Education and learning officer jobs

Finance Officer

Birmingham LGBT is seeking to appoint a Finance Officer to provide professional financial support to the organisation and to join the motivated and enthusiastic team at the Birmingham LGBT Centre, 151 Hurst Street, Birmingham B5 6EW. We are offering a permanent contract, full-time (37 hours per week) with occasional evening and weekend work. The post-holder will be entitled to 25 days’ annual leave, plus bank holidays. The salary is £27,506 per year, plus up to 5% matched pension contributions.  

If you would like to apply for this post, please download an application pack from our website, complete the application form and the equal opportunities monitoring form and email them to us, or print the forms, complete them and deliver them to the address above.

The closing date for the receipt of applications is 5pm on Sunday 12 April 2026.

Interviews for shortlisted candidates will be held shortly after the closing date.

Please Note: You will not be eligible to apply unless you hold the L2 Award in Instructing Cycle Training and have worked for 5 years in cycle training. If you do not hold this qualification your application will automatically rejected. 

• Lead the Trust’s strategic development work supporting our 2025–2035 strategic ambitions.
• Drive innovation across the Bikeability programme — including training guidance, evidence-based pilots, and digital learning products.
• Use your expertise as a qualified cycle training instructor to shape improvements to national training delivery.
• Support research, evaluation and evidence generation to ensure the programme remains future-focused and impactful.
• Represent the Trust at national forums, government meetings, conferences, and sector events.
• Manage development budgets, oversee project governance, and contribute to strategic decision-making.
• Ideal for someone with quality assurance experience, a strong background in qualification design and evaluation, and a proven track record of delivering innovative, high-impact projects.

We expect to hold interviews on either 10th or 13th April but we may do rolling interviews. 

Post: Expeditions Officer
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-Time
Location: South Kensington, London SW7
Salary: £35,897–£39,180 per annum, depending on experience

About Us

The Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers) is the learned society and professional body for geography and geographers. It is also a charity and a membership organisation. The Society was founded in 1830 and has been one of the most active of the learned societies ever since. It was pivotal in establishing geography as a teaching and research discipline in British universities and continues to play a key role in geographical and environmental education.

The Society is a leading world centre for geographical learning – supporting education, teaching, research, professional practice and scientific expeditions, as well as promoting public understanding and enjoyment of geography and providing advice to policymakers.

The Society offers professional accreditation to members through Chartered Geographer status.

About You and the Role

Joining a specialised team at a time of growth, the Expeditions Officer will deploy first-hand exploratory field research experience in providing practical support for practitioners, helping reinforce the Society’s role as an international leader and convening power representing diverse forms of geographical exploration.

This operational role is central to evolving the Society's technical resources, strategic programmes, and flagship events, ensuring our support for both our grant recipients and the wider community of practitioners remains rigorous and impactful.

Key Responsibilities

Expedition advisory support

Participate in the provision of advice and support to Society grant recipients and other expedition teams and individuals across their project lifecycles.

Training, events and content

Work with colleagues and external trainers to develop and organise needs-based training opportunities, primarily for Society grant recipients and other supported individuals and teams, across a range of subjects.

Support the development of multimedia resources to support Society members and the wider community of field practitioners in undertaking safe, ethical, impactful expeditions.

Governance and reporting

Contribute data and updates for the bi-annual reporting to the Expeditions & Fieldwork Committee and quarterly workplan reporting to management and trustees.

The successful candidate will have demonstrable experience leading successful exploratory field projects, preferably through overseas, collaborative, impact-driven ventures in remote and challenging contexts.

The successful candidate will apply both academic knowledge and a practical understanding of safe, ethical and impactful field research, significantly expanding the Society’s capacity to support diverse forms of geographical exploration.

Salary and Benefits

This is a permanent, full-time post subject to successful completion of a probationary period of three months. The salary range for this post is £35,897–£39,180 per annum depending on experience and qualifications. The post is based in Kensington, London.

There are a range of benefits at the Society which include the following:

• 35-hour working week with core working hours between 10.00am and 4.00pm.
• Flexible working arrangements are available with a mix of office based and home working.
• 25 days annual leave per annum, pro rata, plus public bank holidays.
• Society closure between Christmas and New Year, in addition to the basic annual leave allowance.
• Pension scheme - 3% employee, 7.5% employer.
• Group Life Assurance at four-times basic annual salary.
• Corporate eye care vouchers.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Free 24-hour Employee Assistance helpline with available counselling support.

Applications must be received by 9.30am on Friday 10th April.
Interviews are planned to take place on 20 April.

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.

The Society aims to be an equal opportunities employer. We strongly encourage applicants from those traditionally underrepresented in the geographical discipline.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. The Society is unable to offer work visa sponsorships.

No agencies please.

The Organisation

The Open SU serves the interests of around 170,000 part-time and distance-learning students spread across the UK, continental Europe and beyond. Our role is to represent and support the interests of this vast and diverse community of students. The Open SU is an independent registered charity, governed by elected student leaders. Our team of vibrant, friendly and dedicated professional staff provide the vital support needed to deliver our ambitious strategy. Though your skills and experience are important, vital to us, are your values. Here at the Open SU we are committed to a positive team culture to enable and empower all members to be their very best.

The Job

This exciting permanent role involves managing multiple projects that further Open SU’s equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) objectives. Your involvement will be key from conception through to evaluation. You will work alongside the other Officers in the EDI and Belonging Team to create events and raise awareness of various EDI campaigns for students. You will also work closely with our volunteers, supporting them through inductions, training and helping them materialise their ideas.

The Person

This role is an excellent opportunity for a highly motivated individual with great communication skills and experience of leading projects. You will have a passion for EDI issues and supporting individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. For a small organisation, we are a very busy team. You must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and able to work to deadlines, manage time and prioritise your workload efficiently. You will also enjoy working collaboratively as you will be supporting other colleagues and volunteers with the planning of campaigns.

Please read the full role description and application pack below.

Youth Delivery Mentoring Officer

We are looking for a skilled, committed, and passionate individual with experience within the youth work sector (this could be in a voluntary capacity). Whilst developing our focus around youth engagement and early intervention techniques, we recognise the importance of having individuals who really want to make a difference in the lives of young people. The successful applicant will understand our values, ethos and principles as an organisation and will demonstrate a strong desire to contribute to and deliver meaningful and effective youth work. 

Main Purpose of this Role

This is an exciting role at Reaching Higher and demonstrates our uncompromising commitment to playing our part to positive impact the lives of young people and their families. This role has been designed to lead on the delivery of our work and play a central role in creating meaningful experiences for young people via school and community-based youth projects.The purpose of this role is help ensure high-quality support for young people across our various programmes, in line with our mentoring ethos, helping to build an even stronger rapport with those we currently serve and improving accessibility for new young people being referred to us. 

About Reaching Higher 

Reaching Higher is a youth organisation which works with almost 2000 young people aged 10 - 18 each year across Croydon and surrounding boroughs. Developed in partnership with local churches, we are a youth-led charity with a Christian ethos.We place particular emphasis on providing mentoring support to young people and facilitating their development as leaders. We have established strong links with key local, London and UK-wide organisations and our approach leads us into regular working contact with partner schools, community groups and churches. 

Does this sound like you?

If you love being outdoors, enjoy talking to people and have amazing organisation skills, then our Events Fundraising Officer role is for you. Each year, almost 1,000 people take part in a Youth Adventure Challenge Event. We are looking for a dynamic Events Fundraising Officer to help recruit and support our fundraisers, assist with the organisation of events and help us to develop this significant income stream.

Working alongside the Challenge Events Manager, the Events Fundraising Officer is instrumental in every step of delivering well-managed, fun and safe events for our corporate partners and event participants, as well as ensuring the fundraising success of each event.

Excellent communication and people skills will be essential as you will play a key role in building up relationships with the clients, the participants and their supporters. Furthermore, you will be involved in the whole process of event organisation, including developing the event, preparing the resources, helping with logistics, maintaining accurate records, reporting and banking and thanking. 

The Fundraising Officer must be self-motivated, well organised, able to multi-task, a strong administrator, a fantastic team player, have excellent inter-personal skills and enjoy being outdoors.  Paid or voluntary experience in a fundraising environment is essential.  This is a great opportunity for somebody looking to take the next step in their career, with plenty of scope to develop your skills and experience within a supportive team. Whilst the role is home-based you must live in the South West to ensure easy access for in-person meetings.

The Charity

At the Youth Adventure Trust, we use outdoor adventure to empower vulnerable young people from Swindon, Wiltshire and Somerset to fulfil their potential and lead positive lives in the future. We work with them to build resilience, develop confidence and learn skills that will last a lifetime, helping them to face the challenges in their lives. Dedicated support, guidance and mentoring from our staff and volunteers ensures young people receive the maximum benefit from our long-term intervention. Our aim is to make a lasting improvement to the lives of vulnerable young people. All our services are provided completely free of charge to the young people who are nominated by schools and other youth organisations to take part.

We’re proud to offer our programmes completely free of charge to participants which means the fundraising team is crucial. With ambitious plans to help more young people over the coming years, our Events Fundraising Officer role is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference. You’ll be well-supported as part of a small fundraising team with a big heart, with plenty of opportunities to visit our programmes and see the tangible impact of your work.

Safer Recruitment

The Youth Adventure Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and requires all employees to share this commitment. The suitability of all prospective employees will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment and in compliance with current employment legislation, and relevant safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance. 

Job purpose

This role serves as a liaison for the BDA’s specialist group, sub-group and branch volunteer communities. Working closely with colleagues across the BDA, the role ensures a high level of support, maintenance and development of the organisation’s member led networks.

The role supports the work of the membership, marketing and communications team to coordinate activity and projects that promote the work of member volunteers and the wider volunteer programme.

In collaboration with the Volunteer Manager, the role supports and coordinates volunteer activity, providing advice, training and guidance to member volunteers as required. It is also responsible for developing, maintaining and managing strong relationships with stakeholders to drive engagement and enhance services for members.

The role acts as essential support to colleagues and works effectively across the MMC team and the wider organisation.

 Job context

 The British Dietetic Association, founded in 1936, is the professional association and trade union for registered dietitians in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It is the largest organisation of food and nutrition professionals with almost 10,000 members.

The Membership, Marketing and Communications Team delivers and maintains responsive

member services and excellent communications to engage with our membership community in person and through both digital and print media. The organisation has a motivated and engaged network of high-performing member volunteers within our specialist groups and branches and a well-established volunteer programme, which we wish to continue to grow and develop.

All staff uphold the values of the Association (Professional, Dynamic, and Innovative) and represent the profession and the Association to stakeholders

 Key areas of responsibility

Volunteer support and coordination

• Act as an internal contact for BDA specialist groups, sub-groups and branches, liaising with colleagues across the BDA to ensure the effective delivery of volunteer services.
• Serve as a main point of contact for the BDA’s regional branch network, which provides CPD and networking opportunities for members and other attendees at a local level.
• Provide advice, support and guidance to BDA specialist group and branch volunteers as required.
• Work with the events team to support the delivery of group and branch meetings and events (in-person and virtual), ensuring appropriate technical support and platforms are in place.
• Work collaboratively across BDA staff teams, specialist groups and branches to ensure members receive high-quality services, resources, events and information through appropriate communication channels.
• Support volunteer recruitment activity and deliver inductions for volunteers.
• Maintain regular and proactive engagement with committee leaders to strengthen links between volunteers, the BDA office team and other groups or branches.
• Attend group and branch meetings and events as required, representing the BDA.
• Build strong internal relationships to stay informed of policy, practice, education developments and key organisational priorities, helping to align volunteer activity with wider BDA work.
• Work with the Volunteer Team to ensure groups and branches operate within BDA policies, governance, financial and legal frameworks, and are supported to meet governance requirements.
• Support groups and branches to develop relationships with relevant internal and external stakeholders.

Resource, governance and development

• Work with the Volunteer Team and wider BDA team to develop and deliver new services, benefits and resources for the group and branch network.
• Support the identification, development and delivery of education and continuing professional development opportunities for member volunteers.
• Apply volunteering best practice to develop, review and maintain policies, guidance and tools related to volunteering.
• Support the Events and Volunteer Teams to deliver the BDA’s annual volunteer support day.
• Assist the Volunteer Team in providing governance advice and support to member volunteers, including developing and maintaining effective processes.

Communications

• Manage, and support the wider membership, marketing and communication team, to deliver volunteer communications channels by:
  • Developing and coordinating content, opportunities and contributions for our regular Volunteer Ezine.
  • Facilitate regular volunteer networking.
  • Update content and develop content for the volunteer hub.
  • Develop and coordinate content relating to volunteers, groups and branches for social media.
  • Support internal communications and updates.
  • Manage the volunteer inbox and responding to member queries as required.

 General

·       Act as an effective member of the Membership, Marketing and Communications team, contributing to team-wide campaigns and projects.

· Contribute to BDA office projects that support the organisation’s strategic and business plans.

· Travel as required to meet members, volunteers and other stakeholders.

· Undertake other duties as required.

· Comply with all relevant BDA policies and procedures.

Role Dimensions

Knowledge

This role requires specialist, advanced experience and knowledge, with a thorough understanding of volunteer management, governance and engagement, all of which are essential to the successful delivery of the role. It also requires advanced knowledge of BDA policies, governance and financial frameworks, alongside a strong understanding of the legal frameworks relating to volunteering.

Work Complexity and Judgement

This role supports the delivery of work across multiple business functions by communicating group and branch activity and initiatives. The work requires discretion, tact, strong interpersonal skills and effective stakeholder engagement. The role often involves managing complex situations and exercising sound judgement, frequently at short notice and in the presence of members, with issues and queries escalated to the Volunteer Manager as appropriate.

Impact on reputational risk

This role involves working closely with volunteers, members and internal stakeholders, representing the BDA in a professional manner. The postholder is expected to build and maintain appropriate internal relationships at all levels, managing the organisation’s reputation and exercising sound judgement in assessing and mitigating risk.

People management and leadership

This role is responsible for coordinating and supervising volunteers and plays a pivotal role in managing staff engagement with the volunteer network.

If this sounds like you, then our four-month (7th September to 18th December 2026), salaried Grant Fundraising Traineeship might be the perfect opportunity for you.

Chell Perkins is looking for four individuals with excellent writing skills who want to learn how to fundraise from grantmakers. 

Our industry-leading paid traineeship (monthly equivalent of a £24,792 annual salary) will see you writing grant applications for multiple charities and gaining a recognised certificate with education credits towards CFRE to kickstart your fundraising career. There are up to four vacancies at Chell Perkins, and at the end of the course trainees will be eligible to apply for a permanent position.

“This programme has been an amazing opportunity to work with so many different clients, and constantly learn new skills on the job. I have learned so much.” Junior Fundraiser, 2022

This immersive programme is home-based with quality training and plenty of support from other experienced fundraisers.

“The hands-on training opportunities that come with a role at Chell Perkins are invaluable for anyone who is looking to get into fundraising. I don't think you could find a more immersive and rewarding experience in the charity sector anywhere else!” Junior Fundraiser, 2022

Why Chell Perkins?

At the end of our Grant Fundraising Traineeship, you will be a confident and capable fundraiser. But there’s much more to the scheme than that. The Chell Perkins team are a great bunch of people to work with. We really care about our partner charities and YOUR future. Our supportive and empowering work culture will enable you to realise your own potential.

“This programme is truly unique and rewarding. I recommend it to anyone thinking of beginning a fundraising career.” Junior Fundraiser, 2020

Client mix

Candidates should be aware that at present, 70% of our partner charities come from a Christian background (churches or Christian charities). While it is not a requirement to be Christian, candidates must be happy to write for a faith-based audience.

Applications

This role is home-based; however, you may occasionally be required to work from client sites across the UK.

For more details about this opportunity, contact us and request a copy of the Job Description & Person Specification document.

Interviews will be held in the week commencing 4th May 2026 for positions starting on 7th September 2026.

If our Grant Fundraising Traineeship sounds like it could be a perfect fit for you, why not apply? We look forward to hearing from you!

To apply for this role, please complete our job application and email it to us with a recent CV and a covering letter. In your covering letter, we are looking for:

• Evidence of strong written communication skills
• Passion for the third sector, and in particular fundraising
• Ability to write persuasively
• Evidence that you have carefully researched the role and our organisation.

Click 'how to apply' below for the email address to send your application to, and for more information on the role and person specification.

A note about generative AI use

As an agency we are not against the use of AI to research or help improve the quality of your application. However, we strongly advise against using AI to generate copy for you. Last year, over 40 applications contained sections with identical wording, due to the use of generative AI. As a result, we could not get to know the applicants from their writing, and subsequently had to reject all of these applications.

Department: COO’s Office
Contract type: Permanent
Salary: Up to £115,000 per annum
Location: Home Based (UK wide travel as required)
Reports To: Chief Executive and Council Chair

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to help lead the organisation through the next phase of its development. Reporting to the Chief Executive and Council Chair, Phil Garrigan, and working closely with the Board of Trustees, the COO will play a critical role in driving organisational transformation and delivery. This will ensure NFCC is well positioned to achieve its ambitious new three-year strategy and delivery plan, including preparations for the proposed College of Fire and Rescue in 2029.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a professional, responsive and agile organisation that is focused on making a real difference to public safety.

NFCC is a charity and membership organisation dedicated to making communities safer by providing national leadership, coordination and professional expertise across UK fire and rescue services. Working at NFCC offers a unique opportunity to contribute directly to public safety, national resilience and the continuous improvement of an essential public service.

Operating at the intersection of operational practice, policy, assurance and system leadership, NFCC supports fire and rescue services to collaborate effectively, respond to complex and emerging risks, and maintain the highest professional standards. We work closely with government, regulators, emergency service partners and sector stakeholders to ensure that the collective voice of fire and rescue leaders is influential, credible and evidence-led.

As a values-driven organisation and registered charity, NFCC is committed to ethical leadership, transparency and public benefit. We foster a culture that is inclusive, collaborative and rooted in service to communities. Our people are trusted professionals, empowered to lead, innovate and deliver meaningful impact, supported by robust governance, assurance and accountability frameworks.

NFCC is a modern, agile organisation with a fully remote workforce. This enables us to attract and retain talented individuals from diverse professional backgrounds, while supporting flexible, inclusive and high-performing ways of working. We place strong emphasis on wellbeing, professional development and continuous learning, recognising that our effectiveness depends on the capability, integrity and commitment of our people.

Joining NFCC means working on issues of national significance, influencing the future of fire and rescue services, and helping to strengthen the resilience and safety of the communities we serve. If you are motivated by public service and professional excellence, have a strong focus on delivery and impact, and bring experience in leading business transformation and organisational change, this role offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to operate at the highest level of leadership.

The Selection Process

How to apply:

If you are interested in this role and think you have the skills and experience we need, please do look at the Job description on the NFCC website.

Candidates are invited to submit their CV and a covering letter setting out how they can meet the requirements set out in the job description. Please email this to the Recruitment mailbox (details found on the NFCC Website) by 23rd April 2026.

Tests for shortlisted candidates are likely to be Week commencing 4th May 2026

Interviews taking place on the 18th & 19th May 2026

NFCC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults and will require a DBS check to be completed prior to commencing in post.

NFCC is committed to being an inclusive employer. We comply with the Equality Act 2010, and we believe that everyone deserves to work in safe environments that are free from bullying, harassment and discrimination, abuse, and harm, where they feel supported, welcome, and able to thrive.

NFCC acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard, protect and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities, government guidance and complies with best practice, all staff are expected to share this commitment.

This is an exceptional opportunity at one of the world's most prestigious universities at a time of extraordinary ambition and philanthropic momentum. 

Associate Director of Development – Principal Gifts
Employer: University of Oxford
Salary: £65,336 - £82,255 with scope to go beyond for a leading professional with outstanding experience and track record
Location: Oxford (Hybrid)

Here at the University of Oxford, we are recruiting three Associate Directors of Development – Principal Gifts to join our incredible team. These are new positions, part of an expansion of our friendly, collaborative and successful Principal Gifts team.

As Associate Director of Development – Principal Gifts, you will operate at the highest levels of the University to secure transformational gifts at the eight-figure-plus level, advancing Oxford’s mission and global impact.  Your work will help ensure that Oxford continues to attract the brightest minds, pursue world-leading research, and address the most urgent challenges facing humanity.

You will work closely with the Vice-Chancellor, Chief Development and Alumni Engagement Officer, Director of Development – Principal Gifts, and other senior leaders to align principal gift opportunities with institutional priorities and articulate a compelling case for support to some of the world’s most significant philanthropists.

Your impact will be enduring – enabling breakthrough discoveries, expanding opportunity for students, and strengthening Oxford’s position as a global leader in education and research.  The Associate Director of Development role offers the chance not only to secure transformational gifts, but also to shape the future of Oxford’s philanthropic culture and leave a legacy at an institution that has been changing the world for over nine centuries.

This is a chance to join a dedicated, professional and ambitious team at a time when Oxford’s fundraising is at unprecedented levels. With strong support from the Vice-Chancellor, a proven track record of principal gift success, and an unparalleled global reputation, you will have every opportunity to make your mark, both at Oxford and in your career.

You will be passionate about what we do here, not phased by complexity and ambiguity, and comfortable orchestrating a myriad of stakeholders.  We hope to hear from you!

The University of Oxford is partnering with Erin Hall-Westfall and Joanna Logan of Constellate Global Talent on this search.

Closing date: midnight on Monday, 6 April 2026.

Interested?

Please familiarise yourself with the attached Candidate Pack.
To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter.

Diversity and Inclusivity

The University of Oxford is committed to equal opportunity, and to being a place where everyone belongs and is supported to succeed. We recognise how the diversity of our community enriches our ability to deliver on our academic mission.

We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds, including those under-represented within higher education. No applicant or members of staff shall be unlawfully discriminated against on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

No agencies please

This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about activism, campaigning, and collective organising to play a central role within our Democracy & Representation Team. The successful candidate will support and strengthen the delivery of officer-led campaigns and projects, working closely with our five elected Sabbatical Officers. You will help turn their ideas into meaningful change, from coordinating campaign activity and managing deadlines to ensuring officers have the tailored support they need. You will help connect work across the Students’ Union, contributing to campaigns on key issues such as liberation, student rights, fair representation, and intersectionality.

If you are motivated by supporting others, thinking creatively about campaign strategy, and contributing to impactful, student-led change, we would love to hear from you.

As Director of External Affairs across the Bild Group of four small charities (with collective turnover of approx. £3m/yr), you will have a deep commitment to human rights and improving people’s lives.

You will provide strategic direction and leadership to the External Relations function across all four charities in the group, taking overall responsibility for and providing thought-leadership on our strategic approach to policy, influencing, public affairs, stakeholder engagement. 

You will play a lead role in planning, developing, and implementing the communication and external relations and wider engagement strategic plan to grow awareness and profile of Bild, Respond, Restraint Reduction Network (RRN) and ACT.

By sharing the impact of our work and programmes in improving the lives of people with learning disabilities, autism and /or mental health conditions, you will support Bild in becoming the sector leading provider of organisational and workforce development (and RRN in becoming the leading charity in reducing restrictive practices globally – and Respond as leaders in trauma informed therapy).

You will champion Bild and RRN’s brand, vision, mission and values acting as an ambassador for the organisation both internally and externally to partners, stakeholders and media.

Key Responsibilities and Duties: 

Strategic Leadership:  

• Develop and implement an integrated communications and external relations strategy across the four charities in the group to raise our profile and to influence change which positively impacts on our beneficiaries, aligning media, campaigning, and public affairs with the charity’s mission and strategic priorities 

• Lead and inspire a high-performing team including Membership and Events Officer, Resources Coordinator and comms team as required 

Comms & Marketing:

• Plan, develop and implement strategic communications and marketing plans to maximise awareness of the Bild Group of charities across the broad spectrum of communications disciplines including media relations, stakeholder management, influencer engagement, ethical (impact focused) marketing, social and new media and the production of new materials and resources 

• Write, develop and produce materials such as infographics, press releases, briefing documents, media statements and online information suitable for stakeholders, including people with lived experience

• Ensure effective marketing across all four charities focusing on impact and including ensuring we attend a range of external events and that all four websites are best practice. 

Influencing & Public Affairs:  

• Working with the CEO, you will drive policy change by developing strategies to influence key decision makers through building relationships with parliamentarians, government departments, and sector stakeholders to ensure the charity's policy agenda is impactful 

• Lead proactive and reactive media engagement, calls and requests for information in order to capitalise on suitable opportunities for maximising the reach and impact of all four charities

• Build our credibility as a thought leader in the sector 

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships:  

• Build and sustain strategic alliances with senior civil servants, civil society groups, and community partners to increase the organization's influence and impact 

• Develop effective stakeholder relationship management processes that ensure partnerships of all levels are provided with a rich, immersive engagement experience with the organisation and the work that we do 

• Identify, liaise with and ensure positive relationships with key stakeholders – internal and external including media, government departments, partners, charities, providers, customers, other relevant parties to secure maximum impact for all four charities and their beneficiaries

Reputation, Brand Management & Marketing:  

• Champion the Bild group brands, promoting the mission, values and impact of the organisation and ensuring consistent, engaging narratives and high-quality storytelling across all external channels

• Shaping the charity's profile and protecting its reputation through media relations, digital engagement, and consistent key messaging and building our credibility as thought leaders in sector. 

Membership, Events & Communities:  

• By ensuring appropriate, effective and engaging communications to all relevant audiences and stakeholders, your role will support the growth and development of our membership, Communities of Practice and the event programme (including webinars and conferences).

• Effectively plan, manage and lead a range of events for the Bild group of charities and associated marketing and communications

• Develop framework for Communities of Practice and strategy for engagement and growth 

• Supporting Bild and RRN spokespeople with PR and media outreach

• Keep abreast of communications and engagement activity within the sector and demonstrate an awareness of the impact these may have on existing and future communications activity

General Responsibilities 

• Contribute to evaluation and assessment of results against KPIs and tracking activity

• Allocate, manage and evaluate budget spend

• Identify resource requirements for activity across Bild group

• Develop and maintain systems, databases and procedures to support Bild group communication activities

• Plan, monitor, appraise and report progress of activity regularly with an innate understanding of how this supports activity across the Bild group

• Plan, manage and oversee budgetary spend related to outsourcing specialist activities such as video editing and design

• Ensure communications and marketing work complies with data protection and other legal, professional and agency requirements, standards and policies

• Support the senior leadership team on any activity as required. 

Personal Development  

• Be part of a culture of quality in all areas of communications, PR and marketing

• Participate and contribute to individual performance appraisal and supervision sessions

• Keep abreast of relevant initiatives and developments within the adult health and social care, education & disability sector and the wider communications / engagement profession

• Undertake relevant training, as necessary including accessing new systems and software as required to support the role.

Organisational Responsibilities: 

• Access and work within Bild’s policies and procedures.  

• Attend internal cycle of team meetings relevant to this role.  

• Engage with line management, supervision (where appropriate) and appraisal process.  

• Comply with data protection regulations, ensuring that information on clients, employees, volunteers and other stakeholders remains confidential.  

• Take responsibility for personal learning and development with support from line manager.  

• Work in a manner that facilitates equal opportunities and inclusion for all.  

• Remain professional and respectful at all times, promoting positive relations with all those we encounter in our work.  

• Maintain health and safety and risk awareness for self and others across the organisation.  

• Undertake any other duties that Bild may require within the remit of this role.  

This job description does not form part of the contract of employment. It is intended as a guide to the general scope of duties and is not definitive or restrictive. It is expected that some duties will change over time and this description will be subject to review with the postholder at their annual appraisal.  

Person Specification  

Job Title 

Director of External Relations 

• Exceptional copy writing and verbal communication skills

• Good presenting, negotiating and influencing skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build mutually beneficial relationships

• The ability to work effectively within a small team

• Ability to work under pressure, and plan, manage, and adapt own workload

• A flexible, proactive and problem-solving approach to work

• A motivated attitude and ability to work on own initiative 

• A commitment to human rights and modelling accessibility and inclusion throughout activity

• Willingness to travel and work flexible hours as demanded by the post

• Fit to undertake the duties of the post. 

Experience/Skills/Competencies 

Essential 

• Significant experience working in communications, policy and PR with demonstrable success

• PR and media management experience, including both online and traditional PR

• Experience of managing and implementing social media plans, including post development, scheduling, evaluation and monitoring feedback

• Experience of overseeing the design and production of print and electronic publications, including website management and development

• Experience of managing CRM systems and ensuring effective data capture and utilising data to inform decision making

• Ability to analyse data and shape results into reports that inform decision making

• Ability to build effective relationships and networks and establish credibility for Bild, RRN, Respond and Bild ACT 

• Ability to work collaboratively and develop positive relationships with colleagues, members and wider stakeholders

• Demonstrated digital comms / social media skills and understanding of emerging digital marketing tools and platforms

• Ability to use a variety of IT packages/databases including CRM systems.

• Experience managing budgets and associated reporting

• Ability to work remotely and regularly travel to in person events

• Time management skills and ability to prioritise workload under pressure as part of a small but vibrant team

• Strong awareness and interest in news/current affairs/politics and the broader third sector, social care and education sector. 

Desirable 

• Experience working in the not-for-profit sector, preferably in another disability and/or membership charity

• Strong understanding of education, health, social care, disability and not for profit environment

• Strong media contacts within relevant trade sector publications

• Ability to use externally managed media databases (such as Agility etc.)

• Experience with conferences, webinars and hybrid events. 

• Experience supporting and manging a remote team

Education and Qualifications: 

Other Requirements: 

• Commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities and able to apply awareness of diversity issues to all areas of work.  

• Regular travel to attend meetings and events. 

• Occasional evening meetings.  

Legal requirements: 

• Enhanced DBS check. 

Social Finance is an ambitious non-profit that designs, funds and scales solutions to complex social problems. Our vision is a fairer world where together we unleash the potential of people and communities. We work with governments, funders, communities and the social sector to tackle some of the most persistent challenges facing society in the UK.

Our multidisciplinary team brings together experience from the public, private and charity sectors. We are known for our collaborative and intellectually curious culture and for delivering systems change, improving how entire systems operate so they produce better, lasting outcomes.

One of our most significant initiatives is IPS Grow, which supports the national expansion of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) employment services across England. IPS is an evidence-based approach that helps people experiencing severe mental illness, addiction and other health challenges find and sustain competitive employment with tailored support.

IPS Grow works with commissioners, healthcare providers and delivery partners to expand high-quality IPS services, improve quality and learning across the system, and ensure the data and evidence behind IPS continue to demonstrate its impact. Scaling IPS has been a priority for Social Finance since 2015 and continues to be an integral part of our work today.

With IPS Grow transitioning from a fast‑growing initiative to a mature organisation with expanding reach and influence, we are now looking for an experienced Chief Operating Officer to join the IPS Grow and Social Finance Senior Leadership Team.

The COO will provide strategic leadership across IPS Grow’s operational infrastructure, ensuring the organisation has the systems, processes and capabilities required to deliver impact at scale. You will strengthen financial oversight, resource planning and risk management while helping develop IPS Grow’s data and digital capability. The role will also help shape the organisational structures and culture needed to support sustainable growth.

We are looking for a senior operational leader with experience in finance and the non-profit or publicly funded sectors, ideally with a track record of helping organisations scale. You will bring strong financial literacy, sound strategic judgement and the ability to build effective operational frameworks in complex environments.

You will be a collaborative partner across IPS Grow and the wider Social Finance organisation, building trusted relationships, bringing clarity to operational challenges and fostering a strong “one team” culture across a distributed team.

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the next phase of IPS Grow’s development. If this resonates with you, we would be delighted to hear from you.

To download a full copy of the candidate brief and learn more about the role, please click the ‘Apply’ button, where you will be redirected to the website of our recruitment partner, Tall Roots.

Applications should include a CV and covering letter responding to the following questions:

1. What is motivating you to become our new Chief Operating Officer for IPS Grow? (200 words)
2. Given what you have read about us so far, what do you believe would make an effective Chief Operating Officer for IPS Grow? (200 words)
3. Please describe your experience ensuring an organisation had the right systems, processes or capabilities in place to use data effectively. What was your role and what difference did this make? (250 words)
4. Please tell us about a time when you built strong partnerships across teams or organisations to deliver a shared goal. What approach did you take and what was the outcome? (250 words)

Leeds University Union

HR Business Partner

Salary: £41,510 per annum (with further increment rises available per annum)

Working pattern: 5 days per week (36.5hrs)

Location: Leeds. Primarily office based.

Contract: Permanent

Atkinson HR is proud to be partnering with Leeds University Union (LUU) to recruit their new HR Business Partner, a vital role acting as the trusted people partner to directorate leadership teams.

About Leeds University Union

Leeds University Union (LUU) is an independent education charity led by, and for, students.

LUU is central to the University experience and works to support all aspects of student life for their 39,000+ students studying at the University of Leeds. Located in a vibrant city, LUU is an ambitious and diverse organisation, committed to supporting every student at the University of Leeds in achieving personal success.

LUU support students through a variety of services including academic representation, campaigns on issues that matter to them, wellbeing services and supporting student communities. They also host a number of events throughout the year and operate a variety of eating and drinking venues for everyone to enjoy.

About the role

As HR Business Partner at Leeds University Union (LUU), you’ll provide strategic people support to our leadership teams, helping shape how we deliver great people practice across the organisation. You’ll work closely with directorates to translate our People & Culture strategy into practical action, supporting workforce planning, organisational change, and leadership capability to ensure our teams can thrive.

Working in partnership with the Director of People & Culture, you’ll play a key role in establishing LUU’s business partnering approach and act as a trusted advisor to managers and senior leaders, providing expert guidance on complex employee relations while building manager confidence and capability in handling people matters.

The successful candidate won’t necessarily need to come from the Higher Education sector but will bring strong HR generalist experience, excellent relationship-building skills, and the confidence to influence and coach managers at all levels. You’ll be motivated by improving organisational culture, using people insight to drive decisions, and helping leaders create environments where people can do their best work.

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape how strategic HR partnering works at LUU, and we look forward to receiving your application!

How to Apply

Please click 'Apply' to be redirected to our website, where you can download the Candidate Information Pack and apply.

For an informal conversation about the role and the application process, please contact our recruitment partners at Atkinson HR Consulting. Their email address can be found in the candidate job pack.

Key Dates

Closing date: Monday 13th April, 9am

Interviews (In-person in Leeds): 27th April