Research & Communications Adviser

With over 1200 employees, we give grants to local community projects, support local education, and run four esteemed independent schools. Our mission at the Harpur Trust is to nurture potential and improve people’s lives. While our focus is Bedford Borough, our impact flows far beyond. We are also a founding partner and host of Bedford Giving, a group of passionate businesses, charities and other partners who have come together with a united single goal – to help create a brighter future for young people in Bedford.

Your role

This exciting new role will support a growing number of innovative initiatives arising from our Community Strategy, including Bedford Giving. You will be conducting research to inform the development of new programmes, analysing the impact of existing work and communicating the learning from the Harpur Trust’s flagship community programmes and Bedford Giving. Reporting into the Communications Manager, you will be producing compelling content and reports for a range of audiences and play a key role in organising learning and consultation events. You will need to keep abreast of national policy and research relating to our areas of work and build positive relationships with key stakeholders, including academics, think tanks, and charities. A relevant degree and experience will be necessary.

What we offer

In return for your intellectual curiosity, excellent organisational and writing skills, passion for analysing data and using it to drive social change, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

· Generous pension scheme

· Generous annual leave allowance

· Excellent opportunities for learning and development

· Health Care Scheme - including annual wellbeing and cash plan allowance and private hospital surgical treatment

· Shopping reward scheme

· Employee Assistance Programme

· Life insurance up to four times salary

· Family friendly with a flexible working policy

· Paid time off for emergencies

· Regular performance development reviews

· Charitable giving scheme - Give As You Earn

· Free refreshments

· Positive and supportive working environment including ample free parking and easy access to the green space of Bedford Park

· Being part of a unique place-based charity which makes a real difference to the community.

As an organisation we have a big responsibility to inspire and develop the next generation and we’re here to support our town to be a positive place for everyone living and working here. To do that, we need talented, professional, committed people with diverse voices, cultures, and experience.

We look for people who are passionate about what they do, and who care about improving the lives of others. We pride ourselves on providing a positive culture for all staff and we celebrate diversity in our workforce, recognising the wealth of ideas and experience that a diverse workforce can bring. Joining our team means working for a people-focussed organisation which does great things in and for our community.