Events and Community Engagement Lead

Make a real impact through creativity, community, and inclusion

Are you a dynamic events professional who thrives on building meaningful connections and delivering impactful experiences? Do you want to see the direct impact of your work in the community, whilst creating exciting opportunities for others?

At The Baked Bean Charity, we empower adults and young people with learning disabilities through performing arts, wellbeing programmes, and inclusive community opportunities. From theatre productions and DJ training to fitness and life skills, we offer inclusive, high-quality opportunities that build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and support independence.

We’re looking for an Events & Community Engagement Lead to take our events, outreach, and fundraising to the next level.

This is a senior, high-impact position at the heart of our organisation, offering the opportunity to shape how The Baked Bean Charity connects with the world. As Events & Community Engagement Lead, you will drive a dynamic programme of events, outreach, and partnerships that not only showcase our work, but actively challenge perceptions and champion inclusion.

You will take ownership of the strategic planning and delivery of our full events portfolio - from Theatre in Education performances and community workshops to respite holidays, fundraising events, and external commissions. You’ll ensure every event is thoughtfully designed, professionally delivered, and aligned with our mission to amplify the voices, talents, and lived experiences of our students.

A key part of your role will be building and nurturing meaningful relationships. You’ll develop partnerships with schools, universities, healthcare providers, businesses, and community organisations - creating opportunities for collaboration, education, and increased visibility for our work. Acting as a confident and passionate ambassador, you’ll represent the charity in a variety of public and professional settings, helping to grow our network and influence.

You will also lead on fundraising, identifying and securing new opportunities through grants, sponsorships, and partnerships. This includes crafting compelling funding applications and fundraising initiatives, managing funder relationships, and ensuring projects are delivered in line with agreed outcomes and impact measures.

Internally, you’ll provide leadership and direction across the events and engagement function. Working closely with, and overseeing, the Events & Project Coordinator and wider ad hoc events teams, you’ll ensure all activity is well-planned, resourced, and delivered to a high standard. You’ll support and mentor staff, recruit and induct volunteers, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing environment.

This role requires both strategic planning capabilities, as well as skills in organisation and hands-on delivery. One day you might be developing long-term engagement plans or writing a funding proposal; the next, you could be delivering or presenting at an event, supporting students, or building new partnerships in the community.

We’re looking for someone who is both strategic and creative, with the confidence and autonomy to lead, and the passion to make a difference.

You’ll have:

• Proven experience in events management, community engagement, or fundraising
• A track record of delivering events from concept to completion
• Strong relationship-building and networking skills
• Experience securing funding or writing successful grant applications
• Excellent organisational and project management abilities
• Confidence in public speaking and representing an organisation

It’s a bonus if you have:

• Experience in the charity or voluntary sector
• Knowledge of Theatre in Education or arts-based outreach
• Understanding of funding landscapes and partnerships

We want to hear from you if you’re someone who:

• Believes deeply in inclusion, equality, and social impact
• Is proactive, adaptable, and solutions-focused
• Leads with energy, empathy, and integrity
• Thrives in a fast-paced, people-focused environment
• Is excited to champion the voices of people with learning disabilities

Why join us?

• Lead work that has real, visible impact on people's lives
• Help shape the future of our community engagement and events programme
• Work in a creative, collaborative, supportive and purpose driven environment 
• Alongside a rewarding role, we provide a range of benefits to support your wellbeing and work-life balance. These include hybrid working (up to one day per week for this role), enhanced annual leave, access to an Employee Assistance Programme, and a staff benefits platform with discounts on shopping and everyday costs. We also embrace a casual dress code to help you feel comfortable at work.

Ready to apply?

If you’re ready to combine creativity, leadership, and social impact in a role that truly matters, we’d love to hear from you.

Closing Date: Monday 4th May 2026. Please note we will review all applications during the recruitment period and will begin contacting candidates for interview after the application phase is concluded.