External engagement manager jobs in Edinburgh

Location: Remote; able to travel into London easily
Benefits: Flexible working, private healthcare, 35 days annual leave (in addition to bank holidays), £500 contribution towards work laptop
Reporting to: Founder

About the Schools Consent Project

The Schools Consent Project is a charity that sends lawyers into schools to teach 11–18-year-olds aboutconsent and key sexual offences. Education is prevention: by introducing consent-literacy in classrooms, youngpeople grow up making more informed, ethical decisions and are less likely to experience – or perpetrate –sexual violence in later life.

As we continue to scale, we are seeking an ambitious and proactive Fundraising & Partnerships Manager to helpsecure the resources and relationships that will enable us to reach more young people across the UK.

Role Summary

Reporting to the Founder, the Fundraising & Partnerships Manager will lead the charity’s fundraising andpartnership development activity across a range of income streams, including trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, major donors and individual giving.

This is a hands-on role with significant autonomy. As the charity’s sole designated fundraising professional, youwill work closely with the Founder, who remains actively involved in fundraising, strategic relationships andexternal engagement.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising & Income Generation

•Work with the Founder to develop and deliver the charity’s fundraising strategy.
•Build and manage a pipeline of funding opportunities across trusts, foundations, companies and individual supporters.
•Monitor fundraising performance and report on progress against targets.

Trusts & Foundations

•Research and target prospective funders.
•Prepare high-quality funding applications and reports.
•Manage funder relationships.

Corporate Partnerships

•Help manage our relationships with existing corporate partners.
•Identify and develop relationships with new corporate partners.
•Help plan and run corporate partnership touchpoints throughout the year.

Individual Giving & Major Donors

•Support the cultivation and stewardship of individual donors.
•Help plan and run donor touchpoints throughout the year.

Partnerships & External Relations

•Build relationships with brands and organisations aligned with the charity’s mission.
•Represent the charity at meetings, events and networking opportunities.

Fundraising Operations
•Maintain accurate fundraising records and data.
•Ensure compliance with fundraising regulations and best practice.
•Draft fundraising materials, impact reports and donor communications.
•Support the Founder and Director in reporting on fundraising to the Board.

Person Specification

Essential

•Experience of successful fundraising within the charity sector.
•A track record of securing income through multiple fundraising streams.
•Excellent written communication and proposal-writing skills.
•Strong relationship-building skills.
•Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
•Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
•Commitment to the mission and values of the Schools Consent Project.

Desirable

•Experience working within a small charity.
•Familiarity with fundraising CRM systems
 

Safeguarding and Equality

The Schools Consent Project is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment.
 
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

We ask applicants to draft their applications without using AI (save for checking spelling or grammar), so that we can get a real sense of your suitability for the role.

Please note a covering letter is required in order to be considered for the post.

Are you an experienced community engagement professional who would love to use your skills to help us Beat Macular Disease? 

Macular disease is the biggest cause of sight loss in the UK, with around 300 people diagnosed every day. The Macular Society is the only charity determined to beat the fear and isolation of macular disease with world-class research, and the best advice and support. 

To support people affected by macular disease now, the Macular Society provides a range of support, information and services. Our research programme is focused on finding new treatments and a cure to beat macular disease forever. 

This is a permanent, part-time job-share role working Monday and Tuesday. You will work closely with the existing Community Engagement Manager, who works Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, providing an important overlap day on Tuesday. 

The role covers the whole of the South of England, including London. You will help strengthen community connections, support volunteers and local groups, and build relationships with organisations and stakeholders across the region. 

Key accountabilities of the role: 

• Support community groups and peer networks across the South of England, including London. 

• Lead local community engagement and ensure community insight informs wider work. 

• Work closely with the other job-share postholder to provide clear handovers and consistent support. 

• Support and engage volunteers in partnership with the Volunteer and Group Support Team. 

• Build relationships with community organisations, healthcare professionals and other key partners. 

• Gather and share insight to help shape services and organisational decisions. 

• Support relevant fundraising and partnership opportunities. 

• Provide information, advice and learning to external partners. 

• Maintain knowledge of local and national services to support signposting and referrals. 

• Plan volunteer development and community engagement activities. 

• Promote inclusive, accessible and welcoming approaches.  You will have experience of community engagement, partnership working or service delivery and be confident building trusted relationships with a wide range of people and organisations. 

• You will be able to work independently, manage competing priorities and work effectively as part of a job-share arrangement. Strong communication, organisation and IT skills are essential. 

  In return we provide a great working culture and offer flexible working options, 26 days annual leave, rising to 27 after one year's service, pro rata for part-time employees, the ability to buy or sell annual leave, supportive family policies and a 6% pension contribution. 

• In line with our value of “Showing we care”,we ask that the covering letter is written in your own words and not heavily reliant on AI-generated content. 

  Closing date: Monday 21 September 2026 

  We are an equal opportunities employer, and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons. 

  Travel across the South of England, including London, will be required, along with occasional attendance at events or meetings at our Andover office. 

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced relationship fundraiser to join Kids and play a key role in growing our philanthropic income. If you are passionate about building meaningful donor relationships and creating lasting impact for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), we'd love to hear from you.

Philanthropy and Relationships Manager

Location: Home-based with regular travel for face-to-face meetings
Hours: 36 hours per week (flexible working arrangements can be discussed at interview)
Salary: £35,000 per annum

About the Role

We're looking for an ambitious and motivated Philanthropy and Relationships Manager to lead the development of our major donor programme. Building on recent strategic recommendations, you will develop and deliver a sustainable fundraising programme that grows support from mid-level and major donors.

Working closely with the Head of Fundraising and colleagues across the organisation, you will identify, cultivate and steward high-value supporters, creating compelling opportunities for them to invest in Kids' mission. You will play a vital role in securing significant gifts and developing long-term partnerships that help children and young people with SEND achieve their full potential.

This role offers the opportunity to shape and grow a portfolio of supporters while helping to create a culture of philanthropy across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy and Planning

• Develop and implement a measurable strategy for philanthropic growth.
• Work closely with the Head of Fundraising to strengthen and embed a culture of philanthropy across Kids.
• Collaborate with colleagues to identify, cultivate and solicit major donor prospects.
• Provide guidance and support to colleagues on donor engagement and relationship management.

Relationship Management

• Build, manage and strengthen relationships with existing supporters.
• Understand donor motivations and create tailored engagement plans that inspire long-term support.
• Represent Kids at networking and cultivation events, building visibility and awareness of our work.
• Work collaboratively with service delivery teams to demonstrate the impact of donor support.

Prospect Development

• Manage and grow a mid-level giving programme.
• Develop and maintain a strong pipeline of prospective donors through research, identification and outreach.
• Build and manage a portfolio of mid-level and major donor prospects.
• Work with the Events Manager to deliver engaging donor cultivation events.

Income Generation and CRM Management

• Take ownership of individual income targets and contribute to wider fundraising goals.
• Manage donor pipelines, forecasting and reporting through Donorfy CRM.
• Monitor performance and identify opportunities to maximise income growth.

Donor Communications

• Develop compelling cases for support and impact reports.
• Create personalised communications and proposals that align with donors' interests and motivations.
• Deliver a high-quality donor experience that encourages long-term engagement and investment.

About You

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• Proven success in networking and relationship building that has resulted in financial support.
• Experience securing new gifts and developing new donor relationships.
• A strong track record of building and managing fundraising pipelines and supporter portfolios.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage high-value supporters.
• Experience using CRM systems and data to manage donor relationships, forecasting and reporting.
• Strong budgeting and financial forecasting skills.
• Experience researching and identifying prospective donors.
• Confidence engaging and influencing senior stakeholders, including CEOs, trustees and decision-makers.
• The initiative and resilience to build new relationships from the ground up.
• A genuine passion for improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND and their families.
• An understanding of the policy and influencing landscape affecting children and young people with SEND.

Why Join Kids?

At Kids, you'll be part of a dedicated team committed to creating brighter futures for disabled children, young people and their families. This is an exciting opportunity to shape a growing philanthropy programme, develop meaningful supporter relationships and secure transformational gifts that make a lasting difference.

Apply today and help us create life-changing opportunities for children and young people with SEND.

For further details about the role, responsibilities and requirements, please refer to the full Job Description attached.

We encourage early applications as we reserve the right to close this vacancy ahead of the advertised closing date if we receive a high volume of suitable applications

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 Corporate Partnerships Manager to join our small team at a critical growth point. We’re looking for someone to build and deliver on our Corporate Partnerships Strategy and lay the groundwork for long term, sustainable corporate income generation as part of our wider Fundraising Strategy.

This is a new role for someone with substantial experience working in corporate partnerships. We’re looking for someone with strong account management and new business skills who can take our fledgling portfolio of corporate supporters and transform it into formal, long-term partnerships generating at least c.£400K by the end of the first 3 years.

You will have a demonstrable track record of securing and account managing five-six figure partnerships. You will have the ability to create propositions in collaboration with programmatic colleagues, and the confidence to pitch a compelling case for support to a range of senior corporate audiences. You will also have excellent communication skills both (written and verbal) and a keen eye for connecting a company’s objectives to the right opportunity at MRF. You will also have the commercial awareness to build partnerships that create genuine, shared value.

This is a partnerships role as much as a fundraising one. Alongside income, you will develop a suite of impactful corporate engagement opportunities and maximise the pro bono, skills and influence that the right partners can bring to our mission.

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 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 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 14 September 2026 at 09.00.

There will be an initial interview held online during the week of 21 September 2026 and a follow-up second stage meeting that will be in-person in London (dates TBC).

Grade: 4

Salary: £44,080 per year

Position Type: Full-time, 37.5 hours week, Permanent (flexible working considered)

Responsible to: Senior Philanthropy and Partnerships Manager

Direct reports: None

Location: Remote (UK), within reasonable commuting distance to London to accommodate regular donor meetings. This may be up to once a week. Additionally, there will be two trips per year to our HQ in Truro, Cornwall.

ROLE PURPOSE

Sitting within our Philanthropy & Partnerships team, you will play a pivotal role in securing the philanthropic support that makes ShelterBox's work possible. By identifying, qualifying and developing major donor opportunities from our supporter base, networks and wider community, you will help connect more people with our mission to ensure no one is without shelter after disaster.

At the heart of this role is building and strengthening the major donor pipeline. You will proactively analyse data, identify high-potential prospects, uncover valuable connections and work with colleagues across the organisation to create opportunities for supporters to deepen their engagement with ShelterBox. Through strategic prospect research, qualification and relationship building, you will help move individuals from initial interest to meaningful philanthropic partnerships.

Working closely with colleagues across Philanthropy & Partnerships, senior leadership, volunteers and key stakeholders, you will develop and implement tailored cultivation plans that create pathways to giving and maximise the long-term potential of prospective donors. You will support the delivery of bespoke engagement opportunities, proposals and communications drawing on ShelterBox's powerful humanitarian mission, compelling stories and tangible impact to engage diverse audiences and inspire long-term philanthropic support.

You will also play a key role in coordinating the Philanthropy Advisory Board and supporting events and activities that help expand networks, generate introductions and unlock opportunities to engage prospective major donors with ShelterBox's work.

Through strategic pipeline development, relationship building and effective use of data, insight and networks, you will help grow a thriving community of future major donors whose investment enables families affected by disaster, conflict and climate-related crises to access shelter, safety and a foundation for recovery.

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

We are looking for a proactive and strategic fundraiser with a talent for identifying opportunities, building relationships and developing a strong pipeline of future major donors.

You will be naturally curious and enjoy analysing data, researching prospects and uncovering opportunities to deepen engagement with existing supporters. Equally comfortable networking with supporters, volunteers, senior stakeholders, and professional contacts, you will be confident initiating conversations, and skilled at connecting people to ShelterBox's work whilst creating meaningful pathways towards philanthropy.

You will have excellent communication, influencing and project management skills, enabling you to coordinate multiple prospects, cultivation activities and stakeholder relationships simultaneously. Highly organised and confident using CRM systems, supporter insight and prospect research tools, you will be experienced in managing and progressing a pipeline, ensuring opportunities are effectively qualified, cultivated and moved through the donor journey.

This is an exciting opportunity for a major donor fundraiser who enjoys opening doors, creating new opportunities, building meaningful supporter engagement and converting warm prospects into committed philanthropic supporters whose generosity will help families affected by disaster.

DUTIES WILL INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO:

• Effectively manage a portfolio of major donors: developing strong and personal relationships, delivering bespoke stewardship and communication plans to ensure donors feel part of ShelterBox; providing them with inspiring stories, unique engagement opportunities, and strong impact reporting.
• Work with the ShelterBox team and key external influencers, connectors, partners and/or networks to grow and steward the major donor pipeline, cultivating relationships with new audiences.
• Develop a wide range of compelling communications for prospects and existing major donors including proposals, reports, and deliver concise and engaging updates via email, phone and in person.
• Work with the Senior Philanthropy and Partnerships Manager, Head of Philanthropy & Partnerships, Director of Fundraising and Communications, and CEO to steward to the top high-level donors.
• Working with the Head of Philanthropy & Partnerships to refine and implement the major donor strategy.
• Work closely with the Stewardship and Research Officer and Philanthropy & Partnerships Assistant to carry out targeted prospect research, and develop bespoke and strategic cultivation plans for prospective donors currently in the pipeline.
• Support with the development and implementation of cultivation and stewardship events to deepen donor engagement and reach new audiences.
• Utilise the grant management system when securing restricted income (i.e. tracking pipeline, asks, restricted income secured, reporting requirements).
• Act as the subject matter expert (SME) to provide knowledge and expertise in major donor fundraising and the wider ShelterBox team (UK and global affiliates).
• Maximise the benefits of the CRM to create and implement cultivation and stewardship journeys for high-level funders, keeping records updated and following Data Protection regulations.
• Be active in the fundraising sector, know and follow the latest fundraising legislation and codes of practice, seek out peer learning and peer mentoring opportunities, network and contribute.
• Represent ShelterBox as required and always work in line with our aims, values and plans.
• As part of an emergency organisation there will be times when you will be required to work evenings and weekends at short notice in response to a disaster
• Any other duties as required which are deemed appropriate to the level and grade of the post.

Government, Multilateral and Climate Funding Manager

Permanent. Full Time. Hybrid working (minimum of 2 days in the office per week)

Location: This role can be based in any one of our UK offices - Edinburgh, London, Warrington

Salary: £49,062 per year for Edinburgh, and Warrington. £53,994 per year for London (including London allowance)

About us

Christian Aid exists to create a world where everyone can live a full life, free from poverty. We are a global movement of people, churches and local organisations who passionately champion dignity, equality and justice worldwide. We are the changemakers, the peacemakers, the mighty of heart.

We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, and recognise the value this brings in forming strong, creative and high performing teams. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, and from those with experience from outside of the voluntary sector. And no, you don’t have to be Christian to work here – we encourage people of all faiths and none to apply. We just ask that everyone lives out our values of dignity, equality, justice and love. We value a good work-life balance, so we’re open to part-time and flexible working. We also offer hybrid working for our office-based colleagues. 

About the role

Reporting in to the Partnership and Business Development Lead, the Government, Multilateral and Climate Funding Manager is responsible for driving sustained growth in income and impact outcomes by actively engaging and cultivating strong relationships with existing and new institutional and climate funding partners.

The role co-creates and leads bidding with MCCs and Global Programmes teams, securing multi-year, multi-million government, multilateral, and climate funding awards.

The post-holder will co-lead and deliver the government, multilateral and climate funding strategy, positioning Christian Aid and its partners to access and scale climate finance, including adaptation, resilience, loss and damage, and nature-based solutions funding.

The role ensures a strong long-term pipeline of funding opportunities, aligned to organisational priorities and climate justice commitments, maximising both income and programme impact.

Some of the main areas of responsibility for the Government, Multilateral and Climate Funding Manager include:

• Working with the Partnerships and Business Development Lead and Heads of Impact to implement an ambitious long-term strategic framework to enhance engagement and build strong partnerships with Government, Multilateral and Climate Funding Partners (including Global Climate Funds such as the Green Climate Fund and Adaptation Fund, UN agencies, World Bank climate windows, Regional Development Banks, and bilateral donors including UK and devolved Governments, European and other Governments), setting clear objectives and key areas for collaboration, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and climate justice priorities.
• Acquire, develop and retain key Government, Multilateral and Climate Funder relationships and strategic partnerships by building a wide network of contacts across Government Departments, development finance institutions, and climate finance mechanisms, ensuring sustained engagement and strong positioning over time.
• Build and maintain a forward-looking, multi-year pipeline of institutional and climate funding opportunities, identifying emerging climate finance trends and positioning Christian Aid to access strategic funding, collaborating closely with CA Ireland and global teams to maximise funding growth.
• Oversee agreed Supplier Framework Agreements, including those linked to climate and environment programming, working with MCC Business Development Managers in taking forward pipeline opportunities.
• Collaborate across the Partnerships and Business Development Team and MCC BD Team on tenders and grants, leading bid preparation and ensuring alignment with funding requirements, including integration of climate considerations and compliance with donor requirements (e.g. climate rationale, safeguards, and reporting).
• Collaborate with Impact colleagues to onboard new programmes, including those funded through climate finance mechanisms, working with MCC Contracts and Portfolio Managers to ensure readiness for delivery and compliance requirements.
• Develop and proactively pitch new strategic Signature Programmes, including climate-focused and climate-integrated programmes, in agreement with Directors and MCCs.
• Strengthen internal capability by supporting colleagues to integrate climate considerations into programme design and funding approaches, sharing knowledge and best practice on climate funding requirements.
• Represent Christian Aid externally, strengthening organisational visibility and positioning within climate finance spaces.
• This level role may include line management responsibilities of an adviser level role.

Role Characteristics

• Permanent, income-generating role aligned to multi-year institutional and climate funding cycles
• Focus on sustained pipeline development and relationship management
• Requires long-term positioning with government, multilateral, and climate funders
• Builds and retains organisational expertise in complex and competitive funding mechanisms
• Critical to delivering predictable income growth and scaled programme impact

Strategic Context

This role is critical to ensuring Christian Aid can:

• Compete effectively in an increasingly climate-focused and competitive funding landscape
• Build and sustain high-value institutional and climate funding partnerships
• Access and scale climate finance as a core income stream
• Deliver long-term, impactful programmes aligned to climate justice priorities

The permanent nature of this role reflects the long-term horizon of institutional and climate funding, and the need for sustained engagement, expertise, and strategic positioning.

Integration with Senior Leadership

This role will be complemented by senior strategic oversight, ensuring strong alignment between operational delivery and high-level engagement with key funders, strengthening Christian Aid’s positioning, influence, and ability to secure large-scale funding opportunities.

About you

Who we are looking for:

Essential:

• Highly developed communication, networking, consulting and relationship-building skills, including but not limited to Government Departments, INGOs, NGOs and Private Sector and country missions
• Highly developed interpersonal skills at senior levels with advanced negotiation and conflict resolution
• Highly developed research skills for identifying strategic funding and partnership
• Highly developed organisational, planning, and prioritisation
• Substantial knowledge and experience of humanitarian programming and humanitarian donor funding modalities with UN, EU and bilateral donors and/or international climate funding architecture, Global Climate Funds, donor accreditation and management modalities
• Developed skills and experience in strategy development, decision-making, and managing high-pressure
• Substantial experience and a proven track record of securing multiple multi-million-pound
• Substantial experience with project design, as well as monitoring and evaluation
• Substantial experience in developing, writing, and budgeting technical grant and service contract bids, and strong excel and budgeting skills.
• Detailed understanding and knowledge of institutional donor programming and partnership models, especially with Governments and Multilateral donors.

Desirable:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• Developed in synthesising complex information
• Demonstrable experience in line management and managing teams remotely and providing coaching support.
• Medium level proficiency in speaking and writing in French or Spanish
• Understanding in negotiating government grant and supplier contracts, including compliance agreements.

Further information

At Christian Aid we strive to be an inclusive and diverse employer and recognise the value that this brings in helping to build strong, creative and high performing teams.

We are actively encouraging racialised minorities, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, returning parents or carers who are re-entering work after a career break, people with caring responsibilities, people from low socioeconomic backgrounds, women, and older workers to apply. This is because these groups are under-represented within our teams, especially at senior level, and we recognise and value the contributions members of these groups make to strong, creative and high performing teams. 

We have a strong Christian ethos and we encourage applications from all faiths. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of and sympathy with Christian Aid’s faith identity. 

All successful candidates will require a DBS/police check appropriate to the role and location and a Counter Terrorism Sanction check as part of your clearance for commencing your role with us. We also participate in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.  In line with this Scheme, we will request information as part of the referencing process from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

This role requires applicants to have the right to live and work in the country where this position is based and undertake the role that you have been offered. If you are successful and we make you an offer for the role, we will be required to conduct a right to work check on your immigration status in the UK. We will contact you regarding the documentation you will need to provide to evidence this. 

The young people, children and families that we support are at the heart of everything we do at Mermaids.  The work that we do has significantly expanded and we now need a highly effective and experienced Youth Advocacy Manager to join the organisation.  The Youth Advocacy Manager plays a crucial role in empowering trans youth, advocating for their rights and fostering inclusive  and supportive communities where they can thrive.  This role is a core part of our management team and will drive the organization to ensure that youth voice is centred across all of our work.

Mermaids is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from those with lived experiences (directly or indirectly) and/or close ties to the LGBTQ+ community. We actively support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds and experiences to join us and shape what we do. We are particularly keen to receive applications from BPOC (black and people of colour) and/or disabled and trans candidates.

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.

The Development Manager role brings the opportunity to an avid fundraiser and resource mobilization professional to manage the strategic fundraising efforts of IFIP to build, sustain, and grow the organization’s institutional pool of funders by aligning development strategy with the organization’s mission, goals, key programs, and initiatives. This position plays a critical role in enhancing our sustainability efforts through identifying, cultivating, soliciting, grant writing, and securing funding support in accordance with IFIP’s strategic framework. 

Position Title: Development Manager 
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer 
Location: Remote (Europe)

OrganizationSummary 

International Funders for Indigenous Peoples (IFIP) is the only global philanthropy network dedicated to shifting power, mobilizing resources, and building partnerships to amplify Indigenous leadership and to support the self-determination and rights of Indigenous Peoples.

As a global community, IFIP educates, guides, and influences funders to practice a new paradigm of giving based on Indigenous values “The Five R’s of Indigenous Philanthropy” —Respect, Reciprocity, Responsibility, Relationships and Redistribution.Building on over 25 years of experience, IFIP is at an exciting moment of evolution and on a path to accelerate organizational capacity to implement our strategic plan, mobilize redistribution of resources, and increase advocacy for direct funding to Indigenous Peoples globally. 
 

Position Overview 

The Development Manager role brings the opportunity to an avid fundraiser and resource mobilization professional to manage the strategic fundraising efforts of IFIP to build, sustain, and grow the organization’s institutional pool of funders by aligning development strategy with the organization’s mission, goals, key programs, and initiatives. This position plays a critical role in enhancing our sustainability efforts through identifying, cultivating, soliciting, grant writing, and securing funding support in accordance with IFIP’s strategic framework.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Development Manager works collaboratively with senior management, staff, and consultants to ensure sustainability goals are achieved. The Development Manager cultivates prospects, sustains relationships, creates proposals and reports for funders to illustrate impact and spends most of their time engaging with prospective funders and supporters through both virtual and in-person interactions. 

The ideal candidate is a skilled fundraiser and a relationship builder with a strong understanding of philanthropic giving. They should be proactive and strategic, with a proven track record of securing mid-to-large multi-year funding, nurturing donor relationships, and effectively communicating the organization's mission and impact. Familiarity and commitment to IFIP's mission is essential. Experience working remotely and across multiple time zones is an asset. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Fundraising and Resource mobilization  

• Develop a comprehensive multi-year development strategy, including developing related guidelines and policies and ensure IFIP secures annual revenue goals.

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with funders and other donors, including foundations and other funders. 

• Responsible for the development, writing, and submission of compelling grant proposals. Manages full lifecycle of grants, from proposals to reports, ensuring fundraising goals are met annually. 

• Able to skillfully navigate donor relationships and the philanthropic landscape with nuance, big picture, and keen understanding of the shifting trends and perspectives.

• In coordination with senior leadership, organize, prepare and attend donor meetings and convenings in support of strategic initiatives. 

• Develop strategic fundraising initiatives, including events and campaigns and identify new opportunities for resource mobilization. 

• Develop, manage, and execute comprehensive fundraising plans that align with the organization’s goals, programs, and initiatives. 

• Coordinate with leadership on restricted gifts, proposal budgets with restricted allocations, and financial reporting to donors. 

• Establishes and maintains collaborative working relationships with IFIP’s team and consultants to maximize total revenue in service of the organization’s mission

• Collaborate with the Engagement and Communications team to enhance visibility and donor messaging efforts through our newsletters and communications platforms.

• Utilize a CRM for data collection, relationship management, and tracking donor interactions. 

• Manages information-tracking processes regarding acknowledgement, recognition, ongoing communication and continued cultivation of donors in portfolio.

Organizational Culture and Team Collaboration 

• Partner with the CEO to ensure IFIP’s strategy is reflected across fundraising plans, funder engagement and partnerships. 

• Foster a collaborative, results-driven, and accountability culture that empowers the IFIP team to deliver organizational goals effectively. 

• Contribute to a culture of teamwork by fostering collaboration and support of each other to accomplish tasks at hand, the annual work plan, and overall mission. 

• Bring a learning, attention to detail, initiative taking disposition and participate in organization-wide strategy and learning and contribute to operations efficiency to grow as an organization. 

• Able to adapt and excel in a multi-cultural and fast paced environment where team members take part and contribute to planning activities, including staff meetings, retreats, and strategy sessions. 

• Provide support when needed on organization-wide activities, such as Global Conference and high-level stakeholder events. 

• Adhere to organizational policies and procedures and responsible for own administrative tasks such as submission of receipts, reimbursement requests, scheduling, travel planning, etc. 

• Embody and uphold the 5 R’s (Respect, Relationships, Responsibility, Reciprocity, Redistribution) in working with external stakeholders and internal team members. 

Required Experience and Qualifications: 

• At least 8 years of experience in the development and resource mobilization sector. 

• At least 3 years of experience working in an international remote work environment with a multi-cultural team 

• Experience building partnerships and securing funding from bilateral and multilateral donor agencies is an asset 

• Track record of garnering new donors and substantial levels of funding per year

• Demonstrated experience in developing fundraising strategies and plans and excellent donor relations skills.

• Familiarity with donor database tools to track grants and donor relationships 

• Exceptional organizational ability, high attention to detail, results and solutions-oriented attitude are essential.

• Problem-solver, with high integrity and ability to communicate clear expectations and foster team collaboration. 

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills in written and oral forms and ability to articulate complex ideas effectively to diverse audiences. 

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment. 

• Solid information technology proficiency with CRMs, remote meeting software, Microsoft Office Suite, and cloud systems for project management. 

• Experience travelling internationally to urban and rural areas where English may not be the primary language.

• Fluency in English.Fluency in a second language is an asset. 

Application Information: 

Job details: This is a full-time, remote position based in the greater London area. Employee may spend up to three weeks a year in Sacramento, CA for strategic planning and team building. IFIP's team, board, members, and stakeholders are based worldwide and distributed across multiple time zones. This role is based in London and follows UK working hours; however, occasional flexibility will be required for early morning or late evening meetings with colleagues around the world. Candidates must be based in the greater London area and be authorized to work in the United Kingdom.  

Salary: GBP £40,000 - £55,000, based on experience. IFIP typically makes offers within the beginning to middle of this range, depending on the candidate's qualifications and relevant experience. IFIP offers a competitive compensation and benefits package.

International Funders for Indigenous Peoples is an equal opportunity employer committed to embracing a diverse, multicultural work environment and seeks diversity with respect to race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, religious creed, physical abilities and other characteristic protected by federal and state laws.

Deadline: Applications will be accepted until September 18th, 2026. 

The young people, children and families that we support are at the heart of everything we do at Mermaids.  The work that we do has significantly expanded and we now need a highly effective and experienced Support Line Manager to join the organisation. The role is a core part of the our management team and will lead and manage our support line services.

Mermaids is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from those with lived experiences (directly or indirectly) and/or close ties to the LGBTQ+ community. We actively support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds and experiences to join us and shape what we do. We are particularly keen to receive applications from BPOC (black and people of colour) and/or disabled and trans candidates.

Natural Capital Assessment Partnership

The Natural Capital Assessment Partnership (NCAP) has operated for over 30 years. Formerly the Habitat Biodiversity Audit, a key remit of NCAP has been to survey and gather habitat data across Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull, combining ecological field surveys with pioneering satellite imagery and remote sensing analysis. A second key aspect of NCAP’s work is managing the Local Wildlife Sites programme for the region.

Data acquired and produced by the team supports Local Wildlife Site designations, Local Nature Recovery Strategy development and monitoring, and creates baseline habitat reports and statistics.  This localised yet UK-leading dataset provides robust evidence for decision-making and monitoring, plus a unique record of land-use change over the past two decades. Combined with Biological Records Centre species data, it offers an unrivalled picture of the local state of nature.

NCAP is funded by local authorities, managed by Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and hosted by Warwickshire County Council.

The Hygiene Bank is looking for a creative, strategic and proactive Communications & Marketing Manager to raise awareness of hygiene poverty, strengthen our influence and inspire people, businesses and communities to take action. This pivotal role will shape our voice as a growing national charity, leading communications and marketing activity across the organisation and with an exciting range of partners. 

Working collaboratively across the organisation and with external partners, the postholder will protect our brand integrity and ensure our messaging is clear, ethical and impactful. They will help amplify the voices of people experiencing hygiene poverty and strengthen engagement with volunteers, community partners, supporters and the public who share our mission to end hygiene poverty. This is a varied, creative and meaningful role at the heart of our mission to ensure everyone has access to the hygiene essentials they need.

ABOUT THE HYGIENE BANK 
Every day, millions of people across the UK are forced to make impossible choices between heating their homes, buying food, paying rent, or staying clean.

At The Hygiene Bank, we believe that feeling clean should never be a luxury. Through our nationwide network of volunteers, community partners, and corporate and brand supporters, we provide access to essential hygiene products while campaigning for lasting change. 

You can read more about our work on our website.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

1. Communications Plan and Content Creation

• Develop and deliver the annual communications and marketing plan, working with senior leadership to align activity with organisational priorities. 

• Plan, create and manage high-quality written, visual and multimedia content across media, social media, newsletters, presentations, speeches and campaign collateral. 

• Ensure all communications are accurate, impactful and consistent with The Hygiene Bank’s mission, values, tone of voice and brand guidelines. 

• Translate complex or sensitive issues around hygiene poverty into compelling stories that engage supporters and partners. 

• Provide strategic communications support for key campaigns and partnerships, including National Hygiene Week, fundraising campaigns and work with partners such as Boots, Unilever and smol. 

• Oversee approval processes, brand resources and organised filing systems for communications materials. 

2. Digital Strategy and Implementation 

• Lead digital planning, delivery and maintenance across the website, email, social media and digital campaigns. 

• Manage digital advertising activity, including paid social, Google Ads and SEO, ensuring activity is effective and delivers strong return on investment. 

• Oversee analytics, reporting and insight-driven optimisation, using performance data to guide your own work and the work of the Communications Officer. 

3. Ambassadors and Influencers 

• Build and nurture relationships with ambassadors, influencers and public supporters. 

• Develop briefs, guidance and campaign plans for influencer activity, ensuring messaging aligns with organisational values and priorities. 

• Identify opportunities to amplify diverse lived experiences and voices. 

4. Events and Campaigns 

• Lead promotional activity for national and regional events, campaigns and awareness moments, including activity with brand and corporate partners. 

• Support branding and communications for in-person and digital events, producing event-related content such as photography, video and social media. 

• Collaborate with corporate partners to produce co-branded communications and collateral that protect our brand integrity and align with partner requirements. 

5. External Engagement and media 

• Lead communications for collaborative campaigns, including End Hygiene Poverty with In Kind Direct, coordinating activity, messaging and campaign assets. 

• Build relationships with sector organisations and partners to amplify shared campaigns, priorities and messaging. 

• Secure local, regional and national media coverage, working with external agencies to develop broadcast, print and online opportunities. 

• Produce press releases, statements, case studies and briefing materials to support proactive and reactive media activity. 

• Manage suppliers, agencies and freelancers, including budgets where required. 
   

6. Data and Monitoring 

• Monitor communications performance using analytics and performance data, ad use insights to improve performance. 

• Prepare an annual review of communications performance and learning to inform future planning. 

7. Team and Internal Communications 

• Work collaboratively with staff and volunteers to support organisation-wide communications needs, providing guidance on messaging. 

• Line manage, support and develop the Communications Officer, empowering them to succeed in their role. 

• Provide responsive and practical communications support to colleagues across the organisation. 

 
PERSON SPECIFICATION 

With a strong alignment to The Hygiene Bank’s values, you will have: 

• Outstanding written communication skills across a range of media, from social media content to case studies. 

• A creative mindset, with the ability to find engaging and innovative ways to communicate our work. 

• An appetite for change, learning and continuous improvement. 

• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and deliver under pressure. 

• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with colleagues, volunteers, corporate partners and community organisations. 

• Experience of line management, with the ability to support, develop and empower others. 

• A proactive, collaborative and can-do approach. 
   

This job description and person specification outlines the major components of the role but is not intended to be exhaustive. 
 
EXPERIENCE 

With experience working in communications and/or marketing, you will be able to demonstrate: 

• Experience using a range of communications and digital tools, including content creation, email marketing, website, social media, analytics and CRM platforms. 

• Strong copywriting skills, adapting content for different audiences, channels and formats. 

• Experience producing high-quality marketing and communications materials across digital and offline channels. 

• Experience communicating effectively and building relationships with a diverse range of audiences and stakeholders. 

• Strong digital and IT skills, with the confidence to learn and adopt new tools and platforms. 

• Experience working within the charity sector or for a mission-led organisation or brand is desirable, but not essential. 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS 

• Salary: £38,000 

• Full time role, or four days per week.

• Home-based contract, with occasional travel across the UK – including at least one trip to London per month for team meetings. Reasonable travel costs will be covered. 

• Applicants need to be resident in the UK and have the right to work in the UK. 

The Hygiene Bank is committed to promoting equality of opportunity and values diversity of culture among our staff and volunteers. We actively welcome applications that will help increase the diversity of our workforce, welcoming applications from those with disabilities and from minority groups and from different backgrounds and experiences. 

Closing date: Wednesday 9th September at 9am. Please note that we are a small team and will be reviewing applications as they are received. To avoid disappointment, you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications are received. This is to ensure that we can manage application levels whilst maintaining a positive candidate experience. Unfortunately, once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications. 

Interview dates: from W/c 14th September 2026 

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 

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.