Director of development and external affairs jobs

Join the Commonwealth Foundation at an exciting moment as we launch our new 2026–2031 Strategy with a renewed focus on the value of both our Advocacy and Creative approaches.

We are seeking an experienced, strategic and collaborative leader to provide direction and oversight for our Advocacy and Creative Programme, including the Commonwealth People’s Forum, our flagship event at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, the Commonwealth Short Story Prize, and other high-profile initiatives that bring together civil society, policymakers, creative practitioners and other stakeholders from across the Commonwealth.

This is an opportunity to shape one of the Foundation’s flagship programmes, working at the intersection of advocacy and creativity to influence Commonwealth decision-making processes and amplify civil society voices.

As Senior Manager, Advocacy and Creative Programme, you will provide strategic direction, manage a high-performing team, cultivate influential partnerships, and deliver impactful advocacy, engagement and creative initiatives. Working with civil society partners, storytellers, artists and policymakers, you will design and oversee programmes that foster dialogue and strengthen civic participation.

This is an exciting opportunity for a leader who thrives in an international environment, enjoys navigating complexity, and is passionate about amplifying diverse voices and perspectives.

We are looking for someone who: 

• Has substantial experience leading complex programmes and partnerships in an international, intergovernmental, civil society or not-for-profit context
• Combines strategic leadership with a hands-on approach to delivery, translating vision into tangible outcomes
• Has proven experience building relationships and influencing senior stakeholders across diverse cultural and political environments
• Brings strong people leadership skills and thrives in complex, fast-moving settings where adaptability, sound judgement and collaboration are essential

Working with us

We aim to create an environment where everyone can contribute at their best. Our hybrid working model combines the benefits of both office-based and remote working inclusively and flexibly.

Staff are expected to work from the office for at least five days per fortnight, including Wednesdays as an all-staff day. This role is offered on a permanent full-time basis; however, flexible working arrangements can be discussed as part of the recruitment process.

Our offer to you

We offer a competitive benefits package designed to support staff wellbeing, work–life balance and longer-term financial security. This includes:

• 30 days of annual leave, alongside public holidays and privilege days
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• Private medical and dental insurance
• Life Assurance
• Enhanced sick pay
• Enhanced family leave and pay
• Learning and development opportunities
• A supportive and inclusive working environment

How to apply

To apply, please submit your CV and a supporting statement demonstrating, with relevant examples, how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the requirements set out in the person specification. 

Please note that we are unable to consider incomplete applications.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within two weeks of the closing date and invited to a first-stage online interview.

Full details of the Job Description, Applicant Information Pack, and Behavioural Competencies Framework can be downloaded using the links below.

To apply, please visit our website and follow the application link provided.

Eligibility

To be considered for this role, candidates must have the right to work in the UK. You will be asked to confirm your right to work as part of the application process.

Selection Process

First Interview dates: w/c: 10 August

Applicants who are successful at this stage will be invited for a second interview.

Second interview dates: TBC

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The Commonwealth Foundation values diversity of thought, background, identity and experience, recognising that inclusive teams strengthen organisational effectiveness and impact.

We are committed to creating an inclusive working environment where differences are respected, contributions are valued, and everyone is supported to thrive. We particularly encourage applications from individuals from historically marginalised and underrepresented groups.

If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact our Recruitment team. Contact details are available on our website. We will work with you to provide appropriate support.

This is a pivotal moment to join Public Law Project. As part of our five-year strategy, we are deepening our commitment to centring the voices and experiences of marginalised communities — and this new role is at the heart of that work.

As Community Network Manager, you will establish and lead our new Community Knowledge Exchange, bringing together people with lived experience of marginalisation, frontline partners, lawyers, researchers and others to share knowledge, build collective power and shape fairer systems. You will build and sustain the relationships and infrastructure that ensure community insight drives our litigation strategy, policy influence and advocacy — working in ways that are ethical, equitable and genuinely co-productive.

This is a rare opportunity to shape something from the start. You will develop the networks, tools and approaches that help PLP engage meaningfully with communities, while also acting as an internal champion — building our organisational capacity to work in partnership with lived experience in non-extractive ways.

If you are an experienced community organiser or network coordinator who is passionate about putting lived experience at the centre of social change, we would love to hear from you. As part of our commitment to recruit fairly we use anonymised-selection processes until interview, offer additional interview opportunities to the highest-scoring candidates from under-represented communities, and use ‘tie-breaker’ provisions at all stages of our selection process. This work is made possible by The National Lottery Community Fund's Solidarity Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, Public Law Project has received more than £3.5 million over five years from The National Lottery Community Fund. The funding will be used for strategic legal action, co-produced research and communications to challenge unfair decisions and shape fairer systems.

Job purpose

The Community Network Manager will establish and lead PLP's Community Knowledge Exchange — a new network bringing together people and organisations with lived experience of marginalisation, frontline partners, lawyers, researchers and others to share knowledge and shape fairer systems.

At the heart of the role is a commitment to centring lived experience in PLP's work in ways that are ethical, equitable and non-extractive. The post holder will translate community insight into policy influence, strategic litigation and advocacy, while also strengthening PLP's internal capacity to engage in co-production and lived experience partnership working effectively.

They will develop and help to steward PLP's relationship with The National Lottery Community Fund and engage with the wider cohort of funded organisations, identifying opportunities for collaboration and collective endeavour. Internally, they will act as a champion and adviser, developing tools, guidance and approaches that help colleagues across PLP engage meaningfully with communities and frontline partners.

Key relationships

Reports to the Communications & Engagement Director, works closely with the wider Communications & Engagement team and is a member of the SMT1. Collaborates across PLP with colleagues including from events, public affairs, research and casework teams and advise the Senior Leadership Team. Externally, represents PLP within the Community Knowledge Exchange network and The National Lottery Community Fund cohort, and facilitates and maintains relationships with community partners, frontline organisations and other stakeholders relevant to PLP's strategic priorities.

Primary duties and responsibilities

The following is an illustrative but not exclusive list of the primary duties and responsibilities of the role

Network development and coordination

• Establish, coordinate and grow the Community Knowledge Exchange – a network of people and organisations with lived and living experience of marginalisation, working with colleagues and frontline partners such as advice organisations and campaign groups.
• Manage relationships, communications and logistics for network members and meetings.
• Develop peer resource hubs and strong feedback loops between community insight and organisational delivery.
• Engage with the cohort of National Lottery funded organisations, making the most of connections and insights to shape the Community Knowledge Exchange and activities such as events.
• Connect PLP with communities and partners relevant to our strategic priorities. Uphold and promote PLP’s safeguarding policy, recognising and responding appropriately to concerns and escalating them through agreed procedures.

Knowledge exchange, influencing and storytelling

• Shape and develop network resources, working in collaboration with colleagues across the Communications & Engagement, Research and Casework teams and SLT.
• Work with the events team (which is part of the Communications & Engagement team) to develop and deliver convenings, meetings and trainings for the Community Knowledge Exchange and feed into PLP’s overall programme of events.
• Work with research and public affairs colleagues to support the co-production of research, policy and influencing work.
• Work with strategic communications colleagues to support and enable people with lived experience to share their stories publicly in ways that are ethical, empowering and on their own terms.
• Coordinate internal staff contributions to network delivery.

Funder relationship and programme development

• Play a lead role in developing PLP's relationship with The National Lottery Community Fund, acting as the primary point of contact for the development of the programme and support regular, high-quality communication and reporting.
• Represent PLP within the wider cohort of funded organisations, building relationships and identifying opportunities for collaboration, joint working and shared learning.
• Ensure that senior colleagues and the wider staff team are informed of developments in the programme, including emerging opportunities, funder priorities and cohort-wide initiatives.
• Shape the development of KPIs, in collaboration with others, and lead on tracking and reporting for PLP and sharing learnings internally and externally
• Contribute to and coordinate PLP's input into any collective communications, advocacy or other joint work across the cohort.
• Ensure PLP is well-positioned to respond to opportunities the funder makes available, including around communications support or additional resourcing.

Building capacity for lived experience partnership

• Advise colleagues on approaches to co-production and lived experience partnership working that are ethical, equitable and non-extractive.
• Shape and develop internal tools, guidance and resources to build organisational capacity in this area.
• Support teams across PLP to engage meaningfully with communities and frontline partners in their work.
• Act as an internal champion for centring lived experience across PLP's work, including casework, research, public affairs, strategic comms and events.

Management responsibilities and organisational contribution

• Contribute proactively as part of SMT to PLP’s strategy and goals.
• Role-model and embed PLP’s values and culture framework in day-to-day leadership and team development.
• Assist with management of the Communications & Engagement team e.g providing input on planning, chairing team meetings as appropriate, and assisting with recruitment, induction and training as required.
• Draw on network insight to contribute to organisational planning and strategy, including advising on emerging trends, risks and opportunities relevant to PLP’s priorities.

General duties

• Contribute to PLP’s general development, including improvement of systems, processes and ways of working.
• Ensure work is carried out in accordance with PLP policies, procedures, and relevant legal and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in PLP’s day-to-day operations, including accounting and financial reporting (including to funders).
• Work with other internal teams as required from time to time, beyond the areas set out above.
• Support fundraising activities as required, including contributing to grant applications and reporting.
• Attend meetings and other fora and represent PLP as required.
• Manage your own administrative tasks, correspondence and document preparation efficiently.
• Assist others with gathering data for monitoring and evaluation, both internal for SLT/Board and external for funders and stakeholders, including the Legal Aid Agency.
• Attend occasional evening meetings. These and other events may also result in the post holder having to be away from home overnight. However, PLP recognises that post holders may have caring and other commitments and seeks to be as flexible as possible in this regard. In addition, reasonable notice will be given of such commitments outside normal working hours where possible, and time off in lieu may be taken by arrangement.
• Undertake other tasks appropriate to the role as required

We are seeking a proactive, highly organised Campaigns Officer to join the Communications Directorate at the Royal College of Radiologists, playing a key role in delivering impactful, insight-led marketing campaigns that engage members and stakeholders.

This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of multi-channel marketing campaigns from brief to evaluation, helping to shape how we promote our membership, workforce and brand priorities. Working closely with Brand, Content and Membership teams, you’ll deliver compelling messaging, coordinate activity across channels and use data to continually improve performance. If you thrive on turning strategy into action and want to make a tangible difference through effective communications, we’d love to hear from you.

What you’ll do

• Plan, coordinate and deliver targeted, insight-led marketing campaigns from brief through to evaluation.
• Develop clear campaign plans including objectives, audiences, messaging, channels, timelines and KPIs.
• Commission high-quality campaign assets and write engaging, on-brand copy across email, social and digital platforms.
• Manage multiple marketing campaigns simultaneously, keeping activity on track and stakeholders informed.
• Monitor performance using analytics tools, reporting on results and using insight to optimise future activity.
• Collaborate with Brand, Content and Membership teams to ensure joined-up, consistent communications.
• Identify opportunities to improve targeting, testing and campaign effectiveness through continuous learning and optimisation.

What you’ll need

• Experience independently delivering multi-channel marketing or campaign activity from planning to evaluation.
• Strong project management and organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines.
• Confident copywriting skills and the ability to adapt tone and messaging for different audiences and platforms.
• Experience using analytics and performance tools (e.g. Google Analytics, Google Ads or similar) to track and improve results.
• A data-informed mindset, with experience using testing and insight to refine campaigns.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with a collaborative, solutions-focused approach.
• Proactivity, sound judgement and the confidence to take ownership of your work.

Why join us

• Make a difference to the lives of Doctors and the specialities they work in every day!
• Hybrid working (60% working week can be done remotely)
• Modern working environment
• Equipment provided to work from home
• Generous annual leave allowance
• Excellent pension scheme
• Interest free season ticket loan and cycle to work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme