Communication manager jobs

St James’s Piccadilly is a Church of England parish in the heart of London. In addition to the regular services, a large and dynamic congregation, and committed staff team, we run and support a network of people with refugee asylum seeker lived experience, offering practical help and pastoral care.  

The new role of HR Manager will support the church’s senior leadership in ensuring that St James’s staffing is aligned to meet strategic and operational requirements throughout the Wren project (see our website for details).

The successful candidate will have proven HR generalist experience (minimum of 5+ years); a proven track record of successfully providing HR support, advice and guidance for change/growth projects; CIPD certification – Level 5 or in the process of completing it; comfortable working with HR systems, data and Microsoft Office.

Candidates do not have to identify as Christian or belong to a religious faith, but the successful candidate will be in sympathy with, and actively promote St James’s ethos and values.

St James’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.

St James’s actively welcomes applications from people who are currently underrepresented in our community including people with global majority heritage, people with lived experience of poverty and people who identify as LGBTQ+.

Full role description including application process can be downloaded on our website.

Closing date for applications: midday Friday 11th September 2026

Interviews: planned for Tuesday 22nd September 2026

This is an exciting opportunity for a senior fundraising professional who combines strategic thinking with excellent relationship-building skills and a passion for making a tangible difference.

The Fundraising Manager will lead on the development and growth of several key income streams, including:

• Major Donors
• Corporate Partnerships and Giving
• Regular Giving
• Gifts in Wills (Legacies)

Working in close partnership with SUDEP Action's other Fundraising Manager (who oversees Community fundraising, Trusts and Grants and other aspects of our in-memory giving), the postholder will also share responsibility for the development, delivery and performance of wider fundraising activity across the charity.

A significant aspect of this role will involve re-engaging existing high-value supporters while identifying and cultivating new prospects. The ideal candidate will be confident networking, opening doors, building meaningful relationships and inspiring people to support a cause that may be unfamiliar to them.

The postholder will work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation, including fundraising colleagues, the CEO, and wider management team, drawing upon their expertise to develop effective fundraising plans, test assumptions and ensure the charity is represented professionally, authentically and consistently.

Given the nature of SUDEP Action's work, the role also requires sensitivity, empathy and the ability to engage thoughtfully with people affected by epilepsy and bereavement.

Full details of the role and experience required can be found in the Job Pack attachment.

ReachOut is a youth development charity and a strategic partner for schools. Through collective mentoring and engaging activities, we build socio-emotional skills that transform outcomes for young people constrained by circumstance. 

The Schools & Universities Partnerships Manager will lead the development, growth, and management of ReachOut’s partnerships with schools, multi-academy trusts, and universities.

This new role is central to delivering ReachOut’s strategy to expand our reach, increase income, and deepen our impact for young people constrained by circumstance. Reporting to the CEO and sitting within the Income & Partnerships Team, the postholder will work closely with colleagues across Programmes & Impact and Volunteering.

The role is responsible for building a strong pipeline of partners, securing sustainable funding, and managing existing relationships to ensure mutual value. Through both new and established partnerships, the postholder will support ReachOut’s mission while helping schools and universities achieve their own strategic objectives.

Who we are looking for

• An ambitious, proactive fundraiser with the ability to develop, deliver, and grow long-term partnerships with schools and universities across London, Manchester, and new locations in line with ReachOut's strategy.
• A confident communicator who thrives in a small, collaborative organisation and can build strong relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders across multiple departments and sectors.
• Someone who can work autonomously, manage competing priorities, and identify opportunities to generate income, raise our profile and increase impact.

How to Apply

• To apply please visit our website.
• We are unable to provide visa sponsorship. To apply for the role you must have the right to work in the UK.

Key Dates

• Applications close: 9am on Friday 18th September 2026
• Interviews (in person in London or Manchester): Wednesday 23rd September 2026 
• Start Date: ASAP

If the date for interviews causes any issues, please still apply and let us know in your email as we may be able to be flexible on the interview arrangements.

Please note: the successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced criminal records check with the Disclosure and Barring Service. ReachOut will cover the cost of the check and guide you through the process. All staff have a responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and adults. The post holder will undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation.

Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

ReachOut is committed to being an inclusive and diverse organisation. We therefore welcome applications from people of all ethnicities, ages, religious beliefs, gender identities, sexual orientations and any other protected characteristics, to provide a diverse range of experiences, ideas and insights into our work. ReachOut wants to increase the representation of our young people amongst our staff, so if you are from these ethnic groups, we would particularly appreciate receiving your applications.

The Belay Foundation supports adoptive, kinship and special guardianship families raising children who have experienced early developmental trauma, often alongside neurodiversity. Founded in 2020 from lived experience, Belay offers something many families struggle to find elsewhere: practical, in-home support and expert guidance that’s genuinely trauma-responsive, delivered by people who understand what these families are living through.

This is an exciting opportunity to join us at a pivotal stage in our development. Over the past year, we have strengthened our services, systems and organisational foundations and developed ambitious plans for the future. As we continue to grow our reach and impact, we're looking for an experienced Communications and Engagement Manager to help tell our story, strengthen our profile and build meaningful relationships with the families, partners and supporters who make our work possible.

Working closely with our Chief Executive Officer, you'll lead our communications, marketing and stakeholder engagement activity, helping more families discover our services while supporting fundraising, partnerships and organisational growth. You'll also play a key role in embedding lived experience across our communications and engagement, ensuring the voices of families remain at the heart of everything we do.

This is a home-based role for two days per week (0.4 FTE), offering flexibility alongside the opportunity to shape a growing national charity. There may be potential to increase the hours over time, subject to funding, making this an exciting opportunity for someone who wants to grow with the organisation. This is a home‑based role, but applicants must be permanently based, and have the right to work, in the United Kingdom. For legal, tax, and operational reasons, we cannot consider applications from outside the UK.

If you're a creative and strategic communicator who enjoys building relationships, creating compelling content and using communications to drive social impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Please see the Candidate Application Pack for further details, including the full job description and the application/ interview process.

About the National Garden Scheme

The National Garden Scheme is the most significant charitable funder of nursing charities in the country, donating £3.9 million in 2025 and over £77 million since 1927.  Our beneficiary charities include Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Carers Trust, Hospice UK, The Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing and Parkinson’s UK. 

We help our garden owners open their beautiful gardens to the public, sharing their passion and raising impressive amounts of money through admission fees, refreshments and plant sales. Over 3,300 gardens open each year for the National Garden Scheme and further details about the gardens, our donations and more about the charity can be found on our website.

About the Website and Digital Marketing Manager

The ethos of the National Garden Scheme is rooted in generosity and kindness, from: our 3,300 garden owners, to our 600 county volunteers and our small team of 14 staff. Our central office in East Clandon, Surrey is a warm and welcoming place to work.

The right candidate for the role of Website and Digital Marketing Manager will be a proactive and technically confident digital professional who can combine hands-on website management with creative digital marketing expertise. The ideal candidate will have experience managing and developing WordPress websites, delivering successful digital campaigns, and using data and insights to improve online performance and audience engagement.

They will be comfortable working across multiple digital platforms, including email marketing systems, CRM databases and analytics tools, with a strong understanding of SEO, website optimisation, accessibility and GDPR requirements. Strong organisational skills are essential, as you'll be managing a varied workload, coordinating projects and working with both internal teams and external suppliers.

As a self-starter with excellent communication skills and keen attention to detail, you'll be equally at home troubleshooting website issues, testing new digital developments, creating engaging content and identifying opportunities to enhance the user experience. Experience in the charity sector, marketing automation and digital development projects would be highly advantageous.

Most importantly, you'll be enthusiastic, collaborative and adaptable, with a passion for using digital channels to engage audiences, support fundraising and help the charity achieve its goals

We’re looking for a talented communications officer to join the Trust for London team, at a time when communications has never been more important to our work.

The role

You will work with the head of communications to support delivery of our communications strategy. This includes:

• telling stories that matter by turning research, data and funded project work into engaging, accessible content
• leading our day-to-day social media activity
• creating brilliant content for regular newsletters, blogs and web content
• monitoring and analysing our communications impact

and so much more. Please see the full job description in the application pack.

About you

We're looking for someone who is curious as much as creative, with an excellent eye for detail. You’ll enjoy digging beneath the headline, asking why something matters and finding the story that helps other people care.

You're just as comfortable thinking about what the data tells us as you are turning that insight into an engaging social media post or newsletter feature.

You don't need experience in every part of the role. We know great candidates don't always meet every requirement, and we'd encourage you to apply if you're excited about the opportunity and think you could thrive here.

Most importantly, you'll care about creating a fairer London and want your work to have a positive social impact.

Closing date: 7 September 2026

Interviews: Second half of September 

If you think we’re the right fit for you, we’d love to hear from you. To apply, please go to our website and download the application pack.

We look forward to receiving your application.

A 24-month fixed-term contract - with the aim of extending the role if future funding allows

 Hours: 37.5 Hours Per Week, Monday to Friday, 9 am - 5 pm

Salary: £26,228 per annum

Holiday: 20 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays per annum for full-time equivalent, rising to 25 days leave with service.

Work location: home-based with occasional travel across the Wirral Peninsula

Expenses: Mileage (at 55p per mile) and other travel-related expenses will be paid based on the distance travelled from our registered office in Birkenhead.

Training: support towards the cost of gaining professional qualifications could be considered as part of the overall package

About Dementia Together Wirral
We are a local, independent charity based on the Wirral, supporting people living with dementia, their carers, and former carers by providing community-based activities and day trips. We help people stay active, enjoy friendship and creativity, reduce isolation, and feel included, valued and respected.

We are now seeking an enthusiastic and well-organised Administrator to help strengthen our day-to-day administration, records and communications, enabling us to continue to provide an effective and responsive service.

About the role
This is an important role at the heart of a small charity. The post is primarily administrative, but with a significant communications element. You will help keep our records, communications and day-to-day systems running smoothly, support colleagues and volunteers, and ensure people receive clear, timely and helpful information.

You will also support communications activity, including social media updates, newsletters and promotional materials. You will not be expected to be a specialist in every system from day one; training and support will be provided where needed.

 Key responsibilities

As our Administrator, you will:

• Provide reliable day-to-day administrative support to the Charity Manager, staff, volunteers and trustees.
• Manage correspondence, including telephone calls, emails and written communications, ensuring enquiries are addressed or forwarded appropriately.
• Support bookings and administration for coach trips, narrowboat trips and other activities as required.
• Attend meetings when required and provide administrative support, such as preparing papers, taking notes, or following up on agreed actions.
• Maintain accurate membership, CRM and contact records, ensuring information is complete, up to date and securely handled.
• Record feedback from activities, comment sheets, and comment books, and share relevant information with colleagues where follow-up is required.
• Help keep the charity's social media, newsletters and promotional materials up to date by using agreed messages and brand guidelines.
• Support the development of stories, photographs, updates and case studies that explain the difference Dementia Together Wirral makes, ensuring appropriate consent is obtained.
• Work flexibly with colleagues to support members, volunteers and continuity of services during busy periods, annual leave or sickness.

Person specification

Essential

• Experience in an administrative, coordination, customer service, office support, or similar role, or strong transferable organisational skills.
• Good organisational skills, with the ability to manage priorities and complete tasks accurately and on time.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, coupled with a friendly and professional approach.
• Good attention to detail and confidence in maintaining accurate records and information.
• Confidence with email, Microsoft Office or Microsoft 365, and willingness to learn other digital systems used by the charity.
• A practical, flexible and hands-on approach suited to working in a small charity.
• A commitment to confidentiality, safeguarding, inclusive practice, and respectful support for people living with dementia, carers, volunteers, and supporters.

Desirable

• Experience of working or volunteering with a charity, community organisation or small team.
• Experience of using a CRM, database, or membership system, or digital tools such as Canva, Mailchimp, or SharePoint.
• Experience of supporting social media, newsletters or other communications activities.
• An understanding of dementia, unpaid caring, or community-based support services, or a willingness to learn.

Why join us?

 This is an opportunity to make a real and visible difference to a small but growing charity with strong local roots. Through your administrative and communications support, you will help us reach more people, raise awareness of our services, and showcase the difference we make to people affected by dementia.

You will be joining at an important stage in our development, with the opportunity to help shape how we communicate with our community, strengthen our brand and develop our digital presence. You will have the freedom to bring ideas, creativity and initiative to how we promote our work and engage with members, supporters, volunteers and the wider community.

Closing date: 20th September 2026
Interview dates: Week commencing 28th September

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, communities and experiences. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment and would be happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments needed during the recruitment process.

We’re looking for an experienced fundraising leader who can combine strategic thinking with hands-on delivery and take the next step into a broad senior leadership role.

As Head of Income Generation and Communications, you will lead Cosmic’s fundraising, marketing and communications function, with responsibility for sustainable income growth, team leadership and strengthening our profile. You will oversee a varied portfolio spanning community and challenge fundraising, corporate partnerships, major donors, events, volunteering and supporter stewardship, while also setting the direction for our communications, brand and digital activity.

This is a role with real scope to shape our future. You will work closely with the CEO and Trustees, lead a small team and external communications support, and develop a three-to-five-year strategy that turns ambition into clear plans, targets and results.

We are looking for someone with a strong track record in fundraising and income generation, experience of managing people and performance, and the confidence to oversee communications and volunteering strategically. You do not need to be a communications specialist, but you should understand how strong storytelling, supporter engagement and volunteer involvement can help drive income and impact.

Salary: £45,000–£50,000 | Full-time | Permanent | Hybrid, primarily based near St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington

This is a very exciting opportunity as this is a brand new role within Kids and they are looking for someone who is able to lead a multidisciplinary team.

Kids is a national charity that supports disabled children, young people and their families, helping them to thrive and reach their full potential. Through a wide range of services, advice and advocacy, Kids empowers children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to access opportunities, have their voices heard, and overcome barriers to inclusion.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Strategy, Partnerships and Advocacy, you will lead and develop a multidisciplinary team spanning communications, policy and influencing, and youth voice. You will be responsible for shaping and delivering an ambitious communications and external affairs strategy that raises the profile of Kids, strengthens stakeholder relationships, and supports the charity's mission to create a world where all kinds of kids have all kinds of opportunities.

This role offers a unique opportunity to combine strategic communications leadership with public affairs, media engagement, campaigning and programme oversight. You will work closely with senior leaders across the organisation, providing expert advice on communications, reputation management and external engagement.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and deliver an integrated communications and external affairs strategy aligned with organisational goals.
• Enhance the charity's profile with government decision makers, stakeholders and partners.
• Lead brand positioning and ensure consistent, compelling messaging across all channels.
• Oversee digital communications, including website, social media, email marketing and campaigns
• Provide leadership and oversight for youth participation and digital inclusion programmes.
   

We're looking for an experienced communications leader who can combine strategic thinking with hands-on delivery and who is passionate about creating positive change for disabled children and young people.

The appointed candidate will have:

• Significant experience leading multi-channel communications within a charity or values-led organisation.

• The ability to influence and advise senior stakeholders with confidence.
• A strong understanding of public affairs, policy, influencing and campaigning.

• Expertise across digital communications, brand management and content development.

• Line and team management with the ability to coach and develop

Closing date for applications:

1st September

TPP Recruitment is acting as the exclusive recruitment partner for Kids and will be managing all applications for this role.

TPP and Kids are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We particularly encourage applications from candidates with lived experience and those with protected characteristics that are currently underrepresented within our workforce.

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.

Communications and Engagement Manager
Contract: Fixed term Maternity cover for up to 12 months
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £47,150.00 per annum
Location: Hybrid working – Norwich or Cambridge Office

About East Anglian Air Ambulance

East Anglian Air Ambulance is a lifesaving regional charity delivering critical emergency care across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and beyond.

With two state-of-the-art helicopters and a fleet of critical care vehicles, our expert teams of doctors and paramedics bring advanced pre‑hospital emergency medical care directly to people when they need it most.

About the role

East Anglian Air Ambulance is powered by supporter donations and by people who understand what we do, and that understanding starts with powerful storytelling. As Communications and Engagement Manager, you'll shape how the whole region sees, hears and feels the impact of this charity: from the campaigns that win new supporters, the events that bring communities face to face with our crews and volunteers, and the internal messages that keep our own people proud of the work they do.

You'll lead a small, talented team within the Brand and Marketing Communications Team, and work hand-in-hand with the Fundraising and Supporters Team to deliver exceptional communications at every touchpoint. This is a cross-charity role: your storytelling underpins the income that keeps helicopters fuelled, crews trained and lives saved.

Every take-off is a story in progress: a patient, a crew, a community responding. Your job is to help the region connect with that story.

Key responsibilities include:

• Shaping and leading integrated internal and external communications strategies that build East Anglian Air Ambulance's profile and drive support across the region.
• Designing face-to-face, digital and offline campaigns and events that win new supporters, and supporting the Fundraising and Supporters Team to turn one-off donors into lifelong advocates.
• Setting the yearly charity-wide campaign plan alongside Fundraising and Marketing leads, with clear KPIs that prove the impact of every story you tell.
• Leading from the front at key events and campaigns.
• Line managing and developing the Events and Engagement Lead and PR and Content Lead, acting as the go-to expert on communications and engagement across the charity.
• Advising on media opportunities, reputation and crisis communications, and helping shape the messages that carry East Anglian Air Ambulance's name.
• Managing budgets and supplier relationships, including our PR agency and event partners, to make every pound work as hard as possible.

You’ll bring:

• A genuine love of the craft of communication, who gets a thrill from finding the story inside the strategy, and who can write copy that stops people scrolling and makes them care. You thrive on teamwork, because nothing here happens alone: every campaign is built in collaboration with fundraising, clinical, aviation, volunteering and other teams across the charity.
• Experience in the charity sector delivering marketing communications and events, with a track record of developing both internal and external messaging.
• A history of building cohesive brand and marketing campaigns, and of managing media and crisis communications with confidence.
• Experience leading and developing a team, with the empathy to bring the best out of the people you manage.
• A talent for setting strategic objectives and hitting KPIs, and for using the results to make the next campaign even better.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, and empathy for volunteers, supporters and the communities we serve.
• A collaborative, can-do attitude. You'll build strong relationships with colleagues and partners inside and outside the charity.

This role will be worked a minimum of 3 days a week from our Norwich or Cambridge office and up to 2 days a week from home. The exact days worked in the office will be agreed with the successful candidate, but you must live within a commutable distance of Norwich or Cambridge.

Closing Date: Monday 7th September (9am)
First Stage Interview Date: Monday 14th September (to be held in person at Helimed House, Norwich)
Second Stage Interview Date: Monday 21st September (to be held in person at Helimed House, Norwich)

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website where you can complete your application for this position.

No agencies please.

Want to make a difference to people’s lives? Then join our small team at Immunodeficiency UK, a charity devoted to supporting people living with poor immune systems.

About Immunodeficiency UK

Our charity aims to create an environment that ensures those affected by immunodeficiency have the knowledge to live fully, manage their condition effectively, and have their health needs understood and addressed by the healthcare system.

Each year we help hundreds of people through our helpline, educational resources, practical support, hardship grants, and our strong patient voice. We work on a range of projects to help improve patient care. You can find out more about our work by visiting our website and reading our annual impact reports..

This is a varied and interesting opportunity working for a charity that goes above and beyond in supporting people with primary and secondary immunodeficiency. The role offers an opportunity to exercise your creativity on varied and interesting projects that can make a real difference. You will receive excellent support and encouragement from our CEO and Trustees.

Responsibilities

As the Digital Communications and Fundraising Officer, you will play a key role in raising the charity's profile and awareness of primary and secondary immunodeficiency, growing supporter engagement, and generating income to support our work.

• You’ll develop and implement a digital communications strategy
• You’ll create and publish content across our website, email, social media and digital publications
• You’ll manage the website, ensuring content is accurate, accessible and up to date
• You’ll produce multimedia content — graphics, video, photography and case studies
• You’ll manage our social media accounts and our monthly newsletter
• You’ll plan and deliver digital fundraising campaigns
• You’ll create fundraising appeals, supporter communications and impact reports
• You’ll gather and share impact stories using a storytelling approach

This job is for you if:

• You’re confident in managing social media and creating digital content
•  Are familiar with email marketing platforms, customer relationship management (CRM) systems and                WordPress
• Have experience in planning and delivering fundraising or marketing campaigns
• Have strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities independently

Charity or non-profit experience is a plus, as are graphic design or video editing skills.

Diversity and inclusion

Immunodeficiency UK is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.

Closing date is Friday 4th September at 5pm. Applications generated by AI will not be considered.

Interviews will take place the week commencing 14th September. 

Founded in 1681 by King Charles II, the Royal Hospital Chelsea has stood for centuries as a national symbol of gratitude to the soldiers who have served our country, and is home to the iconic Chelsea Pensioners. Today, the Hospital’s role remains to ensure that those who have served are always supported.

We are now looking for a proactive and creative Internal Communications Officer to support the delivery of engaging and effective communications across the Royal Hospital Chelsea. This role is for maternity cover. Working closely with colleagues from across the organisation, you will help bring our stories, people and purpose to life, ensuring staff, Pensioners and volunteers feel informed, connected and inspired. 

If you’re an internal comms professional with strong communication skills, experience creating compelling content for internal audiences, and a passion for building staff engagement, this could be the role for you.

Where you fit in

Working closely with senior leaders across the organisation, including the Chief Executive Officer and HR Director, you'll play a key role in delivering effective internal communications that support organisational objectives, strengthen staff engagement and embed a culture aligned with the Royal Hospital’s values.

What you’ll be doing

You'll lead the planning and delivery of internal communications activity, ensuring colleagues across the Royal Hospital receive clear, timely and engaging communications that support our strategic priorities.

You will:

· Develop and deliver effective internal communications plans that support organisational objectives and priorities

· Work closely with senior leaders to deliver clear and consistent messaging across the organisation
 

· Support the delivery of a strong ‘fundraising-first’ narrative through internal communications activity
 

· Promote staff engagement initiatives, including pulse surveys, helping to support action planning and organisational improvement
 

· Drive awareness and adoption of key staff initiatives, including onboarding, appraisals, values and ways of working
 

· Manage and develop internal communications channels, including the staff intranet, ensuring content remains relevant, engaging and up to date
 

· Build strong relationships across teams, providing advice on communications planning, messaging, audiences and channels
 

· Support strategic planning communications to ensure colleagues understand organisational goals and priorities
 

· Lead on communications with Chelsea Pensioners, ensuring communications are two-way, inclusive and aligned with their needs and preferences
 

· Monitor and evaluate communications activity, providing insight and reporting to inform future activity and support decision-making

We’re looking for someone who is:

· Able to create clear, engaging content for a range of internal audiences

· Experienced in internal communications, employee engagement or organisational communications

· Skilled at building strong relationships and influencing stakeholders at all levels of an organisation

· Experienced in supporting organisational change, culture programmes or staff engagement initiatives

· Highly organised, with strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities

· Comfortable working independently and using initiative while contributing as part of a collaborative team

· Experienced in managing intranet content and developing engaging internal communications channels

· Analytical and results-focused, with experience evaluating communications activity and reporting on outcomes

· Calm under pressure and able to manage sensitive communications with professionalism and discretion

· IT literate, including Microsoft Office and digital communications platforms

This is a fantastic opportunity to help shape internal communications within a unique national institution, ensuring colleagues and Chelsea Pensioners remain connected to the Royal Hospital’s mission, values and future ambitions.

Early applications are encouraged as we will be reviewing applications and interviewing candidates throughout the recruitment process.

For nearly 20 years, Lively Minds has been proving that parents are the sleeping giants of early childhood development. With strong evidence and a national scale proof point in Ghana, we have shown that parent powered approaches delivered through government systems can transform children's lives at scale.

We are now at a pivotal moment. We have the evidence, the model and the momentum, and we need the funding, profile and influence to match our ambition. This is a rare opportunity to lead income generation and external voice for an award winning NGO entering an exciting new phase of growth. You will lead our fundraising strategy and direct engagement with Funders ensuring that we maximise all funding opportunities as we continue our strategic evolution. You will also shape a compelling external narrative that will help position Lively Minds as the definitive partner for governments strengthening their early childhood development systems.

If you are an exceptional fundraiser and communicator who is equally comfortable in a strategic conversation and writing a winning proposal, we would love to hear from you.

Read the full advert and apply below. Closing date: 3rd September 2026.

About Lively Minds

Lively Minds is an award-winning NGO with nearly 20 years of experience designing, testing and scaling early childhood development (ECD) solutions across the Global South. Our core idea is simple but radical: parents are the sleeping giants of ECD. Governments and donors have long overlooked parents, assuming that poverty and low literacy make them unable or unwilling to support their childrenʼs development. We have spent two decades proving otherwise. With RCT-backed evidence and a national-scale proof point in Ghana, we have demonstrated that parent-powered approaches, delivered through government systems, can achieve meaningful child development outcomes at scale.

Our 2026–2028 strategy marks a pivotal shift. Having demonstrated what is possible, we are now helping pioneer an innovative model of country-led sustainable scale. Rather than delivering programmes ourselves, we provide lean, time-limited technical advisory support to governments to help them integrate parent-powered ECD into their own systems, budgets and institutions. We are currently working with the governments of Ghana, Uganda, Oromia state (Ethiopia) and The Gambia in 2026, growing to six or more country engagements by 2028. Our ambition is to catalyse a sector-wide shift, positioning Lively Minds as the definitive partner for governments seeking to strengthen their ECD systems.

Our scale strategy rests on three interdependent pillars: fixed-term Technical Advisory partnerships with governments; the development of a modular radio model simple and affordable enough for governments to adopt and fund independently; and an advocacy and sector influence agenda designed to make parent-powered ECD the norm globally.

Purpose of the Role

Lively Minds is at a critical inflection point. We have the evidence, the model and the momentum. We now need the funding, profile and sector influence to match our ambition. The Director of Fundraising and Communications is a priority hire, created to provide the dedicated, experienced leadership that this moment demands.

The Director will own and drive Lively Mindsʼ income generation, building new funder relationships, managing and deepening existing ones, and ensuring the organisation has the pipeline, discipline and quality of engagement to meet and exceed its fundraising targets. Working in close partnership with the Founding CEO, who retains ownership of a small number of long-standing strategic relationships, the Director will take primary responsibility for securing the funding that makes the 2026–2028 strategy deliverable, and that opens the door to greater scale beyond it. We need to raise approximately £3.4m over the next 3 years to deliver our strategy. But our ambition is to exceed that target so we can support additional governments.

Alongside fundraising, the Director will provide strategic leadership to Lively Mindsʼ communications and advocacy work, ensuring that the organisationʼs external voice is compelling and that we are building credibility in the spaces where funding decisions are made. The Director will lead and provide strategic coherence to a small but outward-facing team, including Head of Partnerships and Advocacy Lead who are active on the international stage. Lively Minds is committed to thought-leadership and active external engagement, but equally committed to ensuring that communications resource is deployed with discipline and rigour. The Director will set a clear strategic filter for where the organisation shows up, what it publishes and who it engages: prioritising focus and quality over volume, and always asking whether external activity is building the relationships and reputation that ultimately drive income and/or systems change.

Lively Minds is a dispersed, remote organisation. The Directorʼs team the Advocacy Lead, Development Manager and Communications Officer - are internationally distributed. The ability to lead, develop and maintain high standards across a dispersed team is essential. The role requires regular travel to international conferences and events.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy & Income Generation

• Own and deliver the multi-year fundraising strategy with clear priorities, targets, income streams and a disciplined pipeline to support the 2026–2028 strategy and future scale
• Steward existing funder relationships, turning strong partnerships into long-term supporters, advocates and connectors to new funding opportunities.
• Lead the shift towards Big Bet and catalytic funding, personally cultivating and negotiating high-value, multi-year partnerships and positioning Lively Minds for system-level scale
• Maintain a high standard of fundraising quality, pipeline management and forecasting, while coaching the team to produce compelling, sophisticated fundraising materials
•  Build and continuously strengthen a diverse funding pipeline, identifying emerging opportunities, new funding markets and strategic partnerships that reduce concentration risk and support long-term financial sustainability

Communications, Brand & Advocacy

• Own and deliver Lively Mindsʼ communications and marketing strategy, balancing visibility and sector influence with the need to strengthen fundraising and systems-change objectives
• Partner closely with the CEO to shape and steward a coherent external narrative, brand and messaging framework across all audiences and channels
• Oversee high-quality core communications and fundraising materials, including cases for support, pitch decks, website content, proposals and donor reports
• Provide strategic communications expertise to Advocacy, Partnerships and MEL, ensuring evidence and learning are translated into compelling narratives and consistent external messaging
• Lead efforts to strengthen Lively Mindsʼ profile and thought leadership in the ECD sector, identifying opportunities for strategic media, events, publications and external platforms that reinforce its positioning and influence

Organizational Leadership&TeamDevelopment

• Contribute actively to SMT and organisational strategy, bringing funder intelligence, external perspective and communications expertise to strategic decision-making.
• Work closely with Finance and MEL to align fundraising targets, forecasting, budgets and evidence, ensuring proposals are credible, accurately costed and evidence-led
• Act as the organisationʼs communications subject matter expert, providing guidance and challenge to ensure high-quality, consistent external communications
• Lead and develop the Advocacy Lead, Development Manager and Communications Officer, fostering a team culture of quality, accountability, strategic clarity and continuous improvement
• Build strong cross-organisational collaboration, ensuring teams understand how fundraising, communications, advocacy and evidence work together to advance Lively Mindsʼ strategic priorities

Person Specification

Essential Experience & Skills

• 10+ years of significant senior-level fundraising experience within international development, education, philanthropy or a comparable sector
• Proven track record of securing major grants from foundations, institutional donors and high-net-worth individuals, alongside demonstrated experience securing or meaningfully progressing large-scale, catalytic funding from Big Bet philanthropy programmes such as the Audacious Project, Skoll Foundation or comparable funders. A strong understanding of what these funders look for and how to position an organisation compellingly within their processes is essential
• Exceptional fundraising writing skills, with the ability to personally develop compelling cases for support, funding proposals, award applications and pitch decks tailored to sophisticated impact funders. This is a hands-on role requiring both strong writing capability and the ability to coach others to consistently produce high-quality fundraising content
• Experienced in developing and owning a marketing and communications strategy, with a strong understanding of how to balance organisational visibility, thought leadership and sector influence with coherence, strategic focus and income generation
• Demonstrated ability to work closely with a Founding CEO to shape and steward the organisationʼs external narrative and brand. Comfortable working in a founder-led environment, providing expertise and constructive challenge while ensuring the organisation maintains a clear, consistent and coherent external voice

Desirable Experience

• Experienced fundraising for a technical advisory, systems change or government-facing organisation
• Knowledge of the ECD, education or early childhood sector and its funding landscape
• Familiarity with the Big Bang Philanthropy network or equivalent impact-focused funder communities
• Experience working alongside advocacy and partnerships teams, providing communications expertise and strategic coherence to their external activity
• Familiarity with the funding landscape for organisations operating in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Experience working remotely across multiple countries and effectively collaborating with cross-cultural teams

Behaviours & Ways of Working

• A doer, equally comfortable in strategic conversations and writing a funding proposal
• Sets a high bar for quality and clarity in all external communications and holds it consistently
• Builds a strong, trust-based partnership with the Founding CEO, provides honest challenge and operates effectively within a founder-led dynamic without losing their own voice or judgement
• Collaborative and cross-organisational. Invests in strong relationships with programme, MEL and finance colleagues, understanding that the best fundraising is grounded in organisational reality
• Calm and focused under pressure - able to manage competing priorities and maintain quality when the stakes are high

What We Offer

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• 25 days annual leave
• Health insurance
• Pension contribution
• Generous learning and development budget
• Flexible, remote working

Application Instruction

Interested candidates are encouraged to read the Job Description carefully before applying to ensure they understand the role and meet the required criteria.

To apply, please complete the pre-screening questions and submit your updated CV

PLEASE NOTE - Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Timeline

Closing Date: 3rd September 2026

Our Stance

Lively Minds operates a strict Safeguarding Policy and is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of children and vulnerable people. As part of our recruitment process, the suitability of successful candidates will be verified through appropriate background checks including professional references and police checks.

Lively Minds is fully committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and to providing equal opportunities throughout our recruitment process. We want this commitment to be reflected in the diversity of the people who work for us, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, experiences and perspectives.

We are committed to ensuring that recruitment decisions are based on merit, skills, experience and suitability for the role, and that all candidates are treated fairly and with respect throughout the recruitment process.

Hours: Full-time

Pay: Up to £42,440 GBP gross per annual (dependent on experience) with additional uplift applicable during deployment.

Duration: Permanent

Location: UK-Med Office, Manchester, UK (hybrid working) with an expectation of approximately 15% international travel/deployment, as required by UK-Med.

Want to put humanitarian crises on the front pages and shape the global conversation when it matters the most?

UK-Med is looking for an exceptional Media Manager to lead our press office and secure high-impact media coverage that brings the realities of humanitarian emergencies to audiences across the UK and beyond. UK-Med is a frontline medical aid charity. Born of the NHS, we’ve been working for over 30 years
towards a world where everyone has the healthcare they need when crises or disasters hit.

In the past 12 months, UK-Med has attracted significant media attention for our emergency responses in Gaza, Ukraine and around the world. Our work has featured as the lead story on BBC News at Six and Ten, across national and regional television and radio, on the front pages of national newspapers, on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, and in leading UK and international media outlets.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our Fundraising & Communications team at a pivotal moment in UK-Med’s growth and reputation as the UK’s official Emergency Medical Team. As Media Manager, you will lead our media relations strategy, build strong relationships with journalists, identify opportunities to raise our profile, and ensure our stories reach the audiences that matter.

This is a high-profile role in a fast-paced, creative team where no two days are the same. You'll thrive under pressure, exercise sound judgement, and respond confidently to breaking news and media enquiries while helping colleagues tell powerful stories from some of the world's most challenging humanitarian crises.

You will lead the Press Office, acting as the first point of contact for media enquiries and ensuring requests are managed quickly, professionally and directed to the appropriate spokesperson.

We're looking for an outstanding communicator with excellent writing skills, a strong understanding of the UK media landscape, and the confidence to advise senior leaders and colleagues at every level on media engagement and reputation.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits along with a friendly working environment and the opportunity to make a real difference through humanitarian work.

How to apply

We strongly recommend that you read the Candidate Information Pack - Media Manager before applying.

To apply, please submit a current CV and a supporting letter (2 pages) through our online jobs portal.

Applications must be submitted no later than Friday 4th of September 2026.

UK-Med is committed to safeguarding of our personnel and beneficiaries and has a zero tolerance approach to sexual exploitation and abuse. We conduct thorough vetting before any appointment is confirmed.

UK-Med is committed to the principles of diversity, equality, and inclusion. We strive to provide an inclusive and supportive environment where employees feel respected and supported to be able to fulfil their potential.