University jobs

Do you have experience in prospect research, prospect management and due diligence? Are you passionate about the impact of philanthropy and major gifts?

Right now is Manchester’s time to shine. We are preparing to launch our first ever major fundraising and volunteering campaign.

At Manchester we don’t just focus on what we’re good at. We ask what we’re good for.

Through our teaching we are educating a new kind of socially responsible graduate – tomorrow’s thinkers, doers and leaders of a better world. Through our research we are addressing the most pressing global challenges with bold and brilliant solutions. Through innovation we are turning ideas into reality, creating the jobs and industries that will sustain us in the future. And in the heart of the city and beyond, we are breaking down barriers to art, science and learning in order to build stronger, more resilient communities.

Manchester people are different. Not only do we share the values of integrity, being bold, being ambitious, and being collaborative, we also share a pioneering spirit and the courage to make a difference. If you have a fearless personality, boundless optimism and a desire to create a healthier, fairer and more sustainable world, we’d love you to get in touch.

Exciting? We think so too.

About the role

Reporting to the Senior Development Research Officer (SDRO), the Development Research Officer (DRO) plays a vital role in the University’s fundraising operation.

This is an appointment to a Development Researcher role, as outlined in the job description. The focus of this position will be on proactive prospect identification, prospect development, pool management, and due diligence.

You will be the responsible for identification of fantastic prospects, working on innovative prospecting projects, working with fundraisers to drive prospect relationships forward, ensuring our CRM is kept up to date with prospect data, producing informative and insightful donor profiles, conducting fundraiser pool reviews; and preparing due diligence papers.

You will have a passion for philanthropy and the desire to gain a deep understanding of our donor and prospect pools, as well as the many projects undertaken at the University. You will provide accurate and appropriate information relating to potential and current donors to the University, high net worth individuals, corporations and charitable foundations worldwide.

Working with colleagues, you will play a direct role in the University’s programme of identification and analysis of potential donors, deploying and enabling systems to support the documentation and management of such potential donors and suggesting tailored strategies to reach and engage such donors.

Interviews to be held in person week commencing Monday 9 February.

What you’ll get in return

You’ll feel valued as a Development Research Officer at The University of Manchester, receiving access to exclusive rewards and benefits including:

• 23 days annual leave entitlement plus University closure days over the Christmas period, plus bank holidays;
• 3 volunteer days pa in your community;
• hybrid and flexible working opportunities;
• a generous contribution-based pension scheme;
• an annual pay review, plus incremental salary increase within the grade;
• Purple Place Reward Gateway lifestyle benefits - exclusive access to discounts across UK’s major retailers including supermarkets, technology, fashion, travel, and much more;
• free eye examinations with discounts on glasses and contact lenses;
• savings on food and cafes on campus;
• salary exchange for childcare vouchers, workplace nursery scheme, cycle to work, electric vehicle, or increased pension contribution;
• and much more! 

As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons and all appointments will be made on merit. As we are committed to the principles of the Race Equality Charter Mark, we would particularly welcome applications from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community who are currently under-represented at this level in this area.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.

This is an exciting role in a unique organisation.  Our vision is to provide an outstanding experience for all UCL students and to be one of the best students’ unions in the UK and the world.  We aim to build a vibrant and empowered student community with real influence in UCL and beyond, that enables students to enjoy their time at university; pursue their interests and passions; see the world in new ways; and develop the skills and experience to change the world for the better.

We are a registered charity employing over 150 career staff and 300 student staff, delivering a wide range of services and representative functions for UCL students. We have the widest portfolio of services of any student organisation in the country, managing UCL’s extracurricular programmes for sport, music, drama, dance, media, volunteering, academic societies and intercultural engagement; providing a wide range of fantastic social spaces; leading on student democracy and representation across UCL; and offering excellent student support services.

It's an exciting time to join our growing organisation as we lead the delivery of UCL’s groundbreaking new Student Life Strategy. This is enabling us to build more programmes to improve students’ mental and physical wellbeing, promote genuine equity for all, build students’ skills and confidence, develop their international connections and intercultural skills, and make a real contribution to our local community.

We support hybrid working. Excellent benefits including defined benefit pension scheme and generous holiday entitlement. We are proud of high levels of staff engagement and pride ourselves on being a great place to work. We will consider applications to work on a flexible and job share basis wherever possible. 

The role is full-time and permanent. This role is based at our Bloomsbury campus with flexibility to work from home on a 40/60 basis (40% working from the office).

We are looking for an Accounts Assistant to join our vibrant and friendly finance department. You will be responsible for supporting the Activities Finance Coordinator with the smooth running of the Accounts Payable and Receivable function and other duties within the activities finance team. In light of the Union’s recent management of the Bloomsbury Theatre, the postholder will also assist the Finance Department with a variety of tasks, providing flexible support to meet the department’s evolving needs.

Do you have relevant experience in an Accounts Payable role with a strong understanding of financial ledgers and control accounts? Have you dealt with checking and processing a high volume of transactions? If the answer is yes, then we would like you to join our finance team.

Our ideal candidate will have the ability to work independently and prioritise tasks in a high-pressure environment with rapid turnaround times and strict deadlines. The ability to demonstrate flexibility in response to changing environments and team priorities. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, along with well-developed IT skills, particularly in Excel and Microsoft Office.

As Regular Giving Officer, you’ll play a key role in delivering one of the UK’s most ambitious mass fundraising programmes. Regular Giving at Manchester is a dynamic, multi-channel programme that raises over £1 million annually to support access to education and world-changing research. From direct mail and digital campaigns to telephone fundraising and donor journeys, you’ll help shape and deliver activity that inspires thousands of alumni, staff, students and friends to give.

You’ll bring energy, creativity and a proactive mindset to help grow our programme. Working closely with the Head of Regular Giving and colleagues across the Division, you’ll develop and implement new ideas, respond to emerging opportunities, and ensure our fundraising is targeted, data-driven and impactful.

This is a hands-on role with real scope to make a difference. You’ll be involved in planning and delivering campaigns, analysing performance, and reporting on results to senior colleagues. With a supportive team, a compelling case for support, and a programme that’s growing in reach and ambition, this is a fantastic opportunity for a detail-oriented, goal-driven fundraiser.

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market-leading pension scheme

• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme

• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays

• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period

• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we support an inclusive working environment and welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here.
Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies. Any CVs submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.

About the opportunity 

This is an exhilarating time for Advancement as we have recently embarked on our second comprehensive campaign. Your leadership will be vital in cultivating complex relationships with high-net-worth individuals, industry collaborators, and innovative organisations, building a vibrant ecosystem of supporters committed to advancing science, technology, engineering, maths and business.

The Director of Development, STEM and Business is a senior role in the team, responsible for growth of the University’s fundraising program within the University’s Faculty of Science, Faculty of Engineering and the University of Sydney Business School.

Building on several established relationships and a strong trajectory of major philanthropic gifts, this position will establish, manage and nurture relationships with existing and potential donors for the STEM and Business portfolios.

Working closely with academic leadership, this position is also charged with growing a culture of philanthropy across the Faculty and schools to increase awareness of and engagement with the fundraising process.

You will bring a wealth of experience in major gift fundraising, a proven track record of closing gifts, and a strategic mind adept at navigating complex stakeholder environments. You will be a creative, inspiring leader, motivating and developing a team of development professionals dedicated to achieving bold goals.

The following overview of Activities and Accountabilities are designed to deliver outcomes aligned with the University’s strategic goals:

• Demonstrated success in closing multi-million dollar gifts and meeting stretch financial targets.

• Ability to think strategically and provide robust, tactical advice on fundraising strategy.

• Current knowledge of best practices in development.

• Expert influencing skills and the demonstrated ability to coordinate and optimise outcomes from competing objectives across the institution through collaboration, negotiation and priority setting to mitigate internal competition.

• Proven leadership experience with the ability to mentor, inspire and motivate a group of ambitious and goal-oriented professionals.

• Proven ability to present complex information in a clear and compelling manner in writing and in person.

• Demonstrated success in establishing, cultivating and maintaining high-level, strong relationships with influential donors.

• Experience building collaborative working relationships with colleagues and senior leadership to achieve the organisation’s goals.

• Relevant tertiary qualifications would be beneficial.

About us

The Advancement Portfolio team at the University of Sydney is the most successful fundraising program in Australian higher education. Having completed the nation’s first $1BN fundraising campaign and recently launched on the next, the team is not only the finest performing, its success facilitates the largest real-world impact that philanthropic giving makes possible.

Since its inception 175 years ago, the University of Sydney has led to improve the world around us. We believe in education for all and that effective leadership makes lives better. These same values are reflected in our approach to philanthropy and underpin our long-term strategy for excellence and growth. We’re Australia's first university and have an outstanding global reputation for academic and research excellence.

Why us

When you join the University of Sydney, you become an integral part of a community in which you are fully supported to achieve your career ambitions. You’ll be in a workplace where development is encouraged, and intellectual pursuits foster a sense of purpose and confidence including:

• 35-hour work week

• flexible working model

• up to 36 weeks paid parental leave.

• tax-efficient salary packaging options

• ongoing training and development in-house and external

• subsidised parking on campus

• access to Relocation Assistance and sponsorship if needed

Note for candidates from overseas

• The University will cover costs and travel for the final shortlisted candidate interviews.

• We will also assist with a temporary visa for this position, assist with immigration and family relocation costs

Closing date: 11:59pm Tuesday 27th January 2026

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values include diversity and inclusion and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community which reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this commitment through our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.
 

If you are passionate about the power of philanthropy to impact the future of research and education, and if you seek a rewarding opportunity to inspire change across multiple sectors, we would be delighted to hear from you. Join us in shaping a legacy that will benefit generations to come, in a vibrant university renowned for its innovation, diversity, and opportunities.

Pre-employment checks
Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

How to apply
Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact, Sarah Scott, Recruitment Operations.

© The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Founded in 1927, the University of Hull has a long and proud history. Through our teaching, research and civic engagement, we are helping to shape and deliver the future prosperity of our region and far beyond. 

Leading the Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement team, the Director will drive the design and implementation of the University’s inaugural comprehensive fundraising campaign, launching it at the culmination of our centenary celebrations in summer 2028. Building on progress made to date, the Director will leverage the centenary to elevate the roles of philanthropy and alumni engagement in support of the University’s future ambitions. 

Person specification: 
- Extensive knowledge of philanthropy, preferably within higher education, including fundraising best practice
- Extensive knowledge of alumni engagement and its role in building connections and supporting wider institutional priorities
- Demonstrable track record of building relationships and working with prospects to secure gifts at the six-figure level and above
- Experience of leading philanthropic campaigns and exceeding fundraising targets
- Experience of leading and managing teams carrying out philanthropic and/or engagement activities 
- Experience of strategic and data-driven operational planning and performance management

Dixon Walter is leading the candidate search on behalf of the University. For more information and details of how to apply by 15 February, please see the candidate brief.

#Director
#DirectorPhilanthropyandAlumniEngagement
#UniversityofHull

Are you passionate about building meaningful relationships and creating lasting impact through philanthropy? The University of Strathclyde is seeking a dynamic and experienced Donor Experience and Legacies Officer to lead stewardship and engagement for our major donors, scholarship supporters, and legacy pledgers.

This is a unique opportunity to shape donor journeys across multiple giving areas - from transformative scholarships and legacy gifts to major donations supporting research and teaching. You’ll work closely with inspiring students, academics, and colleagues across the University to deliver compelling donor communications, events, and impact reports that celebrate generosity and deepen engagement.

Brief Outline of Job:

To lead and deliver donor stewardship and engagement strategies for major gifts (donor gifts of £100k+), scholarships (UG and PG), and legacy giving. This includes creating compelling donor communications, managing cultivation events, and developing stewardship plans that support repeat giving and long-term relationships.

Major Gifts: Support the cultivation and stewardship of donors giving £100k–£1M+, including designing and delivering bespoke impact reports for major donors, organizing donor meetings, campus visits and events in collaboration with the Major Gifts team.

Scholarships: Support the development of and delivery of our scholarship fundraising strategy, including producing promotional materials and annual donor reports. Liaise with colleagues across the University to ensure effective scholarship delivery and reporting.

Legacy Giving: Lead the development of a new legacy stewardship strategy, including the introduction of a new giving circle for legacy pledgers, conducting face-to-face meetings with potential legacy donors and creating promotional content and opportunities.

Alumni Fund: Contributing to Giving Day and Alumni Fund Board activities. Support mass donor communications and stewardship initiatives.

Team Leadership: Line management of the Development Assistant and deputising for the Individual Giving Manager when required. 

If you’re a creative communicator, strategic thinker, and relationship builder with a flair for storytelling and donor cultivation, we’d love to hear from you.

Reporting to our Head of Student Representation and Partnerships, your main responsibilities will be to lead, coordinate, and evaluate student‑led campaigns that turn Bath Spa students’ priorities and lived experiences into visible, inclusive, and impactful action - empowering Sabbatical Officers, student leaders, and networks to deliver on their commitments.

On a day-to-day basis, you will be expected to facilitate campaign planning, create and manage campaign timelines, content plans, and event logistics, coordinate visibility across digital channels and campus spaces. You’ll also translate Advice Centre insights and feedback into campaign briefs and advocacy actions (e.g., policy proposals, open letters, meetings with university stakeholders). You may also provide training/mentoring for student leaders on campaigning, inclusive practice, and impact measurement. Throughout you’ll track progress and impact (surveys, engagement data, case studies); report outcomes and iterate based on evidence. To achieve this, you will be working with colleagues across the Student Representation & Partnership, and Student Experience teams, as well as University partners.

Your work will enable the Union to champion student voice and evidence‑based advocacy on issues affecting BSU students, while embedding equity, belonging, and collaboration across the Students’ Union and university.

Requirements and Qualifications

Valuable assets include the ability to plan, deliver campaigns with attention to detail and time management skills. You should have a personable manner with a genuine interest and motivation in understanding of student issues (housing, cost of living, sustainability) and ability to translate feedback into actionable advocacy

Rather than focus on traditional education requirements, it would be advantageous to have the lived experience in campaigning, lobbying and evidence gathering.

This role requires the successful candidate to undertake a basic DBS check.

Benefits

This full-time position offers:

· 30 days annual leave, plus end of year closure, and bank holidays

· AEGON Pension Scheme with up to 11% Employer Contribution

· Life Insurance x4 your annual salary

· Dental & Optical cash back plan

· Perkbox Discounts

· Cycle to Work Scheme & Discounted Membership to our on-site gym

· A range of Family Friendly & Health Policies to prioritise your wellbeing

· Structured induction and access to regular learning and networking opportunities

We are proud of the work we have undertaken to support all employees to overcome challenges and succeed in an open and inclusive workplace environment. We have been recognised as Leaders in Diversity, and signatories to the Mindful Employer Charter and the Employers Initiative on Domestic Abuse. We are currently participating in an assessment with LEXXIC Consultancy to be accredited for our work to support our Neurodivergent employees.

Job Advert
JOB TITLE: Data & Insights Manager
SALARY: £38,000
LOCATION: LSE Students’ Union, Central London Office 
WORKING HOURS: Full time, 37 hours per week
CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent 
 

 
As Data & Insight Manager, you’ll lead the development of a student-led, data-driven culture at LSESU. This is a strategic role that combines analytical expertise with insight generation. You’ll design evaluation frameworks, manage data systems, and deliver clear, actionable insights that demonstrate the impact of our work for students.
 

You’ll work across teams to ensure decisions are grounded in robust evidence, helping us measure success and continuously improve what we do for our members. From building data dashboards and conducting demographic analysis to producing our Annual Impact Report, you’ll be at the heart of shaping how we understand and enhance the student experience.
 

 
Who are we?
 

 
LSESU is a vibrant, student-led organisation committed to helping LSE students make the most of the life-changing experiences open to them during their time at university.As our Data and Insight Manager, you will play a critical role in shaping our future and helping us to create a student experience which is enjoyable and empowering. 
 

Founded in 1897, LSE Students' Union is one of the oldest Students' Unions in the UK. We provide support, representation, and opportunities to help students thrive during their time at university. Everything we do is shaped by our members and guided by our values to be bold and inclusive, working collaboratively to create a welcoming community built on integrity and respect.
 

 Who are we looking for?
 

Our Data and Insight Manager will be naturally curious and passionate about using data to solve problems. You’ll have experience with digital analytics tools, survey design, and presenting data to non-technical audiences. Strong database skills are essential, and familiarity with data visualisation tools is a bonus.
 

You’ll be highly organised, with the ability to juggle multiple priorities while keeping a clear focus on data quality and compliance. Collaboration is key as you’ll need to build strong relationships with teams across the organisation to gather and interpret data.
 

Why apply?
 

This is an opportunity to shape how LSESU measures impact and makes decisions. As our Data and Insight Manager you’ll play a pivotal role in ensuring our work delivers meaningful improvements for students. If you want to combine strategic thinking with hands-on data analysis in a vibrant, student-led environment, we’d love to hear from you. In return, we offer:
 

-        25 days of holiday per year (pro rata)
 

-        Additional closure periods at Christmas and Easter
 

-        Free LSE Students’ Union gym membership 
 

-        Opportunities for professional development and growth.
 

-        Access to TOTUM (NUS) card, which provides a wide range of discounts
 

-        Flexibility for work-life balance
 

How to apply
 

 
We want to ensure that all systems, policies and processes are free from bias or discrimination and are fair and accessible. Therefore, we ask that all candidates complete our application process by uploading the following three documents: 
 

 
Part 1: CV – Outlining your skills and experience to date.
 

Part 2: Supporting Statement – A one-page statement explaining your suitability for the role. This will be used to determine if you are shortlisted for an interview. Please do not include any personal information (e.g., name or date of birth). Use the attached job description and person specification to help with this. 
 
Part 3: Equal Opportunities Monitoring and Contact Form – This includes personal information so we can contact you if you are shortlisted for an interview. It also allows us to gather and analyse demographic information about our applicants. This form will only be seen by HR and will not impact shortlisting.
 

 
Want to apply?
 

To apply for this role, please complete an online application.

Job Application Timeline
 

Closing date: Sunday 1st February. 
Intended interview date: 12th February 2026
 

Compulsory Requirement - The UK Government sets the legal regulations that we are required to follow. As an employer we must ensure that everyone is eligible to work in the UK and this is done by us checking and making a copy of the correct original identification/documentation before your first day of work. Currently we require you to have the right to work in the UK, as we are not a Home Office approved sponsor.

The successful candidate will work within an innovative tenant-led partnership called Ageing Well in Place in Hulme (AWiPiH) which includes tenants and community groups; local and national charities; GPs; housing providers; and support from a local university. 

You will enable older and vulnerable people experiencing multiple disadvantage in high rise accommodation to 'age well in place' through one-to-one casework within a managed caseload and with supervisory support from a GP Fellow. You will work in collaboration with tenant committees; an Ageing Well Development Worker; the GP Fellow; and housing provider neighbourhood teams across two high-rise blocks. AWiPiH takes a preventative and proactive approach to wellbeing including health promotion, improved access to social care, housing adaptations, signposting on welfare rights, income maximisation and social participation. This role requires a person-centred and solution-focused approach to supporting people experiencing multiple and complex issues.

You will have a hybrid working arrangement including some working from home; some working based at a local GP practice; and on-site working across two neighbouring accommodation blocks in Hulme, central Manchester.

About You:

• You have a passion for enabling older/vulnerable people to live with dignity and independence in their own home.
• You are good at building trusting relationships with people while also maintaining boundaries and being mindful of your own levels of resilience.
• You are confident carrying out solution-oriented casework with people experiencing multiple-disadvantage amidst the current crisis in health and social care services.
• You are experienced in person-centred support planning and risk assessment.
• You are excited by the opportunity to work in collaboration with tenants, community groups, and charities, as well as with statutory service providers.

Please view our application pack and visit our website for more information.

We are looking for an enthusiastic Fundraising Officer to join the Heartlands Hospital Charity Team.

Your role will be key in helping to build new relationships with the public to provide information about the work of the Charity and inspiring people to fundraise, as well as hospital staff within Heartlands Hospital.

About the Role

As a Heartlands Fundraising Officer you will primarily be based at Heartlands Hospital in Birmingham, with occasional travel to other hospital sites and off site to attend meetings and events.

You will be key in helping to build new relationships with the public and hospital staff within Heartlands Hospital, as well as with existing supporters.

The role includes proactively going out to meet people to provide information about the work of the Charity and inspiring people to fundraise. It also involves spending time in the Charity Hub to speak to hospital staff, patients and members of the public and tell them more about our work.

Within the role there is opportunity to grow and develop into areas of interest and learn about the work of the wider charity.

The Fundraising Officer will work closely with other members of the hospital charity, providing secretarial and administrative support to the Fundraising Team and the Charity overall, including having responsibility for accurate data inputting of donations, fundraising and Gift Aid claims and correspondence with donors and fundraisers.

The role will involve lots of face-to-face fundraising so it would suit someone who is very sociable and is confident talking about the Charity to a variety of audiences.

This role will involve occasional evening and weekend work at charity events and events organised by our supporters.

The Senior Programme Manager will lead on stakeholder management for the Subject Knowledge for Physics Teaching (SKPT) programme, including senior leaders in multi-academy trusts, programme partners and funders. The postholder will also have specific responsibility for leading an effective strategy to meet programme KPIs.

The SKPT programme is DfE-funded and delivered in partnership with STEM Learning. It consists of teacher professional development modules to support those teaching physics out of specialism at Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 in England.

The Ogden Trust is a family charitable trust which supports the teaching and learning of physics. The Trust delivers professional development programmes for teachers of physics across England, supports schools and multi-academy trusts to improve their physics provision and works with universities to support highquality physics enrichment.

The postholder will also be required to contribute to other projects/programmes to aid the Trust’s activities, particularly regarding event management. The role occasionally involves some work in the evening and at weekends, which will be managed in line with our time off in lieu (TOIL) policy. The role will also involve some UK-wide travel.

We are looking for an experienced programme manager with strong skills in stakeholder management and communication to support the leadership of the programme.

Job Advert
JOB TITLE: Strategic Communications Lead                       
SALARY: £44,000 (pro rata)
LOCATION: LSE Students’ Union, Central London Office, Saw Swee Hock Building
WORKING HOURS: Part time: 30 hours per week (0.8 FTE)
CONTRACT TYPE: Fixed Term – 12 months. 
 

As Strategic Communications Lead, you'll shape how LSESU tells its story during a time of significant change and growth. You'll work at the heart of the Union, crafting the narrative that connects students to the work of their elected Sabbatical Officers and the transformation underway across the organisation.
 

In this role, you'll translate complex policy objectives, organisational priorities, and student-led change into compelling stories that build trust, drive engagement, and strengthen the Union's reputation. You'll work closely with Sabbatical Officers and Senior Leadership to ensure LSESU's communications are clear, consistent, values-driven, and always focused on our impact for LSE Students.
 

This is both a strategic and hands-on role – and is an opportunity to make a real difference. You'll develop the narrative framework that guides all our communications, while also delivering excellent copy, content, and multimedia assets across newsletters, social media, web, reports, and events. You'll bring creativity, political sensitivity, and a talent for storytelling to one of London's most dynamic student organisations.
 

Who are we?
 

LSESU is a vibrant, student-led organisation committed to helping LSE students make the most of the life-changing experiences open to them during their time at university.Our communications and engagement work is central to amplifying student voice, driving participation in democratic and community initiatives, and supporting the success of our commercial services.
 

Founded in 1897, LSE Students' Union is one of the oldest Students' Unions in the UK. We provide support, representation, and opportunities to help students thrive during their time at university. Everything we do is shaped by our members and guided by our values to be bold and inclusive, working collaboratively to create a welcoming community built on integrity and respect.
 

Who are we looking for?

 

We're looking for an experienced communications professional with a strong track record in stakeholder engagement, reputation management, and narrative development. You'll bring proven expertise in creating compelling content across multiple channels—from newsletters and social media to speeches and impact reports—and the ability to translate complex information into accessible, engaging stories.
 

Experience with media handling, crisis communications, and working in politically sensitive environments is essential, as is the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders including student leaders, senior staff, and external partners. You'll be confident producing multimedia content, including coordinating filming, photography, and graphic assets.
 

You'll be resilient and adaptable, able to thrive in a fast-paced, democratic environment while managing multiple priorities and tight deadlines. Strong copywriting, editing, and strategic thinking skills are key, as is a commitment to accessibility and inclusive communication.
 

Above all, you'll share our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and bring integrity, creativity, and a passion for supporting student-led democratic organisations.
 

 
Why apply?
 

As our Strategic Communications Lead, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Union and supporting thousands of students at one of the world’s leading universities. We offer:
 

-        25 days of holiday per year (pro rata)
 

-        Additional closure periods at Christmas and Easter
 

-        Free LSE Students’ Union gym membership 
 

-        Opportunities for professional development and growth.
 

-        Access to TOTUM (NUS) card, which provides a wide range of discounts
 

-        Flexibility for work-life balance
 

How to apply
 

We want to ensure that all systems, policies and processes are free from bias or discrimination and are fair and accessible. Therefore, we ask that all candidates complete our application process by uploading the following three documents: 
 

 
Part 1: CV – Outlining your skills and experience to date.
 

Part 2: Supporting Statement – A two-page statement explaining your suitability for the role. This will be used to determine if you are shortlisted for an interview. Please do not include any personal information (e.g., name or date of birth). Use the attached job description and person specification to help with this. 
 

Part 3: Equal Opportunities Monitoring and Contact Form – This includes personal information so we can contact you if you are shortlisted for an interview. It also allows us to gather and analyse demographic information about our applicants. This form will only be seen by HR and will not impact shortlisting.
 

 
Want to apply?
 

To apply for this role, please complete an online application.

Job Application Timeline
Closing date: Sunday 1st February 2026
Intended interview dates: Wednesday 11th February 2026

Compulsory Requirement - The UK Government sets the legal regulations that we are required to follow. As an employer we must ensure that everyone is eligible to work in the UK and this is done by us checking and making a copy of the correct original identification/documentation before your first day of work. Currently we require you to have the right to work in the UK, as we are not a Home Office approved sponsor.

We’re an award-winning charity running local learning centres in the heart of the communities where the young people we support live. Our centres provide a high-impact education programme which includes practical learning support, pastoral care, and motivational and confidence-building activities for young people aged 7-18. Our aim is to enable students from the least advantaged neighbourhoods to realise their ambitions and achieve their wonderful potential.

As the UK’s leading university access organisation, our staff team is helping 56,000 young people each year at its 44 learning centres and extension projects across England and Scotland, and we plan to scale-up our provision to 50 centres over the coming years.

We are looking for a high-calibre candidate who will enjoy working each day with young people and who will thrive in a frontline, community-based, fast-paced and rewarding role. You will be taking up a permanent role as Centre Leader at our IntoUniversity centre in Southampton. You will have responsibility for running your IntoUniversity centre, including managing your team, planning and delivering the programme, liaising with external stakeholders and meeting  IntoUniversity’s targets for delivery.

A substantial element of this role is delivering our education programme to children and young people aged 7-18, so you will need to have a genuine passion and enthusiasm for working with young people, including leading a class of 30 from the front, working with small teams of children and providing one-to-one support.

The role at a glance

Contract: Full-time, permanent

Application deadline - 9am Monday 2nd February 2026

Interview day (in-person) - Thursday 12th February 2026

Start date: As soon as possible, to be agreed directly with the successful candidate

Working hours
Mon and Thurs: 09:30-18:00
Tues, Weds, Fri: 09:00-17:30

(Some additional weekend & unsocial hours will be required)

Centre Leaders are based at one of our IntoUniversity learning centres and work directly with young people, schools and families on a daily basis. It is therefore not a hybrid role and is based full-time in our centres

Location

IntoUniversity Southampton

The role requires intermittent travel in your region (usually within the day). Periodic travel out of the area is also required e.g. to London, this may include occasional overnight stays. 

Salary

£36,400 per annum.

Annual leave
33 days (inc bank & public holidays) + 3 closure days (two in December and one in July) + additional length of service entitlement (one day per year of service, up to 5 days)

Staff benefits

• Employer pension contributions of 6% (and up to 8% after two years)
• Year round ‘early finish’ Fridays at 4.30pm
• Summer working hours (finish at 1pm on Fridays for six weeks in the summer), pro-rated for staff joining after January in the same year 
• Employee Assistance Programme including access to wellbeing and legal support 
• Life Assurance scheme with Aviva including SmartHealth service with access to 24/7 online GP appointments
• Interest-free new starter loans of up to £1,000
• Cycle to Work Scheme and Travelcard Loan Scheme
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental and adoption pay and sick pay allowances
• Staff in FOCUS – rewards, competitions and prizes across the year

Martingale Postgraduate Foundation (Martingale) exists to fund and support the next generation of talented researchers. We believe that family income should not be a barrier to the pursuit of excellence, and our mission is to enable and nurture talented individuals from low-socioeconomic backgrounds to thrive within world-leading postgraduate research.

Martingale’s flagship programme is the Martingale Postgraduate Scholarship, which supports students from low-socioeconomic backgrounds to pursue and excel in postgraduate degrees, by providing:

• A fully-funded Living Wage Scholarship to pursue a one-year Masters degree or a four-year PhD.
• All tuition fees and research expenses, including a tax-free stipend for living costs.
• Tailored support to apply for Martingale courses at our partner universities.
• Access to Martingale programmes, including leadership training and connections with top academic and industry professionals.
• Membership of a pioneering community of talented researchers.

In the three years since Martingale launched, we are now supporting over 100 Scholars to undertake postgraduate degrees across our ten partner universities and have committed over £7.7m in Scholarships. We are continuing to expand our offer, bringing on new partners each year.

We are seeking an experienced communications lead to join our external engagement team and play a key role in shaping Martingale’s external profile and scholar recruitment.

As Communications Manager, you will lead on several critical aspects of Martingale’s work including all external communications from social media to PR, and brand management. Crucially, you will lead on the annual recruitment campaign for Martingale’s Postgraduate Scholarships. This three-month campaign each autumn is a fundamental part of Martingales work, ensuring we are finding and supporting as many talented people to apply as possible. Working closely with the Head of Communications and External Engagement, you will lead on all Martingale’s external communications.

A key responsibility will be ensuring that Martingale’s messaging is consistent, with a bold brand presence and strong collaboration with various external stakeholders including funders, universities, media, and government. You will also line manage the Events and Communications Officer who leads on all Martingale events and social media.

We are looking for a strong communicator with some leadership experience including line management, partnership management and external relations. You will bring excellent organisational skills, strong attention to detail, a proactive mindset, and a strong alignment with Martingale’s mission. We welcome applicants from a range of career paths who are excited to be part of a growing, fast-paced charity delivering meaningful impact.

Martingale Foundation is incubated by Purposeful Ventures who provide operational and strategic support. The Communications Manager will be employed by Purposeful Ventures.

About Purposeful Ventures

Our vision is for a fairer society where all young people thrive. We work with social entrepreneurs, organisations and philanthropists that share our vision. Through our work with these partners, young people are given opportunities in education and beyond, helping them reach their true potential.

Purposeful Ventures offers philanthropists and funders bespoke advice, using an evidence-based approach to help them to identify high-impact opportunities to fund. We then partner with visionary individuals and mission-driven organisations with strong theories of change. We help them turn great ideas into sustainable and successful ventures by offering fully individualised and very hands-on support, access to funding and a ‘high-challenge, high-support’ home. We do the minimum necessary and whatever it takes to succeed.

Key Responsibilities:

Working with the Head of Communications and External Engagement, you will lead on the design and implementation of end-to-end marketing for the recruitment campaign for Martingale Scholars:

• Ensure widespread marketing of the Martingale Scholarship opportunity across the UK, including in media (e.g., student newspapers), on university campuses and on graduate job boards.
• Coordinate an effective paid advertising campaign across multiple channels.
• Directly engage prospective scholars to increase interest and convince them to apply for Martingale opportunities. For example, leading email campaigns, visiting university campuses, or hosting webinars.
• Build relationships with university academics, careers departments, student societies, graduate careers platforms, and other organisations who work with Martingale’s target audience. Encourage them to share Martingale opportunities to relevant people.
• Develop marketing materials and coordinate circulation: leaflets, brochures, social media content, video, email and newsletters, case studies and interviews with relevant people incl. current scholars.
• Procure and coordinate any relevant external providers: e.g., paid digital advertising agencies.
• Manage the Applicant Tracking System, embed and manage a CRM system for enrolled scholars.

Manage brand and increase brand awareness:

• Manage and develop Martingale Foundation’s brand identity, and the identity of our programmes: visual identity, communication style, digital presence, in-person style and feel of events.
• Design and manage a creative and innovative social media campaign across multiple channels, incl. paid ads.
• Manage the website, including maintenance, development, and SEO – with agency support.
• Lead engagement with media outlets and relevant press, including student newspapers. Write engaging press releases and generate interest in Martingale.
• Develop innovative opportunities to grow Martingale’s brand awareness including opportunities for you or the CEO to showcase Martingale’s work.

Stakeholder management and communications:

• Produce and coordinate engaging communications and events for scholars and applicants, alongside the Programme’s team.
• Manage relationships with partner universities Marketing and External Relations teams, ensuring they are consulted and pleased with progress, while also delivering on their commitments.
• Develop collaborative relationships with charity partners or organisations with similar missions to Martingale, as well as potential employers of Martingale Scholars, and ensure they are aware of Martingale’s mission and progress whilst supporting recruitment and brand building efforts.
• Build productive relationships with funders relevant communications teams.

Organisation and team:

• Line manage the Events and Communications Officer, ensuring they are supported, clear on responsibilities and how they fit into the wider strategy of Martingale.
• Work across all departments in the organisation, ensuring that staff are supported to produce communications and that all Martingale’s work is being promoted effectively.

Monitor and report on the progress of the Martingale Foundation:

• Lead the production of impact reports.
• Collect and analyse data from applications, and annually review and refine the Martingale Scholarship’s recruitment campaign to make appropriate adjustments in future years.
• Assess, evidence and communicate the impact of the Martingale Foundation Scholarship in innovative ways.

General

• As duties and responsibilities change, the job description will be reviewed and amended in consultation with the post holder.
• The post holder will carry out any other duties as are within the scope, spirit and purpose of the role as requested by the line manager.

Key Requirements:

Essential Criteria

• Right to work in the UK

Experience and skills

Essential

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively communicate with diverse audiences including senior stakeholders.
• Strong experience in communications within a mission-driven organisation.
• Good track record of developing and delivering highly effective communications campaigns.
• Strategic thinking combined with hands-on content expertise.
• Experience managing and cultivating partnerships.
• Understanding of UK education, social mobility, or research funding landscapes.
• Experience in managing an organisation’s social media and website (including wordpress or similar).
• Able to assimilate complex information quickly, identifying the pertinent points and making them accessible for a wider audience.
• Advanced IT proficiency: Spreadsheet, Word Processing, CRM or Databases, Email, Web-based applications.
• Experience managing multiple projects/workstream and priorities simultaneously, while maintaining attention to detail, prioritising, and meeting deadlines. 

Desirable

• Experience working with or within higher education or research organisations.
• Graphic design experience in Adobe.
• Proven experience line managing staff.
• Familiarity with charity fundraising or philanthropic communications.
• Experience delivering communications in a startup or scale-up environment.
• Experience in working with governance boards and/or trustees.
• Experience delivering ambitious recruitment campaigns.

Personal Characteristics

• Excellent interpersonal skills: able to build rapport and trusting relationships and able to work co-operatively in a multidisciplinary setting.
• A commitment to Martingale’s mission to support postgraduate students from low-socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Comfortable working in a rapidly growing and changing organisation with a degree of ambiguity – confident to create processes and ways forward where they might not yet exist.
• Creative and innovative: willing to think outside the box to maximise reach.
• Resourceful, able to act on initiative, hardworking, detail-oriented, and systematic.

Benefits

• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays, rising to 29 days after two years of service and to 30 days after three years of service. This entitlement is pro rata for part-time employees. This entitlement excludes bank holidays.
• Full office closure between Christmas and New Year.
• A flexible approach to working with understanding and consideration for work-life balance and personal commitments.
• As a Purposeful Ventures employee, you will have the opportunity to be part of the TPT (The Pension Trust) scheme, our workplace pension scheme, where we make an 11% contribution; you are not required to contribute towards this scheme unless you choose to.
• Access to Charlie Perks, offering discounts and rewards at over 30,000 brands and retailers.