Communication and programme funding officer jobs

About the Bureau

We are the UK’s largest independent investigative journalism organisation and we exist to inform the public about the realities of power in today’s world. Our investigations expose systemic wrongs, challenge misinformation, and spark change.

We work strategically and collaboratively to maximise the impact of our fact-based reporting and share our findings openly with local, national, and international media outlets to reach as many people as possible.

About the role

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer and working as part of the Operations team, this is a critical role at the centre of the Bureau’s financial set-up. You will lead the day-to-day financial management of the organisation’s income and expenditure across multiple projects.

The Bureau is entering an exciting period of development, with a growing focus on building our direct audience and diversifying revenue streams. The Finance Manager will play a key role in strengthening the organisation’s long-term sustainability and resilience, while helping to deliver its strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage all bookkeeping functions, payroll, accounts payable, and receivable

• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual management accounts

• Oversee cashflow management and banking controls

• Collaborate with the CEO, COO, and Editors to develop annual budgets that support organisational growth and project delivery

• Work with the COO to analyse financial performance and identify current and future funding needs

• Work with the fundraising team to develop budgets and financial information for grant applications

• Prepare financial reports for senior management, funders, and the Board of Directors

• Coordinate the annual audit process and preparation of statutory accounts

• Provide financial analysis and insights to support informed decision-making

• Liaise with external partners, including auditors, payroll providers, banks, and HMRC

• Ensure compliance with financial regulations, donor restrictions, and internal policies

• Maintain and improve finance systems, processes, and controls

• Support colleagues across the organisation with finance-related queries and knowledge sharing

• Attend and contribute to finance committee meetings and wider team meetings

What we are looking for

We want someone proactive, organised, and collaborative, with excellent attention to detail and accuracy. The Finance Manager will need to take a solution-focused approach, enjoy working across teams, and be motivated by the challenge of building our long-term financial resilience.

You will also share our commitment to fostering an inclusive, welcoming and supportive culture across the Bureau.

You’ll be joining the Bureau at a pivotal moment in its development and this role offers a high level of autonomy, close collaboration with senior leadership, and the opportunity to enable work that creates meaningful impact in the world.

Skills and experience

Essential

• Professional accountancy qualification (ACCA, ACA, CIMA or equivalent), or equivalent demonstrable experience

• Strong financial management and analytical skills

• Confident communicator, both verbally and in writing

• Experience in producing management accounts and supporting VAT returns

• Experience in budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and financial reporting

• Experience in improving financial processes, systems, or ways of working

• Ability to manage competing priorities and work to deadlines in a fast-paced environment

• Experience working in a non-profit, charity, or similar mission-driven organisation

Desirable

• Experience using NetSuite, Oracle, or similar accounting systems

• Understanding of commercial income streams (e.g. reader revenue, membership, sponsorship, B2B)

• Ability to apply strategic thinking within the scope of the role

• Experience using automation tools or digital systems to improve efficiency and boost capacity

Benefits

• 25 days of annual leave

• Option to work a nine-day fortnight – (by reduction in annual leave. For part-time staff, this will be prorated according to contracted working pattern)

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements

• EAP – Employee assistance programme

• Enhanced sick pay

• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay (after 12 months’ service)

• Learning and development opportunities

• Cycle to work scheme

How to apply

The Bureau is committed to being an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a diverse, inclusive, and adaptable environment where people are encouraged and supported to do their best work. We welcome applications from those belonging to groups traditionally underrepresented in the media. We are happy to consider flexible working options.

Please also fill out our Equality Monitoring Form on our jobs page, which is anonymous, so we can better track who we are reaching.

To be considered for this job, you must have the right to live and work in the UK

To apply to be our Finance Manager, please email your CV and covering letter to the email located on our jobs page by 6 pm on Wednesday, 8 June 2026. Interviews will take place in mid/late June.

Southwark Charities is seeking a Grants Officer with experience of the grant-making life cycle - from application  and assessment through to reporting and monitoring - that is able to start in July 2026 for a fixed term of 6 months.

The post is a new and integral role within Southwark Charities and will work collaboratively with the charity's Grants Manager, supporting the delivery of grant programmes to community organisations (and some individuals).

Our client is a fantastic organisation that enables local people to support local causes, making grants to small charities and voluntary groups working in communities across Berkshire. They work with individuals, companies and other organisations to assist in delivering their charitable aims and develop longer-term strategic giving programmes.  

For 40 years, they have championed local giving, building partnerships with like-minded people and organisations. Through their tailored philanthropy advice, they help to match their supporters’ aims with the many small, effective local charities offering solutions to local issues. 

In recent years they have made grants in excess of £1 million per annum and the endowment fund has grown to £14 million providingsustainable future support for generations across Berkshire. 

Chief Executive Officer 

c£80,000 + benefits 

Based in Berkshire, with travel and evening engagements. This role is Hybrid with 1-2 days a week working from home each week depending on commitments 

This is a fantastic and unique opportunity for a new ambitious Chief Executive to lead the foundation into its next phase of growth in strategic philanthropy, with a clear emphasis on income generation, external engagement, and strategic expansion. 

As the public face of the organisation, you will champion local philanthropy, build strong relationships with donors and partners to deliver effective support for the local community, and provide inspiring services for donors.

As a leading grant maker in the Royal County of Berkshire, they are committed to developing the financial support it already generates within the voluntary sector. Key responsibilities will include: 

• Develop new opportunities for fund development through new business, Corporates, small to medium size businesses and with individual donors and supporters across Berkshire 

• Contribute to the strategic development of the organisation, setting strategy and overseeing Governance 

• Develop a robust marketing and communications strategy 

The successful candidate will bring a commercial outlook and strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work effectively across a wide range of audiences, both collaboratively with a passionate staff team and independently. 

If you are passionate about making Berkshire a better place to live and work, we would love to hear from you.

Further details can be found on the Prospectus website.

How to Apply 
 
To apply for the role, please upload your CV together with a supporting statement (of no more than 1000 words) onto the Prospectus website via the link.
 
Please ensure that you have included a telephone number, as well as any dates when you will not be available or might have difficulty with the recruitment timetable.
 
If you wish to apply using an alternative format, please contact Prospectus.

 
If you would like to have an informal conversation about the role, please contact our retained partners via email with your CV: 
 
At Prospectus we believe passionately that a truly inclusive workplace leads to increased social impact. We are committed to supporting our clients to build more inclusive teams. To understand how we are performing, we ask that you kindly complete the brief equal opportunities questionnaire when you submit your application via our website. Please be assured that your responses are kept confidential, separate from your candidate record, are not part of any application you make, and that the consultants never see individual responses to the questionnaire. 
 
Recruitment Timetable 
Deadline for applications: Sunday 7th June (midnight) 
Interviews with Prospectus online: 16th – 23rd June
Interviews with the organisation, in-person: 8th July

Harris Hill are delighted to be partnering with The Kennedy Trust for Rheumatology Research to recruit a Research Support Officer.

Hybrid working: 1 day per week in Hammersmith, London
Salary: £33,000 – £35,000
Part-time or full-time (0.6 – 1 FTE)

The Kennedy Trust is a small but highly influential medical research charity, supporting innovative scientific research and collaboration to improve human health. Working closely with leading researchers and institutions, including the Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology at the University of Oxford, the Trust plays a vital role in advancing pioneering research with real-world impact.

About the role

Reporting to the Research Programme Manager, the Research Support Officer will support the delivery of the Trust’s research funding activities, helping to ensure grant programmes run smoothly from application through to award and ongoing monitoring.

This is a varied and rewarding role combining administration, coordination and stakeholder engagement, ideal for someone who enjoys working across multiple projects in a small team environment.

Key responsibilities include:

• Coordinating grant application and peer review processes
• Managing queries from applicants and grant holders
• Maintaining accurate grant data across CRM systems and SharePoint
• Supporting Research Committee and award panel meetings
• Assisting with post-award grant monitoring and reporting
• Supporting communications, website updates and social media content
• Providing logistical support for events and conferences
• Helping maintain relationships with key research partners

About you

We are looking for someone who is:

• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail
• Proactive and confident managing multiple priorities
• A strong communicator with excellent stakeholder engagement skills
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively within a small team
• Confident using CRM systems, SharePoint or similar platforms
• Interested in research, science or the charity sector

Experience within a research funding, academic or scientific environment would be advantageous, but is not essential.

Most importantly, you will be someone who enjoys variety, takes pride in delivering high-quality work, and is motivated by supporting research that has a meaningful impact.

For more information, please submit your CV to

 Please note, CVs are being reviewed on a rolling basis, and only successful applicants will be contacted with more information.

 As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

As the Project Development Manager (RTP), this role will strategically lead the Rethinking Pain programme into its next phase, ensuring continued impact, quality, and sustainability. In addition, the postholder will contribute strategically and operationally to the success of Blood Pressure Connect and other emerging physical health initiatives, providing leadership and support across the wider organisation

Key Objectives 

• To lead and oversee the delivery, development, and day‑to‑day management of the Rethinking Pain programme across Bradford and Craven, ensuring high‑quality, effective, and sustainable delivery.
• To develop and maintain strong professional relationships with key partners and organisations, creating effective referral pathways and promoting the benefits of collaborative working, including embedding programmes sustainably where appropriate.
• To play an active role in horizon scanning and funding development, identifying and securing additional funding opportunities to support, expand, and stabilise the Rethinking Pain programme, Blood Pressure Connect programme and other related activities.
• To represent KHL and the Rethinking Pain programme, Blood Pressure Connect and future health initiatives at relevant meetings, networks, and health boards, raising the profile of the work and contributing to wider strategic discussions.
• To proactively ensure accessibility, equity, diversity, and inclusion are central to KHL’s ways of working and are embedded throughout the Rethinking Pain programme and associated physical health projects.
• To work closely with the CEO to ensure all programmes and projects, including Rethinking Pain, Blood Pressure Connect, and emerging physical health initiatives, are aligned with KHL’s vision, aims, and strategic objectives

Project Management 

• To enhance systems and processes for the Rethinking Pain programme and support other related projects such as Blood Pressure Connect. To support budget management alongside the CEO and Finance Officer.
• To maintain effective relationships with key Commissioners, funders and key partners To develop high level/quality presentations and present these at local and relevant events as and when required.
• To ensure all projects are delivered in line with local and national guidance and local need, supported by the RP clinical team.
• To have oversight of all partner projects, associated with the managed projects, implement service levels agreements and ensure SLA requirements are being met.

Key Skills

• Supporting with change initiatives to align with organisational goals fostering a positive culture.
• Strong strategic understanding, providing cross-functional operational oversight
• Excellent organisational skills to performance monitor against our group objectives
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to execute work expediently
• Experienced in utilising tools/frameworks to track progress ensuring appropriate governance and therefore outcomes Provide data led insights to guide decision making and strategy

Further details for the post will be detailed in the candidate pack.

Yeldall Manor is a Christian residential treatment centre near Reading for men struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol. We are seeking someone strategic and relational to strengthen and develop all aspects of fundraising for Yeldall Manor, and to lead a new marketing and fundraising campaign. The appointee will join our senior leadership team and shape the next chapter of our development as we are at a pivotal moment of opportunity, with an ambitious vision to build our Christ-centred identity and practice, pursue excellence and impact, and expand our reach.

We are looking for someone who will:

• Lead supporter acquisition activities and build the portfolio of individuals, churches, trusts, corporates and other organisations supporting the work of Yeldall Manor.
• Build deep, mission-aligned partnerships with donors and stakeholders.
• Lead and implement an effective marketing and communications strategy to help position Yeldall Manor within the top tier of UK residential rehab centres.
• Lead and execute a high-impact fundraising strategy across major gifts, individual giving, churches, trusts & foundations, corporates, and legacies.
• Work closely with the CEO and the Senior Leadership Team to align income generation with Yeldall Manor’s strategic vision and programme outputs.
• Lead the development of funding applications for trusts & foundations.
• Provide leadership and nurture staff working on supporter acquisition, fundraising and marketing activities, empowering them to deliver with excellence.
• Inspire a culture of philanthropy throughout the organisation, rooted in strong values and relational excellence

You will be working alongside the existing Administration and Supporter Relations Manager, and other staff assisting with marketing and administration, based mainly at Yeldall Manor, which means you will have daily contact with those men whom you are helping. They inspire and motivate us just as much as we seek to encourage and support them.

Please see the Job Description for full details and submit a covering letter along with your CV showing how you meet the requirements of the Person Specification. As this is a strategic post within an actively Christian setting, applications should be from committed Christians. Schedule 9, Part 1:3(a) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact CEO, Maarten Fontein or Administration Manager, Sue Hedger - contact details available on our website, which is currently under development.

​

Salary: £27,000 FTE (pro rata £16,200)
Hours: Part-time, 24 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Location: Hybrid with at least 1 day per week onsite in South Wales

Play a key role in funding meaningful change
A well-established, purpose-led animal welfare charity is entering an exciting new phase following a major shift in its operating landscape. With ambitious plans to grow its reach and impact, the organisation is strengthening its fundraising team to build sustainable income for the future.

This is an excellent opportunity for a Trusts and Foundations Officer to contribute at a pivotal moment, helping secure vital funding that directly supports life-changing work.

You will play a central role in securing income from trusts and foundations, working across the full fundraising cycle from research and bid writing to reporting and relationship management.

As part of a collaborative income generation team, you will contribute to an ambitious income target while building and managing a diverse portfolio of funders.

What you will be doing

• Managing and growing a portfolio of trust and foundation funders
• Writing compelling, high-quality grant applications across a range of values
• Researching and developing new funding opportunities and prospects
• Producing clear, timely monitoring and impact reports for funders
• Building strong, long-term relationships through effective stewardship
• Developing and maintaining a robust funder database
• Working collaboratively across teams to shape strong, fundable cases for support
• Supporting the wider development of the fundraising strategy
• Maintaining accurate records using CRM systems

We are looking for an enthusiastic and organised fundraiser who is motivated by impact and collaboration.

You will bring:

• Experience in trust and grant fundraising, including successful bid writing
• A track record of securing low, medium and high value grants
• Experience producing monitoring and reporting for funders
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organisation and attention to detail
• Ability to manage workload independently and meet deadlines
• Experience building and maintaining effective stakeholder relationships
• Confidence working with CRM systems (such as Beacon or similar)
• A collaborative approach and commitment to working within a small, purpose-driven team

What you will receive

• 28 days annual leave (including bank holidays), pro rata
• £200 annual CPD allowance
• Reimbursement of agreed out-of-pocket expenses

Why join?
This is an opportunity to be part of a committed organisation at a defining moment in its journey. Your work will directly enable impactful programmes and help build a sustainable future for those it supports.

If you are passionate about fundraising and want to see the tangible impact of your work, this role offers both purpose and opportunity.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.

As a fundraising and grant-making charity, we bring to life projects that transform patient care - from sensory packs for children in A&E to a peaceful sanctuary garden for people living with dementia. We’re a small, ambitious and supportive team, and in just three years we’ve tripled our income. Our goal is to become the charity of choice for our local community in Islington and Haringey.

Over the past 18 months, this role has built community and challenge events income from the ground up, creating real momentum. There’s still huge untapped potential locally, offering an exciting opportunity to grow and innovate.

This is a varied and rewarding role where you’ll build meaningful relationships with clinicians, donors and the community, and see first-hand the impact of your work. You’ll lead on community fundraising, challenge events and volunteering, with real autonomy. It's a fantastic step up for someone ready to develop and make their mark.

The successful candidate will benefit from an NHS Agenda for Change salary and excellent NHS benefits, including a generous pension and annual leave.

Carers First is a charity that works directly with, and for unpaid carers, providing personalised information, advice and tailored support making it easier for those caring for someone else to continue living their lives to the fullest.

We have a committed, dedicated staff team and you could be just the person we are looking for to join us to make that valuable difference in carer’s lives. We live and work through our values in all that we achieve by being positive, collaborative and ambitious and we have clear plans to scale our reach, support and impact for carers.

About this role

As a Project Officer, you will play a key role in supporting the planning, delivery, and evaluation of projects that help bring the Carers First Strategy to life—enabling us to reach more carers and improve the support we provide. This role is funded through the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund as a Fixed Term contract for the life of the project until September 2028.

Working closely with the Project Manager, you will:

• Support the development, coordination, and delivery of projects from initial scoping through to evaluation
• Work in co-production with carers, ensuring their voice shapes everything we do
• Build strong, collaborative relationships with internal teams, partners, and stakeholders
• Facilitate groups, workshops, and discussions to engage carers and colleagues
• Produce high-quality project documentation, communications, and reports
• Support evaluation activity, capturing impact, learning, and outcomes

You will also contribute to identifying new opportunities and projects, staying informed about developments in health, social care, and policy affecting carers.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking, values-driven organisation. You’ll play a vital role in shaping and delivering projects that create real, lasting change for carers, while working in a supportive and collaborative environment.

About you

We are looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about supporting unpaid carers and committed to making a positive impact
• Experienced in supporting or delivering projects, from development through to evaluation
• Skilled in engaging and working collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders
• Confident facilitating discussions and getting the best out of groups
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• An excellent communicator, able to produce clear, engaging reports and materials

An understanding of project management approaches (such as Theory of Change or change management) is desirable, but not essential.

We are looking for passionate people who are committed to the overall aims and objectives of the Charity. Carers First is committed to providing a supportive, vibrant, diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.  

Carers First Can Offer You  

In return for your contribution, we have an amazing package of staff benefits including 26 days annual leave entitlement which increases with length of service, flexible working options, paid carers leave, access to our work-place pension, staff discount scheme, employee assistance programme and a Benenden Healthcare package.  Whatever you are aiming to achieve in your career, we are here to encourage, help and support you grow, through our excellent training and development programmes.

How to apply

To apply for our exciting opportunity and make a real difference to the lives of carers, just visit the Carers First website and click on the ‘Apply Now’ button to begin your application. Appointments are subject to Carers First receiving an appropriate disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service that we consider acceptable.

Interviews

All applications will be assessed upon receipt, and successfully shortlisted candidates will be

invited interview which will be in two parts:

• A presentation delivered to the panel followed by an interview.

Interview date will either be 17 June 2026 or 25 June 2026.

Carers First is an Equal Opportunities Employer

Positive      Collaborative      Ambitious

 

Young Sounds UK is recruiting for a full-time Finance and Reporting Officer to join our team. 

Role overview

The Finance and Reporting Officer will be responsible for the effective day to day running of the charity’s finance function, by processing transactions accurately, maintaining robust financial records, carrying out month-end activities, and providing financial information to budget holders and senior staff.

Alongside this the role has an important part to play in data management and activity reporting. Working with the Data Officer you’ll assist with the maintenance and interrogation of programme monitoring data, ensuring information is accurate and timely.

You’ll need to be organised and with a great attention to detail. We’re seeking someone who is output orientated, whilst able to ensure the integrity of the information being presented. You’ll also need to be thorough at a transactional level yet able to summarise efficiently to a range of audiences.

Working with a broad range of stakeholders across the team, as well as trustees, auditors and external suppliers, you’ll need clear communication skills including being able to communicate financial information to non-finance colleagues. It’s a busy role and you’ll need to be adept at juggling a variety of responsibilities at the same time.

For full information on this role, including key responsibilities and person specification, please view the attached job pack.

• The closing date for applications is Monday 22 June 2026 at 12 noon.
• Applicants invited to interview will hear from us by Friday 26 June 2026. 
• Interviews are expected to be held via video call, likely 02 and 03 July 2026 (TBC). 

How to apply

• Please submit your application using the form in the redirect. 
• You will be asked to attach a supporting statement of no more than two sides of A4, addressing how you are a strong candidate for the position, details of relevant experience etc. You are advised to address the selection criteria for the role as detailed in the Person Specification. 
• Please note that applications will be shortlisted on an anonymous basis, so any identifying information should not be included in the supporting statement and will be removed prior to sharing with the panel

About Young Sounds UK

Young Sounds exists because musical talent is everywhere but opportunity isn’t: family finances and other obstacles too often get in the way. We’re here to change this in two key ways:

• We support young musicians from low-income families with funding and other help;
• We support music education through training, advocacy and research. 

We became an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation in April 2023 and also joined an expanded cohort of National Youth Music Organisations (NYMOs). We currently support over 1,000 individual young people across the UK every year and demand for our support is increasing. It’s an exciting time to join a pioneering organisation at the forefront of British music education.

Our small and fully remote team work across the UK, comprising a mix of full time and part time employees supported by specialist part time and term time freelancers.

Young Sounds UK is the working name for registered charity Awards for Young Musicians.

Join Disability Law Service and help empower Deaf and Disabled people to access justice. Support our vital work by playing a key role in strengthening our finance and administrative functions. 

Disability Law Service is a Deaf and Disabled Peoples Organisation providing free legal advice and representation to Deaf and Disabled people across England and Wales. We work to promote equality, inclusion, and access to justice through high-quality legal advice, welfare benefits support, and systems change work. Our work is grounded in the social model of disability and is focused on tackling discrimination and structural barriers faced by Deaf and Disabled people. 

Purpose of the role 

To support the financial and administrative operations of Disability Law Service, ensuring accurate financial management and efficient day-to-day organisational support. 

You will manage bookkeeping, legal aid billing, financial records, and general administrative processes, supporting the smooth running of organisational systems and compliance requirements. 

Key responsibilities 

• Manage bookkeeping, invoices, payments, and reconciliations 

• Take responsibility for billing processes and financial records 

• Prepare month-end adjustments (including accruals and prepayments) 

• Maintain accurate financial systems in line with charity and legal aid requirements 

• Support audit and compliance processes 

• Provide general administrative support 

• Use finance and office systems accurately and efficiently 

What we offer 

• Opportunities to develop experience in finance, administration, and legal processes within a charitable setting

• A supportive and inclusive working environment within a committed and experienced team

• A varied role where your work directly supports access to justice for Deaf and Disabled people.

Equality, diversity and inclusion 

We welcome applications from everyone and are particularly keen to support Deaf and Disabled people to join and develop within our organisation. We are a flexible employer committed to creating an inclusive environment in which everyone can thrive. 

To apply

To apply, please upload your CV and a supporting cover letter (up to 2 pages) outlining your suitability for the role via CharityJob. Please make sure you have fully read the Job Description and Person Specification before applying. 

ABOUT THE ROLE

Think Active is entering an exciting period of growth, collaboration and system leadership. Over the coming years, we aim to strengthen our influence and impact across Coventry, Solihull & Warwickshire, particularly in tackling inequalities through the power of sport and physical activity.

At the heart of our work is our vision:

#WeThinkActive – Everyone in Coventry, Solihull & Warwickshire to benefit from movement and enjoy sport and physical activity in safe and thriving communities.

And our mission:

We will use the power and potential of sport and physical activity to enable future generations to have healthier and more prosperous lives.

This new role of Strategic Partnership Lead: Coventry has been created following successful investment through Sport England’s Place Expansion programme for Coventry. The role will provide strategic leadership for the implementation and coordination of the Sport England Place Expansion investment across Coventry , including supporting the development and implementation of the emerging Coventry Physical Activity Partnership. 

The role reflects the growing recognition that physical activity has an important role to play in improving health, reducing inequalities and strengthening communities across Coventry. We envisage physical activity continuing to be used as part of the wider One Coventry approach to tackling the inequalities experienced by local people.

The postholder will be employed by Think Active but will work on behalf of the Coventry Physical Activity Partnership, bringing together partners from across sectors around a shared vision and agenda for change.

Any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory references, pre-employment checks, a DBS check and proof of the right to work in the UK.

BASE LOCATION & WORKING APPROACH

Think Active’s headquarters are at 1 Mill Street in Leamington Spa; however, this role will also be expected to work from a range of locations across Coventry, reflecting the partnership and place-based nature of the role.

This role requires a strong commitment to system working, including engaging with partners and stakeholders where they are and at times that best support collaboration and impact. As such, there may be a requirement for occasional evening and weekend work. 

There will also be occasional travel regionally and nationally to support partnership working, learning, and organisational priorities. 

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ROLE

Uphold the values, culture and customer charter of Think Active in your behaviour and your work. 

Reporting to the Development Director, the Strategic Partnership Lead: Coventry will will act as a senior leader within Think Active, shaping our strategic role and leading the implementation of the Sport England Place Expansion investment across Coventry, ensuring strong partnership working, effective programme delivery and a collaborative, community-centred approach. 

The role will play a key part in ensuring physical activity is embedded within wider system priorities across Coventry, including health, wellbeing, inequalities, communities and place-based working.

The postholder will be expected to uphold the values, culture and customer charter of Think Active in their behaviour and work.

Strategic Leadership and Place Development

• Lead and project manage the implementation of the Sport England Place Expansion investment across Coventry, ensuring delivery aligns with the Conditions of Award

• Lead the development and implementation of the Place Expansion Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Framework for Coventry

• Support the strategic development of the Coventry Physical Activity Partnership and contribute to shaping its long-term direction and priorities

• Help position physical activity as part of the solution to wider social, health and community challenges within Coventry

• Influence and align partners to adopt whole-system thinking and inclusive, community-centred approaches

• Identify opportunities to strengthen collaboration, investment and impact across the Coventry system

• Ensure the voices and experiences of communities help shape priorities, approaches and decision-making

System Leadership

•  Position physical activity and movement as a contributing solution within wider prevention, inequality, wellbeing and community agendas across Coventry. 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with partners and stakeholders across sectors, including:

  • NHS organisations and health systems

  • Local Authority teams

  • Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) organisations

  • Community groups and residents

  • Strategic and operational delivery partners

• Act as a trusted partner, facilitator and connector across Coventry’s system landscape

• Convene and coordinate partners around shared agendas and priorities

• Be adept at navigating barriers and challenges to partnership working when they arise

• Represent Think Active and the Coventry Physical Activity Partnership within relevant boards, partnerships and working groups

• Support organisations and communities to co-design sustainable solutions that embed physical activity within communities and services

• Identify opportunities to strengthen long-term sustainability, investment and system ownership of Coventry’s Physical Activity Partnership. 

 Project Management, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning

• Manage the Place Expansion budget and ensure effective oversight of investment and resources

• Manage timelines, delivery plans, risks and reporting requirements

• Ensure robust monitoring, evaluation and learning approaches are embedded throughout delivery

• Contribute to capturing insight, learning and impact across the partnership and share this with stakeholders, including Sport England

• Support the development of local capacity by mentoring and supporting organisations and partners

• Ensure delivery remains aligned to community need, strategic priorities and organisational values

 Governance, Reporting and Contribution to Wider Organisational Priorities

• Prepare reports and updates for Think Active, partners, funders and governance groups as required

• Ensure delivery aligns with organisational governance, funding requirements and reporting frameworks

• Contribute to organisational learning and wider Think Active priorities

• Work collaboratively across the Think Active team, avoiding siloed approaches to delivery and partnership working

• Adhere to Think Active safeguarding, equality, health and safety, data protection and confidentiality policies

• Undertake any other duties appropriate to the role as directed by the line manager and/or Chief Executive

PERSON SPECIFICATION: RELEVANT KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

A successful candidate for this role would be able to demonstrate the following skills, experience and knowledge:

Qualifications 

Essential Criteria 

• Educated to degree level or equivalent relevant professional experience in community development, public health, sport and physical activity, social policy, partnership working or related fields 

Desirable Criteria 

• Project management, systems leadership or facilitation qualification 

Experience 

Essential Criteria 

• Significant experience of leading or coordinating complex partnership programmes, projects or strategic initiatives across multiple organisations and stakeholders 

• Experience of working within partnership, public sector, health, community or system leadership environments 

• Proven ability to build, influence and maintain effective relationships with senior stakeholders, partners and communities 

• Experience of convening organisations and stakeholders around shared priorities, outcomes or strategic agendas

•  Experience of leading or supporting place-based, systems change or collaborative approaches to tackling inequalities 

• Experience of managing complex programmes, interconnected priorities, budgets and delivery plans 

• Experience of monitoring progress, managing risk and reporting to partners, governance groups or funders 

• Experience of amplifying community voice and lived experience to shape strategic priorities, partnership approaches or service design 

Desirable Criteria 

• Experience of working within Active Partnerships, Sport England funded programmes or wider place-based investment programmes 

•  Experience of working within or alongside local government, NHS, VCFSE or community-led systems 

•  Experience of working within Coventry or similar urban communities experiencing inequalities 

•  Experience of supporting or facilitating co-production, community engagement or participatory approaches 

• Experience of managing commissioned work, procurement processes or contract oversight 

• Experience of line management, mentoring or workforce development 

•  Experience of developing or applying monitoring, evaluation and learning frameworks 

• Experience of securing investment, funding or partnership contributions 

Knowledge 

Essential Criteria 

• Strong understanding of the role physical activity, movement and sport can play in improving health, reducing inequalities and strengthening communities 

• Understanding of systems leadership, partnership working and collaborative approaches to change 

• Understanding of inequalities, barriers to participation and the wider social determinants that influence health and wellbeing 

• Understanding of community-centred approaches, co-production and asset-based ways of working 

Desirable Criteria 

• Knowledge of Sport England’s Uniting the Movement strategy and place-based investment approaches 

• Knowledge of local policy, partnership or community landscapes across Coventry 

• Knowledge of monitoring, evaluation, insight and learning approaches within community or systems-based programmes 

• Awareness of current national policy relating to prevention, population health or place-based working 

 Skills 

Essential Criteria 

• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate complexity and ambiguity 

• Excellent relationship-building, influencing and stakeholder engagement skills 

• Ability to bring people together around a shared purpose and create momentum for change 

• Strong programme and project management skills, including planning, coordination and oversight of multiple workstreams 

• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate clearly with different audiences and sectors 

•  Ability to analyse information, identify opportunities and translate insight into action and partnership development 

•  Confident digital literacy skills, including use of Microsoft Office and collaborative working tools 

Desirable Criteria 

• Facilitation, workshop design or group process skills 

• Presentation or public speaking experience 

• Experience of developing reports, business cases or funding proposals

ABOUT THINK ACTIVE

Think Active is a charity and the Active Partnership for Coventry, Solihull, and Warwickshire. We are one of 6 sub-regional Active Partnerships within the West Midlands and one of 42 across England.

Active Partnerships are strategic organisations that recognise activity levels are affected by a complex system of influences, and no single organisation or programme can create sustainable change at scale. Understanding the unique attributes and challenges within Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire, we work collaboratively with our network of local partners to help create the right conditions for those facing the greatest inequalities to have access to movement, sport and physical activity, in a way that works for them For further information on Think Active, please visit our website here 

BENEFITS OF WORKING FOR THINK ACTIVE

• Employer pension contribution of 6%, subject to scheme eligibility and terms.27 days annual leave (FTE), plus bank holidays.

• Agile and flexible working, with a blended approach to home, office, and remote working.

• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and sick leave policies.

• Contribution to the cost of eye tests.

• Commitment to professional development and training.

• Cycle to Work Scheme.

• Life Insurance cover

 We love difference and will be interested to find out what motivates you and how you can contribute to Think Active. We encourage diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are a Disability Confident committed employer, and we actively encourage applicants from all protected characteristics and commit to providing any reasonable adjustments required during the application and assessment process, and upon joining Think Active.

We recognise that some of the language used within this job description may be sector specific. We are committed to keeping jargon to a minimum and would encourage interested applicants to ask questions or seek clarification at any point during our recruitment process.

This is an exciting opportunity to take on a strategic, outward-facing role where you will build partnerships, develop new opportunities to expand our reach and impact.​​

�� What you’ll be doing

• Leading the expansion of F4YP services into new geographical areas

• Building strong relationships with schools, local authorities, and partners

• Creating referral pathways to increase access for children and families

• Identifying opportunities and supporting funding bids and proposals

• Strengthening local systems to better support young people’s wellbeing

• Raising the profile of F4YP across new communities and networks

�� What we’re looking for

• Experience in partnership building, outreach, or service development

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills

• Experience contributing to funding applications or commissioned work

• Ability to think strategically while delivering results

• A proactive, confident individual who thrives in a growing environment​

�� Bedford / Hybrid (Beds, Herts, Cambs) | ⏰ Full-time | �� 3-year fixed term | Working pattern: 9-day fortnight (one day off every two weeks

Could you lead Babbasa into its next chapter?

Babbasa is one of Bristol’s most recognised youth empowerment organisations, supporting talented young people from low-income and ethnically diverse communities to progress into employment, education and enterprise.

Founded in 2010, our name comes from an ancient African word meaning “ordinary people coming together to act as a support bridge.” That belief continues to shape everything we do.

Over the past 15 years, we have supported more than 4,000 young people, built powerful partnerships across business, education and civic sectors, and received national recognition including the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Promoting Opportunity through Social Mobility.

We are now entering an important new phase.

Following a period of organisational reset and renewal, Babbasa is implementing a bold and focused 2026 strategy centred on:

• A single Integrated Youth Empowerment Programme

• A stronger, values-led organisational culture

• A modernised operating model and digital infrastructure

• Sustainable growth and long-term impact

We are seeking an exceptional Managing Director to succeed our Founding Director and help lead Babbasa through this next chapter with clarity, discipline, compassion and ambition.

About the Role

As Managing Director, you will work closely with the Board, senior team, employees, partners and young people to:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across the organisation

• Embed Babbasa’s new integrated programme model

• Strengthen financial sustainability, governance and organisational resilience

• Build trusted relationships with funders, employers, civic leaders and community partners

• Support and develop a committed, ambitious team

• Champion Babbasa’s manifesto and values of Kindness, Imagination and Determination

• Act as a visible and credible public leader for the organisation locally and nationally

This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected social mobility organisation at a pivotal moment in its journey.

Who We’re Looking For

We are looking for a values-led and emotionally intelligent leader who combines strategic thinking with strong operational capability.

You may come from the charity, social enterprise, education, youth, public or private sectors, but you will bring:

• Senior leadership experience within an organisation or service

• Experience of leading teams through change, growth or transition

• Strong financial, governance and operational management capability

• Experience of building partnerships, securing funding and/or developing income streams

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills

• A genuine commitment to improving outcomes for young people

• A collaborative and inclusive leadership style

An understanding of the barriers faced by people living in ethnically diverse and/or low-income communities is vital.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role. 

Why Join Babbasa?

At Babbasa, you will join an organisation with:

• A nationally recognised social mobility mission

• Deep roots within Bristol’s communities

• A strong manifesto and values-led culture

• An ambitious and committed Board and team

• Significant opportunity to shape the future direction of the organisation

We believe talent should never be limited by background — and we are looking for a leader who shares that belief.

Additional Information

• 23 days annual leave plus bank holidays

• Pension contribution scheme

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements

• Evening and occasional weekend representation required

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Babbasa is proud to be an equal opportunity organisation. We actively encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented communities and backgrounds. We believe our diversity strengthens our work and helps us better serve the young people and communities we exist to support.

Babbasa exists to ensure that talent is never limited by background. Join us in building a more inclusive and opportunity-rich future.