249 Head of programmes and impact jobs

Fancy helping us deliver some of our most successful fundraising products?

Our regular supporters are essential to delivering our services across the UK and internationally. We’re looking for a Regular Giving Programme Manager to ensure we’re developing innovative new approaches in this area, and existing supporters receive an excellent experience.

What does this role do?

As Regular Giving Programme Manager, you’ll:

• ensure the successful delivery of programmes in the area, which includes our most popular fundraising product Sponsor a Dog, continually analysing and assessing performance, and reviewing plans as necessary,
• develop new product opportunities in the area and maintain existing ones, providing those essential, long-term supporters with an excellent sponsorship experience,
• lead and manage the Regular Giving team, embedding a high-performance culture, and supporting where necessary,
• provide strategic input, insight gathering, and analysis to projects throughout the year.

This role is a fixed term contract from December 2026 to November 2027. Interviews for this role are provisionally scheduled for 12th and 13th October 2026 and will take place on Teams.

Could this be you?

To be successful in this role, you’ll need significant experience in a fundraising role, specifically in individual giving and implementing supporter experience strategies and plans. You’ll be a strong people manager, who is able to coach and manage teams through change, as well as an excellent communicator, who can manage strategic conversations with stakeholders and build relationships internally. Above all, you’ll be passionate about the work we do, and the impact our fundraising can have.

What does this team do?

The Mass Public Fundraising directorate brings in approximately £88m per annum through regular giving, one off gifts, prize led fundraising, community and events and legacy and in memory. Our collective ambition is to build on our already successful portfolio of fundraising products and grow and diversify our income by 25% over the next five years, through engagement and value exchange.

About Dogs Trust

We love dogs. That’s why we do whatever we can to make sure every four-legged friend gets the love they deserve. We’ll never put a healthy dog down, so our work is focused on helping dogs in need, supporting owners every step of the walk, and creating a better world for dogs in the future. It’s what we’ve been doing since 1891 and how we’ve grown to become the UK’s leading dog charity, helping 12,000 loyal friends find their forever homes every year.

This exciting new role offers the right candidate the opportunity to lead LBWP's new innovative training and development programme enabling ex-service users to develop the skills to become frontline workers and progress into employment. 

The Programme Manager is responsible for developing and implementing the programme which will run over three years, supporting several cohorts of trainees, working with internal staff and external consultants to deliver the training programme and ensuring all aspects of the programme meet the trainees' needs. 

Essential skilss and experience include:

• Significant experience of managing complex programmes involving service users within a charity or similar
• Experience of supporting and/or directly line managing women from the Global majority with lived experience, sensitively and safely
• Good understanding of specialist domestic violence and abuse services that support the specific needs of Global Majority women and their children
• Experience of developing and implementing new programmes, including new systems, processes, internal and external communications, building positive internal and external partnerships
• Experience of developing qualitative and quantative monitoring systems and effectively implementing themation and meeting deadlines

London Black Women's Project is a specialist ‘by and for’ organisation providing refuge, supported accommodation, and wraparound support programmes for Black and minoritised (Global Majority) women and their children who are survivors of domestic violence and abuse. We work across London in partnership with London boroughs, the specialist women's DV sector, funders and community services to provide holistic wraparound support and advice. 

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.

This is a rare opportunity to lead and grow an established, high-performing fundraising team, shaping the next phase of Teens Unite's growth as we enter the most ambitious chapter in our history.

As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will lead the delivery of an ambitious five-year income strategy that broadens and deepens relationships with major donors, philanthropists, corporate partners and leads the charities capital appeal. You will redefine how the charity approaches modern philanthropy, creating innovative partnerships that generate shared value while increasing both impact and income.

Who we are:

Teens Unite is leading the way in youth cancer support.

We’re an energetic, ambitious and dynamic charity improving the lives of 13-24-year-olds living with, and beyond, cancer. We’re not here to cure cancer. We’re here to empower young people to rebuild their lives and thrive beyond a diagnosis.

As we approach our 20th anniversary, we are entering the most exciting and ambitious chapter in our history.

We have bold plans to treble the number of young people we support, grow our income beyond £3 million per year and open the Home of Teens Unite, England's first purpose-built retreat for teenagers and young adults living with and beyond cancer.

To help us achieve this vision, we are looking for an exceptional fundraising leader to join our Senior Leadership Team as Head of Fundraising & Philanthropy.

This is a rare opportunity to join a charity with a proven model, strong foundations and ambitious growth plans. You'll inherit an experienced and successful fundraising team whilst playing a leading role in shaping the next phase of our development.

Most importantly, you'll help ensure thousands more young people affected by cancer can access the support, experiences and opportunities they deserve and build a facility that will support generations to come.

The role:

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, the Head of Fundraising & Philanthropy will provide strategic leadership across all fundraising activity at Teens Unite.

You will oversee and develop our income generation strategy, ensuring existing income streams continue to grow whilst creating new opportunities for transformational support.                                                                                                           

A key focus of the role will be philanthropy, major donors and capital fundraising.

You will build meaningful relationships with major donors, high-net-worth individuals, family foundations, trusts, corporate supporters and strategic partners, creating opportunities for significant investment in the future of

Teens Unite.

You will also play a central role in securing funding for the Home of Teens Unite, a transformational project that will create England's first dedicated retreat and support centre for young people living with and beyond cancer.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will contribute to wider organisational strategy and help guide the charity through an exciting period of growth and development.

Key Responsibilities:

We're looking for someone who combines strategic thinking with exceptional relationship-building skills. Someone who can inspire supporters, lead a talented team and deliver ambitious growth.

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the development and delivery of Teens Unite's fundraising and philanthropy strategy.
• Develop plans to support the charity's ambition of becoming a £3 million income organisation.
• Identify opportunities for sustainable income growth across all fundraising streams.
• Provide regular fundraising performance updates to the Chief Executive and Board.

Philanthropy & Major Giving

• Build and manage a pipeline of high-net-worth individuals and major supporters.
• Cultivate, solicit and steward significant gifts and long-term philanthropic partnerships.
• Create high-quality donor engagement plans and stewardship programmes.

Capital Appeal Leadership

• Play a leading role in securing funding for the Home of Teens Unite.
• Develop and manage a pipeline of prospects capable of supporting the capital appeal.
• Create compelling cases for support linked to the project.
• Deliver significant philanthropic investment in support of the appeal.

Team Leadership

• Provide strategic oversight, management and support across all income streams.
• Create a positive, high-performing and collaborative culture.
• Ensure individual fundraising strategies align with wider organisational goals.
• Responsible from growing current annual income for £1.4million per annum to £3million per annum over the next 5 years.

Why this role is different:

This isn't a role where you'll inherit a struggling fundraising programme and spend your first year fixing problems. You'll join an organisation with:

• A strong reputation and clear purpose
• A committed and experienced fundraising team
• Existing successful income streams
• Significant growth opportunities An ambitious capital appeal
• Clear board and leadership support
• A vision capable of inspiring major supporters and philanthropists
• You'll have the opportunity to build a major donor programme from the ground up, shape the future fundraising strategy of the organisation and play an integral role in delivering a truly unique national project.

Who you are:

We're looking for an ambitious and relationship-focused fundraising leader who is excited by the opportunity to help shape the future of a growing charity.

You may currently be working as:

• Head of Fundraising
• Senior Philanthropy Manager
• Major Donor ManagerSenior Fundraising Manager

Most importantly, you'll bring:

Essential

• Significant experience in major donor, philanthropy or high-value fundraising.
• A proven track record of identifying and securing five and six-figure gifts.
• Experience managing and developing fundraising teams.
• Strong relationship-building and networking skills.
• Experience building and managing fundraising pipelines with high-net-worth individuals.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills.
• The confidence to engage and build relationships with senior stakeholders and major supporters.
• Experience of capital appeal fundraising.

Desirable

• Experience within youth, health, cancer or social impact organisations.
• Knowledge of trusts and foundations fundraising.

Reporting to: Chief Executive

Direct reports: Trusts & Grants Manager, Events & Challenges Fundraising Team and other fundraising staff as the charity grows

What We Offer:

• Performance-related bonus
• Hybrid and flexible working
• 33 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays
• Christmas office closure
• Pension contribution
• Professional development and training
• Recently refurbished offices with free on-site parking
• The opportunity to help shape a nationally significant project and positive change the cancer care landscape for young people.
• Direct access to the Chief Executive and Board

Summary of Key Milestones

We will commence the first round of interviews from Wednesday 30th September

Should a suitable candidate be found prior to the closing date, applications will close early.

Base of Work: Hybrid, minimum 1 day per week at the Community Impact Bucks Office in Aylesbury

Hours: 16 hours per week

Salary: £32,000 FTE (£14,629 actual salary)

Contract: Permanent 

This is an exciting opportunity to shape how data and insight is used at Community Impact Bucks. You will strengthen our data practices, lead our monitoring analysis to ensure data is used effectively to support continuous improvement, planning and shape future projects and priorities. You will work closely with team members and project leads to understand how they collect and use data and insight across the organisation, being proactive in identifying and driving improvement.

The role will report to the Head of Programmes and Business Development.

About the charity  

Community Impact Bucks is a charity that uses its expertise to deliver, support and empower positive change for local charities, communities and people. Our mission is to enable and develop strong and vibrant communities in Buckinghamshire. 

We support charities, communities and volunteers to be the best they can be by:

• Building capacity empowering sustainable not-for-profit organisations and communities through practical support and development. 

• Enabling volunteering through Volunteer Bucks. 

• Developing partnerships and collaborations to influence change. 

• Delivering community-based services and projects to help people stay connected and independent. 

• Providing leadership and advocacy strengthening our sector’s voice and influence. 

At the heart of Buckinghamshire’s communities, Community Impact Bucks is a locally rooted charity committed to helping communities and charities thrive. Our impact is made possible by a passionate and committed team who believe in the power of local action and understand the places and people they serve. 

The role  

The Data, Insight and Impact Lead will help us understand, demonstrate and increase the difference we make. Working across our programmes and services, you will turn data into clear insights, reports, dashboards and impact stories that improve services, support decision-making and shape future priorities. 

Working alongside the Head of Programmes and Business Development and colleagues across the charity, you will bring together information from different programmes and systems. With strong analytical and reporting skills, experience of monitoring and evaluation, and confidence working with complex datasets, you will support colleagues to improve data quality, meet reporting requirements and use evidence to improve services and identify future opportunities. 

A key element of the role will be building a strong understanding of all areas of our work and collaborating with colleagues across the organisation. This will include regular in-person activity and collaboration with team members and the Senior Leadership Team. 

The role will be responsible for  

• Developing and improving data, insight and impact reporting across the charity.

• Analysing monitoring and evaluation data to demonstrate impact and support service improvement.

• Producing clear reports, dashboards, visualisations and impact stories for different audiences.

• Supporting project teams to collect accurate and useful data that meets operational and funder requirements.

• Improving data quality, consistency and validation across systems and supporting GDPR-compliant practice.

• Helping colleagues build their confidence and skills in using data and producing reports.

• Identifying effective digital tools and new approaches to data collection, analysis and reporting.

• Leading the preparation of data and insight for annual impact reporting.

• Promoting learning, reflection and evidence-informed decision-making across the charity. 

What we offer: 

• 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays and an additional 3 days between Christmas and New Year) 

• Onsite parking and lovely office setting 

• Wide range of free training courses, plus personal development opportunities 

• Supportive and inclusive environment with lots of positivity 

• Company pension scheme with 5% employer contribution 

Diversity and inclusion 

Community Impact Bucks is committed to challenging inequality and values the diversity of our communities in Buckinghamshire. We recognise that reflecting that diversity will only ever make our organisation better. We work to ensure an inclusive culture where colleagues feel welcomed and supported to succeed and thrive. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those from under-represented communities. 

How to apply  

To apply, please send a CV with a cover letter explaining how your skills, experience and interests meet the Job Description and Person Specification by 4 October at 10pm. 

For more information, please download the Job Description and Person Specification located at the bottom of this ad, or visit our website - Community Impact Bucks. 

Interviews will take place in person at our office in Aylesbury. Interviews will take place week commencing 12 October.

We are seeking a talented Director of Programme Delivery and Operations (maternity cover), fully committed to our widening participation cause, to join the Senior Leadership Team in a pivotal role for a growing and ambitious charity. 

You will have responsibility for ensuring we are providing high quality programme delivery to young people across our centre network, that are centres are functioning effectively, and that targets are monitored and met. And of course, you will need to have a genuine passion and enthusiasm for working with young people and helping them achieve their ambitions.

The Director of Programme Delivery and Operations is a Senior Leadership Team position within the charity and reports into the Chief Operating Officer. The role is responsible for oversight of all centre programme delivery and performance across our network of 44 local learning centres (and growing).

Contract

This is a fixed-term, maternity cover role until at least end of November 2027. This role can be either full-time or part-time (0.8 FTE) - responsibilities will be adjusted proportionally for part-time candidates.

Start date
January 2027 (or as otherwise agreed)

Working hours
Mon and Thurs: 09:30-18:00
Tues, Weds, Fri: 09:00-17:30
We are a delivery organisation providing frontline educational services for young people. 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. Our team works in-person 4 days per week (or 3 days for a 0.8 FTE staff member)
with 1 day working from home. 

Location

The role would be based at one of our IntoUniversity centres in Birmingham, Bristol, Coventry, Leeds, London, Manchester or Nottingham, with regular travel across the network and to our Head Office in London. 

Salary

£62,500 (Plus additional London contribution of £2,800 for London-based candidates). Pro rata for part-time candidate.

Annual leave

This is the full-time staff entitlement and will be 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)
 

Staff benefits

• Employer pension contributions of 6% (and up to 8% after two years)
• Year round ‘early finish’ Fridays at 4.30pm 
• Employee Assistance Programme including access to medical and legal support 
• Life Assurance scheme with AIG including SmartHealth service with access to 24/7 online GP appointments
• Interest-free new starter loans of up to £1,000 
• Cycle to Work Scheme and Travelcard Loan Scheme
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental and adoption pay and sick pay allowances
• Staff in FOCUS – rewards, competitions and prizes across the year

Application deadline - 9am Monday 28th September 2026.

Interview Day (in-person at our Head Office in London) - Wednesday 7th October. Please ensure that you are available on this date.

Are you an experienced operational leader who thrives on making organisations run brilliantly behind the scenes?

Southwark Charities is entering an exciting new chapter. With a £100m property portfolio, a growing grant programme and the development of 64 new almshouses, we're looking for an exceptional Head of Resources to lead the systems and processes that keep our charity strong.

Reporting to the CEO, you'll oversee finance, HR, IT, governance, property compliance, contracts and organisational systems, ensuring the charity operates efficiently, remains compliant and is well positioned for future growth. You'll work in a small, dedicated team while working closely with colleagues to deliver outstanding services for older people across Southwark.

This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys improving processes, managing change and finding practical solutions. You'll bring experience in operations, finance or corporate services, excellent organisational skills and the confidence to work across multiple disciplines.

If you're looking for a varied senior role where your expertise will have a direct impact on people's lives and the future of a respected historic charity, we'd love to hear from you.

Head of Strategic Programmes

Help shape the future of the Church across Sussex.

We are seeking an experienced strategic leader to oversee an ambitious portfolio of programmes designed to help churches and communities flourish and grow.

Position: Head of Strategic Programmes

Location: Hove/Hybrid

Salary: £61,149 per annum

Contract: Fixed term until 31 December 2030, with the possibility of extension

Closing Date: 11 October 2026

Interview Date: Hove on 30 October 2026

About the Role

Working closely with the Diocesan Secretary, Bishops, Archdeacons and other senior leaders, you will lead the delivery and continued development of the Diocesan Growth Strategy.

You will provide strategic oversight of major programmes and projects with a combined budget exceeding £10 million. This includes leading a multidisciplinary team, strengthening programme governance and ensuring investment delivers measurable mission impact.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the delivery and development of a portfolio of strategic programmes and projects
• Translating diocesan priorities into achievable plans and measurable outcomes
• Overseeing programme governance, performance reporting, risk management and evaluation
• Managing programme budgets, resources and delivery
• Leading, supporting and developing the Strategic Programmes team
• Building effective relationships with parishes, clergy, diocesan boards, senior leaders and national church partners
• Providing clear analysis, reports and recommendations to support strategic decision-making

About You

You will be a wise, experienced and collaborative leader who can work strategically within a complex, faith-based organisation.

You will have:

• Significant experience of leading large and complex programmes
• Experience of working with a diverse range of stakeholders
• Strong engagement and influencing skills at all levels
• Experience of managing budgets, resources and programme performance
• Excellent analytical, communication and report-writing skills
• The ability to turn strategic priorities into practical plans
• The confidence and judgement to work effectively with senior leaders
• The enthusiasm and self-motivation to lead and inspire others

A Genuine Occupational Requirement applies under paragraph 1 of Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010, and the successful candidate must be a practising Christian.

Full details can be found in the job description and person specification when you apply.

About the Organisation

The vision of the Diocese is to help people to know, love and follow Jesus. Based in Hove and serving the people of Sussex across more than 360 parishes and 154 church schools and the wider community, this is a great role for someone who supports the ethos, aims and objectives of the Diocese and the Church of England.

As an employer, and as a team, the mutual values at work are to be Respectful, Professional, Flexible and Supportive.

What is on offer:

• 28 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays and two privilege days per year
• Membership of the Church Worker’s Pension Scheme with a 15.1% employer contribution and an employee contribution between 0 and 6%
• Employee Assistance Programme with access to GP appointments, counselling and financial and legal support
• Flexible working, free parking, a ride to work scheme and development opportunities

Our client is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders are expected to share this commitment and comply with the relevant safeguarding policy. This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and completion of the Church of England Confidential Declaration Form.

Other roles you may have experience of could include Head of Programmes, Director of Programmes, Strategic Programmes Manager, Programme Director, Head of Strategy, Portfolio Director, Transformation Director or Head of Strategic Development.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client, Not For Profit People. #INDNFP

Help Shape a Brighter Future for Bedford

Do you have the vision to turn great ideas into impactful programmes? Are you committed to creating opportunities for children and young people, and helping communities to thrive?

The Harpur Trust is a charitable organisation that operates four leading independent schools, delivers a substantial community grants programme and sponsors the Heart Academies Trust. With more than 1,200 employees, we invest in education, community development and initiatives that improve life chances across Bedford Borough.

We are also a founding partner and host of Bedford Giving, a movement of businesses, charities and other partners, who have all come together to form Bedford Giving to help create a brighter future for the next generation in Bedford.

We're looking for a dynamic Programmes and Grants Manager to play a central role in delivering these missions. This is a unique opportunity to join a respected local charity and help shape the future of Bedford Giving.

About the Role

As Programmes and Grants Manager, you will lead the development, commissioning and management of high-impact programmes and partnerships across The Harpur Trust and Bedford Giving.

You'll take ideas from concept to delivery, identifying community needs, researching solutions, commissioning services, managing partnerships and ensuring programmes achieve meaningful outcomes.

This is a varied and rewarding role combining strategy, programme development, stakeholder engagement, grant-making and contract management.

You'll work closely with senior leaders, trustees, community organisations and delivery partners, helping to ensure that every pound invested delivers maximum impact.

About You

We're looking for someone who combines strong project or programme management skills with a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for children, young people and communities.

You will bring:

• Experience of programme development, commissioning, grant-making or service delivery within the charitable, public or voluntary sector.

• Strong project and contract management skills.

• Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder engagement abilities.

• Confidence managing multiple priorities and delivering work to a high standard.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• A proactive, solutions-focused approach and a willingness to take initiative.

• A passion for creating positive social impact.

Why Join Us?

At The Harpur Trust, you'll be part of an organisation with a long history of investing in people and communities.

In return, we offer:

• A competitive salary up to £40,000.

• The opportunity to influence programmes that improve lives across Bedford.

• A supportive and collaborative working environment.

• Professional development and learning opportunities.

• Generous pension and employee benefits.

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements where appropriate.

• The chance to work with inspiring partners across the charity, education and community sectors.

Interested?

Find out more by viewing the full job description and click on apply to find out where to send your CV and covering letter.

Note: This post is exempt under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1, and is open to female applicants only, due to the nature of the role. Subject to an enhanced DBS check.

The Head of Youth Programmes sits in our Senior Leadership Team and holds overall operational responsibility for our frontline youth programmes across three pillars: Prevention, Intervention and Healing. The postholder leads and line manages the delivery team, and carries DSL responsibility for the organisation.

You'll lead delivery, expansion and impact evaluation across all three pillars, line manage the Education Lead, IDVA Team and Creative Projects leads, and work closely with the CEO to consolidate our delivery models. You'll hold responsibility as our Designated Safeguarding Lead, manage operational budgets, and build multi-agency partnerships across Barnet and neighbouring boroughs.

It's an opportunity to bring fresh energy and strategic leadership to a small, values-driven charity that trusts its team to do meaningful, creative work with the young people we support.

Essential criteria

• Experience as an IDVA, ISVA or in a comparable frontline advocacy role supporting young women and girls affected by domestic abuse, sexual violence or other forms of harm.
• A strong understanding of VAWG, domestic abuse and youth harm, grounded in survivor-centred and harm-prevention approaches.
• Experience of overseeing and responding to complex safeguarding through multi-agency working.
• At least Level 3 safeguarding training. Designated Safeguarding Lead training is desirable, or a willingness to complete this within an agreed timeframe.

We have highlighted the essentials above. The rest of the person specification, in the attached recruitment pack, is a guide to what we are looking for in a strong candidate, rather than a checklist. Your experience may not meet all of it, but if you have the essential experience we would encourage you to apply. We are just as interested in transferable experience as in a conventional career path.

Benefits

• Regular clinical supervision with an external practitioner 
• Health Assured Employee Assistance Programme, including a 24/7 helpline, counselling and a wellbeing app
• Free on-site parking in Colindale and funded travel between delivery sites

Details

£38,000 to £40,000 pro rata. 28 hours per week (four day working week). Permanent. Barnet, London / Hybrid.

Closing date: Thursday 15th October 2026. Interviews: w/c Monday 26th October 2026.

CENTRE FOR AGEING BETTER

Head of External Affairs (Maternity cover) - January 2027 start

· Maternity cover

· Salary £62,388 per annum

· Full or part time (minimum 4 days a week)

· Flexible working options will be supported.

· Central London Office and Hybrid working (at least 6 days a month office attendance)

We offer a pension scheme with employer contribution up to 10%, in addition you’ll receive 28 days holiday plus bank holidays, 24-hour access to a comprehensive employee assistance programme, cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan scheme and other benefits.

Help shape the country's response to an ageing society

The Centre for Ageing Better is looking for an experienced, politically astute and ambitious Head of External Affairs to join us on a maternity cover contract.

This is a unique opportunity to lead one of the country's most influential voices on ageing at a time of significant social, economic and political change. As Head of External Affairs, you will lead our communications, public affairs and campaigning work, helping us secure greater government attention, commitment and action on the opportunities and challenges of our ageing society.

Alongside leading a high-performing team, you will personally drive some of our most strategically important influencing priorities. Working closely with senior leaders across the organisation, you will lead high-profile programmes of work across our action areas of Work, Homes & Communities and Ageism & Inequality, helping to ensure that government, parliamentarians, local leaders and other decision-makers take meaningful action to improve the experience of ageing. These programmes will sit at the heart of our efforts to make ageing a mainstream political priority and secure practical policy change.

This is an ideal role for someone who combines outstanding strategic leadership with a track record of delivering high-impact public affairs, policy and communications programmes that have achieved real-world change.

About you

We're looking for someone who brings a blend of strategic leadership, political awareness and hands-on delivery experience.

You will have:

• Significant experience in public affairs, strategic communications, campaigning and policy influencing.
• A strong track record of securing policy, political or systems change through effective influencing and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience of working successfully with Westminster, Whitehall and other senior decision-makers.
• Demonstrable experience of developing policy positions and translating evidence, research and evaluation into compelling content and influencing narratives.
• Experience of leading high-profile programmes, campaigns or initiatives that have attracted government attention and resulted in action from decision-makers.
• A track record of developing and delivering integrated communications and influencing strategies that achieve measurable impact.
• Excellent writing, stakeholder management and political influencing skills.
• Strong leadership and people management experience, with the ability to motivate and develop high-performing teams.
• The ability to think strategically while also delivering complex projects and responding to a fast-changing external environment.

About us

The Centre for Ageing Better is an independent centre of excellence on ageing and demographic change. We work with national and local government, industries, businesses and community organisations to improve how people experience ageing. Our work focuses on creating better workplaces, homes and communities, while tackling ageism and addressing inequality in later life.

The Centre for Ageing Better is a charitable foundation funded by The National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF) and part of the government’s What Works Network. We are fortunate to have monies remaining from our endowment from the NLCF to fully fund us until 2029, and we will be looking for new funding opportunities to sustain activity beyond 2029.

We are striving to create an organisation that reflects our society and the communities we serve with a workplace where everyone feels empowered and where diversity of background and thought is celebrated. We know there is more work to be done and are committed to continuing to improve our practice around Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion.

We very much welcome applications from minority groups and those underrepresented in our workforce. This especially includes people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, LGBT+ people, and Disabled people. 

We are a Positive Action employer, therefore in recruitment where two candidates are ‘as qualified as’ each other, we will favour a candidate from any group identified as currently underrepresented in our team based on protected characteristics as outlined in the Equality Act 2010.

To Apply

To apply, please follow the link to complete an application form and Equality and Diversity form.

Please address in your supporting statement how you meet the person specification for the role as fully as possible to demonstrate why you should be shortlisted for an interview for this post.

Failure to do so will result in your application being automatically rejected.

We understand the benefits of using AI in the workplace and the support that generative AI can offer. However, we would encourage you to write your supporting statement and complete your application without the use of AI and if you do use AI, to avoid copy and pasting and to consider the value it will add. We encourage you to showcase your experience and knowledge using your own unique voice.

The closing date for this role is 9am on Monday 28th September, with in- person interviews to take place during the week commencing 26th October with an expected W/C 4th January start date.

Independent Age is the national charity working towards ending financial hardship in later life. 

Our Helpline and expert advisers offer free information and advice to older people without enough money to live on, while our external training equips professionals with the information they need to support older people on low incomes. Through our grants programme, we fund and support hundreds of local charities working with older people across the UK.  We use the knowledge and insight gained from our support services and partnerships to highlight the issues experienced by older people in poverty and campaign for change. 

We believe no one should face financial hardship in later life. We would love to find individuals from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds to join us on this journey.

Responsibilities and Person Specification:

As Head of Services Development, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Independent Age’s services and maximising our impact for older people facing financial hardship. Reporting to the Director of Services, you will lead service development, innovation, quality, evaluation and strategic change across our service provision (information, advice and external training) ensuring they remain effective, evidence-led and responsive to changing needs. Working closely with colleagues across the charity and external partners, you will translate strategy into practical improvements, develop new opportunities for impact and collaboration, and embed a culture of continuous learning, improvement and innovation.

We use the knowledge and insight gained from our support services and partnerships to highlight the issues experienced by older people in poverty and campaign for change.

We're looking for a strategic and collaborative leader with experience of leading complex projects, organisational change and service improvement programmes. 

You will be skilled at turning strategy into delivery, bringing together people from different teams and disciplines to develop practical solutions that improve outcomes. You will be comfortable using data, insight and evidence to drive decision-making and have a track record of stakeholder engagement and identifying opportunities for innovation and growth. 

You will also bring experience of impact measurement, evaluation, quality assurance or performance frameworks, with the ability to use evidence to demonstrate value and improve services. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential, alongside the confidence to influence senior stakeholders and work across organisational boundaries. An understanding of the needs of older people, the wider ageing sector and the role that data, learning and collaboration play in delivering social impact would be advantageous.

For full details on the role and requirements, please review the job description and person specification.  If your experience doesn’t align perfectly with all of the criteria in the person specification but you do meet most of them and are excited about the role, we encourage you to apply anyway. 

This is a full-time role, 35 hours per week, which you can choose to work over five days or a 9 day fortnight. 

What it’s like to work at Independent Age:

We celebrate diversity at Independent Age and champion the differences that make each of us unique. We actively support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets to join us and help shape what we do. We aim to attract and retain a wide range of talent and create an environment where everyone can feel safe, protected, welcome and included.

We offer great benefits including 28 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme with life assurance, and fantastic learning and development opportunities. We also offer a number of enhanced leave provisions and benefits.

We know that a good work life balance helps us perform at our best and supports wellbeing. Flexible working hours and hybrid working is standard for all (those contracted to work in the office usually attend 1 day per week). But if you need a different form of flexibility, we are always happy to talk flexible working. 

With an employee engagement score of 98%, colleagues say Independent Age is a great place to work. You can find out more about what it’s like to work at Independent Age on the careers page of our website.

Application Process:

To apply, please submit a CV and a Supporting Statement, detailing how your skills and experience meet the criteria within the Job Description and Person Specification, by visiting our jobs website.

We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all. If you require any specific arrangements or adjustments to enable you to fully participate in the recruitment process, such as having the job description in a larger text format or to apply in an alternative format, please get in touch with us via the email address on the ‘Contact Us’ page on our jobs site. 

To support our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion our hiring managers use anonymous shortlisting. Please don’t include your name, photo, or any information that could indicate your gender or age in your CV and supporting statement, and don’t include your name in the title of any documents that you upload. However, please do include all dates of employment.  

Independent Age is committed to safeguarding and follows Safer Recruitment practices to ensure we are safeguarding those we work with. We therefore ask that you supply your full work history with explanations for any gaps in the application documents you submit and, if offered the post, we will require a minimum of two employment references including your current or most recent employer. A BASIC DBS check will be carried out for the successful candidate.

Closing Date: Friday 25 September at 11:59pm

Interview Dates: Monday 12 October at our London office, 18 Avonmore Road W14 8RR

Note on the Recruitment Process:

Successful candidates will be invited to attend an in-person Assessment Day on Wednesday 28 October as the next stage of the recruitment process.

• The Assessment Day is an opportunity to learn more about the organisation and demonstrate your facilitation skills.
• Candidates will be required to deliver an engaging 20-minute facilitation activity tailored to young people aged 12–16.
• The Assessment Day will take place at our London head office: 200a Pentonville Road, London, N1 9JP.

Candidates who are successful at the Assessment Day will be invited to a formal, competency-based interview, which will take place online on Friday 30 October. The interview will last approximately 45 minutes.

A final candidate will be selected following the interview stage.

Main Purpose of the Role

Khulisa, meaning 'nurture' in the Zulu language of South Africa, is an award-winning charity dedicated to providing therapeutic support to young people. We focus on reaching those who are most at risk – young people from deprived communities who are often marginalized, vulnerable to exclusion, and at heightened risk of becoming involved in crime. Our approach centres on safe, exploratory methods that aim to understand behaviour and experiences often rooted in trauma, abuse, and neglect. We deliver intensive therapeutic programs within educational and community settings using creative media, empowering young people to confront the underlying causes of their emotional distress and work toward healing. To create lasting, sustainable change, we work to establish trauma-informed environments around young people by equipping parents, caregivers, educators, and other professionals with the tools they need to offer effective, supportive care. Currently, our services are active in London and Manchester.

As the post holder you will be responsible for delivering our front-line work to young people, parents and other adults (professionals). You will work in schools and in community settings across London and/or Manchester to generate impact for young people using Khulisa’s trauma-informed approach. This role requires an enhanced DBS check.

The post holder will be required to work in a hybrid capacity, with 2–3 days per week spent in Khulisa partner schools or other programme delivery locations during term time. Outside of these periods, the post holder may work from home or from our London King’s Cross office (optional).

The role requires a willingness and ability to travel regularly to various locations across London and, where necessary, Manchester. For candidates applying to the Manchester-based post, this will include travel to London where required. This travel is essential to fulfil the responsibilities of the role, including programme delivery and engagement with stakeholders and colleagues.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

We are looking for Programme facilitators based in London or Manchester/North west England

Programme Delivery:

· Facilitate the delivery of sessions in our flagship Face It programme and modular workshops to young people, our Nurturing Connections programme for parents and carers, and our trauma training for professionals.

· Facilitate delivery to a high standard in all settings (schools, youth services, and community spaces), ensuring that you are always taking a trauma informed approach.

· Facilitate various youth participation workshops, co-delivering with young people as much as practicable.

· Respond to any questions, disclosures or safeguarding concerns raised during sessions and follow up where necessary with the relevant safeguarding teams or, where consent is secured, make onward referrals for additional support in specific cases.

· Contribute to the continuous development of all aspects of the programmes, sharing new ideas and using best practice.

· Participate in the periodic review and updating of programme contents and/or development of new materials with relevant colleagues, ensuring that materials used across the team are always uniform and consistent.

· Maintain accurate records of programme activities, including record of input, output, and impact as well as demographics data, and support relevant colleagues in ensuring effective monitoring and periodic evaluation and reporting of impact generated.

· Manage relevant budgets and ensure a value for money approach to all expenditure, making sure to keep within budget.

Programme Coordination:

· Take direct responsibility for logistics of individual programme delivery or activity, including scheduling, resourcing, staffing, and liaising with schools and other partners to ensure effective delivery.

· Work with colleagues in Impact and Evidence team to provide programme data as required to effectively demonstrate impact generated through your delivery.

· Where possible during delivery, generate multi-media content for the use of colleagues in communications to use in updating the Khulisa website and for social media.

Stakeholder Management:

· Support the Programmes & Participation Manager in the building and maintenance of strong relationships with delivery partners - schools, community organisations, and other important stakeholders.

· Contribute to any work to use learning from delivery activities to redesign existing programmes and/or develop new pieces of work as required.

· If required, represent Khulisa at events, meetings, and conferences as required etc.

· Support the onboarding and training of Associate Facilitators and volunteers as necessary.

· When required, support the onboarding and training of other permanent programme staff.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

· Objectively review the successes and achievements of each delivery session facilitated against programme or activity objectives, identifying and implementing opportunities for making ongoing improvements.

· To actively deliver all elements of the Khulisa programme, including work with adults and Khulisa’s Young Influencers.

· Depending on experience and qualifications, to be receptive to any other duties as required by the line manager and in line with the needs of Khulisa.

· To develop and maintain good working relationships with colleagues and other professionals, and to participate in team meetings.

· To participate in personal supervision in accordance with Khulisa’s supervision and performance appraisal policy and attend agreed training as relevant.

· At all times to carry out the responsibilities of the post in a manner consistent with promoting equalities and diversity and demonstrate respect for colleagues and Khulisa’s aims and values.

· To maintain an awareness of own and others’ health and safety and comply with Khulisa’s Health and Safety policies and procedures.

· Occasional evenings and weekend (events) may be involved with time off in lieu agreed.

·  London-based Programme Facilitators may occasionally be required to deliver sessions in Manchester, while Manchester-based Programme Facilitators may also be asked to facilitate in London and in addition, will be expected to attend occasional whole-organisation meetings at the London office.

The University of Southampton is a research‑intensive institution and a founding member of the Russell Group. Our aim is to change the world for the better through research, education and knowledge. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we are committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive.

Within the Office of Development & Alumni Relations (ODAR), we build lifelong relationships with our global alumni and supporters, helping them stay connected to Southampton and make a difference through their time, expertise and philanthropy. If you're excited by the idea of shaping and strengthening these communities, this role is for you.

About the role

This is an opportunity to lead a wide-ranging programme of engagement across our alumni and supporter communities. You will lead and develop a team of four, working across ODAR and the wider University to identify opportunities and deliver impactful programmes.

Your portfolio spans engagement and volunteering that advances University priorities – including student recruitment, graduate employability and philanthropy – while strengthening relationships with our international and high‑profile supporters.

A central part of the role is leading the volunteering strand of our first University‑wide fundraising and engagement campaign, the £100m Campaign for Southampton. You will also contribute to projects supporting Southampton's brand and reputation, and international engagement in key countries such as China and India.

As a member of ODAR's senior team, you will represent alumni and supporter engagement on cross‑University working groups and build relationships with stakeholders across the institution.

This role is offered on a hybrid basis, with a minimum of two days a week at Highfield, plus international travel typically once or twice a year.

About you

You'll bring experience building meaningful relationships with alumni, supporters, volunteers, members or similar stakeholder groups, with a track record of delivering successful engagement programmes – ideally drawing on insight and creativity to reach diverse audiences.

An excellent communicator and relationship‑builder, you can influence and work collaboratively with people at all levels. You combine strong organisational and project‑management skills with sound judgement to turn plans into measurable outcomes. You're also an experienced people manager who enjoys developing others.

A background in higher education, fundraising, advancement, charity, membership or another relationship‑led environment would be valuable, but transferable experience is equally welcome.

About us

ODAR has enjoyed an exciting period of growth as we prepare for the Campaign for Southampton. With backing from University leadership, we are investing in the people and programmes needed to deepen alumni and supporter engagement and deliver greater impact for Southampton.

We're a friendly, hardworking team with a passion for making a difference, looking for colleagues with intellectual curiosity, fresh ideas and the confidence to shape something ambitious.

We welcome applicants with direct experience or transferable skills and are committed to building a diverse, inclusive team where everyone can thrive. 

Apply by uploading your CV and a cover letter of up to two sides of A4, outlining how your skills and experience meet the role's requirements and what attracts you to the opportunity.