project manager jobs

Water Witness International is seeking an excellent international development practitioner to support our expanding portfolio of work to secure lasting water security and justice across multiple countries. Based in Edinburgh, you will coordinate the Fair Water Action Fund and work closely with partners and grantees to respond to their evolving needs, making sure that evidence emerging from their work is effective in driving system change at scale. The role involves overseas travel, supporting the co-design and delivery of a wide range of initiatives, liaising effectively with stakeholders, building consensus and ensuring high-quality documentation. You will work closely with the Senior Management Team, Trustees and colleagues to help shape our wider organisational strategy and programme direction. 

This is an exciting opportunity to join our team in a role that sits at the heart of everything we do, providing hands-on, high-quality and proactive support across communications, events and operations for the Capacity Group.

You’ll spend your time making things happen. The to-do lists you’ll write and the skillsets you engage will vary greatly. Whether it’s coordinating one of our events, scheduling social media content, keeping our CRM system up-to-date or planning a brilliant staff social for the team, you’ll be the kind of person who spots what needs doing and gets on with it.

We’re looking for someone with a genuine can-do attitude, a team player who thrives on variety, keeps calm under pressure, and relishes completing tasks to a high standard while meeting deadlines. You’ll muck in wherever you’re needed, bringing organisational nous and a spring in your step even on the busiest of days.

Our ideal candidate will be a people person, happy to get stuck in, confident building relationships across the team and with external partners, and excited by the idea that no two days will look the same – because at Capacity, they won’t.

It’s a role with variety and scope to develop as Capacity grows, ideal for someone who wants to grow alongside us.

Salary: Grade A - £26,978 to £29,663

Hours: 37 hours per week including regular evening and weekend work in line with business needs

Location: The Union, Manchester Metropolitan University

Eligibility: Eligible to work in the UK

Are you a highly organised, hands‑on events professional with a passion for delivering exceptional experiences? We’re looking for an Events Lead to join our team and play a key role in delivering high‑quality commercial events that enhance student experience and drive income.

Working alongside fellow Events Leads, you will take ownership of the planning, coordination and delivery of Union‑run and externally booked events. From initial confirmation through to live delivery, you’ll ensure every event is professionally managed, safely delivered and runs seamlessly.

You’ll act as the main point of contact for external clients, working closely with promoters, Business Development, Marketing, AV and Commercial Operations teams to bring events to life. Whether leading large student‑facing events or managing external bookings, you’ll combine strong organisation with real‑time problem solving to ensure outstanding results.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading end‑to‑end operational delivery of commercial events
• Developing event plans, including logistics, staffing and risk assessments
• Coordinating internal teams, suppliers and student staff
• Overseeing live event delivery and troubleshooting in real time
• Ensuring high standards of hospitality and customer experience
• Supporting commercial growth and protecting The Union’s reputation

What we’re looking for:

• Experience in event planning and live delivery
• Strong organisational and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to lead teams and manage multiple priorities
• A proactive, solutions‑focused approach under pressure

Closing Date: 9:00am Monday 6th July 2026

Interview Date: Wednesday 15th or Friday 17th July

About the role

Reporting to the Director of Fundraising, you will take ownership of RBVE’s corporate fundraising portfolio, strengthening supporter engagement and building long‑term value. You will champion corporate fundraising as a key driver of the charity’s income growth, ensuring the team delivers exceptional performance and meets stretching income goals.

You will work collaboratively across the wider fundraising function — including Community & Events, Individual Giving, and Digital Events — to maximise opportunities and maintain the charity’s impressive year‑on‑year income growth. You will also play a key role in supporting the delivery of the Great Tommy Sleep Out, our flagship seven‑figure digital campaign.

This role is critical to sustaining our momentum and unlocking the next phase of growth.

This role will be office based in Aylesford, Kent with expected travel for events in the UK and occasionally beyond.

About you

You will be a strategic, organised and confident leader with significant line‑management experience and a track record of delivering income growth in a corporate fundraising environment. Calm, methodical and hands‑on, you thrive under pressure and bring clarity and focus to a busy portfolio.

You will also be a collaborative team player, able to build strong internal relationships and work seamlessly across departments to drive shared success.

What you’ll bring

• Corporate fundraising leadership — experience overseeing a portfolio and driving income growth

• Team management — proven ability to lead, motivate and develop high‑performing fundraisers

• Strategic planning — confidence setting direction and delivering against ambitious targets

• Relationship building — ability to cultivate long‑term, high‑value partnerships

• Cross‑functional collaboration — experience working with multiple teams to maximise opportunities

Why join us?

• A mission‑driven organisation with a clear purpose

• A supportive, ambitious fundraising team with a strong track record

• The opportunity to shape a growing income stream and make a tangible impact

• A culture that values initiative, collaboration and continuous improvement

For full information on the role, please see below attached job description.

RBVE reserve the right to close any vacancy prior to the published closing date.

Senior Finance Manager 

Suzy Lamplugh Trust 

Location: Hybrid (40% office-based London Vauxhall) 
Hours: Full-time (35 hours) 

Term: Permanent 
Salary: £42,654
Start:: ASAP 

As the Suzy Lamplugh Trust approaches its 40th anniversary year, we are entering an exciting period of growth, development and transformation. We are looking for an experienced, proactive and commercially aware Senior Finance Manager to strengthen our finance function and help support the next phase of the organisation’s journey. 

About the role 

This is a pivotal role within the Trust. You will work closely with senior leadership to provide high-quality management information and financial oversight that supports informed decision-making across the organisation. 

We are looking for an experienced and proactive Senior Finance Manager to lead the day-to-day finance operations of the Trust and play a central role in the production of high-quality management information that supports strategic and operational decision-making. 

The Trust operates across both charitable and commercial income streams, including consultancy and training services, therefore experience across both charity finance and corporate/commercial finance environments is highly desirable. 

This role would suit someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, whilst improving systems and processes that support both, charity-funded and commercial activity. 

The Senior Finance Manager will lead the operational management of the finance function, ensuring robust financial controls, effective reporting and efficient day-to-day financial operations across the organisation. 

Reporting to the Director of Finance, HR and Governance, the role has significant responsibility for: 

• Management accounts and reporting 

• Budgeting and forecasting 

• Cashflow oversight 

• Audit and compliance 

• Payroll oversight 

• Financial controls and process improvement 

• Commercial and operational financial analysis 

• Management of the finance team 

Additional information 

• This is not a senior leadership role and the successful candidate will report to the Director of Finance, HR and Governance.

• This role is hybrid; however, full-time attendance at our London office will be required during the first three months to support induction and integration into the organisation. 

TPP Recruitment is supporting a small, community-based charity to recruit an Interim Advice Manager on a fixed-term basis. This Interim Advice Manager role is a brilliant opportunity to lead a vital service supporting people facing real hardship, while also shaping systems, quality, and service development during a period of change.

Details
 

• Salary: £36,565 FTE (£29,252 pro rata)
• Location: Brent, Northwest London
• Working Pattern: 32 hours across 4 days (Monday–Thursday)
• Working arrangements: Hybrid (2 days per week on site)
• Contract: Fixed term to 20th April 2027

 
 
About the Organisation

This is a frontline charity tackling poverty and food insecurity and supporting people to move from crisis towards longer-term stability. The organisation’s advice offer is a key part of that support, delivering timely, high-quality guidance to people navigating complex challenges.
 
 
About the Role

As Interim Advice Manager, you’ll manage an advice service across multiple sites, leading staff and volunteers who deliver advice on benefits, housing, debt and immigration. You’ll combine hands-on delivery (including a small caseload) with oversight of quality, compliance, and continuous improvement. You’ll work closely with senior colleagues, including the Head of Advice, to help implement new initiatives and strengthen the service’s impact
 
 
Key Responsibilities
 

• Lead day-to-day delivery of the advice service, including setting objectives, managing performance, and providing supervision and feedback to staff and volunteers
• Hold a small caseload to stay connected to frontline delivery and community needs
• Maintain high-quality, compliant advice provision, ensuring delivery aligns with funder expectations and internal standards
• Use case management systems to report on cases and outcomes, supporting funding needs and future applications
• Drive service development, reviewing procedures, improving systems, and supporting expansion aligned to organisational strategy
• Undertake quality assurance activity (including case checking and advice audits) and keep colleagues informed of relevant policy/legislation changes
• Support effective volunteer management, including induction, support, supervision and retention activity
• Contribute to budgets, monitoring, evaluation, stakeholder feedback, and action planning to strengthen service effectiveness
• Work within the Advice Quality Standard (AQS) framework, ensuring policies and procedures remain current and audit-ready

 
 
Skills / Experience Required
 

• At least 3 years’ experience in welfare advice or casework within the charity sector
• Strong people management experience (including supporting and developing staff/volunteers)
• Strong project/service improvement experience, with confidence managing competing priorities
• Knowledge across welfare benefits, housing, debt and/or immigration, plus safeguarding understanding
• Confidence using case management systems and using data to inform reporting and improvements
• Experience of the Advice Quality Standard, work with refugees and asylum seekers, and/or community language skills (e.g., Arabic, Farsi, Somali) – desirable

 
 
To Apply

• If you’re ready to inspire others and be part of a team dedicated to saving lives, we’d love to see your CV!

 
 
Interview Process

• Stage 1: informal screening call (fit, motivation, and values alignment)
• Stage 2: formal in-person interview

 
 
Deadline for Applications

• Monday 1st June 2026, 9am

 

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.

About us 

CASPA encourages autistic pride and supports autistic individuals to have fun, learn life skills, and make safe and inclusive community connections. 

Our vision is to build a society in which autistic individuals feel understood and empowered to be their full self and live their best life. Our values are: 

Acceptance – We are inclusive and celebrate our differences. 

Support – We are supportive, caring and kind. 

Community – We connect people and build community. 

Trust – We earn trust and create safety. 

Communication – We listen to others and communicate honestly. 

About the role 

The HR and Operations Manager is responsible for managing the employee lifecycle and core operational functions at CASPA.

The role ensures that HR and operational processes are efficient, compliant, and accessible.It also has a strategic focus on user experience in a neurodiverse organisation. 

What you’ll do: 

• Manage the full employee lifecycle 

• Keep HR processes running smoothly, ensuring they are efficient, compliant and easy to use. 

• Maintain accurate HR systems so all our date is up to date and GDPR compliant. 

• Manage monthly payroll and pension processing. 

• Provide clear, practical HR advice, guidance, and support to managers and staff on employee relations and workplace issues 

• Lead staff wellbeing, engagement, and development to promote a positive workplace culture. 

• Help deliver important infrastructure projects. 

• Make sure day-to-day operations run efficiently. 

• Keep processes running smoothly so our teams can focus on supporting our members and staff. 

• Bring a strategic focus on accessibility and a great user experience for everyone. 

Salary Band: £26,590.64 per annum
Contract Type:  12 month fixed-term contract with potential to extend 

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer 

Working Pattern:28 hours per week. 

Location: Able to work at CASPA's Oakley House Bromley office on Mondays and/or Tuesdays with hybrid-working flexibility for remaining hours.

About you 

We’re looking for someone who is 

• Resilient and solution-focused 

• Able to work independently and as part of a team 

• Proactive and people-focused in communications with colleagues and staff 

• Takes pride in delivering high-quality work 

• Eager to learn and develop in the role 

You are also someone who shares our way of working: 

Committed – We are committed to CASPA’s mission and our work. 

Learning – We share knowledge, learn from others to grow our skills, and  support others to grow. 

Proactive – We take action, problem solve and “muck in” where needed. 

Organised – We plan and manage our time, tasks and responsibilities. 

Optimistic – We think positively, encourage fun, and promote autistic Pride. 

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. 
 
We are keen to attract those with lived experience of autism. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age and disability. 

The safety and welfare of our members is paramount. This post is subject to satisfactory references and a full DBS check. 

Closing date for applications: 11th June 2026 

Interviews to take place: w/c 15th June 2026 

We may close our recruitment campaign early based on application suitability and encourage you to apply as soon as possible. 

Please note that this role requires candidates to have the right to work in the UK for the duration of employment without sponsorship. 

If you want CASPA to delete your personal information after the recruitment campaign closes, let us know when you apply. 

We are seeking an experienced and passionate People & Culture Manager to lead the delivery of a high-quality, people-focused service. This is a key leadership role responsible for shaping an inclusive, values-driven culture while ensuring effective people operations across the organisation.

You will oversee the full employee lifecycle, provide expert advice to managers and senior leaders, and drive initiatives that enhance employee engagement, wellbeing and organisational development. In addition, you will lead a newly established central operations function, bringing together customer services and administration to deliver a seamless and efficient support service across The Union.

About You

We are looking for a proactive and collaborative professional who is passionate about people and culture. You will bring:

• Strong generalist people management experience, ideally in a similar role
• In-depth knowledge of UK employment law and best practice
• A commitment to inclusion, wellbeing and creating a positive workplace
• A proven ability to drive engagement, culture, and organisational development initiatives
• Excellent communication and leadership skills

Why join us?

• Opportunity to shape and influence organisational culture
• A collaborative and supportive working environment
• The chance to make a meaningful impact on staff and student experience

For more information and to apply, visit our website via the ‘apply’ button.

Application Closing Date: 11:59pm on Thursday 18th June 2026

Room to Heal is a human rights charity and therapeutic community based in London. We support people who have survived torture and organised violence to rebuild their lives in exile, through an integrated programme of therapeutic and casework assistance. We offer a range of activities including: therapeutic support groups, gardening, individual therapy and casework, cooking and social gatherings, and therapeutic retreats.

We are looking for a Co-Director who will:

• ensure the overall financial sustainability of the charity through fundraising and financial strategy and management;
• work with the Co-Director, Chair and Board to ensure appropriate governance and legal compliance;
• continue to raise the profile of RtH and its work, establishing relationships with a wide range of stakeholders including public, private and voluntary partners;
• develop and implement strategic priorities, goals and objectives to achieve Room to Heal’s (RtH) vision

Social Policy Economist/Quantitative Researcher

Full time, permanent contract with 6 months’ probation.

NEF is looking for an economist or quantitative researcher to join its social policy team. This is an excellent opportunity to join a leading Westminster think tank, ideal for a curious and energetic researcher who is excited by NEF’s mission to build an economy that works for people and planet.

We strongly encourage you to apply if this role interests you, even if you’re not sure you meet every outlined criteria. We take an open-minded approach to how candidates may have developed the skills needed for the role.

We’re looking for someone with strong experience in rigorous quantitative public policy research, alongside specific knowledge of labour markets, public services, social security, or a related area. You’ll bring the energy and creativity to challenge established orthodoxies, and the skills to develop robust, innovative approaches to complex public policy challenges.

Economists and researchers at NEF bring deep expertise in at least one key UK economic or social policy area. They apply strong economic and quantitative research skills, working collaboratively to produce high quality analysis and insight, and taking ownership of discrete elements within larger projects.

A key part of the role is connecting research to contemporary debates, and communicating complex ideas clearly and persuasively to a range of audiences, both internally and externally.

Role: Social Policy Economist/Quantitative Researcher
Hours of work: Full Time (32 hours per week under NEF’s Shorter Working Week)
Salary: £44,769 - £49,764
Location: London/South East (in-office minimum two days per week)
Contract type: Permanent

How to apply

Deadline for applications: midnight, 10th June 2026
Interviews:  First stage interviews 23rd June with second stage in person interviews on the 29th June

Start date: ASAP

Please send your CV and Covering letter (no longer than 1 page and in Word format) outlining how you meet the person specification. 

Please also complete the Equality and Diversity monitoring form.

You must be eligible to work in the UK, as we are unable to sponsor visas.

Inclusivity at NEF:

NEF wants to be an inclusive workplace with a diverse body of staff. We don’t want to conform to the traditional think-tank model where people from certain backgrounds are hugely under-

represented. We know we have some way to go in this and are therefore genuinely keen to receive applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic people; women; neurodivergent people; disabled people; people who identify as LGBT+; people with experience of mental health problems; and people who identify as working class or have done so in the past.

Accessibility and Equal Opportunity:

We value all candidates and are committed to equal opportunity. As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you during the application process, or would like information in an alternative format, please let us know.

We actively promote positive action to advance fairness and tackle underrepresentation within our workforce.

Role Overview:
The Talent Set are delighted to partner with the client on a fantastic Philanthropy Manager role. This position involves leading high-value donor strategies and stewardship programmes to support long-term income growth for a health-focused charity. The role offers an exciting opportunity to work on impactful projects within a collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and cultivate a portfolio of major donors, securing multi-year, five-figure gifts.
• Research and identify new high-net-worth prospects using internal and external data sources.
• Develop tailored cultivation and stewardship plans, ensuring timely reporting and engagement.
• Collaborate with senior staff, Trustees, and volunteers to support donor approaches and network expansion.
• Work with internal teams to align projects with donor interests and prepare compelling proposals.
• Support the organisation’s stewardship and events programme, focusing on relationship building.
• Contribute to the development of new fundraising products for major donors.

Person Specification:

• Extensive experience of fundraising from high-net-worth individuals.
• Proven ability to secure significant gifts in a donor relationship management context.
• Skilled in motivating and inspiring stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong network-building experience both internally and externally.
• Experience in designing impactful stewardship programmes and managing high-value events.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to influence and negotiate.
• Excellent time-management, organisational, and database skills.
• Knowledge of philanthropy, legal, ethical, and financial considerations related to major giving.
• Ability to work flexibly, manage conflicting priorities, and thrive within a collaborative team environment.
• An interest in medical research or healthcare is an advantage.

What’s on Offer:

• Salary: £40,000 (pro-rata) plus London Weighting of £3,000 or Home Allowance of £450 per annum depending on location
• Location: London or remote
• Contract: 9 month FTC

How to Apply:
To apply, please submit your CV demonstrating your suitability for this role by clicking the 'apply now' button (please do not apply via email). We aim to get back to all successful candidates within 48 working hours.

Commitment to Diversity:
The Talent Set are committed to diverse and inclusive recruitment practices, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability, or age. We actively encourage applications from a wide range of backgrounds and are always happy to make reasonable adjustments to ensure a fair recruitment process.

We have a new and exciting opportunity within Victim Support to provide Domestic Abuse case management interventions across Cumbria, as part of the Drive Project we are recruiting a Case Manager to cover Westmorland & Furness area.

Drive is an innovative national project that aims to improve the lives and safety of victims and children, by holding high-risk perpetrators to account. The project combines case management of perpetrators with a co-ordinated multi-agency response.

The Drive Partnership, formed by Respect, SafeLives and Social Finance, is working to transform the national response to perpetrators of domestic abuse. They work to end domestic abuse and protect victims by disrupting, challenging, and changing the behaviour of those who are causing harm. Together they have developed the Drive Project to address a gap in work with high-harm, high-risk perpetrators of domestic abuse. They also work to advocate for systems and policy change- to develop sustainable, national systems that respond more effectively to all perpetrators of domestic abuse.

What we offer:

At Victim Support we believe in attracting & retaining the best people and offer a competitive rewards & benefits package including:

• Flexible working options including hybrid working
• 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, rising to 33 days plus Bank Holidays
• An extra day off for your birthday & options to buy or sell annual leave
• Pension with 5% employer contribution
• Enhanced sick pay allowances, maternity & paternity payments
• High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment & leisure discounts
• Access to our financial wellbeing hub & salary deducted finance
• Employee assistance programme & wellbeing support
• Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes
• Cycle to work scheme & season ticket loans
• Ongoing training & support with opportunities for career development & progression

About the role:

This role is based at Kendal Police Station, West Morland & Furness, Cumbria, and involves regular travel. Due to the location, a driving license and access to a vehicle is considered an essential requirement. If you are unable to drive because of a disability please indicate this in your application in your personal statement so we can explore the feasibility of alternative arrangements.

As a Case Manager, you will strive to make contact and work on a one-to-one basis with perpetrators to pro-actively secure engagement, influence attitudinal and behavioural change and link to complementary services. To do this, you will work alongside existing agencies to design a co-ordinated, intervention plan, addressing identified needs and risks, and promoting understanding of the impact of abusive behaviours.

You will work closely with the IDVA's (integrated partner support) to review risk, develop safety plans, and improve outcomes for all parties involved. You will support individuals to make meaningful changes and contribute to improved quality of life and safer outcomes-helping offenders move away from the criminal justice system.

You will be passionate and committed to working within a multi-disciplinary team and will have a demonstrable track record of working with complex need service users. This may be within the field of domestic abuse, and/or mental health, substance misuse and offending.

We are seeking experienced professionals from domestic abuse, offender rehabilitation, or mental health backgrounds who bring strong case management expertise and a passion for behaviour change. This role involves delivering one-to-one psychosocial interventions with high-risk perpetrators of domestic abuse, aiming to reduce long-term risk to current and future victims/survivors, and children.

These posts will be subject to an Enhanced DBS Disclosure.

About Us:

Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. We put them at the heart of our organisation and our support and campaigns are informed and shaped by them and their experiences.

Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.

At Victim Support, we're proud to celebrate diversity and create a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We're committed to being an antiracist organisation, and we actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from Black and Asian and other minoritised communities.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet all essential criteria for a job where it is practicable to do so. We are also happy to make reasonable adjustments during the recruitment and selection process.

How to apply:

To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date. If you have already registered & started an application, then we will contact you to advise of the amended closing date wherever possible.

We are looking for an entrepreneurial leader to relaunch and build the next phase of the UK Democracy Network: a national network that helps organisations working to strengthen democracy across the UK connect, collaborate and coordinate more effectively.

This is a rare opportunity to shape a growing national network. The Network already has strong foundations, sector backing, and three years of core funding secured. The next step is building it into an independent, trusted and influential organisation that helps the democracy sector work together more effectively.

About the Network

The Democracy Network exists to help make collaboration across the democracy sector more effective. It connects organisations, practitioners and professionals across the UK democracy ecosystem, helping to reduce duplication, strengthen relationships, share intelligence, and enable more coordinated collective action.

About the host organisations

The Network is jointly incubated by two organisations with deep roots in UK civic tech, democratic education, and sector-wide network building:

The Politics Project supports young people to use their voice by giving them access to brilliant democratic education. They work with young people, teachers, youth practitioners and politicians to help them learn about, teach and actively participate in democracy. The Politics Project also leads the Democracy Classroom Network, a sister network of over 100 organisations across the democracy, education and youth sectors which support over 3,500 teachers and youth practitioners to engage young people in democracy.

Democracy Club produces the most comprehensive election data in the UK. Established in 2010 and registered as a Community Interest Company in 2015, it runs the national polling station finder Where Do I Vote and candidate lookup service Who Can I Vote For, serving election information to millions of UK voters each year and supplying data to the Electoral Commission. Democracy Club brings a mailing list of 35,000, an active community of 1,200 volunteer contributors collaborating on election information, and strong digital and data expertise to the Network.

Our vision for the Network

Over the last year, we have carried out extensive consultation with members of the UK Democracy Network, the Network’s Steering Group and funders. Through this process, we have developed a new vision for the Network that is designed to reflect and support the diversity of the democracy sector, and the wide range of approaches, perspectives and organisations within it.

Our model is built around a series of smaller thematic, geographic and demographic-based “hubs” within the wider Network. These hubs will create spaces for organisations and individuals working on particular issues, in particular places, or with specific communities to collaborate more effectively, while remaining connected to the wider democracy ecosystem.

Alongside this, the Network will support stronger coordination and information sharing across the sector through activities such as a monthly bulletin, shared events, an annual conference and practical tools and databases that help partners collaborate more effectively.

Importantly, we want to build on and strengthen the excellent work that already exists across the democracy landscape, rather than duplicate it. Over time, we also hope the Network can help incubate and support new hubs and collaborations around emerging issues and opportunities within the democracy sector.

About the role

The Network will be delivered by a small core team: a Network Director (this role), a Network Manager (in post), and a Network Coordinator (to be recruited).

Our medium-term ambition is for the Network to become an independent organisation in its own right. We see this role as central to shaping that transition, with the successful candidate expected to lead the Network into its next phase as an independent organisation over the course of the grant period. 

Key responsibilities

The Network Director provides overall leadership of the Network and is responsible for its long-term sustainability and strategic direction. 

Specifically: 

• Strategic leadership. Set strategic direction for the Network in consultation with members, hosts and the Steering Group / Board.

• Represent the Network. In networking and fundraising events, high-level roundtables and in high-profile relationships with government, funders, media and sector leaders.

• Lead on fundraising. Develop relationships with major funders, alongside Harriet Andrews at The Politics Project, building a diversified, sustainable funding base.

• Oversee the Network's transition to an independent legal structure. Support the establishment of the Board, working with Harriet Andrews and Sym Roe to recruit members with a mix of professional expertise and elected network representatives.

• Build an inclusive, supportive team culture. Line manage the Network Manager and Network Coordinator.

• Oversee monitoring and evaluation. Lead reporting to funders, and support the annual review process with the team and Steering Group / Board.

Person specification

We are looking for a values-driven, experienced, strategic leader. They will have strong people and financial management skills, and the ability to build trusted relationships across the democracy sector. They will be an excellent communicator, comfortable leading through complexity and change, and motivated by a commitment to strengthening UK democracy. 

The postholder will be expected to work in-office two days a week and attend regular in-person engagements in London.

Benefits

• 33 days’ annual leave pro rata, including Bank Holidays (with three days off between Christmas and New Year).

• 4% employer pension contribution.

• 2 working days / 15 hours of volunteer leave a year.

• Cycle to Work scheme.

Further information about the role and job specification can be found in the Candidate Recruitment Pack.

Equity, diversity and inclusion

The UK democracy sector has historically been less diverse than the country it serves, and we want to help change that, starting with how we recruit. We particularly welcome applications from people who are underrepresented in democracy sector leadership, including people of colour, disabled people and people from working-class backgrounds.

How to apply

Please apply via charity job with the following:

• Your CV (no more than two pages).

• A supporting statement of no more than 500 words, setting out how your experience, skills and knowledge meet the person specification and why you are drawn to this role.

The closing date is 11.30pm, Sunday 14th June 2026.

We will shortlist on the basis of the supporting statement against the person specification.

The Head of Programming will set the creative direction for CST’s conference and events portfolio, shaping ideas, themes and experiences that resonate with school trust leaders. This role is responsible for turning complex issues — in education, public service and wider society — into compelling, well-crafted programmes that feel distinctive, relevant and worth attending.

The Head of Programming combines strategic oversight with hands-on creative leadership: curating speakers, designing formats and building narratives that challenge thinking and spark new connections. The role will lead and develop CST’s conference producers, building a high performing team with the capability to design and deliver consistently strong programmes that are intellectually sharp, well-paced and grounded in what the sector needs now to deliver the best outcomes for children.

Key responsibilities

• Set the overall programming strategy for CST’s conference portfolio, aligned with organisational priorities and audience needs

• Lead the development of conference themes, narratives and session architecture

• Ensure programmes are coherent, purposeful and drive engagement and learning

• Ensure programmes are completed to time and budget

• Design and test innovative formats that build engagement and connection

• Keep abreast of event trends in the wider sector to ensure that CST’s offer continues to be compelling and unique

Speaker curation and content development

• Identify, secure and brief high-calibre speakers from across education and related sectors

• Collaborate closely with CST’s Professional Community Chairs and CST’s system, commercial and charity partners to design insightful and enjoyable conference experiences for delegates

• Shape session content with speakers to ensure relevance, clarity and practical value for CST’s audiences

• Ensure diversity of perspectives, backgrounds and voices across programmes

Audience insight and quality assurance

• Maintain a clear understanding of the current challenges facing school trusts and audience needs

• Use insight from members, partners and previous events to inform programme design

• Set and uphold quality standards for all conference content and delivery

• Evaluate programme effectiveness and use insights for continuous improvement.

Cross team collaboration

• Work closely with colleagues in events, marketing, partnerships and policy to ensure that programmes are deliverable, well communicated and commercially successful

• Align conference content with CST’s wider community and professional development offers

• Support sponsorship and partnership conversations by shaping compelling programme opportunities

Leadership and delivery

• Lead the end-to-end programming process from concept to delivery 

• Manage timelines, decision points and speaker processes to ensure that programmes are delivered on schedule and effectively marketed

• Provide on the day support for speakers, ensuring smooth delivery and strong audience experience.