Corporate partnerships manager jobs

ABOUT MUSTARD TREE

At Mustard Tree, we believe everyone deserves dignity, opportunity, and hope.

We work alongside people experiencing poverty, homelessness, and financial hardship, providing practical support, life-changing opportunities, and pathways towards greater stability and independence.

Our work addresses both the causes and consequences of poverty. We support people not only in crisis, but as they rebuild confidence, develop skills, improve wellbeing, and take meaningful steps towards a more secure future.

ROLE PURPOSE

This role provides person-centred employment and progression support to individuals facing barriers to financial wellbeing, including homelessness or risk of homelessness. Working with a managed caseload, this role will support participants to build confidence and employability skills, and progress towards meaningful, sustained employment, further education, or accredited training.

The role includes a blend of structured employability support, responsive frontline 121 work combined with corporate partnership skills.  This role will work directly with Freedom Trainees and Mustard Tree clients, supporting walk-ins, referrals, and longer-term participants. This role will represent our values through high-quality, compassionate, and professional service delivery.

This role combines direct participant support, employability delivery, employer engagement working with the Salford Area Manager. You will work across our Eccles and Little Hulton sites, helping create meaningful opportunities that enable participants’ progression.

Key Competencies

1. World Class Welcome and Customer Service

· Deliver Work Placement and Employment service across Salford appropriate to participants’ needs, through a welcoming, inclusive, and professional service that reflects a world-class customer experience.

· Networking and building relationships in Salford with new and existing corporate partners to deliver work placement opportunities to Freedom Project trainees, attendees to structured courses/clubs, and referrals from partner organisations (JCP and Elevate partners)

· Provide tailored, 1:1 employment and skills support, including caseload management, action planning, CV development, job search, and interview preparation.

· Adapt support to meet the diverse and complex needs of participants, demonstrating empathy and resilience.

· Manage referrals and signposting effectively, ensuring participants access appropriate internal and external services.

 

2. Proactive in Living and Sharing our Culture, Values and Behaviours

· Consistently model Mustard Tree’s values, culture and expected behaviours in all interactions with participants, colleagues and partners.

· Promote equality, diversity and inclusion by creating safe, welcoming and respectful environments for everyone by building positive relationships, challenge inappropriate behaviour appropriately, and reflect on feedback to continuously improve practice.

· Communicate in an inclusive, accessible and person-centred way, adapting approaches to meet participants needs.

· Demonstrate professionalism, integrity and accountability while maintaining boundaries and delivering on commitments.

3. Courage in Problem Solving and Embracing Change to Meet Needs

· Identify barriers affecting participant progression and respond to reduce/remove the barriers

· Adapt quickly and positively to changing priorities, service demands and participant needs while maintaining high-quality support.

· Demonstrate resilience when managing complex situations, setbacks or competing pressures, whilst taking ownership of actions and outcomes

· Embrace learning, feedback and change to continuously improve ways of working and support positive participant outcomes

4. Confident in Safeguarding and Incident Management

· Manage situations calmly and professionally, maintaining dignity and safety for all.

· Follow safeguarding, health and safety, and incident management procedures, escalating concerns appropriately.

· Work collaboratively with colleagues, contributing to case discussions and team meetings

• Complete and maintain accurate documentation, incident forms, and risk records.
• Attend required training, supervision, and reflective practice sessions and keep up to date with relevant legislation and local statutory and voluntary-sector provision.

5. Skilled in Reporting

· Monitor progress, record outcomes, and adapt support in response to individual needs, using TreeSalt, case notes, and case studies to evidence impact.

• Signpost and refer trainees and participants to appropriate internal services and external agencies, including housing, mental health, benefits, and specialist support.
• Track participant outcomes including engagement, training completion, volunteering, work placements, and employment progression to support internal reporting requirements and funder monitoring.

6. Positive Management of Stakeholders, Partners and Supporters

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with local employers, job centres, statutory services, charities, and third-sector organisations.

• Coordinate referrals and progression pathways into and out of the programme. Establish and maintain pathways into employment, education, training, and volunteering.

• Identify, develop, and maintain work placement and progression opportunities with employers and partner organisations.
• Match participants to placements aligned with their interests, goals, and support needs.

• Ensure placements are structured, safe, and provide meaningful learning and development. Escalate any placement-related issues promptly and collaboratively.

General Duties

• Work in line with organisational policies, procedures, and values.
• Support colleagues and provide cover across services and sites when required.
• Take responsibility for professional development and ongoing learning.
• Act as a positive ambassador for the organisation internally and externally.
• Contribute to environmental responsibility through day-to-day working practices.
• Undertake any other duties appropriate to the role as required.

What we are looking for.

Person Specification 

Minimum of two years’ frontline experience supporting adults, including vulnerable individuals. - Essential

Experience supporting people facing multiple barriers such as poverty, homelessness, unemployment, or housing instability. - Essential

Experience of managing varied caseloads and achieving measurable outcomes with participants. - Essential

Experience of and/or ability to build and maintain partnerships with external organisations, local businesses or employers. - Essential

Understanding of employability pathways, training provision, and labour market opportunities. - Essential

Resilient, adaptable, with flexible enthusiastic approach. Able to work on their own initiative as well as contributing effectively as part of a team. - Essential

Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding, health and safety, and risk management. - Essential

Good interpersonal skills, including verbal and written communication skills. - Essential

Degree-level qualification and/or equivalent experience in responsible roles. - Desirable

Strong time management and administration skills, with the ability to multitask - Essential

Experienced in using IT systems including Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Excel, and Word - Desirable 

Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle and willingness and ability to travel regularly across our Salford hubs - Desirable

Why Work for Mustard Tree

Working at Mustard Tree is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to be part of a community that is changing lives every day.

Our Culture

• A values-led organisation where compassion, dignity, and respect guide everything we do
• A supportive and collaborative team environment where your voice matters
• A place where lived experience is valued and people are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work
• A strong sense of purpose, with the opportunity to see the real impact of your work

 

What We Offer

• A meaningful role where you can make a tangible difference in people’s lives
• Opportunities for learning, development, and progression, including access to training and mentoring
• A flexible and supportive approach to working, with consideration for work-life balance
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing with length of service), with additional bank holidays and a day off for your birthday
• Employer pension contribution
• Access to wellbeing support, including Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) Perkbox

We are committed to investing in our people and creating an environment where you can grow, feel supported, and do your best work.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a supporting statement - telling us about your experience and why this role matters to you.

This job description is intended as a guide and may evolve as our work continues to grow and respond to the needs of our community.

James’ Place, Community Fundraising and Engagement Executive
Job Title: Community Fundraising and Engagement Executive – West Midlands
Salary: £24,160 per annum (£30,200 FTE)
Hours: 0.8FTE, 30 hours per week (flexible over 5 days – to be discussed with successful candidate). There may be occasions when evening or weekend availability is needed.
Contract Type: Permanent
Location: Hybrid – based 2/3 days per week in our Birmingham centre 
Reports to: Fundraising Manager Community

THE CHARITY 
Suicide is the leading cause of death of men under 35 and three quarters of those who die by suicide are men. James’ Place exists to save the lives of men in suicidal crisis through delivering clinical services. We are a charity currently offering free, life-saving therapy to suicidal men at our centres in Liverpool, London, Newcastle and Birmingham.
James’ Place was set up by Clare Milford Haven and Nick Wentworth-Stanley in 2008 after their twenty-one-year-old son, James, died by suicide ten days after a minor operation. James had no history of mental illness or depression and had sought urgent help for anxiety and suicidal thoughts but didn’t find it.   
James' Place was set up to make the experience of finding help as easy as possible. We offer men who are experiencing a suicidal crisis a brief, intensive, therapeutic intervention in a safe environment. Men who walk through the door at James’ Place will be in a space where they feel valued and respected. We provide a calm and peaceful environment both inside the centres and in our outside spaces, accessible to men who visit us as well as their friends and families. We have so far treated over 5,100 men who might otherwise have been unable to access the support they desperately need.

THE OPPORTUNITY
This is a new role designed to raise and facilitate fundraising for James’ Place Birmingham and to grow community and voluntary sector relationships across the region to raise awareness of James’ Place to drive referrals to our Birmingham centre.
As part of the Fundraising team, you will take a leading role in building strong networks across Birmingham and the West Midlands, helping to establish our centre as a sustainable source of life-saving support for men in suicidal crisis.
The postholder will spend 50% of their time working collaboratively and taking responsibility for establishing fundraising activity across the West Midlands with appropriate support from centre staff and fundraising colleagues, the Head of Fundraising and Communications, Director of Fundraising and External Affairs and the Chief Executive and Trustees. They will spend 40% of their time building community-based relationships with the aim of raising awareness to drive referrals to the centre, working closely with the Head of Centre Birmingham and the Centre Manager in Birmingham to do so. It is recognised that this will vary week to week depending on the current needs of the organisations.
This opportunity is ideal for an ambitious individual eager to grow their skills and career while helping to secure the funding and relationships needed to achieve the charity’s long-term goals. 
Direct Fundraising Work 50%

• Develop and grow a network of local donors (including HNWI, corporates, community fundraisers as well as Trusts and Foundations), volunteer supporters and influencers across the West Midlands with a view to increasing the fundraising reach of the organisation.
• Steward existing donors volunteers and prospects to secure long-term multi-year support.
• Support community engagement and attend fundraising events to help achieve the organisation’s fundraising ambitions.
• Identify regional funding opportunities and support with the preparation and submission of grant applications and funding proposals.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams across fundraising, communications, events, and clinical teams to maximise opportunities.

Direct Outreach Work 40%

• Support Heads of Centre to identify and engage with a range of partner organisations across Birmingham and the West Midlands, helping to raise awareness of the charity’s work.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with local statutory, voluntary, and community sector organisations, acting as a professional and approachable representative of the charity.
• Assist with partnership activity, including attending meetings, forums, and events, to share information about services and strengthen local connections.
• Help to coordinate partnership communications and ensure relevant information about the charity’s work is shared clearly and consistently with external partners.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to support joined-up approaches to partnership and engagement activity.
• Identify and feedback opportunities for partnership working that could support fundraising, community engagement, and service awareness.

Administration 10%

• Ensure all fundraising activities are delivered to a high standard ensuring compliance with fundraising regulations and best practice guidelines.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records on the CRM database.
• Work collaboratively with both clinical and non-fundraising colleagues within the Birmingham centre and across the organisation, building their confidence and capability in fundraising activities.
• Ensure all fundraising activities are delivered to a high standard, meeting regulatory and ethical requirements.

Working in the Wider Charity

• Represent James’ Place with professionalism, respect, and confidence at all times.
• Participate in review and evaluation processes to support the ongoing development, effectiveness, and sustainability of James’ Place as a respected charity.
• Undertake any additional duties as required to support the successful delivery of the organisation’s business plan.

Values

• Demonstrate commitment to the James’ Place values of Focus, Bravery, Respect, Compassion, Professionalism, Collaboration and Hope through all aspects of work

PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential

• Proven experience of fundraising in the charity sector, with a track record of achieving results in at least two of the following income streams: Community fundraising, Corporate partnerships, events, major gift fundraising from High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs) and Trusts and Foundations.
• Strong understanding of donor motivations and what drives charitable giving across different audiences.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft persuasive messages and build rapport.
• Confidence and professionalism in engaging and maintaining relationships with stakeholders and partners.
• Excellent time management skills
• Practical, resilient, and flexible, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities.
• Innovative thinker, open to exploring new ideas and approaches to fundraising.
• Collaborative and solution-focused, able to work constructively with others to overcome challenges.
• A team player, willing to support colleagues and take on additional responsibilities when required.
• Capable of working on difficult and sensitive issues, demonstrating kindness, integrity, and emotional resilience, and seeking or offering help when needed.

Desirable

• Experience using CRM databases (e.g. Salesforce)
• Understanding of, and interest in, mental health and suicide prevention.

WE OFFER

• A 7% employer contributory pension scheme.
• Family friendly policies.
• Death in service insurance scheme.
• 25 days plus bank holidays leave entitlement (FTE), including enhanced holiday allowance with incremental rises after qualifying period. 

HOW TO APPLY
To apply, please use the online application system to submit your CV detailing your experience, roles and responsibilities, and answer the screening questions.
If you have any queries or experience challenges with the application process, please email [email protected]

Closing date: 9am on Monday 22nd June 2026
Interviews are expected to be held online on 7th July 2026

Here at James' Place, we want you to feel comfortable in sharing your authentic selves and personal experiences, so we ask that you do not submit an application that has been formulated by AI. You may wish to use AI to support with structural aspects such as grammar and formatting, however your application must reflect your own genuine experiences, critical thinking and creativity.
James’ Place is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community. Our aim is that no job applicant, temporary worker or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender and transgender status, race and ethnicity, religion and belief (including no belief), marriage or civil partnership status or sexual orientation.
If you have a disability or health conditions which means you'd benefit from any adjustments to the interview process to help you perform at your best, please do let us know in advance.
Any job offers made are subject to the receipt of two relevant satisfactory employment references. We expect this to include one from your most recent or current employer. Any job offers made are also subject to a satisfactory DBS check and a Right to Work in the UK check.

REF-229 053

James’ Place, Community Fundraising and Engagement Executive
Job Title: Community Fundraising and Engagement Executive – North West
Salary: £24,160 per annum (£30,200 FTE)
Hours: 0.8FTE, 30 hours per week (flexible over 5 days – to be discussed with successful candidate). There may be occasions when evening or weekend availability is needed.
Contract Type: Permanent
Location: Hybrid – based 2/3 days per week in our Liverpool centre 
Reports to: Fundraising Manager Community

THE CHARITY 
Suicide is the leading cause of death of men under 35 and three quarters of those who die by suicide are men. James’ Place exists to save the lives of men in suicidal crisis through delivering clinical services. We are a charity currently offering free, life-saving therapy to suicidal men at our centres in Liverpool, London and Newcastle.
James’ Place was set up by Clare Milford Haven and Nick Wentworth-Stanley in 2008 after their twenty-one-year-old son, James, died by suicide ten days after a minor operation. James had no history of mental illness or depression and had sought urgent help for anxiety and suicidal thoughts but didn’t find it.   
James' Place was set up to make the experience of finding help as easy as possible. We offer men who are experiencing a suicidal crisis a brief, intensive, therapeutic intervention in a safe environment. Men who walk through the door at James’ Place will be in a space where they feel valued and respected. We provide a calm and peaceful environment both inside the centres and in our outside spaces, accessible to men who visit us as well as their friends and families. We have so far treated over 5,100 men who might otherwise have been unable to access the support they desperately need.
THE OPPORTUNITY
This is a new role designed to raise and facilitate fundraising for James’ Place Liverpool and to grow community and voluntary sector relationships across the region to raise awareness of James’ Place to drive referrals to our Liverpool centre.
As part of the Fundraising team, you will take a leading role in building strong networks across Liverpool and the North West, helping to establish our centre as a sustainable source of life-saving support for men in suicidal crisis.
The postholder will spend 50% of their time working collaboratively and taking responsibility for establishing fundraising activity across the North West with appropriate support from centre staff and fundraising colleagues, the Head of Fundraising and Communications, Director of Fundraising and External Affairs and the Chief Executive and Trustees. They will spend 40% of their time building community-based relationships with the aim of raising awareness to drive referrals to the centre, working closely with the Head of Centre Liverpool and the Centre Manager in Liverpool to do so. It is recognised that this will vary week to week depending on the current needs of the organisations.
This opportunity is ideal for an ambitious individual eager to grow their skills and career while helping to secure the funding and relationships needed to achieve the charity’s long-term goals. 

Direct Fundraising Work 50%

• Develop and grow a network of local donors - (including HNWI, corporates, community fundraisers as well as Trusts and Foundations) volunteer supporters and influencers across the North West with a view to increasing the fundraising reach of the organisation.
• Steward existing donors volunteers and prospects to secure long-term multi-year support.
• Support community engagement and attend fundraising events to help achieve the organisation’s fundraising ambitions.
• Identify regional funding opportunities and support with the preparation and submission of grant applications and funding proposals.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams across fundraising, communications, events, and clinical teams to maximise opportunities.

Direct Outreach Work 40%

• Support Heads of Centre to identify and engage with a range of partner organisations across Liverpool and the North West, helping to raise awareness of the charity’s work.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with local statutory, voluntary, and community sector organisations, acting as a professional and approachable representative of the charity.
• Assist with partnership activity, including attending meetings, forums, and events, to share information about services and strengthen local connections.
• Help to coordinate partnership communications and ensure relevant information about the charity’s work is shared clearly and consistently with external partners.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to support joined-up approaches to partnership and engagement activity.
• Identify and feedback opportunities for partnership working that could support fundraising, community engagement, and service awareness.

Administration 10%

• Ensure all fundraising activities are delivered to a high standard ensuring compliance with fundraising regulations and best practice guidelines.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records on the CRM database.
• Work collaboratively with both clinical and non-fundraising colleagues within the Liverpool centre and across the organisation, building their confidence and capability in fundraising activities.
• Ensure all fundraising activities are delivered to a high standard, meeting regulatory and ethical requirements.

Working in the Wider Charity

• Represent James’ Place with professionalism, respect, and confidence at all times.
• Participate in review and evaluation processes to support the ongoing development, effectiveness, and sustainability of James’ Place as a respected charity.
• Undertake any additional duties as required to support the successful delivery of the organisation’s business plan.

Values

• Demonstrate commitment to the James’ Place values of Focus, Bravery, Respect, Compassion, Professionalism, Collaboration and Hope through all aspects of work

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

• Proven experience of fundraising in the charity sector, with a track record of achieving results in at least two of the following income streams: Community fundraising, Corporate partnerships, events, major gift fundraising from High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs) and Trusts and Foundations.
• Strong understanding of donor motivations and what drives charitable giving across different audiences.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft persuasive messages and build rapport.
• Confidence and professionalism in engaging and maintaining relationships with stakeholders and partners.
• Excellent time management skills
• Practical, resilient, and flexible, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities.
• Innovative thinker, open to exploring new ideas and approaches to fundraising.
• Collaborative and solution-focused, able to work constructively with others to overcome challenges.
• A team player, willing to support colleagues and take on additional responsibilities when required.
• Capable of working on difficult and sensitive issues, demonstrating kindness, integrity, and emotional resilience, and seeking or offering help when needed.

Desirable

• Experience using CRM databases (e.g. Salesforce)
• Understanding of, and interest in, mental health and suicide prevention.

WE OFFER

• A 7% employer contributory pension scheme.
• Family friendly policies.
• Death in service insurance scheme.
• 25 days plus bank holidays leave entitlement (FTE), including enhanced holiday allowance with incremental rises after qualifying period. 

HOW TO APPLY
To apply, please use the online application system to submit your CV detailing your experience, roles and responsibilities, and answer the screening questions.
If you have any queries or experience challenges with the application process, please email [email protected].

Closing date: 9am on Monday 22nd June 2026
Interviews are expected to be held online on 6th July 2026

Here at James' Place, we want you to feel comfortable in sharing your authentic selves and personal experiences, so we ask that you do not submit an application that has been formulated by AI. You may wish to use AI to support with structural aspects such as grammar and formatting, however your application must reflect your own genuine experiences, critical thinking and creativity.
James’ Place is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community. Our aim is that no job applicant, temporary worker or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender and transgender status, race and ethnicity, religion and belief (including no belief), marriage or civil partnership status or sexual orientation.
If you have a disability or health conditions which means you'd benefit from any adjustments to the interview process to help you perform at your best, please do let us know in advance.
Any job offers made are subject to the receipt of two relevant satisfactory employment references. We expect this to include one from your most recent or current employer. Any job offers made are also subject to a satisfactory DBS check and a Right to Work in the UK check.

REF-229 054

Would you like to lead an organisation that makes a meaningful difference to the lives of millions of people? Tinnitus UK is looking for an experienced and values-driven Chief Executive Officer to guide the charity through an exciting period of growth and opportunity.

Tinnitus affects almost 8 million people in the UK, with many experiencing a significant impact on their wellbeing, relationships, work and quality of life. Tinnitus UK exists to improve the lives of people living with tinnitus through trusted information and support, education and professional development, research partnerships, and awareness and advocacy. Each year, we support more than 250,000 people through our services, resources, events and networks.

Following a period of significant organisational development, Tinnitus UK is entering an exciting new phase. We have strengthened our finances, enhanced our operations and services, expanded our influence, and launched an ambitious 10-year strategy that sets out our vision for the future. We are now seeking a part-time Chief Executive Officer to lead the next stage of our journey.

Reporting to the Chair of the Board of Trustees, the CEO will provide strategic leadership for the organisation, working closely with the Board, staff team, volunteers, funders and partners to deliver our mission and maximise our impact. You will lead a committed and talented team, ensuring Tinnitus UK remains financially sustainable, influential across the hearing health sector, and responsive to the needs of people living with tinnitus.

This is an opportunity for an experienced and values-driven leader who combines strategic thinking with practical delivery. You will be comfortable leading a small but ambitious organisation, building partnerships, driving income growth, supporting innovation and representing Tinnitus UK externally with credibility and passion.

While this role is initially being recruited on a part time basis, we envisage a planned progression to a full-time position as the charity grows and subject to financial sustainability. We believe that visible and collaborative leadership is essential and therefore ask candidates to commit to spending at least two days per week in our Sheffield office, working alongside the team.

If you share our commitment to improving understanding, treatment and support for people affected by tinnitus, and want to help shape the future of a growing national charity, we would love to hear from you.

For further information, including details of the role and person specification, please download the Candidate Pack or contact us to arrange an informal conversation.

To apply, please submit your CV and a supporting statement (maximum two pages) outlining how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role and why you are interested in leading Tinnitus UK.

The deadline is 5pm Monday 6 July.

First interviews will be held online on 14 and 15 July while second interviews will be held in person at the Tinnitus UK offices in Sheffield during week commencing 20 July.

Assistant Head of Fundraising (Public Fundraising)

Salary £57,574.79 per annum

LocationLondon/Hybrid

Weekly Hours35

The Vacancy

Job Title: Assistant Head of Fundraising (Public Fundraising)

Location: London/Hybrid

Salary: £57,574.79 per annum

Weekly Hours: 35

Reference: YMC1212513

An exciting moment to join us

YMCA England & Wales is entering one of the most exciting chapters in its fundraising history, launching our ambition to create 10,000 new homes for young people. Working alongside local YMCAs, we will support the development of new accommodation across the federation, helping young people move towards independence.

This role sits at the heart of that ambition.

You will lead the fundraising behind two critical components of the 10,000 Homes programme:
• Securing income from the public to build and sustain a central Centre of Expertise (mobilisation team), supporting local YMCAs to develop and deliver housing projects.
• Raising capital from individual supporters, mid-level donors and major donors to grow a replenishing national fund that provides upfront investment to unlock housing developments across the federation.

At the centre of this is the 10,000 Homes Fund: a bold, housing-focused proposition that offers the public a clear and tangible way to support young people into safe, stable accommodation. You will be responsible for growing this proposition, ensuring it resonates strongly with supporters and inspires giving at all levels.

You will lead an integrated public fundraising approach, bringing together individual giving, mid-level and major donors into one compelling, housing-led narrative. A key part of the role will be translating a complex, federated model into a simple, emotional and compelling case for support that connects with people’s motivations to give.

We’ve established strong early foundations and are now ready to scale. This role offers the opportunity to take a high-potential public fundraising proposition to the next level -expanding its reach, deepening supporter engagement, and unlocking significant new income.

We are looking for someone who is creative, data-driven and passionate about engaging the public to drive meaningful change for young people. We’re looking for someone comfortable working in a federated environment, with the ability to simplify complex ideas into compelling messages for the public.

The role

As Assistant Head of Fundraising (Public Fundraising), you will lead and inspire a team of talented fundraisers, deputising for the Head of Fundraising and taking ownership of our most ambitious programmes:

The 10,000 Homes Fund driving forward our flagship proposition across individual giving, cash appeals and mid-level audiences.

Major Donors shaping the strategy for high-net-worth relationships, new giving circles and development boards.

RoomSponsor, YMCA’s flagship regular giving product, now in its third year of an ambitious growth strategy. You will oversee a unique partnership model across 45 local YMCAs, support the income distribution process, and see first-hand the impact of your work through a programme that directly supports young people with safe accommodation.

Legacies working with the Senior Fundraising Manager and Head of Fundraising to define and grow what is set to become a landmark legacy programme.

This is a hands-on leadership role: you will set direction, manage budgets, develop your team, while also being prepared to step into delivery when it matters most. You will balance strategic oversight with practical execution, ensuring programmes are both ambitious and deliverable.

About you

You are an experienced public fundraising professional with a strong track record in individual giving or direct marketing, alongside a well-developed understanding of major donor fundraising. You know how to bring different disciplines together behind a single proposition and deliver results.

You are an effective and confident leader, able to build, motivate and develop high-performing teams. You create clarity, set high standards, and support others to do their best work, stepping in when needed and leading from the front.

You are at your best when driving a clear proposition forward. You are excited by the opportunity to take a compelling idea and translate it into something that engages the public, inspires generosity and delivers sustainable income.

You are energised by a challenge, comfortable with complexity and working in a federated environment, where success depends on strong relationships and shared ownership. You are skilled at working with partners, whether agencies, internal stakeholders or local YMCAs, and know how to align people around a common goal.

You combine strategic thinking with operational delivery. You are data-driven, using insight and performance to shape your decisions, and confident working with (and occasionally building) financial models to plan, test and scale activity. You bring both creativity and discipline, generating new ideas while ensuring they are grounded, deliverable and effective.

Above all, you are a strong communicator and influencer. You can simplify complex ideas into clear, compelling messages, build confidence with colleagues and stakeholders, and position fundraising as a critical enabler of impact.

Why join us now

YMCA is the oldest and largest youth charity in the world, serving communities across England and Wales every day. The fundraising team is geared up for success, the strategy is set, the proposition is proven, and the results are already coming in. What we need now is a leader ready to take this momentum to the next level.

YMCA England & Wales is committed to equality and valuing diversity. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Our recruitment process is anonymised and candidates' names are hidden. Safer recruitment is important to us and the successful applicant will be asked to provide two references. They will also be required to complete a safeguarding self-declaration, safeguarding training and undertake a DBS check.

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.