Trustee director volunteer jobs in Belfast

About Overcoming MS:

Every five minutes, someone, somewhere in the world is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). For many, those words are followed by fear, uncertainty and unanswered questions. Too often, people leave appointments without knowing how nutrition, exercise, stress management and other evidence-based lifestyle changes can play an important role alongside medical treatment.

Overcoming MS is the leading global charity dedicated to helping everyone with MS live well. We turn the best available evidence into practical support people can use every day. Together with our global community and healthcare professionals, we're working to make healthy lifestyle support part of everyday MS care.

We're entering an exciting new chapter. Over the next three years, we're investing in growing philanthropy to diversify income, build long-term sustainability and reach more people living with MS than ever before. This newly created role will play a pivotal part in making that ambition a reality.

Job summary:
As our Philanthropy Manager, you'll lead our trusts and foundations fundraising while building meaningful relationships with major donors who share our vision. Working closely with the Director of Fundraising & Communications, CEO and Trustees, you'll help build and grow our philanthropy programme, securing significant gifts and developing long-term partnerships that enable more people living with MS to access trusted information, evidence-based lifestyle guidance and a supportive community.

This is a rare opportunity for an ambitious fundraiser who enjoys building something new. You'll have the freedom to shape a growing philanthropy programme, develop new opportunities and play a central role in delivering our fundraising strategy.

About you

You're an experienced relationship fundraiser with a successful track record in trusts and foundations and/or major donor fundraising.

You'll bring:

• A proven track record of securing significant five-figure gifts and grants, with experience developing or securing six-figure funding opportunities.
• Excellent proposal and bid writing skills.
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management experience.
• Confidence working with philanthropists, senior decision-makers and trustees.
• The ability to balance strategic thinking with delivering ambitious income targets.
• Excellent communication, organisation and influencing skills.

Most importantly, you'll share our belief that everyone living with MS deserves access to trusted information, practical support and hope for the future.

Key responsibilities and duties:
The role comprises of the following key areas of responsibility:

Trusts and Foundations

• Lead and develop our trusts and foundations fundraising programme.
• Build and manage a strong pipeline of prospective charitable trusts and foundations.
• Research and identify new funding opportunities aligned to Overcoming MS' strategic priorities.
• Develop compelling funding applications, reports and proposals.
• Deliver excellent stewardship and timely reporting to existing funders.

Major Donors

• Develop and manage relationships with existing and prospective major donors.
• Work with the Director of Fundraising & Communications, CEO and Trustees to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward prospective philanthropists.
• Develop tailored cultivation and stewardship plans aligned to supporters' interests and motivations.
• Prepare personalised proposals, presentations and impact reports.
• Secure significant five-figure gifts while developing and progressing opportunities capable of generating transformational six-figure support.

Philanthropy development

• Research and identify opportunities to grow both restricted and unrestricted income.
• Develop compelling cases for support that communicate the impact and ambition of Overcoming MS.
• Collaborate with colleagues across fundraising, communications and services to translate our evidence, insight and organisational priorities into inspiring funding propositions.
• Contribute to philanthropy strategy, pipeline development, income forecasting and long-term fundraising growth.
• Maintain accurate fundraising records, prospect pipelines and reporting through our CRM system.
• Support donor cultivation events and opportunities to deepen supporter engagement.

Compliance and representation

• Act as an ambassador for Overcoming MS, building relationships that increase awareness and support for our work.
• Ensure fundraising activity complies with the Fundraising Regulator's Code of Fundraising Practice, GDPR and organisational policies.
• Keep up to date with fundraising best practice and sector developments.

Person Specification

We're looking for someone who is excited by the opportunity to build, grow and shape a philanthropy programme that will help more people live well with MS.

Essential

• Proven experience securing significant five-figure gifts and grants from trusts and foundations and/or major donors, with experience developing or securing six-figure funding opportunities.
• An excellent track record of developing successful funding applications, compelling proposals and persuasive cases for support.
• Experience identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding high-value supporters.
• Outstanding written communication skills, with the ability to translate evidence and impact into compelling fundraising propositions.
• Strong relationship-building and influencing skills, with confidence engaging philanthropists, trustees and senior stakeholders.
• Experience managing fundraising pipelines and using CRM systems.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
• A proactive, collaborative and solutions-focused approach.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• A commitment to the mission and values of Overcoming MS.

Desirable

• Experience working within a health, disability or medical charity.
• Experience working with volunteer leaders, ambassadors or Boards.
• Experience using Dynamics 365 or a similar CRM system.
• An understanding of multiple sclerosis or an interest in evidence-based lifestyle approaches to long-term health.

This job description outlines the main responsibilities of the role but is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Duties may evolve over time, and the post-holder may be required to undertake other reasonable tasks consistent with the level of the role. 

Why join us?

You'll join an ambitious, evidence-led charity with a global reach, where you'll have the opportunity to shape a growing philanthropy programme from the ground up.

We offer:

• Fully remote working within the UK.
• 28 days annual leave (FTE - pro rata for part-time) plus a day off for your birthday and bank holidays. 
• 5% pension scheme. 
• Genuine flexibility around how your 22.5 hours are worked across the week.
• Employee Assistance Programme. 
• Opportunities for professional development and growth.
• The opportunity to work closely with the CEO, Trustees and senior colleagues to build a sustainable philanthropy programme.
• The chance to make a lasting difference for people living with MS.

How to apply 

Please click on the ‘apply now’ button and send your CV and a covering letter.

In your covering letter, please let us know: 

• Your motivation for applying for the role.
• Your notice period. 
• Your current location.

Application timeline:

• Closing date: 9am on Thursday 13th August. 
• First round interviews: Tuesday 18th August online via Microsoft Teams.
• Second round interviews: TBC.

Please respond ASAP, as we will start screening candidates as soon as we receive applications. 

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion:

We want Overcoming MS to be a welcoming, inclusive and supportive place to work, where people feel valued and able to thrive. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and communities, particularly those currently underrepresented in the charity sector.

We know that people sometimes hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement listed. If this role feels like a good fit for you, we’d still encourage you to apply.

If you need reasonable adjustments or information in a different format during the recruitment process, please contact us.

Job Title: Administrator & Bookkeeper

Location: Home-based with travel and occasional overnight stays

Hours: 35 Hours per week (Typically Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)

About Us:
Established in 1985, the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes (ADCH) is the leading representative charity for dog and cat rescue and rehoming organisations across the UK, Ireland, Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands. ADCH promotes the safeguarding of welfare standards for dogs and cats needing new homes and supports those working and volunteering in the sector

At the heart of ADCH is a strong collaborative ethos. With over 160 member organisations, all of which are registered charities, we unite organisations of all sizes – large and small; embracing over 50,000 staff and volunteers, all dedicated to working together for Dogs and Cats. A key part of this ethos is the peer network ADCH nurtures, where members connect, exchange ideas, share knowledge and resources, and offer mutual support. Through this network, organisations are able to address common challenges, collaborate on solutions, and strengthen their collective impact on animal welfare.

Who We Are Looking For:

We are looking for an organised and proactive Administrator & Bookkeeper to join our small, collaborative team. This is a varied role at the heart of the organisation, providing pragmatic administrative support across membership services, communications, finance, governance and events.

You'll be confident managing multiple priorities, maintaining accurate records and using a range of digital systems. From supporting our members and maintaining our CRM to producing communications, updating website content and assisting with day-to-day bookkeeping, you'll play an important role in helping ADCH deliver an efficient and professional service.

As part of a small team, you'll need to be adaptable, self-motivated and happy to take ownership of your work while supporting colleagues across a wide range of activities. You'll be equally comfortable working independently from home and collaborating with the team, with travel across the UK and occasional overnight stays required.

Person Specification

• Essential
• Experience providing administrative support within a busy team.
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams, Canva and database systems.
• Experience of bookkeeping and using accounting software (e.g. QuickBooks, Xero, Sage or similar).
•  Experience of creating social media content for an organisation.
• Experience of updating website content using systems such as WordPress or Similar.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to prioritise workload, work independently and use initiative.
• Excellent communication, customer service and interpersonal skills.

Desirable

It would also be great (but not essential) if you had:

• Experience of working in the charity sector and/or a membership organisation.
• Experience supporting or coordinating events
• Experience of supporting committees or governance meetings.
• Experience of working remotely.

How to apply

If you're an organised administrator with excellent attention to detail, strong IT skills and a positive, flexible approach, we'd love to hear from you.  This is a 12-month fixed-term position, with the potential for extension subject to funding.

Closing Date: Sunday, 16th August 2026

Interviews: Monday,  24th August 2026 Online

As a small charity with limited resources, we regret that we are unable to respond to every application or provide individual feedback to unsuccessful candidates. If you do not hear from us within five working days of the closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.

Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications.

Further details about the role, including key responsibilities and criteria, can be found in the job description. Please ensure you review this carefully before beginning your application.

Scottish Mountain Rescue represents 26 volunteer Mountain Rescue Teams across Scotland, alongside Police Scotland and RAF Mountain Rescue services. Its highly trained volunteers respond around the clock, in all conditions, to emergencies across Scotland’s mountains and remote communities.

Scottish Mountain Rescue is now appointing its first Chief Executive Officer.

Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Chief Executive will lead the charity’s operational functions, manage and support its staff team and help shape its future strategic direction. They will build strong relationships with member teams, volunteers, funders, government, emergency services and other national partners.

This is a significant leadership appointment during a period of organisational development and change. The successful candidate will combine strategic judgement with a practical, hands-on approach and will be confident working within a small national organisation.

Candidates should bring:

• Significant senior leadership and management experience
• Experience of strategy, operations, finance and organisational change
• Strong people management and Board reporting skills
• Outstanding stakeholder engagement and relationship-building experience
• Knowledge of Scotland’s policy, public sector and voluntary sector landscape
• A genuine commitment to Scottish Mountain Rescue’s purpose and volunteers

Applicants must be based in Scotland and have the legal right to work in the UK.

Application is by CV and covering letter, each no longer than two pages.

Closing date: Midday, Friday 21 August 2026
Interviews: Wednesday 9 September 2026, in central Edinburgh

All enquiries are being managed by Abeer Macintyre Consultancy. Please do not contact Scottish Mountain Rescue staff or Board members directly.

Job Purpose

Sequence ME & Long Covid is one of the most ambitious whole-genome sequencing studies ever undertaken into ME and Long Covid, co-led by Action for ME. Building on the success of DecodeME, this proposed £20 million study will use large-scale, long-read whole-genome sequencing to analyse the entire genetic code of 9,000 people with ME and 9,000 people with Long Covid - making it the world's largest 'long-read' whole-genome sequencing study of any disease.

Current funding supports project mobilisation, partnership development, and the development of the Long Covid arm of the study, including agreeing case definitions and gathering expressions of interest from people with Long Covid. Phase 2 has recently been confirmed, backed by £4.75m from the UK government and a further £174,414 from the WE&ME Foundation, and will focus on sequencing 6,000 ME/CFS samples previously collected through DecodeME using Oxford Nanopore's long-read sequencing technology, running alongside Phase 1.

You will play a pivotal role supporting the Sequence ME & Long Covid project in several different ways. Working closely with the project's management team and other team members, you will help ensure the smooth day-to-day running of this landmark study, providing administrative support to the various people and partners involved in delivering it.

As a self-starter, you will manage a range of tasks including meeting scheduling, taking meeting minutes, preparing governance documents, event administration, and broader project support - no two days will be the same.

You will need to maintain a high level of confidentiality at all times, particularly when supporting governance meetings and handling sensitive project documentation.

As a team player, you will provide comprehensive, confidential and organised administrative support, developing a deep understanding of the project and building strong, effective working relationships with colleagues, researchers and external partners.

Remote working at home can be challenging for some and works incredibly well for others. You will need to be able to work independently, use your own initiative, and remain proactive in maintaining good levels of communication with colleagues.

Key Duties

• Help monitor inboxes and respond to routine project enquiries in a timely and sensitive manner, escalating more complex matters as appropriate
• Assist the project's management team and other team members with meeting scheduling and diary coordination
• Take accurate minutes at project, management and other project-related meetings, and follow up and track resulting actions to completion
• Prepare, format and proof-read governance documents and papers
• Maintain and update project databases including the Teams channel, ensuring documents are saved correctly, other management information/recording systems to ensure accurate and timely record-keeping. Help with the tracking of expressions of interest from potential study participants.
• Provide administrative support for project events - from planning and logistics through to on-the-day support
• Help prepare presentations, slide decks and briefing materials for internal meetings, funders, partners and participant-facing communications
• Support the drafting, formatting and coordination of project communications, such as updates for partners, funders or the wider ME and Long Covid community
• Support coordination between internal teams and external partners, including research and funding partners
• Maintain project files and documentation in line with agreed communication operating procedures with internal and external partners ensuring information is well organised, up to date and easy for the team to access
• Maintain confidentiality at all times and in line with relevant policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with GDPR and that all data consent processes have been followed in relation to data protection
• Positively promote the work of the Sequence ME & Long Covid project and Action for ME at all times
• Undertake any other reasonable activity in line with the responsibilities of the post, as requested by the CEO, Business Development & Partnerships Manager, Senior Research Manager or the project's Management Team

Person Specification

Essential skills and experience

• Organisational skills - Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple tasks across a fast-moving research project, with attention to detail and accuracy maintained under pressure
• Communication - Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with diverse audiences including researchers, funders and people affected by ME and Long Covid
• IT literacy - Proficient with common office software, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint), and able to quickly learn relevant project management, database or communications systems as needed
• Problem-solving - A creative and solution-focused mindset to address challenges and find innovative ways to improve processes
• Adaptability - Capable of managing changing priorities, working flexibly, and adapting to the needs of a fast-paced, ambitious research programme
• Initiative - A proactive approach, with the ability to work independently and take initiative, while also following clear instructions when given
• Teamwork - A collaborative team player with a proven ability to work effectively as part of a team, including a remote-working team spanning multiple partners and stakeholders
• Interest in the sector - A genuine interest in health research, the Third Sector, and a desire to take action to improve the lives of people with ME and Long Covid
• Experience - Demonstrable ability to be an effective administrator, ideally within a charity, research, or project environment. Experience supporting governance processes, events, or communications would be an advantage but is not essential

Desirable skills and experience

• Experience providing administrative support for scientific or research-related projects
• Experience writing and communicating with non-specialist or general audiences