Community development executive jobs

This year marks 10 years since Makan was established as an independent organisation providing transformative education to strengthen the movement for Palestinian liberation. It is a pivotal moment for a new Director to lead the organisation, as Palestinians continue to face the ongoing genocide, dispossession, and unprecedented repression. The need for transformative education on Palestine has never been greater.

At Makan, we have seen this reflected in the extraordinary growth of our programmes. Over the last three years, demand for our educational workshops has risen by 300% and in 2025 alone we worked with over 3,500 people across the globe – with artists, trade unions, students, educators, journalists, community organisers, and human rights networks, people whose voices shape public understanding of Palestine. Through our trainings, educational resources, and long term partnerships, we help people deepen their understanding of how settler colonialism, apartheid and displacement shapes the lives of Palestinians, and how these forces connect to broader global struggles for freedom and justice.

We are looking for an experienced Director/Co-directors to drive the organisation forward at this critical moment for our work. You’ll provide leadership and direction in delivering Makan’s strategic vision and objectives, furthering the charity’s programmes and communications; and overseeing its organisational growth and development, in line with its values and ethos.

You will be responsible for the overall impact, performance and collaborative culture of Makan; confident in representing the charity to a variety of stakeholders, including partners, media, major donors and other supporters; and able to provide effective support to the Board to ensure the organisation has the infrastructure, governance and resources in place to secure long term sustainable funding, develop the resilience of the charity, and deliver high-quality, impactful educational programmes.

For a full job description, please review the Makan Director appointment brief.

Do you have a passion for helping people improve their financial wellbeing? Are you highly motivated, organised and committed to making a positive difference to carers' lives?

We are currently offering an exciting opportunity to join our Information & Advice Service as our Carer Financial Wellbeing Coordinator. This countywide role will lead the development and delivery of financial wellbeing support for unpaid carers across West Sussex.

Carers often experience significant financial challenges because of their caring role. This post will play a key role in ensuring carers can access the information, advice and support they need to maximise their income, improve financial resilience, and make informed decisions about their finances.

The Carer Financial Wellbeing Coordinator will provide day-to-day line management and support to Welfare Benefits Advisors, oversee the quality of financial wellbeing services, and work collaboratively to develop innovative and accessible support for carers. 

The role includes providing welfare benefits and financial wellbeing advice, supporting complex cases where appropriate, delivering workshops and training, developing resources, and identifying opportunities to strengthen our support offer.

You will work closely with teams across Carers Support West Sussex to ensure carers receive joined-up support and that financial wellbeing is embedded throughout our services. You will also contribute to service development, impact monitoring and continuous improvement, helping us demonstrate the difference our services make to carers across the county.

The role is a mix of remote/home working and community-based delivery, with travel across West Sussex required to attend meetings, deliver workshops and support carers and partners in local communities.

Key Responsibilities:
•  Line Management: Provide day-to-day line management, supervision and support to the Welfare Benefits Advisors, including workload allocation, performance management and development.
•  Information & Guidance: Deliver high-quality welfare benefits and financial wellbeing advice to carers, including complex cases where appropriate, taking a holistic approach to financial wellbeing, considering benefits, grants, financial resilience and wider income maximisation.
•  Facilitate Learning: Design and deliver group sessions face-to-face in the community and online, videos, resources, workshops and information sessions for carers and deliver training and briefings for CSWS staff and volunteers to build confidence in identifying and responding to carers’ financial concerns.
•  Data Recording: Maintain accurate and timely records on CSWS Client Record Management systems to support monitoring, reporting and service improvement.
•  Demonstrate Impact: Use outcome-based tools to evidence impact, identify gaps in provision and support continuous service development.
•  Partnership Working: Work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners to ensure carers receive timely, joined-up support.
•  Governance: Work within CSWS policies and procedures, including safeguarding, confidentiality, data protection, equality and diversity, and health and safety.

About You:
•  Welfare Benefits
o  A comprehensive and up to date working knowledge of the welfare benefit system and the latest welfare reform developments.
o  Proven experience of providing in-depth welfare benefits advice, including complex cases.
•  Line Management: Experience of supervising staff or strong evidence of readiness to move into a line management role.
•  Facilitation: Experience of delivering group sessions workshops or training, both face-to-face and online.
•  Time Management: Ability to manage competing priorities and balance leadership responsibilities with direct casework.
•  Problem-Solving Skills: Able to take a proactive approach to overcoming obstacles and ensuring support for individuals navigating complex systems.
•  Verbal and Written Skills: Able to negotiate, build relationships, advocate for people and write accurate, succinct records of support provided.
•  IT Skills: Highly competent IT skills, including experience of using databases or CRM systems.
•  Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with various teams and stakeholders.

Please refer to the Job Description in the Recruitment Pack to see the full list of responsibilities and person specification.

Appointments are subject to an appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service.

OASIS PARENT AND CARER SUPPORT WORKER

HOURS: Full time, 40 hours per week (flexible hours), inclusive of breaks

Unsocial Working: Regular evening work will be expected, with occasional weekend hours. 

CONTRACT: Fixed Term until June 2027

SALARY:  £28,088 per annum (Grade E)

LOCATION: Greater Manchester

In April 2021 we launched the GM Navigators project to support young people impacted by youth violence.  In response to feedback from parents and carers, the PACS project was set up in 2023 to assist Parents and Carers identifying their child as ‘at risk’. Since this the service has gone from strength to strength with Parents and Carers engaging from all 10 GM boroughs.  We have securing funding to continue this project until 2027 with potential for further extensions.

Oasis is recruiting a PAC Support Worker to be part of the PAC Project.   

As a PAC Support Worker you will;

· Support parent and carers that identify their child is “at risk” offering them advice and guidance, practical support and linking them in with services/groups that will provide them with a sustainable support network.

· Help parents and carers to develop projects to raise awareness of the issues they are facing, offering peer support and influence policy and system change. 

· Be trained in Non-Violent Resistance (NVR) and other parenting approaches to support parents and carers to respond to their children’s needs, de-escalate situations and maintain good relationships within their home.

· Delivering our ‘Encounter’ Parenting Training (based on the principles of NVR) online and in-person to groups of parents and host online and in-person support groups for parents and carers.

· Be integral to the shaping and development of the PAC project utilizing the feedback of those you are working with to ensure the project is impactful and meeting parent’s and carers needs as a priority.

• Empower Parents and Carers that want to set up groups or run campaigns to raise awareness of issues they are facing.  Managing resources to support them to turn their ambitions into reality.

We are passionate that communities should be central to local and national violence reduction strategies.  If you share this passion and want to make a difference come and join our team.

Amongst other requirements, the successful post holder must have:

· A demonstratable relevant experience OR qualification in Youth & Community (JNC) or Social Work (QSW) or SEND

· Proven experience working with young people ‘at risk’.

· Reliability, with a flexible approach to changes and able to work unsocial hours

As part of the package, Oasis offers:

• A pension scheme, currently offering 7% employer contribution
• A generous holiday allowance and training opportunities
• A supportive, friendly work environment, with flexible working arrangements

If you want an informal chat about this role, then please get in touch with via the Oasis Charity website.

To apply, please send your CV and a Supporting Statement (no more than two A4 pages).

Please expand on your CV to tell us about relevant skills, experience and qualification you have, that relate to the job description and person specification

We actively encourage applications from people of all ethnic backgrounds and minority and underrepresented groups. If you require any assistance to overcome potential barriers, please let us know. 

Completed applications should be returned by 9am Monday 10th  August 2026.

Interviews will take place on week commencing 24th August 2026.

Oasis is a multi-national charity supporting young people and their families. Our vision is for building healthy communities: places where everyone is included, making a contribution and reaching their full potential.

Oasis is committed to making a difference to the lives of the communities it works in, and as such you must show a willingness to demonstrate commitment to the values and behaviours which flow from the Oasis ethos.  We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment and to undergo appropriate checks, including enhanced DBS checks. 

The successful candidates must have the right to work in the UK.  Oasis cannot assist with sponsorship or visas.

Oasis supports Equal Opportunities.  Registered Charity No. 1163889

This is an exciting opportunity to join one of London’s leading city farms and play a key role in providing opportunities, education, and training to the local community and beyond. As a small yet growing charitable organisation, this also offers candidates an opportunity for personal and professional growth.

Vauxhall City Farm turns 50 in 2026, and you will join a team that is committed, enthusiastic and future focused. This is a key role that is part of the Management Team leading the organisation. This role will lead in the growth of our profile, engagement with the community and income, to enable us to continue delivering our mission.

The main purpose of the job is to build and improve on our current local, regional, and national profile and our successful range of community, seasonal and corporate events. The role will develop new opportunities to make use of the spaces and resources within Vauxhall City Farm, enabling us to grow our engagement with our local community, and develop income from events and activities.

The post holder will have day-to-day responsibility for planning and ensuring the smooth implementation of a range of events, working with our different teams to support the coordination, staffing, work with our partners, ensure client and contractor management, budget management and monitoring and evaluation processes. All activities and promotion must also ensure compliance with our health and safety, other key policies, legal and insurance requirements. You will have excellent customer relations skills, business acumen, ability to plan ahead and to demonstrate attention to detail and problem solving and be highly organised.

Help tell the stories that bring joy to seriously ill children.

Rays of Sunshine is looking for a creative, sensitive and confident Senior Communications Officer to help bring our work to life through powerful storytelling, media engagement and compelling content.

This is an exciting opportunity to join us as we launch our new five-year strategy, refreshed brand and new website. You’ll play a key role in helping us share the stories of seriously ill children, young people and their families, raising awareness of our work and inspiring more people to support Rays of Sunshine.

As our Senior Communications Officer, you’ll act as our story development lead, working directly with children, young people and families to sensitively capture the moments that demonstrate the impact of our work. You’ll develop case studies, coordinate photography and filming, create content for social media, website, press and email marketing, and help ensure our storytelling is handled with care, consent and integrity.

You’ll also support PR and media activity, build relationships with journalists, identify media opportunities, draft press releases and case studies, and help coordinate activity involving families, colleagues, ambassadors, celebrities and high-profile supporters.

Alongside this, you’ll support our Wish Ambassador programme, celebrity and influencer engagement, digital communications, social media, website content and wider communications campaigns. This is a varied, hands-on role in a small and ambitious team, with the opportunity to make a real and lasting impact.

We’re looking for someone with excellent writing and storytelling skills, strong editorial judgement and the ability to build trusted relationships with families, journalists, ambassadors, celebrities and colleagues. You’ll be warm, organised, proactive and passionate about putting children’s voices at the heart of communications.

Rays of Sunshine has recently been recognised as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026, reflecting our positive, values-led culture and commitment to supporting our people.

We're seeking a proactive and insight-driven fundraiser with experience in charity e-commerce (Online Shop). You'll be confident delivering multi-channel campaigns, using data to inform decisions and improving supporter journeys to achieve growth. Experience of Regular Giving, Lottery and building customer journeys would be advantageous.

As the Senior Supporter Development Officer (Trading & Gaming) you will lead the development and delivery of Brooke's online Trading (Shop), Regular Giving NPD and Lottery programmes, creating supporter-centric journeys that increase engagement, retention and income.

Leading on the growth of our Trading portfolio, you will help transform the Brooke Shop into a year-round engagement and income channel through effective product development, supporter journeys and campaign activity. You will Develop and deliver stewardship and engagement programmes for Regular Giving and Lottery supporters, ensuring positive supporter experiences that increase retention and lifetime value and drive insight-led improvements and innovation, using data, testing and audience understanding to optimise performance, improve supporter journeys and identify new opportunities for growth.

You’ll work closely with colleagues across Supporter Acquisition, Supporter Journeys, Data & Insight, Finance and external suppliers to deliver effective supporter experiences and achieve ambitious income growth targets.

Brooke works across Africa, Asia and Latin America to transform the lives of working animals and the people who depend on them. With a new global strategy and ambitious plans for growth, our vision is a world in which working horses, donkeys and mules are free from suffering. Our mission is to relieve their immediate suffering and create lasting change by working alongside people, communities and organisations.

At Brooke, we celebrate diversity and the creative new ideas it brings. We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds, particularly global majority candidates, candidates from a social mobility background, disabled and neurodiverse candidates, and candidates under 25, as these groups are currently under-represented at Brooke.

We know that women and global majority candidates are often less likely to apply for a role if they feel they do not meet every criterion in the job description. If you meet most of the criteria, we would love to hear from you.

We offer a variety of flexible working options to support our staff and help ensure our working practices are as inclusive as possible.

Closing date:

We will be interviewing on a rolling basis as we receive applications. We will close this vacancy once a successful applicant is hired.

Medact is looking for an experienced campaigner and organiser to lead our work advocating for a justice-centred approach to securitisation and peace work. 

Background

Medact organises with the health community to win a world in which everyone can truly achieve and exercise their human right to health. We cover some of the most pressing national and global threats to health and wellbeing including institutional racism; climate change; human rights abuses; violent conflict; and rising inequality. We’re a member-led organisation, and our members are made up of a range of people who work in health including nurses, doctors, midwives, and clinical researchers.

We take an organising-centred approach to our work. We build community power by working in solidarity with health workers and the communities experiencing harm from the unjust systems we challenge. We run national campaigns, use research to expose injustice, and we support local organising groups across the country who lead most of our work.

About the role

The Transforming Peace & Security Campaigner will lead Medact’s campaigning for healthcare spaces which truly centre health and health justice, not surveillance, profiling and policing, in addition to providing ongoing strategic support to members organising against war and nuclear threat. 

This role will lead on our strategic priority area of Ending State Violence. The campaigner will implement campaign strategy focused on targeted organising to build coalitions and solidarity with marginalised communities, continuing our campaign against the Prevent duty in health, and supporting our Medact Abolitionist Approaches to Health Group. They’ll also work with our established Nuclear Weapons group to promote disarmament and encourage investment in nonviolent responses to conflict. The role involves maintaining and deepening existing partnerships with external organisations, grassroots groups and institutions. 

About you

This isn’t an entry-level role but you don’t need to have had a job in an NGO before or be a professional campaigner to be right for it. You might have worked with your local community to campaign on a social justice or health issue that you care about. Or you might be a healthcare worker who has seen the impact of securitisation on your patients and wants to challenge the encroachment of policing and profiling. You’ll have a strong understanding of power and how to work with others to create pressure for change. You need to be a great communicator, able to build trusting relationships with Medact members, academics, partner organisations, and community groups alike. You’ll have an understanding of how digital communications compliment campaigning and an eye for a good media story and the know-how to get it out into the world.

Salary: Starting at £66,920, raising to £77,555
Hours: 37 hours per week (full-time)
Contract: Permanent
Location: Family Action Head Office, London N1 7GR.
Our office space is wheelchair accessible. We typically work two days a week in the office, but offer the flexibility of home-working anywhere within the UK.

FAMILY ACTION AND THE ROLE'S IMPACT:

At Family Action we support people through change, challenge or crisis. It is what we have done for over 150 years. We protect children, support young people and adults and offer direct, practical help to families and communities.

We see first-hand the power of family to shape lives, for better or worse, so we speak up for the importance of family in national and local policymaking, amplify family voices and represent the changing needs of families in the UK today.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

• This is an important senior role in Family Action. As Deputy Director of People, you will lead on all People matters at Family Action, encompassing HR, EDI, volunteers and Learning & Development. You will report to the General Counsel & Director of Systems.
• Your role will be varied, exciting and incredibly worthwhile. At its heart is a commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference within our organisation, benefiting staff, volunteers and those who use our services. You will be working with managers at all levels to influence, inform and plan work across the entire organisation.
• We are looking for someone who is motivated and who can draw learning from a range of sources and analyse evidence within its wider organisational context. You will bring substantial Human Resources experience and a strong track record of developing and delivering People strategies. You will be skilled at leading through complexity, navigating change, understanding organisational challenges, and developing effective plans that support continuous improvement.

For the main requirements of the role, please see the job description and person specification.

BENEFITS:

• an annual paid leave entitlement of 30 working days plus bank holidays (FTE)
• up to 6% matched-pension contributions
• flexible working arrangements and new starters have the right to make flexible working requests from day one of employment
• enhanced paid sick leave and paid family leave provisions
• eye care and winter flu jabs vouchers
• cycle to work scheme
• investing in your professional development with ongoing quality training and career development opportunities

We are forward looking, ambitious and committed to continuous improvement. We are a people focused, can-do organisation which strives for excellence in all we do and operates with mutual respect.

TO APPLY:

• Click the ‘Apply’ link below and fill out our digital application form
• Closing Date: 16 August 2026 at 23.59

All appointments with Family Action are subject to satisfactory Safer Recruitment checks.

OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUALITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION:

We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may need during the recruitment process and you will be asked whether you require any adjustments if shortlisted for interview. We also make reasonable adjustments on the job, where required.

We are committed to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion in all that we do and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Intersectionality is important to us and we welcome applications from ethnically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ candidates and disabled candidates. We are committed to increasing the representation of these groups at Family Action because we know that greater diversity will lead to even greater results for families and children and we strive for our workforce to be truly representative of the diverse communities we support.

All candidates with a disability are welcome to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme and request priority consideration for an interview, provided they meet the essential criteria for the role.

To help remove financial barriers to working with us, we will reimburse reasonable travel costs if you are invited to attend an interview in person.

The Head of Grants will take a leading role in shaping The Childhood Trust’s grant-making approach. This is both a strategic and practical role - the postholder will manage the full cycle for our existing grant-making (Big Give) campaign and oversee a small team. Working closely with the Director of Programmes and Impact, Chief Executive, Senior Leadership Team and Board, they will use evidence, learning and sector insight to help design and deliver the next phase of The Childhood Trust’s grant-making programme. This is a role for someone who can work independently, take ownership and make things happen. 

The postholder will also use their experience and sector knowledge to recommend and implement new ways of supporting the sector through our new capacity building programme (Thrive Together), ensuring that The Childhood Trust’s grant-making is both innovative and impactful. They will contribute to the development of our youth voice work and ensure that the voices of children and young people are embedded across all aspects of grant-making.

Benefits to working at The Childhood Trust include:

• Competitive holiday package including a day off for your birthday and the days between Christmas and New Year off 

• Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave 

• Flexible working environment 

To read more about the responsibilities in the role, please read the attached job description. 

Interviews will be held on Wednesday 16th September at our office in Victoria. 

We reserve the right to extend the closing date depending on the candidate pool. 

Empower Women. Change Lives. Make a Difference.

Warrington Women’s Aid is looking for a passionate, resilient, and trauma-informed Complex Domestic Abuse Support Worker to join our dedicated team supporting women and children affected by domestic abuse.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a vital role in helping women with complex and multiple needs to achieve safety, recovery, and independence. You will provide intensive support to women experiencing domestic abuse who may also be facing challenges relating to mental health, substance misuse, learning disabilities, neurodiversity, physical disabilities, and other intersecting needs.

About Us

At Warrington Women’s Aid, we believe every woman has the right to live free from abuse. We provide specialist, trauma-informed support that empowers women and children to rebuild their lives with dignity, confidence, and hope. Our work is guided by the values of empowerment, safety, respect, inclusion, and collaboration.

The Role

You will hold a caseload of women living in refuge, living in the community, or moving on to independent accommodation. Working closely with colleagues and partner agencies, you will provide practical and emotional support, advocacy, safety planning, and crisis intervention, helping women navigate some of the most challenging periods of their lives.

Key responsibilities include:

• Delivering trauma-informed one-to-one support and safety planning.
• Supporting women with complex and intersecting needs.
• Advocating on behalf of women with housing, health, criminal justice, safeguarding, and social care services.
• Providing community outreach and resettlement support.
• Delivering workshops, drop-ins, and training sessions that build confidence and independence.
• Working collaboratively with partner agencies to achieve positive outcomes.
• Maintaining accurate case records, risk assessments, and outcome monitoring.
• Contributing to the ongoing development of our services.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience supporting vulnerable women affected by domestic abuse, trauma, or violence against women and girls.
• Has worked with women experiencing complex needs, including mental health challenges, substance misuse, learning disabilities, neurodiversity, or physical disabilities (essential).
• Understands risk assessment, safeguarding, and trauma-informed practice.
• Can confidently manage a varied caseload and work effectively with multi-agency partners.
• Has excellent communication, record-keeping, and organisational skills.
• Is compassionate, adaptable, resilient, and committed to empowering women.

If you meet some, but not all, of the criteria, we would still encourage you to apply.

Who we are

Sabre Education is an international NGO which, since 2004, has been providing children in Ghana with the best possible early childhood education by partnering with government to implement play-based learning at scale. Sabre focuses on:

Influencing early childhood education (ECE) policy & practice.
Training teachers and school officials in quality early childhood education.
Transforming learning environments to facilitate positive play-based learning.
Sabre has directly trained more than 6,000 teachers and over 700 Ghana Education Service officials, transforming the early years education of more than 361,000 children through high-quality play-based learning. Our teacher training model has been successfully piloted and replicated across 17 districts in Ghana, with partners extending its reach to a further 48 districts.

Building on this success, the Ghana Government is now scaling play-based learning to every public kindergarten in the country, with Sabre as a technical assistance partner, training around 29,000 teachers and reaching an estimated 1.2 million children each year.

Sabre’s new 2026–2029 strategy builds on these achievements by expanding its impact to other countries across sub-Saharan Africa, sharing Ghana’s experience of successfully scaling play-based learning nationwide. Alongside this expansion, Sabre will continue its work in Ghana, implementing a bold early childhood education system-strengthening strategy in close partnership with the government and wider sector stakeholders.

About the role

This is a senior strategic position within the organisation, sitting on the senior leadership team, reporting to the CEO and working closely with colleagues across the UK and Ghana.

As the Director of Fundraising and Communications, you will lead on strengthening and building relationships with Sabre’s growing portfolio of key funders, including trusts, foundations, institutional and corporate donors. Working with leadership and the team, you will also deepen the charity’s profile, reputation and brand.

Key responsibilities include:

• Nurture excellent relationships with Sabre’s current donor community.
• Work with the fundraising team proactively to attract, cultivate, secure and steward grant funders.

• Work with the Senior Fundraising Manager to identify, cultivate and secure new institutional multi-year grants.
• Work closely with the CEO and SLT to develop other income streams when strategically beneficial.
• Provide strategic leadership for all of Sabre’s communications, profile-building and marketing agendas.
• Lead, develop and manage the fundraising and communications team of four.
• Contribute to the organisation’s overall strategic mission as a member of the SLT.

Who we are looking for

This is a leadership role for someone with a proven track record as a senior fundraiser with considerable experience in trusts, foundations and institutional funding and team management. Crucially, you will be passionate about our work in early years education and motivated by the opportunity to shape our fundraising and communications work.

We are also seeking someone with:

• Experience developing and implementing a growth fundraising strategy.
• Strong experience writing technical proposals.
• Outstanding leadership, mentoring and team-building abilities.
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility and dedication.

Sabre Education is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community – a place where individual differences and contributions are truly recognised and valued.

We offer a range of inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, staff engagement opportunities and other methods to support staff from different backgrounds.

Sabre is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability status.

About us

Rainforest Foundation UK (RFUK) is a values-driven organisation working with Indigenous Peoples and local communities to protect the world’s rainforests and uphold their human rights. Since 1989, RFUK has partnered with forest peoples and grassroots organisations to secure land rights, challenge destructive industries, and influence laws and policies that safeguard forests and the people who depend on them.

Our mission is clear: to combine human rights and environmental protection to tackle deforestation. From the Congo Basin to the Amazon, our work has helped communities protect millions of hectares of rainforest. With a growing team of passionate advocates for social and environmental justice, we are committed to scaling up our impact to confront the accelerating climate and biodiversity crises.

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity to build your career at the heart of a busy international NGO working to protect rainforests and uphold the rights of Indigenous Peoples and forest communities. As Operations Officer, you will help keep RFUK running smoothly across HR, office management, IT coordination, contracts, travel and administration, working closely with colleagues in the UK and internationally. We are looking for someone who is organised, proactive and solutions-focused, with the energy to learn quickly, support a committed team, and grow their skills while contributing to our mission.

We encourage candidates of varying experience levels to apply, particularly those with a proactive mindset, a "can-do" attitude, and a knack for problem-solving. This role offers an opportunity for growth and development, making it ideal for someone who is eager to learn and contribute to our organisation's success.

Job description and benefits

Please download the full job description from our website. We offer 30 days annual leave, 4% pension contributions, Employee Assistance Programme, learning and development allowance, and four weeks of work-from-anywhere flexibility.

Location

This role is offered as a hybrid role based in our Bethnal Green, London office. The postholder will be required to work in the office for 3 days per week.

Application Process

To submit your application, kindly complete the online application form by 9AM, Monday 17 August. Please be aware that the form will be anonymised for review by the panel.

Please note that CVs will not be considered.

We strongly encourage all candidates to read the Recruitment FAQs page on our website before submitting their application.

Regrettably, due to the large number of applications we usually receive, it is not possible to write to you should you not be shortlisted for an interview. If you have not heard from us within 10 working days of the closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion. 

Interviews with shortlisted candidates will be held in September.

Join Mersey Rivers Trust and Help Make a Real Impact for Rivers, Wildlife and Communities! 

Are you a skilled finance and governance professional looking to use your expertise for good? Mersey Rivers Trust is seeking a Finance and Governance Manager to join our Senior Leadership Team and help shape the future of our environmental charity. 

We’re a passionate team working to protect and restore rivers across Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire — and we need someone like you to ensure our finances and governance are as strong as our mission. 

APPLICANTS MUST LIVE WITHIN OR CLOSE TO THE MERSEY CATCHMENT – APPLICATIONS FROM OUTSIDE THIS AREA CANNOT BE CONSIDERED.

The Mersey Rivers Trust (MRT) is an environmental charity focussing on the protection and enhancement of rivers and waterbodies in the Mersey Catchment. It operates in an area covering Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire. We have an annual turnover of c£1m and employ 19 staff delivering up to 30 projects per year. The Trust works with partners, local communities, and volunteers to deliver a wide range of projects including river restoration, reduction of flood risk by Natural Flood Management techniques, river monitoring, volunteer events (eg river clean-ups/invasive species control and citizen science), community engagement and education events, farm advice/plans and biodiversity net gain. The Trust continues to evolve to meet the increasing challenges of protecting and enhancing rivers and waterbodies in the catchment.

We are seeking a Finance and Governance Manager to join our Senior Leadership Team and lead the Trust’s finance, governance, and back-office functions. This is a pivotal role focused on ensuring financial integrity, regulatory compliance, and effective charity governance. While not involved in field-based project delivery, the Finance Manager plays a strategic role in supporting the organisation’s mission by enabling robust financial planning, reporting, and operational support. You will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Board of Trustees, and project teams to ensure the Trust remains financially resilient and well-governed.

As the Finance and Governance Manager, you should possess expertise in financial control and reporting, allowing you to effectively handle delegated responsibilities. Your numerical skills and critical thinking abilities will enable you to proactively address challenges and streamline processes. 

The role holder will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer and will be a member of the Senior Leadership Team. The role will also include direct line management responsibilities of the Administration Officer. 

If you are a motivated financial professional with a passion for driving organisational success, we invite you to apply and contribute to our team’s growth. 

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the management of the back-office function and Charity governance of MRT. 

• Act as the Company Secretary to ensure compliance with financial and legal requirements, as well as maintaining high standards of Charity governance. 

• Work with the Chief Executive Officer to prepare and manage budgets, provide input to the Trust’s business plan and strategic initiatives. 

• Contribute to the strategic direction of the Trust as a member of the Senior Leadership Team. 

• Provide financial insight and analysis to support strategic decision-making and long-term planning. 

• Support the development and implementation of organisational policies and procedures to ensure good governance. 

• Act as a key liaison with the Board of Trustees, preparing and presenting financial and governance reports to inform oversight and decision-making. 

• Lead on the development of internal controls and risk management strategies to safeguard the Trust’s assets and reputation. 

• Oversee all payments, manage cash flow, income and claims. 

• Support financial planning for grant funding applications to support delivery of our objectives. 

• Line management of the Administration Officer. 

• Renew the annual insurance policy ensuring adequate cover and value for money. 

• Maintain, oversee, and update all project management reporting systems on time and to budget (including timesheets, expenses and monthly reports). 

• Complete all necessary reports and keep suitable records in line with the funding requirements and document retention policy. 

• Highlight any new risks and issues identified whilst carrying out duties, and work with the team to manage and resolve them. 

• Fulfil duties as assigned by the Chief Executive Officer. 

• Any other reasonable duties as required by MRT. 

The post holder will be home based with travel throughout the Mersey catchment. The applicant will need to live within or close to the Mersey catchment to facilitate regular travel to meetings. Remote working from other parts of the country cannot be considered for this role due to the need for regular face-to-face interactions.

Candidate Profile

Essential 

• A financial control and reporting background with an accounting qualification (e.g. AAT, CIMA) or qualified by experience. 

• Experience of organisational governance, ideally with knowledge of UK General Accounting Practice and Charities regulations. 

• Experience of financial and management reporting within a small to medium-sized charitable or not for profit organisation. 

• Experience of liaising with accountants to prepare annual accounts and reports required by the Charity Commission. 

• Experience of cash flow forecasting. 

• Familiarity with Xero financial and project management software (or similar). 

• A confident and clear communicator with the ability to communicate financial information in an appropriate manner for non-financial trustees and staff. 

• Aptitude in problem-solving. 

• Self-motivated and able to work effectively from home with strong communication skills and with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. 

• Ability to work flexibly across the working week when necessary. 

• Ability to prioritise and plan activities to meet strict deadlines. 

• Excellent literacy, numeracy and report-writing skills. 

• Excellent presentation and communication skills. 

• Strong negotiation and influencing skills. 

• Good computer literacy skills (e.g. with Excel, Word, PowerPoint and project reporting systems). 

• A reliable team player with good attendance and work performance. 

• Ability to set performance objectives and ensure these are achieved. 

Desirable 

• Experience in financial planning for funding applications. 

• Understanding of small-scale charitable trading. 

• Experience of commercial contract management. 

• Experience of managing an IT service provider.

• Knowledge of the Mersey Catchment.

• Experience in Human Resources

General Notes

• Some travel around the Mersey Catchment will be necessary therefore a current driving licence and access to a vehicle (insured for business use) is desirable or otherwise access to public transport networks. 
• This positive will from time to time requires work during some evenings, weekends and public holidays to meet the needs of the post. A time off in lieu system is operated by the Trust.

• We will also require the successful applicant to undergo a basic DBS check and provide satisfactory references from previous employers. 

Term and Conditions

The following terms and conditions are typically offered to Mersey Rivers Trust staff and are set out as a guide only. Terms and conditions may vary according to circumstances, and this summary does not form part of any subsequent employment

Annual leave: 25 days annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays that fall on working days and a 3 day shutdown between Christmas and New Year.

Location: Home Based

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Income Generation

• Develop funding strategies for prospective trusts, identifying the strongest organisational and project matches and recommending the most effective approach.

• Write and submit tailored and effective funding applications to meet agreed income targets.

• Monitor application deadlines and ensure timely submission.

• Work with colleagues to gather, interpret and present service data, outcomes and financial information to produce high-quality, evidence-based funding proposals and reports.

• Contribute to the development of larger or more complex funding proposals, working alongside the Trusts and Foundations Manager and colleagues across the organisation.

• Contribute ideas that help Back Up’s Fundraising team develop innovative approaches to trusts fundraising, stewardship and donor engagement.

Relationship Management and Stewardship

• Ensure compliance with funder requirements by preparing and delivering high-quality impact reports and other agreed reporting, demonstrating how their contributions have been used.

• Act as the primary point of contact for trusts and foundations within your portfolio, building trusted relationships.

• Develop and deliver an engaging, year-round stewardship programme that goes beyond grant reporting, creating meaningful opportunities for funders to see the impact of their support through tailored communications, multi-media updates and personalised engagement.

Other

• Use application outcomes, funder feedback and sector learning to continually improve proposal quality, stewardship and trusts fundraising performance.

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to gather information for compelling stewardship, cultivation, proposals and reports and maintain a deep understanding of the impact support provides to those with a spinal cord injury.

• Monitor trends in grant-making and maintain an understanding of developments affecting people with spinal cord injury to strengthen funding proposals.

• Contribute to Trusts processes for recording and sharing useful resources.

• Maintain accurate records of trust and foundation activity, ensuring Salesforce CRM and pipeline information is up to date and supports effective relationship management, reporting and forecasting.

• Use CRM, service data and organisational insight to support prospect research, develop compelling funding applications and identify opportunities for growth.

• Be an ambassador for Back Up and be part of the team at occasional Back Up events.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Candidates must fulfil the following essential criteria:

Essential

· Experience in trusts and foundations fundraising with the ability to identify funding opportunities and develop successful funding proposals.

· Confident using technology, including CRM systems and AI-assisted tools and spreadsheets, to support research, prospecting and proposal development while maintaining high standards of accuracy and judgement.

· Highly organised and able to manage multiple deadlines.

· Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, engaging and persuasive funding proposals and reports.

· Able to balance attention to detail with strategic thinking.

· Strong numeracy skills and confidence working with budgets and financial information.

· Comfortable building relationships with senior volunteers, trustees and funders.

· Resilient and motivated, with a proactive approach to the challenges of trust fundraising and achieving income targets.

· A proactive approach to working towards targets.

· A strong team working approach.

· Willing and able to work occasional evenings/weekends and travel.

Desirable

· Experience in major donor fundraising, philanthropy or corporate partnerships.

· Understanding of spinal cord injury and/or disability issues

· Understanding of charity finance and/ or project budgeting.

· Experience supporting donor cultivation events

· Experience producing supporter communications, presentations or impact reports.

· Experience working with trustees, senior volunteers, ambassadors or high-net-worth individuals.