Communication manager jobs in City of edinburgh, west midlands

About Us

People’s Economy aims to build the agency and power of people facing injustice and working for social change so that they have the expertise, capabilities and resources to develop their own analysis of how the economic system is a root cause of the injustice they face, develop strategies to change it and then take action with others. Our vision is for a world with economies that meet the needs and priorities of people currently experiencing economic injustice.

About the Role

This role leads our work across Birmingham at an exciting moment. We are developing a participatory, community-centred approach to analysing the city's economy, identifying opportunities for change and coordinating alliances to act on them. This means bringing together mixed groups, including grassroots changemakers, researchers, funders and other partners, and facilitating processes that help people make sense of complex information together, find common ground and make decisions about collective priorities. The role requires someone who can hold these processes well: strong facilitation skills, communicating complex ideas accessibly, building trust across groups, sustaining momentum over time and helping diverse coalitions move from analysis to strategy to action.

The Senior Programme and Network Lead will develop and deliver initiatives that support a growing movement for economic justice across the city, with a particular focus on building support and engagement amongst grassroots changemakers and communities experiencing economic injustice. It will manage projects and resources, conduct programme development and delivery, oversee outreach and partnerships, changemaker recruitment and contribute to fundraising, ultimately playing a key role in shaping our regional impact. This position is crucial in coordinating our work across Birmingham and driving meaningful collaboration with local and national stakeholders, in particular working collaboratively with Economic Justice Brum, a long-standing initiative working on local economic systems change.

Online Open House

Come and meet us! Candidates are invited to attend an information webinar and to meet some of the team on Wednesday 13th May at 12pm or Wednesday 21st May at 5pm. Both webinars will cover the same content, so there is no need to attend both.

For the full role description, Open House registration information and details on how to apply please visit our website by clicking 'How to Apply' below.

Change Mental Health is a leading national mental health charity providing unique support to people with severe and enduring mental ill health. With over 50 years’ experience across Scotland, they believe people affected by poor mental health and illness deserve the highest quality of support in the community and that every person has the right to be valued and to share in the opportunities, challenges, and joys of everyday life. 

The charity’s goal is to change mental health services for the better: to make them more accessible, more people centered and of a higher quality. Change Mental Health want to do exactly what their name suggests; to change the stigma around mental health and mental illness, so that more people can access the support they need. 

Fundraising at Change Mental Health is highly relational and deeply people‑focused. This brand new Fundraiser role offers the chance to build meaningful relationships with supporters, volunteers, community groups and businesses, many of whom are motivated by personal connections to mental health. Each week in the Fundraiser role will be different, and much of the role takes place outside the office, including attending events, meeting fundraisers, visiting corporate partners and representing Change Mental Health across Scotland.

This role could suit someone with experience within a fundraising team who is looking to broaden their scope, work in a national charity or work for a cause thats positively impacting mental health.

Application notes 

Please download the Candidate Info Pack provided for further information about the role, timelines and next steps.

To progress your application, please contact THINK Recruitment to organise an informal screening call. Please note, we cannot shortlist candidates who have not had a screening call so please allow enough time to have a call before the closing date.

Closing date for applications: Midnight Tuesday 26th May 

Interviews are expected to be held on Thursday 4th June 

The Business Development Team provides a specialist support function to enable the organisation to achieve its growth objectives. We promote the strategic growth of the organisation by supporting the retention of existing work and securing new contracts via competitive tender and business proposals.

This is an exciting opportunity for a Bid Writer with demonstratable writing experience and knowledge to join us and write applications that fully articulate Family Action’s offer.  Experience relevant for your effectiveness in the role might be from various sectors.  If you are passionate about supporting us to submit high-quality tenders and applications, achieving success rates whilst engaging with our services to contribute and evidence the impact of their work for inclusion in submissions then we would like to hear from you.

Bowel Cancer UK is the UK’s leading bowel cancer charity. We’re determined to save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by bowel cancer. We support and fund targeted research, provide expert information and support to patients and their families, educate the public and professionals about the disease and campaign for early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care.

We currently have employees working across four nations in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we’re in a privileged position to be able to deliver our ambitious new strategy, On a Mission. There are huge challenges facing bowel cancer patients across the UK and our community needs us now more than ever. We’re building a strong and united team to bring us closer to a world where nobody dies of bowel cancer.

Job Summary

This role forms a key part of a new Strategy & Insight Team at Bowel Cancer UK, which seeks to build core capabilities to enable us to be as effective as we can be for people affected by bowel cancer. The Audience Insight Specialist will be an internal leader, building our capability to understand our core audiences and the people we need to reach to achieve our strategic goals. You will support a cultural shift in how the charity takes an audience-led approach to planning, decision-making, and communications, as our CRM, data infrastructure, and Strategy & Insight functions continue to develop. Making best use of internal and external sources, you will distil data into meaningful insight, tailored to different audiences. You will support a consistent approach to audiences across the organisation, while flexing to meet the needs of different teams, ensuring that any understanding of audience is rooted in evidence.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and at Bowel Cancer UK we are committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Successful candidates may be subject to either a satisfactory basic, standard or enhanced DBS check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) dependent upon the role.

The Pepper Foundation is a local charity funding children’s hospice care at home, specialised play and family days for children living with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions in Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire. 

The Trusts & Foundations Fundraiser will be joining Pepper at an exciting time as we launch our new three-year fundraising strategy. Backed by committed investment and with full Board approval, we are delighted to be growing the charity to deliver sustainable income that directly supports local children and families with hospice care in the comfort of their own homes.

Working closely with the Head of Trusts & Foundations, you will play a pivotal role in increasing income from trusts and foundations by developing and managing a strong pipeline of funders, securing new grants, and building long-term relationships that lead to increased and multi-year support. You will research and prepare compelling applications to both new and existing funders, alongside producing timely, engaging reports that clearly demonstrate impact.

This role requires a highly organised and motivated individual with a passion for writing, strong attention to detail, and the ability to deliver exceptional cultivation, stewardship and relationship management of trusts and foundations aligned with our mission.

Your work will directly support hospice at home care, specialist play services, and meaningful family days out for children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions – making a tangible difference to families during the most difficult of times.

Hours: 22.5 hours per week working from home – applicants must live within Hertfordshire or Buckinghamshire (or surrounding counties)

Salary: £19,800 per annum for 22.5 hours per week (£33,000 FTE per annum)

Key requirements:

• Work with the Head of Trusts & Foundations to agreed income targets and growth.
• Build and maintain a strong pipeline of small and medium trusts and foundations (giving up to £10,000).
• Produce high-quality, tailored applications to prospective funders aligned with agreed criteria.
• Prepare meaningful update reports, demonstrating the impact of a funder’s support, whilst ensuring all reporting requirements and deadlines are met.
• Deliver excellent relationship management and stewardship through regular reporting and tailored communications.
• Conduct prospect research to identify and prioritise new trust funding opportunities aligned with The Pepper Foundation’s work.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all communications on the Donorfy CRM database whilst keeping abreast of GDPR.
• Stay up to date with current trends in trust fundraising.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, including the Fundraising Regulator Code of Practice, and internal Safeguarding Policies.
• Represent The Pepper Foundation at events as required.

How to apply: For further details about the role, please download our recruitment pack. Please send your CV with a cover letter explaining why you would make a great candidate for this role and how you meet the job description. 

Closing date: 1st June 2026 at 5pm

Interview dates: First-round interviews on 10th and 11th June and second-round interviews on 15th June 2026.

Interviews will take place at our office in Berkhamsted. Please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements or need any adjustments for the interview.

If appointed, an enhanced DBS check will be required.

Role outline and purpose

The Organising and Local Mobilisation (OLM) Manager is responsible for managing ongoing support to food banks as they organise and campaign for change. This varied, proactive, and fast-paced role will involve working closely with grant funded Local Organisers as part of Trussell’s Organising Programme, frequently visiting food banks and delivering online and in person training.

You will hold responsibility for providing direct support as food banks develop effective campaign strategies – covering local and Trussell priorities – and ensuring they have the capacity, skills, and resources to deliver them. You will also work closely with other departments at Trussell and external partners to support food banks outside of the Organising Programme to influence locally and play a leading role in mobilising them to campaign for change. 

This role is part of Trussell’s Supportive Communities programme, the goal of which is to enable local communities to become places where people at risk of needing to use a food bank are supported and are using their agency to bring about meaningful changes that prevent anybody from needing emergency food. This role is focused on the successful delivery of the overall programme outcomes, contributing to the fulfilment of our long term vision of a UK without the need for food banks.

Role responsibilities

· Network area-wide delivery of the Organising Programme: Lead and manage the delivery of OLM’s Organising Programme in your network area, recruiting food banks to join, providing in person and online training and ongoing relational support to Local Organisers to ensure campaign strategies are developed and delivered. Organise and lead area-wide training, clusters, or events for food bank staff and volunteers to promote co-operation and sharing of good practice around local influencing. 

· Training, learning and programme development: Play a key role in the design and delivery of a programme of training and other learning for food banks covering organising, mobilising, and influencing. Contributing to impact and process evaluations and assisting food banks involved to explore future sources of funding, as required.

· Supporting food banks to influence locally: Empower food banks to develop their local influencing work, triaging influencing issues and managing input from other relevant Trussell Trust experts to provide ongoing support that enables the food bank to progress their influencing work. 

· Mobilising food banks in Trussell’s campaigns: Support the development and promotion of national Trussell policy campaigns, working with other teams and external partners to engage the food banks you support in taking action - including how they might take ownership of campaigns locally and help shape those priorities.

· Internal stakeholder engagement: Project manage OLM’s involvement in assigned cross-organisational projects – e.g. a policy campaign or strategic project, ensuring the OLM team are consulted, negotiating with other teams and making decisions accordingly. As part of an area-based matrix team you’ll work closely with other food bank facing staff to ensure a joined up approach to food bank support, effective communication, as well as sharing learning and best practice. 

· External stakeholder engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with food bank leaders, staff, volunteers, and trustees, as well as establishing effective partnerships with a range of stakeholders such as local authorities, community organisations, and churches. 

Person Specification

Technical skills and minimum knowledge:

·  Experience of delivering organising work and/or campaigning for change at a grassroots, local and/or national level. 

· Excellent knowledge and understanding of the political landscape of your assigned area. 

· A confident communicator with the ability to successfully influence and negotiate with a wide range of stakeholders, including food bank staff and volunteers, local authorities, community organisations, and churches. 

· Knowledge and experience of a wide range of campaigning tactics, campaign planning and developing theories of change. 

· Ability to develop and deliver training for organisers, trustees, staff and volunteers from food banks, including event management. 

Behaviours and competencies:

· Demonstrate a commitment to the values of Trussell. 

· Role models inclusive behaviour and values, including demonstrating empathy for people from disadvantaged, marginalised or socially- excluded backgrounds. 

· Able to build effective relationships with people from diverse backgrounds and with differing life experience, including in contexts where Christian faith plays a major part, and in which people of all faiths and none collaborate to make a difference together.  

· Effective project management ensuring alignment with the Trussell vision and strategy and collaborative working to maximise integration and effectiveness of activities

· Is tenacious, proactive, creative and propositional, and makes things happen. 

· Able to solve complex problems; with a self-motivated and solutions-focused outlook 

Key Stakeholders

·  Food banks, including local organisers, project managers, volunteers, and people they support. 

· The wider OLM team. 

· Network Area Teams, who support food banks in their day-to-day work

· Grants team 

· Participation team 

· Making Social Security Work programme team

· Others TBC

Sight Scotland is Scotland’s leading charity providing specialist care, education and research for people with vision impairment. The charity has been in existence for over 230 years, and offer a variety of services in the community as well as education, transcription into alternative formats and residential care for adults and children. Their vision is of an inclusive Scotland where people of all visual abilities have the opportunity to thrive. To achieve their mission they are looking for a Fundraising Manager focused on trusts and grants who will cultivate a pipeline of opportunities and ensure an excellent funder experience, to provide Sight Scotland with sustainable income.  

The Trusts and Grants Fundraiser is a new role brought in to support with this growing income stream. This is an initial 2 year fixed term contract with the potential to become a permanent position.

The fundraiser will work beneath and with the Fundraising Manager – Trusts to develop trust income. Specifically the post holder will manage the small trust portfolio, support with reporting on KPIs and impact, create engaging cases for support, and support the Manager with various tasks, freeing them up to develop larger, strategic bids.

This role would suit someone who has experience of trusts and grants, either at an officer or fundraiser level, who can demonstrate experience of developing a trust and grants pipeline, creating compelling applications and directly delivering income success.

Application notes

Please download the Candidate Info Pack provided for further information about the role, timelines and next steps.

To progress your application, please contact THINK Recruitment using the details within the Candidate Pack to organise an informal screening call. Please note, we cannot shortlist candidates who have not had a screening call so please allow enough time to have a call before the closing date.

If you need assistance with downloading the pack, please contact the THINK Recruitment team for support.

Closing date for applications: Midnight Tuesday 19th May 2026

Interviews are expected to be held on Thursday 28th May 2026

Operations Specialist Opportunity:

We are seeking an experienced operations specialist with excellent IT knowledge to deliver a fixed-term internal operations project which will focus on a number of project outputs related to reviewing, updating and embedding key organisational policies, procedures, systems and training to support the smooth running of our operations, including a focus on CRM, IT, data protection and procurement.

Background and purpose:

Stronger Together is an impact driven, not for profit organisation providing businesses with practical training, resources, business services and collaborative programmes to create a world where all workers are recruited responsibly and have fair work free from exploitation. Read more about our story on our About Us page.

Project Outputs:

The intended project outputs include the following- Appx. 35 days are available to deliver these project outputs over a minimum of 16 weeks (2/2.5 days per week) to ensure wider capacity to review outputs and embed with the team, and a maximum of 20 weeks.

Review and update of IT security and user guideReview of Data protection and GDPR policy and processesReview and update of Organisational policies and processes, e.g. Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy; Health and Safety Policy; Environmental/Sustainability Policy; Supplier Code of ConductReview of training/free places admin management process and recommendations for efficiency improvements (considering process and technology systems)Operational team support on our ACT CRM systemReview of storage monitoring and SharePoint/OneDrive systems and processComparison Eventbrite/alternative ticketing systemsAnnual insurance reviewDevelopment and delivery of training for team on various systems, policies and processes as per aboveDevelopment of concise brief with recommendations for ongoing management, maintenance and team training on the above.Ad-hoc projects as capacity and company prioritisation allows

Person Specification

Who you are:

• An experienced operations professional with strong experience working in/with SMEs, preferably in the not-for-profit sector, in reviewing and maintaining robust operations systems, incl. data protection, IT security, governance, business continuity, procurement and supplier management and CRM, with excellent IT knowledge
• A great solutions-focused organiser, with the ability to set and meet targets and deadlines, and to hold others accountable to those
• Comfortable in a multi-disciplined role with varied projects running concurrently
• A motivated and enthusiastic person, able to work independently and with remote colleagues/stakeholders
• A confident trainer, motivated by delivering internal training to build colleague knowledge and skills
• UK-based with eligibility to work in the UK

To view the full Person Specification click here

What we can offer you:

• A fixed term (4-5 months), part-time (0.4-0.5 FTE) employment contract, salary band £38,697 – £50,596 gross annually for full-time, for this role pro rata equivalent, or: consultancy contract for 35 days over a minimum of 16 weeks to max. 16 weeks; starting date in June or July 2026
• Being part of an innovative and exciting not for profit organisation
• A friendly global team which is passionate about and committed to fair work, responsible recruitment and systemic change
• UK home-based, with regular online meetings.

Application process:

Details: Closing date: Wed 20th May 2026 | Interviews: w/c 1st June 2026 | Starting date: June/July 2026

To apply: Please visit our website.

Engagement Partner Scotland 

Job Description and Person Specification

Reporting to: Area Manager 

Direct reports: None 

Location of work: Scotland – Glasgow/Edinburgh or surrounding area. This post holder will be based at home and will deliver a hybrid model of engagement, combining in-person visits to schools and other establishments within an allocated local area with remote engagement.  

The role will require regular local travel, including some early morning breakfast visits, and irregular travel throughout the UK with minimal overnight stays. A full driver’s licence and use of a vehicle is required. 

Contract type: Term time only 

Contract Length: Permanent

Salary:  £31,500 (this will be pro rata to the working pattern)

Job Purpose 

Magic Breakfast’s mission is to end child morning hunger in the UK now and for good. The Engagement Partner – Hybrid will be responsible for delivering both face to face and remote engagement with schools, teachers, children and young people, and their wider communities within an allocated area. The role will support schools with the setup, rollout and continuous improvement of breakfast provision, and engage with school communities to educate on the importance of breakfast on learning, enabling increased uptake in a barrier and stigma free way by optimising provision and encouraging reach.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES  

• To develop strong relationships with supported schools in the allocated area, enabling, preserving, embedding, enhancing and extending stigma- and barrier-free breakfast provision through a combination of in person and remote engagement.

• To educate and engage the wider school community, including teachers, parents and children and young people, on the importance of breakfast and the implications of hunger as a barrier to learning through assemblies, staff meetings, online support, virtual and in-person events, and regional events throughout the academic year.

• To support the recruitment of new schools by launching new breakfast provisions through a hybrid delivery model, adapting to the requirements of each school and the needs of children and young people, and advising on best practice.

• To support supporter visits, volunteering activity, funder engagement and any related requirements, both in person and remotely.

• To support any media requests as directed through the Policy & Engagement team.

WHAT WE OFFER

At Magic Breakfast we value our employees and work hard to develop offer a supportive, respectful culture which enables everyone to thrive.

Please see our job pack below

Please see our webiste for more infromation on Magic Breakfast

APPLICATION PROCCESS

Should you wish to discuss the role before applying please email our People and Culture Team, HR @ magicbreakfast. com

Shortlisting: 26th & 27th May 

Interview 1: Tuesday 2nd and Wednesday 3rd June 

Interview 2: Tuesday 9th and Wednesday 10th June

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications are received. This is to ensure that we can manage application levels whilst maintaining a positive candidate experience. Unfortunately, once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications.

The Therapies Caseworker will be responsible for supporting delivery of Ben’s therapy provision including Ben’s 24/7 support line and onward therapy referrals. This role requires strong administration and caseworking skills, a level of specialist knowledge or experience and a commitment to providing person centred, compassionate support for those who are struggling or in crisis.

Key responsibilities

• • Provide access to information, advice and guidance regarding Ben’s 24/7 support line and therapy provision.
  • Supporting the Therapies Co-ordinator to manage therapy referrals for service users, helping to ensure that support is delivered in a timely and effective manner.
  • Facilitate referrals to external providers and third parties as applicable to meet service user needs.
  • Review referrals from Ben’s external provider of 24/7 support line and counselling services to assess and provide casework that require ongoing contact whilst receiving therapy support and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders a required, including Ben’s Support Case Managers should this be required.
  • Advocate for service users should this be needed to help ensure the appropriate and effective support and care can be accessed.
  • Help to ensure all service users receive appropriate and effective support and care throughout their engagement with Ben’s support line and therapy provision.
  • Provide emotional support and crisis intervention for service users should the need arise.
  • Maintaining and updating accurate service user records in maintaining confidentiality and GDPR requirements.

· To communicate in a professional and sensitive manner clinical and non-clinical advice and guidance within the scope of the service and practice to both internal and external stakeholders.

· Support Ben’s Urgent Response Service offering briefings, providing listening ear activity and therapeutic activities as and when required.

• • Support with the ongoing management and expansion of Ben’s therapy directory of providers and associates as required.

· In the absence of Therapies Co-ordinator or when needed may be required to set up new providers and associates, including due diligence checks which are also in line with new supplier requirements for financial administration.

· Support with the collection of management information and service user client outcomes and satisfaction data and insights.

· Collaborate on initiatives and projects that advance Ben’s charitable mission and objectives.

· Ensure any associated targets, SLA’s are worked towards and achieved and any underperformance is escalated accordingly.

· There may be times when the Therapies Caseworker may be required to support additional duties or projects. This will be discussed with them and agreed with their line manager.

Whilst this role does not specifically require the individual in post to be a clinician, this would be a desirable and enable the postholder to deliver internal therapeutic support for specific cases, providing telephone / virtual counselling sessions to identified individuals. In this instance, the postholder would also be required to maintain their professional registrations and CPD (Continuing Professional Development) as applicable, this will be supported by the organisation also.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities and will be regularly reviewed and amended, as necessary.

Job Specific Competencies

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and establish positive relationships with service users, colleagues, and external partners.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple cases and priorities effectively and maintain accurate and detailed records.
• Proficiency in crisis intervention techniques and the ability to provide emotional support and guidance to service users in distress.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders, and to represent the organisation effectively in professional settings.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to coordinate referrals to third parties.

• Compassionate and empathetic, with a genuine desire to support individuals and families affected by mental health issues and provide them with the care and support they need.
• Resilient and adaptable, with the ability to remain calm and composed in high-pressure situations and effectively manage stress and challenging circumstances.
• Ethical and professional, with a commitment to upholding the highest standards of confidentiality, integrity, and ethical conduct in all aspects of work.

· Collaborative and team-oriented, with a willingness to collaborate with colleagues, share knowledge and expertise, and contribute to a positive and supportive team culture.

· Commitment to ongoing learning and professional development, with a willingness to stay informed about emerging trends, research, and best practices in counselling and therapy.

· Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks, manage multiple responsibilities, and meet deadlines.

• Proficient in the use of Microsoft 365 Products such as CRM & SharePoint

Should the postholder have a clinical background:

• Excellent clinical skills, with the ability to assess client needs, develop treatment plans, and provide evidence-based counselling and therapy services.

Qualifications required

· It is not an essential requirement to hold a specific qualification for this role

· It would be desirable for the postholder to have or be working towards a minimum Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling or equivalent, or alternatively registered as a health, mental health, or social care practitioner e.g. BACP/UKCP/HCPC/BABCP or equivalent

· It would be desirable for the postholder to have a level 3 or 4 IAG qualification

· Commitment to ongoing learning and professional development, with a willingness to stay informed about emerging trends, research, and best practices in counselling and therapy.

Experience required

• Experience of providing case management / casework support
• Experience of delivering emotional or mental health triage or relevant assessment services
• Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of issues affecting individuals with a broad range of psychosocial and mental health concerns, lifestyle, and wellbeing.
• Working knowledge of the legal framework in which counselling and talking therapies sits e.g. GDPR, Safeguarding & SASH (Suicide and Self-Harm) Policies and procedures.
• Experience of working in a health, mental health, social care setting.
• Experience in working effectively with people from diverse social and cultural backgrounds.
• Knowledge of mental health issues, trauma-informed care, and best practices in counselling and therapy, with a commitment to person-cantered and culturally sensitive care.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and establish positive relationships with clients, colleagues, and external partners.
• Experience in crisis intervention, suicide prevention, or similar support line services is highly desirable.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders, and to represent the organisation effectively in professional settings.
• Shows commitment to Ben’s vision, purpose, and mission, with a passion for supporting individuals and their families.

Our Values

· Passionate

· Respectful

· Inclusive

· Driven

· Empowered

This job is suitable for someone who…

· Can demonstrate flexibility and be adaptable

· Is conscientious and motivated to deliver to deadlines

· Shows creativity and takes a solution focused approach

· Is open and honest and demonstrates integrity

· Has the desire to help and support others

· Is approachable

· Is passionate about the services we deliver

· Is seeking to enhance and continuously improve self and the services we provide

· Shares our ambition to save the lives of our automotive family

· Is passionate about making a positive difference to people’s lives

· Is passionate about people and their importance in making an organisation successful

· Is proactive and enjoys interacting with people from all walks of life

What does it take to lead the national voice for special schools at a time of real change?

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – National Association of Special Schools (NASS)

National – home-based, with regular travel across England and Wales, particularly London

£90,000–£110,000 per annum

Full-time, permanent.

About NASS 

The National Association of Special Schools (NASS) is the membership association for special schools in England and Wales. We bring together independent special schools, non-maintained special schools, special academies, maintained special schools and multi-academy trusts with specialist provision.

We exist to inform, support and represent our members, helping specialist schools improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND and secure the place of specialist provision within the wider education system. NASS is known for being accessible, responsive and personal, combining national influence with practical support that members value as timely, human and trustworthy.

This is a pivotal moment for the organisation. In February this year, the Department for Education published a major white paper on SEND reform which will require NASS to both influence national policy on behalf of our members and children and young people, as well as support them to navigate the changes. Our new CEO will need to review our strategy while building on our strong platform and momentum to further deepen our influence and strengthen our internal capacity.

As our next Chief Executive, you will:

• Strategy & Impact: Lead NASS through a period of policy and structural change, ensuring the organisation remains clear on purpose, responsive to members and influential in the SEND landscape.
• Governance & Finance: Work closely with the Board of Trustees to provide strong governance, prudent financial stewardship, robust risk management and clear strategic oversight.
• Operational Leadership: Provide confident leadership to a small, remote team, strengthening collaboration, accountability, resilience and a positive, high-trust culture.
• Income Generation: Oversee budgeting, planning and reporting while developing thoughtful opportunities to diversify income through membership, partnerships, events and related activity.
• Community & Partnerships: Build and sustain trusted relationships with government, parliament, regulators, sector bodies and member schools, ensuring NASS remains relevant and well connected.
• Member Services: Protect and enhance the practical offer to members, from briefings and special interest groups to conferences, webinars, training and peer-to-peer learning.
• Brand & Profile: Act as a credible public ambassador for NASS, helping to modernise communications and broaden the organisation’s voice beyond a founder-shaped model.
• Future Growth: Shape a distributed leadership profile and support a more varied, accessible and engaging approach to membership, advocacy and communications.
• A seasoned senior leader with experience in a charity, membership body, education or public sector setting, and a clear track record of leading through change.
• A strong strategic thinker, able to absorb complex information quickly and translate it into clear, practical direction.
• A confident communicator with the gravitas to represent NASS with members, staff, trustees, MPs, peers, media and national partners.
• A politically astute relationship-builder, comfortable navigating a complex and fast-moving external environment.
• Experienced in governance, with a sound understanding of working with boards or trustees and supporting effective decision-making.
• Numerate and commercially minded, with experience of budgets, financial planning, income generation or partnership development.
• Credible, approachable and resilient, with the emotional intelligence to lead well in a high-profile, remote and sometimes uncertain context.
• Direct SEND experience would be a significant advantage, alongside understanding of specialist education or similarly complex stakeholder environments.

Why NASS?

• This is a chance to lead a respected, member-led organisation with a strong national reputation and a clear public purpose.
• You will help shape the future of specialist education at a time when SEND reform is high on the agenda.
• NASS has a loyal, experienced and collegiate remote staff team, supported by an active Board of Trustees.
• The organisation offers a genuinely influential platform, with strong connections across the sector and with government.

Application

For full details of the role including how to apply, please download the full appointment brief. For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny Hills at Harris Hill via apply button with times to speak and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile which will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 8th June 2026

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.

Job Description

Key responsibilities:

1. Events Marketing

• To oversee the scheduling, production and distribution of promotional e-mails for our events. Liaise with comms team to promote events across AvMA media platform To work on the development of the events pages on the new AvMA web site. Ensuring event web pages are kept up-to-date. To carry out data analysis and web analytics to determine what people are responding to and to highlight the areas we may need to focus/re-focus.

Events Logistics & Management

• In conjunction with the Head of Events, to undertake the production and organisation of events, including inviting and liaising with speakers and arranging event logistics. Effective liaison with speakers, ensuring they have all the information required to participate in the event and providing deadlines for receiving their presentation and biography. To work on site at events as required and run smaller events on your own. Duties will involve setting-up and administering registration, liaising with the venue, greeting speakers and exhibitors, dealing with enquiries from delegates and making sure the event runs smoothly. Production of the online conference documentation, to include speaker presentations.

Research & Event Development

• Help identify and research potential subject areas on which we may want to run events. Keep a close eye on the medico-legal events sector market and other events taking place. Help identify potential new sponsors and exhibitors for our events.

Events CRM

• Develop a sound understanding of AvMA’s new CRM, ensuring we optimise it for the efficient and effective marketing of events.
• To assist if/as required with bookings and booking queries for AvMA’s events.

Other

• To support the Events Department’s quality initiatives and to suggest continuing improvements where needs arise.
• To undertake other duties commensurate with the post as may be required.
• Deputise for the Head of Events when necessary 

Person Specification

Essential:

1. An understanding of, and commitment to, the values and objectives of AvMA.
2. Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to develop effective and positive working  relationships with a wide range of individuals and organisations.
3. Highly motivated self-starter with the ability to manage and prioritise workload and meet targets.
4. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Confidence in liaising with speakers, sponsors and delegates.
5. Experience of organising events and on-site management of events, including in-person and online events/webinars.
6. Marketing copy writing ability, proof-reading skills, outstanding attention to detail.
7. Experience of using e-mail marketing platforms (e.g. Dot Digital) and social media to promote events and maintaining event web pages.
8. A high level of IT and digital literacy skills, including Office 365, Microsoft Dynamics and Adobe  In Design
9. Staying calm under pressure, a proactive and solutions focussed approach to problem-solving, ability to independently think on your feet.
10. Demonstrable commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Desirable:

• Experience of working within a charity.
• Experience of working in healthcare and legal sector events.
• Knowledge or experience of healthcare, the NHS or patient safety work.
• Understanding/experience of Search Engine Optimisation.

Head of Operations
Salary: Up to £61,600 (dependent on experience)
Location: Home-based or hybrid London-based co-working
Contract: Full-time (flexible working requests welcome)

Suicide is preventable. That’s why we are working to create a safer online world and to connect young people with the help and support they need to stay safe and well.

We’re Molly Rose Foundation, founded following the death of 14-year-old Molly Russell. At Molly’s inquest, a coroner ruled harmful online content contributed to her death. In her name, we’ve now got big plans to create change and save young lives.

We’re looking for a Head of Operations who can ensure we grow effectively and focus our energies on helping young people live long and stay strong. You’ll lead and develop our finance, governance, HR, and IT operations, ensuring we can deliver with impact and grow and scale smoothly.

You’ll play a leading role in shaping and delivering our organisational strategy, monitoring our progress and budgets, and leading the process to design and develop our next Strategy to 2030. You’ll be adept at designing effective and robust policies and committed to developing a high functioning, high-impact organisation.

As a member of our Leadership Team, you’ll have the vision, strategy, and entrepreneurial zeal to help us thrive.

But you’ll also relish the opportunity to build a small organisation from scratch with the drive and passion to really get stuck in and help us to fulfil our potential.

We offer a comprehensive package that includes:

- 27 days annual leave plus 1 volunteering day, rising to 30 days holiday after three years’ service;

- annual leave buyback scheme, with the option to purchase up to 5 additional days;

- employee pension scheme;

- £500 employee wellbeing budget;

- we welcome applications from diverse range of applicants in circumstances, and actively welcome flexible working requests.
 

Application Process
To apply, please send a CV (maximum 2 sides of A4) and cover letter (maximum 2 sides of A4) via the Charity Jobs website.

Application closing date: Friday 22 May 2026

There will be a 2-stage interview process with first interviews held online between 11 - 12 June 2026.
Second interviews will be held in-person in London.

Role Overview 

You will be part of Shine’s specialist Health Team, providing condition-specific health advice and support to people of all ages living with spina bifida, hydrocephalus, Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) or Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH). You will support delivery of, delivering an established, evidence-based programme, promoting good self-management and care, and enabling our members to live in optimum health. 

You will deliver high-quality, person-centred physiotherapy assessments, treatment, and advice to children, young people and adults with a wide range of physical needs, enabling them to maximise independence, function, and quality of life. 

The role is home or hybrid based; member contact is predominantly via phone and video calls. 

This job role is an exciting opportunity to join our specialised service delivering spinal stimulation. You will be attending a 2-day physiotherapy clinic once a month. Clinics take place on a rolling programme of one location per month, current locations include Birmingham, Bristol, Leicester, Leeds and Oxford but these may vary.

There will be occasional travel required across wider areas and nationally including attendance at conferences and meetings at our head office in Peterborough.

Benefits to working at Shine  

• Competitive salary: Review due April 2027  

• Regular working hours, and no shift work (some occasional weekends or evenings)    

• 3% pension contribution  

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with additional discretionary leave between Christmas and New Year   

• Additional annual leave awarded for ‘long service’  

• Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave  

• Broadband allowance for home-based roles  

• Life insurance after 12 months’ employment    

• Access to our Employee Support Programme and Mental Health First Aiders   

• Reimbursement for HCPC registration 

• Support to learn and develop including specialist training for Spinal Stimulation and ongoing mentoring and clinal supervision. 

How to apply   

Shine is a Disability Confident employer and will offer guaranteed interviews if a disabled applicant meets the minimum criteria for the job.   

If you would like to discuss the role in more detail or have any questions, please contact Lindsey Reid, Head of Health.

To apply please submit your CV and supporting statement*, which should outline your interest and explain how you meet the role criteria

*Please note applications without a supporting statement will not be accepted*

We understand that you may wish to use AI tools to help you with some aspects of your application, but we do expect tailored applications which are personalised to your experiences and not generic applications which are completely AI generated. We encourage candidates to be transparent about AI usage in their applications. 

Closing date: Monday 18th May at 11pm 

Please note: we reserve the right to interview suitable candidates before the closing date, therefore we encourage applications as soon as possible.    

Interviews (virtual): Thursday 28th May 2026 

Please see full details of the job description and person specification below and on our website.