Sheila Coates Foundation is a registered charity that provides funds for secondary schools or colleges in England in order to support autistic students.
Our current Business Manager is retiring. We are therefore seeking a new Business Manager to join our small team of professionals. With strong knowledge and skills, the Business Manager will ensure that the charity is well administered and meets its governance, financial and employment responsibilities. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with Trustees and staff to ensure that our funds make the biggest difference to autistic students.
The role of the Business Manager is to work closely with the Chief Executive, Chair, and the Board of Trustees to ensure the charity is effectively managed and meets its governance, financial, and employment obligations. The Business Manager will also support the charity's development, helping to implement its aims and objectives, ensuring that its projects align with its brand and values, and contributing to areas like grant giving when necessary.
The Business Manager will be accountable to the Board of Trustees and directly report to the Chief Executive and Chair of Trustees. Key responsibilities include overseeing the charity's finances, providing financial updates to the Board, ensuring the charity operates in line with legal and regulatory requirements, and managing policies and systems that ensure the charity functions smoothly.
The Business Manager will oversee financial tasks such as budget management, payroll, year-end statements, liaising with auditors and accountants, and ensuring compliance with relevant financial laws. In terms of management, the Business Manager will support the Board and Chief Executive in their operational and strategic work, manage external service providers like IT and HR services, and maintain strong relationships with partners and stakeholders.
The role also involves planning and organizing resources to support the charity's development, enhancing its reputation, and staying updated on relevant laws, particularly in finance, charity governance, and employment law.
Sheila Coates Foundation is committed to providing services that embrace diversity and promote equality of opportunity. Everyone who benefits from our services or works for us in a paid or voluntary capacity should be safe, empowered to play a part in promoting their own welfare and that of others and able to live a life free from abuse. This applies to all, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexuality or belief.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
the3million is the largest grassroots organisation for EU citizens* in the UK, formed after the 2016 referendum to protect the rights of people who have made the UK their home.
Our work ranges from organising EU citizens’ communities and informing people about their rights, to holding the Government to account on the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement and advocating for social justice.
We are now looking for a Research and Policy Manager to lead on evidence-based research and support in the analysis of government policy and legislation which impacts EU citizens in the UK.
We are looking for a creative problem solver who is detail orientated and approaches research through an investigative lens.
This work often intersects with the wider issues of social justice, migrant rights, race equality, and data rights.
You will work closely with the Head of Policy and Advocacy to direct strategic research initiatives, presenting recommendations to influence decision-makers and guide advocacy efforts, ensuring the3million’s campaigns are informed and led by robust evidence of EU citizens’ lived experience.
*the3million uses ‘EU citizens’ as shorthand for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens who were resident in the UK before 31 December 2020, and their family members (of any nationality) with derived rights.
Main duties and responsibilities:
1. Strategic research and issue analysis
You will lead on the3million’s research, working closely with the Head of Policy and Advocacy to ensure our work is shaped by lived experience, analysing issues experienced by EU citizens related to applying for immigration status, proving their rights and accessing services in the UK.
- Collect, analyse and categorise issues raised by EU citizens through the3million’s reporting channels, including highlighting correlations to equality characteristics such as race and ethnicity, age, gender etc (including our ReportIt! system, email, social media and listening campaigns).
- Interview EU citizens who report issues, sharing information about rights, signposting to relevant legal advice organisations.
- Identify trends in the challenges faced by EU citizens, documenting these in detail, analysing systemic issues.
- Provide strategic guidance on how research findings can inform the3million’s advocacy, campaigns and communications activities.
2. Policy development and advocacy
- Contribute to the production of high-quality policy briefings, reports and strategic recommendations that are clear, actionable and directly relevant to stakeholders including the Government.
- Support in the research and analysis of government policy developments, legislative changes and public consultations affecting EU citizens in the UK, specifically on areas related to immigration and welfare, assessing their potential impact.
3. Report writing and presentation
- Lead on the development of in-depth reports and support in the production of policy papers and position statements, presenting complex data into clear and accessible documents.
- Present research findings and policy recommendations at meetings and events, effectively communicating complex issues to audiences.
- Contribute to the production of advocacy materials, including media briefings, campaigns’ resources and informational content for the3million’s website, social media channels and for event distribution.
4. Stakeholder engagement
- Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including civil society organisations and other advocacy groups.
- Collaborate with other team members within the organisation to ensure research and policy recommendations are effectively integrated into the3million’s community organising activities, campaigns and strategic communications.
5. Monitoring and evaluation
- Report on the progress and outcomes of research and policy activities regularly, within the organisation and to the3million’s funders.
6. General responsibilities
- Represent the views of the3million in the media, when appropriate.
- Provide assistance in other areas of the3million’s work as and when deemed necessary by the CEO.
Person specification
Knowledge and experience:
- Experience (2+ years) working within research or investigative settings
- Proven track record in producing research reports and presenting research findings
Skills:
- Expertise in investigative research and analysis, including the ability to summarise complex information and communicate it effectively to different audiences
- Excellent attention to detail
- Excellent writing skills, with the ability to produce high quality reports and other written materials
- Strong presentation skills
- Ability to build rapport with research participants through individual or group interviews
- Proficient in using spreadsheets for data analysis
- Awareness of research ethics and data protection
Personal attributes:
- A deep commitment to migrants’ rights and a passion for social justice
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently and thrive in a fast-paced environment
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, external partners, and community groups
Desirable
- Experience working on immigration policy, human rights, or social justice
- Experience of obtaining information through Freedom of Information requests
- Experience of building research tools and developing creative methods and techniques of research
- Knowledge of the Citizens’ Rights Part Two of the Withdrawal Agreement, its current implementation in the UK, and the EU Settlement Scheme
Before you apply
One of the3million’s core values is equity - we are people led, we value diversity and are enriched by differences. We strive to listen to, engage with and represent the broadest range of people.
We recognise our team is not currently representative of communities that experience racism and that our own ways of working may replicate wider societal oppression and injustices. We are actively working towards becoming an anti-oppressive organisation, including taking steps to create a more inclusive recruitment process.
You may not have worked in an organisation whose focus is campaigning for migrants’ rights. Or you may have experience in a grassroots setting which is not formalised. Please still consider applying as many other settings offer transferable skills.
If you are from a background that is underrepresented in the migration sector - for example you are from a community that experiences racism, or you have lived experience of migration, or you are a disabled person, or you did not go to University or had free school meals as a child - we strongly encourage you to apply.
We believe our work will be stronger with greater diversity. the3million welcomes the whole person to work, and we understand that each of us brings our experiences, our backgrounds and our own unique lens to what we do.
Working conditions
Position: Full time
Duration: Initial 12 months contract, with possibility of extension, subject to funding
Salary: £38,419 per year
Location: Remote, must be UK based. Travel may be required (all travel expenses covered)
Benefits: 28 days holiday + bank holidays, contributory pension scheme, flexible working patterns.
Reporting to: Head of Policy and Advocacy
Preferred start date: 7th July 2025
Interviews will be held on 28th, 29th and 30th May.
Please submit your CV and a cover letter not exceeding two pages telling us why you are applying for this job and why you think you are the best person for the role. Applications submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.
Please also fill in the equality and diversity monitoring form. We only use this information to understand the demographics of people we are reaching and to guide us in making the3million fairer. This process is separate and confidential; this information is not reviewed or taken into account in the recruitment process.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Pathfinders Neuromuscular Alliance is seeking a strategic and creative Communications, Engagement and Policy Manager to lead our outreach, advocacy, and communications efforts. This part-time leadership role is ideal for someone passionate about empowering disabled communities, building influence, and shaping impactful campaigns in a flexible, supportive work environment.
Job Title: Communications, Engagement and Policy Manager
Location: Flexible (with occasional travel required)
Reports to: CEO
Salary: £17,280-18,720 gross per annum (£36,000-£39,000 FTE)
Hours: Part-time, 18 hours per week
About Pathfinders Neuromuscular Alliance
Pathfinders Neuromuscular Alliance is a charity dedicated to empowering, supporting, and advocating for individuals living with neuromuscular conditions. Our mission is to ensure that those affected by these conditions have access to the resources, representation, and information they need to live fulfilling and independent lives.
Job Summary
We are looking for a creative, driven, and collaborative Communications, Engagement and Policy Manager to lead on internal and external communications and to deepen engagement with our members, stakeholders, and the wider community. This is a key role in growing our influence, raising awareness of our work, and supporting our mission to empower people with neuromuscular conditions. Your work will ensure that our user base remains actively engaged, well-informed, and central to our projects and campaign planning. You will oversee an Engagement Officer, Social Media Officer, and Campaigns and Advocacy Officer, working collaboratively to amplify our impact, strengthen user connections, and further our mission.
Key Responsibilities
1. User Engagement and Relationship Management
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Develop and implement strategies to enhance engagement with our users across projects, events, and online platforms, ensuring their voices are integral to our work.
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Work with the Engagement Officer to design and coordinate events, workshops, and other engagement activities, both in-person and online, that support community connection and provide valuable resources to users.
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Gather and analyse feedback from users to ensure our services, content, and campaigns remain relevant and responsive to their needs.
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Manage the CRM and membership of the charity in line with the membership policy.
2. Content Creation and Communications
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Develop and implement a communication strategy for the organisation to set our key messages, approach and KPIs for engaging with individual, community and professional audiences as well as for internal communications.
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Support the Social Media Officer in developing and implementing a communications plan in particular focused on our social media based activities and content creation.
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Oversee and produce high-quality content for digital platforms, newsletters, reports, and publications that engage and inform our audience.
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Lead on creating and placing feature articles, policy briefings and press releases, and serve as the main media contact to ensure consistent, clear messaging.
3. Policy, Campaigning, and Advocacy
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Work with the CEO to develop and implement, through the Policy and Campaigns Team, a campaigns strategy that responds to the needs of the neuromuscular community and creates positive, meaningful change for our community.
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Collaborate with the Campaigns and Advocacy Officer to formulate and promote evidence-based policy positions, engaging key stakeholders in government, healthcare, and related sectors.
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Support the Campaigns and Advocacy Officer to expand the Pathfinders advocacy service and drive referrals to the service.
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Represent the organisation at events, sector meetings, and forums to build our profile and increase our influence on policy issues relevant to our community.
4. Team Leadership and Development
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Manage, support, and foster the professional growth of the Engagement Officer, Social Media Officer, and Campaigns and Advocacy Officer, building a collaborative and empowered team.
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Set team objectives and KPIs, monitor progress, and provide regular feedback to ensure alignment with organisational goals and impact.
5. Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Development
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Cultivate relationships with relevant stakeholders, including influencers, partner organisations, funders, policymakers, and the neuromuscular community.
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Work closely with the CEO to manage community partnerships, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and expanding opportunities for user engagement.
6. Organisational management
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Support the CEO with the overall running of the organisation by attending meetings of the management committee as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, taking on additional tasks as agreed.
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Provide contingency support to the Senior Leadership Team to cover essential tasks such as reporting hours to our payroll team in the event of staff absence.
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Maintain an overview of projects and teams across the organisation to provide short-term management and HR support in the event of staff shortages or incapacity.
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Review, approve and document payments in the charity using our software and finance process.
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Support the development of funding bids and project plans for introducing new projects.
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Represent the Senior Leadership Team at external events and in meetings with Trustees and Members.
Qualifications and Experience
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Bachelor’s degree in communications, public policy, engagement, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
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3-years experience in a communications, policy, or engagement role, ideally within a charity or non-profit setting.
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Experience engaging directly with user communities and developing outreach initiatives.
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Strong writing and editing skills with experience producing content for a variety of platforms including Youtube.
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Experience managing a small team to achieve strategic objectives.
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Knowledge of or strong interest in the healthcare, disability, or neuromuscular sector is desirable.
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Lived experience of a neuromuscular condition is desirable but not essential.
Skills and Attributes
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Strategic thinker with the ability to balance advocacy, engagement, and communication initiatives effectively.
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Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to build relationships across diverse audiences.
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Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritise, and maintain high standards under tight timelines.
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Proficient in social media management, content creation, and analytics.
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A commitment to advocating for and advancing the rights of individuals with neuromuscular conditions.
What We Offer
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The opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a purpose-driven, supportive organisation.
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Flexible working arrangements to promote work-life balance.
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Ongoing professional development opportunities and the chance to lead impactful campaigns and user engagement efforts.