Digital communication manager jobs in Bristol

The Communications and Research Officer is a new post designed to help bridge the gap between the research and campaigning work of Drone Wars UK and our supporters and the general public. The role is split 50/50 between communications and research. The communications element combines social media activity, website content creation and email communications, helping to ensure our messages are communicated clearly, consistently and creatively across a range of channels.  The research element consists of undertaking a number of short-term specific research projects alongside participation in on-going longer-term research work.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys creating engaging content as well as undertaking in-depth investigations that contribute to positive social change. In addition, the person appointed will take an active role in the forthcoming strategic review shaping the organisation’s work over the next few years.

Job Description

Communications

• To be responsible for Drone Wars UK’s website, managing regular content updates and improving the content, layout and structure.
• To schedule social media content and manage social media accounts to increase engagement and reach.
• To use appropriate design tools in the creation of content for website and all digital and public facing channels.
• To undertake email campaigns in conjunction with the staff team to promote our work and increase participation in events.
• To participate in engagement with legacy and new media alongside other members of the staff team in order to promote the work and campaign aims of Drone Wars UK.
• To undertake appropriate speaking engagements on behalf of DWUK.

Research

• To undertake specific pieces of research into the use of armed drones, autonomous weapons and the militarisation of space as agreed with the Director.
• To write and produce accessible reports, articles and briefings based on the research undertaken.
• To write appropriate copy for the website.
• To contribute to on-going research work by keeping abreast of new and emerging military technologies.
• To contribute to maintaining the Drone Wars UK internal information database 

General

•  To work collaboratively with the staff team to set priorities and to develop existing and future research projects and campaigns.
• To network with other communicators, researchers and campaigners working on these issues in relevant organisations. 
• To undertake tasks as directed by the Director to ensure the smooth running of the organisation.
• To participate in campaign activity to limit the harms caused by armed drones, autonomous weapons and the militarisation of space.

Person Specification

Knowledge and Experience

• A degree, preferably to Master’s level, or equivalent experience in a subject area relevant to the post (Essential).
• Three years experience of engaging in research work, preferably in the peace and security/human rights sector or similar field (Essential).
• Commitment to the aims and objectives of Drone Wars UK (Essential) 
• Demonstrable ability to write and express thoughts and positions clearly, succinctly and accurately in English in a variety of formats, including major reports (Essential).
• Hands-on experience of managing websites (WordPress) and utilising social media, email marketing platforms, and varied digital tools to drive engagement (Essential). 

Skills and Attributes

• Understanding of the on-going legal and ethical debate around the use of armed drones, autonomous weapons and/or militarisation of space (Essential).
• Ability to manage workloads and professional duties without day-to-day managerial oversight (Essential) 
• The right to work in the UK (Essential)
• Understanding of and commitment to equal opportunities (Essential). 
• Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team (Essential).
• Experience in engaging with legacy and new media to promote campaign objectives (Desirable). 
• Familiarity with national and international security issues and institutions (Desirable).
• Willingness to learn new skills and work co-operatively with others to build strong campaigns (Desirable). 

Join our charity at a pivotal moment. We are looking for a talented communications professional who can work with our small remote team to keep migrant homelessness and destitution high on the public agenda and tell powerful, compelling stories of the work of our members and the experiences of the people in the asylum and immigration system.

You will lead our comms work, managing our digital presence, driving engagement through our social media channels, being the first point of contact for journalists and, alongside the External Affairs Lead, developing and driving our organisational communications strategy. You will have plenty of creative ideas of how to get our campaigns noticed and ensure NACCOM’s voice is heard in the public debate.

You will understand how to work with people in vulnerable or precarious situations, empowering them to tell their own stories and giving them a voice.

A strong knowledge of the media landscape and using social media to achieve change is essential. Experience of managing websites and an understanding of brand is also key.

This role is for a creative, collaborative individual who is passionate about ending migrant and refugee homelessness and destitution and who knows the power of a good story. If this sounds like you, we’d love to welcome you to NACCOM.

Hours:   Part time at 21 hours per week (which is 0.6 FTE, full time is 35 hpw)

Salary: £23,620 for 0.6 FTE  (full time / 35 hpw salary would be £39,367pa). Plus £4,000 pro rata London Weighting if applicable.

Leave: 25 days pro rata plus bank holidays (Eng and Wales) plus additional concessionary days off between Christmas and New Year

Pension:NACCOM will contribute 6% of your gross salary

Additional benefits:Flexible working hours, wellbeing time, wellbeing practice

Contract:  Fixed term initially of 12 months. Continuing depending on funding

Location:   Home-based plus occasional travel in the UK. Opportunity to work part-time in a members’ office or a co-working space.

Responsible to:   External Affairs Lead

About NACCOM:

NACCOM (No Accommodation Network) is a registered charity, and we provide a service to our (135) members who are frontline organisations based across the UK working together to end destitution amongst people seeking asylum, refugees and migrants with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF).

The NACCOM membership network is made up of ‘full’ members who provide accommodation to people seeking asylum who have been refused and ‘associate’ members who are organisations that are in support of the aims of NACCOM.

NACCOM brings members together to network, collaborate and share good practice, and also provides resources, support and training to enable members to increase their capacity and empower as many people as possible out of destitution. NACCOM also campaigns for a fair, just and humane asylum and immigration system that doesn’t leave people destitute.

Read more about NACCOM including our vision, mission, values and current strategy on our website. You can also view our current campaigning priorities.

Job purpose:

The Communications Co-ordinator will be responsible for the delivery of NACCOM’s communications strategy. The postholder will co-ordinate all media relations, both proactive and reactive, maintaining excellent relationships with journalists and ensuring high level visibility of key projects and the issue of migrant homelessness and destitution more broadly. This post leads and manages NACCOM’s social media presence, ensuring strong engagement and building NACCOM visibility across its social media platforms, and will play a pivotal role int the development and delivery of a new website. Empowering people with lived experience of the asylum system and destitution to be able to tell their stories in a variety of contexts is integral to the role, as well as a good understanding of delivering a communications function for a network organisation.

Duties and Responsibilities:

· Work with the External Affairs Lead to develop and implement a communications strategy.

· Manage NACCOM’s digital presence including the delivery of a new website.

· Ensure the delivery of a monthly email newsletter to supporters.

· Manage the design and publication process for NACCOM reports including our annual impact report, working with a freelance designer.

· Develop a social media strategy that drives engagement with NACCOM’s work with our key audiences and ensure regular, compelling social media posts and updates.

· Work with the Community Research Co-ordinator to build the capacity of our Community Researchers and Community Ambassadors to engage with communications projects and act as spokespeople in the media.

· Manage NACCOM’s media relations, providing a press office function and leading media strategy for discrete projects.

· Ensure brand and tone of voice consistency across all NACCOM communications outputs.

· Provide comms support with NACCOM events to the wider team.

Personal Specification/Key Competencies:

Essential skills:

· A commitment to and understanding of NACCOM’s beneficiaries and mission.

· Experience of developing and implementing communications strategy across multiple platforms.

· Good knowledge of the media landscape and experience of working with journalists.

· Good knowledge of social media platforms and the latest digital trends.

· Experience of managing websites and using content management systems.

· Creative and enthusiastic with excellent storytelling skills.

· Excellent interpersonal and presentation (oral and written) skills.

· Self-motivated and able to work alone using own initiative.

· Ability to work with marginalised groups and an understanding of the sensitivities involved.

· Proven ability to be flexible and meet tight deadlines.

· Confident using Microsoft Office and a range of online platforms.

· Willingness and capacity to travel within the UK.

For more info / apply for the role:

Please click the Redirect to Recruiter button where you can download the full job description and application form from our website.

Deadline to apply: Tuesday 1st Sept 2026 at 9am

Interviews: week commencing 14th Sept 2026

Back Up is an organisation that has inspired and supported people affected by spinal cord injury to get the most out of life for almost 40 years.

Today, the organisation is leading the way in helping people adjust positively to life after a spinal cord injury. The organisation's services are delivered by people who've been there, who understand the journey, and know how to support others. Whether it's building practical skills through wheelchair skills training, boosting confidence via participation in life-changing courses, or supporting families through challenging times, Back Up is there for everyone affected by spinal cord injury.
Charity People is delighted to be supporting this incredible organisation to recruit for a Freelance Website Project Manager who will lead on the project management of a brand new website for the organisation.

Freelance Website Project Manager
Contract: Freelance, part time role working two to three days per week, for around one year
Day rate: £210 per day
Location: Homebased role with very occasional travel to the organisation's London office
Closing date for applications: 9am on Friday 28th August
Interviews: Interviews will be held week 7th September

Leading the full website redesign project, and working closely with the Director of Communications and Marketing at Back Up, this role will be responsible for identifying and secure a suitable agency partner, and then leading the management of the full lifecycle of the project through discovery, design, build, launch, post launch troubleshooting and evaluation.

Core responsibilities within the role will include:

• Procurement and agency selection including developing a shortlisting framework; evaluation of proposals and leading contract negotiation and onboarding
• Project planning and governance including refining project plans and key milestones, ensuring alignment with senior stakeholders
• Lead the discovery phase of the website redevelopment including working with Back Up Services team to identify and contact service users that could be involved in user discovery workshops and testing; work with agency to define user needs, personas, and journeys, and to organise and deliver stakeholder workshops to inform design and content structure
• Support content audit, information architecture development, migration and content development
• Oversee design process to ensure user-centred approach, providing critical review and challenge of agency outputs
• Ensure accessibility (WCAG), inclusivity, and best practice UX
• Monitor build progress against agreed scope and timelines
• Ensure technical quality, performance, SEO, and CMS usability, and oversee integrations (e.g. CRM, donations, third-party tools)
• Coordinate content migration planning
• Define and manage testing plan, ensuring issues are resolved prior to launch and supporting internal readiness
• Oversee launch planning, including risk mitigation and rollback plans
• Work with communications and marketing team to plan communications to stakeholders about new website
• Post launch, support initial optimisation and troubleshooting; review performance against objectives and provide recommendations for ongoing development and improvement

Other responsibilities

• Work with communications and marketing team to support other aspects of digital work such as reviewing and managing GoogleAds programme and exploring options for a digital asset management tool

We would love to see applications from individuals with the following skills and experience:

• Proven experience delivering similar website redevelopment projects (ideally in charity or public sector)
• Strong experience running digital agency procurement processes
• Expertise in UX, accessibility, and content-led websites
• Understanding of CMS platforms and integrations
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• Ability to challenge constructively and drive quality outcomes
• Strong content writing and presentation skills
• Experience of managing developing and managing GoogleAds to support communications and marketing team is desirable but not essential

If you're interested in hearing more about this opportunity, please send your CV to Alice at Charity People in the first instance. 

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 we can help make the application process work for you.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

Are you an insight-driven leader with experience of service design and development, CRM systems and data management? Do you enjoy turning evidence into action, building effective processes, and helping organisations maximise their impact? Then join Sported as our Network Services and Data Manager and play a key role in developing and evolving the services, activities, and support we provide to grassroots groups across the UK.

About Us

Sported is a charity that delivers funding, resources, and expert volunteer support to grassroots groups that use sport and physical activity to make a positive difference to people and communities.

Our network of 5000 groups reached over one million people across the UK in 2025–26. Through free support, resources and funding, we help trusted local leaders lower the barriers participation, building stronger, fairer communities and improving health and wellbeing, and opportunities for all.

We are now looking for a Network Services and Data Manager to join us on a full-time, permanent basis, working 37.5 hours per week.

Why Join us? 

· A supportive, friendly, engaged team, with a great people first culture

· A salary of £39,393 – £45,020 (dependent on experience)

· 25 days’ holiday per annum plus Bank Holidays

· Two additional wellbeing days per year

· Two paid volunteer days each year

· Up to five days’ paid study leave for self-funded training

· Flexible working arrangements

· A confidential counselling service

· Pension scheme

· Cycle to Work scheme

This role is a fantastic opportunity for a strategic and insight-driven professional with expertise in service design, CRM systems, and data management to join Sported's mission of supporting grassroots groups to create lasting change in their communities.

Here you will have the opportunity to provide leadership to a function with significant potential for growth and development. You'll be instrumental in embedding best practice across service design, establishing robust processes, enhancing data capability, and creating a culture of evidence-based decision-making.

The successful candidate will drive continuous improvement, helping to establish a high-performing, strategically focused function that maximises impact across the organisation.

The Opportunity 

This is more than a data role 

You'll lead the development of Sported's services, CRM systems, and data strategy, ensuring our decisions, processes, and offer to grassroots groups are driven by insight and evidence.

Working closely with colleagues across the organisation, you'll champion innovation, improve how we use data, and help create exceptional experiences for the grassroots groups we serve.

If you're excited by the opportunity to shape strategy, lead change and maximise social impact, we'd love to hear from you.

About You

• An excellent communicator, able to build positive working relationships with the wider team.

• An effective influencer, able to drive change and embed new ways of working across the organisation.

• A self-starter, able to work independently and under your own initiative.

• A curious mind, able to ask questions and pursue answers.

• A critical thinker, able to assess existing approaches and imagine new ways of working.

• A passion for making a difference to marginalised communities and people. 

Please see the job pack, where you’ll find details of roles and responsibilities, and required skills and experience.

The closing date for this role is Midnight on 20th August

Sported is an equal opportunities employer, and we warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly encourage applications from ethnically diverse, LGBTQ+ and disabled communities, as well as people with lived experience of tackling inequalities, because we value the insight and strength that diverse voices bring to creating meaningful change.

We want you to feel comfortable and supported throughout the recruitment process. If there is anything we can do to help make the process more accessible for you, please let us know. 

We want every candidate to have the best opportunity to showcase their skills. That's why we use a anonymous recruitment process and provide interview questions in advance, supporting a fair, transparent and inclusive selection process.

This is a key role in a small and ambitious Communications and Events team, which will sit at the intersection of day-to-day strategic oversight and hands-on delivery. You will develop and deliver engaging marketing and digital campaigns, in line with organisational and communications priorities, manage our year-round events programme, strengthen our community engagement and ensure consistently high standards across Climate Spring’s marketing, digital and events activity.

This role will be perfect for a motivated and experienced marketing and events all-rounder. To excel in this role, you will need to be proactive, highly organised, detail-oriented as well as able to independently manage complex projects and build strong relationships with internal teams and external partners. 

Key responsibilities:

Marketing and community engagement

• Lead the planning and delivery of cross-channel marketing plans (including digital campaigns, events and outreach) to promote Climate Spring’s industry programmes, initiatives and projects, alongside wider organisational campaigns.

• Develop and deliver audience and community engagement strategies that increase participation, strengthen audience journeys and build lasting relationships with our creative community, alumni and industry partners.

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to identify priority audiences and community needs, ensuring that the right people are - and stay - engaged through relevant activity and events.

• Develop and manage partnerships and cross-promotional opportunities to extend the reach and impact of Climate Spring’s work.

• Work with industry and production partners to support and collaborate on the marketing and promotion of Climate Spring-supported film and TV projects. 

• Oversee the effective use of planning tools, calendars and reporting processes for marketing, campaigns and events.

• Track performance across campaigns and events, using data, insights and feedback to make recommendations and improve future activity.
   

Brand management and content oversight

• Act as a guardian of Climate Spring’s brand, ensuring consistency, quality and professionalism across all digital, marketing and event materials.

• Provide editorial and visual oversight of presentations, assets and digital content, ensuring that materials align with Climate Spring’s brand guidelines and messaging. 

• Review and provide feedback on copy and materials produced by junior team members, including newsletters, digital content, event materials and other promotional assets.

• Oversee the implementation and use of branded templates, brand guidelines and internal processes, ensuring consistency and quality of marketing, digital and event materials throughout. 

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation and with our creative community to identify stories, opportunities and insights that support audience engagement and the promotion of Climate Spring’s work.

• Support senior colleagues with the creation of high-quality presentations and branded materials for meetings, presentations and speaking engagements.

• Contribute creative ideas and direction for digital campaigns and associated digital content.

Event management

• Lead the delivery of Climate Spring’s programme of online and in-person events, including timelines, invitations, registrations, logistics, suppliers, communications and post-event activity.

• Ensure events are delivered to a consistently high standard and provide an excellent attendee and participant experience.

• Support the delivery of Climate Spring community building events, in collaboration with internal teams.

• Work with the Head of Communications and Events to support Climate Spring’s presence at international film and TV festivals and industry markets.

Operational and team management

• Working with the Head of Communications to maintain and support clear workflows, processes and quality control for marketing, communications and event activity across the organisation. 

• Identify opportunities to improve ways of working and professionalise internal workflows for marketing, digital and events.

• Line-manage and support the professional development of the Communications and Marketing Coordinator.

• Act as a deputy for the Head of Communications and Events as required.

• Identify where specialist support is required, such as graphic design, photography or video production, and manage freelancers as required.

Essential experience and skills

• Experience in a marketing, campaigns or communications role, delivering measurable impact on organisational reach, profile or audience engagement.

• Experience developing and delivering integrated marketing activity across multiple channels, using insights and feedback to improve activity.

• Proven experience delivering successful online and in-person events from planning through to evaluation, ensuring a high-quality attendee or participant experience.

• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently, maintain effective workflows and deliver projects to a high standard.

• Experience growing and engaging communities around programmes, events or initiatives, demonstrating a strong understanding of audience engagement.

• Excellent written and editorial skills, with experience reviewing, editing and quality assuring content.

• A strong visual eye and understanding of branding, with experience using Canva or other design software to create or adapt and oversee high-quality, on-brand materials.

• Experience using email marketing platforms, content management systems and analytics tools to plan, deliver and evaluate activity.

• Experience line-managing, coaching and developing colleagues, creating a supportive and collaborative team environment.

• Experience managing external suppliers or freelancers, ensuring projects are delivered on time, budget and to a high standard.

• Ability to proactively assess and improve internal processes, systems or ways of working to increase efficiency, consistency and quality.

• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to swiftly build relationships with teams, partners and external stakeholders.

Desirable experience and skills

• Experience delivering paid digital marketing activity.

• Experience using CRM systems to support audience development and segmentation.

• Advanced design skills with experience creating high-quality branded templates and marketing assets from scratch.

• Experience creating and editing video content for digital marketing and social media.

• Experience working in the film and TV industry or the wider creative and entertainment sector.

• Demonstrable knowledge of climate, sustainability and environmental issues.

How to apply

If your skills and experience meet the above requirements, please apply by;

1. A CV outlining relevant employment history, qualifications and experience (maximum two pages)

2. Supporting statement (maximum one page)

As part of the statement, please answer the following questions:

• What interests you about this role and why would you like to work with Climate Spring?

• Tell us about a campaign, initiative or event you are particularly proud of. What was your role, and what impact did you have?

• Describe a time when you improved a process, supported a team member or led a complex project. What did you do, and what was the outcome?

Throughout your supporting statement, we encourage you to use specific examples to illustrate your experience and skills, rather than repeating what’s outlined on your CV.

Please note that AI-generated applications will not be considered.

3. Work samples

Please include up to five examples of relevant work (PDF, links or similar). For each example, please include a very brief description of your role in the project/example.

4. Please also fill out this recruitment monitoring formwhen you apply. 

Deadline for applications:  Wednesday, 9th September, 5pm BST

First stage interviews: scheduled for w/c 21st September

Second stage interviews: scheduled for w/c 28th September 

Operations Manager 

Organisation: Religions for Peace United Kingdom (RfPUK)

Salary: £38,000 – £42,000 

Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week). Core working hours are 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday. Home-based employees are expected to be available and responsive during these hours.

Contract: Fixed-term (12 months) 

Location: Home-based / hybrid (occasional travel)

Reporting to: Chair of the Board of Trustees

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to take operational and administrative responsibility for a small, ambitious charity. You will run governance, compliance, contract management, finance liaison, data protection, safeguarding, HR, grant administration, and media and digital maintenance. You will work directly with the Chair.

This is a KEY gatekeeper role for someone who can steady the executive arm in response to the Board's strategic direction, concentrating on rigorous enforcement and maintenance.

Key responsibilities

• Board administration (agendas, minutes, documents, filings, trustee records)

• Contract and grant administration (drafting, tracking, compliance)

• Finance liaison (working with finance service provider, accountant, treasurer)

• Compliance (GDPR, safeguarding, risk register, Charity Commission filings and all charity related issues)

• HR and resource management

• Website and social media coordination

Essential criteria

• 4+ years in a leadership or senior operations role within a charity or not-for-profit

• Experience as a board secretary or company secretary

• Experience drafting contracts and managing compliance protocol

• Knowledge of CIO governance and Charity Commission requirements

• Diciplined and methodical apporach towards established processes

• Excellent attention to detail and written English

Desirable but not essential

• Experience in the interfaith or multi-religious sector

• CGI qualification (or working towards)

Infrastructure Requirements (BYOD)

RfPUK operates a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) framework where paid staff provide their own personal computer hardware to access our systems. All work is web-based via Google Workspace for Charities and does not require high-specification hardware. The charity provides all system user licenses and funds required antivirus software for work devices, but does not provide or fund personal hardware or domestic utility bills.

What we offer

• Real ownership of a charity's operations

• Direct reporting to the Chair – simple management structure

• Salary £38,000–£42,000

• 25 days annual leave plus public holidays

• Our workplace pension scheme is in line with statutory requirements, with employer contributions (3%).

• Home-based working with a structured core hours framework (9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday)

How to apply

Please send your CV and a cover letter (maximum two pages) 

Closing date: 20 August 2026

Interview Date: 24 August 2026

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Safeguarding statement: RfPUK is committed to safeguarding. 

Equal opportunities: RfPUK is an equal opportunities employer.

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[End of Advert]

PURPOSE OF ROLE

As part of Caudwell Youth’s five-year strategy to Go National, this role will lead the development and delivery of the organisation’s first online mentoring service.

The Project Manager for Online Services will oversee the pilot, implementation and ongoing management of the programme, ensuring safe, accessible and high-quality support for young people. Working closely with the Deputy CEO and internal teams, the role will shape the future of Caudwell Youth’s digital support offer.

Key Duties

• Lead the pilot and implementation of Caudwell Youth’s national online mentoring programme.
• Manage the digital platform where the online mentoring will take place, ensuring it operates effectively and provides a user-friendly service.
• Working in conjunction with internal teams to develop evaluation and evidence outcomes of the pilot.
• Oversee the day-to-day delivery of the online mentoring programme, ensuring safe, consistent and effective support for young people.
• Understand and analyse user journeys, using the data and insight to shape current programmes and ensure continuous improvement of online services.
• Identify opportunities to expand reach and accessibility for young people who may face barriers to in-person support.
• Ensure robust safeguarding practices within digital mentoring environments with support from Deputy CEO.
• Ensure the programme provides consistent, safe and effective support for young people.
• Monitor programme performance and contribute to evaluation and reporting for internal learning and funders.

Coordination & Development

• Develop processes, guidance and resources to support safe and effective online mentoring.
• Develop and coordinate collaboration with stakeholders
• Carry out user research and usability testing with young people and mentors to continuously improve the service.
• Support the recruitment, onboarding and training of volunteer mentors delivering online mentoring.
• Provide guidance and support to volunteers to ensure they feel confident delivering mentoring in a digital environment.
• Develop and maintain risk management processes specific to online delivery.

Partnership & Liaison

• Communicate technical requirements and flag any issues to the online mentoring platform provider, to ensure the platform supports safe and effective service delivery.
• Collaborate with the team, and stakeholders in the design phase on the platform

General

• Undertake and identify training as required and take a positive approach to personal development.
• Fulfil the duties and responsibilities of an employee as regards to Health and Safety at Work, including own safety and self-management.
• Undertake any other reasonable tasks deemed necessary.

Experience & Skills (Essential):

• Experience delivering or managing online or digital services, ideally within a support, education or youth-focused environment.
• Experience managing projects from development through to implementation, including coordinating multiple stakeholders.
• Experience supporting, coordinating or supervising volunteers or frontline staff.
• Strong communication and organisational skills, with the ability to coordinate teams and manage competing priorities.
• Ability to work collaboratively with technical teams (developers, designers or platform providers) with an understanding of user experience and accessibility.
• Experience carrying out user research or usability testing, and gathering data, feedback and evaluation to review and improve services.
• Ability to develop and implement processes and systems to support effective programme

Experience & Skills (Desirable):

• Experience working with young people, mentoring programmes, or wellbeing services.
• Knowledge of digital safeguarding and managing risk in online environments.
• Experience developing or launching new services, pilots or programmes.
• Experience working within a charity or non-profit organisation.
• Experience delivering or supporting national or remote services.

Why Work For Us

We are an experienced team that are dedicated to improving the lives of the young people we support.

Benefits:

• Flexible working
• Hybrid – working from home and in the community
• Private Healthcare (including Employee Assistance Programme and extended counselling sessions)
• Life Insurance
• Group Personal Pension with a 5% employer contribution and Salary Sacrifice Scheme
• 25 days annual leave (FTE) plus bank holidays, plus charity closure between Christmas and New Year
• Extra paid day off on your birthday
• Paid day off for volunteering in your community
• Training opportunities to support your personal development
• Employee discounts on everyday goods and services
• Being part of a passionate and dedicated team

Caudwell Youth is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of this commitment, we undertake disclosure checks in accordance with the Codes of Practice for all. Having a criminal record will not automatically exclude applicants.

As an organisation supporting young people with care experience, with mental health and those at risk of criminal exploitation and offending, we are keen to receive applications from those with lived experience. For those who are care experienced, we will guarantee an interview.

We actively seek to bring diverse perspectives and experience, and especially welcome applications from disabled people and those from Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic backgrounds and LGBTQIA+.

Online harm is not inevitable. This is our urgent and hopeful mission.

We are Molly Rose Foundation, founded following the death of 14-year-old Molly Russell. We work at the intersect of suicide prevention, online safety, and tech accountability to demand a safer online world and move beyond the preventable harm. We believe a better online world is possible, one where young people are protected, championed and equipped with the skills, confidence and critical algorithmic literacy they need to navigate digital spaces and thrive.

Working closely with the Head of Partnerships and Fundraising, we’re looking for a Trusts and Foundations Manager to join our small team at a critical growth point to build and deliver a Trusts Fundraising Strategy (currently projected to generate c.£600K in 2027) laying the groundwork for long term, sustainable income generation as part of our wider Fundraising Strategy.

This is a new role for someone with substantial experience working in Trusts Fundraising, as well as strong project development skills, who can take our fledgling portfolio of funders and transform it into a pool of engaged supporters invested in MRF’s work in the long-term. You will have a demonstrable track record of securing five-six figure sums, the ability to create propositions in collaboration with programmatic colleagues, and the confidence to present compelling cases for support to a range of philanthropic organisations. You will also have excellent communication skills both written and verbal, a keen eye for connecting philanthropic organisations to the right projects to develop meaningful relationships, and the skills to deliver high-quality, detailed bids to further our strategic objectives.

We're particularly interested in hearing from applicants with experience working in one or more of the following areas: online safety, tech accountability, suicide prevention, education or children’s mental health.

You will join a small, ambitious organisation with big plans and a strong values-led culture. If you're motivated by improving online safety, suicide prevention and helping young people to live long and stay strong, we'd love to hear from you.

We offer a comprehensive package that includes:

• 27 days annual leave plus 1 volunteering day, rising to 30 days holiday after three years’ service;
• Annual leave buyback scheme, with the option to purchase up to 5 additional days;
• Employee pension scheme;
• £500 employee wellbeing budget;

We welcome applications from diverse range of applicants in circumstances, and actively welcome flexible working requests (any requests would be on the understanding that this is a full-time position).
 

Application Process
To apply, please send a CV (max. 2 sides A4) and cover letter (max. 2 sides A4) via the Charity Jobs website. In your covering letter we'd like to understand how you meet the person specification for this role - your application will be scored against these criteria.

Application closing date: Monday 17 August 2026 at midnight. 

There will be an initial interview held online during the week of 24 August 2026 and a follow-up second stage meeting that will be in-person in London (dates TBC).

Are you an experienced campaign coordinator? Are you passionate about helping children and young people reach their full potential? Seeking a new challenge? Join us!

The School Library Association is preparing for a landmark 90th anniversary campaign in 2027, celebrating the vital role of school libraries in education. We are seeking a highly organised, proactive Campaign Coordinator to help deliver this national campaign across research, advocacy, fundraising, events and communications. This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in a high-profile campaign that will raise awareness, strengthen the evidence base for school libraries, influence policy, and directly support schools through resources and funding.

As Campaign Coordinator, you will ensure the smooth coordination and delivery of the campaign’s key milestones throughout the year. You will manage timelines, coordinate campaign activity, and liaise with and report to stakeholders as needed. Integrating into the team at pace, you will take the lead on key milestones, working closely with internal and external partners to deliver the campaign on time, on budget and to a high standard. A creative thinker, you will contribute to all aspects of campaign development, coordination and delivery, helping to build and maintain a strong narrative throughout.

The salary for this position is £23,648.65 per year for 30 hours per week. Find out more about this role and how to apply by downloading the job specification pack. We are actively interviewing for this role and may close recruitment early if a suitable candidate is identified.

The SLA is a UK-wide organisation, working mostly remotely. We welcome applicants from all over the UK. We strongly encourage candidates of all different backgrounds and identities to apply. Each new role provides us with an opportunity for us to bring in a different perspective, and we are always eager to diversify our team. The SLA is committed to building an inclusive, supportive place, where you can do brilliant and rewarding work.

Application deadline: Thursday 10th September, 5pm

Interviews will take place in person on Tuesday 15th September 2026 (London TBC).

Applications without a covering letter will not be considered. No agencies please. Use of supporting digital tools (such as AI) is understood, but all documents submitted must accurately reflect your experience and skills. Due to the volume of applications we cannot provide individual feedback. We really appreciate your interest. If you haven’t heard from us within four weeks of the deadline, it means we’ve moved forward with other candidates on this occasion. We encourage you to apply again in the future.

Open Up Music exists to open up music to young disabled people. We’re looking for an ambitious Head of Development to build the income and support that will help more young disabled musicians flourish.

We work alongside young disabled musicians to tackle inequality, develop accessible instruments, commission new music and reimagine music education and performance.

Our programmes include the National Open Youth Orchestra, the world’s first disabled-led national youth orchestra; Open Orchestras, the UK’s largest network of accessible school orchestras; and Clarion, a digital musical instrument that can be played using the movement of an eye, head or finger.

About the role

This is an opportunity to shape the next phase of fundraising at a nationally recognised charity with a strong record of turning ambitious ideas into high-impact programmes.

You will join us from a position of strength. We have already secured more than 70% of our contributed income target for the coming academic year, and our Board has committed strategic investment to growing our fundraising capacity.

You will inherit a successful trusts and foundations programme, supportive trustees, established digital and CRM systems, and an organisation-wide commitment to fundraising. You will recruit and lead a small fundraising team, diversify our income and help shape Open Up Music’s future as a member of our Senior Management Team.

Key details

• Salary: £50,000, reviewed annually
• Contract: Permanent
• Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week
• Location: Bristol, with the option to work from home for up to half of each week
• Annual leave: 28 days plus bank holidays
• Pension: 3% employer contribution
• Other benefits: Professional development opportunities, Employee Assistance Programme and Cycle to Work Scheme
• Reports to: CEO

We understand that people have different circumstances and are open to discussing alternative working arrangements and job-share applications.

What you’ll be working on

• Leading the development and delivery of our fundraising strategy
• Recruiting, managing and developing a small fundraising team
• Protecting and growing income from trusts, foundations and corporate partnerships
• Developing individual giving, major donor fundraising, community fundraising and legacy giving
• Working with our Marketing and Communications team to create effective fundraising campaigns
• Building relationships with supporters, funders, partners and prospective donors
• Leading fundraising budgets, income forecasting, reporting and performance monitoring
• Helping colleagues and trustees play an active role in fundraising and donor stewardship

This job is for you if:

• You have significant fundraising experience and a strong record of securing contributed income
• You can manage and develop a varied fundraising portfolio
• You have led fundraising strategies, campaigns or programmes and turned plans into results
• You build strong, lasting relationships with funders, donors and partners
• You can recruit, support and develop staff and build a positive team culture
• You are confident managing budgets, forecasts, targets and fundraising data
• You can influence and work effectively with senior colleagues and trustees
• You share our commitment to equity, inclusion and ethical fundraising

Experience in music, the arts, education or disability is welcome, but it is not essential. We know that strong candidates may not meet every criterion, and we encourage you to apply if you believe your skills and experience are relevant.

How to apply

Please complete and submit both application forms included in the recruitment pack.

Closing date: Midnight on Tuesday 25 August 2026
Interview date: Monday 7 September 2026, in person in Bristol

We shortlist anonymously using candidates’ answers to our application questions. The panel will not see your name, pronouns, education or employment history until shortlisting has been completed.

We particularly welcome applications from Disabled, Deaf and neurodivergent people, people from the Global Majority, LGBTQIA+ people and people from working-class backgrounds. We offer a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria.

Application materials are available in alternative formats, and we will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

This role is subject to an DBS check.

Experience of designing, delivering and improving participation, voice, involvement or lived experience programmes with children or young people is an essential requirement for this role. Please see the person specification below for all essential requirements before applying.

Role title: Voice Manager

Reporting to: Head of Impact and Innovation (note that this role will work collaboratively across the organisation to drive this agenda on lived experience being embedded through the charity) 

Location of work: The post holder will be home-based, with office visits required approximately once a month, and department/organisational away days which will be discussed with Line Manager. The role may involve some occasional irregular travel to attend events and meetings throughout England and Scotland.

Contract type: Ideally full time, 35 hours per week, although flexible hours may be considered. The role may require occasional evening and weekend work. 

Contract length: Permanent 

Salary: £43,500 

Background

For more than 20 years, Magic Breakfast has been helping children and young people start the day with the nourishment they need to learn, grow, and thrive. But the impact of breakfast goes far beyond food. Every morning, we help pupils arrive at school feeling valued, included, and ready to reach their potential.

Today, 2.1 million children across the UK are at risk of hunger, the equivalent of four pupils in a classroom of 30. Working with schools in disadvantaged communities across England and Scotland, Magic Breakfast is committed to ensuring no child is too hungry to learn. One breakfast at a time, we are helping children and young people build brighter futures.

This is a pivotal moment to join Magic Breakfast. Governments in both England and Scotland have committed to expanding access to free school breakfasts, recognising the vital role they play in children’s wellbeing and attainment. Yet significant gaps remain. Pupils in secondary schools, alongside younger children in nursery and early years settings, are still at risk of starting the day hungry. Hunger does not begin at age five, nor end at age 11, and neither does our mission.

By joining Magic Breakfast, you will become part of a passionate, ambitious organisation driving lasting change for children and young people across the UK.

Job Purpose 

Magic Breakfast has already begun developing its approach to embedding children and young people's voiceas outlined in ourorganisational Nourishing Futures strategy and business plan, launched in 2025. Alongside this, a Lived Experience strategy and roadmap set out the plan to ensure child and youth voice is heard at all points in our decision making.This role will operationalise that roadmap, strengthening the systems, standards, capability and accountability needed to embed participation across the organisation. 

The Voice Manager will lead the development and delivery of Magic Breakfast’s approach to lived experience voice, with a particular focus on children and young people. They will ensure that the processes, policies, practicalguidanceand organisational capability is in place to enable the views, experiences and priorities of children and young peopletoshapethe organisation. 

This is a new roleat Magic Breakfast, responding to our Nourishing Futures strategy with a vision of a UK where every child is nourished, empowered and thriving.It’sa dynamic, matrix role, that works with teams across the organisation and will evolve over time, initially seeking to develop and embed new practices and approaches,which will impacton the culture and practices of the organisation.Previous experience of working ina similar role is vital as this role will provide lead counsel on child and youth participation across the organisation. 

The role holder will provide expert advice to colleagues across the organisation, helping teams embed meaningful, safe,inclusive and non-tokenistic participation in their work.The aim is for children and young people from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences, including those who may face barriersto engaging,are able to influence Magic Breakfast’s work.Anessential part of this role will be ensuring that,as well as the necessary internal infrastructure, the culture and mindset is in place to support the wider strategic aims. 

Key Responsibilities 

Voice leadership and organisational practice 

• Shape and operationalise Magic Breakfast’s children and young people’s voice function, ensuring it is aligned to organisational strategy, business planning and evaluation, safeguarding requirements and EDI commitments. 

• Reviewand maintain organisational guidance, processes andparticipation infrastructure that supportschildren and young people’s participation, includingconsent, accessibility, safeguarding,risk, recognition (e.g.remuneration), feedbackloopsand ethical storytelling. 

Organisational capability-buildingand support 

• Provide specialist advice to internal teams on when and how to involve children and young people, for examplein decision-making, service development, policy influencing, communications, fundraising,researchand evaluation. 

• Develop and deliver training, resources and reflective learning opportunities that help staff understand the importance of children and young people’s voice and build confidence in applying participatory approaches. 

• Work closely withourPeople and Culture team to embed voice and participation learning into wider performance expectations, ways of working, internal culture and learning,and development pathways. 

• Chair,coordinateor contribute to internal working groups that bring colleagues together to embed children and young people’s voice across teams and projects. 

• Champion a culture of listening, accountability and continuous improvement, highlighting whereand howchildren and young people’s views have influenced decisions to provide positive reinforcement of actions. 

Participation, engagementand co-design 

• Design,pilotand develop participatory approaches(such as regional lived experience panels, pupil panels, advisory groups, workshops, focus groups, creative consultation methodsand digital activities) for engaging children and young people,and support organisation-wide adoption. 

• Ensure participation approaches are accessible and inclusive for children and young people with different needs,experiences and communication preferences, including those who may be less likely to engage through traditional methods. 

• Ensure appropriate feedback loops are in place,s oparticipants and contributors understand how their views have shaped decisions, proposals, policy asks, breakfast provision or further research priorities. 

Safeguarding,ethicsand risk management 

• Ensure all voice and participation activity is delivered safely and in line with Magic Breakfast’s safeguarding, data protection, health and safety,consentand risk management policies. 

• Ensure children and young people are appropriately prepared, supported and followed up before, during and after participation activities, including signposting to support where needed. 

• Be an active member of the internal Safeguarding Committee, proactively flagging issues and developing or updating anyappropriate processes, whilst supporting a shift in approach from compliance to culturally embedded. 

• Support colleagues to develop appropriate risk assessments for online and in-person participation activities, and where needed, escalating concerns in line with organisational processes. 

• Support colleagues to apply ethical and inclusive approaches to gathering,analysingand using children and young people’s views, particularly where sensitive personal experiences may be shared. 

Insight and Influence 

• Develop and maintain approach to measure participation, influence, reach,qualityand impact, ensuring alignment with Magic Breakfast’s existing evaluation and reporting cycles. 

• Represent Magic Breakfast in external working groups,coalitions and participation networks, sharing learning and bringing sector insight back into the organisation. 

• Support funder conversations and proposals where required by clearly articulating Magic Breakfast’s ambitions,approachand impact in relation to children and young people’s voice. 

• Promote organisational learning by sharing participation insights, emerging themes and examples of influence across teams, helping to strengthen practice and decision-making. 

• Commission or manage external support, suppliers or partners where needed,ensuring quality of work 

Person Specification 

Essential knowledge and experience

• Experience of designing,deliveringand improving participation, voice, involvement or lived experience programmes with children or young people. 

• Experience of applying safeguarding, consent, confidentiality, data protection and risk management processes in participation or engagement activity. 

• Experience of managing projects or workstreams from design through to delivery, monitoring,learningand reporting. 

• Experience of facilitating workshops, focus groups, panels or advisory groups, both online and in person. 

• Experience of translating qualitative insight into clear findings, recommendations,reportsor resources for different audiences. 

• Experience of developing or managing place-based, community-ledor regional engagement structures. 

• Experience of developing guidance, tools,trainingor resources that support others to adopt good practice. 

• Experience of building trusting,appropriateand inclusive relationships with children and young people from a range of backgrounds and experiences. 

• Experience ofmatrixworking across teamsand influencing decision making 

Essential skills and behaviours  

• Strong understanding of meaningful,ethicaland non-tokenistic participation, co-designand lived experience practice within the UK. 

• Good understanding of safeguarding, emotional wellbeing, healthy boundaries and inclusive practice when working with children and young people. 

• Strong facilitation skills, with the ability to create inclusive spaces, encourage participation and manage group dynamics or challenging conversations sensitively. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to make complex information clear,accessible and engaging for different audiences. 

• Ability to work with data and evidence to develop metrics,monitor progress and report impact. 

• Commitment to equity,diversityand inclusion, and to reducing barriers to participation for children and young people. 

Desirable Knowledge, experience and skills 

• Experience of child or youth voice activity in schools, education, youth work, anti-poverty, food insecurity, health, socialactionor charity settings. 

• Experience of supporting children and young people to engage with policymakers, funders, media,campaignsor public-facing opportunities. 

• Experience of working with community partners, local authorities, combined authorities, youth organisations, faithgroupsor other trusted local intermediaries to support inclusive participation. 

General requirements 

• Willing and able to travel across the UK for school visits, workshops,eventsand partner meetings. 

• Willingness to work occasional evenings or weekends where participation activity requires it, with time off in lieuinline with organisational policy. 

• Enhanced DBS check may be required depending on the final design of the role and level of direct work with children and young people. 

APPLICATION PROCCESS

You can access our job pack and more information about Magic Breakfast via our website. 

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

Shortlisting: w/c 31st August

Interview 1: w/c 14th September

Interview 2 and Informal Panel: w/c 21st September

Due to the high volume of applications, this role is likely to close early and we reserve the right to do so. This is to ensure that we can manage application levels whilst maintaining a positive candidate experience. Unfortunately, once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications. 

Head of Communications & Public Affairs 

Salary: Up to £62k depending on experience
Location: Remote, with regular planned travel nationwide, particularly to London and the South, plus attendance at monthly and quarterly team meetings
Hours: Full Time, 35 hours per week
Contract: Permanent

We're looking for an exceptional communications leader to join Help for Heroes as our Head of Communications & Public Affairs. This is a rare opportunity to shape how one of the UK's most recognised charities engages with the media, policymakers, supporters and the wider public, ensuring the voices of veterans and their families are heard where it matters most.

Leading our integrated communications, public affairs, policy and PR activity, you'll develop influential campaigns that continue to strengthen our reputation, support fundraising and drive meaningful change for the Armed Forces community. Working closely with senior leaders across the charity, you'll act as a trusted adviser, bringing insight into the political, media and stakeholder landscape while helping to navigate the opportunities and risks that affect our mission.

This is a high-profile leadership role for someone who combines strategic thinking with outstanding delivery, thrives on building influential relationships and wants to use their expertise to create lasting impact for those who have served our country.

Please see below for more information on what just might be your future role.

About the Role

As Head of Communications & Public Affairs, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping how the charity is seen, heard and understood by the public, media, policymakers and supporters. Ensuring the experiences of veterans and their families remain at the heart of national conversations and decision-making.

• Developing and delivering an integrated communications, public affairs and policy strategy that advances the charity's mission and influence.
• Leading high-profile campaigns that raise awareness, support fundraising objectives and drive systemic change for the Armed Forces community.
• Building influential relationships with media, government, political stakeholders, partner organisations and sector leaders.
• Acting as a trusted adviser to senior leaders, providing strategic counsel on reputation, stakeholder engagement, public policy and emerging issues
• Leading the charity's press office, crisis communications activity, ambassador programme and external reputation management
• Developing, inspiring and coaching a high-performing team, fostering innovation, collaboration and measurable impact.

About You

Are you a strategic communications leader who knows how to turn insight into action and ambition into results?

Do you have a strong track record of leading integrated communications, public affairs, policy or campaigning activity that has built reputation, influenced decision-makers and delivered measurable impact?

Can you confidently navigate complex issues, build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders and provide clear, credible counsel?

Are you equally comfortable shaping long-term strategy, responding to fast-moving external events and spotting opportunities to raise the profile and influence of an organisation?

If you're passionate about telling powerful stories, understand the UK media and political landscape, and enjoy leading talented teams to achieve ambitious goals, we'd love to hear from you.

You'll bring significant senior-level experience across communications, public affairs or policy, alongside expertise in media relations, stakeholder engagement and reputation management.

Most importantly, you'll be motivated by the opportunity to use your skills, networks and leadership to improve outcomes for veterans and their families.

About the Team

You’ll join our ambitious Marketing, Communications and Public Affairs directorate, a team dedicated to amplifying the voices of veterans and their families and ensuring their experiences influence public understanding and decision-making.

We are a collaborative, creative, and purpose-driven team that works across the charity to tell powerful stories, build meaningful relationships and create lasting impact. Together, we’re passionate about helping the Armed Forces community get the support they deserve.

In return we can offer you:

• Belonging to a team who make a difference to our community and value equality, diversity and inclusion.
• 29 days’ annual leave plus 8 bank holidays, regardless of service — plus your birthday off to celebrate!
• Opportunity to buy and sell up to 5 days annual leave per year.
• Added to our free health scheme from day one, including discounts on dental, opticians, massages, and more - with the option to upgrade.
• 3 volunteer days per year to support the Help for Heroes community.
• A generous salary sacrifice pension scheme with an 8% employer contribution and a minimum 3% employee contribution, plus life insurance up to 4× salary as an active member.

Closing date: 23rd August 2026

Interview Process: Two stage process with an initial competency based interview and second round stage involving a task.

First round interviews to be held in person or via Teams 4th/7th/8th or 9th September.

Second Round in person 16th or 22nd September.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high number of strong applications.

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all backgrounds.

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.

Who we are

IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) is a national charity working to ensure that children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receive the educational support they are legally entitled to. Since we were formed in 1983, we have helped to improve the education experience of thousands of children and young people across England. We do this by providing free and independent legal advice and casework support for families, undertaking policy work and delivering training on the SEND legal framework.

What you’ll do

Reports to: Chief Executive

Location: Home-based or Hybrid (with frequent travel for events and meeting with parliamentarians and other stakeholders) 

We are seeking a Policy Manager to lead IPSEA's policy and influencing work to achieve positive change for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families. Working closely with the Chief Executive, Head of Legal and Training, trustees and colleagues across the organisation, you will set strategic policy priorities and develop evidence-based influencing plans that support IPSEA's mission and long-term objectives.

Drawing on insights from our advice and tribunal services, legal expertise and the experiences of families, you will identify systemic issues within the SEND system and develop policy solutions that improve children and young people's access to the support and education to which they are entitled. You will ensure that IPSEA's policy positions are credible, legally robust and informed by the lived experiences of those we support.

You will lead IPSEA's engagement with government, Parliament and other key decision-makers, identifying opportunities to influence legislation, policy and practice at both national and local level. This includes overseeing responses to consultations, parliamentary inquiries and calls for evidence, as well as preparing briefings and strategic advice to support senior-level engagement and advocacy.

Working collaboratively with colleagues across legal, communications, fundraising and training teams, you will ensure IPSEA's policy, campaigning and public affairs activities are aligned and maximise the organisation's impact. You will also monitor developments across the political, legal and policy landscape, helping IPSEA respond proactively to emerging opportunities and challenges affecting the rights of children and young people with SEND.

This role offers the opportunity to make a real difference as part of a small, friendly, and dedicated team. If you are passionate about helping children and young people with SEND and have the skills and experience needed, we would love to hear from you.

Who are we looking for?

You will have significant experience in a senior policy and campaigning/public affairs role and have good knowledge of local and national government structure including the legislative process.

You the ability to build and maintain relationships with a range of stakeholders including MPs, civil servants, campaigners and parents. You exhibit tact and diplomacy and can be impactful with people of varying levels and experience.

Your research and critical thinking skills enable you to analyse policy and data to produce relevant reports and position papers. You have experience of drafting organisation responses to government consultations and parliamentary calls for evidence.

IPSEA should also reflect the communities we support. We would particularly like to hear from candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people, under-served communities and disabled people, as well as those with lived experience of the SEND system, either as a child or as a parent/carer.

What we can offer you

• 5% employer pension contributions
• Healthcare cash plan
• Flexible working arrangements
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays plus an additional day off for your birthday (pro-rata if part-time).

To apply

Visit our website to download a recruitment pack and application form.

Deadline for applications: 9am on 7 September 2026.

First-round interviews: on 15 September 2026 in our offices in Takeley, Essex, with second-round interviews (online) on 18 September 2026.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE.