Research and insight manager jobs

At Rethink Mental Illness, we believe everyone should be able to live a fulfilling life, regardless of how severely mental illness affects them. Our services are growing — and so is our ambition. That’s why we’re looking for a passionate and skilled Business Development Manager to help us shape the future of our charity and the support we provide.

About the role

As our Business Development Manager, you’ll play a key role in sustaining and expanding the services that make a real difference to people severely affected by mental illness. You’ll bring teams together, write with clarity and purpose, and lead the end‑to‑end bid development process — ensuring we continue to deliver high‑quality, impactful support where it’s needed most.

You’ll champion collaboration, draw on the expertise of colleagues across the charity, and craft compelling, evidence‑based proposals that reflect who we are and what we stand for. From early development to final submission, you’ll help us win and retain contracts that directly improve lives.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading the end‑to‑end development of bids, retenders, and proposals in line with internal quality standards.
• Working collaboratively with teams across Rethink Mental Illness, building strong relationships and creating connected ways of working.
• Supporting and managing Bid Development Officers.
• Contributing to regional business development plans and helping shape sustainable, innovative service models.
• Writing high‑quality, insightful submissions that articulate our strengths, capabilities, and lived‑experience approach.
• Developing early-stage budget models and working with Finance and HR to finalise financials ahead of submission.
• Generating insight through data, evidence, and internal expertise to create winning proposals.
• Researching competitors and identifying what makes Rethink Mental Illness stand out.
• Supporting successful bids through structured handovers and mobilisation.
• Contributing to continuous improvement through feedback, learning, and maintaining our Bid Library.

What you’ll bring

Essential

• A strong track record of writing successful competitive bids or proposals.
• Excellent writing, critical thinking, and communication skills.
• The ability to interpret complex tender documents and understand commissioner expectations.
• Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to unite diverse teams.
• Knowledge of commissioning, current legislation, and best practice in mental health and social care.
• Experience constructing budgets and modelling service assumptions.
• Strong organisational and project‑management abilities, with flexibility to meet deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and excellent general IT skills.
• A values‑driven approach consistent with Rethink Mental Illness’ ethos.

Desirable

• Experience working within mental health, health, or social care sectors.
• Lived or professional experience related to mental health and wellbeing.

Why Rethink Mental Illness?

When you join us, you’re not just taking on a role — you’re becoming part of a movement.
A movement committed to improving the lives of people severely affected by mental illness through high‑quality services, innovation, and compassionate support.

You’ll be part of a collaborative, supportive team where your growth and wellbeing matter, and where your work has a clear, direct impact.

We’re looking for a Stories and Content Officer to join our team

Salary: Circa £32,000

Base: Central Edinburgh/hybrid

Hours: Full time and permanent.  35 hours a week over core working hours of 10am - 3pm, Monday to Friday, with a one-hour lunch break. The office is open 8am - 7pm daily and our hybrid working policy requires all full-time employees to work at least two days a week in the Edinburgh office. Working hours can be adapted for the right candidate.  

Benefits: 10% employer pension contribution; private medical insurance; employee assistance programme and counselling service; enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption pay; enhanced sick pay; 31 days’ paid holiday/year plus four paid winter public holidays; 2-weeks’ fully remote working/year; three days’ paid carer leave/year; death in service benefit; cycle to work and travel season ticket schemes.

To support the team’s work-life balance, we work a nine-day fortnight where the charity is closed every second Friday.  

About the role and why we need you

We’re looking for a talented storyteller to join our team; to create compelling content that brings human experiences to life and connects meaningfully with our audiences. You’ll lead on interviewing and capturing powerful, real-life stories with empathy and respect, translating complex topics into clear, engaging narratives.

Working across a range of marketing and communications channels, you’ll produce high-quality copy for websites, social media, and media releases, tailoring content to platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn and TikTok. You’ll also collaborate with and manage external creatives, including photographers, videographers and copywriters.

With excellent editorial judgement, you’ll identify stories that align with our mission and resonate with diverse audiences. Highly organised and collaborative, you’ll manage projects to deadline while maintaining professionalism, confidentiality and sensitivity at all times.

This is a rewarding opportunity to use your creativity and compassion to make a genuine impact. We encourage applications from candidates at all stages of their careers, including those who meet the criteria but may be in an unrelated role at present, or those returning to the workplace after a break.

Who are we? 

At Worldwide Cancer Research, we start new cures. Cancer is still one of the leading causes of death worldwide, but cutting-edge science can give us hope. Discovery research seeks to uncover new knowledge that could change the way we think about cancer. It reveals new ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer that can save lives.

We fund discovery research into any type of cancer, anywhere in the world. Discovery research is the critical first stage of the research journey, creating a pipeline for future breakthroughs. By funding it, we can transform our understanding of how cancer works and start new cures, because no one should lose a loved one too soon.

Our vision is of a day when no life is cut short by cancer. Anyone that shares that vision and helps bring forward lifesaving breakthroughs – including our staff, supporters, and the researchers we fund – is a Curestarter. Are you?

As a charity, we are committed to opportunity without barriers, and we are striving to seek, value and learn from different perspectives and experiences. We want Worldwide Cancer Research to be an inclusive organisation – where everyone can be themselves and feel valued – as diverse as the scientific community we fund and the families whose lives we impact.

We are committed to ensuring that we provide equal opportunities to every applicant regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. We aim to ensure that our recruitment process is unbiased and that everyone is treated equitably because our team members are at the heart of everything we do to start new cancer cures around the world.

To help start new cancer cures and save lives, we are looking for a Stories and Content Officer to join the busy Marketing and Fundraising team at Worldwide Cancer Research, to help the charity run its multi-million-pound funding programme for discovery cancer research.

Location: Reading, Hybrid (twice a month to Reading office)
Hours: Full time
Salary: £41,344 per annum 
Contract Type: Permanent
Campaign Closes: 10th April 2026
Interviews: First stage interviews, WC 20th April. Second Stage interviews WC ​27th April.

On occasion, we might close a vacancy early due to a high number of applications being received. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their application as early as possible. 

Core Purpose
The Philanthropy Manager will play a critical role in Make-A-Wish UK’s growing Philanthropy team. You will be responsible for building meaningful relationships with high-net-worth individuals and Trusts and Foundations, increasing income, engagement and stewardship, with a focus on developing new relationships with funders. You will also drive key growth through leadership of the Small Trust Mailing and Philanthropy Mid-Value Programmes, utilising insights and best practice to implement new strategies and streamline ways of working.

Job responsibilities

Relationship Management, Stewardship and New Business 

• Personally build and manage a portfolio of high-net-worth individuals and Trust and Foundation prospects and donors, giving between £10,000-£50,000.
• Lead personalised and effective cultivation, asks, engagement and stewardship for your portfolio.
• Contribute to the development of compelling and attractive propositions to increase giving and/or recruit new high value supporters.
• Work effectively with internal and external influencers to engage supporters and create magical moments, bringing them closer to Make-A-Wish UK’s work.
• Manage donor agreements and grant terms and conditions, ensuring compliance and best practice.
• Work collaboratively with the Prospect Development Lead to identify new prospective funders, as well as conducting your own prospect research in line with agreed key priorities, sectors or themes.
• Ensure data is accurate and up to date on our CRM to support effective pipeline management and draw insights.

Strategy, Planning and Delivery of Mid-Level Programmes 

• Build on the design and implementation of a new personalised Philanthropy Mid-Value programme for supporters giving £1-£10K, with the aims of securing, retaining and growing support.
• Lead on enhancing the existing Small Trusts Mailing programme, effectively implementing streamlined processes to increase ROI.
• Collaborate with the Philanthropy Team, and other teams where needed, to forecast income, set targets, and manage your pipeline budget.
• Work closely with the Prospect Development Lead to draw insights, and implement these across the mid-value programmes.
• Continuously review programme success and efficiency, reporting on progress, identifying successes and learnings, as well as progress against KPIs and income targets.

Collaboration & Influence

• Champion a philanthropic mindset across Make-A-Wish UK, acting as an ambassador for the power and value of Major Donor and Trusts and Foundations fundraising.
• Work closely with other teams, including Finance, wishgranting, Insight and Innovation, and Brand Communications and Engagement, to build budgets, report on impact and cultivate, engage, ask and steward your portfolio.
• Act as an ambassador for Make-A-Wish UK at external events, such as high-level fundraising networks, sector forums and conferences.

Job requirements

Essential Criteria

• Experience in working within a Philanthropy Team, with proven success in securing multiple five figure gifts from both high-net-worth individuals and Trusts and Foundations
• Strong experience cultivating cold and/or new prospects and converting them into five figure + donors
• Experience conducting targeted prospect research, identifying new funders against a set criteria or proposition
• Demonstrable track record of creating and implementing successful, data-informed plans resulting in increased income
• Excellent relationship management skills, with the ability to influence, inspire and engage both internal and external stakeholders at a wide range of levels
• Outstanding communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex information in compelling ways tailored to different audiences
• Highly organised and demonstrated ability to work autonomously, manage competing priorities and deliver to deadlines within a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in using CRM systems (preferably Salesforce) to manage pipelines, analyse data, and generate reports
• Knowledge of UK fundraising regulation, ethics and trends affecting high-net-worth individuals and Trusts and Foundations fundraising
• Strong attention to detail, numeracy and analytical skills, with experience building financial proposals, income forecasts and donor investment cases

Desirable Criteria

• Previous experience running high-value mailing programmes 
• Track-record of securing both restricted and unrestricted income 
• Previous experience recruiting and managing giving club members 
• Experience of working collaboratively with a Prospect Research function, sharing responsibilities and communicating effectively 
• Experience working in a rapidly growing team, managing organisational expectations and flexibly capitalising on emerging opportunities 

Job benefits

• 26 days annual leave with the option to buy/sell annual leave (pro rata for part time)
• Paid Birthday leave
• Flexible & Hybrid working arrangements
• Salary exchange pension scheme 
• Paid volunteering days
• Pirkx subscription - Access to wellbeing support, GP appointments, training and events, retail discount platform, and much more!
• Cycle to work initiative

Our Communications Officer will play an essential role at a key moment for IVAR, with communications at the heart of our new strategy. Charities are facing mounting pressures and ongoing complexities, and IVAR’s work has potential for the greatest impact. We are looking for someone who will help us meet this potential: working together with the Director of Communications to make our research clear, accessible and compelling; with the aim of sparking conversations; inspiring action; and strengthening movements like our Open and Trusting network. We expect you to bring creativity, energy and curiosity to how we tell stories, explore new tools and formats, and connect more people with IVAR’s mission.

This is a hands-on role in a small but mighty team. If you thrive on combining creativity with delivery, enjoy working collaboratively, and are motivated by strengthening the voluntary sector, we’d love to hear from you.

Development Manager (Individual Giving & Major Donors)

David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation | Shalford, Surrey (Hybrid)
Salary: £40,000–£45,000, dependant on experience

David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) is seeking an experienced and relationship‑driven Development Manager to lead our individual giving and major donor fundraising. This is a pivotal role within a conservation charity dedicated to protecting endangered species across Africa and Asia.

As our Development Manager, you will:

• Shape and deliver strategies for major donors, mid‑level giving, regular giving, adoption programmes and campaign‑led appeals
• Cultivate and steward high‑value donors through personalised engagement
• Oversee donor journeys and ensure an exceptional supporter experience
• Provide strategic leadership for key fundraising events
• Work closely with colleagues across Conservation, Education, Art, Marketing and Finance
• Line manage a Development Executive and play a key role in developing a coordinated, high‑performing fundraising team

We’re looking for someone with:
✔ Proven success in major donor / high‑value individual fundraising
✔ Strong relationship‑building and communication skills
✔ Experience developing donor journeys and direct marketing appeals
✔ Confidence working with senior stakeholders
✔ Passion for wildlife conservation and DSWF’s mission

Why join us?
You’ll be part of a small, committed team making a tangible impact on global wildlife protection. We have invested over £14 million into frontline conservation since 1984 and continue to drive meaningful change through anti-wildlife crime initiatives, education and the power of art.

Role details:

• Hybrid (home + 2 days/week in Shalford, Surrey)
• Full time, 35 hrs/week
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays + extra days at Christmas
• Pension + Employee Assistance Programme
• Start date: As soon as possible

How to apply:
Send your CV and a cover letter (no longer than two pages) by email by midday, Monday 20th April.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in conservation and the arts.

Monitoring and developing our Covid-19 Inquiry Recommendations Tracker, you will be an essential conduit for influencing policy and campaigns, part of a small but highly effective team. 

Job description

• Take overall responsibility for the Inquiry Recommendations Tracker, including its development, structure, accuracy and upkeep.
• Ensure the tracker is kept fully up to date, with progress on each recommendation accurately recorded and supported by relevant evidence.
• Monitor developments relating to Inquiry recommendations, including government responses, implementation activity and public statements, and provide colleagues with clear analysis to inform campaigning and parliamentary engagement.
• Gather and assess information from a range of sources to inform the tracker, including official publications, parliamentary material, stakeholder engagement and direct correspondence.
• Draft policy reports following module report publications, including analysis of recommendations and supplementary recommendations where appropriate, and provide briefing material to support campaign and parliamentary activity. 
• Engage with members to ensure their feedback and lived experience inform reports, supplementary recommendations and the Recommendations Tracker.
• Work with colleagues to ensure policy outputs support wider campaigning, parliamentary engagement and communications activity.
• Help identify gaps, weaknesses or areas of concern in implementation, and support the development of evidence-based proposals for further action.
• Maintain clear internal records and documentation relating to recommendations, progress updates and evidence gathered.
• Contribute to team meetings, planning discussions and wider organisational work as required.
• Undertake other duties reasonably consistent with the role, recognising that this is a small team and flexibility is important.

Person specification

Essential

• Experience of policy research, policy analysis, public affairs, or related work.
• Strong drafting skills, with the ability to write clearly, accurately and persuasively for different audiences.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage complex information carefully and systematically.
• Experience of maintaining records, trackers or monitoring systems to a high standard.
• Ability to analyse complex material and present it in a way that is accessible and useful.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and work to deadlines.
• Confidence in engaging professionally with external stakeholders, including parliamentarians, officials or partner organisations.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a small team.
• Commitment to working in a member-led way and ensuring lived experience informs policy work.
• Personal belief in and support for the aims of Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice UK

Desirable

• Experience of working in Parliament, government, the charity sector, campaigning, or a policy-focused organisation.
• Experience of producing briefings, reports or recommendations for senior stakeholders.
• Experience of engaging with members or people with lived experience in shaping policy or campaigns.
• Familiarity with spreadsheet-based trackers or similar monitoring tools.
• Knowledge of public inquiries, accountability processes, or pandemic preparedness policy.

Covid-19 has affected us all, but some communities were disproportionately impacted, including Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic communities and disabled people, so we particularly welcome and encourage applications from candidates from those backgrounds.

Please submit your CV and a covering letter explaining how you meet the essential criteria for this role.

Performance Strategy and Insight Director

Contract type: Permanent, Full time, 35 Hours per week

Location: London, UK

Hybrid Working: A minimum of 40% (2 days) of working time is spent face to face, either in London office, or as a result of external engagement or travel for WaterAid. WaterAid is located at Canary Wharf, London and this will be your location and contract base. In order to apply for this post, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the UK.

Salary: £81,510 per year with excellent benefits

*We offer competitive, market-aligned starting salaries. While most roles are offered at the advertised starting salary, we may adjust this in exceptional cases depending on a candidate’s experience, skills, and potential.

Change starts with water. Change starts with you.

Every day, millions of people live without clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid exists to change that – for everyone, everywhere. Join us, and your energy will help unlock people’s potential and create a fairer future.

About WaterAid

We’re a global federation driven by one vision: a world where everyone, everywhere has clean water, sanitation and hygiene by 2030. Powered by our values of Respect, Accountability, Courage, Collaboration, Integrity and Innovation, we work alongside communities, partners and supporters to make change happen.

About the role

The Performance, Strategy and Insight Director plays a critical role in the strategic operation of the Communications and Fundraising Directorate, by driving data and insight led decision making, strategic direction setting, and smooth operational delivery ensuring we are working effectively and efficiently to drive greatest impact.

The role will ensure data and insight is put at the heart of our work, by leading strong and effective CRM and data analytics functions, and that teams across the directorate are supported with clear directorate wide plans and strategy.

To be successful, you will need:

Passionate about ending poverty and want to be a part of making it happen, with commitment to WaterAid’s mission and values, and a working style that reflects these;

Alignment with WaterAid’s values and a commitment to driving Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

Experience of working within or with Senior Leadership Teams and influencing at an Executive Leadership level

Extensive experience of working in CRM systems (and the associated data pipelines and third-party integrations), data, insight, strategy and planning - successfully leading high calibre teams focussed on providing strategic direction and driving performance

Experience managing technology providers and delivery partners, including setting direction, overseeing performance and value for money, and shaping effective long-term supplier relationships.

Proven experience of being accountable for data quality and ensuring high standards are maintained and represented within wider organisational data governance.

Although not essential, we’d prefer you to have:

Experience working in international development nonprofit organisations, with insight into the external landscape, sector trends and the challenges faced by global INGOs

View the full job description here

Closing date: Applications close 12 PM UK time on 13th April. Interviews are expected to take place week commencing 20th April.

*Shortlisting and interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis, and the role may close earlier if a suitable candidate is found. We therefore encourage you to apply at an early stage.

How to apply: Click Apply to answer the pre-screening questions, upload your CV and Cover Letter.

Can I use Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in my application?

At WaterAid, we strongly advise against using AI technology at any stage of the recruitment process. Our goal is to ensure a fair and transparent process that provides every applicant with an equal opportunity to succeed. We value hearing about your unique experiences and perspectives in your application, and, if shortlisted, during the interview as well.

Pre‑employment screening

To apply for this role, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the respective country. All pre-employment checks will be carried out according to local law and WaterAid’s Safer Recruitment policy. All UK based roles require a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Our benefits

UK Benefits:

• 36 days’ holiday (including 8 Bank Holidays)
• Option to buy an extra 5 days’ annual leave
• Employer pension contribution up to 10 %
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Season ticket loan
• Free annual eye tests
• ‘Give as you Earn’ charitable giving scheme
• Enhanced parental leave (maternity, adoption/surrogacy, shared parental and paternity)
• Sabbaticals
• One paid volunteer day each year

As part of our annual leave policy, all employees receive three additional days of annual leave on top of their standard allocation of 25 days. These days are designated to cover the period when our UK office closes between Christmas and New Year, allowing all UK Water Aiders to take a well-deserved break.

These days are automatically scheduled and cannot be changed or moved. Annual leave is accrued based on your start date. If sufficient leave has not been accrued by the time of the closure, the 3 days will be taken as unpaid leave or pro-rated, depending on your circumstances.

Our Global Commitment:

Our people promise

We will work with passion and focus to make sure everyone everywhere has clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid is a place of purpose – where people have a real commitment and shared responsibility for the impact we have. We are a global community with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, motivated by inspiring, stimulating work. We are determined to be a place where people feel safe and able to contribute their voice and truly live our values.

Equal Opportunities

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, customs, traditions, ways of life and status. This includes, but is not limited to, race, ethnicity, caste, colour, gender, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, disability status, neurodiversity, age, marital and family status, sexual orientation and gender identity, health status, place of residence, economic and social situation.

Safeguarding

We are committed to protecting everyone we come into contact with. We have a zero- tolerance approach to abuse of power, privilege or trust across our global work, and to any form of inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, abuse, bullying, harassment, or exploitation. Safeguarding the people and communities we work with, our staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf is our top priority, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks (which can include counterterrorism, safeguarding and criminal records checks).

Together, we’ll change the world through water.

Join us and be part of the change!

About the role

We are excited to be recruiting a Programme Manager to join The Scholars Programme team. This role will be central in ensuring high quality programme management and oversee effective stakeholder stewardship across multiple geographical areas.

Programme Managers work closely with each other, reporting to the Head of Programme Management, to ensure excellent programme delivery across the UK. Each Programme Manager will manage a team of Programme Officers, who each manage a cluster of school-PhD tutor relationships. Programme Managers oversee all aspects of programme delivery by Programme Officers, ensuring key performance indicators are met. They will coach and support their team to deal with complex and sensitive issues from schools and PhD Tutors, becoming directly involved as a point of escalation. Programme Managers will be responsible for school retention targets and will identify opportunities to promote The Scholars Programme. They will directly deliver aspects of our provision including PhD tutor training, university events and tutor assessment centres. Programme Managers also lead collaborative work with other teams, providing strategic insight and oversight of joint processes to ensure information is disseminated and key actions are taken by the Programme Management team.

The role requires a driven and dynamic team player, with experience of success in programme management. They will be positive and pro-active in finding solutions, with a commitment to delivering excellent standards. They will champion the charity’s values and embody them in interactions with colleagues and partners.

While this role can be based in our London or Leeds offices, or be fully remote, it will involve some travel to deliver programme events at our different university partners and to attend in-person team days.

About you

The role will best suit someone who:

• Has knowledge and experience of the school and university sectors, including the university access agenda
• Has knowledge of educational interventions, including impact management
• Has proven experience in leading the delivery of a project or programme across a locality, is a qualified teacher (QTS or above) or has academic research experience
• Has experience of line management and/or leading and delivering through others
• Has a demonstrable passion for furthering The Brilliant Club’s mission
• Adheres to information security policies included in the charities ISO 27001 manual and completes information security training

My Sisters’ House is expanding its fundraising team — and we’re looking for a dynamic, creative and relationship‑driven fundraiser who can help take our income generation to the next level. If you love building connections, crafting compelling stories and spotting opportunities others miss, this role will give you the space to thrive.

What you’ll do

You’ll lead the growth of our individual giving and high‑value supporter base, nurturing relationships with donors, partners and philanthropists who want to make a tangible difference. You’ll shape engaging fundraising appeals, deliver standout donor experiences and bring fresh ideas that cut through a challenging fundraising landscape.

You’ll also help develop new income streams — from local businesses to female‑led enterprises — and work closely with colleagues to strengthen donor journeys and build a confident, ambitious fundraising culture.

What you’ll bring

You’re a natural communicator with a flair for storytelling and a sharp eye for opportunity. You’re organised, proactive and energised by a busy, varied workload. You enjoy thinking creatively, writing persuasively and turning insight into action. Above all, you’re motivated by the impact your work can have on women facing trauma, abuse and disadvantage.

Why join us?

You’ll be part of a small, passionate and supportive team with big ambitions. You’ll have room to innovate, freedom to shape your approach and the chance to grow your skills across individual giving, corporate partnerships and high‑value fundraising. With strong foundations already in place — and a growing network of committed supporters — you’ll be joining at a genuinely exciting moment.

Flexible working is essential, with occasional evenings and weekends. The role requires a DBS check

We are hiring a Senior Marketing Manager - Challenge Works

About Challenge Works

At Challenge Works, we design and run challenge prizes to spark innovation in science, technology and society. We are part of Nesta, the research and innovation foundation.

We have run over 100 challenge prizes awarding over £260m, on behalf of public, private and philanthropic funders around the world, including the Longitude Prize on Dementia with Alzheimer's Society and Innovate UK, the Sustainable Cities Challenge with Toyota Mobility Foundation, the Smart Data Challenge with the UK Government Department for Business and Trade and Ofwat’s Water Innovation Fund. Our four priority areas are Climate Response, Cities & Societies, Health and Technology Frontiers.

Summary

This is a new role leading the strategic use of marketing and communications to advance Challenge Works’ social impact mission and commercial objectives.

You will serve as the organisation’s senior lead on marketing and communications, acting as a trusted partner to leaders across the business, and reporting into a member of our Senior Leadership Team.

There are two key strands to the role.

1. Driving marketing and communications for Challenge Works with a focus on brand and business development. You will work closely with our priority area leads and Communications Manager to plan and deliver integrated campaigns, digital content, events, stakeholder engagement and PR to accelerate their growth priorities. You will also develop and deliver communications strategies to strengthen the Challenge Works brand through impactful thought leadership, and orchestrate the rollout of campaigns that position us as a leader in transformative innovation.
2. Overseeing the delivery of effective development and delivery of prize communications, working with our small in-house communications team and a retained PR agency, as well as any other ad hoc contractors. It also includes acting as an adviser and, where needed, an extra pair of hands on prize communications activity.

Success in this role requires the ability to think strategically while moving swiftly to action. We are a small team and everyone needs to dive in and be hands-on.

We are entirely funded through our work on prizes, so our communications and marketing activity needs to show business results as well as supporting our impact goals. Our target audiences are a niche group: innovation teams within governments, research and innovation funders, philanthropic foundations, and other innovation partners and experts, both in the UK and worldwide. Success means building our brand in the long term to generate awareness and trust with those target communities while also delivering opportunity-led communications that drive conversion for specific propositions. With limited resource, all our channels need to work together effectively to maximise impact.

You will draw on strong relationship-building skills to collaborate effectively across Challenge Works, Nesta and external partners, while bringing the authority and insight needed to influence senior leaders and ensure our communications consistently reflect our ambition and expertise.

The role

• Develop and deliver integrated marketing campaigns aimed at reaching and engaging current and future funders, with a particular focus on owned digital channels and in person stakeholder events.
• Build the Challenge Works brand across all relevant channels so that it becomes synonymous with transformative innovation in the minds of funders in the UK and around the world.
• Thought leadership. Collaborate with internal and affiliated external thought leaders to nurture a pipeline of authentic, high-impact content that builds the Challenge Works brand and generates qualified leads for prize funders and partners.
• Stakeholder strategy. Collaborate with colleagues leading our BD efforts to develop our stakeholder engagement strategy and guide our approach to stakeholder management across Challenge Works.
• Overseeing retained PR agency to ensure effectiveness and value for money in prize communications and, to generate complementary PR ‘moments’ that contribute to funder engagement and awareness.
• Provide strong leadership of the communications team to ensure that they are continuing to develop in their roles, maximising innovator engagement and delivering to the high expectations of our funders. Provide advice, expert input, and training across the wider team around communications topics to enable the whole team to embed best practice communications principles in their work.
• Own the marketing and communications budget ensuring value for money across all activity and budget planning for future strategic initiatives.
• Leveraging our prize communications. Working with the communications team to ensure that we are optimising the opportunities for wider marketing and business development that the prizes (and their communications budgets) will generate.

The person

• A strong track record of developing, delivering and leading the delivery of strategic multichannel marketing strategies and plans, using marketing as part of business development and lead generation in a B2B context
• A strong track record of developing and evolving brand identities in a B2B or social impact context, ensuring brand consistency and resonance across all touchpoints
• Demonstrable understanding of social, political and economic trends and market conditions to provide strategic communications advice to senior staff
• Deep knowledge and proven understanding of communications functions (media, marketing, events, campaigns, editorial, content development, digital platforms) and how they be applied as part of an integrated marketing or communications approach in the pursuit of a communications objective
• An exceptional and experienced strategic thinker, with proven ability to think quickly, digest large amounts of information and consult and advise quickly on communications options and tactics across the communications mix
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with the ability to work with and support multiple teams efficiency and effectively
• A flair for communicating clearly, concisely and persuasively, verbally and in writing, with proven ability to translate complex topics around entrepreneurship, business, technology, and science into clear, accessible and effective communications products
• A highly effective project manager, who can plan and deliver against multiple projects and priorities at the same time, keeping work on track and ensuring clear communication across internal teams so all parties know what they are required to do and when they need to do it
• Desirable: Experience operating in a small to medium-sized organisation environment with a small communications function that requires both strategic thinking and hands-on delivery.

As with all staff employed in a communications role at Nesta, the postholder will also be at their best working in a collaborative, fast-paced environment, have a flexible approach and an appetite for taking on new tasks and challenges.

What we offer

Salary: circa £39,000 (60% FTE of £65,000) plus an array of benefits, including health cash plans, dental insurance, the ability to buy and sell annual leave, eyecare vouchers and more.

Location: This role is based in Blackfriars, Central London, hybrid working arrangement (with at least 1 day working from the office)

Term: Permanent

Hours: This is a part-time role, working 22.5 hours per week.

Making an application

To apply for this role, please submit your application before 8:00am on 6th April.

Interviews will take place w/c 13th April 2026.

At Nesta, we believe that a diverse workforce leads to an organisation that is more innovative, more creative and gets better results.

We want our workforce to represent the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We also want our workplace to be one where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop.

This means that when we are recruiting, we actively seek to reach a diverse pool of candidates. It also means that we are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that potential employees may need to in order to be successful.

We recognise the importance of a good balance between work and home life, so we do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including working from home, compressed or part-time hours, job shares and other arrangements.

Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore.

The Digital Marketing Manager is accountable for the delivery and performance of our website, email, SEO, PPC, paid-social and CRM marketing, ensuring all our digital channels are optimised for both awareness and income generation.

This is a hands-on role which will see you deliver key activity as well as lead a small team in prioritising and evaluating work across digital channels, using data and insight to inform decisions. To spearhead and champion our digital marketing transformation, you’ll need to be a results driven and experienced professional, who thrives in a fast-paced environment. Your skills and passion will see you:
• Develop and implement a comprehensive digital marketing strategy aligned with our income growth objectives.
• Deliver and continually improve how we connect with our audiences, primarily through (but not limited to) strategic use of email, website management, SEO, PPC, paid social and CRM marketing.
• Identify opportunities to maximise online brand awareness, engagement and revenue generation.
• Track, analyse and report on digital performance metrics, owning KPIs for traffic, conversion, income and engagement, as well as providing actionable insights and data to improve and inform digital marketing effectiveness.
• Own website performance by managing content within the CMS, improving user journeys, implementing SEO best practices and using data and analytics to increase visibility, traffic and conversion rates.
• Plan, execute and optimise our paid advertising accounts, including Google Ads and paid social platforms (e.g. Meta), using A/B testing to ensure they are data-driven, cost efficient and deliver ROI and income.
• Lead and deliver email and CRM activity (including building campaigns, managing audiences, segmentation and automation), ensuring data, templates and journeys are optimised for engagement and conversion, using performance and insights to drive improvements.
• Embed a culture of data-driven decision making and bring visibility and transparency to digital marketing activity by regularly reporting impact against objectives, trend spotting as well as using a variety of data and analytics tools to raise the profile and understanding of digital marketing across the charity.
• Work closely with the Data team to ensure digital and data strategies align and data between digital channels is automated, accurate and can be reported on effectively.
• Safeguard the integrity of the charity’s digital presence ensuring it complies with data protection regulations and any other applicable legislation.

 

What we offer: 

• Flexible and hybrid working to support work-life balance 

• Generous annual leave entitlement with additional leave for long service  

• Enhanced sick pay 

• Enhanced Maternity Pay 

• Employee Assistance Program and Lifestyle Savings

• Free flu jabs 

• Cycle to work scheme 

• Charity events throughout the year 

• Employer enhanced auto-enrolment pension scheme with 8% employer contribution 

• Ongoing commitment to education and professional development 

The Charity is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.  

Successful candidates will have access to vulnerable beneficiaries therefore the role is subject to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance.  

If you think you have the qualities we are looking for and the desire to contribute, please download the Job Vacancy Pack and then send us a CV and covering letter explaining how you meet the criteria for the role and making clear why you would like to be considered for it. 

We will be interviewing for this role on 15th May at our Charity Office based in Birmingham City Centre.

Join an amazing charity that makes a difference for the 110,000 adults and children in the UK with a muscle-wasting condition. This is a role where you can really make a difference.

​

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those from underrepresented groups including people from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with lived experience of conditions we represent. We believe that diversity strengthens our work and helps us better support our beneficiaries.

​

As part of our safer recruitment and safeguarding responsibilities, this role requires a DBS check and professional/character references. We are committed to inclusion and will consider each application fairly.

​

About you:

This is a terrific opportunity to play a fundamental role as Welfare Grants Manager at Muscular Dystrophy UK. 

You will be responsible for the effective management and delivery of the charity’s equipment and housing grants programmes, including the Joseph Patrick Trust (JPT) mobility equipment grants and the Property Impact Fund housing grants.

About us:

Muscular Dystrophy UK is a charity that connects a community of more than 110,000 people living with one of over 60 muscle wasting conditions, and all the people around them. So everyone can get the healthcare, support and treatments needed to feel good, mentally and physically. 

​

This is an exciting time to join Muscular Dystrophy UK. We recently launched our new 10 year strategy to transform the lives of people living with muscle wasting conditions. Our vision is clear, a world without limits for people with muscle wasting conditions, and we won’t stop until we achieve it.

​

Values and behaviours:

• A positive attitude and approach that reflect the charity’s values.

• Seek opportunities to contribute to the development of the charity.

• A commitment to and an understanding of disability issues, equality, diversity and inclusion.

• Always demonstrate role model behaviour.
  
   

Benefits:

We appreciate the range of skills and experience our staff have to offer. In return for your enthusiasm and commitment we commit to actively developing and supporting you. We believe in supporting our people both professionally and personally.

​

Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to promote wellbeing, work–life balance, and career development. Our offerrange of benefits includes great pension contributions, life insurance, cycle scheme, health cash plan, employee assistance programme, instant retail and events discounts, and much more...

​

Location: We operate a hybrid model (home and office, London SE1)

​Closing date:​Wednesday, 8th April 2026

Interview dates: NB: Please note that we are interviewing on a rolling basis and may close the advert earlier than the stated deadline if we successfully fill the role. 

​

Please download the job description to see full role responsibilities

About Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis

Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis (APF) is the UK’s leading patient charity dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by pulmonary fibrosis. Our mission is underpinned by values of compassionate, bold, expert and collaborative. We believe in creating a supportive environment in which both our employees and beneficiaries can thrive.

Role purpose

The Senior Individual Giving Manager is responsible for driving the growth of Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis’ individual giving income through data-led acquisition, engaging fundraising campaigns and exceptional donor stewardship. This role owns the income targets and leads the strategy and execution of individual gifts, regular giving, direct mail appeals (digital and print), inmemory giving and lottery. They will coordinate direct mail campaigns and support the Operations team to deliver meaningful stewardship. Collaborating with teams across the organisation, the post holder will proactively identify opportunities to introduce fundraising asks within engagement journeys, helping convert new audiences into long-term supporters. They will ensure APF’s campaign planning and engagement pathways are designed with inclusion and lived experience at their core, while driving sustainable income growth through acquisition and retention. Combining strategic thinking with storytelling, data insight, careful planning and management of warm stewardship, you’ll ensure donors feel valued and inspired to continue supporting APF.

Key Responsibilities

1. Individual giving strategy and stewardship

• Lead and grow APF’s individual giving programme, helping to build meaningful relationships with our supporters.
• Map out and improve the donor journey from first interaction through to long-term support, increasing acquisition, retention and lifetime value.
• Track and monitor income performance, contributing insight to forecasting and helping shape realistic and ambitious targets.
• Lead on the evaluation and analysis of the Individual Giving programme by monitoring performance against objectives and using sector trends, benchmarking and competitor insights to strengthen our approach.
• Identify and address any barriers in the donor journey to improve conversion and engagement.
• Support the Operations Team to deliver consistently meaningful and timely stewardship to individuals including those giving in memory of loved ones.

2. Direct mail campaign coordination

• Coordinate direct mail appeals and renewal campaigns from planning through to delivery, developing compelling fundraising requests aligned to organisational priorities and connect supporters with APF’s impact.
• Develop campaign briefs, segmentation plans and income projections.
• Manage campaign timelines and work with external suppliers where required to ensure activity runs smoothly.
• Monitor response rates, ROI and overall income performance.
• Capture and apply learning from each campaign to continually improve and strengthen future activity.

3. Regular giving programme development

• Lead the development and growth of APF’s regular giving programme, including the lottery product, helping to build a strong and sustainable base of monthly supporters.
• Create recruitment, onboarding and retention strategies that welcome and inspire regular donors.
• Develop tailored stewardship journeys that keep monthly supporters connected to the impact of their giving.
• Monitor and track acquisition, attrition and upgrade trends to inform future growth.
• Test and refine propositions to strengthen long term income and supporter engagement.

4. Data segmentation and insight

• Lead audience segmentation across individual giving activity to ensure supporters receive relevant and meaningful communications.
• Use CRM data and behavioural insight to inform targeting and messaging and campaign planning.
• Produce regular analysis of performance sharing insights and recommendations.
• Champion a culture of testing, learning and continuous improvement across fundraising activity.

5. Acquisition through engagement pathways

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across Services, Involvement and other teams to identify opportunities to introduce appropriate fundraising requests within wider engagement journeys.
• Use a mixture of digital and direct mail acquisition techniques to attract new supporters, increasing both the number of donors and their engagement with APF.
• Support the development of workflows that that define next steps following different types of engagement and shape clear engagement pathways that support conversion from initial engagement through to appropriate fundraising opportunities.
• Ensure lived experience and inclusive practice are reflected in all design and messaging.

6. Supporter care standards and compliance

• Support operational teams to deliver a high standard of supporter care at every stage of the supporter journey.
• Provide guidance on stewardship principles and help navigate more complex supporter relationships.
• Work with the Governance and Operations Manager to ensure all activities complies with GDPR and the Code of Fundraising Practice.
• Use data and engagement insights to identify high-value or high-potential supporters and refer them appropriately.
• Work in collaboration with internal stakeholders to achieve objectives, including attending and contributing to cross organisational meetings.

How to apply

Please submit a CV and a covering letter (maximum of two pages) highlighting your skills and suitability to the role, reflecting the key responsibilities in the job description.

First stage interviews to be held virtually on 1st May 2026, second stage interviews to be held at the Peterborough office on 8th May 2026.

Funding Operations Manager

12 Month Fixed Term Contract – Maternity Cover

£37,199 - £44,246 pa

City of London E1 8QS and we are a hybrid working organisation

Please note this is a hybrid role based on the successful candidate working at least two days a week in our London office. Remote contracts would not be considered for this role.

Purpose of Role

This role plays a key part in enabling the smooth running of the Comic Relief Funding Department by developing, maintaining and co-ordinating the efficient and effective management of Funding Department financial and operations processes and systems. 

This post will work closely with the Funding leadership team and key posts across wider Comic Relief to ensure that Comic Relief’s funding practice is enabled through consistent and efficient financial and operational policies, processes and systems. 

Key responsibilities:

Financial responsibilities 

· Work with the Head of Funding Operations and Approaches to oversee , manage and drive the financial aspects of Comic Relief’s grant making within the Funding Department.  This includesbeing the first point of contact for Funding Department colleagues for queries relating to grant making financial processes and systems, initially troubleshooting problems and looking for ways to improve funding team financial systems, streamline funding financial team processes and generally make Funding Department financial operations more efficient

· Act as the Funding Team focal point for Finance, maintaining good communications and relationships with the CR Finance Team.

· Proactively identify risks relating to grant finances and operations, working with colleagues in the Finance and Funding Departments to propose solutions to resolve issues that may arise. 

· Support the development and delivery of training on Funding Team Financial Systems for Funding Department colleagues.

· Co-ordinate monthly payments to funded partners and assist Funding Team colleagues with trouble shooting, ensuring that payments are made on time

· Co-ordinate monthly delegated decision making on funding, including ensuring papers are submitted, and liaising with Finance to ensure funds are subsequently allocated accurately. 

· Co-ordinate processes around CR trustee board and sub-committee board approval of funding, including liaison with finance and other colleagues

· Support the Funding Director with accurate forecasting, reporting and record keeping on CR Grant Making activity, including the development and implementation of systems for tracking grant making, and the preparation of reports. 

Operations responsibilities 

· Proactively support the Head of Funding Operations and Approaches, the Funding Director, and other Funding Team heads on the development of grant giving operational policies, processes and systems, looking for opportunities to improve systems and processes to ensure efficient and consistent grant giving practice

· Support the Head of Operations and Approaches with the continual development and operationalisation of the funding handbook, including working closely and responsively with compliance, legal, finance and data teams, and proactively supporting the implementation of the funding handbook internally within the Funding Department. 

· Act as the Funding Team focal point for data queries, maintaining good communications and relationships with the CR Data Team

· Work with colleagues within CR’s data function to support the ongoing maintenance and efficient use of the Salesforce Grant Management System, in line with Funding Department operational needs

· Be the internal first point of contact within the Funding Team for queries about the Salesforce Grant Making database, initially troubleshooting problems where possible, and providing basic training to new and existing members of the funding team. 

· As requested, and as resource allows, carry out ad hoc research requests on CR’s funding utilising the Salesforce Grant Making database. 

· Assist colleagues within the Funding Team with queries around potential funded partner assessments, compliance and financial checks, and, as resource allows, assist with these assessments and checks. .

· Support with fulfilling Comic Relief commitments to initiatives such as IATI and 360 Giving

· Support the Funding team with any other finance or operations related tasks and projects as requested by the Director of Funding or Head of Operations and Approaches. 

Person specification

Essential criteria

· Experience in developing, implementing and managing financial systems and processes. 

· Knowledge and experience of grant management systems

· Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organisational skills.

· Able to work proactively and independently; able to carry out multiple tasks, prioritise, take initiative, and work to deadlines in an organised manner

· Excellent attention to detail, time management and organisation skills..

· Good communication skills, written and oral.

· Collaborative, cross-functional approach that engages colleagues, partner organisations and stakeholders.  Good relationship management skills, able to work as part of a team

· Self-motivated and driven, with the adaptability to collaboratively navigate unforeseen challenges.

· An understanding or lived experience of social injustice, and proven track record of working in alignment with Comic Relief’s commitment to social justice, anti-racism, diversity, inclusion and equity.

Desirable criteria 

· Experience in working with databases

· Skills in data collection, analysis and reporting.

· Experience of carrying out desk-based research.

Perks and benefits:

· Flexible working hours

· Work from home option

· Life Insurance

· Wellness programs

· Employee Assistance Programme

· Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

· Paid emergency leave

· Sabbatical Opportunities

· Professional development

· Mentoring/coaching

· Paid volunteer days

· Payroll giving

· Salary sacrifice

· Team social events

· Extracurricular clubs

· Cycle to work scheme

· Free fruit

To apply please visit our website via the link and apply online.

Comic Relief reserves the right to close the role early if a large number of applications are received.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Comic Relief we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Why work at Comic Relief

There are lots of good reasons to join us at Comic Relief. You can read more about our employee benefits, such as our commitment to flexible and hybrid working. We ask staff to come to the office twice a week, normally on agreed team days, so that we can do all those things that are difficult to do online. Our office is based in Whitechapel, London,

There are lots of opportunities to develop your skills and experience at Comic Relief, including opportunities to become a Mental Health First Aider or to participate in our Employee Network Groups that focus on making Comic Relief a more inclusive place to work.

Disability Confident Employer

As part of the Disability Confident scheme, we take positive action by providing first-round interviews to candidates who have a registered disability, provided they meet the minimum criteria for the role, as demonstrated on their CV and application questions.

We ask that candidates that wish to be considered for this scheme email us via our website to discuss further. Please do not email CV's/cover letters.