Challenge event manager jobs in Esher, surrey

Based: EJF office in London

Contract: Full-time, permanent

Salary: £38,000-£45,000, dependent on experience

Position overview

​​This is an exciting opportunity to join the team at the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF): one of the world's leading non-profits working at the intersection of environmental conservation and human rights. We are lean, agile, creative, strategic and most of all results-driven.

This is a varied and fast-paced role for an outstanding Senior Press Officer. The successful applicant will be fluent in English and Spanish, with a proven track record of impactful journalism and/or securing high-level media coverage as part of a press office.

We are looking for someone with a passion for our work and the drive, experience and skills to build our audiences, raise the profile of our campaigns and get our perspectives in front of key decision-makers. This role would suit someone who would look forward every day to placing impactful stories which drive real-world progress for a more sustainable planet.

You will have a demonstrable ability to understand our audiences and develop communications strategies to reach them. You will enjoy meeting and briefing journalists, enthusiastically reaching out to 'sell' our key stories. You will gain significant media coverage for EJF’s messages in key, influential international media outlets such as the Financial Times, New York Times and El País.

The successful candidate will work independently to ensure a steady flow of high-quality press outreach, as well as pitching and writing articles and op-eds to promote our perspectives. You will know which outlets key political decision-makers read, and how to place material with them.

You will be an outstanding writer, and possess superb adaptability and inventiveness to respond to a rapidly changing policy landscape.

This is a challenging but rewarding and dynamic role, providing an opportunity to work at the forefront of critical issues of global environmental justice and unique opportunities for growth and development.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement integrated communication plans and campaigns to support EJF’s campaigns around the world

• Ensure impactful and consistent coverage of our campaigns, and the issues they cover, in high-profile ‘gatekeepered’ media outlets

• Prepare press releases and media packs for report launches and external developments, ensuring both proactive and reactive coverage

• Respond swiftly to media enquiries

• Research and actively engage media contacts and outlets, remotely and in person, to increase EJF’s reach, building a database to record and evaluate this outreach

• Work with our communications team around the world to develop coordinated media strategies across geographies and languages

• Evaluate and report on our press performance, making recommendations for ongoing improvement

• Create engaging and impactful content for our various communication channels. This includes writing op-eds and blog articles on core EJF campaign areas

• Uphold the highest standards of scientifically rigorous but engaging writing at all times

• Host press briefings at events with external stakeholders

Essential skills and attributes

• Professional fluency (including excellent writing and editing skills) in English and Spanish

• At least 3 years of experience working in communications, a press office, journalism or similar, with a particular focus on placing stories with, or writing for, high-level traditional media outlets

• Knowledge of media relations, developing communication materials, writing content for different channels and developing social media campaigns

• Experience of and confidence in dealing with journalists from different types of media to ensure effective coverage

• An effective knowledge of the media outlets read by political decision-makers internationally, and how to place articles in them

• Excellent copywriting skills, including under time pressure, and the ability to identify a good story, linking current affairs to EJF campaigns

• An exceptional level of creativity and drive to seek out new opportunities to promote EJF’s work

• Outstanding attention to detail and factual accuracy

• Reliable, determined, self-motivated, resourceful and able to work effectively with a small, dynamic, and international team

• Superb organisational skills, able to work quickly and prioritise efficiently to deliver timely outputs

• A passion for ensuring environmental justice

We offer you:

• Annual leave that increases with length of service

• Home working two days a week. Flexible working arrangements can be considered

• Cycle to work programme

• A highly motivated and open-minded team of committed colleagues, and the opportunity to develop and implement compelling propositions that can deliver campaign and organisational goals

• Great opportunities for your professional growth and personal development in close collaboration with our diverse team across Europe, Africa, Asia and South America

About EJF

The Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) exists to protect the natural world and uphold our fundamental human right to a secure environment. We work at the frontlines of environmental injustice, alongside communities most affected by climate breakdown, biodiversity loss, and exploitation - transforming evidence into action, and injustice into lasting change.

EJF is a global non-profit driven by a powerful belief: that environmental protection and human rights are inseparable. Through courageous field investigations, rigorous research, and strategic international advocacy, we expose environmental crime, challenge impunity, and catalyse systemic reform. Our work delivers real-world impact, shaping policy, strengthening governance, protecting vital ecosystems, and defending those who risk their lives to safeguard them.

Our campaigns span four deeply interconnected areas: oceans, climate, forests and wetlands, and the training, protection, and empowerment of environmental defenders and journalists. From illegal fishing and forced labour to deforestation, land grabs, and climate displacement, we confront some of the most complex and urgent crises of our time - always with a focus on accountability, equity, and durable solutions.

EJF is an international organisation with a diverse team working across four continents, united by a shared ambition: to protect people by protecting the planet. We are bold, evidence-led, and impact-driven. We speak truth to power - and we build pathways to a fairer, more resilient future. Join Us.

Applications

Please apply here.

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. If you feel you would be a good fit for this role but are unsure if you meet every single requirement, we strongly encourage you to apply.

Closing date for applications: We will consider incoming applications until 09:00 UK time, 30/05/2026.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. You must hold the legal right to work in the UK for this role.

We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Senior Administrator to join our Central Service team located at our head office in Islington.

£26,936.00- £35,000.00 per annum, working 35 hours per week.

Our benefits include:

Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
Free DBS
Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
Fully paid induction programme and further training
ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
Cycle to work scheme and Season Ticket Loans
Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
Online wellbeing resources
A generous pension - 8% matched pension (via salary exchange)
Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution

All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

To provide an exceptional standard of organisational, administrative and project support to Directors within the Commercial & Growth and Operations Directorates, enabling them to operate effectively and efficiently. The role will implement and maintain robust, seamless administration systems and processes across the Directorates, ensuring consistency, accuracy and high professional standards.

The postholder will act as an ambassador for the Directors and the organisation at all times, supporting complex and competing workloads with confidence, discretion and foresight, and consistently staying one step ahead of what is required.

What you'll do:

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead .

Provide high-quality support to Directors, ensuring the smooth and effective day-to-day running.
Proactively manage multiple complex diaries, correspondence and priorities, exercising sound judgement on when to support, challenge or hold the line as appropriate.
Coordinate and provide full administrative support for Directorates and corporate meetings, including the Performance Review meetings, providing end-to-end support, including scheduling, agenda management, paper collation, accurate note-taking, and follow-up of agreed actions and outcomes, reviewing and preparation of papers.
Lead on the organisation of business meetings, events, site visits, including venues, virtual meetings, agendas, papers, travel arrangements, room bookings, minute-taking and action tracking.
Support the timely production of high-quality documentation, including reports, presentations and briefing papers, maintaining excellent attention to detail, accuracy, branding and presentation standards.
Build and maintain strong professional relationships with colleagues across the organisation, acting as a key point of contact and trusted liaison for the Directors.
Work closely with other Executive Assistants and Personal Assistants to share best practice, provide mutual cover and ensure seamless support at Directorate and organisational level.
Assist with budget management activities where required, processing invoices and expenses in line with organisational procedures.
Handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion at all times.
Undertake additional duties or projects in the Directors.
About you:

An experienced and confident, senior level administrator/personal assistant, with enthusiasm to deliver a high quality and effective service
Able to immerse yourself within the business, understanding the work of the directorate and the organisational structures and personalities in place.
Able to work with gravitas, courage and be calm under pressure, building credibility and respect with internal and external stakeholders.
Able to communicate with a warm, inclusive and open manner in order to proactively promote positive 'one team' working across the wider business.
Extremely organised, with highly attuned planning and problem-solving skills, and experience in operating in a busy environment with competing demands.
Able to exercise sound judgement and maintain discretion and confidentiality at all times.
Resilient and flexible when working to tight deadlines, being able to prioritise work effectively and manage expectations.
Experienced in all elements of meeting administration - collating and issuing papers for meetings/boards - ensuring that papers are received in the appropriate format and to deadlines from colleagues across the business, taking accurate minutes and following up on action points.

What you'll bring:

Essential:

Experience in a similar role.
A qualification to degree level (or equivalent) in Business Administration would be beneficial but not essential.
A high level of IT skills, and experience in using the full suite of Microsoft Office software (including but not limited to: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint and Microsoft Teams).
Excellent attention to detail, and ability to present documents professionally and with style (this means having a keen eye for branding, grammar and layout).
A passion for what we do at Look Ahead - and an experience of delivering great customer service.
Desirable:

Experience supporting Directors or senior leaders in a complex or regulated organisation.
Experience of supporting formal governance or performance review forums, including minute-taking and action tracking.
Experience of working in housing, social care, health, or a similar public-facing or not-for-profit sector.
Confidence working with senior stakeholders and balancing competing priorities.

Introduction to Reset

Reset is a bold new incubation designed to dramatically change the lives of some of the most vulnerable children in England today for the better.

Reset exists for children who are on, or at risk of being placed on Deprivation of Liberty orders due to the high risks they face from themselves or others, their complex and intersecting needs, and due to the lack of effective support available.

The children Reset will support are likely to be aged 12 to 18 and face complex challenges that often stem from the impact of traumatic childhood experiences, such as mental ill-health, self-harming, being sexually and/or criminally exploited and getting caught in harmful risk-taking behaviours including the use of harmful substances such as drugs and alcohol.

Reset is determined to ensure that, wherever possible, children are able to thrive back within their own families and/or communities.

About the role

We are looking for a highly organised, proactive and thoughtful coordinator to support the Chief Executive and founding team during this exciting early stage of Reset’s development.

Alongside executive support, this role offers exposure to the breadth of work at Reset, from operations to communications, philanthropy and wider organisational work.

To thrive in the role, you will be highly organised, proactive, detail-oriented and keen to contribute across a small and ambitious team where no two days will be the same. You will enjoy working flexibly and collaboratively, building relationships, and helping things run smoothly for the team and partners around us.

This role will play an important part in helping shape Reset’s culture, systems and ways of working during this early stage of development.

With a strong commitment to your growth, we offer support to help you excel professionally and advance your career, as well as a flexible working culture that champions both impact and balance. We provide in-office collaboration time with genuine flexibility to support your wellbeing, personal commitments, and life outside work.

Job Description

The role:

Reset’s Coordinator will provide high-quality organisational and administrative support to the Chief Executive and wider founding team, enabling them to work efficiently and to maximum effect.

You will play an important role in keeping the organisation running smoothly day-to-day while driving key projects and priorities across the organisation. As part of a small, high-impact team, you will gain broad exposure to a wide range of work, take on real responsibility and play a vital role in helping Reset establish itself successfully.

This role would suit someone who is highly organised, eager to learn and energised by a fast-moving and mission-driven environment where priorities shift and no two days are the same.

Key responsibilities

Executive Support

• Proactively manage complex diaries, scheduling and meeting coordination for the Chief Executive and senior team
• Anticipate the needs of the senior team by keeping on top of key priorities
• Coordinate travel, accommodation and logistics
• Prepare meeting agendas, papers and briefing documents
• Take notes, track and follow through on actions from meetings where required
• Draft emails, presentations and other documents
• Support preparation for external meetings, events and presentations

Coordination and Administration

• Support the delivery of organisational priorities and projects
• Maintain clear systems, records and filing processes
• Facilitate internal meetings and team logistics
• Assist with office management and operational administration
• Support governance processes, including preparing papers for board meetings

Stakeholder Support

• Act as a professional and welcoming point of contact for external partners and stakeholders
• Manage meeting logistics and support ongoing communications
• Support follow-up actions and relationship management

Wider team support

• Contribute to building a positive, organised and collaborative team culture
• Proactively contribute to improving systems, processes and ways of working across Reset
• Support ad hoc projects and tasks across the organisation
• Take initiative and help solve problems as they arise
• Support research, briefing and background preparation across organisational priorities where needed

Who we are looking for

We are looking for someone who is organised, proactive and keen to learn and who is comfortable in a small, evolving organisation where priorities may change quickly. You do not need extensive experience, but you do need strong judgement, attention to detail and a willingness to take ownership.

Essential skills, experience, and attributes

• Passionate about creating a fairer society where all young people thrive
• Previous administrative, operations or coordination experience, ideally supporting senior level staff or small teams
• Excellent organisational, time management and planning skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to build positive working relationships at all levels
• Proactive, adaptable and solution-focused, with the willingness to take initiative in a start-up environment
• A commitment to implementing and improving systems, processes and ways of working as the organisation grows
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy in managing information, schedules and documentation
• The ability to exercise good judgement Strong IT skills, including confidence using Microsoft Office / Google Workspace
• Ability to work with discretion, professionalism and confidentiality, including working with confidential documentation and information
• Right to work in the UK

Desirable experience

• Experience working in a charity, education, public service or start-up environment
• Experience organising meetings, events or projects
• Interest in social impact, children’s services or systems change

Development Opportunity

This role offers an excellent opportunity to learn and grow within a fast-moving, mission-driven organisation. The successful candidate will work closely with experienced senior leaders and gain broad exposure across how a new organisation is built and run, including operations, partnerships and organisational development.

Over time, there will be opportunities to take on greater responsibility depending on your strengths and interests.

Incubation by Purposeful Ventures

Reset will be incubated by Purposeful Ventures.

About Purposeful Ventures

Our vision is of a fairer society where all young people thrive.

Purposeful Ventures partners with social entrepreneurs and philanthropists to improve the education and well-being of young people from their earliest years.

We define and diagnose the issues affecting children and young people, analyse evidence and explore the most promising solutions. We then select, accelerate and, where we find a gap, incubate organisations which tackle those issues. We offer more than just funding to our charitable organisations. Our expertise, operational experience and networks enable us to deliver tailored, hands-on support with a relentless commitment to system change.

We are working with a wide range of organisations across the following portfolio areas to build and strengthen outstanding organisations that deliver systemic impact.

The vision of Purposeful Ventures 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.

To date, Purposeful has provided Reset with expertise and funding to complete an 18-month research, feasibility and development phase to enable the ground to be laid to establish the initial Reset Practice in Autumn 2026. By launching Reset as an incubation, Reset benefits from the oversight, governance, expertise, operations (HR, finance, and IT) and network of the Purposeful team while being able to focus on the delivery of creating Reset as an organisation that can have immediate impact and flourish in the future.

We are excited to begin the search for Reset’s Coordinator. We have secured initial funding and are actively securing funding for the full two-year pilot, which includes funds for these roles. We appreciate that candidates are likely to need clarity around timing, funding and transitions, and we will have open discussions with candidates about fundraising milestones during the interview process.

About The Role
Behind every research breakthrough, there is a process that makes it possible.
A conversation that helps shape an idea. A fair and thoughtful review. A decision that backs the right work at the right time.
As a Research Grants Officer, you will be part of that process.
You will help run a research funding programme that is not only efficient, but fair, inclusive and supportive. Working closely with the Research Grants Manager and colleagues across the Research and Influencing directorate, you will manage funding rounds and support a portfolio of active research projects.
You will be there from the very first question a researcher asks, through to the moment funding decisions are made, and beyond. Along the way, you will help create a positive experience for everyone involved, from early career researchers to leading experts, and the volunteers who bring lived experience into the process.
It is detailed work. But it is work that makes a real difference.
What you will do
You will be at the centre of the grants process, helping to keep things running smoothly and making sure people feel supported at every step. No two days will look exactly the same, but your focus will always be the same, helping great research happen.
In this role, you will:

- Manage grant applications from start to finish, making sure each stage runs smoothly and on time
- Be a friendly and reliable point of contact for applicants, answering questions and helping them submit strong proposals
- Coordinate peer review and lay review, bringing together expert insight and lived experience to inform funding decisions
- Prepare papers for funding panels, attend meetings and capture clear, accurate notes of what is discussed and agreed
- Share outcomes with applicants in a clear, respectful and timely way
- Support the management of funded projects, helping track progress and making sure reporting is up to date
- Build relationships with researchers, clinicians and volunteers, helping them feel valued and encouraging them to stay involved

Alongside this, you will look for ways to improve how we work. That might mean updating guidance for applicants, spotting trends in our data, or helping to shape a process that is simpler, fairer and more accessible.
You will also be part of the wider team, supporting events, responding to enquiries and stepping in to help colleagues when it matters.
About you

- You have experience in, or a strong interest in, science, health or policy, and are curious about dementia research and the difference it can make
- You build positive relationships with a wide range of people, including senior researchers, and enjoy working with others
- You communicate clearly and confidently, whether you are writing, speaking or explaining something complex in a simple way
- You are organised and reliable, with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage your time well
- You take initiative and are comfortable working independently, while knowing when to ask for input or support
- You work well as part of a team and are willing to step in and help when deadlines approach
- You care about inclusion and want to make sure the way you work is open, respectful and accessible to others

We know that people do not always apply for roles unless they meet every requirement. If this role interests you but you are not sure you tick every box, we would still encourage you to apply.
This position is offered on a fixed-term contract/secondment basis until June 2027.
Interviews for this role are provisionally scheduled to take place during the week commencing 1st June 2026.

About Alzheimer's Society
Dementia is the UK's biggest killer. One in three people born in the UK today will develop dementia in their lifetime.

At Alzheimer's Society, we're the UK's leading dementia charity and the only one to tackle all aspects of dementia by giving help and hope to people living with dementia today and in the future. We give vital support to people facing the most frightening times of their lives, while also funding groundbreaking research and campaigning to make dementia the priority it should be.

Together with our supporters, we're working towards a world where dementia no longer devastates lives.

Our values make sure that our focus is clear for the challenges and opportunities ahead and remind us of what we all stand for.

Our commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

We need to ensure the voices around our table better reflect and understand the communities we exist to serve. We strongly encourage individuals to apply who have a disability, impairment or health condition or individuals who identify as Black, Asian or from another minority ethnic background, as these groups are currently under-represented at Alzheimer's Society.  

We want everyone we work with, as a colleague, volunteer, supporter, or someone we support, to feel included and that they belong at Alzheimer's Society. 

Our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy here along with our internal employee forum and Employee Lived Experience network groups help us promote inclusion and belonging, becoming an engaged and inclusive organisation for all our people. 

Our hiring process

During your recruitment process we want to make sure that you bring your whole self and can be at your best. We are working hard to ensure our recruitment process is as inclusive as possible, so please do inform us of your experience and anything you think we could do better by completing our candidate survey when you apply.  Please also contact Alzheimer's Society Talent Acquisition Team via [email protected] for application support or any adjustments you might need.

To ensure fairness and consistency to select the best candidate for this role, all our applications are anonymised up until an interview has been confirmed. We recognise the benefits of AI, but if you're considering using it to submit your application, we encourage you to reflect on the value it truly adds. AI tools often lack the personal touch and authenticity that set candidates apart. We want to hear your unique perspective, experiences, and skills, so we encourage you to showcase them in your own voice.

We try to avoid closing roles early where possible, however if we receive a high volume of applications, we may close earlier than the advertised closing date. Should this occur, we will aim to provide you with at least 48 hours' notice.

We are committed to safer recruitment and ensuring the welfare of those we work with, due to the nature of some of our roles, we might need to carry out a Criminal Record Check at the relevant level. You can read more information via our Website.

Giving back to you

Our employees work hard every day to make a true difference in people's lives. We are proud to support them with a range of benefits, recognition and many options for working agilely, all contributing to a strong work life balance. We also have various learning programmes to support you in your development and help you grow to realise your potential and shape a career with Alzheimer's Society. 

You can also visit our Working for Us pages, which give you more information about what it's like to be an employee at the Society.

Lloyds Bank Foundation 

Head of Programme Design and Organisational Development 

Starting Salary: £66,438 (if London-based); £61,872 (if not London-based) 

Contract: Full-time, permanent contract (we are open to conversations about flexibility - so please ask) 

Location: Remote role - can be based anywhere in England or Wales with an expectation of frequent travel across England and Wales 

About Lloyds Bank Foundation 

Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales is an independent charitable foundation, backed by Lloyds Banking Group and the people within it. We want everyone to be in a good place - personally, in a home that’s a good place to live, and in a community that’s a good place to belong. 

We play our role by connecting and catalysing community-led change, providing the money, time, tools and connections that build organisations’ capacity and capability, to make people’s lives better and their communities stronger. 

We back people and communities across England and Wales, to make that happen, because when you back brilliant people, brilliant things happen. Our communities are full of ambitious, energetic and determined people stepping up to make their neighbours’ lives better and their communities grow stronger. Day in, day out. 

About the Role 

This is a leadership opportunity to shape how the Foundation designs, delivers and strengthens its programmes across England and Wales. 

As Head of Programme Design and Organisational Development, you will lead the Foundation’s approach to programme design, organisational development and volunteering, ensuring everything we do is high quality, evidence-informed and grounded in lived experience. 

You will set the standards, frameworks and tools that underpin programme design across the organisation, working closely with Programme Leads to design new programmes and strengthen existing ones. You will also lead our organisational development offer, ensuring charities and partners are supported to become stronger, more resilient and better connected. 

Alongside this, you will shape how volunteering contributes to our work, embedding it across programmes and ensuring it supports both community capacity and connection. 

You will work across teams and directorates to ensure programme design, organisational development and volunteering are fully aligned and working together to deliver meaningful community-led change. 

About You 

We’re looking for an experienced and credible leader with a strong background in programme or service design, ideally in complex or multi-partner environments. 

You will bring a deep understanding of how organisational development builds capacity and resilience, alongside experience of using evidence and insight to improve programmes and outcomes. 

You will be confident developing frameworks, standards and approaches that ensure quality and consistency, while also enabling innovation and learning. 

You will be a collaborative and relational leader, with strong partnership skills and the ability to work across internal teams and external organisations. A commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging is essential. 

How to Apply 

Please click ‘Apply’ to be redirected to our website, where you can download the Candidate Information Pack and find details of how to apply. 

For an informal conversation about the role and application process, please contact our recruitment partner, Atkinson HR via the information in the candidate pack.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 

We hold Disability Confident Employer status (Level 2) and are working towards full status by 2027. This means that if you're a disabled applicant and your CV and application answers clearly demonstrate that you meet the essential criteria for the role, we will invite you to interview. 

More broadly, we are committed to building a diverse team that reflects the communities and people we work with. We believe that diversity of background, experience and perspective makes us stronger and helps us make better decisions. We actively welcome applications from people who are under-represented in the charity sector, including people from Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic communities, disabled people, and those with experience of the issues our funded charities work to address. 

Key Dates 

Closing Date: Thursday 28th May 2026 

Optional Q&A Session: Wednesday 6th May 2026 at 09:00-10:00 

First Interview: Tuesday 9th June 2026 

Second Interview: Thursday 18th June 2026