Director of development jobs

Help recruit the volunteers who bring free, life-changing surgery to thousands across sub-Saharan Africa.
If you’re energised by people, purpose and global impact, this role will light you up.

Mercy Ships UK is entering an exciting new chapter. With a growing supporter community, two state-of-the-art hospital ships, and ambitious plans for the next five years, we are expanding our recruitment capacity, and we’re looking for a talented, proactive Recruitment & Development Officer to help drive this vision forward.

This is not a standard recruitment role. You’ll be joining a mission that transforms lives every single day. We recruit over 400 skilled volunteer professionals each year; from surgeons and nurses, to engineers, teachers and maritime specialists, all serving on the Global Mercy and Africa Mercy, the world’s largest charitable hospital ships. Their work brings hope and healing to people who would otherwise have no access to safe surgery.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll support the Lead Recruiter by identifying, engaging and nurturing prospective volunteers, helping match the right people to the right opportunities at the right time. You’ll grow and maintain our Talent Community, build new partnerships, and engage with networks across the UK and beyond. One day you may be sourcing candidates online, another you may be connecting with training institutions, hosting webinars, or representing Mercy Ships at events.

This role combines relationship-building, recruitment, communication and creative outreach; perfect for someone who enjoys a varied, people-centred workload with real purpose behind it.

What you’ll bring

We’re looking for someone who thrives on connection, communicates brilliantly, and can balance multiple priorities with warmth, clarity, and calm. Experience in recruitment, talent sourcing, or community engagement is ideal. An understanding of the charity sector or Christian audiences is helpful, but your attitude, integrity and passion for serving others will matter most.

Why join Mercy Ships UK?

Because your work will directly support surgeries, training, and long-term healthcare strengthening in some of the world’s most underserved nations. You’ll join a collaborative, values-driven team, with opportunities to travel, attend international summits, and contribute to a global mission that has transformed more than 2.88 million lives.

Key details

• Salary: £30,000 – £35,000 DOE

• Location: Stevenage (Hybrid – minimum 2 days/month in office)

• Hours: Full-time, Permanent

• Benefits: 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays, increasing with service), up to 7% employer pension contribution, training/travel loans, free onsite parking.

If you’re hungry for meaningful work, excited to build relationships, and driven to help others step into life-changing opportunities, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today and help us bring hope, healing, and transformation to those who need it most.

Hours: 37.5 per week (Monday to Friday) 
Salary: £29,765 + £3,000 South East Weighting per annum  
Contract: Full-time, permanent 

We are looking for a motivated and experienced Business & Operations Manager to oversee the efficient and effective running of Carroty Wood’s administrative and business support functions. This is a key leadership role, ensuring excellence across bookings administration, commercial operations, and customer experience, while supporting the Centre Director and Leadership Team to deliver the Centre’s strategic and missional goals. 

Motivated by your Christian faith, you will be able to clearly and respectfully communicate Rock UK’s Christian ethos, mission and values to staff and guests of all faiths and none. 

 You will need to have: 

• Excellent organisational and administrative skills. 

• Experience of leading and motivating a team. 

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills. 

• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office and familiarity with accounting processes. 

• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively. 

This role is subject to an Occupational Requirement (OR) that the successful applicant is a Christian who is committed to the values, beliefs and behaviours set out in our Statement of Christian Beliefs and Ethos. 

Applications will be reviewed upon receipt. 

About Friends of Palestinian Universities

Friends of Palestinian Universities builds UK and international academic solidarity, partnership, and exchange with Palestinian higher education institutions facing systematic attack. 

We work to support the resilience of Palestinian scholars and students, strengthen international cooperation, and uphold the principles of freedom, equity, and justice for the future of education in Palestine.

Position Overview

The Senior Programme Officer will support the planning, implementation, and evaluation of Friends of Palestinian Universities’ advocacy and awareness, and building UK-Palestine higher education links programmes. This role involves working closely with the director, wider team, and partners, managing projects, and ensuring the effective delivery of initiatives aimed at mobilising support for Palestinian universities and raising awareness about the challenges faced by Palestinian students and educators.

The role requires excellent coordination, communication, and partnership-building skills, including supporting structured engagement with Palestinian higher education representatives through regular convening, briefings, and follow-up.

Key responsibilities

1. Building UK–Palestinian Academic Links

• Support the development and implementation of Friends of Palestinian Universities’ annual building links plan in line with programme and organisational goals.

• Support the design and delivery of partnerships and collaborative projects with Palestinian universities, including research, fellowships, and exchange initiatives.

• Liaise with partners in Palestine and the UK to map opportunities for meaningful and equitable cooperation.

• Create and maintain an accessible and up to date database of UK, Palestinian and international networks. 

• Contribute to organising Friends of Palestinian Universities’ annual conference.

2. Advocacy & Awareness-Raising

• Support the development and implementation of Friends of Palestinian Universities’ annual advocacy & awareness plan in line with programme and organisational goals.

• Research and prepare public-facing resources (e.g. briefings, reports, speaker events) for academic, policy, and civil society audiences.

• Build relationships with UK-based higher education networks, staff unions, academic departments, and student societies.

• Contribute to organising Friends of Palestinian Universities’ Education, Occupation & Liberation programme of events.

• Support the Director and Palestinian partner representatives with research and briefings as necessary for public facing engagements. 

3. Monitoring & Evaluation

• Work to achieve KPIs agreed in the annual work plan.

• Work with the Director to plan and evaluate programme strategy and delivery.

• Monitor programme impact and contribute to reporting for donors, Trustees, and partners.

• Produce quarterly reports on programme activities and outcomes for the Director and Board of Trustees.

4. Representation & Convening

• Represent Friends of Palestinian Universities in coalitions, conferences, and sector forums as appropriate and with the agreement of the Director.

• Facilitate spaces for Palestinian scholars, students, and advocates to share knowledge and shape agendas in line with their collective priorities.

5. General Support and Team Contribution

• Actively support and promote Friends of Palestinian Universities’ mission and values.

• Work as a part of a team and contribute to collective staff wellbeing. Adapt to the flexible working of a small organisation.

• Collaborate closely with the Friends of Palestinian Universities team on shared projects and organisational priorities.

• Follow Friends of Palestinian Universities’ policies and processes.

• Undertake administrative tasks as necessary for the effective implementation of the role. 

Skills & Qualifications

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, International Development, Social Sciences, or a related field.

• Minimum of 1 year of experience in programme management or related field, preferably within the non-profit or education sector.

• Strong understanding of the contemporary social and political reality for Palestinians, awareness about the educational context in Palestine and the challenges faced by Palestinian students and educators.

• Demonstrated ability to coordinate collective initiatives with multiple partner institutions and maintain structured, professional communication with partners.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.

• Strong organisational and administrative skills.

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to sustain and develop effective professional relationships.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other relevant software.

• Right to work in the UK.

• Fluency in Arabic.

Desirable

• Master’s degree in a relevant field

• Experience working with international partners and stakeholders.

• Experience convening working groups, committees, or multi-institutional collaborations.

Application Instructions

Interested candidates should submit the following:
1. A cover letter outlining their qualifications and motivation for applying.
2. A current CV.
3. Contact information for two professional references.

Unfortunately, Friends of Palestinian Universities is unable to sponsor work visas. Candidates should be able to attend the office in London at least one day a week.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.

#programme #programme officer #seniorprogramme officer #advocacy #education #programme managment #programme delivery #programme planning #advoacy and outreach

For 140 years, the Forces Employment Charity has proudly supported Service leavers, veterans, and their families in building successful civilian careers. We provide veterans with life-long, life-changing support, jobs, and training opportunities, regardless of circumstances, rank, length of service, or reason for leaving.​

By working for FEC, you will become part of a vibrant team living the charity’s values: Expert, Supportive, Passionate, Open and Honest, Resilient, and Collaborative.​

​​

Brief role description 

​​​The Senior Individual Giving Officer plays an integral role within the Fundraising team at the Forces Employment Charity (FEC). As part of the Marketing, Communication and Fundraising Directorate, you will be responsible for the delivery of the core elements of the individual giving programme, developing engaging products and activity across multiple channels to support income generation, identifying new audiences, optimising responses, growing the supporter base and contributing to the lifetime value of supporters.​​

​

Interested? Want to know more about the Charity?​ Check out our website​

​​Eager to know more about the role? ​Have a look at the Job Description attached 

​​What’s in it for you? ​Check out our Benefits.​

​​Have we convinced you to apply? ​If so, submit your CV and Covering Letter by Tuesday 16 December 2025.

​Got questions about the role? Get in touch with the People Team 

​​

Please note: Applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert; therefore, we may at any time bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as possible. 

​​​If you are an internal applicant, please ensure you have made The People Team aware before applying. ​

We are committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff by fostering an inclusive, supportive environment where everyone, including those with disabilities, can thrive, develop, and achieve their full potential. We actively encourage applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and ensure reasonable adjustments are made to support candidates with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. ​

We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process.

We’re looking for a dynamic Head of Governance & Business Administration to play a pivotal role in ensuring our organisation runs with integrity, transparency, and impact. This is an exciting opportunity to influence how one of the UK’s most ambitious cultural organisations operates as we grow and evolve.

In this role, you’ll lead on governance, risk management, and compliance, acting as Company Secretary and Data Protection Officer. You’ll oversee business planning and reporting, legal and insurance matters, procurement, and organisational policies – ensuring everything we do meets the highest standards.

You’ll work closely with our Executive Director, Board of Trustees, and senior leadership team, building strong relationships and driving change that supports our vision for equality, inclusion, and sustainability.

JOB SUMMARY

To ensure that efficient governance, operational systems and controls are in place to manage Factory International’s Governance and Business Administration function.

This includes governance and acting as Company secretariat, data protection and acting as Data Protection Officer, accountable for Business Plan Reporting, internal communication, oversight of Legal & Compliance, Risk Management, Insurance, Policies & Procedures and Procurement

The key responsibilities for the Head of Governance & Business Administration include;

Governance & Risk

• Ensure robust governance frameworks and compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements
• Coordinate Board and Committee meetings, including scheduling, agenda preparation, and distribution of papers
• Maintain statutory registers and ensure timely filing of returns and documents with regulatory bodies
• Support FI Executive and Board in proactively managing risk, and accurately reflecting via the Company Risk register, working closely with Directors to ensure quarterly updates are shared with the Executive Leadership and Board of Trustees (including relevant sub-committees)
• Maintain consistency and compliance for all internal communication channels

Business Planning & Reporting

• Act as the organisational lead for Business Plan Reporting, ensuring alignment across all key grant funding agreements and business plan KPIs
• Oversee the annual cycle of statutory reporting to both public sector funders and trustees including all ad-hoc reporting requests across the business
• Attend key external stakeholder meetings with the Executive Director (e.g. MCC, ACE, GMCA) relating to reporting against grant agreements etc
• Work closely with key Directors, Commercial Leads (including the Trusts & Foundations Manager) on funding bids ensuring that commitments are consistent with our agreed internal Business Plan targets and objectives

Legal, Insurance, Data Protection & Compliance

• Ensure legislative and regulatory compliance in all systems and procedures around business administration
• Acting as lead organisational contact and budget holder for external legal support ensuring consistent processes are followed and value for money is achieved to meet the strategic needs of the business
• Ensure adequate data protection in place, devise and implement any additional process and/or training, and act as DPO, accessing external advice as appropriate
• Where required, support the achievement of essential consents such as Planning, Licence variations, Building Control, etc
• Manage the relationship with FI’s insurance broker, working with the Executive Director and Finance Director to ensure appropriate cover and regularly review policies. Overseeing the appropriate claiming of all losses

Procurement

• Acting as lead organisational contact for all Procurement Activity – working closely with the Executive Director to ensure consistent processes are followed and value for money is achieved to meet the strategic needs of the business
• Maintain oversight of the register of planned Procurement as well as responding to un-planned procurement requirements – working closely with relevant Directors and Executives

Policies & Procedures

• Overall responsibility for control and oversight of the organisation’s suite of policies and procedures, including requests for new procedures
• Ensure that key policies are updated by business owners and renewed as per the agreed schedule – ensuring a consistency of tone, content and that relevant checks/approvals have been managed at the appropriate level (Exec, Trustees etc)

We're looking for a organised, proactive and resilient Referral, Assessment and Operational Development Manager to join our Complex Specialist Services located at our Head Office in Islington .

£44,000.00 per annum, working 35 hours per week.

Want to feel like you have an exciting future? You'll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

Our benefits include:
* Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
* Free DBS
* Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
* Fully paid induction programme and further training
* ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
* Cycle to work scheme
* Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
* Online wellbeing resources
* A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
* Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

The Referral, Assessment and Operational Development Manager will play a pivotal role in supporting the Managing Director with new business development, coordinating and managing referrals, assessments, tenancies and transitions for our customers with learning disabilities and autism.

The working pattern for this role is:Monday - Friday 9am-5pm

What you'll do:
Referral & Assessment Coordination
* Monitor and respond to referrals from external sources and direct contacts.
* Maintain a current tracking system for referral clarity and produce regular reports.
* Analyse referral data to identify local commissioning needs and growth opportunities.
* Work with managers on person-centered assessments covering care needs, environmental suitability, risk management, and transition planning.
* Complete and submit needs assessments with costings and support package requirements.
* Coordinate the assessment process and internal referral meetings.
* Develop a responsive referral and assessment pathway aligned with best practice.
* Act as the first point of contact for stakeholders ensuring timely and responsive communication.

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead

About you:
* Strong understanding of the learning disability and autism sector, including CQC regulations.
* Proven ability to build professional relationships with stakeholders.
* Strong understanding of sector
* Ability to manage staff effectively

What you'll bring:
Essential:
* Experience in assessments, referrals, and placement coordination within supported living or health and social care settings.
* Knowledge of brokerage, purchasing systems, and commissioning portals.
* Ability to write reports for the senior management team
* Understanding of residential and supported living service models.
* Familiarity with funding processes and financial negotiations.
* Experience of working with costing models for placement pricing
* Experience of managing staff and services in social care or health

Desirable:
* Knowledge of how local authorities, councils and ICBs commission and agree services.
* Experience with Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) and trauma-informed practice.
* Understanding of complex needs, forensic histories, and dual diagnoses.

About us:
Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.

We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:

We focus on Excellence and innovation.
We are Caring and Compassionate.
We are Inclusive and Trusted.
We work in Partnership and are One-Team.

Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

Please see our website for full Job description

Yeldall Manor is seeking a visionary, faith-driven, and servant-hearted Chief Executive Officer to lead our Christian charity into its next chapter.

Yeldall Manor is a Christian residential rehabilitation centre supporting men who are struggling with addiction. Rooted in our Basis of Faith, Ethos Statement, and Values, we offer hope, healing, and transformation through Christ-centred care.

For nearly 50 years, Yeldall has been a place of restoration and new beginnings — helping men break free from addiction and rebuild their lives with dignity, purpose and faith.

As CEO, you will work closely with the Board of Trustees to provide strategic leadership, spiritual guidance, and compassionate oversight across all aspects of the organisation. You will bring the experience, insight, and communication skills needed to inspire and equip our dedicated staff, volunteers, and partners — ensuring that Yeldall continues to flourish in its mission and ministry.

We are seeking a visionary leader with a committed Christian faith — someone who can uphold and model the ethos and values of Yeldall Manor while supporting residents in their spiritual journey. You will be an experienced and compassionate leader, able to guide teams through change and growth, and a gifted communicator who can inspire trust and collaboration across staff, residents, and external partners.

A passion for supporting individuals in recovery and personal transformation is essential. If you are in recovery yourself, you must have a minimum of two years’ clean time.

Yeldall Manor is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its residents. The successful candidate will be required to undergo a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.

This is a permanent position, available on a full-time or part-time (0.8 FTE) basis. We are happy to be flexible for the right candidate.

If this opportunity excites you and you feel called to lead and serve in this way, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role.

We would like to fill this post as soon as possible, so please apply by 12pm on Sunday 7th December 2025. 

Join us at Yeldall Manor — and help shape a future of hope, healing, and lasting change.

AtaLoss is recruiting a skilled, motivated and creative Marketing and Communications Executive to help raise national awareness of bereavement and increase engagement with our services across the UK. This full-time role offers the chance to apply your marketing expertise to meaningful, purpose-driven work that supports people who are grieving.

You will lead a variety of marketing and communication activities, including planning and delivering digital and print campaigns, managing social media and website content, producing creative digital assets, supporting PR, media work and Ambassadors, and reporting on performance analytics. You will also assist with events, webinars and exhibitions, working closely with the Director of Communications and Development and collaborating with the Marketing and Income Generation Executive. This is a rewarding role for someone who is highly organised, digitally confident and passionate about impactful, compassionate communication.

We're looking for a organised, proactive and resilient Referral and Operational Development Manager to join our Complex Specialist Services.

£44,000.00 per annum, working 35 hours per week.

Want to feel like you have an exciting future? You'll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

Our benefits include:
* Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
* Free DBS
* Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
* Fully paid induction programme and further training
* ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
* Cycle to work scheme
* Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
* Online wellbeing resources
* A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
* Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

The Referral and Operational Development Manager will play a pivotal role in supporting the Managing Director with new business development, coordinating and managing referrals, assessments, tenancies and transitions for our customers with learning disabilities and autism.

The working pattern for this role is:Monday - Friday 9am-5pm

What you'll do:
Referral & Assessment Coordination
* Monitor and respond to referrals from external sources and direct contacts.
* Maintain a current tracking system for referral clarity and produce regular reports.
* Analyse referral data to identify local commissioning needs and growth opportunities.
* Work with managers on person-centered assessments covering care needs, environmental suitability, risk management, and transition planning.
* Complete and submit needs assessments with costings and support package requirements.
* Coordinate the assessment process and internal referral meetings.
* Develop a responsive referral and assessment pathway aligned with best practice.
* Act as the first point of contact for stakeholders ensuring timely and responsive communication.

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead

About you:
* Strong understanding of the learning disability and autism sector, including CQC regulations.
* Proven ability to build professional relationships with stakeholders.
* Strong understanding of sector
* Ability to manage staff effectively

What you'll bring:
Essential:
* Experience in assessments, referrals, and placement coordination within supported living or health and social care settings.
* Knowledge of brokerage, purchasing systems, and commissioning portals.
* Ability to write reports for the senior management team
* Understanding of residential and supported living service models.
* Familiarity with funding processes and financial negotiations.
* Experience of working with costing models for placement pricing
* Experience of managing staff and services in social care or health

Desirable:
* Knowledge of how local authorities, councils and ICBs commission and agree services.
* Experience with Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) and trauma-informed practice.
* Understanding of complex needs, forensic histories, and dual diagnoses.

About us:
Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.

We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:

We focus on Excellence and innovation.
We are Caring and Compassionate.
We are Inclusive and Trusted.
We work in Partnership and are One-Team.

Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

Please see our website for full Job description

Eido is entering a new phase of growth. Our influence is expanding and the opportunities before us exceed our current capacity. We believe this creates an exciting prospect for an experienced CEO - or for a current charity or business director ready for their first top-level leadership role.

We are seeking a leader of character and conviction, with missional drive, and experience in networking and delivering impact solutions within the Christian sector to take Eido to the next level. There is flexibility in how the role could be shaped, depending on the skills and preferences of the successful candidate.

The CEO is ideally a person of Christian faith to lead team prayer meetings, attend and contribute at Christian conferences, pray with clients, and speak with integrity and authority within the Christian sector.

As Eido transitions from being founder-led, we recognise the importance of establishing a healthy, collaborative relationship between the new CEO and shareholders. After an initial transition period, the shareholders intend to form a board and meet fortnightly with the CEO to review KPIs and offer insight on key decisions. Our goal is to set the new CEO up for success, providing support and accountability, while allowing them space to develop and pursue their own strategies and full autonomy in leading day-to-day operations.

This is your chance to lead a growing and high-profile team at the heart of ARU’s future – building lifelong relationships and a culture of giving that makes a lasting difference.

Applications close at9 a.m. Tuesday 6th January 2026 

Who we are

Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) is a modern, inclusive and globally engaged university that transforms lives through innovative, entrepreneurial and socially impactful education and research. Named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023 and rated Gold in the UK’s Teaching Excellence Framework, we are recognised for excellence in teaching, research and enterprise. With students from more than 185 countries, our community is driven by curiosity, collaboration and the desire to make a difference. Our research spans health, sustainability, creativity and technology, and we are the largest provider of Nursing, Midwifery, Health and Social Care students in the East of England. We are also one of the UK’s leading universities for degree apprenticeships, working with hundreds of employers to equip students for meaningful careers.

The opportunity

This is an exciting and pivotal moment for ARU’s Development and Alumni function. Now three and a half years old, the team has already established early strengths in major donor, trust and foundation fundraising, and plays an important role in advancing ARU’s mission around participation and social mobility. We are looking for an inspiring and strategic leader to shape the next phase of our Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement Strategy. You will build on strong foundations to develop an integrated and creative approach across fundraising and alumni relations, creating a clearer narrative and a consistent, values-led experience for supporters.

Working closely with the Director of Marketing, Communications and Recruitment, the Vice Chancellor and the Chief Operating Officer, you will have the opportunity to influence at a senior level and help shape a visible culture of philanthropy across the university. You will lead a growing team, foster innovation, and harness digital and AI tools to enhance donor and alumni engagement. This role will also connect with our expanding international development remit, opening new opportunities to engage ARU’s global alumni community and build relationships that have both regional and worldwide impact.

About you

You will bring a strong track record in major gift fundraising and strategic relationship management, with experience across multiple income streams including individuals, trusts and corporates. A confident and inclusive leader, you will inspire your team and colleagues to achieve shared success, building collaboration and creativity across the function.

You will be skilled at developing compelling cases for support and using insight, data and storytelling to connect people to purpose. Experience in higher education or a large, complex, mission-driven organisation would be an advantage, as would familiarity with CRM systems such as Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge and the use of digital and AI-driven approaches to engagement.

Above all, you will share our belief in the transformative power of education and the importance of philanthropy in unlocking opportunity, driving inclusion and changing lives.

At ARU, you will join a values-led institution where ambition, integrity and community shape everything we do. You will be part of a supportive environment that encourages innovation, nurtures potential and celebrates success.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the job description and register your interest to apply. 

This advert will come down before the role closes, so please be aware that the closing date is 9 a.m. Tuesday 6th January 2026 and to visit Peridot Partners for the full details and the job pack. 

Your mission

We are looking for an ambitious, experienced Head of Brand Marketing, who has a strategic mindset and is motivated by commercial creativity. Reporting into the Marketing Director, the role will lead CALM’s brand marketing to drive awareness, deepen understanding of CALM’s mission and to inspire action to change culture and ultimately prevent suicide. They will be responsible for the strategic direction, creative leadership and guardianship of the CALM brand — ensuring our campaigns, partnerships and marketing communications are bold, distinctive, integrated and achieve real impact.

This is a unique opportunity for a strategic yet hands-on marketing leader to take the award-winning CALM brand to the next level.

Responsibilities

Brand Strategy & Leadership

• Own and evolve CALM’s brand strategy, ensuring it aligns with organisational goals and keeps CALM culturally relevant and distinctive.

• Lead on long-term brand positioning, audience strategy and messaging frameworks that build understanding of CALM’s mission and grow awareness, trust and engagement.

• Champion insight-led decision making — using audience, behavioural and brand tracking data to inform strategy, planning and creative direction.

• Partner with the Services team to drive attitudinal and behavioural change, as well as the Fundraising team to grow income, through an integrated marketing approach.

• Act as brand guardian — ensuring a consistent and compelling tone of voice, visual identity and narrative across all CALM activity and partnerships.

• Build brand literacy across CALM, enabling colleagues and partners to understand and apply the brand effectively.

Campaign & Creative Direction

• Oversee development and delivery of integrated brand campaigns that capture public attention and drive measurable shifts in awareness, engagement and action.

• Set strategic direction, creative standards and success measures for major campaigns and brand moments.

• Lead collaboration between in-house teams, agencies and partners to deliver brave, high-impact creative work.

• Ensure all campaign and partnership activations deliver meaningful value and reinforce CALM’s strategic priorities.

Partnerships & Brand Growth

• Work closely with Partnerships Director to shape and evaluate brand collaborations — ensuring external activity amplifies CALM’s message while protecting brand integrity.

• Develop frameworks for assessing new brand and media partnership opportunities based on reach, relevance and values alignment.

• Represent CALM’s brand voice externally with media, creative and commercial partners.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and inspire a high-performing Brand Marketing team, providing clear direction, coaching and development opportunities.

• Line manage Head of Creative Operations, Brand & Campaigns Lead and Creative Lead, supporting them to achieve their objectives.

• Foster a culture of creativity, collaboration and accountability across the wider MarComms function.

• Manage budgets and resources effectively, ensuring best-in-class delivery within agreed targets.

• Contribute as part of the MarComms senior leadership team to overall strategy, planning and organisational development.

• Promote and role model collaborative working across the team and with other teams.

• Demonstrate cross-organisational leadership.

• Confidently represent CALM at key meetings and events.

Competencies:

We’re looking for a bold, collaborative and emotionally intelligent brand leader who brings:

• Strong understanding of brand-building principles and integrated marketing best practice. 

• Strong analytical skills and data interpretation abilities in order to make informed strategic decisions.

• Creative thinker with excellent judgement and a proactive, hands-on attitude: willing to roll up your sleeves and engage deeply with all aspects of the role.

• Growth mindset and a focus on work that delivers tangible impact.

• Exceptional leadership skills and a genuine passion for storytelling, the cause and delivering CALM’s mission.

• Excellent writing, communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to collaborate, influence stakeholders effectively and positively contribute to team culture.

Experience:

• Proven experience - in an in-house or agency role - in a senior brand marketing role, developing and executing brand strategies, and brand management.

• Extensive experience leading integrated brand campaigns. 

• Strong background in using data-driven insights and behaviour change thinking.

• Experience in leading a high-performing team, driving brand growth.

• Proven track record in effective budget management, optimising spend for maximum ROI. 

• Experience of managing relationships with external and creative suppliers.

• Experience of working in a fast-paced environment with conflicting priorities and deadlines.

• Experience of the not-for-profit sector is beneficial.

Why us?

Reports to: Marketing Director

Contract: Full time, permanent

Benefits: Unlimited annual leave, Healthcare cash plan, 6% pension contribution, therapeutic services (after completion of probation), hybrid working & a nine day fortnight.

Based: London Waterloo twice a week (Wednesdays and Thursdays) / Remote Working (Monday, Tuesday & Friday), 9.30am - 5.30pm.

Closing date: Sunday 13 December. 

Right to work in the UK

To apply, you’ll need to already hold the right to work in the UK, as we’re not able to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Head of Fundraising (Philanthropy Manager) to lead our fundraising efforts and drive sustainable income growth. This is a pivotal role identified by our Board of Trustees as critical to the future of Life Charity. You will shape and deliver our fundraising strategy, lead a talented team, and cultivate relationships with major donors and supporters.

Reporting to the Director of Income Generation & Housing, you will:

• Take strategic ownership of Life’s fundraising strategy and ensure its successful delivery.
• Lead and inspire the fundraising team, embedding a culture of collaboration and innovation.
• Manage and grow relationships with major donors, creating inspiring supporter journeys that encourage long-term engagement.
• Oversee budgets, systems, and processes to ensure efficiency and compliance with fundraising regulations.
• Work closely with marketing and service teams to develop compelling cases for support and impactful campaigns.

About You:

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Experienced: Proven track record in fundraising leadership, major donor cultivation, and strategic income growth.
• Innovative: Skilled in developing creative proposals and pitches that win hearts and minds.
• Collaborative: Able to work across teams and build strong relationships internally and externally.
• Values-driven: Committed to Life’s mission and able to champion our ethos in all fundraising activities.

Essential skills and experience include:

• Leadership of fundraising teams and strategy development.
• Expertise in major donor fundraising and supporter stewardship.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of compliance with fundraising codes and GDPR.

About Life:

Life is a UK charity for vulnerable women and families facing unexpected pregnancy or pregnancy loss. Life’s aim is to provide housing, care and support to vulnerable pregnant women (typically aged 16-25) who are in crisis situations, such as those facing homelessness (or at risk of), escaping abuse or other traumatic circumstances. We offer supported housing, a helpline and counselling service, and other practical and emotional support. Our services are inclusive; non-judgemental; and client-centred.

Our Values:

All our work is underpinned by the following universal human values:

• Humanity – All people are special and equal.
• Solidarity – We’re with you and for you.
• Community – We’re better together.
• Charity – Doing good for one another.
• Common good – Building a better world.

Information about the role: 

For further information, please see the job description on our website. 

Salary: £40,000 – £44,000 per annum

Hours: 35 hours per week

Location: Home-Based with frequent travel to supporter locations and occasional travel to Head Office (Leamington Spa)

Please note that this vacancy may close earlier than the advertised closing date if a suitable candidate is found.

Benefits:  

At Life we are passionate about providing our employees with a supportive and engaging environment. As well as ongoing development and training, we offer our:  

• Generous holiday allowance, starting at 25 days per year, plus 8 Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time hours) 
• Birthday Leave  (applicable after 1 years service)
• Extra annual leave for long term service  
• Company Pension Scheme  
• Signed member of the Menopause Workplace Pledge 

Safeguarding and Equality: 

Life is committed to protecting all staff, volunteers and service users from harm of any kind. Life expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct.   

We are committed to ensuring diversity and equality within our organisation by encouraging applications from all backgrounds.  

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks. Life takes its obligation to protect the rights of children and vulnerable people very seriously; therefore, the successful candidate for this post will be also subject to extensive background checking, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS) which is paid for by the Charity.  

This is a senior leadership role accountable for award winning high performing shops that deliver + £3.5m in sales in the context of an ambitious and developing trading strategy.  The post holder is directly accountable for sustaining and building this performance leading a team of staff and volunteers and in working as part of the central trading and wider hospice teams.  The role combines sales and profit targets, creativity, accountability, empathic people skills and a passion for trading. Our retail business is a key driver for organisational success. The Hospice of St Francis Charity provides essential free care across West Hertfordshire and South Buckinghamshire.  More than 80% of the income we spend comes from trading and fundraising. Our retail performance (sales and profit) benchmarks at the very top of the sector with award winning and innovative retail formats supported by a strong volunteer base and shop team delivering outstanding customer service. 

Main duties and responsibilities:

· Line management and mentoring 5 direct line reports and oversight accountability for a team of 33 whole time equivalent employees (53 people) and 500 volunteers

· Maintain and improve our performance at the top of the charity retail sector nationally

· Hold oversight of leases and ensure effective lease management

· Accountability for delivering more than £3.5m in annual sales, with levels of engagement, profit and performance that deliver the strategic aims of the Charity

· Accountability for retail Gift Aid income and HMRC compliance assuring at least £300k annually from retail claims

· Project manage the process of new shop openings as required

· Accountability for customer complaints, health and safety, fire safety and environmental health across all retail premises working closely with our estates team to assure compliance

· Ensure our shops operate as a physical and digital front door to the hospice, creating a dynamic interactive culture

· Collaborate effectively with peers and colleagues, operating in adherence to the values and ethos of the Hospice

· Contribute to the design, development and implementation of the trading road map, annual budget and profit projections, annually and over 3- 5-year timescales to match the strategic development timelines of the Charity

· Maximise the potential of Electronic Point of Sale to drive performance and provide regular KPI reports internally at all levels, motivating the shop teams, in accountability to the Trading Board and our committees, Board and AGM

· Maintain an up to date understanding of high street trends and charity retail trends and ensure our merchandising, product development, social media and retail innovation maintains our competitive edge

· Assure windows and shop floors meet the highest standards of engagement and stand out on the high street embedding the ‘owned brand’ and social impact

· Accountable for ensuring a programme of community engagement and events where our shops are community hubs

· Leading projects including lead responsibilities in the set up and opening of new shops

· Implementation of goal setting, career development reviews and routine and regular supervision and team meetings to build an inspiring successful team culture and empower individual performance

· Use a range of digital systems effectively in the management of the business and in communication, including social media, on-line analysis of reach and click rates

· Represent the Trading Directorate at Health and Safety Committee, attend the Trading Board, as required Income generation committee and deputise for the Director at Executive Meetings, deputising for the Director of Sustainable Trading as required

· Embeds equality, diversity and inclusion across trading processes and practices

· Represent the organisation as ambassador and contribute to maintaining the wider public presence of the Charity.

Key Accountabilities, Responsibilities & Tasks

Departmental & Role Specifics 

· Set objectives that are realistic and encourage outstanding performance, in a supportive team culture with effective individual supervision, support and training to ensure our performance continues to benchmark nationally at the top of the charity retail sector.

· The senior responsible manager in Trading, holding overall accountability for all aspects of our charity retail operation

· As an ambassador for the organisation maintaining excellent relationships with all suppliers and partners

· Lead a team of 33 whole time equivalent employees (51 people) and 500 volunteers to deliver at least £3.5m in sales and at least £300k in gift aid annually

· Ensure our shops operate as a physical and digital front door to the hospice, creating a dynamic interactive culture

· Lead, manage and coach a culture of openness to engage the diversity of the community as customers, donors, staff and volunteers

· Detailed understanding and analysis of data from a range of sources in order to collate and provide timely effective verbal and written reports, to agreed schedules, reporting on and managing performance, risk, variance, effectiveness, trends and the cut through impact of innovation

· Collaborate internally and with external partners to maintain a range of projects with local colleges teaching and training in fashion, design and social media, including joint events and succession pipelines with apprenticeships, DoE volunteer placements and internships

· Hold oversight of leases and ensure effective lease management

· Accountability for customer complaints, health and safety, fire safety and environmental health across all retail premises working closely with our estates team to assure compliance

· Project manage the process of new shop openings as required

· Collaborate effectively with peers and colleagues, operating in adherence to the values and ethos of the Hospice