Programme and policy manager jobs

Play to the Crowd (incorporating Theatre Royal Winchester, Hat Fair and Playmakers) is looking for a Fundraising Manager. 

Hours/contract: Permanent, full time, 36 hours per week (job share or part-time hours will be considered for the right candidate)

Salary: £28,950 - £32,754 depending on length of service 

Base: Theatre Royal Winchester / Hybrid

We’re looking for a confident and enthusiastic fundraiser with a track record of delivering and leading major donor fundraising, membership schemes, corporate partnerships as well as securing significant funds from Trusts and Foundations.

The Fundraising Manager is responsible for implementing the charity’s fundraising strategy to increase our fundraised income to support all areas of our activity. This will be achieved by connecting donors and supporters to our mission to delight and unite communities through the power of live performance and participation.

The charity has ambitious plans for the future. We will continue to invest in the beautiful Theatre Royal Winchester. With the absence of Arts Council England National Portfolio funding, we will be transitioning to a new structure and funding model for future Hat Fair festivals. Through our engagement projects we will continue to have impact on our local community both in central Winchester and the wider district.

The Fundraising Manager role will be vital in:

• Helping to develop a sustainable fundraising model to secure future Hat Fair festivals

• Securing funding from Trusts and Foundations for community projects, core revenue to support our artistic and creative ambitions, and capital works

• Cultivating and securing large gifts from Major Donors

• Growing our membership base – our members are loyal and key advocates of the charity and audiences for our events

• Managing the relationships and developing our Corporate Partnerships 

How to Apply 

Application deadline: 10am Tue 17 February 2026 
Interviews: Wed 25 February 2026 

Interested? If you would like to find out more details about this role please visit our website where you can find the Job Description and Person Specification. Our website also contains our application form. Please note that we require fully completed application forms. We are unable to accept CVs. 

Keen on this role but seen something you’re not sure about? Don’t rule yourself out, get in touch to talk it through. For an informal discussion about the role, please get contact Kirstie Mathieson, Communications and Development Director (email available in the job pack) 

Play to the Crowd is an equal opportunities employer, welcoming applications from the widest possible diversity of backgrounds, cultures and experiences and is also open to job share proposals. 

We are looking for an Education Officer to take up this exciting opportunity to educate on and develop our leading educational programmes, reaching thousands of students and teachers in the UK. 

Education Officers support all aspects of the Trust’s educational work, to ensure that the programmes we offer are high quality, based on sound educational practice and are historically accurate, authentic and engaging.

They are responsible for delivering our programmes in schools and other institutions throughout the year. In addition to delivery, they are responsible for ensuring our content is innovative, educational and memorable, and in line with our strategy and mission of teaching about the Holocaust and antisemitism.

Key areas of responsibility include:

• Programme delivery
• Programme development, innovation and resource production
• Partnerships and External Relations
• Impact, Evaluation and Learning
• Safeguarding

This post requires regular travel within the UK and abroad, (including a minimum of three one-day Poland visits per year as part of the Lessons from Auschwitz Project) and to work on occasional evenings and weekends. HET has a Time Off In Lieu policy, as well as additional systems of support to ensure that there is a realistic, sustainable and fair schedule of travel across the Education Officer team. 

For more information, please see the full Application Pack and our website for details on how to apply. 

Do you want to be part of the team leading a charity that has a 135-year history of combating the challenges arising from deprivation and social exclusion in East London?

Our mission at St. Hilda’s East is to equip our service users with the resilience to navigate modern life. We welcome everyone into our spaces and work together to deliver engaging activities, promote social contact and ultimately enrich lives. 

Located in Tower Hamlets, we welcome people of all ages to our large, friendly community centre in Shoreditch where we offer a wide range of activities promoting wellbeing and social connections. Our services include sensory play for Under-5’s, youth programmes, wellbeing activities for those experiencing mental health issues, bilingual advice, and activities to reduce social isolation and enhance physical and mental wellbeing for older people. We also run a day centre in Shadwell, where we care for elders from the Bangladeshi and other communities. 

We have a unique relationship with our founders, the Guild (alumnae) of Cheltenham Ladies’ College, we are located on the fringes of the City, and we generate income from hiring out space in our community centre. These opportunities make the Marketing & Fundraising Manager position varied and interesting, with plenty of possibility to grow and develop in the role. 

Job Purpose:

The Marketing & Fundraising Manager will play a key role in developing and implementing St Hilda’s East’s marketing strategy and will take the lead in organising fundraising events and securing funds from individual donations, and rental and room hire income.

They will lead on communications with external stakeholders through the development and implementation of SHE’s marketing plans and social media strategy. There will be a particular focus on strengthening our unique link with the Guild (alumnae) of Cheltenham Ladies’ College, as well as with parents and pupils of the school – to raise awareness of the impact of St. Hilda’s East and to organise joint events. The postholder will work alongside freelance fundraisers who focus on maximising grant income.

It is not essential to have experience in the non-profit sector; we would love to hear from you if you have experience in sales and marketing in a commercial environment and are looking to bring your talents to the charity sector.

This job is for you, if you:

• possess excellent writing skills and a passion for communicating our charitable mission, possibly moving into the charity sector for the first time
• have the ability to develop and mantain positive relationships with a diverse range of people including high net worth individuals, partners, colleagues, and service users 
• have a proactive and creative approach to solving problems and researching and developing new sources of income 
• have the ability to manage multiple priorities, effectively balancing operational and strategic expectations.

Benefits

Benefits include flexible working arrangements including the option to split some of your time between our office and home, 25 days annual leave, Learning & Development Support, and access to an Employee Assistance Programme.

Closing date for applications: 22nd February 2026 at 23:59

Our Recruitment Policy: St Hilda's is committed to racial justice and wider inclusion and diversity. We are working towards a goal where our team fully reflects the diversity and difference in lived experiences of our local community.

#fundraising  #marketing    #fundraisingmanager    #marketingmanager

This flagship programme, delivered in partnership with TDS, GMCA and the Nationwide Foundation, uses action research and behavioural‑insight‑informed interventions to understand and reduce unintentional non‑compliance among private landlords, with the aim of improving renting standards and supporting people in housing need.

We have a new 12‑month fixed‑term opportunity to join our Greater Manchester Good Landlord Charter/Landlord Support Hub team as a Research and Evaluation Manager.

Some of the key responsibilities include:

• Lead the project’s research and evaluation activities, including insight gathering, participatory research, and continuous testing of behavioural or supportive interventions.
• Design and evaluate behavioural interventions, assessing impact, outcomes and what works to inform future policy and operational practice.
• Collaborate closely with the Behavioural Insight Specialist and Landlord Support Manager, ensuring research is rigorous, ethical, and generates meaningful learning.
• Engage landlords, tenants, letting agents, and local authorities to gather data, understand barriers to compliance, and capture lived experience.
• Produce high‑quality reporting, including findings, recommendations, and insights to support both internal decision‑making and external stakeholders such as GMCA and the Nationwide Foundation.
• Represent the Research & Evaluation function at meetings, workshops and advisory groups, contributing to the wider aims of improving standards across the private rented sector.

To be considered for this role, you must be able to demonstrate:

• Strong experience in research, evaluation or insight‑gathering, ideally within housing, social policy, behavioural insights or community‑focused projects.
• Ability to design and apply research methods, including interviews, behavioural diagnosis, qualitative and/or quantitative analysis.
• Excellent communication and reporting skills, able to turn complex insights into clear recommendations.
• Confidence managing relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Based in/near Greater Manchester, and able to travel across the region as needed.

TDS offers a plethora of benefits inclusive of:

• 33 days holiday inc bank holidays
• BUPA Private healthcare
• BUPA Wellbeing cash plan
• Pension Scheme
• Additional day off for your birthday
• Plus many more!

If you have any questions or would like to find out more information, please feel free to contact me directly.

Applications for this position will be accepted until 10 February.

TDS is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in our workforce and to be truly representative of all sections of society and our customers

This is an exciting role in a unique organisation.  Our vision is to provide an outstanding experience for all UCL students and to be one of the best students’ unions in the UK and the world.  We aim to build a vibrant and empowered student community with real influence in UCL and beyond, that enables students to enjoy their time at university; pursue their interests and passions; see the world in new ways; and develop the skills and experience to change the world for the better.

We are a registered charity employing over 150 career staff and 300 student staff, delivering a wide range of services and representative functions for UCL students. We have the widest portfolio of services of any student organisation in the country, managing UCL’s extracurricular programmes for sport, music, drama, dance, media, volunteering, academic societies and intercultural engagement; providing a wide range of fantastic social spaces; leading on student democracy and representation across UCL; and offering excellent student support services.

It's an exciting time to join our growing organisation as we lead the delivery of UCL’s groundbreaking new Student Life Strategy. This is enabling us to build more programmes to improve students’ mental and physical wellbeing, promote genuine equity for all, build students’ skills and confidence, develop their international connections and intercultural skills, and make a real contribution to our local community.

We support hybrid working. Excellent benefits including defined benefit pension scheme and generous holiday entitlement. We are proud of high levels of staff engagement and pride ourselves on being a great place to work. We will consider applications to work on a flexible and job share basis wherever possible. 

The role is full-time and permanent. This role is based at our Bloomsbury campus with flexibility to work from home on a 40/60 basis (40% working from the office).

We are looking for an Advice and Wellbeing Administrator to provide high quality administrative support to the Advice & Wellbeing team. The role will provide support to our expanding prevention and intervention programmes such as our Active Bystander Programme, including overseeing the enquiries, scheduling, and workshop administration. This role may also include triaging Advice Service and Sexual Violence Liaison Officer enquiries, booking appointments, maintaining electronic records and providing administrative support to the Advisors/Officers. 

Have you got excellent verbal and written communication skills? Are you able to understand and work within policies, procedures and regulations? If the answer is yes, then we want to hear from you.
 

Our ideal candidate will manage the various shared email inboxes and ensure that enquiries are responded to in a friendly, effective and efficient manner. The right candidate will handle personal information in a sensitive manner and in accordance with policies and procedures around confidentiality and data protection. The successful role holder will also work collaboratively with other members of the team to ensure that an outstanding Advice Service and wellbeing projects are provided that meet the needs of UCL students. 

We are looking for an experienced museum and heritage professional with a curatorial and/or learning and engagement background to ensure our collection, archive and content development has relevance for diverse audiences and partners.

The role of Head of Content, Learning & Engagement offers a hugely exciting opportunity to join a young and ambitious charity at a pivotal moment in its evolution.

You will develop our work across the collection and archive, including having curatorial oversight for Crystal Palace Museum, ownership of which will be transferring to the Trust during 2026. You will also lead our learning and engagement programmes, ensuring all activity is audience-driven and rooted in our mission, values and strategic principles and taking inspiration from our rich heritage and landscape and fascinating creative, cultural, and sporting legacy.

War on Want is recruiting for a permanent Department Director to lead our campaigning, policy and international partnerships and programmes work. This role will suit a dynamic self-motivated and experienced Department Director. You will need significant senior management team experience, as well as experience of managing thematic experts and campaigners and leading the delivery of impactful and transformative campaigns.

As a member of War on Want’s senior management team, you will be responsible for ensuring and overseeing the effective planning, implementing and monitoring of War on Want’s campaigning, policy and international partnerships and programmes work. Working with the Executive Director and Senior Management Team colleagues you will also contribute to the overall management of the organisation.

This is a unique and highly rewarding position for a creative and inspirational individual to join the leadership of an impactful charity working both in the UK and globally on some of the most challenging social justice issues. The role oversees our programmes and campaigns on climate justice, economic justice, and on militarism and security issues, including our priority work on Palestine. This is a great opportunity to join a dynamic staff group dedicated to making a genuine difference in the fight for global justice. 

War on Want staff can work from War on Want’s head office, 44-48 Shepherdess Walk, London N1 7JP and from home. Some travel within the UK and overseas may be required.

For more information on the role and to apply, please visit our website.

Deadline for applications: 23.59 on Sunday 8 February 2026.

War on Want is a registered charity no 208724. We actively encourage applicants from ethnic minorities and aim to be an equal opportunities employer.

About Access

Access - The Foundation for Social Investment works to ensure that charities and social enterprises can access the finance they need to sustain or grow their impact. Access is currently implementing a new CRM and Grant Management System (Salesforce-based, delivered by implementation partner Vera) to support its programmes, partner relationships, and reporting needs. This role will play a critical part in ensuring the system is delivered well and that Access is ready to operate it confidently at go-live.

Position Overview

Access is seeking a Salesforce Implementation & Delivery Manager on a fixed-term basis to support the delivery of its Salesforce-based CRM and Grant Management System.

Reporting to the Project Manager, this role will combine:

• strong project coordination and delivery management,
• hands-on Salesforce CRM expertise, and
• practical change management capability to help staff adapt to new systems and ways of working.

As Access does not have Salesforce expertise in-house, this role will act as a key internal point of reference, helping to review and sense-check design decisions, manage delivery risks, and ensure that the system being built is usable, well understood, and ready for go-live.

This is not a developer or Salesforce Administrator role, but it does require strong Salesforce CRM experience, alongside proven ability to support users through change, structure complex projects, and keep delivery on track. The role will continue through early post–go live to support transition into business-as-usual and handover to the incoming System Administrator.

This is a Fixed-Term Contract of 6 months minimum. Full-time hours are preferred but we are also open to 4 days per week. Ideally we would like one day per week in our office (Tuesday), which is situated in Old Street, London.

The Role:
• Take overall responsibility for project management and project team, including effective budget management, ensuring value for money
• Line manage the Site Manager and potentially other staff to ensure they help realise the vision and remain motivated and able to carry out their roles efficiently and effectively.
• Developing and managing positive relationships with community partner Arkaig Community Forest, the wider community, neighbouring landowners, funders and key stakeholders
• Lead on the development of the Beò Airceig partnership, supporting the fundraising team to secure funds and line management and support for any WT staff associated with the project
• Support existing and seek opportunities for the development of other landscape scale partnerships which contribute to the achievement of the wider vision for WT and the Alliance for Scotland’s Rainforest
• Ensure all Woodland Trust policies and processes are followed, including Health and Safety
• Represent the Trust professionally, promoting our work externally at high level to partners, funders, stakeholders and the public.
• Support colleagues across the organisation to help deliver our charitable objectives

The Candidate:
• You’ll be experienced in environmental land management with experience of native woodland management. 
• You’ll be used to managing landscape scale nature restoration projects and programmes. 
• You’ll be experienced leading, managing, developing and inspiring a team. 
• You’ll be proficient in managing, monitoring and reporting on budgets. 
• You’ll be experienced in procurement and contract management. 
• You’ll have knowledge of commercial operations, achieving organisational objectives while delivering value for money.
• You’ll be confident in partnership development to deliver strategic impact
• You’ll be experienced working with fundraisers to develop successful funding bids.
• You’ll have a proven track record in managing complex projects using effective project management techniques

Benefits & Wellbeing: Joining our team means you'll be a big part of tackling environmental and climate issues. We take good care of our staff, offering support and training opportunities. We also offer:
•    Enhanced Employer Pension
•    Life Assurance
•    Flexible & Hybrid Working Options
•    Generous Annual Leave
•    Enhanced Parental Pay
•    Employee Assistance Programme

About Us: The Woodland Trust is the UK's leading woodland conservation charity and is dedicated to creating a world where trees and woods thrive for both people and nature. Our mission involves engaging and inspiring individuals to contribute toward tackling the nature and climate crisis through the protection, restoration, and creation of essential woodland habitats.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: To achieve our vision of a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature, we need to better reflect society and the communities we work in. All people, no matter their background, identity, ability, or circumstance, should benefit from trees. 
People of colour and disabled people are currently under-represented across the environment and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we particularly encourage you to apply.
Please contact us to discuss any additional support or adjustments you may need to complete your application. 

Application Advice: For fairness we keep our candidates’ personal details hidden from the hiring managers, we do not ask for your CV at application stage OR so they do not see your CV until shortlisting is completed. Make sure that your Personal Statement clearly shows how your skills and knowledge link to the specifications in the job description and you share with us your passion for the role. 

Acceptable Use Policy - Artificial Intelligence (AI)
We understand that candidates may choose to use AI tools to support their job applications-for example, to help structure or edit written responses. We welcome the use of AI in this way, particularly where it helps improve accessibility, such as for neurodivergent applicants. However, we ask that any information submitted reflects your own experience, skills and understanding. During interviews, candidates are expected to respond independently without the use of AI tools.

First Stage Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams on the 9th of March 2026.

Contract Type: Full-time / 18 Month Fixed-Term Contract
Salary Band:£29,900, plus £2,200 London weighting if applicable

Location: Birmingham, Glasgow, London, Liverpool, Manchester or Newcastle 

Hours: 5 days per week; 9AM-5.30PM (flexible working hours available). 

Start date: 9th March 2026 or ASAP, as agreed with candidate 

The Opportunity   

The postholder will be responsible for supporting with the oversight of our Aspiring Professionals Programme and Programme Delivery team, with approximately 70% of the activity provision sitting within our Volunteering and Mentoring provision.

The SMF offers in-person and online support and opportunities, so this role will involve providing virtual and in-person support to students and working with employers across the UK.

1. Line Management  

• Set and monitor goals for performance and development with direct reports  
• Coach staff, providing timely feedback and guidance 
• Evaluate performance on an ongoing basis, providing training and development opportunities where required  

 2. Project and Delivery Management  

• Project manage key delivery projects including the recruitment and retention of volunteers and mentors, event provision, student services and other programme work areas 
• Allocate staff to work areas across the Aspiring Professionals Programme, ensuring priority areas are being considered and work is allocated effectively  

3. Monitoring and Evaluation  

• Monitor progress on ongoing key delivery areas, taking corrective action where necessary and supporting the team to adapt where necessary  
• Oversee Salesforce data and other relevant platforms ensuring accuracy and timely updates  

4. Stakeholder Management  

• Steward relationships with critical stakeholders  
• Support staff to communicate efficiently with stakeholders  
• Identify opportunities for efficiency within process and work with the team to implement change  

Please see full job description attached for more details. 

Benefits

• 36/37 days (England & Wales and Scotland respectively - includes bank holidays) calculated on a pro rata basis with 3 of these days reserved for the annual end of year office closure.
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• 5% Salary sacrifice pension scheme with enhanced matching employer contributions
• Employee Assistance Programme available to staff and their family
• Flexible work options such as hybrid working, flexitime, part-time
• Regular staff team building and business planning “away days”

How to Apply

If you are interested in applying for this role, please head over to our website and answer the following questions:

1) Please outline why are interested in the role (500 words max).

2) What do you think motivates volunteers to support social mobility programmes? (250 words max)

3) How do you think volunteers could play a meaningful role in helping students overcome barriers to accessing university, degree apprenticeships, and high‑quality careers? (250 words max)

This is a practical, hands-on leadership role at the heart of Richmond CVS’s work with local charities and community groups. The postholder will lead our support to voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations across the borough – helping them to grow stronger and more sustainable.

The main focus of the role is to strengthen the fundraising skills and income generation of local organisations, alongside providing high-quality advice on governance, planning and strategy. The role requires curiosity, creativity and strong problem-solving skills to help organisations find practical solutions to real-world challenges.

Richmond CVS already works with a range of experienced consultants and trainers and has an established suite of training resources. The postholder is not expected to be an expert in every aspect of charity management. A key part of the role is to coordinate and facilitate this support, drawing on specialist expertise where needed, while providing direct advice particularly in relation to fundraising and the fundamentals of good governance.

Working with a small, passionate team, you will deliver support, facilitate learning and manage projects that make a real difference to grassroots groups.

Key Responsibilities

Organisational Support 

· Provide practical tailored advice and support to VCSE organisations on governance, fundraising, income generation, and strategic planning.

· Help groups to identify funding opportunities and develop strong, realistic funding applications 

· Support organisations to become more sustainable and resilient 

· Develop clear resources, toolkits and guidance 

· Ensure all support is inclusive and accessible 

Training & Events

· Oversee and coordinate a high-quality programme of training and learning opportunities 

· Work with an established network of external trainers and consultants to deliver specialist training 

· Facilitate meetings, workshops and network events where appropriate 

· Develop new learning opportunities based on emerging needs 

· Maintain and develop existing Richmond CVS training materials and resources 

· Promote peer learning and collaboration across the sector 

Project & Programme Management

· Lead and manage capacity building projects from start to finish 

· Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget and to agreed outcomes 

· Monitor and evaluate impact and produce reports for funders 

· Oversee external consultants and specialist support ensuring quality and consistency

· Identify opportunities for new funded projects 

Leadership & Team Management

· Lead and support a small, committed team 

· Coordinate workplans and priorities 

· Provide supervision, support and development for staff 

Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement

· Build strong working relationships with Richmond Council, the NHS and other partners 

· Represent Richmond CVS at meetings and networks 

· Facilitate networking and collaboration across the VCSE sector

· Encourage digital skills and innovation across the sector 

Income Generation & Operations 

· Lead on income generation for capacity building work 

· Contribute to funding bids and proposals 

· Support budget planning and financial monitoring 

· Ensure compliance with organisational policies and procedures 

PERSON SPECIFICATION 

Essential Criteria 

Experience & Knowledge 

· Significant experience of working within the VCSE sector 

· Strong practical experience of fundraising and bid writing 

· Experience of helping organisations improve income generation and sustainability 

· Experience of managing or supervising staff or volunteers 

· Experience of developing, coordinating or facilitating training and learning opportunities 

· Good understanding of the principles of charity governance and good management practice 

· Confidence in using digital tools to support organisations 

 Skills & Abilities 

· Excellent communication and presentation skills 

· Strong problem-solving skills and a solutions-focused approach 

· Curiosity and a genuine interest in understanding organisational needs 

· Ability to build positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders 

· Ability to recognise when specialist expertise is needed and work effectively with external trainers and consultants 

· Strong organisational and time management skills 

· Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines 

· Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion 

 Desirable Criteria

· Knowledge of the Richmond upon Thames VCSE sector 

· Experience of working with local authorities or the NHS 

· Experience of grant assessment or management 

· Understanding of charity law

· Experience of hybrid working environments and flexible team management 

· Relevant qualification in fundraising, charity or project management 

 Personal Qualities 

· Curious and keen to learn 

· Resourceful and solution-focused 

· Approachable and supportive 

· Passionate about the VCSE sector 

· Flexible and willing to get involved where needed 

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Senior Development Manager (Trees for Streets) is the strategic development lead for our Trees for Streets programme. It is a unique and exciting programme that operates across the UK.

They are responsible for managing and optimising the programme, also known as ‘The National Street Tree Sponsorship Scheme’. They will ensure that this special and innovative initiative can flourish as a nationally significant programme, which gets noticed by decision makers and the public alike.

Through maximising the opportunities offered by Trees for Streets, they will play a pivotal role in securing major and fresh investment into streets. This will help transform streets into leafy, liveable places, ultimately mobilising partners and communities towards the planting and long-term stewardship of urban trees.

ABOUT TREES FOR CITIES

Trees for Cities is an ambitious, far-reaching organisation.

Trees for Cities is the only charity that focuses on planting, protecting and promoting urban trees across the UK. We are a rapidly growing and developing organisation that suits ambitious, dedicated and passionate staff. It’s an exciting time to join as we embark on a new 5-year strategy, which will see us launch a movement for urban trees and tree equity.

ABOUT YOU

A strategic mindset: This is a senior, highly collaborative and outward-facing role, which can shape and execute strategic decisions to increase the effectiveness of this special programme for us and our partners. You will have a strategic mindset, complemented by deep programme management experience. You will be confident in scoping and identifying development opportunities, whilst also providing effective management of a multi-scheme programme. You are confident with partners, and they feel involved and central to decision-making.

On partnerships: You will already be adept at high-level partnership management and correspondingly have advanced influencing and negotiating skills. You have a good sense for where synergy exists and are confident engaging people about opportunities. A business mindset and ways of working will be innate to you. Importantly, you can blend the financial and technical opportunities offered by sponsorship platforms with the strategic objectives of a charity to help change lives with trees and build movements for change.

Managing programme complexity: This is a complex programme, with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. You won't be phased by that, because you enjoy collaborative working and know how to manage a diverse range of relationships towards a common purpose, especially when you are not directly responsible for their work. Being a complex programme, there is a lot to keep on top of, but you are a natural problem solver, and attention to detail matters to you.

On learning: You might not know a huge amount about trees, and that's fine (for now), but you are passionate about how sponsorship programmes and ‘tech for good’ can play a pivotal role in making life better, drive powerful partnerships, and bring in fresh resources to help address environmental and social problems. Whilst your knowledge about schemes like this, or how to plant trees in streets is limited, you are not fazed by the need for this learning.

Understanding context: You will have great insight into how Local Authorities operate, know what’s important to them and instinctively know how a sponsorship scheme can help them deliver on multiple objectives that matter to them. At the same time, you’ll have at least some sense for the national stakeholders and funders who have an interest in creating leafy streets and can work up purposeful relationships with them.

Trees for Cities is committed to the principles of equal opportunity. We value diversity and are committed to promoting diversity within the workplace. We aim to ensure that our employees achieve their full potential and that all employment decisions, including recruitment, are taken without reference to irrelevant or discriminatory criteria. A full copy of our Equal Opportunities Policy can be provided on request.

HOW TO APPLY

Please visit our website to view the full job description. To apply, use the application link below to submit your CV and supporting statement (no more than 2 sides of A4) outlining why you are interested in the role and your fit with the Person Specification. 

We actively encourage you to talk to us about the role and the programme, especially if you are not sure about your fit. If you would like to have an informal chat before applying, please contact Carrie Hume, Development and Partnerships Director.

Please note we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role; you must therefore have a valid right to work in the UK to apply.

• The deadline to apply is: Sunday 22nd February at 23:30
• Interviews are scheduled for: The 2nd and 3rd of March, with a second interview likely to follow on the 11th of March.

If you are shortlisted for an interview, you will normally be contacted within two weeks after applying. If you do not hear from us within this period, then you should assume that on this occasion you have not been selected for an interview.

Trees for Cities is the first UK environmental organisation to have been awarded social value certification. Trees for Cities is an equal opportunities employer. Registered Charity No: 1032154.

No Agencies Please.

The Difference is an education charity, founded to change the story on lost learning. Our vision is to see lost learning falling nationally by 2030 and for schools to be better equipped to support all children, particularly those most vulnerable.

Leading national policy strategy

As Head of Policy and Public Affairs, you will work closely with the CEO to develop and execute a four-year influencing plan.  Together we’ll aim to shift local and national incentives on inclusion by 2030, which see the national trend of rising suspension and absence begin to fall. 

You will hold relationships with the Department for Education and Ofsted and advise on policy priorities ahead, such as:

• Widening the definition of inclusion beyond special needs, recognising the needs of those young people historically or currently interacting with social services

• Reducing perverse incentives for schools to alter their school roll through admissions and pupil exits

• Expectations for multi-academy trusts in capturing and analysing data on lost learning, including how it disproportionately affects different groups

• Improving local alternative provision eco-systems, to improve outcomes for young people

• National standards for inclusive school practice, at a universal and targeted level

• Professional development standards for school inclusion

Developing implementation expertise in the middle tier

In your first six months, you will advise on the internal development of a new programme for middle tier policy actors: multi-academy trust and local authority leaders.  You will support the Programme team in its design, to plan strategically for the recruitment of trusts and local authorities, and you will plan the research and influencing work which will seek to share their success nationally.

Building the evidence base

In your second six months, you will work with the CEO to build out our research function. Your influencing plan will include how The Difference can learn from the work across our multi-academy trust, local authority and internal AP pioneer partners over the next four years, to develop influential publications. Research work ahead will include publishing sector-facing publications of The Difference’s own research, carried out by our research lead and associates; alongside managing external contractors and internal colleagues to bid for and deliver aligned research disseminating our ideas.

Raising your voice

This is an exciting opportunity for someone committed to inclusive policy change. The Difference has always punched above our weight in national and sector press reach. In post,  you will publish blogs and comment pieces, disseminating our shared ideas.  You will be a prominent voice on inclusion.

The Difference is still a small and growing charity. This means that our work is fast-paced, our roles are broad, and there is a culture of being highly autonomous, reactive and flexible, as the needs of the organisation evolve. If this sounds exciting rather than daunting, then this could be the role and team for you!

The Role
This is an exciting time to join The Difference as we increase our impact, reach more schools, and develop our influencing strategy. As Head of Policy and Public Affairs you will: 

Design and execute an impactful influencing plan 

• Design an influencing plan - Identify via horizon scanning opportunities to influence national policy using open policy windows, or by nudging/creating new ones. 

• Execute an influencing plan - Utilise own assets and assets across the organisation, including the Director team, to deliver against the influencing plan.

• Relationship building - Build highly credible and impactful relationships with a variety of stakeholders who hold power. This will include policy makers in national governments, local government officials, politicians, other third sector organisations and think tanks. 

• Leadership - Play a significant role internally and externally in communicating the organisation’s policy position, raising organisational and own brand.

Build policy capacity and credibility across the organisation

• Policy positions and solutions- Use the concepts, work and experience of The Difference’s programmes to develop new, and refine existing, national policy positions to shift incentives. 

• Thought leadership - Be the organisation’s education policy and political expert. 

• Generating income - Use own and team’s expertise and credibility to generate income via speaking engagements and consultancy to support the organisation’s financial sustainability. 

Person Specification

Essential – We are looking for someone with the following knowledge, experience and skills, though you may be stronger in some areas than others:

• Deep expertise in education policy, particularly on the topic of lost learning and the various policy and political debates, including areas of controversy, surrounding this policy topic. 

• Strategic thinker with a proven track record in identifying policy windows and designing activities that lead to meaningful national policy change. 

• Excellent relationship builder, who brings with them their own network of influential stakeholders and has a plan for building new relationships. Adept at navigating tricky situations and explaining complex, sometimes difficult, messages.

• Expert convener with a strong knowledge of the education sector, including which schools, trusts and local authorities are influential and experience in bringing a variety of perspectives together to generate consensus. 

• Persuasive and clear writing style for publication, including reports, press, blogs and ghost writing for members of the senior leadership team, often based on consensus positions, and designed to communicate key messages for impact. 

• Confidence and credibility in communicating nuanced messages in a contentious landscape, in writing, verbally and in public (e.g. on panels), to raise the profile of The Difference. 

• Strong project manager who can design systems and processes to keep self, team and other stakeholders on task and on time. Experience of designing programmes of work and monitoring their effectiveness. Flexible project management style that can adapt to a changing environment. Confidence in managing a variety of stakeholders and supporting them to deliver on time. 

Desired – You are more likely to be successful in your application if you have one or more of the following: 

• Familiarity with The Difference’s programmatic work, theory and practice. 

• Lived experience or insight into the school experiences of marginalised young people (e.g. those with experience of the care system, mental ill health, special educational needs, exclusion, and racism).

We know that some people, especially those from marginalised backgrounds, may hesitate to apply unless they meet every listed requirement. If this role excites you and you believe you could make a strong contribution, we warmly encourage you to apply. 
We actively welcome applications from people whose backgrounds are under-represented in the charity sector, including but not limited to: people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, people with experience in the case system, non-graduates and first-in-family graduates.

Role outline and purpose

The Senior Policy & Public Affairs Manager will be accountable for overseeing public affairs activities, policy development and supporting influencing activity to advance the goals of the Supportive Communities programme.  The role will plan and lead public affairs activities, policy development and support influencing strategy and activities, providing in-depth expertise across the programme with a specific focus on our emerging community design priorities and our work with a range of stakeholders, local/regional decision-makers and national policy-makers in the communities space.

This role is part of Trussell’s Supportive Communities programme, the goal of which is to enable local communities to become places where people at risk of needing to use a food bank are supported and are using their agency to bring about meaningful changes that prevent anybody from needing emergency food.  This role is focused on the successful delivery of the overall programme outcomes, contributing to the fulfilment of our long term vision of a UK without the need for food banks.

Role responsibilities

· Lead public affairs activities linked to the Community Design portfolio within the Supportive Communities programme, including developing and delivering an effective public affairs strategy reaching key decision-makers including parliamentarians, mayors and local authority leaders.

· Work collaboratively with key internal and external stakeholders from the sector and among policymakers to shape and deliver the programme’s policy strategy.

· Lead policy development to achieve the goals of the Supportive Communities programme.

· Establish and maintain momentum in policy development across the programme, ensuring the creation of credible proposals and building a strong case for policymakers to implement asks.

• Support with wider strategic development as part of Trussell’s policy and influencing strategy, including working with colleagues to align policy development and asks within the programme across the UK, nations and regions.

· Provide advice and line management, including regular 1:1s and assessment against objectives, and identify development needs.

Person Specification

Technical skills and minimum knowledge:

· Significant experience of developing and delivering effective public affairs strategies and interventions with evidence of securing local or national policy-change

· Significant track record of successfully developing policy solutions and influencing politicians and/or key decision-makers to achieve policy change

· Strong communication skills (written and oral) with impact and for a range of audiences

· Experience of providing strategic input to support senior leadership

· Experience of line managing, including dealing with performance issues and supporting team development

· Self-sufficient use of IT, including proficiency in Work, Excel, PowerPoint, and experience in project management processes and software

Behaviours and competencies:

· Works collaboratively, managing challenges in a constructive manner

· Balances competing priorities and work to tight deadlines

· Demonstrates a dedication to the values of Trussell

· Demonstrates empathy for people from disadvantaged, marginalised or socially-excluded backgrounds

· Role models inclusive behaviour, values and leadership