Prospectus jobs
About Impetus
Our vision is for a society where all young people, regardless of their background, can thrive in school, secure crucial qualifications, and take their first steps into the world of work on the journey to sustained employment in adulthood, for a fulfilling life.
As a leading impact funder, since 2002, Impetus has been helping the best leaders build stronger organisations delivering the most promising interventions that support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to succeed against the odds. We do this by using our deep expertise and high calibre networks to give the best non-profits the essential ingredients to have a real and lasting impact, through a powerful combination of long-term funding, direct capacity building support from our experienced team and our pro bono partners, alongside research and policy influencing to drive lasting systems change.
We tackle the three most difficult challenges that affect a young person’s ability to succeed in life in Britain today:
• Lost learning through absence, suspensions, exclusions from school.
• Stagnation in education attainment outcomes, which means many are missing out on key qualifications like GCSE English and maths.
• The large numbers of young people out of education, training and employment.
These are challenges that are faced by all young people, but they disproportionately affect young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
You would be joining a team that is passionate, rigorous, determined, creative and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our charity partners and the young people we serve.
Impetus is a registered charity and our charity number is 1152262.
About the role
Are you passionate about giving all young people the best chance in life? Are you a brilliant influencer and communicator who relishes harnessing great policy, research and communications to realise social change? Do you want to work in a pioneering charity with impact at its core?
Then this could be the role for you. At Impetus we are looking for our next Director of Public Affairs, someone who can inspire our brilliant Public Affairs team and spearhead our communications, policy and research work. This is an exciting senior role, joining our Senior Management Team and working alongside our CEO, board, donors, supporters, portfolio partners and the wider sector to effect real change for young people.
This is an exciting time to join Impetus. We are at an inflexion point, having welcomed a new CEO this year and implementing a new strategy focusing on strengthening and expanding our impact and influence. A big part of that is through our public affairs and communications work; whether influencing policy makers so that all young people regardless of background get the best possible chance to succeed, reducing the gaps in education and employment between young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and their better off peers, or working with government and other funders to prove and expand impactful programmes or communicating our findings, insights and message to a wider range of audiences.
The Director of Public Affairs will work with the CEO and Senior Management Team to raise our profile and influence policy, unlock and steward resource and build new partnerships, in order to facilitate growth in impact. They will do this by getting the most out of our high performing Public Affairs team, which covers policy, research, advocacy and communications - as well as working across teams and with the Board to ensure Impetus is well positioned externally.
We’re proud of the work we’ve achieved to date, developing a strong track record of high-quality research and insightful reports, significantly raising our profile through media relations and stakeholder engagement, building strong sector partnerships and coalitions to drive meaningful change, establishing a wide range of relationships across government and the sector and building strong expertise in the team. We’re delighted that you’re considering joining us to take forward this work to the next level.
Here are some examples of the types of work that the Public Affairs team delivers:
• Our monthly policy newsletter, Impetus Insights
• Our news and commentary and blogs
• Our latest research reports on school engagement, attainment and youth employment
• Our coalitions: The Youth Employment Group and Who is Losing Learning?
For more information on what we’re looking for from our Director of Public Affairs & what a typical week can look like – please view the Director of Public Affairs recruitment pack.
Key responsibilities
Fundraising and income generation
- Work with Impetus CEO and SMT to support the delivery of the Impetus strategy and business plan and deliver the public affairs milestones to time and within budget.
- Champion and contribute to embedding equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) across all areas of Impetus' work, ensuring that EDI principles related to Impetus’ mission are reflected in advocacy, stakeholder engagement, communications and public positioning.
- Vision setting and strong line management of the Public Affairs team, developing their capabilities, representing the team at SMT and to the Board and ensuring it continues to make a valuable - and valued - contribution to the achievement of Impetus’s objectives, through building and implementing high quality work plans for the team and ensuring the wider Impetus team is aligned on these.
- Increase awareness, understanding and trust in Impetus among key stakeholders, through regular, thoughtful engagement with the sector and securing high profile media coverage.
- Raise awareness of the education and employment gaps faced by young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and what we can do to break down the barriers they face - through research, policy positioning and effective communications.
- Build a positive reputation for Impetus in government and parliament and among funders, as a source of expertise on how to improve the education and employment outcomes of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and as a trusted interlocutor and partner, building on and leveraging the many relationships already established.
- Ensure that all advocacy is supported by high quality research and evidence, with our policy and research agenda well aligned to supporting the delivery of Impetus’ strategy.
- Ensure a positive media profile, continuing to build on the base established to build awareness among the media of Impetus’s expertise and content.
- Position Impetus as a ‘sought-after’ collaborative partner for other organisations with shared objectives; including regularly representing Impetus at relevant sector events.
- Support the delivery of our fundraising strategy and the successful delivery of our events programme, in particular, our flagship Transforming Lives Dinner.
- Where appropriate, collaborate with our portfolio partners to support their public affairs work and to leverage relevant partnerships, drawing on their insights to inform Impetus’ work.
- Contribute to the successful performance of the Senior Management Team, and provide expert advice to them, as well as to Trustees, on all public affairs-related activities and in the implementation of the broader strategy, engaging with decisions and challenges across the organisation.
- Oversee the running of our Public Affairs Committee (PAC), leveraging their skills, expertise and influence for the good of Impetus.
Personal specification
Essential
- A commitment to Impetus’ mission
- A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
- Experience of leading public affairs / communications / policy at a senior level
Strong track record of influencing (through policy, advocacy, communications, stakeholder relations) - Strong management skills including strategy development, people management, budgeting and impact monitoring
- Experience of leading multiple and complex workstreams to achieve measurable results
- Experience of representing an organisation externally; in meetings, media interviews and on public platforms
- Exceptional verbal and written communications skills
- Presence, credibility, motivational skills, natural ability to command respect based on experience, and ability to look beyond own area of expertise
- Proven experience of building and maintaining influential external relationships and strategic partnerships
- Ability to motivate a team and work collaboratively, enlisting support from others
- Knowledge of the education and/ or young people sectors
Desirable:
- Experience of fundraising, including trusts and foundations
- Knowledge of digital communications
- Experience of data management and good analytical skills
- Understanding of, and/or lived experience of, the barriers that young people face, that contribute to the education and employment gap
- Knowledge of venture philanthropy / impact management
- Knowledge of private equity and associated industries
Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
We want our team at Impetus to represent the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We also want our team to be one where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop.
We want to reach a diverse pool of candidates. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that potential employees may need to in order to be successful.
We recognise the importance of a good work/life balance. We do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including working from home, working part-time job shares and other arrangements.
Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore.
Impetus is an equal opportunity employer and is determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We value diversity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.
How to apply
Please click here to apply.
You will need to:
- Upload a comprehensive CV and supporting statement.
- We will also share our equal opportunities form which must also be completed.
The supporting statement should be no more than two sides of A4 and should address the criteria in the person specification.
You should also include the contact details of two referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be approached with your express permission.
As part of our commitment to flexible working we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at interview stage.
The deadline for applications is 11:59pm, Sunday 12th October 2025.
Interviews
First round interviews will take place: w/c 20th/27th October 2025.
Second round interviews will take place: w/c 3rd November 2025.
You will also be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK.
Personal Data
Your personal data will be shared for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes our HR team, interviewers (who may include other partners in the project and independent advisors), relevant team managers and our IT service provider if access to the data is necessary for performance of their roles. We do not share your data with other third parties, unless your application for employment is successful and we make you an offer of employment. We will then share your data with former employers to obtain references for you. We do not transfer your data outside the European Economic Area.
Registered Charity
51 - 100
Impetus transforms the lives of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds by ensuring they get support to succeed in school, in work and in life.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Prospectus is delighted to be supporting our client as we look to support the organisation appoint a Grants Manager for their Building Independence portfolio. This position will be offered on a permanent basis, with expectations to be in the London office at least once a week.
The foundation have recently launched their new strategy. Their 2025–2030 strategy, called Elevate Your Impact, sharpens their focus on tacking poverty and addressing systemic inequality. They’re concentrating their efforts on some of life’s toughest transitions where the right support at the right time can make a lasting difference.
Building Independence
One of those priorities is their Building Independence portfolio. Building independence prioritises supporting organisations working with young people aged 14 to 25. Too many lack the support, relationships, or safe spaces they need – especially those leaving care, excluded from school, living with a learning disability or navigating life as an LGBTQ+ young person.
The foundation fund work that helps young people to raise aspirations, build confidence and feel equipped for the next stage of life. They also support work that joins up fragmented services and pushes for policies that reflect the real experiences of young people. Through their partners, they want to help young people not just get by but move forward with purpose. They also want to help create the conditions where young people shape the communities and systems around them too
The Role
The role of Grants Manager will work to support the successful delivery of grant within the Building Independence Portfolio. This includes the undertaking of grant application assessment, participation in application decision meetings and undertake visits to meet organisations working in this area. You will support this work by undertaking complimentary policy research, building a deeper sector knowledge to support the development and continuous improvement of the fund.
The Candidate
Successful candidates will come with experience, or understanding, of grant making, particularly with understanding of youth voice and systems change. They’re looking to bring someone in with a good understanding of the principles of good grant making. This includes knowing the terminology and grant making practices.
Candidates will also need to come into the organisation with an understanding of how youth voice can shape work. The foundation want to strengthen organisations that do youth voice work well. Candidates will need to come into this role with an understanding of youth voice and associated language.
They are also keen on candidates with experience, or understanding of, systems change. This can take many shapes and sizes, as long as the work candidates have delivered has been focused on changing and adapting systems for beneficiaries.
If you are interested to learn more about the position, please apply with your CV only. Should your profile be successful, a relevant consultant will be in touch to explore the role, and experience, in more detail.
Thank you!
Prospectus is delighted to be supporting a national charity as we look to support the organisation appoint a Grants Manager for their Safer Futures portfolio. This position will be offered on a permanent basis, with expectations to be in the London office at least once a week.
The foundation has launched its new 2025–2030 strategy, Elevate Your Impact. This strategy sharpens focus on tackling poverty and addressing systemic inequality, concentrating on some of life’s toughest transitions where the right support at the right time can make a lasting difference.
Safer Futures
The Safer Futures programme supports people as they rebuild their lives following some of the most challenging experiences in life. This includes people navigating the criminal justice system, survivors of domestic abuse, and people seeking refuge and safety in the UK through migration. The foundation fund work that provides direct support, we also back work that challenges and improves the systems surrounding them, systems that too often fail to provide stability, dignity or security.
This Grants Manager role is focused on refugees and people seeking asylum and navigating migration, as part of the Safer Futures programme.
For refugees and people seeking asylum, the journey to safety and stability is often met with enormous barriers. Even after gaining refugee status, many have just days to secure housing, income, and support. Without it, they risk homelessness, exploitation and exclusion.
We fund organisations that help people move from arrival to independence—through safe housing, legal advice, language support, education and pathways into work. We also invest in systemic change, supporting work that seeks to make the immigration and resettlement system fairer and more effective.
The Role
As a Grants Manager, you will play a central role in shaping and delivering funding that makes a lasting difference. You will assess applications, play a key part in decision-making, and build strong relationships with organisations across the refugee and migration sector. You will carry out policy research, deepen your sector knowledge, and visit funded organisations to learn directly from their work. You will also help us refine and improve our approach to grant making, ensuring our funding is as impactful as possible.
The Candidate
We are looking for someone who has experience in impactful grant making and who deeply understands the UK migration policy landscape and the challenges facing refugees and people seeking asylum. You will be an excellent writer and communicator, able to make a persuasive case for funding decisions. You will have a collaborative approach to grant making and value the role of networks and partnerships in achieving change. You will think systemically, recognising how funding can help shift systems, and you will be confident analysing the financial health of organisations to inform effective grant making. The successful candidate will be solution focused and committed to using their expertise in the migration field to contribute to the impact of the foundation.
Next steps
If you are interested to learn more about the position, please apply with your CV. Should your profile be successful, a consultant will be in touch to explore your experience and interest in more detail.
Thank you!
Our client is one of the largest women's hostels in the UK for vulnerable women affected by homelessness. They offer support to women with a range of complex needs, including substance misuse, mental health issues and domestic violence, and provide these support services in a warm, welcoming and secure environment. They are now recruiting for a strong and supportive manager to help lead their Support Services. This role is initially a 6 month fixed term contract.
As Support Services Manager, you will line manage a team of frontline staff and will oversee the Support and Night services, consisting of 30 bed spaces for women with high support complex needs; the service aims to offer holistic support to these women, working alongside a range of partner organisations to facilitate a step-down move-on for women into semi-independent living. You will work to create and maintain key partnerships, continually ensuring that a high quality of service is delivered to all service users of the Project.
To be considered for this position, you must have significant housing management experience, as well as extensive knowledge and appreciation of the challenges faced by homeless women. You must have demonstrable experience of leading frontline staff, as well as significant safeguarding experience. You will also have proven working experience of contract monitoring and of setting and influencing strategy. Ultimately you will be enthusiastic, passionate and dedicated to leading a team to deliver the best quality of support to vulnerable homeless women.
Please note, the client are looking to recruit for this role as soon as possible, so please only apply if you are available immediately or have no more than a 1 month notice period. Please note this role will be Monday-Friday 40 hours a week, working 1 out of 5 weekends (time off given in lieu).
Because of the purpose of our client's work, only women are eligible to apply for this role, under Section 7(2) (b) of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975.
Interviews are to take place Wednesday 10th September.
Thank you!
We are delighted to be supporting a global health-focused organisation in their search for a Project Manager to join their team. This is a part-time role, for 6-weeks in the first instance. This is a remote working role.
This is a fantastic job-share opportunity, working 3 fixed days per week, for an experienced project manager to contribute to high-impact initiatives in evidence production, publishing, and technology.
Key Responsibilities for this role include:
- Leading the planning, implementation, and evaluation of priority projects across multiple departments.
- Monitoring project performance, managing risks, and ensuring timely delivery of objectives.
- Reporting on progress and key metrics to internal and external stakeholders.
- Coordinating communications and ensuring consistent messaging across teams.
- Supporting financial planning and maintaining GDPR-compliant project records.
- Promoting best practices and continuous learning in project management.
To be considered for this position, you should possess:
- 2-4 years of experience in project delivery, change management, and risk management.
- Experience with 'Agile' and 'Waterfall' project management strategies.
- Strong organisational, analytical, and communication skills.
- Confidence working with diverse stakeholders and managing competing priorities.
- Experience with project management tools such as Microsoft Project, JIRA, or Confluence is desirable.
If you're a proactive and adaptable professional looking to make a meaningful impact in a mission-driven organisation, we'd love to hear from you.
Please apply below and submit your CV in Word format.
As a specialist Recruitment Practice, we are committed to building inclusive and diverse organisations, and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you in your application.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an inspirational and strategic leader to join a historic and globally recognised higher education institution as University Secretary initially on a 6 month fixed-term contract. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer and supporting the Executive Committee, the successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping governance and compliance functions to meet the institution’s evolving strategic needs.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead on governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance
- Provide expert guidance on HE governance principles and best practice
- Serve as Data Protection Officer or demonstrate extensive knowledge in data protection
- Oversee committee administration and institutional policy development
- Collaborate closely with senior leadership to develop and embed governance frameworks
Ideal Candidate
- Significant experience in a senior governance role within Higher Education
- Deep understanding of the regulatory and constitutional landscape of UK universities
- Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to inspire and influence
- High levels of resilience, energy, and strategic vision
- Confident communicator with a collaborative approach
Please apply below and submit your CV in Word format.
As a specialist Recruitment Practice, we are committed to building inclusive and diverse organisations, and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you in your application.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are delighted to be supporting an influential organisation in their search for a Social Media Content Creator to join their team. This is a full-time hybrid role, offered on a temporary basis until the end of 2025 (4-months).
This is a fantastic opportunity for a creative digital storyteller with a passion for social impact and a strong understanding of paid social media campaigns.
Key Responsibilities for this role include:
- Creating engaging, high-quality video content for paid campaigns on Meta (Facebook and Instagram).
- Producing static images, carousels, and memes to support petitions and outreach.
- Managing content production end-to-end, including scripting, filming, editing, and reporting.
- Collaborating with internal stakeholders to ensure content is accurate and on-message.
- Supporting multiple campaigns simultaneously and contributing to broader team projects.
- Providing regular performance insights and handling administrative tasks such as invoice processing.
To be considered for this position, you should possess:
- Strong experience in social media content creation and digital storytelling.
- Deep working knowledge of Meta Ads Manager.
- Ability to translate complex topics into accessible, action-driven content.
- A proactive, adaptable approach and confidence working independently.
- A passion for environmental issues is highly desirable.
If you're a creative self-starter looking to make an impact through digital content, we'd love to hear from you.
Please apply below and submit your CV in Word format. Please note that you will be asked to also provide a portfolio of your previous work before being submitted.
As a specialist Recruitment Practice, we are committed to building inclusive and diverse organisations, and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you in your application.
Thank you!
The Director of Policy, Strategy and Governance is a new leadership role at the forefront of shaping and communicating our strategic direction.
As a member of the executive team reporting to the CEO, the Director will work with school leaders, other key external partners and teams within Camden Learning to drive high standards and grow a school-led system striving for both excellence and equity.
The Director will be responsible for leading, developing and communicating Camden Learning’s strategic direction, including plans for future growth and success. This entails keeping abreast of current developments, not only identifying opportunities and trends but also developing and supporting innovative approaches while ensuring alignment with Camden Learning’s goals.
The Director will be responsible for overall governance effectiveness, as well as provide strategic leadership for school governor services, ensuring effective support for governors in their key strategic and statutory roles. This includes establishing high-quality development and training programmes, the provision of a clerking service and bespoke support for governing bodies, as needed.
We are looking for a leader who can take ownership of shaping this role from day one – a strategic thinker, a skilled communicator, and a champion of inclusive governance. This is a rare opportunity to influence the future of education in Camden and beyond. Your leadership will help us tell our story, measure our impact, and ensure that our strategy remains both ambitious and grounded in the realities of our schools.
Key dates
- Applications close: 9am Mon 6 October
- First round interviews: Tue 21 and Wed 22 October (online)
- Final round interviews: Tue 28 October (in person at 5 Pancras Square, London)
- Start date: As soon as possible (January 2026), to be agreed with the successful candidate.
ImpactEd Consulting is acting as recruitment advisor to Camden Learning on this appointment.
Non Charity Employer
51 - 100
Camden Learning is a schools-led partnership. We aim to drive improvement for all, guided by values of excellence and social equity.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.