Community education manager jobs

Ready to turn passion into action? Jesuit Missions is seeking a bold, creative campaigner to lead our advocacy and campaigns for global justice. You’ll design inspiring, people-powered campaigns rooted in the lived experience of communities in the global South, motivating people across Britain to act for real change. Working with schools, parishes, and young adult networks, you’ll spark meaningful engagement and deliver dynamic events. You’ll build strong partnerships and amplify voices from Africa, Asia, and Latin America. By mobilising faith-based and public support, you’ll challenge injustice and tackle the root causes of poverty. If you’re imaginative, driven, and ready to empower others, join us and help change the world.

Salary: £29,552 per annum

Contract: Fixed term contract, 9 months to start early April 2026

Hours: 35 per week

Location: Hybrid (This role mainly works from home, with the option to book in to the office in York to meet the needs of the role. There is also a requirement to attend the office monthly for team meetings.)

Closing date: 09 March 2026

Interview dates: Monday 16 and Tuesday 17 March 2026

The role 

We’re looking for an experienced and proactive HR Officer to join our team on a fixed term basis, to give us some more capacity and enable the team to deliver some exciting projects. You will deliver high-quality, people-focused support and advice to managers and staff across Family Fund.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in a varied generalist role, enjoys working in a team and is passionate about our purpose. 

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Leading on all aspects of recruitment and onboarding to ensure a smooth and inclusive candidate experience. 

• Supporting managers with proactive attendance management, including the Access to Work process, referrals to Occupational Health and providing guidance on reasonable adjustments. 

• Supporting managers on all other aspects of employee relations matters, including performance, conduct and grievance issues.

• Providing professional advice and guidance to managers and colleagues on HR policies, procedures, and processes, with a continual improvement approach to the way we work. 

If you join us, you’ll be part of a determined and supportive HR and Facilities team, proud to make a difference every day. 

About You 

You will bring experience of: 

• Working in a generalist HR environment. 

• Providing proactive support and advice to managers and staff. 

• Administration of HR databases. 

• Managing a varied and demanding workload. 

• Understanding and practical knowledge of employment law and employer best practice. 

What We Offer 

• A supportive and collaborative working environment. 

• Generous annual leave and employee benefits. 

• The chance to make a real impact across the organisation. 

About us 

Family Fund is a great place to work for great people. We provide a challenging and rewarding working environment where every staff member can make their mark.

We are a values-based organisation and we aim to show our values in all that we do. Read our staff stories here and see how our staff display our values every day.

We commit to inclusion, equity and diversity and we welcome applications from all parts of the community. Family Fund is a Disability Confident Leader. We will invite to interview all disabled applicants who meet the requirements for the role. If you have a disability, and are happy to let us know, please highlight this in your covering letter. We have also signed the Armed Forces Covenant, and we welcome applications from the Armed Forces Community.

How to apply 

When you’re ready to apply, complete the online application on our website and submit a CV and a covering letter. Your letter will need to explain what skills and qualities you would bring to the team. 

For more information, please read and download the job description. 

The successful candidate must complete pre-employment checks that meet the Baseline Personnel Security Standard. This includes a requirement to undergo a basic level DBS criminal record check, right to work check and employment history verification. 

About The Shewsy (Shrewsbury House Youth & Community Centre)

The Shewsy has been at the heart of the Everton community since 1903. Based in one of the most deprived wards in the UK, our mission is simple: to create a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment where children and young people can grow in confidence, discover their potential, and find a positive direction for their lives.

Our work is rooted in relationships, informal education, and the belief that People Matter More Than Things. We run a full programme of youth and community activities year‑round, supported by a dedicated team and strong partnerships across Merseyside.

As we continue to strengthen and grow, we are seeking a Finance Manager who will play a central role in ensuring our charity remains financially resilient, well‑governed, and able to deliver life‑changing opportunities for young people.

Purpose of the Role

The Finance Manager leads the day‑to‑day financial operations of The Shewsy, ensuring our resources are managed effectively, transparently, and in line with our charitable objectives.

You will maintain reliable financial systems, develop clear reporting and analysis, and provide insight to senior leadership. This hands‑on role is essential to safeguarding the charity’s financial health, supporting funding bids, and enabling the continued delivery of our youth and community programmes.

Key Responsibilities (Shortened)

• Manage day‑to‑day finance operations, including bookkeeping, bank reconciliations, payroll journals, and supplier payments.
• Produce accurate month‑end accounts, financial summaries, and cashflow forecasts for the leadership team.
• Oversee income processes, including raising invoices, monitoring payments, and allocating restricted/unrestricted funds.
• Support funding bids and grants by preparing project budgets, tracking spend, and completing financial reporting for funders.
• Maintain strong financial controls to ensure accuracy, compliance, and smooth audit/independent examination processes.
• Improve finance systems and processes, ensuring they remain efficient, reliable, and fit for a busy youth charity.
• Work collaboratively with staff, offering financial guidance and supporting non‑finance colleagues where needed.

Knowledge, Experience & Attributes

Essential

• Experience in a finance role, including bookkeeping and month‑end preparation.
• Understanding of charity finance, including restricted vs unrestricted funds.
• Strong QuickBooks or similar accounting software experience.
• Ability to produce clear reports and communicate financial information.
• Highly organised, detail‑focused, and able to work independently.
• A collaborative team player with excellent communication skills.

Desirable

• Experience supporting grant reporting or charity audits.
• AAT Level 3/4 or equivalent (or working towards).
• Experience improving or developing financial systems.

What Does Success Look Like?

Success in this role means The Shewsy operates with strong, reliable, and timely financial information that supports good decision‑making and ensures every pound is used to its full potential.

You will ensure:

• Month‑end processes and reporting are accurate and delivered on time
• Cashflow and budgets are well managed
• Grant expenditure is tracked and compliant
• Potential risks are identified early
• Systems and processes continually improve to support service delivery
• Leadership has clear financial insight to plan confidently for the future

Your work will directly support the sustainability and impact of one of Liverpool’s longest‑standing youth charities, and help us continue changing young lives for years to come.

Want your fundraising to change lives, not just balance sheets?

The Friendly Food Club is looking for an ambitious, values-driven Fundraising & Partnerships Manager to grow income, build powerful partnerships, and help create healthier futures for families across Dorset and BCP.

The Friendly Food Club supports people from vulnerable groups and communities by building their cooking skills, confidence and resilience, to help break the cycle of food insecurity and low wellbeing.

This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of an established and growing charity and deliver real-world impact every day.

This role is perfect for someone who:

• Is aligned with our values of care, good health, inclusion and community
• Brings empathy, energy and a people-first approach
• Has a friendly, creative, resilient and solutions-focused mindset
• It happy to get stuck in and involved at all levels of development and delivery
• Lives in Dorset or BCP areas who likes a mix of working from home and getting out and about.

The role will:

• Develop and deliver Friendly Food Club’s fundraising strategy to align with the charity’s priorities.
• Identify, build and steward strong, values-aligned long-term funding and partnership relationships.
• Write compelling and effective funding applications, proposals and impact reports
• Monitor income performance and report to the CEO and Board
• Represent Friendly Food Club externally as an ambassador for its mission and values

Apply now and help cook up healthier futures for thousands across Dorset.

If you want your work to truly matter — and to be part of a supportive, mission-led team — we’d love to hear from you.

Deadline 28 February 2026 | In person interviews mid-March 2026 | Start date: Flexible for the right person

At Outside the Box we make a real difference, positively changing the lives of the people with learning disabilities/autism. To build on our success, we are now looking for someone special to lead our ‘day’ services (OTB Choices).

OTB Choices provides a dynamic portfolio of education, skills, creative and work experience opportunities, from cooking, art and craft to printing, computing, music and customer service, and much more. We are at an exciting stage in our delivery and development and are seeking an exceptional person to lead and manage our services, ensuring consistently high quality provision that really does make a difference.

You will play a pivotal role in our work, proactively leading a diverse team and multi-site operations to achieve targets and outcomes. You will be solution-focused, have the strength, vision and evidenced track record of an experienced manager and shared passion for enabling and empowering people with learning disabilities and/or autism to have their best lives.

This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of hospice care in our region.

We are seeking an experienced fundraising leader to join St Elizabeth Hospice at an exciting moment of growth and transformation. As Senior Public Fundraising Manager, you will provide strategic leadership across our Events and Community Fundraising portfolio, leading high-performing teams to deliver ambitious income targets, exceptional supporter experiences, and inspiring public campaigns.

You will oversee flagship events, community fundraising activity, and public engagement campaigns, driving innovation, operational excellence, and strong supporter stewardship. You will guide planning across public fundraising, strengthen supporter journeys, and develop new opportunities for income growth.

The role also offers the opportunity to contribute to one of the most significant developments in the hospice’s history, the creation of the new hospice in Great Yarmouth and Waveney. Working closely with the Head of Capital Appeal and Associate Director of Fundraising, you will help shape public engagement and community participation in this once-in-a-generation project.

As a senior member of the fundraising leadership team, the post holder will deputise for the Associate Director of Fundraising when required, supporting strategic decision-making and cross-department collaboration.

At St Elizabeth Hospice, we believe that every moment matters. We’re a local, independent charity, dedicated to improving the lives of people in Ipswich, East Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney who are facing progressive or life-limiting illness.

Since 1989, we’ve been at the heart of our community, providing compassionate care, easing pain, and helping people and their families find comfort, dignity, and meaning through some of life’s most challenging moments. Last year alone, we supported over 4,000 patients and their loved ones.

St Elizabeth Hospice is committed to safeguarding and protecting the adults and young people that we work with and has a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, neglect and discrimination of any person. As such, all posts are subject to a rigorous safer recruitment process, including the disclosure of criminal records and vetting checks. We have a range of robust safeguarding policies in place which promote safeguarding across the hospice and staff are expected to undertake regular, mandatory safeguarding training to equip them with the knowledge and skills to identify and respond to potential risks.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Ellie Main, Associate Director of Fundraising and Supporter Engagement

We kindly request no contact from recruitment agencies please.

At ELHAP, we provide adventure play to hundreds of children and young people with disabilities from across East London and Essex. 

We have an exciting opportunity to join our growing fundraising team as we look toward the charity's 50th anniversary in 2026.

The ELHAP Volunteer and Community Events Officer will play a pivotal role in enabling ELHAP to achieve its goals - helping us to reach more supporters and raise vital funds through volunteering partnerships and community fundraising events. You’ll be at the heart of building relationships, creating impact, and driving income that directly transforms the support available for children and young people with disabilities.

Reporting to the Fundraising Manager, the Volunteer and Community Events Officer will be the driving force behind volunteer recruitment, ensuring ELHAP has a thriving network of passionate, well-supported volunteers who feel valued and are making meaningful contributions to our mission. You'll manage the complete volunteer journey - from attraction and onboarding through to retention and recognition - creating rewarding experiences that keep volunteers engaged and motivated.

Alongside volunteer management, you'll take the lead in planning and executing fundraising events that bring our community together, raise vital funds, and celebrate ELHAP's work. You'll also support individuals, groups, schools, and businesses undertaking their own fundraising challenges on our behalf.

This is a hands-on role perfect for someone who thrives on building relationships, loves bringing people together, and can juggle multiple projects with creativity, energy, and excellent organisational skills. You'll work collaboratively across the team to ensure every volunteer interaction and event strengthens ELHAP's presence and impact in the community.

This is a highly rewarding position for a creative and dynamic individual to make a genuine difference to families of children and young people with disabilities from across East London and Essex. 

Ideally, you will bring the following to the role:

• Experience in event planning and delivery, ideally within a charity or community setting
• Experience in fundraising activities or supporting fundraising campaigns
• Experience of volunteer recruitment, management, or community engagement
• Knowledge of safeguarding practices in a youth or community setting.
• Exceptionally well organised with strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Warm, personable, and approachable and able to build strong relationships with volunteers, supporters, and community partners.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences
• Warm, personable, and approachable with a genuine passion for community engagement and volunteering
• Proactive, solution-focused approach with a "can-do" attitude and ability to work independently.
• Confident and adaptable, comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities
• Collaborative team player committed to building positive working relationships and supporting colleagues
• High level of integrity and commitment to ELHAP's values and mission
  
   

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974; the successful applicants will be expected to undertake satisfactory DBS Enhanced Disclosures. ELHAP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.

ELHAP Charity Registration No: 1077508. ELHAP is an equal opportunities employer.

Our Senior Trusts & Foundations Manager is primarily responsible for managing and generating income from our Trusts & Foundations portfolio (including Corporate Foundations). They identify new prospects, write compelling and persuasive proposals to secure significant gifts, actively develop relationships with key internal and external stakeholders and provide brilliant stewardship.

We are looking for someone who has a sound understanding of T&F fundraising. You’ll have a strong track record of nurturing relationships, securing multi-year and five-figure+ gifts, and a genuine passion for youth development. You are a creative problem solver with the ability to work independently and take ownership of projects – ensuring they run smoothly and effectively.

ROLE OVERVIEW

You will be a passionate and ambitious leader with the skills, knowledge and experience to drive Membership retention and growth whilst listening to our diverse membership base to understand the areas that are important to them to help us to support their specific needs in their areas.

You will have a dynamic approach with the ability to combine business development, relationship management, stakeholder engagement and operational oversight to ensure that RLSS UK’s membership thrives and aligns with our purpose, mission and vision.

RLSS UK members include Lifesavers, Lifeguards, Licence to Operate Members, Lifesaving Academy members, Honorary Members and Staff.

KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Regular communications and support to branches and lifesaving clubs
• Engage with our members to understand their needs and future opportunities to support their roles in their communities and beyond
• Conduct research and horizon scan for new opportunities for our members
• Conduct research to identify and understand potential new members and opportunities to support growth and meet need
• Conduct research to identify and connect with relevant external stakeholders
• Drive new membership onboarding, ensuring a seamless and effective experience
• Ensure clubs achieve and maintain the appropriate accreditation in line with RLSS UK requirements, policies and processes
• Develop an annual plan of community engagement and roadshows with members and non-members to raise awareness of the work of RLSS UK and our members, to recruit new members and share water safety and drowning prevention education and campaigns
• Ensure clear and concise processes are in place to support membership experience, retention and growth
• Work collaboratively with all RLSS UK teams to raise awareness of our awards and qualifications offer. Collaborate to adapt offerings based on member feedback and emerging industry trends
• Develop tailored marketing materials to support our membership offer and recruit new members.
• Represent RLSS UK in meetings with key stakeholders and to share outcomes and impact to further the society’s purpose, mission and vision.
• Respond to membership queries and provide an excellent service together with timely responses
• Support the implementation, update and oversight of the CRM system to improve member engagement tracking and data management.
• Manage data collection processes, including compliance requirements of membership criteria
• Support the development of thought leadership pieces, contributing to annual reports and ensure high-quality written outputs
• Support the planning, organising and execution of events, including membership forums and conferences ensuring seamless delivery and high attendee satisfaction
• Support the development and refinement of directorate strategies
• Lead and deliver an annual membership survey and analysis to produce meaningful feedback
• Ensure that all membership processes and policies are up to date
• Attend the RLSS UK Sports Committee
• Assist with the implementation of the Lifesaving Sport Strategy, and support the growth in participation in Lifesaving Sport events
• Work closely with the Volunteering Team, particularly in relation to volunteers within RLSS UK branches and clubs
• Actively develop initiatives that broaden the demographic diversity of the RLSS UK membership

OTHER DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead on and support ad hoc projects as required
• Contribute to the successful operation of the charity by undertaking such other tasks as may from time to time be required including all other duties reasonably associated with your role, as directed by the Line Manager.
• Ensure compliance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 by complying with internal information governance policies and maintaining up-to-date documentation as part of RLSS UK’s compliance programme.
• To demonstrate and uphold the Society’s values and behavioural standards at all times.
• To help create an inclusive working environment where diversity is valued, everyone can contribute, and everyday actions ensure we meet our duty to uphold and promote equality.

This job description is not to be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive. It is intended as an outline indication of areas of activity and responsibility and will be amended in light of the changing needs of the organisation.

PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential Relevant Experience, Skills and/or Aptitudes

• At least 10+ years’ experience in a Membership role
• Significant experience of working at a leadership role level ideally in a membership organisation
• Demonstrable experience of positively interacting, engaging and influencing at all levels including with senior management and external stakeholders
• Demonstrable experience of membership retention and acquisition
• Demonstrable experience of successfully pitching new approaches to prospective members, ideally in a membership organisation
• Demonstrable experience of delivering member-focused solutions within a membership organisation
• Excellent communication, engagement and interpersonal skills
• Excellent presentation, listening and negotiation skills
• Proficiency in CRM software and MS Office applications
• Willingness and ability to travel as required for the role including occasional evenings and weekends

Desirable Relevant Experience, Skills and/or Aptitudes

• Knowledge and understanding of RLSS UK
• Skilled income generator with experience in achieving income targets, possibly with a previous account management background or experience of a similar B2B membership
• Understanding and experience of the application of safeguarding laws

WHAT RLSS UK CAN OFFER YOU

RLSS UK is a national Charity based in Worcester, and we offer great staff benefits including -

• Annual Leave based on 27 days + Bank Holidays + a discretionary day off for your birthday
• Private Medical Scheme*
• Enhanced Society Sick Pay*
• Eye Care*
• Employee Assistance Programme via Health Assured
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Howdens Sports Benefits/Perks at Work
• Free RLSS UK Membership
• Free tea and coffee when working from HQ, including access to our wonderful Coffee Machine
• Free on-site parking when working from HQ
• Company Events and more!

*Subject to eligibility criteria

YOUR APPLICATION

Please send your CV along with a Cover Letter outlining why you should be our next Head of Membership

Closing Date – 11.59pm, Sunday 1st March 2026

Interview Date – First Round Interviews scheduled for 18/19th March 2026, at our Worcester Head Office (subject to change)

Should you wish to discuss the role, any reasonable adjustments you may require throughout the recruitment process, or have any questions, please get in touch where a member of the RLSS UK HR Department will be happy to help.

RLSS UK are a Disability Confident Committed Employer and an INclusive Worcestershire Leader.

If you love spreadsheets and stories, this could be your perfect mix. As Finance Manager at Thrive, you’ll help us make smart, sustainable choices that grow our impact and strengthen our future. Working hand-in-hand with our leadership team, you’ll lead a small finance team that keeps our charity ticking – from big-picture strategy to the tiny details that matter.

We’re looking for a Finance Manager with strong experience in financial management, analysis, and reporting to ensure our day-to-day finances and budgets run smoothly while supporting effective long-term decision-making. You’ll bring insight, structure, and clarity, turning data into decisions that make every penny count for the communities we serve.

In this role, you’ll ensure accurate and timely monitoring across Thrive and its associated ventures, offering technical support to the finance team and working closely with the Chief Executive. Reporting to the Head of Operations & HR, you’ll help shape system updates, provide advice to the Senior Leadership Team, and support the Treasurer and Finance Sub-Committee of the Board of Trustees.

Please read the attached job description for more information on what you'll be doing.

An exciting new opportunity has arisen to join the Borde Hill team to work on the Reinventing Borde Hill project. This role will be responsible for managing the Community Growing Garden at Sugworth Farm, part of our new 2-acre biodynamic market garden which produces seasonal fruit and vegetables to supply the new restaurant, café and farm shop at Borde Hill.

Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project includes an Activity Plan including a range of learning, community and volunteering activities, and this new role will have responsibility for overseeing community engagement both at the Community Growing Garden, and across the Parkland and main Garden.

Your role will focus on two key areas: overseeing the seasonal growing at the Community Growing Garden with volunteers and community partners, and developing and delivering an annual site-wide community engagement programme.

You will work closely with the NLHF Project Team, as well as the Green team. You will lead on liaising with local schools, community groups and charities, encouraging and facilitating participation in the Community Growing and wider site community programmes. Your passion for learning, community engagement, horticulture and nature will be key in ensuring this programme succeeds in delivering the ambitions set out in the Activity Plan.

Although funded via the Lottery project, this role is permanent as we are committed to continuing it after the funded project; we intend to continue the wide range of the activities that your role will nurture and develop.

Knowledge, skills and experience needed: (Please provide evidence in your Covering Letter and CV) Tasks and responsibilities

• Build a seasonal programme of community engagement and growing in the Community Growing Garden and at the main site, building on and developing the programme set out in the Activity Plan
• Deliver new community programmes and connect with participants. To include:
  o Facilitated sessions
  o Supported visits to the site
  o Drop-in activities and events
• Work with community partners to develop and deliver a community volunteer programme, ensuring access for people who will benefit from the opportunity
• Identify and build partnerships with relevant and diverse community groups, organisations and individuals, taking responsibility for the community engagement elements of the Reinventing Borde Hill project more widely
• Work with the Borde Hill Green Team, especially the Market Garden Growing Team, to ensure that the Community Growing Garden is aligned with their work, and supports the biodynamic certification aims of the Farm
• Identify routes for participant and volunteer progression and sustain communication
• Ensure equality of opportunity, access and inclusion for all participants and volunteers
• Work with freelance delivery partners and local community groups to deliver community activities
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the programmes, maintaining accurate monitoring data and adjusting programmes in response to feedback
• With audience needs in mind, review similar offers across the sector, especially in other local horticulture/nature organisations, to ensure our programmes are distinctive, attractive, appropriate and innovative
• Support and attend events delivered by other members of the team when required (e.g. large public events) and lead smaller community events
• Record and monitor the income and costs of the programmes, to meet budget goals
• Comply with the Safeguarding policy and all other policies relevant to programme delivery
• Ensure effective systems for resources and documentation are maintained in line with GDPR legislation and organisation policy
• Carry out any other duties as reasonably requested

Skills and experience To be considered for this position, you should be able to demonstrate some or all of the following skills:

• Experience of working with a diverse range of community partners, and a commitment to and experience of delivering community engagement activities including learning engagement and activities
• Experience of managing and recruiting a diverse cohort of volunteers
• Ability to lead community group activities and co-ordinate a programme of community group activity across the season
• An understanding of seed sowing, crop rotations, pest and disease management, plant husbandry techniques needed in a productive market garden, and/or a willingness to learn about Biodynamic principles and practices
• A passion for growing and experience of growing fruits, vegetables, salad crops and ideally cut flowers in a recognised establishment
• An understanding of growing crops undercover and knowledge of cultivation under polytunnels
• Appreciation of nature and natural heritage, and its potential to contribute to wellbeing, creativity and learning among families and communities.
• Proven commitment to and understanding of equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Good organisational skills.
• Flexible, collaborative, and self-motivated.

We’d also be interested to know if you have experience in any of the following areas (it isn’t essential to have experience of them all):

• Experience of partnership working, especially with marginalised and/or disadvantaged communities
• An innovative approach to planning and delivering family learning
• An understanding of barriers limiting access to nature and natural heritage opportunities.
• Experience facilitating engagement with gardens / public spaces for the community
• Understanding of communities and the challenges they face in the areas near Haywards Heath and the wider Mid Sussex area
• Understanding of the role of stakeholders in successful community engagement
• A practical approach to using evaluation to inform future programming.  Competence with the Microsoft Office suite of applications  Experience of managing budgets and maximising income.

Bioregional Learning Centre (BLC) is a place-based systems-change organisation rooted in South Devon. We work with communities, institutions and landscapes to grow the capacities needed for a regenerative, climate resilient, bioregional future.

We are seeking a Bioregional Learning Manager to help design and run a new learning programme in bioregional practice and to coordinate the emerging Bioregional Learning Alliance – an international community of practitioner-educators.

This is a new kind of role. We’re not looking for a ‘finished article’ or a conventional academic. We’re looking for someone who is values-led, curious and organised, and who wants to co-create something pioneering alongside others.

The role

You will:

• Co-design and evolve a practice-led curriculum in bioregional learning and leadership (online and in-person).
• Plan and manage courses and events, including a South Devon learning pathway and international partner offers.
• Coordinate the BLA, supporting meetings, communication and light-touch governance.
• Build and steward relationships with practitioners, communities and partner institutions (including universities and learning centres).
• Support communications, evaluation and programme administration (budgets, contracts, logistics).

Essential skills & experience

We expect you to bring most of the following:

• Deep alignment with regenerative, place-based and more-than-human ways of working
• Experience designing, coordinating or delivering adult / professional learning (formal or informal)
• Strong project and event management skills: planning, scheduling and managing multiple strands
• Confidence holding participatory online and/or in-person learning spaces
• Excellent written and verbal communication, comfortable engaging with diverse stakeholders
• Ability to work both collaboratively in a small team and independently
• Competence with digital tools for learning and collaboration (e.g. Zoom, Google Workspace, Mighty Networks, etc)

Desirable skills & experience

You might also have:

• Practical experience in bioregioning, regenerative design, community organising, landscape stewardship, or related fields.
• Experience partnering with universities, colleges or independent learning centres.
• Skills in monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL), especially participatory approaches.
• Some experience of working with both the Global North and Global South.
• Experience with fundraising or developing paid learning offers.
• Familiarity with South Devon or another bioregion, and the ability to ‘read’ place.
• Arts-based, creative or storytelling practice connected to systems change or ecology.

If you don’t meet every single criterion but feel a strong resonance with the role, we warmly encourage you to apply.

What we offer

• The chance to help shape a pioneering bioregional learning programme with an active international network.
• A reflective, supportive working culture with mentoring from the Learning Programme Lead.
• Flexible, trust-based hybrid working.
• Significant scope for your own learning and practice development.

We are looking for a fundraising manager whose core strengths are trusts and foundations fundraising, major donor cultivation, and excellent proposal writing.

The NCTJ is the guardian of the gold standard in journalism training. Through charitable initiatives including the Community Reporting Fund and Journalism Diversity Fund, we widen access to journalism careers, strengthen community reporting, and champion trusted journalism at a time when misinformation and public scepticism make high professional standards more important than ever.

Diversifying and growing charitable income is a strategic priority for NCTJ. Following the development of our fundraising strategy, this role will focus on building and growing income from UK trusts, foundations and high net worth supporters. You will have the autonomy to shape the grants and major donor pipeline.

Corporate partnerships are led primarily by our Head of Business Development. This role focuses on grants, major donors and stewardship.

About the role

You will:

• Research and manage a strong pipeline of trusts and foundation prospects
• Write and submit high-quality, tailored grant applications and expressions of interest
• Develop compelling cases for support, budgets, outcomes and proposal templates
• Build and manage major donor/high net worth pipeline through warm networks
• Lead on donor cultivation and follow-up
• Strengthen stewardship and reporting so funders feel valued and close to the impact
• Use HubSpot CRM to track pipeline, deadlines, reporting and performance

About you

You will have:

• A strong track record in trusts and foundations fundraising
• Experience securing substantial grants (five-figure and above)
• Excellent proposal and case for support writing skills
• Experience working with major donors/high net worth supporters (or strong transferable relationship-led fundraising experience)
• Strong organisation and CRM discipline
• Confidence working with senior leaders

Experience in journalism, media, education, social mobility or EDI is welcome but not essential. It is vital that you support the critical role professional journalists play in our democracy.

Benefits

• Salary c £40,000 (£37,000-£43,000) depending on experience
• Pension: 5% employer and 5% employee contribution
• Annual leave of 25 days plus bank holidays
• Discretionary bonus based on company performance
• Life cover
• Training and career development

How to apply

Please apply with your CV and a supporting statement (maximum 1,000 words total) addressing the following:

1. Trusts and foundations track record (300 words)
   Describe one trust or foundation grant of £30,000+ that you personally led. Include who the funder was, what the project was, how you shaped the proposal to meet their criteria, and the outcome.
2. Proposal writing approach (250 words)
   When starting a new funding application, what are the first five things you do before you begin writing? Please be specific.
3. Working with senior stakeholders and impact information (250 words)
   Give an example of how you worked with colleagues, senior leaders or contacts to gather the information needed for a funding proposal or donor meeting. What did you do and what was the result?
4. Interest in journalism and the NCTJ mission (200 words) What is it about the NCTJ’s work, values and mission that interests you, and why do you think it is important at this point in time for journalism and society?

Your supporting statement is an important part of the assessment for this role. We are looking for evidence of your own proposal-writing style, experience and judgement. Generic or highly templated responses are unlikely to score well.

Shortlisted candidates may be asked to complete a short writing exercise as part of the interview process.

About the NCTJ

The National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) is the charity at the heart of journalism education and training in the UK. We are the guardian of the gold standard in journalism training and qualifications, and we champion equality, diversity and inclusion so that journalism is accessible to people from all backgrounds.

Through charitable initiatives including the Journalism Diversity Fund and the Community Reporting Fund, we widen participation in journalism, support community reporting, and strengthen trusted journalism at a time when misinformation and public scepticism make high professional standards more important than ever.

NCTJ is financially stable and widely respected within the industry. However, diversifying and growing charitable income is a strategic priority for 2026–27. We have developed our first fundraising strategy to support sustainable growth and impact, and this role is central to delivering it.

Purpose of the role

This is a specialist role focused on securing and stewarding funding from trusts and foundations and developing a pipeline of major donors and high net worth supporters, underpinned by exceptional proposal writing and strong relationship management.

Corporate partnerships are led primarily by the head of business development. This role will support corporate fundraising through proposal/case development and stewardship where needed, but the primary focus is securing charitable grants and major donors.

Key responsibilities

1) Trusts and foundations fundraising

• Build and manage a strong pipeline of UK trust and foundation prospects that advance NCTJ’s charitable priorities (including diversity, community reporting, and training for a fast-changing media industry).
• Develop and maintain a grants calendar and tracking system, including deadlines, funder preferences, decision timelines, and reporting requirements.
• Write and submit high-quality, tailored grant applications and expressions of interest, working to agreed targets and timescales.
• Develop a suite of core fundraising materials (case for support, programme proposals, budgets, outcomes and evaluation narrative, boilerplate and templates) to increase quality and consistency across submissions.
• Confidently communicate the NCTJ’s purpose and impact through presentations, reports, and digital content and represent the NCTJ at meetings and events, both virtually and in person.
• Build and maintain strong funder relationships, ensuring excellent stewardship, timely reporting and opportunities for renewal and uplift.

2) Major donor / high net worth giving

• Work with the senior team to identify major donor prospects through networks and sector connections.
• Undertake proportionate prospect research and build a high-quality cultivation pipeline.
• Create tailored donor proposals and impact statements that support donor interests while advancing NCTJ priorities.
• Support cultivation meetings with briefs, materials, follow-up and stewardship plans, tracking all activity in CRM.

3) Impact, storytelling and stewardship

• Work closely with programme and communications colleagues to gather impact data, case studies and beneficiary stories to strengthen proposals and reporting.
• Develop and deliver a clear plan for thanking trusts and major donors, keeping them updated on impact, and staying in regular contact.
• Use NCTJ events and industry milestones as stewardship and cultivation opportunities, coordinating targeted follow-up and relationship management.

4) Systems, reporting and evaluation

• Maintain excellent data quality and discipline in HubSpot CRM, including prospect stage, relationship owner, next actions, submissions, reporting deadlines and contact history.
• Produce clear pipeline and performance reports for the HoBD/chief executive (eg, submissions, conversion rates, forecast, learning and next steps).
• Contribute to quarterly review sessions to evaluate progress and refine approach.

5) Collaborative working

• Build strong working relationships across the charity and its stakeholders to translate NCTJ’s work into fundable propositions and well managed projects ensuring effective delivery of programmes through cross functional collaboration.
• Bring innovative and creative concepts to the team, and develop valuable programmes and initiatives which add to the NCTJ’s new income stream.
• Contribute to shared messaging that reflects NCTJ’s mission: high standards, quality, trusted journalism, accessibility and measurable EDI impact.

Person specification

Essential

• Significant experience in trusts and foundations fundraising, including writing successful applications.
• Proven track record of securing substantial grants (five-figure and above, including multi-year where possible).
• Outstanding proposal and case for support writing skills (clear structure, persuasive narrative, strong budgets/outcomes, and tailoring to criteria).
• Strong pipeline management skills and ability to deliver multiple submissions to deadlines.
• Experience cultivating and stewarding major donors/high net worth individuals (or strong transferable relationship-led fundraising experience).
• Strong CRM capability and reporting discipline.
• Confidence working with senior stakeholders.

Desirable

• Experience strengthening fundraising systems, templates and stewardship processes.
• Experience in education, media/journalism, social mobility, EDI or local/community development.

Personal attributes

• A high-quality writer who takes pride in precision, tone and evidence.
• Proactive, organised and accountable.
• Warm, credible and professional with funders and senior stakeholders.
• Motivated by widening access, high standards, and trusted journalism.

In Gateshead, Spear is partnering with Alive Church – Spear Gateshead is a part of Alive Church’s mission to change the culture of the city by bringing hope to unemployed young people.

Whilst the North-East is an amazing place to live, there are still challenges, with large disparities between Gateshead’s wealthier and poorer areas, and 23,600 people live in areas described as having deep deprivation. With this comes all the associated issues that poverty causes, including 1 in 4 children growing up in poverty and one of the worst levels of social mobility in the country.

Alive Church is a diverse community gathered from across Gateshead, Newcastle and the North East with a vision to see individuals, the church and communities across our region Come Alive in Jesus name. Together they are playing their part in the re-evangelisation of the nation, the revitalisation of the church and the transformation of society.

Key Information

Salary: £27,000, pro rata

Hours: 9.00am – 5.00pm, Monday –Thursday, Part-time (with some flexibility and occasional evening or weekend work for events such as Spear Celebrations)

Contract: Maternity Cover

Location: Alive Church Gateshead

Closing date: Monday 23rd February (We are interviewing on a rolling basis and might close the application early if we find the right candidate)

Please feel free to let us know if you may require any reasonable adjustments to participate fully in our recruitment process.

For more information please read through our Work With Us Information Pack and Job Specification.

Role Responsibilities

Oversight of the Spear Programme

• As a confident communicator, you will lead group sessions of around 10 young people each, using coaching skills to transform attitudes to their own ability and the workplace, and to raise their awareness and maximise potential in stepping into the world of work.
• Prepare and coach group and 1-1 sessions with the Spear Coach.
• Ensure the programme is delivered in line with agreed targets, and report KPIs on recruitment, retention and completion of Spear Trainees, as well as their ongoing progress and sustainment of work or education.

Partnership Liaison and Relationship Management

• Establish the primary local referral agencies and steward relationships with these, overseeing and building a strategy to ensure recruitment of young people onto the Spear programme is effective.
• Maintain and develop relationships with local partners to form a strong referral network.

Line Management and Training

• Manage the Spear Coach, using a coaching approach to invest in their growth and development.
• Work alongside the Programme Manager to analyse Spear Programme performance and ongoing operations of the centre, and report back on KPIs.

Church Community

• The Spear Centre Manager is directly employed by Alive Church, meaning you are part of a vibrant church staff team and submerged in an exciting faith community.
• You will be required to establish strong relationships with key people at the church to ensure the engagement and backing of church members and help the Spear Coach to establish a strong presence at the church to build a network of supporters for the Spear programme.
• Ensure the Spear programme is a key missional feature of the work of the church; this may involve attending church events and speaking at services.

Site Management

• Work with the Church to coordinate the training room and any infrastructure needs for the Spear Centre.
• Liaise with relevant staff locally on-site issues and work to resolve them as soon as possible, ensuring the office and training room are safe and tidy working spaces in line with health and safety policies.

Person Specification

• An active Christian, able to personally represent the values and beliefs of Spear and Alive Church, and a commitment to grow and learn spiritually and as a Christian leader.
• A dynamic and engaging coach with an enthusiasm for and direct experience of coaching and training techniques.
• Passion for social justice and for working as part of the church to transform communities, especially supporting young people in employment or education.
• An entrepreneurial and ambitious individual who enjoys starting new projects, works well under pressure and can translate ideas into practice with creativity.
• Self-motivated with strong leadership, management and organisational skills with the ability to exercise initiative and prioritise workload.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a confidence in group facilitation, high emotional intelligence, and a sense of fun!