779 Community programmes manager jobs

Head of Strategic Programmes

Help shape the future of the Church across Sussex.

We are seeking an experienced strategic leader to oversee an ambitious portfolio of programmes designed to help churches and communities flourish and grow.

Position: Head of Strategic Programmes

Location: Hove/Hybrid

Salary: £61,149 per annum

Contract: Fixed term until 31 December 2030, with the possibility of extension

Closing Date: 11 October 2026

Interview Date: Hove on 30 October 2026

About the Role

Working closely with the Diocesan Secretary, Bishops, Archdeacons and other senior leaders, you will lead the delivery and continued development of the Diocesan Growth Strategy.

You will provide strategic oversight of major programmes and projects with a combined budget exceeding £10 million. This includes leading a multidisciplinary team, strengthening programme governance and ensuring investment delivers measurable mission impact.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the delivery and development of a portfolio of strategic programmes and projects
• Translating diocesan priorities into achievable plans and measurable outcomes
• Overseeing programme governance, performance reporting, risk management and evaluation
• Managing programme budgets, resources and delivery
• Leading, supporting and developing the Strategic Programmes team
• Building effective relationships with parishes, clergy, diocesan boards, senior leaders and national church partners
• Providing clear analysis, reports and recommendations to support strategic decision-making

About You

You will be a wise, experienced and collaborative leader who can work strategically within a complex, faith-based organisation.

You will have:

• Significant experience of leading large and complex programmes
• Experience of working with a diverse range of stakeholders
• Strong engagement and influencing skills at all levels
• Experience of managing budgets, resources and programme performance
• Excellent analytical, communication and report-writing skills
• The ability to turn strategic priorities into practical plans
• The confidence and judgement to work effectively with senior leaders
• The enthusiasm and self-motivation to lead and inspire others

A Genuine Occupational Requirement applies under paragraph 1 of Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010, and the successful candidate must be a practising Christian.

Full details can be found in the job description and person specification when you apply.

About the Organisation

The vision of the Diocese is to help people to know, love and follow Jesus. Based in Hove and serving the people of Sussex across more than 360 parishes and 154 church schools and the wider community, this is a great role for someone who supports the ethos, aims and objectives of the Diocese and the Church of England.

As an employer, and as a team, the mutual values at work are to be Respectful, Professional, Flexible and Supportive.

What is on offer:

• 28 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays and two privilege days per year
• Membership of the Church Worker’s Pension Scheme with a 15.1% employer contribution and an employee contribution between 0 and 6%
• Employee Assistance Programme with access to GP appointments, counselling and financial and legal support
• Flexible working, free parking, a ride to work scheme and development opportunities

Our client is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders are expected to share this commitment and comply with the relevant safeguarding policy. This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and completion of the Church of England Confidential Declaration Form.

Other roles you may have experience of could include Head of Programmes, Director of Programmes, Strategic Programmes Manager, Programme Director, Head of Strategy, Portfolio Director, Transformation Director or Head of Strategic Development.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client, Not For Profit People. #INDNFP

London Play is looking for an experienced and proactive Network Manager to lead the development of the Wilder Play Network, an ambitious initiative bringing together six adventure playgrounds across London to strengthen their role as community green spaces.

This is an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of play, community engagement and environmental improvement, supporting organisations that make a real difference to children and communities in some of London's most disadvantaged neighbourhoods.

About the role

As Wilder Play Network Manager, you'll be responsible for building and coordinating a network of partner organisations, supporting collaboration, learning and shared action across the programme.

Working closely with playground staff, local communities and strategic partners, you'll help deliver environmental improvements, support biodiversity projects, coordinate learning opportunities and ensure the programme creates lasting impact.

You'll also play an important role in helping establish the Wilder Play Network as a recognised voice for adventure playgrounds within London's green infrastructure and play sectors.

About you

We're looking for someone who can build strong relationships and bring people together around a shared vision.

You'll have experience managing projects involving multiple stakeholders and be comfortable coordinating activity, monitoring progress and supporting partners to achieve their goals.

You'll also bring:

• Excellent partnership and relationship management skills
• Strong project management and organisational abilities
• Experience working with communities, voluntary organisations or community-led projects
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• The ability to manage competing priorities and work collaboratively across a range of organisations
• A commitment to equality, inclusion, community action and the value of play

Why join London Play?

London Play is a small but influential charity championing children's right to play and helping create neighbourhoods where outdoor play can thrive.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a high-profile programme that combines environmental action, community engagement and children's play, while helping build a stronger future for London's adventure playground sector.

Our role is often to act as the connector: bringing people together around shared challenges and turning ideas into practical action. Now we need someone to help us do more of it.

Compass Wellbeing CIC is looking for a Corporate Partnerships, Social Value & Events Manager, a new post at the heart of how we grow.

Working across corporate and community partnerships, our events programme, VCFSE relationships and charity partnerships, you'll help turn growing opportunities into practical activity, community benefit and income, with social value running through all of it.

Whatever sector you come from, if you can build trusted relationships and move ideas towards delivery, we'd love to hear from you.

📍 London (Hybrid) | 🕐 Full-time, permanent | 💷 £40,000–£45,000
Applications close Monday 5 October 2026 at 10:00.

Farm Discovery Programme Manager

Salary: £40,170 | Home-based | 35 hours per week | Permanent

This is a varied senior role combining programme leadership, team and contract management, quality assurance, safeguarding, data and financial oversight, partnership development and programme improvement.

You’ll ensure our Farm Discovery team has the clarity, support and resources they need to deliver consistently high-quality educational experiences for children from disadvantaged communities. You’ll also use data, feedback and evaluation to improve the programme, develop partnerships and contribute to its future growth and development.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has a strong track record in programme management and leading complex delivery
• Is outstanding at enabling and leading educators and dispersed teams
• Understands the primary education context in England
• Can build strong relationships with schools, farmers, funders and partners
• Has experience of quality, safeguarding, health and safety and risk management
• Is confident using data, managing budgets and improving systems and processes
• Can communicate effectively and work collaboratively across an organisation
• Shares our commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for children experiencing disadvantage

The role is home-based, with regular travel across England and North Wales, including overnight stays, an essential part of the role. Reasonable travel and accommodation expenses are covered.

Hours: 35 hours per week, with flexible working arrangements considered, including slightly reduced or compressed hours for the right candidate.

Closing date: Thursday 8 October 2026, midday.
CVs not accepted for this role. Please see our website for more information.

Action for Conservation exists to empower the next generation of environmental leaders — placing young people at the heart of action for nature and the climate. We are looking for a Fundraising Manager — Trusts and Foundations to take the lead on our income generation from trusts, foundations and statutory sources, ensuring our charity continues to grow sustainably and to bring the magic of nature into young people’s lives. 

Key details

Contract type: Permanent, full-time
Start date: December 2026 or January 2027, exact date to be agreed
Starting salary: £38,035 - £42,203 depending on location and experience
Location: London, Bristol or Manchester (hybrid) would be preferred; we are open to a remote hire for the right candidate
Hours of work: 35 hours on a 5-day working week. We operate a 9-day fortnight scheme with every other Friday off. Some evening and weekend work will be required, for which time off in lieu (TOIL) can be taken.
Travel: Occasional travel to London and our other active regions for meetings and events

About the role

As Fundraising Manager - Trusts & Foundations, you will play a crucial role in shaping and implementing our fundraising strategy. You will work closely with the Fundraising Manager - Philanthropy and Partnerships and the Chief Executive Officer to grow and diversify Action for Conservation’s income, taking responsibility for our trusts and foundations revenue stream. You will be the driving force behind our grant applications and reports, producing compelling fundraising content that drives donor engagement and maximises income opportunities. You will be able to distill and transform information from various sources about our projects and programmes, including impact data, into readable, persuasive narratives about our work tailored to donor interests and criteria. You will also manage the trusts and foundations pipeline, from researching new prospects and identifying the most appropriate approach for each funder to coordinating grant administration, monitoring and reporting. Through everything you do, you will maintain and build on existing funder relationships and proactively nurture new ones, enabling us to attract and retain funders year after year.

We are looking for a driven and passionate individual with a track record of securing one-off and/or multi-year five- to six-figure grants, who is comfortable managing multiple prospects, deadlines and priorities. To succeed in this role, you will be a skilled and persuasive written communicator with a keen eye for detail, excellent organisation and time-management skills and a positive, flexible and highly proactive approach to your work.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development of our fundraising strategy and annual fundraising plans in line with delivery targets, strategic goals and funding needs; monitor and report on fundraising performance.
• Grow and diversify income from trusts, foundations and statutory funding sources, taking the lead on identifying new opportunities, drafting compelling funding applications and managing the grant fundraising pipeline. 
• Manage all grant administration, monitoring and reporting to funders, ensuring compliance with donor requirements and deadlines.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with funders from trusts, foundations and statutory bodies, encouraging ongoing and increased support.

Please see the Recruitment Pack for a full job description and the skills, knowledge and experience we are looking for.

Why work with us?

You will be joining a dynamic, mission-driven and closely-knit team who truly love what they do. It goes without saying that we work hard, but we also maintain a positive work-life balance and emphasize spending time outdoors. Some of the benefits of working with Action for Conservation are:

• A 9-day fortnight, with every other Friday off
• Flexible working (with a possibility for a fully remote role for the right candidate)
• 25 days of annual leave plus public holidays, increasing up to 30 days with each year served
• Up to 5 professional development leave days and up to 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Enhanced family and sick leave, and a workplace pension scheme with 4% pension contributions
• A robust training package and ongoing development opportunities to support your progression and career
• Regular team away days with the opportunity to spend time outdoors and gain practical conservation skills 
• Opportunities to share your voice and shape the direction of our work

How to apply

The deadline for applications is Wednesday, 21 October at midnight. To be considered for the role, you must apply via our online application form. Click on the "Apply" button or visit our website to access the application form. Full details about the vacancy and application process are available in the enclosed Recruitment Pack.Please note that interviews will be held remotely in the w/c 02 November.

Our commitment to diversity and Guaranteed Interview Scheme

Diversity is one of our core values as an organisation and we are committed to creating an inclusive working environment where diversity is valued and there is equality of opportunity. We also recognise that the climate and ecological crisis disproportionately impacts minority and/or marginalised communities – yet these voices are largely underrepresented in the sector. Currently, the environmental sector is the second least diverse in the UK, with just 4.8% of employees from ethnic minority backgrounds. If the environmental movement is to succeed in creating a greener future that supports society as a whole, we need diverse voices at the heart of our programmes. We therefore encourage people from demographics that are currently underrepresented in the environmental movement to apply. 

We particularly encourage applications from people from ethnic minority backgrounds or living with a disability or long-term health conditions. We will offer an interview to any candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds or living with a disability who opt into our Guaranteed Interview Scheme when applying and who meet the essential criteria for this role.

If you would like further information, support with access requirements, such as an adjustment to the application or interview process, or an informal chat, please get in touch.

As the Programme Manager, you’ll own and drive the planning, governance and delivery of major cross charity fundraising appeals, including a significant capital appeal that forms a key part of the Charities’ long term fundraising ambitions. 

The Programme Manager is accountable for the effective governance and delivery of these programmes across multiple teams within the Charities Directorate, ensuring that priorities are clear, dependencies are actively managed, risks are addressed, decisions are made at the right level, and programmes are ready to deliver key milestones and intended outcomes. 

You will ensure programmes are underpinned by: 

• Clear governance, decision-making and escalation structures 
• A single, accurate view of programme performance, progress, risks, dependencies and readiness 
• Clear ownership and accountability for delivery 
• Effective mechanisms for identifying and resolving issues before they impact programme outcomes. 

Acting as a key interface between the Charity and the Trust, you will build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders, influence and challenge where appropriate, align competing priorities and ensure critical dependencies are actively managed. You will use judgement to identify when issues require escalation, intervention or senior decision-making. 

You will provide leadership across programme governance and performance, chairing senior cross functional forums and ensuring that decisions, actions and accountabilities are clear and followed through. You will intervene where necessary to resolve delivery challenges, challenge unrealistic assumptions or plans, and protect programme outcomes. 

 Beyond immediate appeal delivery, the Programme Manager leads horizon scanning to identify opportunities that leverage appeal success for sustainable fundraising growth, working with teams like Supporter Experience to embed donor retention and long-term income strategies into our work. 

The Programme Manager will be an experienced programme leader who can take accountability for complex, multi-stakeholder programmes; bring clarity and structure to ambiguity; influence senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams; and exercise sound judgement to resolve challenges, manage competing priorities and protect programme outcomes. 

As part of a small Strategy, Planning & Innovation team, the Programme Manager will also champion project management best practice across the directorate, building the tools, capability and ways of working that enable consistent high-quality delivery. 

Key Responsibilities

 Programme and project Leadership (approx. 40% of role) 

• Lead the planning, governance and successful delivery of major fundraising appeals, ensuring clear milestones, ownership, risk management and cross-team collaboration. 
• •Design and embed the tools and ways of working that will enable effective decision making and governance across appeal delivery. 
• Work with teams across the Charity and the Trust to translate programme objectives into clear plans, priorities and actions that support successful delivery. 
• Identify, assess and manage programme risks, issues and interdependencies, intervening where necessary to maintain momentum and protect delivery. 
• Maintain strategic oversight of the major appeals funding pipeline, ensuring opportunities are effectively tracked, prioritised and progressed across teams. 
• Use data, insight and horizon scanning to identify emerging risks and opportunities, bringing forward recommendations that support long-term fundraising growth. 

Management of stakeholders and interdependencies (approx. 40% of role) 

• Act as the primary liaison between the Charities Directorate and the Trust, ensuring strategic alignment, effective decision making and management of critical programme dependencies. This means you’ll be onsite at the hospital and hospital offices on Lambeth Palace Road frequently and regularly. 
• Build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders across the Charity and the Trust, including those more senior, providing constructive challenge, influencing decisions and securing alignment around programme priorities and delivery. 
• Provide programme leadership through chairing appeal boards and senior governance forums, ensuring strategic decisions are made, owned and acted upon. 
• Lead cross-functional working groups that co-ordinate delivery across teams, resolve challenges and maintain progress against programme objectives. 
•  Use judgement and insight to bring the most important strategic issues, risks and opportunities to the right forum at the right time, enabling leaders to make informed decisions and stay ahead of emerging challenges. 
• Lead stakeholder engagement that builds understanding, confidence and commitment to the major appeals programme, ensuring all stakeholders remain aligned on priorities, decisions and progress. 

Project management best practice (approx. 20% of role) 

• Design and embed a project management toolkit that empowers teams to lead consistent and high quality projects in their own business areas. 
• Build project and programme management capability across teams by coaching, influencing and challenging colleagues to adopt effective approaches and ways of working, improving the consistency and quality of delivery across teams. 
• Partner with the Strategy and Planning Manager to shape business planning tools, processes and mechanisms that drive collaboration, enable iteration and strengthen delivery across the directorate. 

 Work environment The post holder should expect to:

•  Work in a hot desk environment, at least two days a week in the Charity’s office, hospital and hospital offices. 
• Be responsible for the input and maintenance of databases and files relevant to the post requirements. 
• Will occasionally be required to attend events in the evening and at weekends (eg board meetings, launch events). 

Role responsibilities are not exhaustive, and you would be reasonably expected to take on wider tasks that are commensurate with the level of your role. 

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Skills, abilities, and attributes

• Strategic thinker who can translate organisational priorities into co-ordinated programme delivery while balancing immediate delivery requirements with longer-term opportunities. 
• Skilled at designing practical governance and ways of working that drive decisions and progress. Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence, challenge and build alignment with senior stakeholders, including those more senior. 
• Proactive and decisive, with the confidence and judgement to intervene when delivery is at risk. 
• Able to lead governance forums and facilitate discussions that translate strategy into clear decisions, actions and accountability. 
• Confident leading through complexity and ambiguity, managing risk and interdependencies across multiple strategic projects and teams and holding others to account without direct line management responsibility. Champions robust project management whilst remaining flexible and pragmatic in delivery. 
• Uses data, insight and evidence to inform decisions, test hypotheses and drive continuous improvement. 
• Open to change as a necessary part of improvement, and able to deliver despite uncertainty. 
• Collaborative and communicative, with the ability to appeal to hearts as well as minds. 
• Committed to embedding diversity, equity and inclusion. Committed to continuous learning, formally and informally. 

Knowledge, experience and qualifications

• Significant experience leading complex programmes or projects involving multiple stakeholders, workstreams and dependencies. 
• Track record of successfully leading the delivery of high-profile programmes or initiatives in complex, fast-moving environments. 
• Experience designing and embedding governance, reporting and ways of working that improve delivery, accountability and decision making. 
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders, including those more senior, in a matrix or hierarchical environment.
• Knowledge of fundraising, ideally both high value and mass market, and ideally in an NHS or health context. 
• Experience leading delivery across cross-functional teams and managing complex interdependencies without direct line management responsibility. 

Benefits

• Contributory Pension
• Annual health and wellbeing personal allowance
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and parental leave pay accessible without length of service requirements.
• Health and wellbeing programme that offers optional free yearly health check-ups.
• Support for healthy eating via fruit bowls and onsite lunch facilities. 
• Agile working, flexible hours, and supportive IT kit. 
• Shower facilities and bike lock area. 
• Generous annual leave (27 days + bank holidays)
• Subsidies for glasses
• Employee Assistance Programme

Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we reserve the right to close a vacancy earlier than the advertised date. This is to ensure our teams can manage application levels while maintaining a positive candidate experience. Once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications, so please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Job Title - Project Management Officer (Operations)

Contract - Permanent

Hours - 35 hours per week

Salary - £33,000 - £35,000 per annum (depending on experience)

Location - Coram Campus, London WC1N 1AZ

Additional information: Applicants must currently hold the right to work in the UK, as no sponsorship is available for this role. This position is based at our office on the Coram Community Campus, with some flexibility to work from home up to 2 days per week, depending on business need.

About Coram

Coram is committed to improving the lives of the UK’s most vulnerable children and young people.

We support children and young people from birth to independence, creating a change that lasts a lifetime.

Coram is the UK’s oldest children’s charity founded by Thomas Coram in London helping vulnerable children and young people since 1739. Today, the Coram group helps more than one million children, young people, families and professionals every year by providing access to the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.

About Coram International

Coram International is a research and consultancy team based at the Coram Children’s Legal Centre in London. Our team works with UN agencies, international charities and governments around the world to promote and protect children’s rights.

Our work involves designing and implementing research on a broad range of thematic areas relating to children. We also provide technical expertise to support the development of laws, policies and programmes to protect children’s rights as well as training for professionals and practitioners who work with children. Our thematic areas of focus include: the treatment of children within criminal justice systems; violence against children and child protection; protecting the rights of children in the context of migration and asylum; child marriage; adolescents’ access to sexual and reproductive health rights; the rights of children in the context of armed conflict and terrorism; and many others. We work in countries throughout the world.

We are seeking a highly organised, diligent and proactive Project Management Officer to manage a portfolio of consultancy projects and provide comprehensive administrative and operational support to our team.

This role does not involve conducting research or managing programmes or services delivered directly to children and families.

To apply for this role, please click on the 'apply now' button below to complete the application.

Closing Date: Wednesday 30th September 2026 @ 23:59pm

Interview Date: Interviews commencing the week of 5th October 2026

Coram is an equal opportunities employer and we believe a diverse workforce enables us to improve the services to the children and families we help. We are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from all sections of the community we seek to support. This includes those from global majority ethnic backgrounds, those that identify as LGBQT+, those with disabilities, those with lived experience of care, those with neuro-diversity, and those from other groups who are underrepresented at Coram.

If applicants feel comfortable, we would encourage them to draw on lived experience as well as professional experience in their personal statement as part of their application.

We are committed to the safeguarding of children and where appropriate will require the successful applicant to undertake a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Registered Charity No. 281222.

Want to make a difference to people experiencing homelessness? Step into a meaningful role helping run one of our most important services.

The Programmes Executive plays a central role in making our weekly Drop-in a welcoming, well-organised and valuable space for homeless and vulnerably housed adults.

The Drop-in is the primary focus of this role. It is a hands-on operational and frontline position, with responsibility for helping the Drop-in run smoothly from preparation through to close. This includes managing deliveries and donations, ensuring the venue and kitchen are properly set up, organising resources, coordinating and briefing volunteers, working with security and overseeing the practical flow of the evening.

The role is about more than logistics. The Executive will be a key guiding presence in the space, helping to shape its structure, atmosphere and culture. They will be visible and approachable, build positive relationships with guests, anticipate and manage issues, support volunteers and help ensure that the Drop-in is calm, welcoming, safe and respectful.

The Executive will also listen to what is happening on the ground, identify what is working and what could be improved and feed this back to the wider team. They will help guests understand and access relevant RESTART LIVES programmes and opportunities. They will be an important part of the Programmes team, supporting essential data and reporting, researching and sourcing facilitators, helping with programme logistics, contributing ideas for new activities and opportunities for guests and attending selected sessions. As part of this, they will run or help to run some activities such as Zumba, film club and board games before the main Drop-in service. These provide another opportunity to build trusted relationships with guests and encourage engagement with wider support.

This is an energetic, varied and hands-on role, offering the opportunity to have a genuine and positive impact on the experience of our guests and the wider work of RESTART LIVES. If this sounds like the kind of role you’d enjoy and you think you could bring the energy, warmth and initiative we’re looking for, we’d be delighted to hear from you. 

If you’re passionate about safer communities and want a role where your work has a direct and lasting impact, this could be the perfect opportunity. As Crimestoppers’ Regional Manager for our Eastern Region (Kent, Essex, Norfolk & Suffolk), you’ll play a pivotal part in helping protect the public, empowering local people, and supporting the agencies working to prevent and solve crime.

We’re looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Regional Manager to represent Crimestoppers across the area. You’ll work closely with law enforcement and community partners to design and deliver meaningful crime‑prevention campaigns, while also coordinating cross‑border and national initiatives with organisations such as ROCUs and the NCA. You’ll empower local volunteer committees to thrive, act as a spokespeople for Crimestoppers in local and regional media, and drive funding opportunities that help expand our impact.

This role variety, and the chance to genuinely make a difference. We’re seeking someone with strong project and budget management skills, confidence under pressure, and the ability to build strategic relationships. Experience in or significant knowledge of the voluntary sector, media campaigning, or policing practice would be an advantage. If you’re committed to community safety and excited by the challenge of influencing real change, we’d love to hear from you.

Please read the full job pack before before submitting your CV and a covering letter.

FTC until March 2029 | Full time | Home based - travel required | £39,993 + £8,400 car allowance | DBS required

About School of Hard Knocks

School of Hard Knocks (SOHK) is one of the UK’s leading education charities, working in 29 secondary schools across England, Scotland, and Wales. Using rugby as a key delivery tool, we support young people who are struggling to engage in early secondary education - often because of anxiety, low confidence, disrupted home lives, or behavioural challenges rooted in trauma. For many of the children we support, life has already brought more hardship than most adults experience in a lifetime. Our purpose is clear: to help young people facing complex challenges break the cycle and move towards a safer, stronger, more hopeful future.

The SOHK Schools Programme is a two-year intervention working with cohorts of around 20 pupils from Year 7 through to Year 9. Pupils are selected by the school and are typically among the hardest to reach young people. Each week, we deliver half a day of rugby training and classroom sessions built around our 3Cs framework, covering topics such as growth mindset, goal setting, and decision-making, alongside monthly one-to-one sessions with every pupil. The programme’s impact is evaluated by SOHK staff, teachers, parents, and the pupils themselves.

90% of our participants report feeling more confident and more engaged with school after taking part, with long-term effects on attendance, attainment, and life outcomes. Find out more about our Schools Programme.

Since 2023, SOHK has been proud to partner with Impetus, a charity that invests in and supports organisations helping young people from disadvantaged backgrounds succeed. This partnership combines investment with strategic and organisational development support, helping to strengthen our impact and set SOHK up for sustainable growth.

We are proud to be delivering long-term programmes that meaningfully reach hundreds of young people each year - but the societal need is vast. Our ambitious four-year strategic plan targets growth, aiming to bring our impactful programme to hundreds more young people each year.

“Despite the usual challenges that every education or sport for development charity faces, School of Hard Knocks really is unique. It is not so much what we deliver at a programme level (which is of course brilliant) but who we are as a team. If you are a values-led leader and love the idea of ‘team’, then School of Hard Knocks is the place for you.”

- Ken Cowen, Founder and outgoing CEO

The Role

The CEO is the public face and leader of SOHK, responsible for the overall strategic direction, vision, and management of the charity - ensuring SOHK meets its mission and strategic objectives while maintaining strong relationships with Trustees, staff, supporters, and the wider SOHK community. We’re looking for a mission-driven charity leader and effective fundraiser, capable of building a sustainable growth model.

Strategy and Direction

● Be the face and voice of the charity - its principal ambassador

● Lead the development and periodic review of SOHK’s strategy with the Trustees and Senior Management Team

● Translate the 2026-30 strategy into organisational priorities, plans, and goals

● Ensure safeguarding, wellbeing, and the lived experience of young people remain central to every decision and growth plan

Programme Delivery, Quality and Impact

● Hold a high bar for programme quality and outcomes for young people

● Line-manage and support the Director of Programmes, working with delivery teams and partners to build a world-class, evidence-based intervention

● Ensure SOHK can evidence the impact of its programmes, with insights feeding back into constant improvement

Income Generation, Fundraising and External Relations

● Lead income generation across trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, individual giving, and challenges and events

● Line-manage and support the Head of Fundraising in executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy

● Hold senior relationships with funders and partners, building SOHK’s brand, reputation, and profile

Leading People, Culture and Operations

● Build and lead a high-performing Senior Management Team

● Foster a positive, inclusive, high-performing culture aligned with SOHK’s values

● Line-manage and support the Director of Finance & Operations, ensuring operational excellence

Governance and the Board

● Act as the primary link between the organisation and the Trustees

● Attend all Trustee meetings (held quarterly) and provide timely, accurate reporting

● Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and Charity Commission requirements

About You

Essential

● Proven senior leadership experience in the charity, education, youth, or social impact sector - whether as CEO or as part of an executive team - including working directly with a Board of Trustees

● Demonstrated success in building or significantly growing an organisation, programme, or initiative

● A collaborative and values-led leadership style, with the ability to inspire trust, hold people to account, and build high-performing teams

● Strong track record of income generation, including securing significant funding from trusts, foundations, corporates, or major donors

● Experience of financial oversight, budgeting, and organisational planning at a senior level

● Strategic thinker, able to translate vision into clear plans and delivery

● Strong relationship-builder and communicator, confident with a wide range of stakeholders

Desirable

● Previous charity CEO experience - a bonus, but not essential; we know brilliant candidates come from a wide range of backgrounds

● Direct classroom, youth work, or education leadership experience

● Knowledge of the UK education system and youth policy landscape

● Experience of scaling a multi-site delivery organisation and working with local authorities

Personal Attributes

● Deep commitment to improving outcomes for young people, especially those facing disadvantage

● Resilient and persistent, able to work under pressure and navigate setbacks

● Collaborative, open, and reflective leader who seeks feedback and learns from it

Terms of Appointment

Contract type

Full-time, permanent

Location

Greater London, with offices in Edinburgh & Cardiff

Salary

£85,000 – £90,000 per year + £5,000 PRP

Reports to

Chair of the Board of Trustees

Direct reports

Director of Programmes; Head of Fundraising; Director of Finance & Operations

Travel

Regular UK travel, primarily to Edinburgh and Cardiff. Occasional evenings for stakeholder engagement and fundraising events

Trustee meetings

Quarterly, in London, in the evening, plus ad hoc subcommittees

Position: Global Programme Coordinator, Environmental Defenders

Location: London (minimum of 3 days per week in the office) 

Salary range: £50,000-60,000 

Contract: Full-time, permanent

Applications: Please apply by 6pm on 9th October 2026

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

Through field investigations, rigorous research, and strategic international advocacy, we expose environmental crime, challenge impunity, and catalyse systemic reform. Our work delivers real-world impact, shaping policy, strengthening governance, protecting vital ecosystems, and defending those who risk their lives to safeguard them.

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

EJF has a diverse team of campaigners, filmmakers and community mobilisers working across four continents, united by a shared ambition: to protect people by protecting the planet. We are bold, evidence-led, and impact-driven. We speak truth to power - and we build pathways to a fairer, more resilient future. Join Us.

The role

EJF is seeking a proactive, versatile and experienced coordinator to strengthen and expand our Environmental Defenders programme training, equipping and supporting frontline campaigners, and investigative journalists in the Global South. This senior role is a rare opportunity to support inspirational grassroots leaders dedicated to protecting the natural world and the human rights dependent upon it. Your contribution will be integral to our mission to Protect People and Planet. 

The Coordinator will be responsible for supporting established partnerships as well as identifying outstanding people and organisations to benefit from the programme. You will oversee the production and dissemination of an extensive portfolio of training tools and guides, lead remote and field-based training potentially including research and investigations, cameras, drones and filmmaking, campaigns and communications. You will have the skills and experience to quickly identify and respond to needs, including those that will deliver long-term campaign outcomes and organisational resilience. 

Reporting directly to the CEO, you will manage a four-person team and work closely with EJF’s extended teams in Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America; the role requires regular and, occasionally, extended travel.

With superb organisational and communication skills, you are efficient in remote project management, able to quickly assess, synthesise, and apply information, agree on strategic priorities, and develop bespoke approaches that optimise outcomes and mitigate risks.

You are adept at tracking deliverables, bringing teams and project partners together to achieve meaningful conservation impact and share progress through inspirational communications outputs, including film, reports and grant reporting. 

Key responsibilities

• Capacity strengthening -design capacity-strengthening programmes, review content developed by other team members, and deliver training to environmental defenders (on investigation, film, advocacy, storytelling, governance and security). Ensure high-quality, holistic support is provided to EJF partners through regular catchups, sharing funding opportunities, and providing strategic guidance on organisational development.

• Resource hub management – support the launch of the Environmental Reporting Resource Hub, ensuring environmental defenders from the Global South have access to these resources. Update content, create new materials, and coordinate translations and dissemination as necessary to optimise use and impact.

• Global coordination and support – coordinate with colleagues (regional leads, video producers, investigators, trainers, and campaigners) across target countries to provide support to environmental defenders. Facilitate knowledge sharing between teams to strengthen existing capacity and provide insights where necessary.

• Subgrants management - monitor subgrants provided to environmental defenders, review activity progress and financial reports, and identify potential new subgrantees.

• Financial monitoring - monitor the budgets and spending of different projects, develop budgets for new activities, training, and travel, review post-trip expenses, and ensure superb value for money. 

• Monitoring and evaluation - evaluate the progress of different activities, identify lessons learned and successes, and report findings to the CEO and funders.

• Partnerships and advocacy - work with colleagues nationally and internationally to identify opportunities to amplify grassroots messages through communications and advocacy. Expand EJF’s network with organisations supporting environmental defenders, represent EJF at conferences, and engage strategically with global advocacy efforts.

• Communications – draft compelling communications for EJF outreach, including development of news and features-led communications (UK and international) to support the programme, the issues and the campaign impacts. 

• Programme expansion and communications - increase the visibility of the Environmental Defenders Programme strategically, identify new funding opportunities, support the development and submission of funding applications, and identify new avenues to expand EJF’s work.

• Line management – manager a four-person team, supporting their professional development and providing strategic guidance on the programmes they lead.

Essential skills and experience

• At least 5 years of professional experience in a related field, involving international action and remote travel (environment, capacity-strengthening, human rights, international development), ideally in an NGO setting. 

• Excellent project management and organisational skills, coordinating multiple activities, overseeing budgets, monitoring impact, prioritising workloads.

• Experience designing bespoke capacity-strengthening programmes and delivering in-person as well as online training to NGOs, journalists, activists or other defenders from the Global South.

• Sound understanding of the realities of small organisations and their organisational development (developing the team, policies, systems, etc).

• Strong interpersonal skills and experience coordinating with teams across time zones. You must be a team player, supportive of colleagues and partners while also needing to make tough decisions.

• Strong budget management skills, including excellent attention to detail, the ability to maximise resources and deliver exemplary cost-effectiveness.

• Solutions-oriented, calm under pressure, and an independent worker who is happy to take feedback and direction.

• First-class communication skills and the ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences. 

• Reliable, determined, creative, positive, and resourceful.

• A deep-rooted commitment to environmental justice and a determination to change our world. 

Desirable skills and experience

• Proficiency in other languages, preferably French, Spanish, Portuguese, (Bahasa, Thai or Tagalog are also considered a plus).

• Experience assessing NGOs and managing subgrants. 

• A defined understanding of global environmental justice, ocean-related issues, and challenges to environmental defenders and reporters and a demonstrable commitment to biodiversity conservation, climate protection and the defence of related human rights. 

• Experience with advocacy, policy-change, media and communications.

• Experience with risk management (digital and physical security).

• Film and photographic skills.

• Documentary/journalistic experience.

EJF is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity within the workplace. We strongly encourage candidates from underrepresented backgrounds in the environmental and human rights sectors to apply. 

What we offer

We offer a rewarding package designed to support your well-being, flexibility, and professional growth:

• 22 days annual leave (plus public holidays), increasing with each year of service, plus additional paid leave between Christmas and New Year.

• Private healthcare package.

• Generous pension scheme, with employer contributions increasing over time.

• Cycle-to-work scheme.

• A dynamic, supportive, and inclusive working environment, with genuine opportunities for professional development and career progression.

• Being part of a global team and movement delivering real-world impact for people and planet.

Application process

Please submit your application by uploading the following via the application form linked on our website.

1. A personal statement outlining your suitability for the role (max 2 pages)

2. Your CV (max 2 pages)

The deadline for applications is 6pm (UK) 9 October, 2026. We will review applications as they are received, and encourage early submission.

Interview processes for different roles will vary, but is likely to include three stages: a short screening call, a panel interview with a task relevant to the role, and a final interview.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Candidates must have the legal right to work in the UK.

EJF is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity within the workplace.

This is a varied and rewarding leadership role that combines operational management, people leadership, and business development. You'll play a key part in growing our impact by developing new partnerships, building strong relationships with stakeholders, and expanding both our on-site and outreach programmes.

To succeed in this role, you'll be a confident and adaptable manager who can balance day-to-day operational demands with strategic thinking and creativity. You'll enjoy problem-solving, prioritising competing demands, and managing a diverse workload where no two days are the same.

We're looking for someone who:
• Has strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop teams
• Can foster positive collaboration across teams and functions
• Has experience building and managing partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders
• Brings commercial awareness and business development experience
• Has experience working in the charity, social care, health, or related sectors

We're looking for someone who:
• Has strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop teams
• Can foster positive collaboration across teams and functions
• Has experience building and managing partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders
• Brings commercial awareness and business development experience
• Has experience working in the charity, social care, health, or related sectors

In return, Thrive offers the opportunity to make a genuine difference every day, working with a values-driven charity that transforms lives through gardening and nature. In addition, you’ll be working in a collaborative and supportive organisation at our National Office, set in 3 acres of beautiful grounds.

The British Academy – the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences - is seeking an Individual Giving Manager to join our Development and Fellowship Directorate, leading the development and delivery of the individual giving programme.

The role

The Individual Giving Manager is a critical role in expanding our supporter base as we prepare to launch the Academy’s 125th Anniversary Campaign in 2027.

The post holder will inspire potential donors to give to the British Academy. They will lead targeted appeals and multi-channel fundraising campaigns. They will also develop supporter journeys that connect donors with the impact of their gift and build long-term engagement with the British Academy.

We are looking for someone who enjoys communicating ideas into a compelling narrative. They will be creative and collaborative in their approach, bringing real momentum to the programme as it enters the next phase. They will also need to analyse individual giving data, using it to draw out giving trends, review engagement with donors, and identify milestone giving.

This role offers an amazing opportunity to take our individual giving programme to the next phase and to join an organisation at an incredibly exciting moment.  We are searching for applicants who have several years of individual giving experience and will bring strong knowledge around the principles of donor cultivation, acquisition and stewardship.

To find out more about the Academy, working with us, our terms and conditions and benefits, as well as to apply for this role, please visit our recruitment page via the Apply button.

Closing date: Noon on 7 October 2026.

Interviews: 29 October 2026 (may be subject to change).

We may close this role sooner if we receive a high volume of applications.  In these circumstances, we will give those who have shown interest 24 hours’ notice of the change of deadline.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, in line with our commitment to create a diverse and inclusive working environment, promote equal opportunity, and address under-representation. We will make reasonable adjustments to support disabled job applicants and offer an interview to those meeting the minimum selection criteria.

Note: This post is exempt under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1, and is open to female applicants only, due to the nature of the role. Subject to an enhanced DBS check.

The Head of Youth Programmes sits in our Senior Leadership Team and holds overall operational responsibility for our frontline youth programmes across three pillars: Prevention, Intervention and Healing. The postholder leads and line manages the delivery team, and carries DSL responsibility for the organisation.

You'll lead delivery, expansion and impact evaluation across all three pillars, line manage the Education Lead, IDVA Team and Creative Projects leads, and work closely with the CEO to consolidate our delivery models. You'll hold responsibility as our Designated Safeguarding Lead, manage operational budgets, and build multi-agency partnerships across Barnet and neighbouring boroughs.

It's an opportunity to bring fresh energy and strategic leadership to a small, values-driven charity that trusts its team to do meaningful, creative work with the young people we support.

Essential criteria

• Experience as an IDVA, ISVA or in a comparable frontline advocacy role supporting young women and girls affected by domestic abuse, sexual violence or other forms of harm.
• A strong understanding of VAWG, domestic abuse and youth harm, grounded in survivor-centred and harm-prevention approaches.
• Experience of overseeing and responding to complex safeguarding through multi-agency working.
• At least Level 3 safeguarding training. Designated Safeguarding Lead training is desirable, or a willingness to complete this within an agreed timeframe.

We have highlighted the essentials above. The rest of the person specification, in the attached recruitment pack, is a guide to what we are looking for in a strong candidate, rather than a checklist. Your experience may not meet all of it, but if you have the essential experience we would encourage you to apply. We are just as interested in transferable experience as in a conventional career path.

Benefits

• Regular clinical supervision with an external practitioner 
• Health Assured Employee Assistance Programme, including a 24/7 helpline, counselling and a wellbeing app
• Free on-site parking in Colindale and funded travel between delivery sites

Details

£38,000 to £40,000 pro rata. 28 hours per week (four day working week). Permanent. Barnet, London / Hybrid.

Closing date: Thursday 15th October 2026. Interviews: w/c Monday 26th October 2026.