTE) or full-time, with responsibilities adjusted appropriately.
We are a delivery organisation providing frontline educational services for young people. Our Head Office team is based on the site of our North Kensington centre in West London. We are an organisation with team members at different stages of their career, including many in their first roles: we are committed to nurturing talent and providing a developmental culture for all. Role is mainly office-based, with the opportunity to work from home one day per week.
The in-person time will mainly be in the office with other members of the team, but will also include regularly attending meetings at other locations - for example, attending events or meeting stakeholders at IntoUniversity centres.
Salary
£55,000 to £60,000 per annum pro rata (incl. £2,800 London contribution) Pro-rated salary for 30 hours p/w (0.8 FTE) is £44,000 to £48,000 per annum.
Location
IntoUniversity Head Office, 95 Sirdar Road, London W11 4EQ
Annual Leave
Full-time staff entitlement, pro-rated for part-time staff: 33 days (inc bank & public holidays) + 3 closure days (two in December and one in July) + additional length of service entitlement (one day per year of service, up to 5 days).
Senior Leadership Team
The postholder will be a member of the charity’s Senior Leadership Team, which comprises six senior operational, HR, communications and fundraising staff along with the four members of our Senior Management Team.
Application deadline: 09:00am Wednesday 29th July 2026
IntoUniversity provides local learning centres where young people are inspired to achieve.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Lead a respected counselling charity and help shape the future of mental health support in our community.
If you're an inspiring leader who combines strategic thinking with a hands-on approach, this is an opportunity to make a lasting difference. As our new Head of Centre, you'll lead an established, BACP-accredited charity with an excellent reputation for delivering affordable, high-quality counselling and professional training across West Kent and East Sussex.
For almost 40 years, The Counselling Centre has been committed to ensuring that everyone can access professional counselling, regardless of their financial circumstances. We are now looking for an exceptional leader to build on this legacy, strengthening our financial sustainability, developing new partnerships and expanding our impact to meet the growing demand for mental health support.
Reporting to the Chair of the Board of Trustees, you will provide both strategic and operational leadership across the organisation. You'll work closely with our dedicated staff, volunteers and trustees to ensure we continue to deliver outstanding counselling, training and community services while identifying opportunities for growth, innovation and long-term sustainability.
This is a varied and rewarding leadership role. You'll oversee the day-to-day running of the charity, lead financial planning and income generation, develop relationships with funders, commissioners, businesses and community partners, and act as an ambassador for The Counselling Centre across the local area. You'll also champion our values, nurture a positive organisational culture and ensure we continue to meet the highest standards of governance and professional practice.
We're looking for someone who brings senior leadership experience, commercial awareness and a genuine commitment to improving mental health. You'll be an excellent relationship builder with experience of developing partnerships, generating income and leading organisational change. Most importantly, you'll be motivated by our mission and excited by the opportunity to help shape the next chapter of our organisation.
Why join us?
-
Lead a respected charity with an outstanding reputation built over almost 40 years.
-
Make a genuine difference to the lives of people in your local community.
-
Work alongside a committed Board of Trustees, experienced staff and dedicated volunteers.
-
Help shape the future direction and growth of an ambitious organisation.
-
Enjoy a flexible part-time role (21 hours per week) with hybrid working.
-
Competitive salary of circa £50,000–£55,000 per annum pro rata, contributory pension, 25 days' annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays, and Christmas closure.
If you're looking for a leadership role where your strategic vision, commercial skills and passion for community impact can make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Could you lead a talented team to deliver compelling, audience‑led campaigns that accelerate progress for everyone affected by ovarian cancer?
We are looking for an Interim Head of Marketing and Communications to lead this function during an exciting period of transition and growth. This role will play a pivotal part in delivering our communications and brand strategy, supporting the rollout of our new organisational strategy, and maintaining momentum across high‑profile campaigns and projects.
Reporting to the Director of Fundraising and Engagement, you’ll oversee marketing and communications across the organisation, line managing a team of specialists and working closely with the Senior Leadership Team. You’ll provide strategic leadership, clear direction and hands‑on support, ensuring activity is well planned, insight‑driven and aligned to our wider organisational objectives.
This role is ideal for an experienced marketing and communications leader, ideally from the charity sector, who can combine strategic thinking with strong delivery, and who thrives in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment.
We are an ambitious charity, building on our achievements and targeting what’s important to stop ovarian cancer devastating lives - symptoms awareness, early diagnosis, better treatments and support for all. It’s an exciting time to be joining Target Ovarian Cancer as we move into our ambitious new strategy.
Join us and together we'll fight for a world where everyone with ovarian cancer lives.
The role
This is a full-time (35 hours per week), fixed-term position to July 2027.
We operate a hybrid working model. You will usually work remotely but will be expected to attend meetings at our office near London Bridge when required. Please note that travel costs to the office are not covered.
If you would like more information about expected office attendance, please refer to the recruitment pack.
How to apply
You will be asked to submit your CV and answer two application questions (maximum 250 words each) as part of the process. You will also be asked to complete an equalities monitoring form.
Applications without responses to the application questions may not be considered.
Key dates
-
Closing date: 22 July 2026
-
First interview Monday 27 July, second interview Friday 31 July
If you are invited to interview, you will have the opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments.
Additional information
Target Ovarian Cancer does not hold a sponsorship licence and cannot sponsor visas.
We are committed to making our recruitment process accessible to all. If you require support with your application, please refer to the guidance provided in the recruitment pack.
We’re targeting what’s important – symptoms awareness, life-saving early diagnosis, better treatments and support



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Who We Are Looking For
We are seeking an inspiring and strategic leader who is passionate about delivering lasting impact for people with disabilities and other marginalised communities. As our new Director of Programme Impact, you will shape the strategic direction and development of our programme portfolio, ensuring our partner-led work continues to grow in reach, quality, effectiveness, and impact.
You will bring strong programme leadership, people management expertise, and a commitment to partnership-based approaches that support locally led development. As a member of CBM UK’s Leadership Team (LT), you will contribute to the overall strategic direction of the organisation while leading and motivating a committed Programmes Team. You will play a key role in strengthening CBM UK’s contribution to the CBM Global federation, working closely with country teams, technical specialists, and partners to maximise our collective impact.
An experienced leader, you will provide strategic oversight across a diverse portfolio of programmes, partnerships, and funding opportunities. Overseeing an annual budget of around £4million, you will have a strong track record of delivering impactful programme strategies, building and developing high-performing teams, and fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, inclusion, and continuous learning. This role offers an exciting opportunity for an established senior leader who is ready to take the next step into their first Director-level position, as well as those with existing director-level experience.
Forward-thinking and adaptable, you will be excited by the opportunities and challenges facing the international development sector. You will play an instrumental role in exploring the changing role of UK INGOs within the localisation agenda and will work closely with the CEO and Leadership Team to develop new approaches and business models that respond to an evolving global context. You will also bring experience of securing and growing institutional and strategic funding opportunities, alongside the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and compellingly to a wide range of audiences.
Above all, you will share our commitment to inclusion, equity, and disability rights and be motivated by the opportunity to help create a world in which all people can enjoy their rights and fulfil their potential. You will be inspired by the chance to shape both organisational strategy and sector-wide conversations, ensuring that people with disabilities remain at the heart of international development and humanitarian action.
Key Responsibilities
Programmes Leadership & Management (70%)
1. Lead the strategic and financial development and oversight of CBM UK’s international programme portfolio, ensuring the organisation delivers its programme strategy with maximum impact and effectiveness in alignment with CBM Global’s strategy. Support and line manage the team to translate strategic priorities into actionable plans to ensure excellence in programme funding, development and delivery.
2. Drive quality and effectiveness within CBM UK projects and across CBM Global by
a) ensuring effective coordination of tasks, forward planning of key activities and events, and providing space for collaboration, problem-solving, escalation and innovation across the portfolio.
b) identifying and improving policies and procedures that ensure proportional programmatic oversight and support complex institutional funding management.
c) supporting Programmes staff to work with country teams to pursue a localised approach to programming, drawing on the CBM Global localisation roadmap.
3. Work with Programme Funding colleagues to lead and oversee the development of strategic partnerships and packaging of programme approaches that secure institutional funding for CBM UK’s programmes, including by strengthening intelligence on donor trends and funder priorities, developing immediate responses to new opportunities as they arise in line with CBM UK’s mission.
4. Work closely with CBM UK finance, fundraising, communication teams and other CBM Global Members in creating and responding to opportunities for funding, driving growth, and promoting effective use of CBM UK’s voluntary income to leverage match funding.
5. Together with the Board and LT, actively manage programme risks based on CBMUK’s overall risk management framework.
6. Demonstrate leadership in maintaining an environment free from harm for project participants, CBM UK and partner staff by overseeing the management of safeguarding concerns arising in CBM UK supported projects, including reporting to the Board and Charity Commission where appropriate.
7. Promote within the Programmes Department a culture of learning, reflection and continuous improvement which only results in an improved programmatic approach but also informs and supports our advocacy, advisory, and evidence and learning work.
8. Liaise closely with CBM UK colleagues to ensure coordination and effective integration of programme activities into opportunities for fundraising, including contributing to the innovation in business models to diversify CBM UK’s funding base, including exploring sustainable funding approaches to enhance programme delivery and reduce dependency on the charitable model (in conjunction with the CEO and Director of Fundraising, Impact and Communications).
Organisational leadership (20%)
1. Contribute to the overall leadership and strategic direction of CBM UK through the Leadership Team, and in collaboration with the CEO, including contributing to Board meetings.
2. As part of the Leadership Team, take shared leadership responsibility for the wider CBM UK team of staff and volunteers, supporting effective collaboration and organisational cohesion, and taking on cross-functional responsibilities where appropriate.
3. Encourage and promote a culture of ambition, learning and excellence across the CBM UK team.
4. Be responsible for producing and initiating regular reports, briefing papers and other relevant programmes information for the CEO and Board Programmes Committee as appropriate.
5. Lead on supporting the Board Programmes Committee, working closely with the Committee Chair to ensure members are provided with the information necessary to permit strategic oversight and robust risk management.
6. Lead UK’s engagement with CBM Global's programmatic leadership, in particular Directors of Programmes in other CBM Member Teams (Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Switzerland), CBM Global Secretariat, and Technical Directors, working towards greater alignment, escalation of issues, and collaboration to advance CBM UK’s approach to localisation.
Representation and advocacy (10%)
1. Represent the organisation at the highest levels, including deputising for the CEO where required. Act as a key spokesperson for CBM UK with a range of external audiences, including institutional and statutory donors and strategic partners, media, policy and decision makers and other international and national non-government organisations. Develop and maintain strong relationships with key geographic stakeholders, including diplomatic representatives, ensuring effective engagement and alignment with CBM UK’s programme priorities.
2. In alignment with Advocacy and with Advisory colleagues, contribute to best practice in the UK disability and development sector by forging good relationships with UK-based and international NGO and disability sector networks to advocate for the adoption of inclusive development policies and practices, and champion innovative inclusive programmatic approaches.
For full details please download the Recruitment Pack.
Head of Communications & Public Affairs
The Head of Communications & Public Affairs is a pivotal role at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) promoting our world-leading work in science, conservation, horticulture, and education.
Working as an active member of the Senior Leadership Team, this role will lead the organisation’s approach to strategic communications, seeking opportunities to engage external audiences, disseminate key messages, and raise RBGE’s profile on a national and international stage through press and media engagement.
With oversight of the communications and publishing functions, this role will also provide key support to the Regius Keeper and the Executive Team in shaping engagement and communication strategies with political stakeholders across the Scottish and UK governments.
This is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact in the next phase of RBGE’s corporate strategy, strengthening key policy relationships and promoting RBGE’s expertise to deliver real impact in the fight against the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change.
Closing date: 09:00am (BST) on Monday 20 July 2026
First interview date: 30 July 2026
Second interview date: 5 August 2026
Recruitment information:
Further details on the job description, person specification, and how to apply can be found in the candidate pack for the role on our website here: Head of Communications and Public Affairs Candidate Pack
Salary: £45,000–£47,000 FTE (depending on experience)
Hours: 30–35 hours per week
Location: Hybrid/home-based. Ideally within easy reach of Chelmsford and London. Regular travel to meet colleagues, funders and visit programmes across England.
Reporting to: CEO
Be part of a mission that's transforming children's futures through food, farming and the countryside
For more than 45 years, The Country Trust has been connecting children from the UK's most disadvantaged communities with the land that sustains us all. Through inspiring farm visits, food education and countryside experiences, we've already reached more than 600,000 children, and we're just getting started.
We're entering an exciting new chapter as we develop our next organisational strategy, and we're looking for an experienced fundraising leader to help shape our future.
This is an outstanding opportunity for an ambitious and strategic fundraiser to join our Senior Leadership Team and lead the next phase of our income growth, enabling even more children to benefit from our life-changing programmes.
About the role
As Head of Fundraising, you'll provide strategic leadership across all fundraising activity while remaining hands-on in securing major income and developing key relationships.
You'll lead a dedicated fundraising team, drive innovation, strengthen fundraising systems and processes, and develop a sustainable fundraising strategy that diversifies income across:
- Trusts and foundations
- Corporate partnerships
- Major donors
- Individual giving
- Legacies
- Gaming and Streaming for Good
- Emerging fundraising opportunities
Working closely with the CEO, Senior Leadership Team, Digital and IT colleagues, you'll help embed new fundraising systems, champion data-driven decision making and ensure fundraising excellence across the organisation.
About you
We're looking for an inspiring fundraising leader who combines strategic thinking with practical delivery.
You'll bring:
- Significant senior-level fundraising leadership experience
- A proven track record of securing substantial income across multiple fundraising streams
- Experience developing and delivering fundraising strategies that drive sustainable growth
- Strong leadership skills with experience developing high-performing teams
- Excellent relationship-building, communication and influencing skills
- Financial and commercial awareness, including budgeting and forecasting
- Knowledge of fundraising regulation, GDPR and fundraising best practice
- A passion for improving opportunities for disadvantaged children
Experience developing new income streams, digital fundraising and CRM systems would be particularly valuable.
Why join us?
At The Country Trust, you'll be joining an ambitious charity where collaboration, learning and innovation are at the heart of everything we do.
We offer:
- Hybrid and flexible working
- 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays (FTE)
- Workplace pension
- Homeworking allowance
- Mileage and agreed travel expenses
- A supportive, values-led culture
- The opportunity to shape our future strategy and make a lasting difference to children's lives
We're committed to building a diverse and inclusive team that reflects the communities we serve and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
Key dates
Closing date: 12pm, 3 August
Shortlisting: 6 August
Interviews: Week commencing 24 August
The Country Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check.
We are a small, dynamic national education charity dedicated to bringing alive the working countryside for children least able to access it.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Head of Industrial Relations
£68,602 per annum + excellent benefits.
Home-based with travel to meetings/training across the country as required
Full time, permanent.
Lead negotiations. Influence change. Protect and strengthen the voice of school and college leaders.
Make A Difference
This is a rare opportunity to lead a highly influential function, shape national industrial relations activity and make a lasting difference to the professional lives of school and college leaders.
Why This Role Matters
As our clients Head of Industrial Relations, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring that school and college leaders have a strong and influential voice in shaping their pay, conditions and working environment. Leading their industrial relations and collective bargaining function, you will help safeguard members' rights, secure positive outcomes through negotiation, and strengthen their position as the leading professional body and trade union for education leaders. Your expertise will directly contribute to improving the working lives of members across the UK while ensuring the organisation remains legally compliant, strategically focused and highly respected within the sector.
Who We’re Looking For
Our client is seeking an experienced industrial relations, trade union or HR professional with a proven track record of leading successful negotiations at a senior level. You will bring substantial experience of collective bargaining, strong leadership capabilities, and a deep understanding of employment relations within complex organisations. You'll be a strategic thinker, an influential communicator and a confident relationship-builder who can work effectively with employers, trade unions, members and external stakeholders. A commitment to trade union principles, combined with the credibility to work alongside experienced school and college leaders, will be essential to your success in this role.
What You’ll Be Doing
You will lead and develop the Industrial Relations team, ensuring the delivery of a high-quality, consistent service to members nationwide. Working closely with employer groups, trade unions and local representatives, you will oversee negotiations, represent members at key joint negotiating committees, resolve disputes, and help secure the best possible terms, conditions and benefits for members. You will also provide strategic advice across the organisation, ensure compliance with relevant legislation and trade union requirements, support the development of local representatives, and contribute to the organisation's broader industrial relations strategy.
What our client can offer
Our client is an equal opportunities employer and offers a very generous package of benefits including
· Flexible working: Flexible working – a combination of working from home, attending external meetings and events and being in-person at their Leicester HQ as necessary.
· Generous leave: 33 days annual leave + bank holidays.
· Pension: 9% employer contribution.
· Professional development: Ongoing training and peer support.
· Expenses covered: Travel, home-working allowance, and equipment provided.
· Inclusive culture: They welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities.
They encourage applications regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.
This is a home-based role with travel across England and Wales to meetings and events as required. Reasonable travel expenses, IT and telephone equipment will be provided.
If you’re ready to lead a team that makes a real difference to education leaders and organisations across the UK, they would love to hear from you.
INTERESTED?
The closing date for application is 4pm on Wednesday 5 August 2026.
Interviews will be held in-person, at HQ in Leicester on Wednesday 19 August 2026.
Start date: Tuesday 1 December 2026 but dependent on individual circumstances.
TO APPLY
To download the job description and person specification, follow the link on the 'Apply here' button above (which will take you to Networx Recruitment's website). From there, please complete your email address in the top right-hand box and click on the green 'Apply Now' button and follow the online application process.
Job Title: Head of Communications, Atlantic Institute
Location: Rhodes House in central Oxford, Hybrid Working 2 days per week
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-time
Salary: £70,000 - £75,000 per annum
Reports to: Executive Director
We have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Communications to join the Atlantic Institute based at the Rhodes Trust, Oxford. This role will ensure that the work and profile of Fellows and Programs are seen and heard, and that it helps define agendas, inform policy and contribute to systemic change.
The role is a member of the Atlantic Institute's leadership team, contributing to organisational culture and the successful delivery of the Institute's strategic priorities. Strong leadership and people management skills are essential, with the ability to lead, develop and motivate teams, build collaborative relationships and support colleagues through change.
We are looking for the successful candidate to start with us in as soon as possible.
The role
This role will bring cohesion to all Institute communications, providing a clear narrative of impact and influence, and positioning the Atlantic Fellows community as a global space for thought leadership and values-based convening.
Role responsibilities;
• Detail and deliver a cohesive narrative of the Atlantic Fellows community.
• Provide strategic direction for institutional narratives, thought leadership priorities and audience engagement frameworks across the Atlantic Fellows community.
• Provide senior oversight of editorial standards, co-designing with Fellows and Programs a mechanism to determine how work is amplified in line with the strategic direction of the Institute. Ensure that all public-facing and internal content is aligned with the values of the Atlantic Institute, and serves a clear purpose to support the strategic direction.
• Contribute as an active member of the leadership team, shaping organisational strategy, priorities, and decision-making beyond the communications remit.
• Collaborate with the Director of Lifelong Fellowship to support delivery of program priorities for the global Atlantic Fellows community.
• Ensure regular communications to Fellows, Programs staff and Institute staff as well as Atlantic Institute Governing Board, Global Fellows Advisory Group and others are clear, timely and in line with the Institute’s communications protocol.
• Develop, deliver, evaluate and refresh communications approaches for the Institute in consultation with the Executive Director.
• Lead the development of long-term institutional communications, reputation and stakeholder engagement strategies aligned with the Institute’s strategic priority
• Provide visible, values-led leadership, role modelling collaboration, accountability, and inclusive ways of working across the Institute.
Please see the job description for more responsibilities
Essential skills, experience and qualifications:
• Significant experience leading communications across a diverse audience, including developing, delivering and evaluating communication strategy.
• Experience of building a brand profile and raising visibility of networks in the NGO sector.
• Media relations experience alongside knowledge of effective digital comms strategies and platforms.
• Attention to detail and high standards of communications content
• Experience managing a team, with effective strategies for delegation, motivation and staff development.
Desirable skills and experience:
• Well networked within NGO or charity organisations, with an understanding of the challenges being faced by those advocating for systemic change for equity globally.
• Understanding of the sensitivities of operating as a UK charity in the equity space.
About us
The Atlantic Institute is a partnership programme of the Rhodes Trust and was established in 2016 with the support of The Atlantic Philanthropies. The Atlantic Institute is part of an ecosystem of Atlantic Fellows Programs which was established with a shared mission: to empower catalytic communities of emerging leaders to advance fairer, healthier, more equitable societies.We do this by providing Atlantic Fellows and Atlantic Fellows Program staff with the networks, architecture and resources to connect, learn and act to address the underlying systemic causes of inequity – locally and globally.
Benefits of working with us
• 30 days annual leave (pro rata) plus 8 bank holidays
• Competitive pension scheme
• Generous family leave schemes
• Private health insurance
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Personal development opportunities
• Additional benefits, such as free access to the University's gardens, parks, libraries and museums, and University staff discounts in shops across Oxford.
• Cycle to work scheme
• Electric car scheme
If you would like to find out more, please click ‘apply’ to view the full job description and to find the link to apply. Please send us your CV and a covering letter. Please note, this advert will close on 26 July 2026. Interviews are likely to take place w/c 3 August 2026.
If you have any issues with submitting your application, please email the Recruitment team.
The Rhodes Trust is an equal opportunity employer. We warmly welcome applications from talented people of diverse backgrounds and appoint without regard to age, disability, gender, gender identity, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, parental status, marital or civil partner status, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, nationality, religion or belief.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Why this role matters
Good ideas, strong evidence and inspiring stories only create change if the right people understand and act on them. This role exists to ensure that the case for physical activity reaches the right people, in the right way, at the right time, and that it moves them to act. You’ll develop compelling narratives grounded in insight, evidence, and behavioural science, helping partners across the system create greater impact and supporting Yorkshire Sport Foundation in leading and influencing far beyond its own boundaries.
Responsibilities
Strategic comms leadership
• Develop and lead a long-term strategic marketing andcommunications approach aligned to our Active Partnership role
and Sport England priorities
• Use behavioural science, audience insight and evidence to shapehow the system understands physical activity and inequality
• Identify the beliefs, motivations and barriers of key audiences anddesign communications that influence action
• Ensure all communications activities support YSF to influencestrategic stakeholders
• Advise the organisation on how messaging can support policy, investment and system change
• Develop Yorkshire Sport Foundation’s reputation as a trusted strategic voice
Influence & stakeholder engagement
• Shape communications that influence policy, investment and practice across local authorities, health and education systems
• Support senior leaders to land key messages with senior stakeholders
• Equip partners with messaging that helps them to demonstrate and amplify the impact they make
• Translate complex insight and evaluation into clear narratives and messages
Insight-led communications
• Embed audience insight and behavioural science into messaging
• Combine data, evaluation and lived experience to demonstrate impact whilst ensuring communications reflect communities
authentically
• Build a learning approach to testing, adapting and improving messaging effectiveness
Organisational leadership
• Lead and develop the strategic marketing and communications function
• Set standards for when communications activity should, and should not, happen
• Maintain humility while strengthening clarity of impact and purpose
Channels & delivery
• Plan and deliver integrated marketing and communications campaigns across digital, media, content and internal channels, ensuring activity aligns with organisational objectives and brand standards
• Produce and oversee high-quality content (copy, press materials, web, social, email and collateral) while coordinating agencies, suppliers and internal stakeholders to meet deadlines and budgets.
• Monitor performance using analytics and insight, report on outcomes and continuously optimise campaigns and messaging to improve engagement and reach.
Other
• To lead on YSF public affairs and policy work in partnership with the CEO
• Strategic comms planning with the Active Partnership National Organisation and other leading Active Partnerships ensuring consistency of messaging across England
• To support the marketing of events across Yorkshire
• To work flexibly to respond to changing organisational requirements and carry out any other duties which may arise from
time to time
• To follow policies and procedures in relation to other matters, e.g.Health and safety, safeguarding, GDPR, financial procedures, etc.
What we’re looking for
We know great candidates rarely tick every box. If you have strongskills across most of the areas below and believe you can add value, we’d love to hear from you.
• Skills in both operational and strategic marketing and communications
• Ability to influence policy, investment or organisational behaviours
• Ability to design and deliver communications strategies that change decisions
• Skills in translating evidence and insight into persuasive narratives
• Understanding of behavioural science and audience-centred communications
• Able to operate with credibility and humility in partnership environments
• Comfortable working where success means others receive recognition
• Strategic thinker who challenges activities that lack purpose
• Commitment to reducing inequalities
• Strategic narrative and messaging development skills
• Senior stakeholder influencing and facilitation skills
• Ability to simplify complex evidence and communicate in engaging ways
• Leadership and team development skills
Other
• Ability to travel independently around West Yorkshire and South Yorkshire.
• Ability and willingness to work to our organisational values
Please make sure you demonstrate your ability to meet therequirements of the job by giving clear, concise examples of how you meet each of the requirements in the What We’re Looking For section of the job description.
We recognise and welcome our responsibility to remove any barriers in our Recruitment and Selection process for disabled people. We have tried to do this, but if you have a disability and identify any barriers in the job description or employee specification, please tell us of these in your application. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments
to the job wherever possible and it would help us to know your needs to do this.
Salary:£53,500 - £56,268 per annum
Contract Type: 12-Month Fixed Term Contract
Closing date: 12 July 2026 at 11pm
Interview date: 15 - 17 July 2026
About CARE
CARE International is a global humanitarian organisation leading the fight to end poverty in the world’s most challenging situations. Women and girls are at the centre of our work, because we cannot overcome poverty and inequality until all people have equal rights and opportunities. We know that when a crisis erupts, women are often the first to pick up the pieces, so we work alongside women, so they have the power to make change where it’s needed most. Founded in 1945, CARE currently works in over 100 countries and last year alone reached 53.4 million people through nearly 1,500 projects.
Why work for CARE International UK?
This is an exciting time to join CARE International UK. We are embarking on a new four-year organisational strategy, and our Advocacy and Influencing Team sits at the heart of it - leading efforts to sure up the UK Government's political commitment to women and girls, move power and resources to women-led organisations, and build networked advocacy for the issues we care most about.
This is also a pivotal moment for the wider sector. In a political environment marked by growing scepticism toward international aid, the mainstreaming of anti-gender narratives, and increasingly polarised public discourse, the case for gender equality has never needed making more urgently or more skilfully. At CIUK, you'll be working at the frontline of that challenge, helping to ensure or advocacy on gender equality is not only technically rigorous but politically resonant and accessible to the audiences who are shaping the debate.
About you
You are an experienced, politically astute advocate with a strong track record of influencing policy change on gender equality or international development. You thrive in complex, collaborative environments and know how to translate evidence into compelling political asks.
You will bring:
· Significant advocacy or public affairs experience, with a deep understanding of the UK Government, Parliament, and relevant political institutions
· Demonstrable expertise on gender in emergencies, violence against women and girls, or related areas of international development
· Experience developing and delivering successful policy initiatives that have shifted attitudes, behaviour or legislation
· Strong leadership skills, including experience managing teams across time zones and working in co-management or consortium structures
· Excellent communication skills (written and oral) with the ability to distil complexity for senior political audiences and the confidence to speak to media
· A genuine commitment to feminist principles, equity, diversity and inclusion, and to centring the voices of women's rights organisations in advocacy work
Experience working on violence against women and girls and familiarity with FCDO-funded programmes, are highly desirable.
About the role
This is a rare opportunity to lead advocacy on two of the most important fronts in international development. You will co-lead the External Engagement and Influencing workstream of What Works to Prevent Violence – Impact at Scale (What Works II), a FCDO-funded programme working to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls globally. Alongside this, you will drive CIUK's own influencing work on gender equality, shaping UK Government policy and building CIUK's reputation as a thought leader on gender justice.
You will co-manage a global team of six advocacy and communications professionals for What Works and represent CIUK at senior levels across FCDO and UK Parliament, with sector colleagues, global and domestic women’s rights organisations and influential thought leaders. You will oversee the development of high-impact advocacy products, events and influencing strategies for both briefs.
This role sits in the Programme and Policy team and is line-managed by the Head of Advocacy & Influencing.
Right to Work in the UK
All applicants must have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom at the time of appointment. Proof of right to work will be required as part of the recruitment process. For more information, please visit the UK Government's guidance on right to work.
Where you do not have current right to work in the UK, then this will be discussed with you as part of the recruitment process. Please note that not all roles are eligible for sponsorship and further information (should you require sponsorship to work in the UK) on eligibility can be found here.
Safeguarding
CARE International UK has a zero-tolerance approach to any abuse to, sexual harassment of or exploitation of, a vulnerable adult or child by any of our staff, representatives or partners. CARE International UK expects all staff to share this commitment through our Safeguarding Policy (link here) and our Code of Conduct (link here). They are responsible for ensuring they understand and work within the remit of these policies throughout their time at CARE International UK.
Safeguarding our beneficiaries is our top priority in everything we do, including recruitment. All offers of employment at CARE International UK are subject to:
· Satisfactory references. CARE International UK participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (link here). In line with this Scheme, we will request information from successful applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment.
· Appropriate criminal record checks (including a Bridger check, link here).
By submitting an application, the applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures.
Equality and Diversity
We are committed to Equality and value Diversity. We are a Disability Confident Employer and particularly welcome applications from disabled people. We guarantee interviews to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role (see person specification). If you require the candidate brief or need to submit your application in an alternative format, because of a disability, please do get in touch by sending an email to the HR Team.
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We particularly welcome applications from people of underrepresented backgrounds, including those from Black, Asian and other ethnic minority communities, and individuals who identify as LGBTQ+.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you looking for a dynamic and rewarding role working for an organisation with the feminist agenda at the core of its ethos? Then Advance Charity could be the career choice for you!
We are looking for a Young Persons Advocate on a part time basis
Salary: £27,000 - £32,000
Location: Brent Civic Centre and Hammersmith head office
Hours: 28 Hours per week
Contract: Permanent
This post is open to female applicants only as being female is deemed to be a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010.
Please note: Any offer of employment will be made subject to references, confirmation of the right to work in the UK, and satisfactory enhanced DBS check.
About us
Advance is an award-winning and innovative women-only organisation, established in 1998, providing emotional and practical support to women and girls survivors of domestic abuse and supporting women with short-term sentences to reduce offending. We believe in empowering women and girls to lead safe, non-violent, equal lives so that they can flourish and contribute to the community.
We are a community-based organisation who lead in best practice approaches to supporting women in their local community. We achieve this by being available to meet and support women in local settings and at our women’s centres, and by working in close partnership with other agencies.
Our values are to listen and support, to empower and respect, collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
About the role:
Advance delivers nationally accredited, quality marked services in Hammersmith & Fulham, Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea. We work within a coordinated partnership response to violence against women and girls in these three boroughs as part of the Angelou Partnership, within the partnership Advance provides independent domestic violence advocacy and support for women, children and young people who have experienced domestic abuse.
About You:
To be successful as the Young Persons Advocate you will need the below experience and skills:
The post holder will have proven experience of working with children and young people and may have a background in youth work. They will have an excellent understanding of violence against women and girls, risk management and of best practice within the young people’s sector. As an experienced youth worker who has worked with young women and girls with complex and multiple needs, the post holder will be skilled in risk management and safety and support planning, remaining calm in a crisis and in handling sensitive information on a daily basis.
Experience of direct work with young women and girls who have experienced abuse, and of working within safeguarding procedures is essential for this post, as is the need to adopt and promote a strong partnership approach to service provision.
How to apply:
Please submit your up-to-date CV with a supporting statement. Please note that only applications made via the job advert on the Advance careers page, and those that include a cover letter will be considered.
-
Closing Date for Applications: Sunday 12th July 2026 @ 23:59
-
Interviews are taking place week commencing 13th or 20th July 2026
*Advance reserves the right to close the advert early, or on the appointment of a candidate.
What we can offer you - Employee Benefits:
-
A 35-hour working week
-
An exceptional 30 days of paid holiday per year (pro rata for part time), PLUS public holidays on top (that's nearly 40 days paid holiday per year!)
-
Additional days off to celebrate International Women’s Day, and for religious observance and moving home
-
Perkbox - an employee discount platform where you can receive free rewards as well as take advantage of savings on clothes, groceries, travel, leisure and more
-
Pension scheme
-
Enhanced maternity/adoption provision
-
Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
-
Employee eye-care scheme
-
Clinical supervision for front line staff and first line management roles
-
Refer a Friend Scheme - £250 for each referral who passes probation
-
Organisation wide away days
-
Thorough induction and training
-
Career development pathways
**************************************************************
Under the Equality Act 2010, we are required to make any reasonable adjustments. If you have a disability as defined under this act and/or have special needs, please email the Talent Acquisition Team via the Advance website and will aim to make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs.
Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunities
We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and actively seek to recruit people from groups underrepresented in our current team. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay and benefits.
Safeguarding
Advance is committed to safeguarding and creating a culture of zero-tolerance of harm and expects all staff, including volunteers to share this commitment. We believe all individuals have the right to live their life free from violence and abuse and the right to feel and be safe. We have a suite of safeguarding policies, procedures and practice guidance, accessible to all staff, which promotes safeguarding and safer working practices across all our services and activities. When we recruit staff, we follow rigorous safer recruitment practices, this involves carrying out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, and identity checks. We ensure all staff undertake mandatory safeguarding training relevant to their role and responsibilities, to empower them to be competent and feel confident in recognising and responding appropriately to safeguarding issues and promote wellbeing.
Our vision is a world in which women and children lead safe, equal, violence-free lives so that they can flourish and actively contribute to society.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Green Alliance is an environmental thinktank, charity and advocate committed to achieving a greener, fairer future for the UK. We believe that ambitious political leadership is essential for meaningful environmental change at the speed and scale necessary.
We are looking for an enthusiastic individual to join our operations team, someone with a strong financial background with excellent attention to detail, a flexible attitude, an ability to work effectively under their own initiative and as part of a small team, together with excellent organisation and administrative skills.
Effective financial control is central to our strategy and operating model. The finance officer plays an essential role in maintaining control over our finances and operations. You will process and monitor financial transactions, liaise with our payroll bureau regarding staff payroll and pensions and support the Head of finance. You will be experienced in using Dynamics 365 Business Central as an accounting system.
This is a part-time role for two days a week (0.4FTE), with flexibility about when the hours are worked. It's a hybrid role, working from home and from our office. You will report to our Head of finance. You will also work with all staff on financial matters including personal and credit card expenses, central and project income and expenditure, and processing of payroll by liaising with our external bureau.
Green Alliance is an independent think tank and charity focused on ambitious leadership for the environment.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About Katherine Low Settlement
Katherine Low Settlement is a busy, local charity that has been serving Battersea and the wider Wandsworth community since 1924. We are dedicated to building stronger communities and enable people to challenge and find ways out of poverty and isolation.
We run a range of our own community services to support local older people and children, young people, and their families from refugee communities. We campaign for social change. We incubate and support other charities and social businesses to thrive. Each week we work with 30+ charities and community groups supporting more than 1,000 people.
About the Role
The Lead Youth Worker plays a key role in shaping, coordinating and delivering high-quality youth provision within the Future Foundations programme at KLS. Reporting to the Head of Future Foundations, this role combines hands-on youth work with leadership, coordination and safeguarding responsibility, ensuring that children and young people are supported through safe, inclusive and engaging activities that promote their personal, social and educational development.
You will lead on the planning, delivery and evaluation of homework clubs, youth activities, trips and holiday programmes, while line-managing and supporting two Youth Workers and supervising interns and volunteers. You will work closely with families, schools, community partners and colleagues across KLS to provide joined-up, responsive support for young people. This is a people-centred leadership role requiring strong safeguarding practice, excellent organisational skills, and the ability to build trusting relationships. You will champion youth voice, promote positive behaviour and inclusion, and contribute to continuous improvement through reflection, data and learning.
Interviews are expected to take place during the week commencing 3 August 2026.
Key Responsibilities
Youth Club & Holiday Programme
-
Lead the planning, delivery and evaluation of the youth club for newly arrived young people, within Future Foundations, ensuring sessions are safe, inclusive, engaging and developmentally appropriate.
-
Develop session plans and programmes that support young people’s learning, wellbeing and confidence, using participatory and youth-led approaches.
-
Lead the delivery of the weekly youth club, including wellbeing activities, workshops and targeted interventions for newly arrived young people.
-
Lead the planning, coordination and delivery of school holiday provision, including half-term, Easter and summer programmes, ensuring appropriate staffing, safeguarding and risk management arrangements are in place.
-
Work closely with the youth caseworker to encourage engagement and participation of young people at Southfields Academy International Department with the youth club.
Safeguarding, Behaviour & Inclusion
-
Ensure all practice aligns with safeguarding policies and supports young people’s personal, social and educational development.
-
Maintain accurate safeguarding records, risk assessments and incident reports.
-
Lead on behaviour management and restorative approaches, supporting staff, volunteers and young people to resolve issues constructively
-
Deliver safeguarding briefings and provide ongoing guidance and support to volunteers and interns.
-
Promote a culture of safety, inclusion, respect and positive behaviour across all activities.
People Management & Support
-
Line-manage and support two youth workers through regular supervision, mentoring, appraisal and performance management.
-
Support with supervising interns, including managing timetables, providing guidance and coordinating with KLS colleagues.
-
Work with the Head of Volunteering and youth team to recruit, support, train and develop volunteers and interns, ensuring they understand their responsibilities and contribute safely and confidently to activities
-
Coordinate workloads across the youth team, ensuring staff, volunteers and interns are appropriately supported, work safely and maintain consistent standards of practice.
Youth, Family & Community Engagement
-
Build strong, trusting relationships with young people and their families, ensuring clear communication and inclusive engagement.
-
Liaise with families/carers to share information about activities, expectations and support needs.
-
Build and maintain effective relationships with local youth organisations, schools and partner agencies.
-
Represent KLS at relevant meetings, forums and community events.
-
Refer young people and families to internal casework, advice or external services as appropriate.
Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting
-
Support the Head of Future Foundations with monitoring outcomes, collecting feedback and using data to improve programme quality.
-
Maintain accurate records, including registers, consent forms and monitoring data.
-
Contribute to internal and external reporting, including funder and trustee reports.
-
Contribute evidence, case studies and monitoring information to funding applications, reports and evaluation processes.
-
Ensure the voices, experiences and ideas of young people inform programme development, decision-making and evaluation.
Resources, Budgets & Planning
-
Monitor expenditure and manage resources, equipment and activity budgets in line with agreed financial procedures.
-
Ensure effective use of resources and value for money across youth provision.
-
Support the planning of annual programmes of activity in collaboration with colleagues, young people and families.
Collaboration & Organisational Contribution
-
Work closely with colleagues across Future Foundations to provide high-quality, joined-up support.
-
Coordinate the School Years Working Group, supporting colleagues to share learning, collaborate effectively and deliver consistent, high-quality programmes across Future Foundations.
-
Communicate effectively across teams to enhance service delivery and organisational learning.
-
Participate in supervision, appraisals, training and reflective practice.
-
Work in line with KLS’s values, policies and procedures at all times.
Person Specification
Essential Experience
-
Experience of working with refugee communities and/or children and young people and/or other vulnerable groups, with a strong focus on placing participants’ needs at the centre of service planning and delivery.
-
Experience of planning, delivering and contributing to reporting for projects within the voluntary or community sector (preferably with refugee or sanctuary-seeking communities).
-
Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain high professional standards.
-
Experience of working sensitively with young people affected by mental health challenges and past trauma, with an empathetic, non-judgemental approach and the ability to build supportive but appropriately boundaried relationships.
-
Up-to-date knowledge of best practice in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and the ability to apply this in practice.
-
Confident IT skills, including use of the Microsoft Office suite, email, internet-based tools and social media.
-
Commitment to KLS’s mission, vision and values.
-
Passion for social justice, education and championing the strengths of families from refugee and sanctuary-seeking communities.
Desirable Experience
-
Demonstrable experience of managing and supporting volunteers.
-
A recognised qualification in youth work, teaching or a related field.
-
Experience of monitoring and evaluating projects, including collecting evidence of impact and contributing to reports for funders.
-
Ability to communicate in another language, particularly Arabic, Somali, Farsi, Amharic and/or Tigrinya.
-
Knowledge of Battersea, Wandsworth or similar local communities.
Other Requirements
-
Willingness to work evenings - Monday or Tuesday evenings are a requirement and occasional Wednesday and Thursday evenings
-
Enhanced DBS check required (to be undertaken upon appointment)
-
Participate in regular supervision and annual appraisals; help to identify your own job related development and training needs.
-
Always work with anti-discriminatory, empowering practice, ensuring everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
-
Adhere to Katherine Low Settlement’s code of confidentiality, safeguarding and equal opportunities policies.
-
Undertake your role in a professional manner and maintain a high-quality standard of work in accordance with the aims, values and ethos of KLS.
-
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage effectively with young people, families, colleagues and partner organisations.
-
Ability to motivate, support and encourage young people to build confidence, skills and aspirations.
-
Ability to work effectively as part of a small team, while also working independently, using initiative.
Further Information
-
Katherine Low Settlement is committed to equal opportunities.
-
All offers to work at Katherine Low Settlement are subject to two satisfactory references, which is standard KLS policy applicable to all roles. KLS also ask for an enhanced DBS check.
-
You will adhere to matters of confidentiality concerning this role and the KLS team.
-
An induction is given to new staff, which includes sharing our policies and procedures relevant to this post.
-
There is a 6-month probation period for this role.
We work to reduce poverty and isolation and bring the community together.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Contract Type: Fixed Term for 12 months
Location: Plymouth
Interviews: 3rd of August
Let's make every day a chance to create a brighter future for the next generation!
Would you like to be part of a highly collaborative team, working together to support young people into employment outcomes? We are looking for a Youth Development Lead to join our Health and Social Care Delivery Team in Plymouth.
Your role will be to deliver a range of employability programmes and recruitment activities that support young people into careers within the health and social care sector. You will work closely with employers, training providers, and community partners to create pathways into employment while providing tailored guidance and support to participants.
Key responsibilities include managing a caseload of young people, providing one-to-one coaching, action planning, and ongoing support to help them achieve positive employment outcomes into the health and social care sector. Alongside this you will also build and maintain strong partnerships with health and social care employers, training providers, and local stakeholders to identify opportunities for participants.
You’ll also be keeping meticulous records of information and data on our young people, volunteers, and partners. It's all about making sure every step of their journey is accurately reflected in our systems so that it complies with our funding contracts.
We are a massive advocate of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion so you would lead the charge in creating an environment where everyone feels seen, by implementing a local action plan that supports our big-picture EDI goals. Let's make positive change happen!
Be ready for anything and everything. Alongside all these fantastic responsibilities, you might find yourself wearing different hats and rocking them like a pro, this could even include deputising when the need arises.
Join the King's Trust Team and let’s make magic happen!
What happens next?
For our Youth Development Lead roles, there's no need to upload a CV or cover letter, as we use a strengths-based approach. Simply complete your profile, including the screening questions. If you pass the initial screening, you'll be invited to complete an online assessment (which must be completed to be considered). We'll then be in touch with next steps shortly after the closing date.
Why do we need Youth Development Leads?
Last year, we helped more than 40,000 Young People, with every three in four moving into a positive outcome for either work, education or training. Youth Development Leads play a crucial role in supporting young people, no matter the young person's background or current circumstances, to fulfil their full potential. We want to continue having a positive impact on young people’s lives and we couldn’t do this without the important work of Youth Development Leads!
Perks for working at The Trust!
- Great holiday package! 30 days annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays. Office closure on the days between Christmas and New Year
- Flexible working! Unless the location of the role is remote, the Youth Development Lead role requires a combination of office days and working from home.
- You can volunteer for and/or attend events – The King's Trust Awards, Pride, active events etc.
- In-house learning platform! Develop your skills for your career and your role
- Benefits platform! Everything from health and financial well-being support to discounts on your favourite restaurants, shops and cinemas.
- Personal development opportunities through our Networks – KT CAN (Cultural Awareness Network), KT GEN (Gender Equality Network), KT DAWN (Disability & Wellbeing Network), and PULSE (LGBTQIA+ Network).
- Fantastic Family leave! Receive 13 weeks of full pay and 13 weeks of half pay for maternity and adoption leave. Receive 8 weeks of full pay for paternity leave.
- Interest-free season ticket loans
- Cycle-to-Work Scheme
- The Trust will contribute 5% of your salary to the Trust Pension Scheme
- Generous life assurance cover (4 x annual salary)
We believe that every young person should have the chance to succeed, no matter their background or the challenges they are facing.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Salary: £35,159 to £36,935 (starting salary range)
Working pattern: Full-time, Permanent (35 hours per week)
Pension: USS
Annual leave: 25 days plus 8 bank holidays, 3 well-being days, and a Christmas office closure
Location: Hybrid, flexible working model with an office located in central London. Occasional UK-wide travel for GHE and relevant events.
Reports to: Policy Manager (Skills, Innovation, International)
Purpose
GuildHE is seeking an ambitious Policy Officer to play a pivotal role in the next phase of our organisation’s growth. Working directly with the Head of Research Policy and the Policy Manager (Skills, Innovation, International), you will help monitor, analyse, and respond to policy initiatives within the research and innovation space. You will support a range of member-focused events and activities to ensure staff in our member institutions are well-informed and supported. This includes supporting the management of the GuildHE Research Consortium and leading on the organising and delivery of our flagship annual PGR Doctoral Festival, helping our members develop, share best practices, and maximise their research impact.
Key Responsibilities
Policy Analysis & Communication
-
Horizon Scanning: Monitor government departments (e.g., DSIT, DfE), funding and regulatory bodies (UKRI, Research England, OfS, Innovate UK), and other stakeholders for policy updates, funding calls, and consultation launches in relation to Research and Innovation policy.
-
Briefings: Produce concise policy briefings, data summaries, and position papers for GuildHE members and leadership on key Research and Innovation issues (e.g., REF, knowledge exchange, KEF, commercialisation, research culture, open research). Develop high-quality external reports, consultations, blogs and other materials articulating member challenges and opportunities.
-
Consultation Drafts: Assist senior policy colleagues in gathering evidence, analysing member feedback, collaborating with sector stakeholders, and drafting compelling arguments that articulate the unique perspectives of GuildHE institutions.
-
Share Best Practice: Identify case studies across the GHE membership to share best practice internally and externally and drive national conversations about new ways of working and operating in the sector.
-
Policy issues: Maintain up-to-date knowledge of national and institutional research and innovation policies indicated by the Head of Research Policy or Policy Manager (Research, Innovation, International).
Member Support & Consortium Coordination
-
Member Engagement: Maintain regular, positive communication with research and innovation leads across member institutions, fostering a collaborative network. Support relevant GuildHE member networks, including the Knowledge Exchange, Innovation and Place network, promoting communication, collaboration, and best practice exchange to inform evidence-based policy development.
-
Member development: Provide support for timely implementation of good practice guidelines and associated resources, within agreed budgets. This includes assisting with members' business development initiatives, such as Research Degree Awarding Powers.
-
Event Delivery: Develop and deliver content for events including the GuildHE Research Consortium meetings, the Research and Knowledge Exchange Symposium, PGR Doctoral Festival, the PGR Network for global majority students and sandpits/match events, workshops and roundtables.
-
Shared Services: Collaborate with other GHE teammates to maintain and deliver our shared services (i.e. research outputs repository, shared postgraduate online training, research impact tracking and researcher development tools) and explore new services in response to members’ needs
-
PGR Students: Develop and deliver initiatives for postgraduate students and early career researchers (e.g., our PGR Support Programme and associated student networks), working closely with the Policy Manager (Student Experience) to ensure postgraduate students are reflected in broader student support policies.
The postholder will also be expected to:
-
Actively support the delivery of the GuildHE strategy.
-
To contribute positively to a small, professional team focused on delivering excellence in their members’ interests.
-
Support GuildHE events and communication activities as appropriate - including campaigns, writing articles, blogs and press releases.
-
Build strong relationships with key stakeholders at HE institutions and sector agencies, including senior leaders, academics, and policy staff.
-
Gather feedback from HE institutions and use this to inform the continuous improvement of our services.
-
Demonstrate a proactive approach to embedding EDI principles within all policy development and advocacy efforts.
-
Represent GuildHE externally on a range of HE sector groups and projects and deputise for the Head of Research Policy or the Policy Manager (Skills, Innovation and International) as appropriate.
-
Undertake any other reasonable duties as may be required.
Person Specification
Core Skills
-
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships
-
Clear, concise writing skills for drafting policy responses, reports, and emails to senior stakeholders with excellent attention to detail.
-
Problem-solving, Influencing and advocacy skills
-
Ability to digest complex, lengthy policy documents and extract key themes relevant to GuildHE members.
-
Confident digital skills and highly proficient user of computer packages including MS Office and G Suite
-
Ability to manage multiple tasks effectively, adhere deadlines, and maintain project momentum. This includes the capacity to monitor progress, identify and mitigate potential risks, and proactively address challenges.
-
Experience in using data and evidence to enhance and impact assess activities.
-
Facilitation and convening skills would be advantageous
Core Attributes
-
Ability to build professional relationships quickly and sustainably with members and a wide range of stakeholders
-
Able to meet deadlines, to prioritise work and to anticipate issues and problems with strong attention to detail
-
A collaborative, communicative and flexible team player who is also comfortable working independently.
-
An individual who shares our values of equity and inclusion and can translate these values into day to day work and impactful outcomes.
-
An understanding of, or a keen interest in, the UK higher education sector, research funding landscape, or public policy.
-
To be willing to travel across the UK for meetings with members, stakeholders and events and to work flexibly, when and where necessary.
Ideal Experience
-
Knowledge and understanding of higher education policy, working in research and innovation and/or supporting a research environment.
-
Experience of developing policy positions and responses
-
Experience in synthesising complex data and/or ideas
-
Experience in supporting training and development
Job Advert
GuildHE is a formal representative body, representing diversity in the higher education sector and the widest variety of institution types across the UK. We are undergoing an exciting period of transformation, evolving our policy approach and member-focused services to significantly increase our impact within the sector and ensure we’re providing timely, proactive support to our members as they address emerging 21st century challenges.
GuildHE is seeking an ambitious Policy Officer to play a pivotal role in the next phase of our organisation’s growth. Working directly with the Head of Research Policy and the Policy Manager (Skills, Innovation, International), you will help monitor, analyse, and respond to policy initiatives within the research and innovation space. You will support a range of member-focused events and activities to ensure staff in our member institutions are well-informed and supported. This includes supporting the management of the GuildHE Research Consortium and leading on the organising and delivery of our flagship annual PGR Doctoral Festival, helping our members develop, share best practices, and maximise their research impact.
If you think you can bring bold, creative and proactive energy to our small-and-mighty team to help take us to the next level, we want to hear from you!
Application closing date: Sunday 12th July
Interviews: Tuesday 21st July
Please submit your cv and a cover letter via the jobs portal
Curious about the role? Please contact Dana Gamble, Policy Manager for more information
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.

