Chief development officer jobs

For 35 years, we’ve created opportunities for people facing the toughest circumstances to earn an income and take control of their lives. Through selling the Big Issue magazine, more than 109,000 vendors have earned over £158 million since 1991.

Today, Big Issue Group has grown into a family of social businesses tackling poverty in different ways.  Alongside the magazine and bigissue website; Big Issue Invest backs charities and social enterprises that are working to end poverty and inequality across the UK. Big Issue Recruit works with employers to connect overlooked talent with real job opportunities and build stronger, more inclusive workforces. Big Issue Impact supports other organisations to strengthen their social impact.

Together, Big Issue Group work towards one mission: to dismantle poverty through social business solutions.

As our new Group Head of Brand and Campaign, you will lead how Big Issue Group shows up in the world and you are someone who can build a strong, consistent brand across everything we do – and deliver campaigns that engage people, drive leads and revenue, and change perceptions of the work we do.  

You’ll lead the brand, marketing and social media strategy across the Group’s services. From the magazine and website to investment, recruitment and impact work, you’ll help make sure our story is clear, relevant and heard in the right places.

Salary and Benefits offered:

• Salary in the range of £50,000 to £57,000 per annum depending on experience
• Incremental holiday entitlement starting at 25 days per year plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part time staff) plus paid leave to care for a sick child or grandchild and a sick or elderly relation
• Company Sick Pay from day 1
• Enhanced contribution to our workplace salary exchange pension
• Cycle to Work and Nursery Fee Schemes
• Family friendly leave with enhanced pay
• Training and development opportunities including an open learning library and management training schemes
• Health benefits include life cover, a health cash plan scheme which provides access to counselling and a range of therapies
• Please note that we reserve the right to review and amend our staff benefits and they do not form part of any contract of employment

Workplace details

Hybrid role, ideally with two day office time at our Head Office in Finsbury Park in London.

Head of Governance & Compliance

Central London (Hybrid – 2 days in office)
Up to £82,000 + benefits
Housing Association | Permanent

About the role

This is a standout opportunity to join a respected Housing Association in a pivotal leadership role, reporting directly to the Executive Director of Finance and operating at Senior Management Team level.

As Head of Governance & Compliance, you’ll act as the organisation’s regulatory focal point, ensuring strong governance, robust compliance frameworks and effective engagement with the Regulator of Social Housing. You’ll also take on the formal responsibilities of Company Secretary, working closely with the Chief Executive and Board.

This is a highly visible role where you’ll influence strategic decision-making, hold senior stakeholders to account, and play a key role in maintaining the organisation’s regulatory standing.

Key responsibilities

• Lead on all governance, compliance and regulatory matters across the organisation
• Act as Company Secretary, ensuring statutory compliance and effective board governance
• Serve as the primary contact for the Regulator of Social Housing, managing returns and relationships
• Work closely with the CEO and Board, supporting governance effectiveness and decision-making
• Lead on Board and Committee recruitment, succession planning and appraisals
• Oversee risk management and assurance frameworks, including strategic and operational risk registers
• Ensure compliance with data protection legislation, acting as Data Protection Officer
• Manage Subject Access Requests (SARs) and wider information governance
• Oversee internal audit activity and ensure robust assurance reporting
• Lead on policy development and ensure alignment with regulatory and legal requirements
• Provide oversight of Stage 2 complaints handling across the organisation
• Conduct horizon scanning on regulatory and legislative changes

Team leadership

You’ll lead a small but high-impact team of three:

• Policy Officer
• Risk & Assurance Officer
• Governance & Board Support Officer

What we’re looking for

We’re keen to speak with candidates who bring:

• Strong social housing experience is essential across governance, compliance, risk or regulation
• Proven experience engaging with the Regulator of Social Housing
• Company Secretary experience and exposure to Board and Committee environments
• Deep understanding of data protection and handling of SARs (DPO experience highly desirable)
• Experience operating at SMT level, with the confidence to challenge and influence peers
• Track record of attending and contributing to Board meetings
• Leadership and team management experience

Why this role stands out

• Genuine strategic influence at senior leadership level
• Direct exposure to the CEO and Board
• Opportunity to shape governance during a period of Board succession
• Broad remit across governance, risk, compliance and data protection
• Purpose-driven organisation making a real community impact

If you have the required experience and are interested in finding out more, please do reach out to my email at [email protected] ASAP.

Who We Are
At the Follicular Lymphoma Foundation (FLF), we are unapologetically bold. We exist for one reason: to accelerate a cure for follicular lymphoma and to do it fast. Follicular lymphoma is a slow-growing but currently incurable blood cancer, and we are determined to change that reality. We are not waiting for permission. We are not following the status quo. We are focused, agile, and ambitious backing breakthrough science, driving global collaboration, and amplifying the voice of patients everywhere. The FLF is a fast-growing, dynamic charity start-up with global ambition and the determination to reshape what is possible for people living with follicular lymphoma. As we scale rapidly under the leadership of our new Global CEO, we are building a team that shares the urgency, creativity and courage to challenge convention and push for real impact. Our research program supports an increasing range of investigations: unique early phase clinical trials, late-stage pre-clinical projects with a clear path to the clinic and companion studies such as biomarker development and “liquid biopsy” technologies. We are expanding our research team to ensure that we remain at the forefront of scientific advances and accelerate progress in lymphoma.

Overview
We are a small, global charity with an ambitious mission and growing international reach. As our portfolio expands, we are strengthening our infrastructure, including implementing a robust Grants Management System to support efficient and scalable funding processes. We are seeking an energetic and proactive Grants & Programmes Manager to lead the end-to-end delivery of grant-funded programmes and research funding schemes. The role oversees the full grant lifecycle, from call setup and peer review through to award monitoring and close-out, ensuring strong governance, meaningful impact, and operationally deliverable funding proposals.

Role Accountabilities and delegated authority

• Work in alignment with the Foundation’s values and maintain the reputation and standing of the Foundation.
• Ensure confidentiality is always maintained and adhere to General Data Protection Regulations across all areas of work.
• Carry out any other duties within the scope and purpose of the role as requested by their line manager.

Key Responsibilities:
Funding Scheme Delivery

• Develop application forms and applicant guidance.
• Set up and manage funding rounds on the Grants Management System (GMS).
• Coordinate peer review processes and committee meetings.
• Draft minutes, feedback, outcome notifications, and award letters.
• Support grant activation and contracting processes.

Grant & Programme Portfolio Management

• Translate funding agreements into delivery plans, milestones, and timelines.
• Monitor progress, budgets, and reporting schedules.
• Manage grant variations, extensions, and stakeholder queries.
• Work with finance to review claims, invoices, and financial reports.
• Central ownership and coordination of grant governance, compliance, and audit readiness across the funded portfolio.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting

• Design and implement monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
• Collect and analyse impact data and produce funder reports.
• Contribute to organisational impact reporting and learning.
• Embed beneficiary or patient voice where appropriate.

Proposal Development Support

• Contribute programme design, delivery plans, and measurable outcomes to proposals.
• Ensure proposals are operationally deliverable and evaluation ready.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Act as a proficient user of the Grants Management System.
• Support system development, implementation, and optimisation.
• Identify and implement workflow improvements.

Cross-Organisational Working

• Provide clear information about awards to internal stakeholders.
• Build strong relationships with applicants, reviewers, and grant holders.
• Support wider team objectives and organisational priorities.

Where This Fits: Growth, Evolution & Future Scope
This is a new role, created to reflect and support the ambitious next phase of FLF’s growth.

Person Specification
Essential

• Degree-level education (scientific discipline or equivalent experience preferred).
• Experience managing research grants or grant-funded programmes.
• Strong understanding of grant lifecycle processes.
• Experience with monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
• Experience with financial reporting and budget oversight.
• Excellent written communication and organisational skills.
• Strong attention to detail
• Digitally confident, with experience using grants management systems.
• Project management skills to oversee multiple projects, stakeholders and timelines.

Desirable

• Knowledge of medical research funding environments.
• Experience supporting funding proposal development or restricted funding.

Hours of Work:

This is designed as a full-time role, though we are open to discuss a 0.8 FTE position.
Location: UK-based, the expectation is for 1-2 days per week at the Follicular Lymphoma Foundation, 417 Finchley Road, London NW3 6HJ.
Diversity: FLF recognises the importance of diversity and encourages people from any background to apply for this role, provided they have suitable experience and ability as indicated in this specification.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• Collaborative and supportive environment.
• Contribution to impactful research that can improve patient outcomes.
• Flexibility.

Harris Hill is delighted to be supporting the recruitment of a Head of International Programmes for a respected international Catholic charity supporting seafarers, fishers and their families worldwide. The organisation operates an extensive global network spanning more than 50 countries and hundreds of ports, delivering vital practical, pastoral and welfare support to those working at sea.

Reporting to the CEO, the postholder will lead the development and delivery of the organisation’s international strategy, strengthening partnerships across the global network and identifying opportunities to expand programmes. You will build and maintain strong relationships with international partners, develop a pipeline of high-impact projects, and secure funding from corporates, trusts and foundations. The role will oversee programme delivery, grant management and reporting, ensuring compliance and impact, while also contributing to business planning, budgeting and organisational leadership. You will represent the organisation externally, both in the UK and internationally, and play a key role in enhancing its reputation and influence across the sector. You will also play a key role in strengthening organisational capability across the global network, supporting training initiatives and capacity building for international colleagues. Acting as a senior adviser on international affairs, you will provide insight to the CEO and contribute to informed decision-making at leadership and board level.

We are looking for a confident and strategic leader with significant experience in international programme management within a development or humanitarian context. You will bring a strong track record in grant fundraising and stakeholder engagement, alongside experience of leading teams and delivering organisational strategy. The successful candidate will be highly organised, commercially aware, and able to translate complex ideas into compelling cases for support. Strong communication skills, cultural awareness, and the ability to work collaboratively across diverse global contexts are essential, as is a proactive and resilient approach.

Please note that to be considered for this role, candidates must have prior experience within the charity sector, alongside a background in international programmes. Unfortunately, applications that do not meet both of these essential criteria will not be progressed. Only successful applicants will be contacted with further information.

To apply, please submit your up-to-date CV by 23:59 on 19 April.

As a leading charity recruitment specialist and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

Title: Director of Data Science, AI & Research

Reporting To: Chief Executive Officer

Location: Hybrid, working from home and our office based in West London

Salary: £95,000 - £100,000 per annum, dependant on experience 
We aim to be transparent about remuneration at MHI. As a charitable organisation, salaries for this role are predetermined and not negotiable. Please consider the advertised salary before applying.

Hours of Work: 40 hours per week, inclusive of a daily 1 hour paid lunch break

Contract: Permanent

Benefits:

• 25 days annual leave per year, plus public holidays;
• Company electronic devices;
• Enhanced salary sacrifice pension scheme;
• Private health insurance after completion of probation;
• Eligibility for a Blue Light discount card

Closing Date: 20th April 2026. We will be interviewing on a rolling basis and reserve the right to close the job advert early if we receive a high number of applicants

Job Purpose

The Director of Data Science, AI and Research leads our outstanding Data Insights Team which has expertise across data engineering, analytics, data science, machine learning, generative AI, and psychology, and works to provide insights which enhance our services and which we share with others in the sector, policy makers and politicians, service users and the general public.

The Director of Data Science, AI and Research works directly with the CEO and plays a central role in leading the strategy and development of the organisation, and is responsible for key external relationships across government, the mental health sector, funders, and researchers.

Key Responsibilities

• Developing and leading MHI's long-term data insights strategy, including developing and managing external data insights partnerships with academic researchers (e.g., IGHI at Imperial College London), government (e.g., Department of Health and Social Care), and other stakeholders in the sector (e.g., CTL, and other mental health charities), and policy makers.
• Member of the Senior Management Team, contributing to development and delivery of organisational strategy, and acting as MHI spokesperson/representative where relevant.
• Leading many of MHI’s key external relationships, including those with key supporters and funders such as The Jensen and Lori Huang Family Foundation, Google, the Wellcome Trust, and AWS.
• Recruiting, retaining, and managing members of the Data Insights Team
• Analysis and reporting of service data and data insights, to support decision making within MHI, to help develop new products, and for external use (e.g., media, funders, keyword partners).
• Writing funding applications to support the data insights work, and managing relationships with funders including annual reporting and updates.
• Managing relationships with external contractors who support the Data Insights Team (e.g., AWS, AWS suppliers, AI and data engineering support).

Person Specification

Essential

Strong experience with recruiting, retaining, and managing data professionals /  scientists.
Experience with developing data and organisational strategy at a senior level.
Deep understanding of data analytics, data science, AI and machine learning, and qualitative approaches.
Experience engaging with a broad range of  senior internal and external stakeholders.
Demonstrable knowledge and experience in mental health / psychology / neuroscience.
Excellent attention to detail, rigour, and thoroughness.
This role is subject to eligibility to work in the UK, plus satisfactory background and reference checks. 

We understand that AI is increasingly part of everyday life, and you might choose to use it when putting together your application. While AI can be a helpful tool, we ask that anything you submit reflects your own skills, experiences, and perspective. We value authenticity and integrity, and we want to see what you uniquely bring to our team and why our mission resonates with you personally. 

Who we are:

Kairos Women Working Together is a specialist, women-only organisation based in Coventry. For over 27 years, we have walked alongside women facing multiple and intersecting disadvantages, including sexual exploitation, violence, poverty, homelessness, and criminalisation. 

We are a feminist organisation rooted in the belief that women’s lives are shaped by inequality, and that lasting change happens through safety, relationships, and long-term support. From street outreach to our Women’s Hub in the heart of the city, we provide trauma-informed, holistic support that meets women where they are and walks with them for as long as it takes. 

Over the next five years, we are strengthening our Women’s Hub as a safe, accessible, trauma-informed women’s centre, expanding our services, strengthening partnerships, and influencing systems so that no woman is left behind. 

What we need

We are now looking for a Finance Lead to join our Senior Leadership Team in Coventry. 

Blending both the strategic and the hands-on practical, the Finance Lead is responsible for ensuring the overall financial health and sustainability of the charity. Alongside overseeing day-to-day financial management, with administrative support for some transactional tasks, you will bring a strong financial perspective to organisational planning, funding development, Board reporting, and decision-making. 

This role goes beyond producing financial information. You will be expected to: 

• interpret financial data 

• identify risks and opportunities 

• communicate complex financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues 

• provide meaningful analysis and recommendations 

• contribute to strong financial planning, funding development, and sustainability 

Working closely with the CEO, Treasurer and Fundraising & Development Lead, you will play a key role in strengthening how Kairos understands and communicates the cost, value, and sustainability of its work. 

Who we need

We’re looking for someone who can bring strong financial analysis, sound judgement, and a collaborative, values-led approach. 

The voices of women with lived experience are centred in everything that we do. We encourage lived experience across the whole organisation, including volunteers, staff, senior leadership, and our Board of Trustees. 

We want Kairos to reflect the diversity of the women we support. We actively encourage applications from Black, minoritised and migrant women; women with disabilities; lesbian and bisexual women; and working-class women. You will be welcomed, supported, and respected in a culture that values authenticity, honesty, and sisterhood. 

Please note: 

• This role is restricted to female applicants under Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010 

• An enhanced DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) disclosure will be required for this role 

• Applicants will need an unrestricted right to work in the UK

We’ll be reviewing applications as they come in and may invite candidates to interview before the closing date, so early applications are encouraged. 

Working at Kairos 

Kairos is a values-led, relational organisation. The way we work internally reflects the way we work alongside women — with compassion, honesty, accountability, and care. We recognise that this is emotionally and professionally demanding work, and we are committed to creating a supportive, reflective, and sustainable working environment for our team. 

We offer: 

• A strong, values-driven culture rooted in feminist principles and collective support 

• A commitment to staff wellbeing, including: 

• 1 paid wellbeing hour per week (pro rata) 

• Wellbeing shutdown between Christmas and New Year 

• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) 

• A generous annual leave allowance 

• The ability to apply for a Blue Light discount card 

• A supportive and reflective team culture, including regular opportunities for learning and development 

• Space for reflection, discussion, and shared problem-solving 

• Team connection and celebration, recognising the importance of community within our work 

We are a learning organisation. We are open, reflective, and committed to continually improving how we work — for women, and for each other.

Cymdeithas Elusennol Ynys Môn is seeking an experienced Honorary Treasurer to provide professional financial advice and guidance to its Board of Trustees. This is a paid, advisory role (non-trustee) focused on financial oversight, risk management, and supporting informed, sustainable decision-making.

Working closely with the Board and CEO, the postholder will help ensure the charity’s finances are well-managed, transparent, and compliant with charity law and accounting standards, including SORP. The role involves approximately two days per month, with hybrid working arrangements.

This is role offers the opportunity to apply senior financial expertise to the stewardship of a charitable fund for the benefit of communities across Ynys Môn, now and for future generations.

Applicants should hold a recognised professional financial qualification or have equivalent senior-level financial experience.

Harris Hill is delighted to be supporting the recruitment of a Head of International Programmes for a respected international Catholic charity supporting seafarers, fishers and their families worldwide. The organisation operates an extensive global network spanning more than 50 countries and hundreds of ports, delivering vital practical, pastoral and welfare support to those working at sea.

Reporting to the CEO, the postholder will lead the development and delivery of the organisation’s international strategy, strengthening partnerships across the global network and identifying opportunities to expand programmes. You will build and maintain strong relationships with international partners, develop a pipeline of high-impact projects, and secure funding from corporates, trusts and foundations. The role will oversee programme delivery, grant management and reporting, ensuring compliance and impact, while also contributing to business planning, budgeting and organisational leadership. You will represent the organisation externally, both in the UK and internationally, and play a key role in enhancing its reputation and influence across the sector. You will also play a key role in strengthening organisational capability across the global network, supporting training initiatives and capacity building for international colleagues. Acting as a senior adviser on international affairs, you will provide insight to the CEO and contribute to informed decision-making at leadership and board level.

We are looking for a confident and strategic leader with significant experience in international programme management within a development or humanitarian context. You will bring a strong track record in grant fundraising and stakeholder engagement, alongside experience of leading teams and delivering organisational strategy. The successful candidate will be highly organised, commercially aware, and able to translate complex ideas into compelling cases for support. Strong communication skills, cultural awareness, and the ability to work collaboratively across diverse global contexts are essential, as is a proactive and resilient approach.

Please note that to be considered for this role, candidates must have prior experience within the charity sector, alongside a background in international programmes. Unfortunately, applications that do not meet both of these essential criteria will not be progressed. Only successful applicants will be contacted with further information.

To apply, please submit your up-to-date CV by 23:59 on 19 April.

As a leading charity recruitment specialist and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

Liberty is seeking a Facilities and Compliance Manager to deliver high-quality, proactive support across data and IT, property, facilities, and health and safety. This role underpins the organisation’s operations and ensures we can deliver our external mission as effectively as possible.

The successful candidate will have experience in a similar role and be motivated by improving systems and processes. They will have strong attention to detail, a proactive, can-do attitude, and excellent written communication skills, with the ability to develop clear, user-friendly policies and procedures from scratch. The post-holder will thrive on providing a mix of practical hands-on facilities and infrastructure delivery (including IT and Health and Safety), and project/contractor management.

You will have a strong commitment to Liberty’s anti-oppression values and strategy.

Liberty fully embraces flexible working and is committed to employee development. We aim to encourage people from all backgrounds to work with us and are particularly interested in hearing from people from minority backgrounds and all socio-economic sections of society.

The deadline for applications is 9am Monday 6 April 2026

Applications received after this deadline will not be considered.

Please be aware that we do not accept CVs for this role. All applicants must complete the application form to apply.

First round interviews will be held online on Thursday 23 April 2026

Second round interview will be held in person on Thursday 30 April 2026

Apply via the job board on our website. 

The Key Information

· Location: London based, requiring two days per week at Society Building, 8 All Saints Street, London N1.

· Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week.

· Salary: £85,000 per annum.

· Contract: Permanent.

· Interview process: Two stages totalling around 2 hours.

· Reporting to: Chief Commercial Officer.

About the Role

Commercial leadership with social purpose

We’re looking for someone to shape and scale our diverse portfolio of income-generating services. Services that help power long-term societal change.

As Associate Director of Commercial Services, you’ll lead the strategy, growth and performance of our consultancy, training, conferencing and room hire services – driving sustainable commercial income while ensuring exceptional customer delivery.

Sitting on the senior leadership team, you’ll combine commercial rigour with mission alignment, and make sure every service line strengthens both our financial resilience and our reputation as a trusted partner to the sector.

Why this role matters

Commercial income is crucial for providing the reinvestment towards our mission for a stronger society.

In this role, you’ll:

· strengthen our long-term organisational resilience

· shape and scale a multi-service commercial portfolio

· lead innovation that responds to customer and market insight

· embed commercial discipline and high performance across teams

· contribute at the highest level of strategic decision-making

This is a unique opportunity to combine commercial leadership with social purpose – building services that are financially strong, mission-aligned and market-leading.

Why Join Us?

With members at the heart of everything we do, we champion the charities and volunteers who make a daily difference to our communities across England. Join us and help us make communities stronger and support us making a bigger difference!

Some of NCVO’s great benefits include:

· 25 days’ annual leave (pro-rata for part-time staff), increasing based on years of service

· five days’ volunteering leave (pro rata for part-time staff)

· enhanced pay for maternity/adoption leave

· generous employer pension contribution of up to 8.5% of salary.

Find out more about the benefits of working at NCVO on our wbesite.

SMART CJS – Trust and Foundations Bid Writer

Role Overview

Are you committed to supporting people who are homeless or rough sleeping?

Are you proactive with a positive attitude?

Job Title: Trust and Foundations Bid Writer (with some responsibility for corporate fundraising)

Hours: 37 hours per week

Location: Working from our office in central Bedford, with some provision for remote working.

About SMART CJS

Founded in 1997, we are a charity that provides safe spaces for people who are facing or experiencing homelessness, are rough sleeping or have fallen on tough times. As times have changed, our services have adapted and grown, but we’ve always kept the people we support at the centre of all that we do. We believe that everyone needs a little help sometimes and, with trust, respect and honesty, people can make incredible changes. Our vision is to transform communities so that everyone has the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential, participate in and contribute to all aspects of life. Our mission is to provide safe spaces to work with vulnerable people within our communities, empowering them to make positive changes and take control of their lives.

Why Join Us?

We believe in diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Benefits include:

• 27 days Annual Leave (rising to 30 after 3 years) + Bank Holidays (pro rata)
• Generous Pension scheme (after successfully completing a probation period)
• Excellent Development and Growth Opportunities
• Access to a Charity Worker Discount scheme
• Access to the company health and wellbeing service including support with mental health, legal advice and more
• Access to an online GP service

We require all staff and volunteers to be committed to safeguarding and to respond proactively to safeguarding concerns. Successful applicants are required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). This job description will be supplemented by annual objectives which will be developed in conjunction with the post holder.

The Role

SMART CJS is looking to recruit a Trusts and Foundations Bid Writer. The successful candidate will also have some responsibility for corporate fundraising with businesses based in Bedford and beyond; this responsibility will be shared with our Community and Corporate Fundraiser.

The main responsibility, though, will be to generate income by writing bids to charitable trusts and foundations, and to statutory funders.

The role will include researching and identifying charity trusts and similar bodies which are able to make an award to SMART. It will also include keeping abreast of developments in fundraising in the charity sector as a whole, especially in the field of grant awarding and, to a lesser extent, of corporate giving.

There will be a probationary period for the role. As it generally takes six months for a grant to be awarded (though some arrive more quickly), the probationary period will need to be for a minimum of seven months, though its precise duration can be negotiated with the successful candidate.

Training will be given; the scope of the training will depend on the candidate’s previous experience.

This is an exciting opportunity to join SMART’s friendly and dedicated team. You’ll need to be able to manage your time effectively; the role is primarily self-directed. We envisage that you’ll be working primarily from our offices in Prebend Street, Bedford, though you'll be able to work from home for some of the time as well. Given the nature of our work, personal resilience is important; some of the stories we use when applying for funding can be emotionally challenging.

Our fundraising comes from regular gifts, donations from the community (individuals and groups), and corporate bodies (businesses). The majority of our fundraising income comes from grants. There will be a realistic target for the amount you need to raise; this will reflect the performance for grant applications in the charity sector as a whole and it will not be unrealistic. Fundraising is not an exact science; the assessment of performance against the targets will be fair and reasonable. The final responsibility for SMART’s fundraising rests with the trustees; they appreciate and understand the complexity of the issues involved.

Main Purpose of the Role

You will work closely with the CEO, the Chair of Trustees, the Head of Business and the fundraising team. The post involves gathering information, writing the bids, tracking the progress of submissions, and reporting back to grant awarders on how their money has been spent, if they require this.

There will also be a responsibility for corporate fundraising. This will involve building relationships with businesses in and beyond the Bedford area. The responsibility for this will be shared with our Community and Corporate Fundraiser.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising and Bid Writing

• Research and identify suitable grant and funding opportunities from charitable trusts, foundations, and statutory bodies.
• Write and submit high-quality funding applications and proposals in line with SMART’s strategic priorities.
• Work collaboratively with service leads and front line teams to gather accurate, up-to-date data and service information for applications.
• Tailor the applications to the funder’s criteria, using storytelling effectively.
• Manage a pipeline of applications and submissions, ensuring deadlines are met and income targets are tracked.
• Maintain and build relationships with key funders, providing timely reports and updates on grant-funded work.
• Work to realistic targets and be able to provide feedback on these.
• Organisational Development and Support
• Contribute to the strategic development of SMART’s income generation plans.
• Support development of strong internal bid and grant management systems.
• Monitor success rates and provide monthly reporting on funding performance to the Head of Business and to the Chair of Trustees.
• Represent SMART CJS at funding briefings, webinars, and networking opportunities where appropriate.

Other Responsibilities

• Participate in SMART’s performance management and appraisal process.
• Attend the monthly meetings of the Fundraising Committee (a sub‑committee of the Board of Trustees).
• Comply with health and safety policies and procedures.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role, as required by the CEO, the Head of Business or the Chair of Trustees.

Person Specification

Whether you’re already an experienced bid-writer, or whether you think this is something that you could learn to do effectively, we’d like to hear from you. You need to have excellent skills in written English and be able to write in prose that’s clear and readily understandable to the general reader. The criteria for each grant awarder are different; you need to be able to match your bid to what they would like to fund (homelessness, mental health, relief of poverty, women’s issues and so on). You need, then, to tell SMART’s story in a way which appeals to each funder.

You need to have excellent inter-personal skills and be able to work as part of a team. While there is a strong element of self-direction in the role, you need to be able to work closely with senior management and also with the trustees; the trustees have the final responsibility for fundraising in the charity.

You will need, too, to have a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and to have a genuine interest in homelessness and the work of the charity, and a commitment to improving our clients’ lives and wellbeing.

You will be building great relationships with our Corporate members and involving them with the work of the trust and inspiring them to support our range of inspiring projects. You will use your networking skills at events to proactively find new corporate supporters, and retain our existing supporters by running corporate events on our nature reserves across the county. You will further develop our corporate volunteering offering, working closely with our land management team, creating great days out for our supporters’ employees that they’ll recommend to their colleagues.

You will be an active member of the Fundraising team, sharing skills and ideas at regular meetings. The role will require extensive travel throughout the county, visiting networking events and arranging relationships between corporates and our wildlife projects, such as the Rye Harbour Discovery Centre. You will have a creative and innovative approach to the role, working on new ways to secure support from businesses from across the county. You will enjoy getting involved in fundraising events that include that whole fundraising department to create new income streams for the trust.

GMRC is a registered charity working with adult women who are victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse, providing independent, specialist support and promoting and representing their rights and needs.

Greater Manchester Rape Crisis are looking for a RASSO (Rape and Serious Sexual Offences) Pathfinder to join our friendly and committed team.

Your role will be to work with the Pathfinder partnership to design, develop, advocate, and deliver tailored support pathways to RASSO victims/survivors with extra or additional complex mental health needs across Greater Manchester.

The post holder will work across Greater Manchester (so ability to travel cross sites essential) with service users in partner organisation settings and in the community, working collaboratively with individuals, carers and partners from local multi agency providers and services, to assess and identify social care needs that may be potential barriers to the client being able to address their sexual trauma.

If you are passionate about supporting survivors, and ready to make a meaningful difference, we would love to hear from you.

Join us and help ensure women across Greater Manchester receive the safety, support and healing they deserve.

PLEASE NOTE

this role is restricted to female applicants under the Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR), Schedule 9 (Work; Exceptions), Part 1 (Occupational Requirements), of the Equality Act (2010)

Benefits:

- Generous annual leave (30 days a year exc. BH)

- 4% employer pension contribution

- Free on-site parking

#pathfinder #mentalhealth #mental #health #advocacy

Salary: £62,651 per annum

Contract Type:                         Fixed Term Contract – Maternity Cover (up to 12 months)

Closing date:                         12 April 2026 at 11pm

Interview date:                      4 – 15 May 2026

About CARE

CARE International is a global humanitarian organisation leading the fight to end poverty in the world’s most challenging situations. Women and girls are at the centre of our work, because we cannot overcome poverty and inequality until all people have equal rights and opportunities. We know that when a crisis erupts, women are often the first to pick up the pieces, so we work alongside women, so they have the power to make change where it’s needed most. Founded in 1945, CARE currently works in over 100 countries and last year alone reached 53.4 million people through nearly 1,500 projects.

Why work for CARE International UK?

CARE International UK is currently developing its new 4-year Strategy working within the CARE International Vision 2030, which will launch in July 2026. The strategy will build on our focus on women’s leadership in crisis, seeking to work more directly with women’s rights/women-led organisations. The post-holder will be joining us just as we begin implementing the strategy, and this will be an exciting time to shape new and evolving ways of working with women’s rights activists from across the globe. The Advocacy and Influencing team are central to achieving the goals of the strategy by encouraging the UK  Government and other UK-based stakeholders to use their power on the world stage to counter the rollback on women’s rights.

The Head of Advocacy and Influencing is a key organisational leadership role and will be part of the CIUK Extended Leadership Team working with other heads of team and the senior leadership team to help run the organisation effectively and deliver the 4-year strategy.

About you

You will have significant experience of advocacy and/or public affairs with a track record of driving strategies that achieve measurable policy, attitude or legislative change. You will be a strategic thinker with excellent communication skills in English, and the ability to translate complex issues into plain English. You will have experience of project management and preferably budget management, particularly team or donor-funded project management. You will be media trained and confident speaking to and influencing a range of external senior stakeholders.

In past roles, you will have line managed colleagues and may have managed teams, and will know how to work with others, including in coalition with other organisations, to design and deliver advocacy campaigns. You will understand how to motivate your team to deliver against an organizational strategy. Your leadership style will be aligned with CIUK’s feminist leadership principles and values. You will have strong understanding of, and preferably experience working on, international development issues, in particular with reference to gender equality.

About the role

The Head of Advocacy and Influencing is a leadership role with significant responsibility for external analysis and positioning for CIUK - including through regular updates to the board Impact and Transformation Committee. The role is responsible for providing strategic direction for CIUK and CI’s advocacy and influencing and leading the team to deliver UK and globally facing advocacy campaigns. The role is responsible for ensuring high quality publications and managing sign off and profile risks as part of CIUK’s risk management strategy. The Head of Advocacy and Influencing will also act as a senior external spokesperson for the organization to the media, parliament and public events. The role has significant responsibility for positioning and meeting expectations of donors who fund the team’s work.  The Head of Advocacy and Influencing is critical for ensuring the CEO and SLT have up-to-date power analysis, political analysis and policy lines for external engagement with high level targets.  

As the manager and contract holder for the Centenary Action Group campaign and fundraising coordinator and a standing member on the Steering board of the Centenary Action Group, the role also manages CARE UK’s role as a convener and ally of the UK women’s rights movement in line with our global commitment to shift the power and localization.

The role covers four main areas of responsibility:

Strategic Leadership & Delivery

Play a key role in the delivery of CIUK’s new 4-year strategy. Lead cross-organisational teams to deliver high quality policy analysis, advocacy and campaign strategies to UK government, parliamentary and private sector targets. Work with communications to design and deliver integrated campaign plans.

External representation and relationship management

Build the visibility and reputation of CIUK by building and managing key external relationships in government, parliament, private sector and across the sector, including in coalitions and alliances. Provide strategic advice on political developments, external opportunities, and risks, ensuring timely and well-informed positioning, and prepare the CEO/SLT for high-level external engagements. Serve as a senior spokesperson for CIUK in political, media, and public forums. Work with the CARE confederation to develop advocacy lines and approaches.

Thought leadership and Policy Development

Provide strategic leadership of the Gates Foundation partnership, delivering against expectations and securing further funding from this and other donors. Ensure a rigorous evidence base for CIUK’s policy agenda, both by working with CIUK’s team of thematic experts, as well as commissioning and managing research projects where needed. Prepare and approve briefings, position papers, op-eds and other communications in support of CARE UK’s influencing goals. Oversee CIUK’s strategic role in Centenary Action, including representation on the Steering Group and overall coordination. 

Team and line management

Set and drive the advocacy and influencing team’s annual plans and contribution to the organisation’s strategic priorities. Be accountable to delivering on team KPIs and organisational KPIs that link to the team’s work, and for managing the team’s budget. Play a key role in the leadership of the Programme and Policy department. Provide strong line management to direct reports and demonstrate a strong personal commitment to CIUK’s equity, diversity and inclusion goals and feminist leadership principles.

Right to Work in the UK

All applicants must have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom at the time of appointment. Proof of right to work will be required as part of the recruitment process. For more information, please visit the UK Government's guidance on right to work. Where you do not have current right to work in the UK, then this will be discussed with you as part of the recruitment process. Please note that not all roles are eligible for sponsorship and further information (should you require sponsorship to work in the UK) on eligibility can be found here.

Safeguarding 

CARE International UK has a zero-tolerance approach to any abuse to, sexual harassment of or exploitation of, a vulnerable adult or child by any of our staff, representatives or partners. CARE International UK expects all staff to share this commitment through our Safeguarding Policy (link here) and our Code of Conduct (link here). They are responsible for ensuring they understand and work within the remit of these policies throughout their time at CARE International UK.

Safeguarding our beneficiaries is our top priority in everything we do, including recruitment. All offers of employment at CARE International UK are subject to: 

· Satisfactory references. CARE International UK participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (link here).  In line with this Scheme, we will request information from successful applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. 

· Appropriate criminal record checks (including a Bridger check, link here).

By submitting an application, the applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures. 

Equality and Diversity

We are committed to Equality and value Diversity. We are a Disability Confident Employer and particularly welcome applications from disabled people. We guarantee interviews to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role (see person specification). If you require the candidate brief or need to submit your application in an alternative format, because of a disability, please do get in touch by sending an email to HR.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We particularly welcome applications from people of underrepresented backgrounds, including those from Black, Asian and other ethnic minority communities, and individuals who identify as LGBTQ+.