Development officer jobs

Independent Age is the national charity focused on improving the lives of people facing financial hardship in later life. We believe no one should face financial hardship in later life. 

The Senior Media and PR Officer will undertake communication projects to support all areas of the charity to raise awareness and understanding of Independent Age, to secure policy change to tackle poverty in later life, and to drive potential supporters to our activities. 

Our Helpline and expert advisers offer free, practical support to older people without enough money to live on. Through our grants programme, we support hundreds of local organisations working with older people across the UK.

We use the knowledge and insight gained from our support services and partnerships to highlight the issues experienced by older people in poverty and campaign for change. 

We would love to find individuals from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds to join us on this journey.

Responsibilities and Person Specification: 

This role supports the charity’s media and PR programme, helping to secure positive coverage and strengthen its reputation through proactive and reactive communications. It will contribute to the organisation’s ambition by increasing awareness, influence, and engagement with key audiences across traditional and digital media channels. 

Working within the media communications team, the post-holder will lead on media planning and PR projects, identifying opportunities for both short-term campaigns (such as report launches) and longer-term storytelling by spotting future hooks and moments to promote key messages and calls to action. The role will also support wider team strategy development and contribute to a busy and responsive press office. 

You should have experience in media relations and press office activity, including drafting high-quality media materials such as press releases, statements, op-eds and thought leadership content. You will also need strong judgement to respond to enquiries, manage reputational issues in real time, build relationships with journalists and outlets across the UK nations, and monitor, evaluate and report on media coverage. 

For full details on the role and requirements, please review the job description and person specification.  If your experience doesn’t align perfectly with all of the criteria in the person specification but you do meet most of them and are excited about the role, we encourage you to apply anyway.

This is a full-time role, 35 hours per week, which you can choose to work over five days or a 9 day fortnight.

What it’s like to work at Independent Age: 

We celebrate diversity at Independent Age and champion the differences that make each of us unique. We actively support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets to join us and help shape what we do. We aim to attract and retain a wide range of talent and create an environment where everyone can feel safe, protected, welcome and included. 

We offer great benefits including 28 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme with life assurance, and fantastic learning and development opportunities. We also offer a number of enhanced leave provisions and benefits. 

We know that a good work life balance helps us perform at our best and supports wellbeing. Flexible working hours and hybrid working is standard for all (those contracted to work in the office usually attend 1 day per week). But if you need a different form of flexibility, we are always happy to talk flexible working.

You can find out more about what it’s like to work at Independent Age on the careers page of our website. 

Application Process: 

To apply, please submit a CV and a Supporting Statement, detailing how your skills and experience meet the criteria within the Job Description and Person Specification, by visiting our jobs website (please do not hesitate to contact us if you have specific requirements and need support to apply in an alternative format). 

To support our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion our hiring managers use anonymous shortlisting. Therefore, please do not include your name, photo, or information to indicate your gender or age in your CV and supporting statement. Please do not omit dates of employment. Please ensure the title of any uploads does not contain your name.

Independent Age is committed to safeguarding and follows Safer Recruitment practices to ensure we are safeguarding those we work with. We therefore ask that you supply your full work history with explanations for any gaps in the application documents you submit and, if offered the post, we will require two employment references including your current or most recent employer. A Basic DBS Certificate will be required for this role. 

Closing Date: Monday 11 May 2026, 11:59pm 

Interview Dates: Tuesday 19th and Wednesday 20th May via Microsoft Teams

Amref Health Africa is the largest Africa-based international health development organisation. We work to bring about lasting health change in Africa.  

Our UK office is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Senior Data & Insights Officer to lead on the day-to-day maintenance and utilisation of our data management platform, Microsoft Dynamics 365, with a particular focus on the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) module. This role is pivotal to supporting a culture of data-driven decision-making across Amref UK, ensuring the integrity and strategic use of our data to enable strategic growth in supporter engagement, retention and income generation.

The Senior Data & Insights Officer will be a key point of contact for colleagues across the organisation, playing an instrumental role in supporting how we gather, manage and utilise data at Amref UK. They will be critical in providing expertise and establishing new ways of working across key Amref UK teams, including Supporter Engagement, Programmes & Strategic Partnerships, Finance, Operations and Senior Management.  The postholder will be the organisational expert in Microsoft Dynamics working with senior leaders, Amref HQ ICT, Amref’s global Fundraising Development team (F&D) and third-party vendors to develop, implement and integrate processes and reporting tools that aid analysis and insight.  They will work with HQ ICT to deliver improved functionality and system upgrades while maintaining data integrity and compliance requirements.  Experience in relational database design and familiarity with marketing tools such as Google Analytics would also be an advantage.

To be successful in this role, the post holder will need to be a team player who brings a combination of technical expertise, communication skills and business change experience.

Smile Train is the world’s largest cleft-focused organisation, supporting life-changing surgery and comprehensive cleft care for children and adults globally. Through its unique local model, Smile Train has supported more than 2 million surgeries and works with medical partners across 75+ countries to deliver sustainable, high-quality care.

The UK plays a vital role within this global organisation, contributing significant income, insight and strategic input. The programme is performing strongly, with income expected to reach c.£14–15m this year, underpinned by a successful individual giving and legacy programme.

Smile Train is now entering its next phase of growth in the UK, with a clear opportunity to build and strengthen high-value income, particularly across major donors, mid-value giving and trusts & foundations. We are seeking a Director of UK Fundraising to lead this next stage – shaping strategy, strengthening delivery and building a more balanced, sustainable income portfolio over time.

Reporting to the Chief Development Officer in New York, you will lead the UK fundraising programme and team of six, sitting at the heart of a global organisation. You will combine strategic leadership with hands-on delivery, setting direction while personally driving key relationships and opportunities at the highest level.

With a strong foundation in place and growing investment in the UK, this is a significant opportunity to build high-value fundraising from a relatively early stage, while contributing to a global fundraising strategy and organisation with exceptional scale and impact.

As Director of UK Fundraising, you will:

• Lead and deliver the UK fundraising strategy, aligned to global priorities
• Drive income growth across all streams, with a particular focus on high-value fundraising
• Develop a more structured, relationship-led approach to major donors, mid-value giving and trusts & foundations
• Personally manage and grow a portfolio of high-value donors and prospects
• Lead, develop and bring clarity to a UK team of six staff
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting and performance management
• Work closely with global colleagues to translate strategy into effective UK delivery
• Act as a senior ambassador for Smile Train in the UK

Essential skills and experience:

• A strong track record of developing and delivering successful fundraising strategies, including high-value income streams
• Proven success in securing major gifts and building long-term donor relationships
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams
• Strong financial and analytical skills, including forecasting and performance management
• Experience working with senior stakeholders, including trustees or boards
• The ability to operate both strategically and operationally in a senior leadership role
• Excellent relationship-building, influencing and communication skills

Desirable:

• Experience working within a global or matrix organisation
• Exposure to mass fundraising or individual giving programmes
• Experience contributing to organisational or multi-market strategy development

Experience working in an international or globally distributed organisation is strongly preferred. This will include experience of effective collaboration in a global organisation ensuring strategic alignment with headquarters and across global teams.

Employee benefits

Benefits include:

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Private Medical Insurance
• Life Assurance
• Income Protection
• Up to 7 days paid sick leave per year
• Interest free Travel to Work loan

Where Next is a well-established charity supporting adults with learning disabilities to live fulfilling, independent lives. We are looking for a capable and reliable Finance Officer to lead our day-to-day financial operations and support the organisation as we continue to grow.

The Role

This is a hands-on role with responsibility for the smooth running of all core finance functions, including:

• Payroll, pensions, and statutory returns
• Purchase and sales ledger (including varied client income streams)
• Bank reconciliations and cashflow management
• VAT returns (including partial exemption) and Gift Aid
• Monthly management accounts and reporting

You will be the go-to person for finance, working closely with the CEO and senior team to ensure strong financial control and provide clear, practical financial information.

About You

You will:

• Have solid experience in a finance or bookkeeping role
• Be confident managing end-to-end finance processes
• Be highly organised, accurate, and reliable
• Be comfortable working independently and taking ownership
• Ideally have experience with Xero, payroll, and VAT

Experience in the charity sector or working with restricted funding is a bonus, but not essential.

Why Join Where Next?

• Flexible working – part-time or full-time considered
• Hybrid working available
• A varied role with real responsibility
• Opportunity to grow into broader financial and organisational responsibilities
• A supportive, values-driven organisation where your work has real impact

Apply

If you’re looking for a role where you can combine strong finance skills with meaningful work, we’d love to hear from you.

We are open to shaping the scope of this role around the successful candidate, depending on experience and working pattern.

Job Title: Partnerships Officer

Duration: Permanent

Hours: Full time – 36 hours per week (job share/part-time considered)

Salary: £32,700 per annum, plus pension and benefits

Location: Homebased

Overall job purpose

The post-holder will play a key role within the Initiatives and Partnerships team, working with regional teams to develop and implement proposals to expand use of historic churches in our existing estate and, on occasion, working with other heritage and community groups to deliver their own projects via consultancy or partnership work.

They will manage a programme of work that will include a number of site-specific projects and national initiatives across multiple sites, as well as from time to time working with third parties on partnership or consultancy projects.

The Partnerships Officer will support regional teams and communities to scope and develop projects, supporting feasibility, options and project development work as well as business planning, project management and funding. The post-holder will also work closely with colleagues in conservation and regional teams to make sure that impacts on both areas are fully considered, whilst in tandem seeking to maximise opportunities to expand and increase commercial activity, income and ultimately profitability.

We have recently published our TRUST values, which outline the behaviours and expectations that act as our foundations at CCT. We have attached the pack, outlining each value, which we will also be using as part of our shortlisting and interview process to find the right candidates that align with our values.

If you would like to apply for this role, please visit our recruitment portal to begin your application. You will be asked to submit a CV and a short supporting statement (max 2 sides A4) outlining why you’d like to apply and how you fulfil the person specification for this post, so you’ll need to refer to the job description.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 9am on Sunday 10 May 2026.

The interviews will take place in Northampton on Wednesday 27 May 2026. Please note that the interview date and location have been specifically chosen according to the availability of the panel.

Please note: As part of our recruitment process, we undertake candidate psychometric testing, you will receive an email following your application submission asking you to complete a series of activities.

All successful applicants will be subject to a basic DBS, credit check, references and right to work checks.

We are a Disability Confident Committed Employer. Candidates who declare that they have a disability and who meet the essential criteria for the job will be offered an interview.

If you have any queries about this role, or if you have a disability and wish to request a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us.

We are an inclusive employer and offer equal opportunities to all regardless of an individual’s age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

We are not a licensed sponsor at this time. Any offer of employment will be made subject to valid right to work in the UK being provided.

Development Manager for Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust Consultants Ltd

Full time 35 hours per week (part-time considered) | £39,010 - £44,303 | Initial 18 month fixed contract with the aim that this will become a permanent role if successful | Mix of office and home working

Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT) is seeking a driven and entrepreneurial professional to lead and grow our charity’s trading arm, YDMTCL. This is a newly created and exciting opportunity for someone with strong business development and leadership skills to build on the success of our Landscape Design team, while also originating and leading your own projects to strengthen commercial performance and impact.

About the role 

YDMTCL currently delivers landscape design services through a team of two Landscape Architects, working across urban, rural and community regeneration projects. The team combines strong technical expertise with creative design skills to deliver high quality green infrastructure and green space solutions.

The company currently has an annual turnover of under £100,000 and a clear ambition to double this over the next two to three years. The postholder will play a key role in driving this growth and will be expected to make significant progress towards this target during the 18 month contract period. All profits generated by YDMTCL are gifted back to the charity, directly supporting its charitable objectives.

This role will be primarily focused on the trading company, with approximately 90% of time dedicated to YDMTCL and up to 10% supporting the wider charity. You will originate and lead your own projects, creating vital new income streams for the organisation. Your work will focus on integrating ecology and landscape design to deliver innovative, high quality projects that contribute meaningfully to nature recovery. 

We believe the role will be a highly rewarding one, and a real opportunity for someone to shape, lead and take ownership of YDMTCL, while working for a fantastic organisation and benefiting this wonderful area and its communities.

About you 

We are seeking an experienced professional with a strong track record of working in multidisciplinary environments to lead and grow YDMTCL. You will bring proven business development and leadership skills to support and expand our Landscape Design team, building on its existing success and increasing commercial performance.

Commercially astute, you will demonstrate a strong history of income generation and business growth, ideally within conservation, land management, landscape design and/or ecology. You will lead the development of vital new income streams, building and delivering an active pipeline of revenue generating projects aligned with the charity’s aims.

About Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust 

YDMT is a charity doing big things to help to protect and enhance People, Landscape and Wildlife in the Yorkshire Dales.  

For 29 years we have delivered diverse and inspirational projects, helping to plant 1.6 million trees and securing the future of more than 850 hectares of wildflower hay meadows, creating habitats for our wildlife and combatting climate change. We are passionate about inspiring disadvantaged groups and future generations to care for this special area. Our new three-year strategy is centred around building partnerships that increase the scale and pace of nature recovery.

This is a grant funded role, fixed term for two years, with the opportunity for conversion to a permanent role should funding allow.

Main Purpose of the Role:

To provide proactive, emotional, and practical support to families and individuals affected by Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) across Scotland. The role will focus on early engagement, wellbeing assessment, community building, and delivery of workshops and events, while ensuring accurate tracking of support outcomes and data.  
 
The successful candidate will also lead on support for young people living with Duchenne during 2 key transition points (primary to secondary school stage and moving into adulthood). They will work closely with the England-based Transitions Coordinator to deliver a joined-up programme of support across the UK. 

Specific Tasks:

1. Proactive Family Support 

• Initiate contact with newly registered families within agreed timeframes (email within 3 working days, call within 7–10 working days) 

• Contact to be made to all registered Action Duchenne members, knows to us in Scotland, to ensure the current support offer is clear  

• Provide ongoing support tailored to individual needs, including emotional wellbeing, physical health, housing, financial security, self-esteem and respect, decision-making, social engagement, quality of life, and access to care 

• Use the Action Duchenne Assessment Form and Action Plan to identify and respond to areas of concern 

2. Transitions Support 

· Lead transition support across all nations, with a focus on Scotland, for children and young people facing key life changes, including: 

· Moving between educational settings such as primary to secondary 

· Transitioning from paediatric to adult health services 

· Changes in mobility and independence (e.g. transitioning to using powerchairs)

· You will lead, but expected to work collaboratively with the England-based Transition Coordinator to ensure consistency and continuity of support across the UK 

· Develop resources, guidance, and workshops to support families through transitions 

3. Wellbeing Tracking and Outcome Measurement 

· Administer wellbeing questionnaires and record scores across key domains (e.g. physical health, emotional wellbeing, financial security) 

· Collaborate with families to co-create action plans and track progress 

· Ensure all data is entered into CRM (E-Tapestry or similar) within the allotted timeframe, i.e. immediately after or during the call. 

4. Community Engagement and Event Delivery 

· Organise and deliver regional meetups (minimum one per quarter) 

· Facilitate support groups (virtual and in-person) for parents, young people, and extended family 

· Support delivery of workshops and events aligned with programme schedule (e.g. music, life skills, employability) 

5. Stakeholder Collaboration 

· Liaise with external organisations including NHS care advisors and clinics, local authorities, counselling services, and other charities 

· Represent Action Duchenne in Scotland and build relationships with local networks 

6. Administration and Reporting 

· Maintain accurate records of all interactions and support provided 

· Contribute to quarterly reporting on activity delivery, capacity utilisation, and family impact 

· Support development of CRM processes and service delivery improvements 

7. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): 

· New contact acknowledgement email: within 3 working days 

· New contact follow-up call: within 7–10 working days 

· Families contacted per week: 12–15 hours of direct contact 

· Regional meetups: 1 per quarter 

· Support groups delivered: 9–12 per year 

· CRM data entry: within 24 hours of interaction 

· Family outcomes tracked: via wellbeing questionnaire and action plan 

· Transition support delivered: tracked through engagement, resources, and feedback 

NB This is not an exhaustive list, the role holder will be asked to carry out additional tasks as required for the Team’s successful service delivery. Such tasks will always be reasonable and broadly in line with current knowledge levels and skill sets.

Please find below the job specification, including required skills and qualifications.

We’re looking for an experienced, proactive fundraiser who can think strategically and deliver hands-on. Someone confident writing bids, building partnerships and spotting opportunities for growth.

This is a key role at a pivotal moment for AudioActive, offering the chance to build on strong foundations and shape a diverse, sustainable income model and power a team that is dedicated to empowering young people through music.

What you’ll do

• Lead and deliver AudioActive’s fundraising and development strategy
• Grow income across trusts & foundations, tenders, contracts and partnerships
• Write high-quality bids, proposals and pitches
• Develop new business partnerships aligned with our mission
• Build strong relationships with funders, partners and supporters
• Work closely with the CEO and team to align income with programmes
• Track performance, manage targets and identify new opportunities

Prospectus is proud to partner with our client to appoint their new Director of Fundraising and Development. They deliver life-saving and life-changing interventions to some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people. From rapid emergency response to their innovative programming in health and nutrition, livelihoods and education, they go to the hardest to reach places to make sure that no-one is left behind.

Director of Fundraising and Development
Permanent
London or Belfast (1 day per week in the office)
London salary: £75,076-£82,584
Belfast salary: £69,370-£76,307

The Director of Fundraising and Development is a senior leadership role responsible for driving sustainable, diversified income growth for the organisation in line with the UK strategic Funding Goal and wider global strategy. The role will oversee a brilliant team and combines a strong mass fundraising portfolio with philanthropy and partnerships, creating opportunities to unlock high-value income through global foundations, strategic partnerships, and private and philanthropic capital. Reporting to the Executive Director, the postholder will also develop and scale opportunities in impact investing, blended finance and innovative financing.

The selected candidate will have significant senior leadership experience in partnerships, philanthropy or income development, with a demonstrable track record of securing and growing funding. You will have significant experience in a broad range of fundraising disciplines, with a demonstrable track record of achieving successful results and leading high-performing teams. It is not essential to have experience in an INGO or complex, federated organisation, but is desirable.

At Prospectus we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome all candidates to apply, regardless of age, sex/gender, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status or pregnancy/maternity. If you have any disability and require reasonable adjustment/s to any part of the process then please contact Ryan Burdock at Prospectus.

If you feel you meet some of the criteria but not all, we really hope you'll enquire and learn more. Prospectus can advise and support on each part of the role and hopefully your application, so we look forward to hearing from you.      
 
In order to apply please submit your CV in the first instance. Should your experience be suitable, we will arrange for a meeting to brief you on the role. You'll then have all the information you need to formally apply. We are looking forward to connecting with you soon.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an outstanding individual to join the School’s successful Development Team. Reporting to the Head of Development, working alongside the other members of the team and within the wider External Relations department, the successful candidate will coordinate and develop the School’s substantial programme of events and engagement activities for its alumni, manage the School’s fundraising and stewardship communications and activities, and oversee the day-to-day administration of the Department’s work.

Educated to degree level, with proven experience in both developing relationships with individuals and wider community engagement, the successful candidate will be an outstanding communicator and effective decision maker who will use their impeccable organisation skills to ensure the continuous improvement of the team’s work.  Fundraising or alumni relations experience is desirable, although candidates from a variety of backgrounds will be considered.

With some 2,500 pupils, Bolton School is a large, thriving, academically selective day school. It is situated a mile or so from the town centre in a stunning 32 acre campus and is within easy reach of some of the nation’s finest cities and countryside.

A large Foundation Services Department supports the School operations and within this there is a trading arm, Bolton School Services Limited (BSSL). This includes BSS Leisure Services, Kidzone and Patterdale Hall, a superb Outdoor Pursuits Centre situated at the Southern end of Lake Ullswater. Those who work within the organisation are able to combine the experience and pleasure of educating and being around young people with some of the challenges of a business environment.

An attractive salary and benefits package is available. 

For further details and to apply online for the position, please visit the School website.

Closing date for applications:  Tuesday 05 May 2026 at 12.00 noon

Interviews will be held on Wednesday 13 May 2026

We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace to reflect the diversity of our pupils and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and to join Bolton School. As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all sections of the community and are committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees.  We do not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.

Bolton School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an Enhanced Criminal Records Check for Regulated Activity.

We look forward to receiving your application.

Development Manager
Salary: £40,000
London based, hybrid working
Office: Farringdon (Monday and Thursday in the office)

Crisis Action works to protect civilians at risk from violent conflict by bringing together coalitions that drive real political change. We are seeking a Development Manager to help secure the funding that makes this work possible.

This is a key role within a small, senior team, with responsibility for high-value fundraising across trusts and foundations, governments and individual donors. You will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer and Senior Management Team, contributing to strategy as well as delivery, and taking part in SMT retreats.

You will:

• Lead high-value fundraising and donor relationships
• Develop and manage funding proposals, reports and stewardship
• Support and shape fundraising strategy
• Maintain strong systems and grant management processes

You will bring:

• Significant experience in high-value fundraising
• Confidence working with senior stakeholders and donors
• Strong writing, financial and organisational skills
• A collaborative, mission-driven approach

Crisis Action values diversity and is committed to building an inclusive organisation.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.

YMCA Derbyshire - Chief Executive - £105k pa | Derby (travel across our operating areas is expected)

Founded in 1847, YMCA Derbyshire is a charity that supports children, young people and communities across Derby and Derbyshire through a wide range of integrated services. We provide housing and supported accommodation for around 270 people each night, alongside pathways that help individuals move toward independent living.

Our work spans lifelong learning provision including our vocational college, employability programmes, school based childcare, early years provision, youth and community programmes, health and wellbeing activities, and vital services through our poverty relief programmes.

Together, these services create the essential building blocks for a safe home, improved wellbeing, skills development and real opportunities for children, young people and adults to thrive. We are a strong, stable and well-led organisation with a clear sense of purpose, and an equally clear belief that we can do so much more for the young people and communities we serve. We’re now looking for a Chief Executive who can help us continue to unlock that potential.

This is a role for a leader with real drive. You’ll join an ambitious team that is ready for fresh thinking, new ideas and creativity as we think about how to best to serve our communities and deliver our services to an even greater number. We expect that you will bring senior experience in one of the core areas of our services - housing, education, or the charity sector. You may not have experience in every facet of our delivery, and we don’t expect you to, but you will need an appetite to learn quickly, ask the right questions, and embrace the breadth of this role, as well as a strategic mindset and the confidence to explore different opportunities and shape a future where YMCA Derbyshire can grow and deepen our impact.

YMCA Derbyshire is a Christian-founded charity, and while we are very clear that we welcome, serve and work with people of all religious faiths, and of none, the CE role includes a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) to be held by a practicing Christian, under Part 1 of Schedule 9 to the Equality Act 2010.

This is a significant opportunity to lead an organisation with strong foundations, committed colleagues, an excellent reputation and excellent networks in Derby and Derbyshire. If you’re energised by possibility, motivated by purpose, and ready to help us take bold steps forward, we’d love to hear from you. Join us - and help lead the next chapter of YMCA Derbyshire’s story. 

Carers First is a charity that works directly with, and for unpaid carers, providing personalised information, advice and tailored support making it easier for those caring for someone else to continue living their lives to the fullest.

We have a committed, dedicated staff team and you could be just the person we are looking for to join us to make that valuable difference in carer’s lives.

We live and work through our values in all that we achieve by being positive, collaborative and ambitious and we have clear plans to scale our reach, support and impact for carers.

About this role

We have an exciting opportunity for a Business Development Manager to join our team. Reporting directly to the Director of Income and Engagement, you will play a key role in securing and sustaining income to enable Carers First to grow its support and impact for carers. Your responsibilities would include: -

• Identifying, assessing and managing commissioned contract and funding opportunities aligned to Carers First’s strategic aims, maintaining a clear and intelligence‑led pipeline.

• Leading the development of compelling, high‑quality and cost‑effective bids and proposals for carers services and support (including re-securing existing contracts). Working with services, co-ordinating bid plans and bid teams to ensure a consistent, unified approach.

• Supporting the mobilisation of new contracts and services.

• Supporting delivery of the Income Generation Strategy, including leading on larger Trust, Foundation and grant applications where appropriate.

• Building effective relationships with commissioners, funders and partners to support business development and market engagement.

• Using quality, insight, outcomes data and carers’ feedback to strengthen bids, inform service improvement and support the development of innovative service models that improve outcomes for carers.

About you

To be successful in this role you will bring a strong mix of business development expertise, Local Authority commissioned contract success, sector knowledge and collaborative working, alongside a commitment to improving outcomes for carers, with;

• A strong track record of securing new Local Authority commissioned contracts and re securing existing contracts, with experience of commissioning and procurement processes in health, social care or the voluntary sector.

• Proven experience of leading bid development activity and bid teams, producing high quality, persuasive proposals within tight deadlines.

• Experience of senior stakeholder engagement and relationship management with commissioners, funders and partner organisations.

• A good understanding of health and care systems, including Local Authority and Integrated Care System priorities and pressures.

• Experience of service design and service improvement, working collaboratively with multi disciplinary teams and people with lived experience.

• Excellent organisational, programme and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to analyse insight and impact data and translate this into learning, improvement and compelling cases for support.

• A collaborative, inclusive and supportive approach, with a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and strong alignment with the values and mission of Carers First.

We are looking for passionate people who are committed to the overall aims and objectives of the Charity. Carers First is committed to providing a supportive, vibrant, diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

Carers First Can Offer You

In return for your contribution, we have an amazing package of staff benefits including 26 days annual leave entitlement which increases with length of service, flexible working options, paid carers leave, access to our work-place pension, staff discount scheme, employee assistance programme and a Benenden Healthcare package.

Whatever you are aiming to achieve in your career, we are here to encourage, help and support you grow, through our excellent training and development programmes.

How to apply

To apply for our exciting opportunity and make a real difference to the lives of carers, visit the Carers First website and click on the ‘Apply Now’ button to begin your application.

Appointments are subject to Carers First receiving an appropriate disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service that we consider acceptable.

If you would like an informal conversation about the role, please contact Kate Kennard, Director of Innovation and Development, via our recruitment team to arrange a call.

Closing Date: Wednesday, 13 May 2026

Interviews: Successfully shortlisted candidates will be invited to a first round interview:

Stage 1: Online competence-based interview – Tuesday, 19 May 2026

Second‑round interviews will only be offered to those candidates who successfully meet the required criteria at the first interview as follows:

Stage 2: A face-to-face meeting in London with an interview panel – Tuesday, 26 May 2026. You will be required to do a presentation, and details will be provided in advance.

Carers First is an Equal Opportunities Employer

Positive       Collaborative        Ambitious

As we approach our 30th anniversary, we are thrilled to announce a brand-new role that will help shape the future of our organisation. This is an exciting chance for a Brazelton-trained visionary with clinical experience in the infant and perinatal field to make a real impact.

You will bring your expertise in the Brazelton approach, the NBAS and/or NBO, to the forefront of our work, ensuring it continues to guide everything we do. Collaborating with our team and partners in the field, you will help implement a bold strategic plan and play a central role in developing innovative services for the future.

If you are passionate about the Brazelton approach, embedding relationship-centred care into services and want to be part of an organisation that values compassion, knowledge, and collaboration, this role is for you.

Responsible to

The Director

Responsible for

Strategy implementation, service development, programme development and partnerships

Base

Hybrid with some in person meetings at 66 Devonshire Rd, Cambridge CB1 2BL 

Salary

£49,000 to £57,000 pro rata depending on experience (Band 7 AfC)

Working hours

22.5 hours per week (equivalent to 3 days per week)

Background

The Brazelton Centre UK aims to support the transition and adjustment to parenthood, focusing on the development and mental health needs of both babies and parents. Holding the baby in mind, the Centre, which is research and practice based, enables health professionals to facilitate relationship building between parents and their newborn at a time that is experienced as a major life event. The philosophy of the organisation is one of enabling effective service development, appropriate clinical intervention and sharing of expertise.

The Centre, established in Cambridge in 1997, is a training organisation for health professionals and researchers who work with babies and parents.We offer training courses in the Newborn Behavioural Observations System (NBO) and Neonatal Behavioural Assessment Scale. (NBAS). Brazelton Centre UK is one of four Centres in the world, teaching the NBO and NBAS, and the most active.Brazelton UK works in partnership with other organisations on training, surveys and research, including third sector organisations, universities, NHS trusts and organisations providing support for the under-fives. Almost 6,000 practitionershave undertaken the UK training courses in both the NBO and NBAS.

The Centre currently has a staff of 7 from different professional groups, in a range of roles, with 10 Trainers across the UK, able to teach specific courses as required. 

The charity has a Board of Trustees.The Strategy and Service Development Lead will report directly to the Director and be ultimately accountable to the Board of Trustees.

The Brazelton Centre UK has developed a new Strategic Plan for 2025–2030, setting out ambitious goals to increase reach and impact, expand research activity, develop new training programmes and increase engagement with parents.

This new post has been created to support the Director and Trustees in delivering this strategy and to lead the development of new programmes, partnerships and services that support the Centre’s mission.

This is a part-time post in the first instance and may entail some travelling in the UK and abroad for meetings. 

Key Responsibilities and accountabilities:

Strategic development and implementation

·Support the Director and Board of Trustees in the implementation of the Brazelton Centre UK’s strategic plan.

·Lead the coordination and delivery of strategic initiatives designed to increase the reach, impact and sustainability of the Centre’s work.

·Identify opportunities for innovation and development of services that support professionals working with babies and their families.

·Work collaboratively with the Director and staff team to translate strategic priorities into practical implementation plans and measurable outcomes.

·Monitor progress against strategic objectives and provide regular updates to the Director and Trustees

Service and programme development

·Lead the development of new programmes, services and initiatives in line with the BCUK’s strategic goals.

·Support the development of new training programmes and educational resources for health professionals and practitioners working with parents and babies.

·Work with colleagues, trainers and partners to design, pilot and evaluate new initiatives including antenatal and postnatal programmes.

·Work with the Director, staff team and trainers to support the development and implementation of online learning modules, webinars and digital educational resources that enhance the BCUK’s training and educational offer.

·Contribute to the development of digital resources that support professionals trained in the NBO and NBAS, including resources designed to strengthen implementation and reflective practice.

·Ensure that all programme development reflects current evidence and best practice in infant mental health, early development and parent–infant relationships.

Partnerships and collaboration

·Develop and maintain strong partnerships with external organisations including universities, NHS services, local authorities and voluntary sector organisations.

·Contribute to the development of professional networks and initiatives that support practitioners trained in the NBO and NBAS.

· Support the Director in identifying opportunities for collaborative projects, research partnerships and service innovation.

· Represent the Brazelton Centre UK in meetings, networks and events as appropriate.

· Promote collaborative working with partners in order to strengthen the Centre’s profile and maximise opportunities for impact.

Research and evaluation

·Support the Director and R&D Manager with the development of research collaborations and evaluation projects which strengthen the evidence base for the Brazelton approach.

·Work with academic and clinical partners to develop evaluation frameworks that demonstrate the impact of Brazelton Centre UK programmes and training, and support dissemination of learning and research findings.

·Assist in the identification of opportunities for research funding and collaborative projects.

Governance and organisational development

·Support the Director and Board of Trustees in the development and review of organisational policies, strategies and governance processes.

·Work closely with the Director to support the effective operational functioning of the Brazelton Centre UK, helping to ensure that organisational priorities and work programmes are delivered effectively.

·Provide leadership and coordination of agreed areas of organisational activity, working with the Director to support the management and development of the Brazelton Centre UK staff team.

·Support the Director in the development of staff objectives, work plans and monitoring of progress against agreed priorities.

·Contribute to the coordination and oversight of the delivery of programmes, projects and training activities to ensure they meet organisational standards and strategic objectives.

·Work collaboratively with the Director and colleagues to support the effective coordination of the Brazelton Centre UK Trainers and related initiatives.

· Ensure that work undertaken within the role reflects the values and principles of the Brazelton Centre UK.

General

This job description describes the major responsibilities and accountabilities associated with the post of Strategy and Service Development Lead.It is not intended to be exhaustive and it should not be assumed that other duties of a similar level/nature appropriate to the role of Strategy and Service Development Leadare excluded simply because they are not itemised.

Similarly, it should be recognised that the duties of the post may alter due to changes in legislation or policy or the business needs of the charity.Where such changes occur, training may be given where reasonable to enable the post-holder to undertake the new or varied work.

The Strategy and Service Development Leadis a key advocate for The Brazelton Centre UK and is expected to display the highest levels of personal and professional integrity at all times and to always act in a way which reflects positively on the organisation. 

Further details about the Centre can be found on the Brazelton Centre UK website.

For more information about the post and informal discussions, please contact Inge Nickell, Director of the Brazelton Centre UK.

Please refer to the attachment for person specifications. 

Right to Work in the UK: Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.Proof of eligibility to work in the UK will be required from candidates who are shortlisted for interview.

Interview date is on the 30th June 2026 in Cambridge in person.