Development research officer jobs

At OCD Action we have a big vision and we have decided to invest in our fundraising team to help us secure the income our organisation needs to drive our work forward.

OCD Action exists because it takes 7 years on average for people affected by OCD to get the treatment that they need. OCD is debilitating, isolating and destroys lives, but it is treatable. Sadly the wait for treatment, for too many is too long. We are working, with the OCD Community, for a time, when OCD is well understood and everyone gets the treatment and support they need when they need it. Until that day arrives, we are committed to ensuring everyone affected by OCD has access to high quality support, information and guidance.

As Senior Trust and Foundations Officer you will support the delivery of our vision by growing our portfolio of Trusts and Foundations, crafting exceptionally high quality and persuasive applications for three, four and five figure bids and managing all successful and existing grants.  

We are a small but highly effective team at OCD Action, if you join us you will work closely with our service delivery team and have the opportunity to see the impact of your work. We are looking for someone who is passionate about improving outcomes for people affected by OCD and can channel this into ambitious, creative and persuasive grant applications. This role requires someone who enjoys working with people and is adept at building networks and maintaining effective relationships. This role may be particularly suited to someone who has supported with the development of Trust applications in a larger organisation and is looking to develop their skills or to work with increased flexibility.

We aim to make working for OCD Action, work for you. We have a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave plus 8 statutory bank holidays (pro rata for part-time roles) ensuring fair entitlement for all working patterns. Flexible working and blended home / office working is welcome, you can agree your hours, office/home pattern with your manager as long as all commitments, responsibilities and meetings are covered. We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, we are actively building a team that fully reflects and best supports the OCD community. 

If you think this is the opportunity for you, please complete the application form attached. We look forward to hearing from you.

Transparency International (UK) are looking for a Research Officer

This role is responsible for delivery of tasks to support our research and advocacy efforts around corruption in the defence and security sector, including quality control of data, liaison with expert researchers, and consolidation of research inputs.

The role contributes both practically and intellectually to the successful delivery of high-end research and advocacy with a focus on effecting change.

The Research Officer will report to Head of Research and perform this within the (Defence and Security Programme).

Main responsibilities

• Contribute to the delivery of TI-DS’s research agenda by undertaking qualitative and mixed-methods research projects under the guidance of the Head of Research
• Produce and facilitate literature reviews, synthesis studies and case-based studies on the key topics set-out to contribute to support the development of our expertise on defence and security sector corruption and the overall achievement of our strategic objectives
• Collect and analyse secondary data, and produce primary data as needed, to provide new insights into corruption risks in the defence and security sectors
• Contribute to high quality research tasks across the work conducted through the Government Defence Integrity Index (GDI)
• Undertake detailed rigorous review and fact-checking of GDI country assessments and sources from a variety of experts, including assessors, peer reviewers, government reviewers, and institutional partners
• Review GDI assessment process and provide suggestions for improvements in methodology

Who we are looking for:

• Educated to Masters’ level in a relevant field of the social sciences, such as security studies, political science, or governance; or of business studies with an interest in defence and corruption
• First rate research skills and familiarity with a range of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies;
• Demonstrated self-starter with ability to successfully undertake and complete a project, while working across teams and making a positive contribution to collective outcomes.
• Strong written communication and verbal presentation skills with ability to deliver high quality briefings, reports and presentations with minimal supervision.
• Great interpersonal skills being able to build relationships internally and externally.
• Ability to communicate clearly and collaborate effectively across teams
• Strong critical-thinking skills being able to apply sound judgement, problem solve, identify risks and suggest improvements.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in qualitative and mixed-methods research. Experience in quantitative analysis and applying rigorous fact-checking and source validation.
• Ability to produce clear concise literature reviews supported by good understanding of governance and corruption risks
• High standard of written communications and able to tailor writing to the audience
• Expertise in developing qualitative and mixed-methods research frameworks and structuring case studies.

Why TI-UK?

Transparency International is a global movement sharing one vision: a world in which government politics, business and the daily lives of people are free of corruption. Transparency International UK is the UK national chapter of this movement. We work with the UK and devolved governments, parliamentarians, civil society and the private sector to tackle corruption at home, addressing the UK’s global corruption footprint and helping multinational companies prevent corruption by operating with integrity. We are also home to two major global programmes tackling corruption in the Defence and Security and the Global Health sectors on behalf of the wider Transparency International movement.

What can you expect from us?

• A collaborative, flexible and friendly working environment where you will be provided with:
• A competitive salary for our sector
• Up to 6% contributory pension
• A 35-hour working week for full-time roles with flexibility to support your work/life balance. Our approach to blended working (full details on our website) allows you to benefit from regular connection and collaboration. You can also request a formal change to your working pattern and work location.  
• Generous annual leave: 28 days plus statutory public / bank holidays as well as discretionary a gifted winter holiday break of three to four days each December between Christmas and New Year
• Enhanced leave beyond statutory requirements to support your parental or caring responsibilities
• Family friendly policies
• Additional leave to support your volunteering or community service
• Employee Assistance Programme (Aviva) to support your physical, mental & financial health.
• Training and Development related to your role
• Season ticket loan/ Cycle to work scheme

In September 2025 Oxford opened its new home for humanities, the state-of-the-art Stephen A.  Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities. Building on our successes in recent years, we are growing the team with a new senior fundraising role that will work with world-class academics and artists in our faculties and in the Centre’s cultural programming.

In addition to housing a Humanities Library and 7 academic faculties, the Schwarzman Centre includes a world-class, purpose-built concert hall space, theatre, cinema and ‘black box’ performance space, creating a new home for music, film, performing arts and visual arts in Oxford and transforming the experience for students, academics and the local community. The building will create a step change in the visual and performing arts in Oxford, establishing a central base for the Music faculty and History of Art department while offering exciting potential for collaboration with the Ruskin School of Art.

The University of Oxford is a stimulating work environment, which enjoys an international reputation as a world-class centre of excellence. We are looking for a new senior fundraiser to join our energetic team to raise major gifts for a range of posts, scholarships and other priorities across the Humanities Division.  Oxford is the world’s leading university for humanities teaching and research. The University’s scholarship in languages, literature, history, philosophy, religion, and the arts – from the earliest civilisation to the present day – enriches our understanding of humankind. Our research informs how we engage with historic issues and contemporary concerns, and contributes to our understanding of – and solutions to – some of the most complex global challenges, from climate change to the impacts of Artificial Intelligence.

 About the Role

This fundraiser will work closely with senior academics in the Humanities Division. The post will focus primarily on funding for posts and scholarships in the academic faculties as well as securing support for the activities of the Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities, including the programme of public events that will start taking place in the building from spring 2026. An interest and appreciation for the arts and humanities is essential. 

To Be Successful You’ll Need:

· To be an experienced development professional with a strong track record of securing major gifts and the ability to secure gifts in the range of £100k-£1m+

· Confidence to work with people from a range of backgrounds, both internally and externally

· The ability to think creatively in prospecting, cultivation and stewardship by identifying and maximising opportunities

· To work well as part of a team, with the capacity to work independently on projects and priorities

· A passion for the arts and humanities, and an awareness of the funding landscape in the UK and internationally

What We Offer

As an employer, we value the wellbeing and development of all our employees. We offer a comprehensive range of benefits, including:

· 38 days annual leave (including public holidays)

· Hybrid working arrangements for a healthy work-life balance

· Extensive personal and professional development opportunities

· Membership to CASE to support your professional development as an educational advancement professional

· Supportive childcare services and other family-friendly leave schemes for working parents, guardians and those with caring responsibilities

· Generous family leave for maternity, adoption, paternity, and shared parental leave

· Excellent contributory pension scheme for your financial future

· Salary sacrifice scheme for additional savings

· Subsidised sports centre membership to promote well-being

· Cycle loan scheme to encourage sustainable commuting

· Discounted bus and transit travel

In addition, you will have access to a vibrant community with social groups and sports clubs fostering an inclusive atmosphere.

 Application process:

· Click the link to ‘Apply’ and follow the on-screen instructions. You will be taken to our online Applicant portal.

· Applications should consist of a full CV and a letter of application in your own words, in PDF format (maximum of 2 pages; no AI-written applications, please) outlining your motivations to apply for this role, your relevant experience and how you meet the criteria of the person specification.

Only applications received before 12.00 noon on Monday 19 January 2026 can be considered.

Interviews are currently scheduled to take place on Tuesday 27 January 2026, in person in Oxford.

 Development and Alumni Engagement is committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills and experiences. We encourage applicants from all sectors of the community and are especially keen to encourage candidates from under-represented groups to apply.

We are looking for an exceptional, value-driven candidate who can hit the ground running as our Legal Education Officer, working closely with the Director and the rest of our small and dynamic Right to Remain team.

The person must be someone who understands the Right to Remain ethos and is prepared to bring their whole self to our organisation. Needless to say, the role requires an impeccable grasp of the asylum and immigration system and its operation on the ground, including how it impacts our community of people seeking asylum, refugees, migrants, their families, friends and allies. It requires an ability to help and guide our community to navigate the complex and hostile asylum and immigration system.

You will be working closely with the Director and the rest of our small and dynamic Right to Remain staff team: another Legal Education Officer based in Leeds (generally) covering the North, the Organiser based in Manchester leading our mighty These Walls Must Fall, and the Engagement Officer based in London. In particular, the post holder will be closely coordinating their work with another Legal Education Officer in Leeds. The post holder is also expected to be already embedded in the local and regional asylum and migration field, familiar with its dynamics and able to tap into their existing relationships and connections with local groups and actors. 

We are proud of Right to Remain’s unique and bold approach that really believes in collective power. We are focused on building knowledge, radical solidarity and the power of our community. We show up authentically at work and for our community, always giving our 100%. We are determined and calm amidst the crisis and chaos of the world. We know that now is not a ‘business as usual’ time, and we need to meet the moment as the anchor organisation for the migration justice movement. That comes with a lot of responsibility but we also carry it with lightness. We want our new team members to be similarly passionate, ambitious and compassionate. 

With the rest of the team, you will be responsible for maintaining, developing, and increasing usage of our highly popular and accessible resources about the asylum and immigration system, most notably the Right to Remain Toolkit. You will deliver interactive workshops on the legal system for people navigating that system as well as professionals and volunteers. You will engage with our network of community groups to ensure that we are apprised of developments on the ground and we are communicating important changes to these support groups. You will also work with the Director and other colleagues to develop and deliver specific public legal education projects, when necessary. You must have outstanding communication skills and the ability to engage with a wide range of audiences, in a manner that reflects Right to Remain’s mission and values. 

The University of Oxford aims to lead the world in research and education for the benefit of society both in the UK and globally. Philanthropy plays a critical role in enabling Oxford to maintain and build on its status as a world-class centre of learning.  The Development and Alumni Engagement Office (DAE) at the University of Oxford has been successful in raising funds from a broad, international range of donors. All support enables the University to achieve its key aims of advancing excellence in research and teaching.

Within DAE, the Foundations and Corporations team is a pan-University fundraising team focused on building and maintaining successful philanthropic relationships for the University’s priorities. Funding secured supports posts and key research areas such as the environment, health and societal challenges, as well as scholarship support for postgraduate students. We work closely with our colleagues in specialist fundraising teams as well as those in business partnerships, innovation teams and research services. 

This is an exciting time to join our Development and Alumni engagement team. The role of Senior Development Executive – Foundations and Corporations will support the University to establish and grow new philanthropic relationships with charitable trusts, foundations and corporations across a range of subject areas and themes, from global health and climate change, to civil society and the role of AI. Funding secured will support capital projects, academic posts, innovative research and enable talented students to undertake further studies at Oxford. To achieve this, you will have the support of excellent colleagues across DAE as well as wider academic, departmental and professional service staff at Oxford.

About you

You are an experienced philanthropic fundraiser with a strong track record of securing major gifts, a confident approach and the ability to think creatively. Your ability to build rapport and relationships swiftly will enable you to lead on major gift fundraising (securing donations of £500k-£1m+), working with a range of donors (corporates, trusts and foundations). Your ability to establish credibility and foster trust across a wide range of internal and external stakeholders will be key to your success. Your strong experience of building philanthropic partnerships with organisation donors will be key. Experience of work in higher education is desirable. Above all, you will share Oxford’s mission and be driven to create meaningful impact through philanthropy.

What We Offer

Your happiness and wellbeing at work matters to us, so we offer a range of family friendly and financial benefits including:

· Flexible hybrid working

· An excellent contributory pension scheme

· 38 days annual leave

· Membership to CASE

· Training and development opportunities

· A comprehensive range of childcare services

· Family leave schemes

· Cycle loan scheme

· Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs

· Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loan

You could be helping to deliver philanthropic support that funds breakthroughs in science and health, enables new public policy and interventions, or facilitates education for the next generation of leaders in their fields. If this sounds like the kind of challenge you’ve been looking for, we’d love to hear from you.

Application process:

· Click the link to ‘Apply’ and follow the on-screen instructions. You will be taken to our online Applicant portal.

· Applications should consist of a full CV and a letter of application in your own words, in PDF format (maximum of 2 pages; no AI-written applications, please) outlining your motivations to apply for this role, your relevant experience and how you meet the criteria of the person specification.

Only applications received before 12.00 noon on Tuesday 13 January 2026 can be considered.

Interviews are currently scheduled to take place on Wednesday 21 January 2026, in person in Oxford.

Development and Alumni Engagement is committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills and experiences. We encourage applicants from all sectors of the community and are especially keen to encourage candidates from under-represented groups to apply.

Your aim will be to lead on developing a fundraising strategy and growing the museums' contributed income accross multiple fundraising channels.

Strategy: working closely with the Chief Executive, you will lead the development of a fundraining strategy to deliver contributed income across individual philanthropists, companies and grant makers.

Research and Prospecting: working alongside the Chief Executive, Development Committee and the Board, you will identify and research prospective people, companies and grant-makers that could support Queer Britain.

Pipeline Management: using our CRM system, you will maintain our pipeline, ensuring records are up to date and accurate.

Cultivation: using the full resources of Queer Britain, you will create cultivation plans that may include informal meetings, tours of the museum, meeting with key members of the team, workshop visits and private dinners.

Making the ask: you will be fearless in asking people to support the museum, and will support the Chief Executive with pitching to companies and writing grant applications. 

Stewarding Supporters: you will ensure that all Queer Britain supporters understand the impact of their donation with a stewardship programm that entertains, engages and encourages renewal.

Our ideal candidate would be:

• an outstanding fundraiser with a track record of securing four and five figure donations
• a fundraising professional experienced in working within at least one of the main areas of fundraising, membership, individual donors, grant makers or corporates.
• someone committed to providing outstanding, engaging and exciting donor and sponsor stewardship.
• someone able to build positive relationshipswith internal and external stakeholders, inclusing museum staff, guest artists, visitors,volunteers and Board members.
• someone excited about the prospect of working in a cultural organisation with inclusive storytelling at the heart of everything we do.
• a dynamic individual with the ability to work independently, yet collaboratively accross the entire organisation.
• someone committed to their own professional development, willing to share their knowledge, skills and experience.
• an excellent communicator, confident with technology.

Senior Practice and Research Development Officer (Adults)
Salary £32,684 per annum, actual for 0.8 FTE (£40,855 per annum FTE)
Contract: Fixed term for 18 months, with the potential to extend
Hours: Part-Time 28 hours per week (0.8 FTE)
Location: Hybrid working from Devon TQ12 or Sheffield S1 Office. Home based within UK for the right candidate.

The Vacancy

For over 60 years the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) has been building a better childhood for all.

Research in Practice has supported evidence-informed practice in adult social care for twenty years and for almost thirty years in the children and families’ sector. We are now seeking a Senior Practice and Research Development Officer to join our adult’s team.

This senior role is ideal for someone with excellent facilitation skills and substantial experience in adult social care or related sectors. While the position requires engagement with and understanding of research it is not a primary research role.

The successful candidate will have experience designing and delivering resources, workshops, webinars, and events for a range of audiences, including senior leaders. The role requires a strong understanding of research, policy, ethical and legal frameworks relevant to practice and the ability to translate complex evidence into accessible learning. Strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills are essential.

The post holder will lead a small team of committed Research and Development Officers developing and delivering high-quality learning resources in various formats.

The role involves:

• having substantial experience in adult social care or related sectors
• presenting, chairing, and facilitating a range of sector-wide discussions, workshops, webinars and other learning events,
• supporting the team to develop their facilitation skills,
• scoping, commissioning, writing and editing, event materials and written resources, and supporting the team with this,
• quality assuring learning programme materials and written resources.

About Research in Practice

Research in Practice is part of the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) family. For over 60 years, the NCB has been building a better childhood for all.

Research in Practice works with organisations across adults’ and children’s social care, health, criminal justice, and higher education, supporting evidence-informed approaches to improve policy, services, and outcomes for people of all ages. By bringing together research evidence, practice wisdom, and lived experience, we collaborate with professionals and experts to develop tailored resources, learning opportunities, and specialist support that meet the needs of our partners.

About NCB

For more than 60 years, the National Children’s Bureau has championed the rights and amplified the voice of children and young people in the UK. We interrogate policy and uncover evidence, blending in lived and learnt experience to shape future legislation and develop more effective ways of supporting children and families.

Bringing people and organisations together is fundamental to how we improve the systems that babies, children, young people and their families rely on to thrive. We push boundaries, even looking beyond childhood itself to consider transitions into adulthood and the impact of childhood issues on an entire lifespan. We are united for better childhoods and brighter futures.

The Benefits

• 30 Days Annual Leave
• Winter Holiday Closure & Break
• Generous Pension Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Flexible Working
• Employee Assistance Programme

Applications close at 08:00am on Wednesday 14th January 2026.
Successful applicants will be notified by Thursday 22nd January 2026 and invited to interview. Assessment and interviews to be conducted on Tuesday 27th January 2026.
Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications as soon as possible.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

We are actively seeking to broaden the diversity of our staff group and warmly welcome applications from candidates underrepresented in the charity sector, including those from Black and Global Majority communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with lived experience of the issues NCB works on.

No agencies please.

Are you up for a new and exciting challenge, leading one of the most effective and nimble NGOs in the transport and environment sectors in England and Wales?

Transport Action Network (TAN) is seeking a dynamic and knowledgeable CEO to lead its remote team of six.

Since it was set up in 2019, TAN has established itself as a thought leader on planning and transport matters, while providing hands-on support and advice to local communities seeking better transport solutions. It has successfully challenged government decisions and helped local communities fight off damaging road schemes. Some examples include schames that would have harmed Stonehenge World Heritage Site, South Downs National Park and Rimrose Valley Country Park in Liverpool.

TAN is currently supporting the Queensbury Tunnel Society, trying to stop the government blocking up an old railway tunnel so that it can be repurposed for a new greenway. It is also opposing the Lower Thames Crossing 'smart' motorway.

Fancy, getting involved and making a difference?

We look forward to hearing from you.

Deadline for returning completed applications is 23:59 (GMT), Sunday 1st February, 2026

First interviews: 27th February and 4/5th March

This role will support the Director of Internal Development & Culture with the implementation of plans and projects within StreetGames. The work of the role will be varied and include administrative support to the internal meeting approaches of the organisation, coordinating the delivery of internal communications and managing project work across the themed areas of responsibility held by the Director. These themes include internal communications, environmental sustainability, continuous learning, people development and Equality, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (EEDIB).

1.To provide administrative and project support to the Director of Internal Development & Culture

2.Co-ordinate the effectiveness of cross-organisational meeting structures, ensuring they function effectively through managing availability, booking meeting space and arranging meeting logistics, alongside sharing follow up information and actions.

3.To project manage the work on focus areas within the portfolio of the Director of Internal Development & Culture, including but not limited to continuous learning, people development, EEDIB, environmental sustainability, 

4.To coordinate effective internal communications, including producing materials, further developing the StreetGames Intranet and SharePoint sites and constructing and editing StreetGames internal newsletters and bulletins.

5.To communicate with a range of team members across all levels within StreetGames and provide a consistently high level of support to aspects of the internal workings of the organisation.

6.To use IT tools to ensure that StreetGames functions effectively and efficiently, working closely with the StreetGames IT Manager on implementation as appropriate.

7.To co-ordinate the planning and delivery of StreetGames internal events including Full Staff Meetings and Briefings.

8.To work in collaboration with the Business Support and Governance Team to ensure a seamless connection between internal and external meetings.

Job Title: Development Officer

Closing date: 19 January 2026 17.00 GMT

Interviews TBC

Reports to: Programme Manager  

Location: Min 2 days per week based in North London office,

remote working available for max 3 days a week

Pay: £37,000-£40,000 full time, gross per annum

Type of Contract: One-year fixed term contract

Annual Leave Entitlement: 28 days’ annual leave, including UK bank holidays. 

Pension: 3% employer pension contribution on eligible earnings.

About The Role 

The Development Officer is a key role in The Phoenix Way (TPW). It has a lead responsibility for strengthening organisational effectiveness and sustainability, enhancing the skills, knowledge, and resources of Black and racially minoritised voluntary and community-based organisations.

The Development Officers work will work closely with local community leaders and their staff, volunteers, and other stakeholders to assess needs, develop strategic plans, and implement capacity-building activities that promote growth, resilience, and optimal service delivery within the sector.

We are looking for exceptional candidates who can help developing staff capabilities, build strategic partnerships, and implement programmes that increase organisational capacity to achieve their outcomes. Strong communication, organisational, and interpersonal skills are essential for effectively facilitating change and empowering Black and racially minoritised community groups across TPW Greater London partnership.

The role of the Operations Officer (Licensing and Compliance) is to support the development, coordination and delivery of Licensing and Compliance processes and procedures across the Association.

The Operations Officer (Licensing and Compliance) will support the Senior Licensing and Compliance Manager and other members of the Operations Team to ensure that, through the consistent and proactive use of standards, policies and quality assurance processes, backed up by effective licensing, the intellectual property and good reputation of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is effectively protected.

The role will work closely with Operations Directors, Operations Managers and the Foundation Finance Team to support licensing of Operators.

Key Responsibilities

• Processing, in liaison with relevant Operations Team colleagues, new licence applications from Independent Award Centres (IACs), including due diligence and database management.
• Lead on the management of the IAC Compliance Check schedule and surrounding processes including regular communications with relevant Operations Managers.
• Coordinate the ongoing compliance management process for IACs.
• Provide support to the Senior Licensing & Compliance Manager with processes related to the compliance for National Award Operators (NAOs) and Operating Partners (OPs).
• Support the Senior Licensing and Compliance Manager with issuing of and drafting correspondence in relation to all licence documentation (terminations, licence extensions, agreements and certificates etc).
• Support the Senior Licensing and Compliance Manager to disseminate information regarding licensing and quality assurance processes to Foundation colleagues, and to the wider Association when appropriate.
• Support with ad hoc projects, as required.

High Trees are seeking a new team member to provide full administrative and programme support to the Research & Impact team. You will be joining us at an exciting time as High Trees continues to grow the reach and scale of our research and impact. This is an exciting opportunity for a thoughtful and proactive individual to work within a small, collaborative and dynamic team in a varied role. You will be passionate about ensuring that the voices of the communities that we work with remain at the heart of what we do and how we do it.

This role is central to supporting the team in the day-to-day running of our service. You will be responsible for producing dynamic and impactful marketing and communications content, and providing administrative support for our research, evaluation and partnership activities and events. You will also be proactive, keeping abreast of developments and opportunities in the sector to raise the profile of our work. You will be highly organised and details-focused, a compelling communicator, and confident to take initiative.

Collaboration with colleagues is an essential part of this role and you will enjoy working with others and be a valued partner, peer and colleague. Supporting the Head of Community Research and Impact and the wider team, you will actively contribute to delivering and shaping our service. You will need to be highly responsive to the needs of colleagues, service users, partners, and be able to provide practical solutions for a range of situations. This is an entry-level post, and you will be encouraged and supported to grow and develop your skills and expertise across a range of areas.

Contract: Permanent, 35 hours per week 

Salary: £26,660 to £31,000  

Location: Burford OX18 4PF 

Closing date: 21/01/2026 

Interview date: 02/02/2026 

Do you want to turn adrenaline into animal welfare? 

At Blue Cross, we believe every pet deserves a healthy life in a happy home. We are looking for a passionate Challenge Events Officer to help us make that happen—one marathon, muddy obstacle course, and skydive at a time. 

This isn’t just about marketing and logistics; it’s about inspiring ordinary people to do extraordinary things for pets in need. 

More about the role 

As our Challenge Events Officer, you will be the driving force behind our third-party events portfolio. You will be the person who rallies the troops for the iconic London Marathon and recruits everyday heroes to take on challenges that change lives. 

Reporting to the Community and Events Manager, you will be responsible for the full lifecycle of the fundraiser experience - from the moment they see an ad to the moment they cross the finish line. 

What you’ll be doing 

• Championing the portfolio: You will take full ownership of our third-party challenge events, including managing our presence at major events like the London Marathon. 

• Recruiting our heroes: You will develop and execute creative marketing plans to recruit participants using social media, paid advertising, and by engaging with our public-facing centres, hospitals, and shops. 

• The ultimate cheerleader: You will design and deliver a sector-leading "stewardship journey." Your goal is to ensure every fundraiser feels supported, motivated, and maximized in their fundraising efforts. 

• Managing the money: You will deliver and manage income and expenditure budgets, ensuring we stay on track and transparent in our financial reporting. 

• Always Improving: You will review current processes and analyze fundraising activities with a sharp focus on improving Return on Investment (ROI). 

• Staying ahead of the pack: You will research and benchmark our activity against the charity sector to ensure Blue Cross remains competitive and innovative. 

• Innovating: You will help develop, implement, and evaluate new fundraising concepts to keep our offers fresh and exciting. 

• Collaborating: You will work hand-in-hand with internal teams to ensure our marketing, recruitment, and supporter journeys are seamless. 

• Upholding standards: You will ensure all challenge event activities follow best practices and compliance. 

About you:  

This role requires a highly organised individual with a passion for fundraising. The ability to manage multiple projects whilst consistently meeting deadlines is essential. 

Experience in developing fundraising reports, managing income and expenditure budgets. Strong communication and a collaborative spirit are key, as is a creative mind for developing fundraising strategies. Flexibility for occasional travel and out of hours work is required. 

Essential qualifications, skills, and experience 

• Proven experience working in challenge event fundraising

• Demonstrable experience in researching, planning, delivering and evaluating a range of challenge event fundraising activities. 

• The ability to develop and deliver marketing plans to recruit third party challenge event participants through a variety of channels. 

• The ability to develop and execute an inspiring stewardship journey to maximise income generation.

• Experience of budget management including income and expenditure. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders (donors, sponsors, participants, volunteers, team members)

• Ability to lead on and manage a variety of projects with simultaneous priorities 

• A full driving licence is required 

• The ability to demonstrate, apply and understand our key Blue Cross Values

Desirable qualifications, skills, and experience 

• Experience in obtaining corporate sponsorship for challenge events

• Experience working with fundraising databases (D365) and MS office suite to manage donor data, create reports and communicate effectively

• The ability to thrive in independent and collaborative environments 

• A creative and innovative mind for developing marketing, stewardship and development strategies

How to apply  

Click the apply button below and complete the online application process before the closing date on 21/01/2026.  

Ready to hit the ground running? Apply today and help us change lives. 

Blue Cross benefits    

Our people are the most important part of delivering our purpose. If it weren’t for their amazing efforts and commitment, we wouldn’t be able to make the difference that we do today.  In return, we want to provide you with the best working environment we can.

With a wide range of perks aimed at enhancing your life both inside and outside of work, you'll 
thrive in a supportive and rewarding environment. 

Our generous benefits package includes:   

• 38 days per year, increasing to 43 with service (including bank holidays). For part-time roles, holiday entitlement is calculated pro-rata. 

• Pension scheme with enhanced employer contribution  

• Life assurance  

• Unlimited access to an employee assistance programme 

• Programmes for physical and mental wellbeing support 

• Free access to GP via MetLife 

• Recognition scheme 

• Annual volunteer days  

• Claim for professional fees 

• Charity worker discounts across a variety of retailers.  

We want you to feel valued and supported throughout your career with us. For more details on our benefits and to see how we invest in our team, visit the 'Why Work for Us' page on our website. 

To read more about the benefits Blue Cross has to offer, please visit the 'why work for us' page on our website.  

Located in the historic town of St Andrews, St Leonards is one of Scotland’s leading independent schools, recently named Scottish Independent Secondary School of the Year for Academic Excellence 2026 by The Sunday Times. It is a vibrant, co-educational boarding and day community with a true international outlook.

Approaching its 150th Anniversary in 2027, the School is preparing to launch the most ambitious fundraising campaign in its history. This is a career-defining opportunity for an exceptional professional to drive this initiative, instilling a culture of philanthropy that will secure the future of St Leonards for generations to come.

Reporting directly to the Head, this post will be targeted with generating £500k+ of revenue and will demand both exceptional relationship building skills and technical fundraising expertise. The successful candidate will have freedom to innovate and make a tangible difference and be able to engage prospective donors and the wider highly supportive Seniors (Alumni) community. You will protect the School’s reputation by conducting thorough due diligence on donors and ensuring full compliance with OSCR regulations.

You will be responsible for the School’s capital and strategic fundraising initiatives supported by the Alumni and Development Officer and will work with the supportive, mission-driven Executive Team and Board of Governors to develop and implement these.

To be successful you will be educated to degree level and have knowledge and experience in previous roles where you have developed a demonstrable track record of devising and implementing multi-year fundraising strategies which have allowed you to personally secure 5 and 6 figure gifts from individuals, trusts or foundations. You will possess the financial and legal expertise to structure complex gifts and bring them to completion.

More information on the responsibilities of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required of candidates can be found in the Candidate Pack.

St Leonards is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to a satisfactory PVG check.

Interviews are expected to commence in St Andrews week beginning 26th January 2026