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Partnerships and Engagement Manager

As part of our ambition to reach more families and secure the long-term sustainability of services, we are seeking an enthusiastic and proactive Partnerships and Engagement Manager to help expand our client’s profile, build meaningful partnerships, and create new opportunities for support across the South West.

This is a newly created and strategically important role focused on developing new relationships with businesses, community organisations, professional networks, and other stakeholders who share a commitment to improving outcomes for children with disabilities and additional needs.

Position: Partnerships and Engagement Manager

Location: Home-based with regular travel across the South West and attendance at the National Therapy Assessment Centre, Bridgwater.

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Salary: £37,000 - £41,250 per annum

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: 7th July 2026

About the Role

Through the evidence-based Therapy Programmes and National Therapy Assessment Centre in Bridgwater, the organisation delivers life-changing outcomes for families across the UK. Acting as a key ambassador, you will represent the charity across the region, identifying opportunities to raise awareness, build engagement, and develop partnerships that support this work.

You will help maximise the Therapy Assessment Centre as an engagement hub, encouraging prospective supporters and partners to visit, learn more about the services, and get involved meaningfully.

Working with fundraising, communications, retail, and service delivery teams, you will strengthen regional presence, generate support, increase awareness, and contribute to sustainable income growth through corporate partnerships, Charity of the Year relationships, community engagement, networking, and strategic introductions.

Key areas of responsibility include:

• Regional Partnerships & Engagement
• Partnership Development
• Corporate Partnerships & Charity of the Year Opportunities
• Networking, Outreach & Profile Raising
• National Therapy Assessment Centre Engagement
• Income Generation & Opportunity Development
• Collaboration & Organisational Development
• Governance, Compliance & Reporting

You will spend significant time meeting supporters, partners, and stakeholders across the South West. Applicants should therefore be based within the region and comfortable with regular travel, including visits to Bridgwater, as well as attendance at networking, partnership, and engagement events.

About You

While experience within the charity sector or fundraising would be advantageous, it is not essential. We are equally interested in candidates with strong networking, business development, account management, partnership development, sales, marketing, or stakeholder engagement experience. Most importantly, we are looking for someone who enjoys meeting people, building relationships, identifying opportunities, and nurturing partnerships that deliver long-term value.

This role is ideally suited to someone who is self-motivated, confident in representing an organisation externally and passionate about creating connections that make a meaningful difference.

The role offers the opportunity to make a genuine difference to the lives of children and families whilst developing a rewarding career within an ambitious charity. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the charity’s future, building the relationships, partnerships and profile needed to ensure more children and families can access our life-changing support for years to come.

You will have experience of:

• Relationship development, business development, partnership management, stakeholder engagement, account management, sales, membership development, or income-generating activity.
• Developing new opportunities, partnerships, or strategic relationships.
• Influencing, and relationship-building
• Managing pipelines, opportunities, or stakeholder relationships through to successful outcomes.

You will need to have a full driving licence, access to a vehicle and willingness to travel extensively across the South West.

The charity is an equal opportunities employer and celebrates diversity, committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all employees.

Other roles you may have experience with could include Fundraising, Fundraiser, Fundraising Officer, Business Development Officer, Business Development Executive, Account Manager, Sales, Marketing Officer, Marketing Executive, Partnerships Officer, Engagement Officer.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client, Not For Profit People. #INDNFP

Contract Type: Maternity Cover 12 months

Location: London (Flexible working with a minimum of 2 days in the office)

Interviews: Monday 13th July 2026

Help Grow our Individual Giving Programme to Support Young People

Every day at The King's Trust, we help young people build the confidence and skills they need to succeed. Behind every life-changing opportunity is a supporter who believes in their potential.

We're looking for an experienced and creative fundraiser to help grow and run the daily management of our Individual Giving programme, inspiring more people to support our work and become loyal, long-term champions of young people across the UK. The Individual Giving Manager is a maternity cover role for one year, starting September 2026.

You'll lead the development and delivery of engaging fundraising appeals across digital and offline channels, creating exceptional supporter experiences that encourage one-off donors to become regular givers. Working closely with colleagues across Fundraising and Brand and Marketing, you'll use data insight, creativity and organisational skills to build meaningful supporter journeys and maximise engagement.

You'll manage campaigns from concept through to evaluation, monitor performance against targets and budgets, and ensure all activity meets fundraising and compliance standards. You'll also support the development of our Individual Giving and Legacies Executive and contribute to a collaborative, inclusive team culture.

What you'll bring

• Experience of delivering successful individual giving or direct marketing appeals.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders.
• Confidence using data and insight to drive performance and improve supporter engagement.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a flair for inspiring action.
• Knowledge of fundraising compliance and supporter stewardship and journeys best practice.
• A passion for helping young people and communicating the impact of our work.

If you're excited by the opportunity to combine creativity, data and purpose to grow supporter engagement and income, we'd love to hear from you.

Join us and help more young people build brighter futures.

What happens next?  

Please submit a CV, and Cover Letter that includes your experience, transferrable skills and motivation to work for The King's Trust! The Team will be in touch about the next steps shortly after the closing date. 

Why do we need Individual Giving Managers? 

Last year, we helped more than 40,000 Young People, with three in four young people on our programmes moving into a positive outcome in work, education or training. The young people we help face a range of challenges, such as unemployment, mental health issues or some who have been in trouble with the law. We believe all young people should have the chance to succeed, and that young people are the key to a positive and prosperous future for all of us. We want to continue having a positive impact on young people’s lives and we couldn’t do this without the important work of Individual Giving Managers! 

Perks for working at The Trust! 

• Great holiday package! 30 days annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays. Office closure on the days between Christmas and New Year 
• Flexible working! Where operationally possible, our roles require a combination of office days and working from home (please speak to the hiring manager about this particular role)
• You can volunteer for and/or attend events – The King's Trust Awards, Pride, active events etc. 
• In-house learning platform! Develop your skills for your career and your role 
• Benefits platform! Everything from health and financial well-being support to discounts on your favourite restaurants, shops and cinemas. 
• Personal development opportunities through our Networks – KT CAN (Cultural Awareness Network), KT GEN (Gender Equality Network), KT DAWN (Disability & Wellbeing Network), and PULSE (LGBTQIA+ Network). 
• Fantastic Family leave! Receive 13 weeks of full pay and 13 weeks of half pay for maternity and adoption leave. Receive 8 weeks of full pay for paternity leave. 
• Interest-free season ticket loans 
• The Trust will contribute 5% of your salary to the Trust Pension Scheme 
• Generous life assurance cover (4 x annual salary) 

(Please note this role is primarily remote, however there is the option for hybrid working at our head office in Sheffield. Some travel may be required for this role)

We are looking for someone with the confidence to step into an established, successful system and keep our momentum going. You will be a brilliant relationship builder, an organised manager of data and pipelines, and an excellent communicator who can write compelling narratives. Above all, you will be someone who collaborates naturally across a small, passionate team to champion a healthy culture of impact storytelling and income generation.This is a 12-month maternity cover, 

You will have:

• A track record in Trust & Grant success: pulling together compelling data and case studies to write winning bids for large-scale grants.

• Exceptional written skills for drafting persuasive proposals and impact reports.

• A love of data to oversee our fundraising pipeline using our CRM (Beacon),  working with organised spreadsheets, and clear, achievable timelines.

• The ability to support others to succeed and feel confident managing a direct report or mentoring colleagues on how to spot fundraising opportunities.

• The ability to balance the day-to-day writing tasks with big-picture financial targets .

• The ability to balance competing priorities in a fast-paced, small charity environment.

• A willingness to travel nationally and work occasional evenings or weekends as required for key events and funder engagement (claimable as TOIL).

• A genuine commitment to climate action and democratic engagement with grassroots communities.

It would be great if you also have:

• Experience supporting corporate partnerships or earned/consultancy income streams.

• Familiarity with Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) frameworks.

• An understanding of UK climate policy, nature campaigning, or the UK political system.

Job Title: Fundraising Manager (Maternity Cover)

• Salary: £34,937.60 per annum (£27,950.08 pro-rata)

• Hours: Part-time (28 hours per week)

• Contract Type: 12-month fixed term (Maternity Cover)

• Location:  Remote anywhere in the UK (or Sheffield Head Office/Hybrid working)

• Benefits: 30 days annual leave (pro-rata) + bank holidays, pension, wellbeing support.

• Closing Date: 13 July 2026 | Interviews: w/c 20 July 2026

The Role

Your core focus will balance bid writing with strategy and comms management:

• Securing Income: Crafting and submitting high-quality, persuasive trust and grant applications (targeting five- and six-figure funding) and managing timely reports back to our current partners.

• Managing the Pipeline: Working closely with the CEO to track our fundraising goals, manage cash flow awareness, and keep our CRM system (Beacon) up to date.

• Supporting Earned Income: Helping to streamline the internal processes behind our paid consultancy and campaign training services, collaborating with our Policy & Engagement team to track leads.

• Leading People: Providing supportive, empowering line management to our part-time Digital Communications and Campaigns Coordinator.

• Looking Forward: As the contract nears its end, you will collaborate with the CEO to help us lay the groundwork for our next strategic fundraising cycle.

How to Apply

Please visit our website jobs page to submit your anonymised CV and cover letter.

Important Contract Notice: Please note that this is a temporary, fixed-term contract for 12 months to provide essential maternity cover. This is a non-permanent position.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We warmly welcome applications from everyone and celebrate diversity across all backgrounds. If you don’t meet every single requirement listed below, please don't let that deter you, we would still love to hear from you.

About GSG Impact 

GSG Impact is a global network of National Partners working to build impact economies that mobilise capital for measurable social and environmental impact. Through its network spanning more than 48 countries, GSG Impact works with governments, investors, regulators, development finance institutions, and ecosystem actors to strengthen the enabling conditions for impact-oriented economies, where capital flows to create positive social and environmental outcomes. 

Position Summary 

The Head of Fundraising will lead GSG Impact’s fundraising function at a critical stage of organisational growth and income diversification. The role is responsible for delivering GSG Impact's fundraising strategy, supporting the achievement of annual income targets of approximately £3 million per year, converting strategic priorities into fundable propositions, and building the systems, processes, relationships, and team capabilities required to secure sustainable long-term funding.

Working closely with the Chief of Engagement and Strategic Partnerships, senior leadership, fundraising team, Trustees, and National Partners, the Head of Fundraising will oversee the development of a diversified funding portfolio and will be responsible for building and managing a robust fundraising pipeline, strengthening donor stewardship, improving cost recovery, and ensuring fundraising activity is aligned with organisational priorities and financial sustainability goals.

This role requires a proactive fundraiser who can originate opportunities, open senior relationships, develop compelling narratives, lead complex proposal processes, and create a culture of shared fundraising responsibility across the organization.

Key Responsibilities 

Business development, Prospecting and Pipeline Conversion

Build and maintain a prioritized list of top institutional, philanthropic, bilateral, multilateral, DFI, corporate, and family-office, and high-net-worth prospects aligned with GSG Impact's strategic priorities.

Proactively identify, research, qualify, and cultivate new prospects, with a particular focus on funders aligned with impact economies, domestic capital mobilisation, climate adaptation and resilience, impact transparency, policy reform, investment vehicles, and emerging markets.

Develop and manage a rolling pipeline of high-quality funding opportunities, moving prospects from initial identification through cultivation, concept development, proposal submission, negotiation, and grant close in collaboration with programme staff and National Partners.

Translate GSG Impact’s strategy into compelling fundable propositions, including unrestricted/core support, restricted programme grants, regional funding, National Partner support, and special initiatives.

Personally lead the development and conversion of the highest-value opportunities, especially prospects requiring senior-level cultivation.

Identify and develop new revenue opportunities, strategic partnerships, and funding models that support GSG Impact's long-term sustainability and income diversification

Proposal Development and Grant Acquisition

Lead the development of high-quality funding proposals, concept notes, and donor engagement materials.

Ensure strategic alignment of all proposals with organisational priorities and donor interests.

Ensure all proposal budgets meet or exceed GSG Impact's cost-recovery targets

Set and ensure implementation of standards for proposal quality, narrative framing, and budget methodology across the fundraising team

Donor Management and Stewardship

Support the Chief of Engagement and Partnerships with relationship management of GSG Impact's most significant donors and strategic prospects

Lead the annual stewardship strategy, ensuring renewal and growth of key funding relationships

Oversee narrative and financial reporting, ensuring high quality, consistency, and timeliness

Functional Leadership

Manage the fundraising team, providing coaching, oversight, performance management, and professional development

Ensure compliance with Fundraising Regulator, GDPR, and relevant UK legislation

In collaboration with colleagues across the organisation monitor and update the information in CRM for fundraising contacts and other relevant information.

Implement strong financial tracking, reporting, and forecasting processes

Foster a culture of fundraising responsibility across GSG Impact teams

Innovation & Growth

Identify new funding opportunities and diversify income streams

Explore digital fundraising and emerging trends

Drive continuous improvement in fundraising performance, effectiveness and operational excellence.

External Representation

The Head of Fundraising plays a key role in relationship management with GSG Impact's most significant funders and prospects. They represent the organization at key sector events and convenings as delegated by the Chief of Engagement and Partnerships.

Qualifications

Demonstrable track record of originating new donor relationships and converting them into six- or seven-figure grants.

Experience in building prospect pipelines from a limited starting base.

Strong understanding of institutional philanthropy, bilateral and multilateral funding, DFIs, and/or impact investing funders.

Proven ability to develop fundable propositions from complex, technical, organisational strategies, including on policy, systems-change, market-building, or ecosystem-development initiatives

Experience working directly with CEOs, Boards, Trustees, or senior principals on donor cultivation.

Strong commercial discipline: pipeline management, probability weighting, forecasting, and cost recovery.

Ability to write or lead the development of high-quality proposals under tight timelines.

Competencies

Alignment with GSG Impact mission and values

Proven fundraising track record in international development, impact investment, philanthropy  or social sector

Strategic thinking and fundraising planning

Senior donor relationship management

Team leadership and coaching

Strong written communication and proposal development

Budget and cost-recovery literacy

Collaborative working style

How to apply

Please send your CV and a covering letter of no more than two pages outlining how your skills and experience meet the essential criteria for this role.

The deadline for applications is 5pm on 22 June 2026.

We are committed to equality and diversity of opportunity and positively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. All applicants will also be asked to complete a short equality and diversity monitoring form, which is held separately from your application and plays no part in shortlisting decisions.

Director of Operations – Finance & Support Services
Dartington (& Torquay as required)
Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week, 52 weeks per year, ideally Monday-Friday 08.30-16.30
Salary: £51,663.00 - £59,597.00 per annum (DOE)

Are you a skilled operations professional with a background in finance?

We have a brand-new opportunity at Lifeworks Charity, for a Director of Operations (Finance & Support Services) to play a crucial role in our Central Support team. You will drive the sustainable growth and operational efficiency of the charity, directly contributing to our charitable impact.

You'll blend your financial expertise with your keen eye for operational oversight in this hybrid role, ensuring our resources are managed effectively to benefit the young people and families we support.

Who we are:

Since 1996, we've been empowering people with learning disabilities in Devon to achieve their dreams and build fulfilling lives. Our core values of kindness, respect, and positivity guide everything we do.

What you’ll do:

Finance

- Manage and maintain all financial aspects of the charity, including (but not limited to), budgeting, forecasting, reporting, ledgers, balance sheets, bank reconciliations, debtor accounts, cash flow management, insurances, property and procurement.
- Take a lead on the development of financial and fundraising processes and strategies.
- Manage and be the main point of contact for all aspects of ESFA and DfE funding compliance and reporting.
- Lead a small team to deliver outstanding support to the charity and act as a key financial advisor to managers across the organisation.
- Produce clear and concise monthly management accounts and provide financial insights to senior managers and the Board of Trustees.
- Working closely with external auditors, prepare and oversee our year end accounts.

Operations

- Ensure that charity governance and compliance is upheld, by contributing to record maintenance, managing registers and supporting with reviews of policies and procedures.
- Work with our external IT partners to manage our technology. You will make sure that the correct infrastructure, systems and processes are in the right place at the right time.
- Lead on IT security for the charity, implementing regular reviews to monitor compliance.
- Act as the Data Controller and manage all areas of data protection regulations, always prioritising data security.
- Develop and review charity policies as necessary, ensuring they align with best practices and legal requirements.
- Ensure compliance of Health and Safety policies, liaising with external advisors to maintain safety within the workplace.

Last but not least, we are looking for someone that is an advocate for people with learning disabilities and shares our common goal of making sure the people we support achieve their best lives with us. You may not be involved in the day-to-day work with our service users, but the work you will do is vital to the success of our charity.

What we're looking for:

You'll be a motivated and experienced professional who is passionate about making a difference. You should be:

- ACCA/CIMA/ACA part-qualified with significant experience (or fully qualified is a bonus!).
- A proven leader with the ability to inspire and develop a team.
- An expert in financial management, from budgeting to reporting.
- An excellent communicator who can clearly explain complex financial information to all audiences.
- Experienced in managing a broad portfolio, ideally including Health and Safety, IT, or facilities.
- Knowledgeable about governance frameworks and risk management.

If you are a strategic thinker with a hands-on approach and a desire to contribute to a vital cause, we would love to hear from you.

We're passionate about supporting our staff just as much as we are about supporting our service users. When you join our team, you can expect:

- An hourly rate above the Real Living Wage
- A holiday entitlement of 33 days’ holiday (inclusive of bank holidays)
- A fully funded DBS check and update service to ensure a smooth onboarding process
- Access to valuable resources including an employee assistance program to support your mental and emotional health

Building a diverse and safe team:

At Lifeworks, we're committed to fostering a workplace that reflects the diversity of our community. As a Disability Confident Employer, we actively encourage applications from individuals with disabilities who meet the job criteria, and we guarantee qualified candidates with disabilities an interview.

Lifeworks is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. To achieve this commitment, we will ensure the continuous development, improvement and review of robust safeguarding processes and procedures that continuously promote a culture of vigilance in respect of safeguarding within our organisation. All staff undergo Safer Recruitment checks which include pre-employment checks, reference checks, and a DBS check with Barred List checks (where applicable).

Early applications encouraged!

This vacancy is scheduled to close on the 19th of July, but may close earlier if suitable candidates are identified. So, to ensure your application is considered, ensure you apply early!

The interview format will consist of 3 parts; a formal interview assessment, a short presentation and a Q&A with staff members. If you are selected for interview, further details will be shared ahead of the above date.

Apply today and tell us why you'd be a great fit for our team.

Please note that this role was previously advertised as Operations Manager. We ask that previous applicants of this role need not reapply.

We’d appreciate no contact from agencies regarding this role. We are only accepting direct applications.

Play a leading role in shaping the future of Saferworld’s philanthropic partnerships and help drive funding that supports peacebuilding around the world. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced relationship builder to grow a high potential income stream with real global impact.

Saferworld works to prevent violent conflict and build safer lives across Africa, Asia and the Middle East. As our Philanthropy Manager, you’ll join a committed, values‑driven team working in solidarity with people affected by conflict. You’ll lead on a portfolio of established philanthropic partners while also identifying and cultivating new opportunities that align with our mission and principles.

This is a role with genuine scope for creativity and innovation. You will shape cultivation strategies, co‑create funding opportunities with colleagues and partners, and represent Saferworld externally to deepen relationships and secure high‑value, multi‑year support. You will also help position the organisation to engage high net‑worth individuals, foundations and donor‑advised funds as we diversify our income.

Working closely with programme, policy, communications and finance teams, you will ensure our proposals, reports and donor care reflect the quality, impact and integrity of our work. A smaller part of your role will involve overseeing individual giving and gifts in wills, supported by the Funding Officer.

If you are motivated by building meaningful partnerships, influencing change, and contributing to a more peaceful world, this role offers the chance to make a tangible difference while shaping a growing area of work at Saferworld.

Warwickshire & Solihull Community and Voluntary Action

is recruiting

Area Programme and Development Manager (Solihull)

£44,088 per annum pro rata

30 hours per week

Permanent subject to funding

Hybrid/Office (The Core, Solihull) with regular travel

across Solihull and occasionally Warwickshire and Birmingham

About CAVA

CAVA provides infrastructure support to the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise sector across Warwickshire and Solihull. CAVA also works heavily in partnership with its respective organisations in both Birmingham and Coventry, collaborating across the landscape to reduce inequality. CAVA operates as a Volunteer Centre and delivers projects that support social and community action through the voices and engagement of local people.

CAVA has offices based in Leamington Spa, Nuneaton, Rugby, Stratford-Upon-Avon and a dedicated office space within a shared Community Hub in Solihull.

Area Programme and Development Manager

Area Programme and Development Manager will work as part of the Management Team and are key ambassadors for the organisation and the wider VCFSE. They provide leadership and accountability for the work of CAVA, overseeing and growing our position and portfolio of work as the VCFSE Infrastructure organisation for both Solihull and Warwickshire. The manager also occasionally works in partnership with the Board of Trustees on matters related to strategy and governance.

The Opportunity

The Area Programme and Development Manager will provide management and leadership of CAVA’s Solihull portfolio, which is at an evolving and exciting phase of integration across the Borough.

The Area Programme and Development Manager has a key role in leading and shaping CAVA’s presence in Solihull, working strategically alongside the Board and Management Team, to lead the organisation into its next era of growth and delivery.

The Area Programme and Development Manager has a key role and responsibility representing voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise groups and organisations, providing a strong and confident voice on behalf of the sector as we work alongside partners from the Public, NHS and the wider Integrated Care System (ICS).

The remit provides the successful candidate the opportunity to make a significant impact to reduce inequality within communities by supporting the VCFSE sector and working in a dynamic and collaborative environment, especially through prevention, early intervention and community engagement.

Summary of Key Responsibilities (please see Job Description for full details)

- Leadership and Management of the Solihull programme portfolio (including public sector contract) and CAVA Strategy

- Line Management of a small, focussed team

- Strategy, Planning and Control in line with need, compliance, business planning, lead areas

- Financial Management including setting and managing budgets and risk in line with sustainability and financial controls/compliance

- External Representation and Partnership Working across the landscape, provide the voice of the sector and working in collaboration, alongside public VCFSE, private, public and statutory sector partners

- Income Generation and Growth through the writing of tender and funding applications, evaluation and funding returns/reports and including other fundraising strategies

- Office Management environment within your area in line with regulatory policies, procedures and delivery need

- Corporate Support and Team Participation in wider, CAVA activity and events

What We're Looking For:

We are seeking a dynamic and self-motivated individual with evidence of:

- strong programme leadership and management experience and skills

- a strong and analytical eye for detail supporting contract management in line with KPI’s and budgets

- ideally, a background of working in the VCFSE sector

- confident, objective and effective voice and communication skills at all levels

- collaborative skills working as part of a supportive Senior Management Team

- a commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and reducing inequality

- a ‘can do’ approach to work and objective thinker and problem solver

- skills and experience of writing tenders and funding applications

 Values

All employees are expected to demonstrate CAVA’s values by working positively as part of a team, delivering high quality services where all are supported and encouraged and to promote an ethos which values and encourages equality and diversity within the organisation and is respected through the VCFSE.

To apply for this role, you are required to hold a driving licence and have use of a car for work purposes. Flexibility to undertake occasional work out of contracted hours is essential for this role.

Competitive salary and benefits package including enrolment with an employee assistance programme of support.

If you think you fit the brief for this exciting role, please view the job opportunity on our website and submit your CV, accompanied by a covering letter which outlines why you would like this job and what you could contribute, focusing on the criteria detailed in the job description and person specification Letters should be no more than 3 sides and if typed, no smaller than size 11 font.

Closing Date: Monday 29th June 2026 at 10am

Interviews: Monday 13th July 2026

No agencies please

WCAVA is an equal opportunities employer

‘Putting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion into Practice’

We are seeking an Assistant Director – Digital and Innovation to play a central role in shaping how Villiers Park delivers and develops its programmes at a pivotal point in the implementation of our 2025-30 strategy. This role represents an exciting opportunity to lead on the development of our digital education offer and innovation work, ensuring it enhances both the reach and depth of our programmes for young people across the UK.

Villiers Park is a national social mobility charity with a strong track record of delivering impactful programmes that support young people from under-represented backgrounds to fulfil their potential. As we continue to grow, digital provision and innovation are increasingly important in enabling us to reach more students, and to do so in engaging and inclusive ways.

Digital learning and programme innovation will be critical to the next phase in our strategy, building on the foundations we have already established, including the development of our learning platform and programme model. Alongside this, Leadership Challenge continues to expand as a key national outreach and social action programme, and this role will be instrumental in ensuring its quality and impact.

Our work is possible because of a brilliant team of staff, trustees and volunteers and committed funders and partners who believe in what we do and want to make the greatest possible difference. The Assistant Director – Digital and Innovation will work closely with colleagues across programmes, partnerships, communications and fundraising, as well as external partners, to ensure our digital and programme offer is coherent, forward-thinking and aligned with our mission.

This is a unique opportunity to combine strategic leadership with practical delivery, helping to translate ambition into impact for the young people we serve.

Sarah Chick

Head of Programmes 

Job purpose

The Assistant Director - Digital and Innovation leads the development, implementation and ongoing improvement of Villiers Park’s digital education provision. This includes the design and delivery of online learning experiences, the development of digital and physical resources for use across programmes, and ensuring that digital delivery is accessible, safeguarded and aligned with the organisation’s mission.

The role also provides strategic and operational leadership for Leadership Challenge, Villiers Park’s national student outreach and social action programme. This includes programme design, partner engagement, monitoring and evaluation, and ensuring the programme is effectively resourced and financially sustainable.

Working closely with the Head of Programmes, Senior Leadership Team (SLT), Communications and Fundraising teams, and external partners, the postholder supports the development of digital innovation, programme resourcing and Leadership Challenge activity to enhance reach, impact and quality. 

Key responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership for the development, implementation and continuous improvement of Villiers Park’s digital education provision, ensuring alignment with our Theory of Change, priorities and values
• Lead the design and evolution of high-quality digital learning experiences, content and pathways for students, schools, parents/carers and volunteers
• Oversee the adoption and integration of digital platforms and tools, ensuring accessibility, safeguarding, GDPR compliance and scalability
• Drive innovation in digital delivery by monitoring sector trends and embedding relevant approaches to enhance reach and impact
• Ensure digital provision complements and strengthens face-to-face delivery across programmes, working closely with the Head of Programmes and Assistant Directors
• Provide strategic oversight of the use of AI within programmes, ensuring its application enhances learning experiences while maintaining safeguarding and ethical standards
• Provide strategic oversight of the development and ongoing review of physical resources, ensuring consistency, quality and alignment across programmes
• Ensure all resources are inclusive, engaging, curriculum-aligned and reflect organisational standards and brand expectations
• Maintain a coherent approach to resource development, ensuring materials support programme delivery and learning outcomes effectively
• Lead the strategic and operational development of the Leadership Challenge programme, ensuring it is high-quality, sustainable and aligned with organisational priorities
• In collaboration with the Senior Leadership Team, develop and strengthen partnerships with charities, corporates and universities to support programme growth and delivery
• Oversee the development of an appropriate recognition or award framework for participants
• Establish and oversee robust quality assurance and evaluation processes for digital and physical content and delivery
• As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, contribute to strategic planning, budgeting and risk management, and provide quarterly updates to the Board of Trustees.
• Work collaboratively with Fundraising and Communications teams to support income generation, bid development and programme promotion

This list is not exhaustive, and the post-holder will be required to undertake other tasks relevant to the role and within their capability.

Skills and experience:

• Significant leadership experience in education, youth or social mobility sectors
• Knowledge of school and college curricula and the needs of learners aged 13–19
• Proven experience in designing and/or delivering digital learning
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, digital accessibility standards and inclusive design
• Experience developing high‑quality educational resources (digital and physical)
• Ability to lead programmes, manage projects and deliver to deadlines
• Ability to build relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders to further organisational aims and fundraising objectives

Personal attributes:

• A genuine commitment to and care for social mobility and young people’s futures
• Organised and proactive, effectively, prioritising workload and delivering outcomes independently
• Strategic and forward-thinking, with an ability to see the bigger picture
• Collaborative and able to work effectively with colleagues, partners and stakeholders across different functions
• Willingness to learn and develop your own practice and experience

Additional Information:

• The postholder will be required to travel regularly to schools, events and partner organisations
• An enhanced DBS check will be required
• The postholder will hold responsibility to be one of the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads
• The postholder will require a full UK driving licence
• Evening work and overnight stays may be required
• Hybrid – location local to our Cambridge office or near to one of our Regional Hubs

Employee Benefits

• 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rated) and additional leave over Christmas.
• A dedicated wellbeing day for you to take at any time and three days (pro-rated) paid leave for volunteering or study each year.
• Training and professional development, including termly staff development days.
• Support from our wellbeing working group and access to an employee assistance programme.
• Opportunity to join working groups with other colleagues from across the organisation as well as wider networks such as the Fair Education Alliance.
• Flexibility in working hours.
• Additional sick pay and compassionate leave policies. 

Safeguarding

Villiers Park Educational Trust is committed to safeguarding and to providing a safe and supportive environment, which secures the well-being and best outcomes for the young people with whom we work.

Safeguarding is embedded in all aspects of Villiers Park's work and integral to the commitment we make to our schools, partners and the young people and communities we serve and work with. All employees and volunteers are expected to share this commitment by adhering to our organisational safeguarding procedures, attending regular in-house training and keeping up to date with developments in policies and legislation.

All employees and volunteers will also agree to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Services check and successfully complete our mandatory online training courses including NSPCC Safeguarding in Schools and PREVENT training.