Head of public engagement and communications jobs

Events, Community & Digital Fundraising Manager 
Salary: £40,000 – £45,000 per annum, plus benefits
Location: London N1
Full time: 37.5 hours a week

We’re a hybrid working employer, meaning you’re required to come into the office at least 2 days per week currently Tuesday, and Wednesday or Thursday.

Closing date: 23rd March 2026
First Interviews: 31st March and 1st April
Second interviews: w/c 13th April

At World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), we’re passionate about saving lives through research, education and prevention. Around 40% of cancers could be prevented – and with your help, we can reach more people, inspire healthier choices and fund life‑changing research.

We’re now looking for an Events, Community & Digital Fundraising Manager to join our friendly and ambitious Fundraising Development team. If you love bringing people together, creating brilliant supporter experiences and using digital innovation to drive impact, this could be the role for you.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead and grow WCRF’s events, community and digital fundraising programmes at a time of real momentum.

You’ll play a pivotal role in shaping our fundraising future. You will build on the success of our running and challenge events, looking for new and innovative opportunities in the UK and internationally.

You will expand our community fundraising activity, supporting fundraisers with outstanding stewardship and supporter journeys.

You will also drive our digital fundraising strategy, developing engaging digital and virtual fundraising campaigns, using insight and data to optimise performance, test new ideas and maximise return on investment.

Alongside this, you’ll manage budgets, forecasting and reporting, ensuring ambitious income targets are met and also lead and support our Events & Community Fundraiser, helping them thrive and develop.

Working closely with colleagues across Fundraising, Health Information and Communications & Engagement (especially our Digital team), you’ll deliver integrated, engaging, data‑led campaigns aligned with WCRF’s mission that inspire supporters, grow income and deepen long‑term relationships.

You’ll be a creative, organised and collaborative fundraiser with experience across at least two of the following areas: events, community fundraising and digital fundraising.

You’re confident leading projects from idea to delivery, enjoy working with data and insight, and are excited by testing new approaches.

Most importantly, you care deeply about supporter experience and are motivated by making a real difference.

An interest in healthy living and cancer prevention is not essential but would be advantageous.

Location: Options for role to be site-based (Buckinghamshire or East Yorkshire) or a hybrid contract with regular UK travel for donor meetings and team events.
Salary: £60,000 per annum.
Contract: Permanent, full-time hours. 

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, whose mission is to see a time when no deaf person feels alone, is seeking a Principal Gifts Manager responsible for identifying, cultivating and stewarding high-value donors to the charity giving £100,000 plus.

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People has been creating life-changing partnerships between hearing dogs and deaf recipients since 1982. As well as acting as an ear to their partners and alerting them to sounds, the charity’s clever and expertly trained dogs help deaf people to live life with confidence and independence, whilst providing love, companionship and emotional support.

Following a strategic review, the charity is now looking to build a new Income Generation Directorate to enable it to transform many more lives across the UK. This role will be critical to help Hearing Dogs reach their goals to significantly grow and diversify income.

Reporting to the Head of Philanthropy, the post-holder will work closely with senior leaders, trustees and senior stakeholders to solicit high-value gifts, typically of six and seven figures, and to build and deepen long-term relationships between donors and the charity. You will be responsible for developing and managing a portfolio of potential and current principal-level donors, as well as delivering exceptional stewardship journeys that demonstrate the impact and value of donor support.

The successful candidate will have a proven track record in securing major gifts at the six-figure level or above, ideally in a principal or transformational giving context. You will be skilled at building and maintaining strong, long-term relationships with high-net-worth individuals, as well as being experienced at developing and delivering complex donor strategies and bespoke giving propositions. Finally, you must be a collaborative team player with strong project management and communication skills.

This is an exceptional opportunity to play a leading role in scaling transformational philanthropy at a charity which is changing people’s lives every day, where you have the flexibility of working remotely or spending time at Hearing Dogs’ stunning bases in Buckinghamshire or Yorkshire, with friendly and passionate staff and their four-legged friends.

If you want to lead the pack and help deaf people live well with hearing loss, please download our Candidate Pack for further information [PDF], which includes details on how to apply.

Closing date: Monday 6th April, 9.00 am. 

Specialist ISA Practice and Development Manager 

Location:  Hybrid (40% office based) 

Hours: Full time - 35 hours per week 

Type of contract: Permanent 

Start date: ASAP 

Salary: £36,435 

Reports to: Deputy Head of Operations Manager 

ABOUT SUZY LAMPLUGH TRUST: 

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust was established in memory of Suzy Lamplugh, a young estate agent who tragically disappeared while at work in 1986 and was later declared deceased in 1993. Created to honour Suzy’s legacy, the Trust aims to empower individuals and organisations to take a stand against abuse, aggression, and violence in all forms, supporting safety in both personal and professional lives 

Role overview: 

The purpose of this role is to manage the specialist elements of the London stalking support service, including the Community Engagement and Outreach ISA and the Court ISA functions. These are new areas of delivery for the Trust, and the postholder will play a key role in establishing and embedding these specialist services. 

The postholder will provide day-to-day management, guidance, and direction to specialist staff holding complex cases, ensuring work is delivered safely and in line with best practice, contractual standards, and safeguarding requirements. They will oversee referral assessment and allocation for specialist cases, ensuring referrals are prioritised and allocated within agreed response times. 

As the services are in their infancy, the role will focus on supporting the development and refining processes, pathways, and approaches, using performance data, feedback, test and learn approach and learning to support continuous improvement. The postholder will also oversee performance monitoring, quality assurance, and budget management working closely with the Deputy Head of Operations to manage demand and maintain service standards. 

The role will ensure inclusive, culturally responsive approaches are embedded within the Community Engagement and Outreach function, and will represent the Trust in operational forums, contributing to wider service development across the organisation. 

What we offer: 

At Suzy Lamplugh Trust, we value the commitment and expertise of our staff and are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package: 

·Hybrid Working: With a minimum of 40% office-based work 

·Generous Leave Package: 28 days annual leave (pro-rata for part-time) increasing with length of service, plus public holidays 

·Special Leave: Including days for personal milestones, like moving house or celebrating your birthday 

·Pension Contribution: 5% employer contribution 

·Health & Wellbeing App: Access to counselling, advice, and discounts 

·Occupational Sick Pay increasing with service 

How to Apply: 

Suzy Lamplugh Trust is dedicated to equality and inclusivity. Please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter detailing how your skills and experience align with the job requirements. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. 

Deadline: 31st March 2026 

Interviews to be held week beginning 13th April  

The Salvation Army – Assistant Head of Legacy and In Memory Fundraising
Location: Hybrid working, 2 days in office, London SE5.
Salary: £53.952 – £57,055 per annum.
Contract: Permanent, full-time hours. 

The Salvation Army, the UK’s leading social welfare charity, is seeking an Assistant Head of Legacy and in Memory Fundraising to increase the number of In Memory donors and legacy supporters who will leave a future gift to the charity in their Wills.
The Salvation Army is one of the largest, most diverse providers of social and community services after the Government. With more than 600 local centres, they make a powerful difference to people across the UK who might otherwise be excluded.

The Assistant Head of Legacy and In Memory Fundraising is a senior role in the Legacy and In Memory Fundraising team, working alongside the Head of Legacy and In Memory Fundraising to drive activities after a significant and sustained investment in this area by the organisation.
The role will lead on the delivery of a multi-channel legacy marketing programme and championing legacy giving across the organisation. The post-holder will be responsible for establishing a year on year 10% increase in the number of legacy enquirers, considerers, intenders and pledgers to the charity, as well as establishing a new in memory fundraising programme that will increase annual income.
The successful candidate will have extensive expertise in all aspects of legacy and in memory fundraising and of project managing multiple campaigns across a range of channels, achieving and improving target revenues. You will have a track record in successful strategic planning, management and implementation of strategy and be a highly organised project manager able to work across simultaneous complex projects.

Your excellent leadership and people manager skills working and building high performing teams will be combined with strong financial management and analytical abilities. You will also be skilled in creative development and be an excellent communicator, able to influence at a senior level and to develop strong, successful, collaborative and influential working relationships. Finally, you must be able to work within, and be empathic with, the Christian ethos and values of The Salvation Army Mission.

Please download our Candidate Pack for further information [PDF], which includes details on how to apply.

Closing date: Monday 30th March, 9am

We are recruiting a Head of HR / Business Partner to lead and deliver a best practice HR function for Flint House, ensuring the provision of high-quality, compliant and strategic people services that support operational excellence and the Charity’s mission of providing evidence-based rehabilitation to serving and retired police officers.

Reporting to CEO as a member of the Exec team, with one direct report, this role operates at both strategic and operational levels, advising Trustees, the CEO and senior leaders while ensuring effective day-to-day HR delivery across the organisation.

We are flexible and will consider applications for full time and part time. The role is very much site based due to staff base and patients, but there is potential for one day hybrid working a week.

Key responsibilities and competencies :

• Lead on complex employee relations matters including capability, grievance and disciplinary cases.
• Conduct investigations, formal hearings and appeals where required.
• Provide expert advice and guidance to managers on all employee relations matters.
• Maintain and develop employment contracts in line with organisational needs and legislative requirements.
• Support managers in managing absence and attendance effectively.
• Develop, implement and deliver the HR Strategy aligned to the Charity’s organisational objectives.
• Lead workforce planning and quarterly resource meetings in collaboration with the CEO and Heads of Department.
• Support organisational change initiatives, ensuring a consistent and well-managed approach.
• Contribute to organisational development and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide data-driven insights and reports to Exec and the CEO to inform strategic decision-making.
• Ensure full compliance with UK employment legislation, case law and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure pay, benefits and reward practices remain legally compliant and appropriately benchmarked, advising Finance and Payroll practices
• Monitor legislative developments and advise Trustees and the CEO on required changes.
• Develop, review and maintain HR policies, procedures and conditions of service.
• Liaise with external professional advisers, including employment solicitors where required.

Successful candidate will be CIPD Level 7 or similar experience with evidence of continuing CPD.

In addition - you will have 

• Strong strategic and operational capability.
• Significant experience as a Senior HR Generalist
• Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills, with credibility at Executive level.
• Clear, confident written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and reporting capability.
• Ability to prioritise, delegate and manage competing demands.
• Coaching and advisory capability.
• High level of IT literacy (Microsoft Office suite and HR systems / Sage HR and iHasco).

About us :

Flint House Police Rehabilitation is a registered Charity offering rehabilitation services to ill or injured serving and retired police officers suffering from a wide variety of physical and mental health conditions. Every year we treat over 3,000 police officers. Located just outside Goring on Thames in our beautiful Flint House and set in 20 acres of ancient woodland, this key role will drive the people and culture objectives for the Charity.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including on site free parking, lunch or breakfast, free on site gym, comprehensive EAP program, Medical Cash program, Life Assurance,36 days holiday and usual Pension benefits.

The role is very much based on site, with restricted public transport, so own car is essential.

In 30 years we've helped transform over 10,000 children's lives around the world, giving them the chance of a brighter future. We're feel we are just getting started and are looking for a confident, relational communicator with a heart for transforming children's lives to join our team. 

We're looking for someone who loves fundraising and will thrive in an outward facing role which blends strategy, storytelling and relationship-building. You’ll be as comfortable speaking from a church platform as you are meeting one-to-one with a key donor.

Please read the job description and if you feel this sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you. 

Location: Home based
Job Type: Full time
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £55,000 – £60,000 per annum
 
Scope and purpose
 
To implement MEI’s business development strategy, helping us secure sustained income to deliver our priorities and fulfil our mission to improve lives through maths education. This includes managing bid processes for major funding, working with senior leadership and business leads to write costed proposals, identifying tender and other funding opportunities, reviewing and finalising funding agreements, and working with the Director for Strategic Communications and Partnerships to nurture relationships and bring new opportunities to fruition.
 
Main duties and responsibilities
 
Support all aspects of MEI’s business development and fundraising activity.
 
Funding opportunities and competitor environment

• Scope external funding opportunities, reviewing these against MEI’s mission, objectives and key criteria.
• Report to MEI’s Senior Leadership Team and Board on the pipeline of new and potential opportunities and produce business cases for new ventures for MEI’s SLT/Board.
• Undertake research into donors, sponsors and other funders, reviewing suitability and conducting due diligence.
• Work with the Director for Strategic Communications and Partnerships to develop relationships and opportunities towards formal agreement.
• Provide advice and guidance to colleagues involved in developing new business, including how to model costs and pricing, and shaping and writing effective proposals.
• Build intelligence about the competitive landscape, identifying competitors, assessing potential threats and maintaining an up-to-date register for SLT and the Board.

 
Tenders, bids and proposals

• Manage a diverse set of funding opportunities and proposals on the go at any single time, ranging from conference sponsorships to grant applications, project bids, corporate partnerships and government programme bids.
• Participate in pre-market engagement for large tenders, clarifying funder expectations and requirements, guiding senior leadership decisions about priorities and bidding criteria.
• For competitive tenders, manage the process from tender launch to bid submission with input from business and operational leads, including: tender clarification; costs and budget; proposal writing, review and sign off; compliance requirements; and supporting documentation.
• Co-ordinate post-award processes through to contract signature, in line with Grant Manager responsibilities and in liaison with SLT and trustees, legal partners, finance and other partners/teams.
• Participate in post-tender feedback reviews and share learning across the team, using lessons learned to undertake revision and improvements.

 
Sponsor and donor management

• Support the account management and stewardship of donors and sponsors, liaising with appropriate teams, ensuring that objectives of donors and sponsors are fully met.
• Directly manage relationships with lead representatives of annual conference sponsor and exhibiting organisations, ensuring their objectives are met, arrangements are handled smoothly, and risks and issues are managed effectively.

 
Systems, records and reporting

• Shape the configuration and use of MEI’s CRM system and other internal systems for effective business development and fundraising.
• Ensure contact records are up to date, accurate and compliant.
• Produce regular reports for SLT and Board on progress in business development and fundraising, including conversion rates, KPIs, and risks.
• Contribute to MEI’s culture of evidence-driven decision-making, providing high quality evidence and intelligence which supports business strategy.

 
General leadership and management

• Work with trustees, SLT and business teams to ensure that business development and fundraising activity is coherent and aligned with broader strategy and delivery.
• Support the development of commercial skills, competencies and approaches across MEI.
• Undertake other duties assigned by the Director for Strategic Communications and Partnerships and keep them up to date through accurate and regular updates.

 
Key Relationships

• Director for Strategic Communications and Partnerships
• Chief Operating Officer
• Chief Learning Officer
• Financial Controller
• Business and Central Services Manager

 
Person Specification
 
Essential

• Demonstrable experience of fundraising across multiple income streams
• Strong track record of writing bids and securing grant and other funding
• Knowledge and experience of public sector procurement
• Excellent writing skills for bids and fundraising communication
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work autonomously
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships across MEI and with external funders

 
Desirable

• Experience in the education or charitable sector
• Track record of securing large government contracts
• Experience collaborating with product development or programme design teams
• Familiarity with MEI’s mission and the education landscape

 
Personal Attributes, Values and Behaviours

• This is a list of personal attributes which are important for the role but also should encapsulate behaviours required to meet the MEI values of equity, credibility, commitment and service.
• Communicates with clarity and respect
• Commitment and ability to work with all stakeholders to deliver exceptional service
• Actively seeks to work collaboratively when required to achieve the highest service standards
• Self-motivated with a strong work ethic, proactive attitude, and commitment to continuous learning and skill development
• Supportive and collaborative, able to guide and motivate others to deliver high-quality work
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and foster positive, collaborative relationships with colleagues and stakeholders
• Highly organised, able to manage multiple tasks and adapt to changing priorities
• Dynamic, enthusiastic, and positive, bringing energy and a can-do attitude to the role

 
Additional Information
 
This role will involve some travel and occasional overnight stays away from home.
 
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About Us

We are Global Dialogue, an international philanthropy support organisation partnering with independent funders to advance rights, equity, and diversity. Independent in status and global in reach, we provide funder networks, collaboratives, and partners with the practical support and technical expertise they need to create lasting, systemic change.

The Role

We’re looking for a conscientious People & Administration Assistant to play a key role in delivering an exceptional HR service across Global Dialogue.

You’ll support the Head of People and our core team, ensuring our HR systems run smoothly, our data is accurate, and our people processes are well‑coordinated, compassionate, and efficient. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives on organisation, values fairness and inclusion, and is ready to develop their HR career within an impact‑driven organisation.

The day to day of the role will be broad and varied and you will carry out tasks such as maintaining accurate employee records, posting vacancies and coordinating interviews in support of recruitment, keeping track of the employee lifecycle and providing broad team and administrative support. As part of this exciting role, you will also get the chance to observe and contribute to business partnering and wider employee relations tasks.

About You

The right candidate will hold CIPD Level 3 or possess a willingness to work towards it (Global Dialogue could support that study), and hold strong professionalism, discretion, and care when handling confidential information. Experience working with an HR system is essential; it would be advantageous if it were BreatheHR or Remote). You will also be confident with Microsoft 365, spreadsheets, and thrive in delivering excellent attention to detail and accuracy in your work.

The role would suit candidates who are comfortable working in a fast-paced organisation, and who hold some awareness of the pressures the HR team may face, given the organisation's vital work in a national and international human rights setting.

How to Apply

We are partnering with Doing Good Recruitment for this campaign. Please click ‘Apply’ to find out more, see the full JD and learn how to submit.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to the employment and career development of people with disabilities. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may need during the recruitment process, and you will be asked whether you require anything if you are invited to interview. If you need this information in another format or if there are additional options you’d like to request, please contact Tristan at Doing Good Recruitment.

We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To help us monitor how we’re doing and identify any barriers in our recruitment process, we invite all applicants to complete the Equal Opportunities Monitoring form found on Doing Good Recruitment's application page.

We are looking for an experienced events expert who can plan, deliver and evaluate a diverse portfolio of impactful, high-profile events designed to inspire, engage and mobilise current MSF supporters and recruit new ones.

The Events Manager will lead the strategic planning, delivery and evaluation of diverse portfolio of impactful, high-profile events designed to inspire, engage and mobilise current supporters and recruit new ones. 

The post-holder will ensure that events align with MSF UK’s mission and values, while maximising engagement, awareness and return on investment. 

They will play a pivotal role in fostering relationships with key stakeholders and driving MSF UK’s supporter engagement strategies forward. 

They will collaborate across departments, manage budgets, and provide actionable insights to continuously improve MSF UK's public engagement efforts. 

Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours per week, Mon-Fri

Duration: Permanent

Location: London - hybrid, 2 days per week in office (including Wednesdays and Thursdays) 

Salary: £46,784.49 per annum - £57,181.04 per annum | Salary is offered in line with our pay framework and typically starts at the entry point of the band. Salary increases are considered annually and are subject to our appraisal and performance review process.

We are seeking an exceptional leader who can act as a credible spokesperson and ambassador for the Catholic Union, building trusted relationships across the Church, parliament and wider society and helping to grow the Catholic Union’s influence and engagement in the years ahead.

Founded in 1870, the Catholic Union of Great Britain brings Catholic laity and Catholic social teaching to the public square across England, Wales and Scotland. Working in partnership with dioceses, parishes, MPs, MSPs, MSs, peers and Catholic organisations, our vision is of a society in which Catholic laity are informed, equipped and encouraged to engage in public life.

Our work is shaped by three key themes: engagement, education and encouragement. Through these we foster informed participation in public debate, help Catholics and the wider public understand contemporary social and political issues through a Catholic lens, and inspire greater confidence for Catholics to contribute to civic and community life.

In recent years the Catholic Union has developed from being largely volunteer-led into a more professional and strategically focused organisation, strengthening relationships across the Church and wider society. Our Weekly Briefing, now read by around 6,500 people each week, has become a key channel for parliamentary reporting, Catholic news and reflection.

As Director, you will lead the Catholic Union at an exciting moment in its development. You will represent the Catholic Union publicly, strengthening relationships with bishops, diocesan leaders, parliamentarians and Catholic organisations. You will act as a trusted ambassador for the Union, grow our channels of influence and engagement, and work with Trustees, Council and a small experienced team to support the organisation’s continued development.

If you are inspired by the opportunity to serve as a public voice for a respected Catholic organisation and help foster thoughtful dialogue and engagement in public life, we would love to hear from you.

For more information, please see the job pack attached. Closing date 10th April.

Sue Ryder is looking for an experienced Online Community Manager to lead the strategic development and day-to-day management of our Online Bereavement Community, one of the UK’s leading digital support spaces for people who are grieving.

About the role:

Strategic and day-to-day management of our busy and sector-leading Online Bereavement Community to ensure it grows and develops in line with organisational priorities. Our community provides a safe but vibrant place for those who have been bereaved or who are caring for somebody at the end of their life to share their story, find support and support others.

The role includes developing new online services within the online community platform that relate to the organisation’s aim of supporting people at a most difficult time.

About you:
As Online Community Manager, you will manage and nurture an active online forum where people can share experiences and connect with others who are grieving. Working closely with colleagues across Digital, Marketing and our Grief and Bereavement teams, you will ensure the community remains a safe and supportive space, while continuing to grow and reach more people who need support.

You’ll be passionate about the power of online communities to connect and support people. You’ll combine strong community management and moderation skills with empathy and emotional intelligence, enabling you to engage sensitively with people who are grieving.

Essential Criteria
• Demonstrable experience of day-to-day online community/forum management, including moderation, to support service users
• A good understanding of UX and how the user journey contributes to an optimum experience for community members
• Experience in tracking and monitoring platform usage to identify areas for improvement and optimisation
• Experience of working with or managing volunteers
• Ability to use insights and analytics tools, such as Google Analytics and Hotjar
• Understanding of email newsletter best practice to maximise engagement
• Experience of managing an external moderation agency
• A strong understanding of service user audiences and their behaviours online

Desirable Requirements
• Experience using Discourse to manage online communities and DotDigital to manage email communications
• Experience of working in the not-for-profit, bereavement or health sectors
• Wider understanding of digital marketing tactics
• Experience of out-of-hours/on-call moderation
Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis and early applications are encouraged.

Sue Ryder is here to make sure everyone approaching the end of their life or living with grief can access the support they need. There is no one size fits all when it comes to how we cope and the help we need, but with our support, no one has to face dying or grief alone.

Benefits
• Company pension scheme
• 27 days holiday - rising to 33 with length of service plus bank holidays
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Enhanced sick pay
• Employee Networks - LGBTQ+, Ethnic Diversity and Equality, People with Disabilities, and Women and Non Binary Individuals
• Staff discount of 10% on new goods online 
• Structured induction programme and learning and development opportunities.

We actively encourage applications from people from all backgrounds to help us to provide the best possible experience for the people who use our services and continue to make Sue Ryder a great place to work, and attract and recruit the best, most diverse workforce possible.
We are particularly interested in increasing applications from the global majority, LGBTQIA+ and people with disabilities as they are currently underrepresented in our organisation.

Please let us know if you have any feedback to make our recruitment processes more accessible and inclusive or if you require any adjustments made to your application or interview process 

If you want more than just a job, we want you.
Join the team and be there when it matters.

Mercy Ships UK is looking for a People Engagement and Development Partner to help cultivate a thriving, supportive and purpose-driven workplace where our people can flourish.

Mercy Ships is an international charity that provides free life-changing surgeries and healthcare to people in need, using hospital ships staffed by volunteers from around the world. Behind this mission is a dedicated team of staff who enable this work to happen and we believe investing in our people is essential to achieving our impact.

This role plays a key part in shaping the employee experience at Mercy Ships UK, strengthening engagement, supporting managers and helping develop a healthy and effective organisational culture.

Working closely with leaders across the organisation, you will support initiatives that encourage staff wellbeing, development and strong collaboration, ensuring our people feel valued, connected and equipped to contribute to the mission.

Key responsibilities

• Support the development and delivery of employee engagement initiatives across Mercy Ships UK

• Partner with managers to strengthen team culture, communication and staff wellbeing

• Help coordinate learning and development opportunities that enable staff to grow and thrive

• Provide guidance and support on people-related matters, helping to build confident and capable managers

• Contribute to organisational initiatives that strengthen culture, values and employee experience

• Support internal communications and activities that foster connection, collaboration and engagement across teams

About you

You will be someone who is passionate about people and organisational culture, with the ability to build trusted relationships across teams.

You will bring:

• Experience working in a people, HR or organisational development role

• A strong interest in employee engagement, culture and learning

• The ability to support and coach managers in developing healthy teams

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills

• A collaborative and proactive approach to supporting organisational initiatives

• Alignment with the values and mission of Mercy Ships

Why join Mercy Ships?

At Mercy Ships UK, you will be part of a team committed to making a global difference. This role offers the opportunity to help shape the environment where our people work, grow and contribute to a life-changing mission.

This role has an Occupational Requirement for the post holder to be a practicing Christian in accordance with Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010

This is a home-based role, working Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Applications are welcome from candidates based outside Belfast, provided they are resident in Northern Ireland and able to commute to the Belfast office if required.

The External Affairs Manager plays a pivotal role in empowering people with sight loss to live the life they choose. This position leads the development of policy and campaigns within the country, aligning with Guide Dogs’ strategic objectives. Working collaboratively with the central policy, public affairs, and campaigns team, as well as the country leadership team, the role builds strategic partnerships with government bodies, local authorities, societies, and other key organisations. This ensures Guide Dogs remains informed and influential on all policy initiatives affecting the organisation and its stakeholders.

The post holder will be responsible for the day‑to‑day leadership, management and oversight of a team.

The post-holder is responsible for shaping policy positions, drafting responses to consultations from councils, combined authorities, and devolved governments, and driving impactful campaigns at a regional level. A key focus is increasing the involvement of blind and partially sighted people in advocacy and campaigning.

Additionally, the role leads the implementation of Guide Dogs’ regional marketing and communications strategy across the Devolved Nations. This includes raising brand awareness, engaging diverse audiences—service users, families, volunteers, donors, and the public—and delivering integrated communications plans that strengthen Guide Dogs’ presence and impact.

Key Responsibilities

Policy Development

• Lead the creation of country-specific policy and position papers, ensuring alignment with organisational strategy.
• Prepare responses to consultation papers from devolved administrations, local government, and regional bodies.
• Represent Guide Dogs on committees, working groups, and forums, staying informed on policy issues impacting the organisation and its service users.

Public Affairs

• Build and influence relationships with key stakeholders, including elected representatives and senior officials.
• Represent Guide Dogs at Government Scrutiny Committees and cross-party groups.
• Act as the primary liaison with local government and statutory agencies.

Campaigns & Influence

• Strategically lead and coordinate campaigns at a country level, ensuring alignment with devolved policy priorities.
• Develop and deliver campaigns addressing local needs of the visually impaired community.
• Foster partnerships within the Third Sector to build consensus and amplify Guide Dogs’ strategic aims. 

Leadership & People Management

• Provide strong leadership to local staff and volunteers, promoting best practice and knowledge-sharing.
• Oversee recruitment, performance management, and compliance with safeguarding policies.
• Ensure high levels of engagement through effective communication and leadership.

Financial Accountability

• Support fundraising initiatives and monitor operational budgets to ensure efficiency and compliance.

Diversity & Inclusion

• Champion Guide Dogs’ diversity agenda, ensuring services are inclusive and accessible.
• Work with external partners to create a more inclusive environment for people with sight loss.

How to apply 

Further details on the full role are attached below. When you are ready to apply, submit an online application form via this page.

If you would like to have an informal conversation about the role before applying, or require any accessibility support to apply, our friendly recruitment team is ready and waiting to help.

As part of your application ensure you provide evidence and examples of how your skills & experience meet the criteria as set out in the attached job description. You will also be asked to complete a few job-specific questions as part of this application process, so please be prepared to write your answers to these questions.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Guide Dogs welcomes applications from all sections of the community and actively encourages diversity to maximise achievements, creativity and good practice. We positively welcome and seek to ensure we achieve diversity in our workforce and that all job applicants and employees receive equal and fair treatment, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability or nationality. 

As a Disability Confident Employer, we are proud, whenever possible, to offer an interview to all candidates that meet our selection criteria, and who indicate they wish their application to be considered under our Disability Confident interview commitment. For more details, visit our careers site.

If you are successful you will need to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK via our digital ID checking supplier; in addition, we cannot offer visa sponsorship at this time.

Safeguarding

Guide Dogs is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk of harm with whom we work. We expect all our employees and volunteers to fully share this commitment.

At Guide Dogs, we believe in fair and equitable hiring practices. A criminal record will not automatically disqualify an applicant from consideration for a position. Each case will be evaluated individually, taking into account the nature of the offense, its relevance to the role, and the time that has passed since the incident. We encourage all candidates to disclose relevant information, and we assure you that it will be handled confidentially and fairly.

Guide Dogs follow Safer Recruitment practices to ensure we are safeguarding the vulnerable people we work with. As part of this, we require a full work history with any gaps accounted for & a minimum of 2 professional referee details fully covering the past 5 years. If you are applying for a disclosure role, please note that you will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and sign up to the DBS update service.

For high volumes of applications, we reserve the right to close adverts earlier than advertised.

The Woodland Trust is looking for a Public Affairs Manager to take lead responsibility for managing the Woodland Trust. Northern Ireland’s (WTNI) relationship with the NI Executive , Government, relevant statutory agencies, and key NI, ROI and UK political audiences; to advocate and campaign for changes in legislation, policies, incentives, strategies and plans which reflect the Trust’s priorities in NI and the Island of Ireland; and to lead on local development plan consultations and the Trust’s relationship with local councils and the wider eNGO sector.

The Role:
• In the context of our Corporate Strategy, UK policies and position statements and Northern Ireland Plan, to define our Northern Ireland Public Affairs and campaigning goals and to develop and manage a prioritised programme of policy and advocacy work to achieve them.
• Provide technical and expert support, advice, and briefings to the Northern Ireland Director, and other colleagues where relevant, on policy and advocacy matters and enable them to be effective policy advocates. 
• Lead Public Affairs in the Northern Ireland team, and any consultants as appropriate, providing clarity of direction, inspiring our staff and building capabilities and skills, upholding and actively promoting the values and behaviours of the Trust.
• Oversee, and where relevant lead, the development and management of relationships with NI Government including Ministers, MLAs, researchers, advisors and civil servants, as well as local government, statutory bodies and other influential organisations across farming, forestry and business in line with the NI Public Affairs plan.
• Represent the Trust and our policy and advocacy priorities externally, including negotiating consensus positions within external coalitions including NI Environment Link, with key stakeholders and potential partners.
• Actively monitor, gather intelligence, understand and analyse relevant areas of NI policy and politics, acting on key opportunities. Evaluate future threats and opportunities facing the Trust’s cause in NI, brief colleagues and steer our advocacy messaging accordingly.
• Work closely with other teams and departments, especially Comms & Engagement, UK Campaigns and Conservation and External Affairs, to coordinate and integrate political advocacy and campaigning messages with the Trust’s wider communications and influencing strategies and plans. 
• Contribute to ensuring appropriate and efficient use of Woodland Trust funds, including setting and managing the NI Public Affairs budget.
• This is a fixed term contract for 6 months.
• This is a hybrid position with a mix of home working, and from our regional office in Bangor, Northern Ireland. Head office attendance would be required no more than once a month on average. Occasional travel to other offices and remote locations may also be required.

The Candidate:
• You’ll be experienced in building strong relationships and have a proven record of delivery in partnership with local councils.
• You’ll have a proven track record in public affairs and policy delivery and experience of working with the environmental/voluntary sector.
• You’ll be experienced with relationship management - a developer of relationships with exceptional networking ability; able to spot opportunities and connections, evaluate them and act on them, both internally and externally.
• You’ll be experienced setting clear goals and priorities and taking responsibility for their delivery.
• You’ll need a working knowledge of current affairs, and the processes through which legislation and policies are developed and delivered.
• You’ll need to understand the current environmental policies, conservation and land management issues facing Northern Ireland and the wider UK.
• You’ll need knowledge of the Northern Ireland Executive and Government and the ability to use that knowledge to achieve results.
• You’ll need strong communication skills through both written and oral, as well as research and analytical skills.
• Educated to degree level or equivalent in relevant areas or proven extensive experience.
• Full UK driving licence would be an advantage.
• The successful candidate will be required to undertake a Basic Background Check as part of our pre-employment screening.

Benefits and Wellbeing:
Joining our team means you’ll be a big part of tackling environmental and climate issues. We take good care of our staff, offering support and training opportunities. We also offer:
• Enhanced Employer Pension
• Life Assurance
• Flexible & Hybrid Working Options
• Generous Annual Leave - 25 Days Plus Bank Holidays (pro rata’d for part-time)
• Buy and Sell Holiday Scheme
• Enhanced Parental Pay
• Employee Assistance Programme

About Us:
The Woodland Trust is the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity.  We want to see a world where trees and woods thrive for people and nature. The Trust engages and inspires people to make their difference tackling the nature and climate crisis helping protect, restore and create our vital woods and trees.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:
To achieve our vision of a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature, we need to better reflect society and the communities we work in. All people, no matter their background, identity, ability, or circumstance, should benefit from trees.  
People of colour and disabled people are currently under-represented across the environment and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we particularly encourage you to apply. 
Please contact us to discuss any additional support or adjustments you may need to complete your application.

Application Advice:
For fairness we keep our candidates’ personal details hidden from the hiring managers, and CVs are redacted until after shortlisting is complete. 
Make sure that your Personal Statement clearly shows how your skills and knowledge link to the specifications in the job description and you share with us your passion for the role. 

Acceptable Use - Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We understand that candidates may choose to use AI tools to support their job applications-for example, to help structure or edit written responses. We welcome the use of AI in this way, particularly where it helps improve accessibility, such as for neurodivergent applicants. However, we ask that any information submitted reflects your own experience, skills and understanding. During interviews, candidates are expected to respond independently without the use of AI tools. 

Apply Now:
If you're ready to make a difference and grow with us, send in your application today. We might close the job opening early if we get a lot of applications, so it's a good idea to apply soon. If we do close the advert early, and you have an application in process, we will email you prior to closing to give you time to complete.