Graphic design volunteer jobs in Braintree, essex

Are you our next Trusts Fundraising Officer?

If you have a talent for story telling, are looking for a role where your words can make a lasting impact and are passionate about giving vulnerable young people life changing opportunities, then this is the job for you. We’re seeking a talented individual who can tell our story and help secure vital funding from trusts and grant-makers.

Trusts and other grant-makers are an important source of funding for our charity. As we look ahead, we’re expanding our Trusts fundraising portfolio to meet the growing needs of our programmes. This is where you come in.

As our Trusts Fundraising Officer, you’ll be an inspiring storyteller whose enthusiasm for our work shines through in your writing. You’ll play a key role in researching new funders, crafting compelling funding applications and keeping our supporters engaged with our work. Your work will involve developing case studies and gathering evidence to show the need for our services. This will help secure sustainable funding. You’ll be supported by our experienced Trusts Fundraising Manager to build lasting relationships with funders. Together, you’ll keep them engaged and informed about the positive impact they’re making on the young people we support.

The Trusts Fundraising Officer must be self-motivated, well organised, able to multi-task, have good administration skills and understand the “power of the outdoors”.  Paid or voluntary experience in a fundraising environment is essential.  This is a great opportunity for somebody looking to take the next step in their career, with plenty of scope to develop your skills and experience within a supportive team. Whilst the role is home-based you must live in the South West to ensure easy access for in-person meetings.

The Charity

At the Youth Adventure Trust, we use outdoor adventure to empower vulnerable young people from Swindon, Wiltshire and Somerset to fulfil their potential and lead positive lives in the future. We work with them to build resilience, develop confidence and learn skills that will last a lifetime, helping them to face the challenges in their lives. Dedicated support, guidance and mentoring from our staff and volunteers ensures young people receive the maximum benefit from our long-term intervention. Our aim is to make a lasting improvement to the lives of vulnerable young people. All our services are provided completely free of charge to the young people who are nominated by schools and other youth organisations to take part.

We’re proud to offer our programmes completely free of charge to participants which means the fundraising team is crucial. With ambitious plans to help more young people over the coming years, our Events Fundraising Officer role is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference. You’ll be well-supported as part of a small fundraising team with a big heart, with plenty of opportunities to visit our programmes and see the tangible impact of your work. 

What We’re Looking For:

• Outstanding communication skills – You can write clearly, persuasively and passionately. You’re confident speaking to others about the charity’s work.

• Writing experience – You have experience writing successful funding applications, proposals, or compelling articles, ideally but not necessarily with a  fundraising focus

• Fundraising experience - You may not have written a grant application before but you should have some paid or voluntary experience in a fundraising capacity.

• Attention to detail – You take pride in your work, have a good eye for detail and a thorough approach.

• Creativity - able to put together eye-catching proposals, impact graphics and social media posts.

• Self-motivation and organisation – You’re able to manage your own time and prioritise effectively.

• Passion for the outdoors and youth development – You understand the importance of giving vulnerable young people outdoor experiences and are willing to put on your waterproofs and join in on our activities and camps to witness first-hand the difference the Youth Adventure Trust makes.

• Willingness to learn - if you think you have what it takes but don’t have lots of experience as a Trusts Fundraiser, this role comes with plenty of scope to develop your writing skills and gain experience within a supportive team environment.

Safer Recruitment

The Youth Adventure Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and requires all employees to share this commitment. The suitability of all prospective employees will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment and in compliance with current employment legislation, and relevant safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance. 

Role Purpose

As Head of Creative & Content, you will shape and champion the creative vision of Child Bereavement UK. You’ll lead the development of a bold, purposeful content and creative strategy that brings our mission to life, ensuring every story, campaign and asset is high-quality, evidence-based, accessible and emotionally resonant across all channels.

You’ll set the creative direction and ensure everything we produce is consistently compelling, inclusive and impactful, delivering outstanding user experiences that truly connect with our audiences.

This role leads the full content lifecycle, from strategic planning and innovative production to governance and evaluation. You’ll drive creativity that supports income generation, strengthens service delivery and grows brand awareness, making sure our content doesn’t just inform, but inspires action and change.

Main Responsibilities

1. Leadership, Team Management & Administration

• Work alongside the Director of Marketing & Communications to lead the Marketing & Communications team, ensuring there is a clear direction of travel, an understanding of purpose and exemplary culture embedded to drive future success.
• Provide clear leadership and direct line management to the Brand Lead and Content Creator.
• Build a high-performing content function with strong planning, evaluation and cross-functional collaboration.
• Support and mentor a network of volunteer content creators.
• Champion innovation, best practice and a user-centred approach to content.
• Proactively formulate appropriate, strategic and creative responses and pitch new ideas for campaigns and activities.
• Oversee the content strategy for all level 1 output, and seasonal appeals and campaigns.
• Effectively manage expenditure across all content workstreams in line with agreed expenditure budgets.
• Ensure that the recording of permissions and consents is adhered to in line with our policies and procedures and in accordance with GDPR.
• Deputise for the Director of Marketing & Communications when required.

2. Creative and Content Strategy & Governance

• Set, implement and continuously evolve the organisation-wide content strategy, ensuring alignment with strategic aims and audience needs.
• Oversee content systems, processes, policies and tools to ensure consistency, quality, accessibility and compliance.
• Develop a sensitive and safe lived-experience content strategy, ensuring safeguarding standards are met and contributors are appropriately supported in partnership with service teams.
• Identify and pursue content collaboration opportunities to enhance reach, impact and brand visibility.
• Manage the content budget and ensure effective prioritisation and resourcing.

3. Content Creation, Management & Delivery

• Lead delivery of high-quality cross-channel content, including copy, editorial, design and audio-visual assets.
• Develop and provide creative direction for content-led campaigns.
• Grow and manage a library of level 1 and evergreen content.
• Identify new and emerging content opportunities appropriate content opportunities using market insight and analytics to continuously develop Child Bereavement UK’s content position.
• Create, assign, commission and manage a diverse range of evergreen and project specific multimedia content including but not limited to video, audio, design and copy.
• Maintain a robust content production schedule to support organisational priorities.
• Quality-assure and ensure all content meets visual identity, user experience, accessibility, safeguarding and GDPR requirements.
• Support colleagues with interviewing service-users, professionals, staff and supporters and producing high-quality case studies for use across channels including the Impact Report, website, publications, social media and fundraising materials.
• Support and guide colleagues with basic content production duties as needed.

4. Brand & Information standards

• Provide line management and leadership to the Brand Lead to oversee brand (design, editorial and audio-visual) standards across all key external communications.
• Support the Brand Lead to identify and steward brand opportunities and collaborations.

5. Insight, Evaluation & Reporting

• Lead ongoing insight and research activities to assess content effectiveness and identify gaps or opportunities.
• Monitor and analyse content reach, performance and effectiveness producing regular reports for senior leadership.
• Adopt test-and-learn approaches (e.g., A/B testing and insight sharing) to drive continuous improvement.

6. Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with the Directors of Marketing & Communications, Services & Service Transformation, and Income Generation to deliver strategic content needs.
• Partner with bereavement services, income generation and participation teams to identify and maximise high-value content opportunities.
• Collaborate with brand and marketing colleagues to deliver projects aligned to the marketing strategy and comms plans.
• Liaise with creative agencies, media partners and freelance suppliers.
• Foster strong cross-charity relationships to ensure coherent messaging and shared learning.

All Staff

• Contribute to the vision and mission of Child Bereavement UK; whilst embedding the values into your daily work activities.
• Promote equality of opportunity and diversity in accordance with Child Bereavement UK policy.
• Contribute to the overall success of the charity’s fundraising needs by providing case studies, attending events and adding value to the experience of our supporters as required.
• Contribute to the brand and reach of the charity by working alongside our Marketing & Communications Team when relevant press opportunities arise or when required for social media and online content (including the use of photography).
• Work to objectives, targets and work plans agreed with your line manager.
• Undertake specific projects and other ad hoc duties agreed with your line manager, fulfilling any deadlines, reviews and reporting procedures required.
• Take an active part in the Quarterly review process and participate in training agreed with your line manager.
• Recognise and champion the lived experience of children and young people with bereavement within your work.
• Ensure the health and safety of all colleagues, volunteers and visitors in accordance with Child Bereavement UK policy.

Person Specification

Essential

Experience & Knowledge

• Proven experience developing and delivering an organisation-wide content strategy.
• Experience leading a content or editorial function in a complex organisation (charity, health, social care or similar desirable).
• Proficient in graphic design and video editing skills (e.g. Canva, Adobe, CapCut).
• Strong track record for producing and overseeing high-quality written, digital, graphic and audiovisual content.
• Experience commissioning and managing agencies, freelancers and creative partners.
• Demonstrable experience creating or stewarding sensitive or lived-experience content, including safeguarding, trauma-informed practice and GDPR compliance.
• Experience of embedding and adhering to content governance and policy.
• Experience managing a team of content specialists and/or volunteers.
• Experience working collaboratively across multiple directorates and with subject matter experts.
• Experience using insight, analytics, testing and research to evaluate content performance and inform decision-making.
• Strong project management experience, managing multiple concurrent content projects and deadlines.
• Strong understanding of accessibility, UX principles, brand management and content governance.

Skills

• Excellent copywriting, editing and storytelling skills across multiple formats and for diverse audiences.
• Skilled in producing high-quality video and audio content, including hands-on skills in filming, recording and editing.
• Ability to translate complex or clinical information into clear, engaging content. Ability to set strategic direction and translate it into actionable plans and workflows.
• Strong ability to prioritise, allocate resources and manage competing demands.
• Ability to balance creative ambition with commercial or organisational objectives.
• Skilled in coaching, mentoring and motivating individuals and teams.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills, with the ability to influence internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to interpret data, identify insights and make evidence-based recommendations.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to editorial quality.

Attributes & Values

• Compassion, emotional intelligence and ability to work respectfully with bereaved children, young people and families.
• Collaborative, approachable, and able to build trust across teams.
• Creative, innovative and proactive, with a solutions-focused, self-starter mindset.
• Highly organised, resilient and able to work independently in a remote environment.
• Strong commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and ethical storytelling, including amplifying lived experience safely and respectfully.
• Willingness to undertake relevant training and development opportunities.
• Willingness to be flexible work to meet organisational need.
• Ability to undertake periodic UK travel and represent the charity at meetings and events.

Desirable

• Experience working within the charity/third sector, particularly in bereavement, mental health or social care.
• Understanding of bereavement and the needs of bereaved children, young people and parents.
• Previous experience in a Head of Content or similar leadership role.
• Experience of leading in-house and external creative teams.
• Background in storytelling, editorial or publishing environments.
• Experience of delivering large-scale content programmes across multiple channels.
• Familiarity with CRM systems such as Salesforce.
• Experience managing or supporting lived-experience contributors, ambassadors or volunteers.
• Knowledge of digital marketing principles (e.g., SEO, user journeys, content optimisation.
• Active engagement with creative or content industry networks

Recruitment Timetable

Application deadline: 27th May 2026 at midnight

First Stage Screening Interviews – on-going

You may be asked to attend a 10-minute Screening Interview on MS Teams with the Hiring Managers for the vacancy, to assess your suitability for the role. During the interview, you will be asked two skills-based questions.

Second Stage Interviews – Friday 5th June

If you are progressed to a second stage interview, you will be invited to attend a 1-hour formal interview on MS Teams with the Hiring Managers for the role. It is our policy to share the role-specific interview questions with applicants ahead of the interview, to aid their preparation. You may also be asked to complete an interview task, which will also be shared with you in advance.