Fundraising event manager jobs in Bridport, dorset

Position: Policy and Public Affairs Officer (Scotland)
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours a per-week
Contract: Permanent
Location: Home Based in Scotland
Salary: Starting from £26,384 per annum plus excellent benefits
Salary Band and Job Family: Band 1, Charity
You will start at our entry point salary of £26,384 per annum, increasing to £28,033 after 6 months service and satisfactory performance and to £29,682 after a further 6 months.

About us

We make sure people living with MS are at the centre of everything we do. And it’s this commitment that unites us across the UK.

Our strategy is based on what people affected by MS have told us is important to them. It gives us a clear and determined focus. 

Our work is based on the hopes and aspirations of our MS community. Together we campaign at all levels, fund ground-breaking research and provide award winning support and information. 

Our people are our greatest asset and the key to our success. We offer a vibrant, progressive working environment where you'll be able to make a difference.

About this job

We’re looking for an enthusiastic and talented policy and public affairs professional to join our team. You should have experience of working to develop policy and have the ability to communicate our position to a wide range of audiences across Scotland.

In this exciting role you will work with the MS community to influence change in public policy, continuing to make the case for improvements in the treatment, care and support of people affected by MS.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who understands the political and policy environment in Scotland, who has experience in external facing influencing roles, who is outcome-focused and delivers tangible results. The successful candidate will work closely with the MS community, the Scottish Policy and Communications team as well as key external partners such as MSPs and their teams.

Closing date for applications: 9:00 on Monday 1st of June

Interested?

PLEASE PRESS THE 'HOW TO APPLY' BUTTON FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Equal Opportunities 
We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities and or from ethnic minority backgrounds.

We’d be grateful if you downloaded and completed the equality and diversity monitoring form and submit it with your application. 

Disability Confident Employer 
We’re a Disability Confident Employer and we’re committed to promoting equality and diversity.

You can ask for reasonable adjustments as part of both our recruitment and new starter on-boarding processes.

If you need any help or adjustments to apply for this role, please contact us. You can also ask for the application materials to be sent to you in a different format. Such as for them to be sent to you by email or in a larger word format.

More about our employee benefits:
We have a wide range of employee benefits including (but not limited to): 

Encouraging work life balance

• 38 days paid annual leave (including bank holidays), pro-rata for part-time
• More annual leave entitlement, based on length of employment
• Smart working options (with the opportunity to work remotely and find a smart working pattern that suits both you and us) 
• Flexible working options 

Caring for you and your family 

• Generous sick pay entitlement
• More sick pay entitlement, based on length of employment 
• Opportunity to buy and sell annual leave in each calendar year 
• Free access to a GP virtually 24 hours a day/7 days a week allowing you unlimited advice, reassurance and where appropriate diagnosis 
• Enhanced leave for new parents 
• Free access to a confidential 24 hours a day/7 days a week helpline service for both you and your family with a specialist range of support and information
• Special leave options (such as up to 5 days paid leave for domestic or personal emergencies a year)
• 10 days paid disability leave a year, pro-rata for part-time 
• 10 days paid carers’ leave a year, pro-rata for part-time 
• Cycle to work scheme 
• Death in service scheme
• New family-friendly benefits, including paid leave:
  • In the event of miscarriage or still birth 
  • To support fertility treatments
  • For antenatal appointments for both parents

Thinking about your finances 

• Enhanced salary sacrifice pension scheme
• Discounted season ticket loan and interest-free emergency loans
• Give as you earn to support other charities of your choice before tax
• New employee portal including lifestyle savings vouchers and personal wellbeing

Enriching your life at work

• Personalised development plans with a wide range of training courses and opportunities to source additional training options with your line manager
• Yearly internal apprenticeship opportunities
• New, modern offices that embrace working together both in-person and remotely 
• Various opportunities to influence how we internally operate (including surveys, and focus and committee groups) 
• Active and supportive internal employee networking groups for collaboration and peer support 
• 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering for MS Society activities during normal working hours (such as fundraising events, or campaigning in the local community) 
• 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering with other charities during normal

Safeguarding 
We’re committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone who uses our services and we come into contact with.

This is regardless of Gender, Race, Disability, Sexual orientation, Religion or belief, Pregnancy, Gender reassignment.

We recognise our particular responsibility to make sure vulnerable adults and children are protected.

We have measures in place to protect everyone we come into contact with from abuse and maltreatment of all kinds.

Your right to work in the UK 
You must have the right to work in the UK to work in paid employment with us. You’ll need to share documents showing you’re eligible to work in the UK if we offer you employment.

You can find the UK visas and permits granting you the right to work in the UK on the UK Government website. We currently don’t have a Sponsor Licence agreement with the Home Office and aren’t able to support you with your visa applications.

No agencies please.

About the Role

The Business Development Officer will play a dynamic and influential role within Sands’ Partnerships & Philanthropy team, helping to shape the charity’s growing presence across corporate, commercial, and digital landscapes. You’ll contribute directly to our income generating ambitions by uncovering new opportunities, building a healthy prospect pipeline, and supporting outreach that amplifies Sands’ profile across professional and online networks.

This role offers an exciting blend of creativity, insight gathering, and hands‑on development work. You’ll collaborate with colleagues across the organisation to elevate Sands’ visibility - including helping to craft engaging digital content, develop compelling partnership assets, and support targeted online marketing initiatives. With the space to work proactively and take ownership of your projects, you’ll play a meaningful part in strengthening our corporate partnerships and creating foundations for long‑term, high‑impact relationships.

Main Purpose of the Job

• To contribute to the growth of Sands’ commercial and strategic partnerships by generating high-quality research, intelligence, and insight to support prospect acquisition and cultivation.
• To develop and maintain a healthy, diverse pipeline of corporate, commercial, and strategic prospects through structured research, qualification, and profiling.
• To support outreach, digital engagement, and online marketing activity to increase awareness of Sands’ partnership opportunities and drive inbound interest.
• To provide essential administrative and operational support for database management, data compliance, and reporting.
• To support the development of compelling proposals, pitch materials, development assets and case studies that reflect the needs and priorities of Sands and resonate with potential partners.

Principal Tasks and Responsibilities

1. Prospect Research & Pipeline Development

• Conduct structured research to identify new prospective partners across multiple sectors, including retail, leisure, wellbeing, transport, and corporate services.
• Build detailed prospect profiles, including organisational background, alignment potential, decision-makers, and partnership opportunities.
• Maintain and update a robust cross industry prospect pipeline, ensuring all prospects are accurately categorised and tracked.
• Undertake competitor and sector analysis to identify emerging trends and opportunities, supporting Sands’ strategic positioning.
• Map networks and connections (internal and external) to support the expansion of Sands’ business development reach.

2. Outreach, Marketing & Engagement Support

• Support initial outreach to prospective partners, including email approaches, LinkedIn engagement, and follow-up communications.
• Support the planning and delivery of targeted online marketing activity to increase organisational visibility among corporate audiences.
• Develop engaging content for outreach - such as partner briefs, email templates, and introductory decks.
• Collaborate with the Engagement and Communications teams to ensure all external messaging reflects Sands’ brand and partnership priorities.

3. Database, Reporting & Administration

• Maintain accurate, GDPR compliant records on Sands’ CRM, ensuring all research, outreach and cultivation activity are fully logged and auditable.
• Produce regular reports and dashboards to support team activity planning and income forecasting.
• Track deadlines for proposals, reporting, stewardship requirements, and internal consultations.
• Support due diligence checks for all new prospects and record documentation in line with Sands’ ethical and data protection policies.

4. Partnership Materials, Proposals & Case Studies

• Support the creation of high-quality partnership assets, including pitch decks, proposals, stewardship packs, and impact summaries.
• Collate relevant organisational information and stories to support the development of compelling case studies.
• Work with internal colleagues to gather content on Sands’ programmes, events, research, and family stories to support tailored partnership pitches.
• Assist with developing template materials for more efficient proposal creation.
  
  

5. Internal Collaboration & Organisational Support

• Work closely with the Commercial Business Development Lead to coordinate new business activity and support cultivation of prospective corporate relationships.
• Collaborate with colleagues across Engagement, Communications, Events, Fundraising and Services to ensure partnership opportunities are strategically aligned.
• Support the planning and delivery of cultivation events, webinars, and online briefings for corporate audiences.

Air Ambulances UK

Air Ambulances UK (AAUK) is the national charity supporting the lifesaving work of the UK’s air ambulance charities, enabling them to save even more lives every day.

Purpose of Post

The Policy and Public Affairs Officer will play a key role in supporting the development and delivery of AAUK’s policy and public affairs strategy, aligned with its manifesto.

The role will support engagement with Government, Parliament, and key stakeholders, contribute to policy development and analysis, and help coordinate AAUK’s public affairs activity, including APPG engagement, parliamentary events, and sector-wide influencing work.

The postholder will ensure that AAUK’s policy positions are evidence-based, clear, and impactful.

Key Responsibilities

Policy Development and Analysis

• Support the development of AAUK policy positions across health, emergency services transport, aviation, infrastructure, and other related policy areas supporting AAUK’s manifesto.
• Monitor Government consultations, legislation, and policy developments, producing clear briefings and summaries.
• Contribute to policy papers, consultation responses, briefings, reports, and parliamentary materials.
• Gather insights from stakeholders to inform policy development.
• Support horizon scanning and identification of policy risks and opportunities.

Public Affairs and Parliamentary Engagement

• Support engagement with MPs, Peers, Special Advisers, Civil Servants, and regulatory bodies.
• Assist in the coordination and delivery of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Air Ambulances, including meetings and secretariat support.
• Support planning and delivery of parliamentary events, receptions, roundtables, and stakeholder meetings.
• Track parliamentary activity relevant to AAUK priorities (debates, questions, committees, inquiries).
• Build and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders across Westminster and devolved governments. 

Stakeholder Engagement and Communications

• Work closely with the UK's air ambulance charities to align messaging and policy priorities.
• Prepare briefing materials for internal and external stakeholders.
• Liaise with communications and fundraising colleagues to ensure consistent and accessible policy messaging.
• Support campaigns and influencing activity across priority policy areas.
• Maintain accurate stakeholder engagement records and tracking systems.

Research and Intelligence

• Conduct research into relevant policy, legislative, and sector developments.
• Monitor political and media developments, providing timely updates and insights.
• Contribute to evidence gathering and analysis to support policy positions.
• Support evaluation of policy and public affairs activity.

Other Responsibilities

• Represent AAUK professionally in internal and external meetings where required.
• Support AAUK’s vision, values, and strategic priorities.
• Undertake any other duties reasonably required to support the organisation.
• Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in all areas of work.
• Comply with relevant legal and regulatory requirements, including GDPR and Charity Commission guidance. 
   

Essential Skills & Experience

• Experience in policy, public affairs, stakeholder engagement, communications, or a related field.
• Experience producing policy briefings, reports, consultation responses, campaigns, or stakeholder materials.
• Experience engaging with stakeholders such as MPs, civil servants, regulators, sector bodies, or partner organisations.
• Strong written communication, research, and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work to deadlines.
• Ability to build effective working relationships across a range of stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Understanding of the UK political system, Parliament, and Government processes.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a small team.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and maintaining accurate stakeholder records.
   

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Experience supporting parliamentary engagement activity or an APPG.
• Experience delivering events, receptions, or stakeholder roundtables.
• Experience within health, emergency services, aviation, transport, or infrastructure policy.
• Experience using CRM or stakeholder management systems.
• Knowledge of the third sector or the wider emergency healthcare environment.
• Awareness of how influencing, campaigning, and lobbying activity is delivered in practice. 

Key Attributes

• Politically aware with sound judgement and discretion.
• Proactive, resilient, and self-motivated.
• Collaborative and flexible approach to work.
• High professional standards and attention to detail.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Interest in policy development and system change.
   

Other Requirements

• Ability to work remotely while maintaining confidentiality.
• Willingness to travel across the UK, including London/Westminster.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle (desirable).
   

Benefits

• 36 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays FTE).
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Access to Blue Light Card and Blue Light Events.
• Pension contributions.
• Training and development opportunities.
• Life Assurance policy cover.
• Development opportunities.
   

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

AAUK is committed to diversity and equality of opportunity in all aspects of our work. We actively encourage applications from under-represented groups and are committed to building an inclusive workplace.

 
Application Process

Applications should be submitted via CV and covering letter. Your covering letter should clearly demonstrate how your experience meets the requirements of the role.

Deadline for applications: 12 June 2026.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview w/c 22 June 2026.

This is a fixed-term role, reviewed during the contract period. Future decisions on medium- and longer-term resourcing will form part of our organisational strategy and financial planning.

This is an exciting new opportunity to shape the future of technology and digital capability across five South West charities. We are seeking an exceptional Regional Chief Technology Officer who is motivated by both challenge and purpose; someone who can harness technology to make a tangible difference to how our faith-based charities support church communities.

Working across Bath & Wells, Bristol, Exeter, Salisbury and Truro, this role offers a rare platform to influence at scale. The successful candidate will lead a region-wide programme of digital transformation and process optimisation, helping modernise systems, strengthen cyber resilience and unlock efficiencies that release resources for mission and ministry.

This is not technology for its own sake. We are looking for someone who combines strategic insight with practical delivery; a leader who can translate complex technical possibilities into real-world improvements for staff, clergy and volunteers. You will play a key role in shaping the responsible adoption of emerging technologies, including AI, while ensuring strong governance, security and compliance.

Please note that, whilst the role will be primarily home-based, the post-holder will be required to travel regularly across the Southwest region, with an onsite presence in each organisation at least once per month.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop, articulate, and implement a shared digital transformation and technology strategy that is directly aligned with the overarching mission and strategic goals of the five dioceses.
• Act as the principal technology advisor to the Diocesan Secretaries and their senior leadership teams.

Process Mapping & Optimisation:

• Lead a comprehensive, collaborative review of key administrative and operational processes within the Diocesan Boards of Finance (DBFs) and in parishes where appropriate.
• Use process mapping techniques to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement, and then design and implement optimised workflows.

AI & Responsible Innovation:

• Actively research, evaluate, pilot, and implement appropriate AI and automation tools to enhance efficiency, support fundraising, and improve service delivery.
• Ensure all innovation is undertaken responsibly, ethically, and with a clear focus on tangible benefits.

Stakeholder Management & Engagement:

• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders across all five dioceses, including clergy, staff, and volunteers.
• Foster a culture of digital literacy and champion the benefits of change in a clear, accessible, and empathetic manner.

Project & Change Management:

• Oversee the full lifecycle of technology and process improvement projects, from initial conception and business case development through to delivery, user training, and final handover.
• Employ robust project management methodologies to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.

Qualifications, Training & Experience:

• Proven and extensive senior technology leadership experience (e.g., CTO, Head of IT, Director of Digital Transformation) with clear evidence of strategic impact.
• Relevant degree (or equivalent) in a technology-related discipline, with appropriate professional certifications in technology, architecture, project or change management, and membership of a relevant professional body.
• Strong track record in business process mapping, analysis and re-engineering delivering measurable efficiency gains.
• Practical experience evaluating, procuring and implementing modern technology solutions, including cloud platforms (e.g., Microsoft 365), CRM systems and data analytics tools.
• Experience in the charity, non-profit or similarly complex, values-driven sector is highly desirable. Demonstrable experience of, or well-informed and practical interest in, the responsible and ethical application of AI and automation in an organisational context.
• Significant experience in technology strategy, budget management, vendor negotiation and delivery of complex, multi-stakeholder programmes.

Competencies & Behavioural requirements:

• Exceptional communicator and translator: Able to convey complex technical concepts in clear, accessible language and influence a wide range of non-technical stakeholders with confidence.
• Strategic yet pragmatic thinker: Sees the big picture and aligns technology with organisational priorities, while remaining hands-on and focused on practical, value adding solutions.
• Collaborative and emotionally intelligent leader: Builds trust and consensus across diverse stakeholders and cultures, leading change with empathy, credibility and sensitivity.
• Resilient and delivery-focused: Proactive and self-motivated, with the drive and discipline to deliver complex, multi-year programmes and achieve measurable outcomes.
• Culturally astute and values-aware: Demonstrates understanding of, and respect for, the Church of England’s context, governance and ethos, navigating the environment with diplomacy and good judgement.

Our benefits include:

• Generous company pension
• A comprehensive health & wellbeing programme, inlcuding an Employee Assistance Programme 
• Paid volunteering & study leave allowace
• Company events
• Home working

Scripture Union is a national mission-movement, helping churches reveal Jesus to the next generation. We equip churches to reach children and young people – especially those outside the church – wherever they are, and in ways that truly connect. Because every young person should have the opportunity to discover Jesus, and too many never will. Through Bible-based resources, practical training and our Revealing Jesus mission framework, we help churches build relationships that lead to faith. Our team of Mission Enablers supports a growing network of Faith Guides – local people, rooted in their communities, revealing Jesus in everyday life.

We are looking for a Mission Enabler to offer direction and energy to the ministry of Scripture Union with a focus on initiating and maintaining missional opportunities in South Wales. You will be an enthusiastic candidate who will be able to recruit, train, coach and support many Volunteers and Faith Guides working together with them. You will also lead by example, through the modelling of excellent mission delivery to children and young people consistent with Scripture Union’s mission in supporting the pioneering of new mission.

The successful candidate will:

· Be a strategic thinker and will have solid judgment of ministry impact.

· Have considerable insight into ministry with children and young people, be a passionate advocate, an excellent practitioner, and a capable communicator.

· Influence networks, shape opinion, challenge inertia and inspire creativity.

· Be self-disciplined, able to organise and prioritise their own workload, and manage multiple projects.

· Be able to visualise and work towards long-term goals.

· Be open to and comfortable with different traditions, styles and expression of spirituality, prayer, and worship, and has a growing familiarity with and understanding of the Bible. 

· Have a total commitment to God and is a Christian disciple.

· Be able to communicate effectively and speak the Welsh language (would be desirable).
 

If this describes you, and you agree with Scripture Union’s aims and beliefs, we would love to hear from you.

Why join us? Beyond the profound impact of your work, we offer excellent benefits:

· A flexible, role supporting work-life balance

· Competitive salary and generous pension scheme (up to 12% employer contribution) and option to opt in to Salary Sacrifice

· 23 days annual leave + bank holidays + 5 additional days to volunteer at Scripture Union events 

· Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Leave 

· Life insurance, Permanent Health Insurance (PHI), option to join BUPA Healthcare and access to an excellent Employee Assistance Programme 

· Free Bible Reading notes and staff discount on our other material

· A supportive, faith-filled environment where your work has eternal impact 

If you're ready to make a lasting difference and join a community united by faith, we want to hear from you! 

The Movement takes Safeguarding seriously. This role will require an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure & Barring Service and have an occupational requirement to be filled by a committed Christian, active in church life. Equality Act 2010, Part 1, Schedule 9 applies.

We are committed to building a culturally diverse workforce. As part of this commitment, we welcome applications from people, regardless of their background.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Mae Scripture Union yn fudiad cenhadol yng Nghymru a Lloegr, sy’n helpu eglwysi a chapeli ddatgelu Iesu at y genhedlaeth nesaf. Rydym yn arfogi eglwysi a chapeli i gyrraedd plant a phobol ifanc – yn enwedig y rhai sydd tu allan i’r eglwys – ble bynnag yr ydynt, ac mewn ffyrdd sydd wir yn cysylltu â nhw. Oherwydd dylai pob plentyn a pherson ifanc cael y cyfle i ddarganfod Iesu, ac mae gormod sydd ddim mynd i gael y cyfle yna. Wrth gynnig adnoddau wedi’u sefydlu yn y Beibl, hyfforddiant ymarferol, a’n fframwaith cenhadaeth Datgelu Iesu, rydym ni’n helpu eglwysi a chapeli i adeiladu perthnasoedd sy’n arwain at ffydd. Mae’r tîm o Ysgogyddion Cenhadol yn cefnogi a thyfu rhwydwaith o Dywysyddion Ffydd – pobol leol gyda chysylltiadau cryf gyda’u cymuned leol, sy’n datgelu Iesu mewn bywyd pob dydd.

Rydym yn chwilio am Ysgogydd Cenhadol bydd yn cynnig cyfeiriad ac egni i weinidogaeth Scripture Union gan ganolbwyntio ar gychwyn a chynnal cyfleoedd i weinidogaethu. Byddech chi’n berson brwdfrydig sydd yn gallu ysgogi, hyfforddi, paratoi a chefnogi llawer o Wirfoddolwyr a Thywyswyr Ffydd gan gydweithio â nhw. Bydd yn arwain trwy esiampl hefyd, gan genhadu mewn ffordd ardderchog ymysg plant a phobl ifanc yn unol â chenhadaeth Scripture Union ac arloesi mewn dulliau newydd cenhadaeth.

Bydd yr ymgeisydd llwyddiannus:

· Yn gallu meddwl yn strategol a bydd ganddo/ganddi ddealltwriaeth gadarn o effeithiau gweinidogaethu.

· Yn wybodus iawn am weinidogaethu gyda phlant a phobl ifanc, a bydd yn eiriolwr brwd, yn ymarferydd rhagorol ac yn gyfathrebydd effeithiol.

· Yn dylanwadu ar rwydweithiau, yn llywio barn, yn herio difaterwch ac yn ysbrydoli creadigrwydd.

· Yn hunan-ddisgybledig, yn gallu trefnu a blaenoriaethu’r llwyth gwaith a rheoli sawl prosiect ar yr un pryd.

· Yn gallu gweld nodau hirdymor a gweithio tuag atynt.

· Yn agored i wahanol draddodiadau, arddulliau a ffyrdd o fynegi ysbrydolrwydd, gweddi ac addoliad ac yn gyfforddus gyda nhw, ac yn dod i adnabod ac i ddeall y Beibl yn well.

· Wedi cysegru ei hun i Dduw ac yn ddisgybl i Grist.

· Yn gallu cyfathrebu’n effeithiol a byddai’n fuddiol pe gallai siarad Cymraeg.

Os yw hyn yn eich disgrifio chi, ac rydych chi'n cytuno ag amcanion a chredoau Scripture Union, byddem wrth ein bodd yn clywed gennych chi.

Pam ymuno â ni? Y tu hwnt i effaith ddofn eich gwaith, rydym yn cynnig buddion rhagorol:

• Rôl hyblyg, sy'n cefnogi cydbwysedd bywyd a gwaith

• Cyflog cystadleuol a chynllun pensiwn hael (hyd at 12% o gyfraniad y cyflogwr) a'r opsiwn i ymuno ag Aberthu Cyflog

• 23 diwrnod o wyliau blynyddol + gwyliau banc + 5 diwrnod ychwanegol i wirfoddoli mewn digwyddiadau Scripture Union

• Absenoldeb Mamolaeth a Thadolaeth Gwell

• Yswiriant bywyd, Yswiriant Iechyd Parhaol (PHI), opsiwn i ymuno â BUPA Healthcare a mynediad at Raglen Cymorth i Weithwyr ragorol

• Nodiadau Darllen Beibl am ddim a disgownt staff ar ein deunydd arall

• Amgylchedd cefnogol, llawn ffydd lle mae gan eich gwaith effaith dragwyddol

Os ydych chi'n barod i wneud gwahaniaeth parhaol ac ymuno â chymuned sydd wedi'i huno gan ffydd, rydym am glywed gennych chi!

Mae'r Mudiad yn cymryd Diogelu o ddifrif. Bydd y rôl hon yn gofyn am Ddatgeliad Gwell gan y Gwasanaeth Datgelu a Gwahardd a bydd gofyniad galwedigaethol i'w lenwi gan Gristion ymroddedig, sy'n weithgar ym mywyd yr eglwys. Mae Deddf Cydraddoldeb 2010, Rhan 1, Atodlen 9 yn berthnasol.

Rydym wedi ymrwymo i adeiladu gweithlu amrywiol yn ddiwylliannol. Fel rhan o'r ymrwymiad hwn, rydym yn croesawu ceisiadau gan bobl, waeth beth fo'u cefndir.

Closing date: 12th June 2026

Interview date: w/c 13th July 2026

Interview location: Cardiff, location to be confirmed. 

What does it take to lead the national voice for special schools at a time of real change?

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – National Association of Special Schools (NASS)

National – home-based, with regular travel across England and Wales, particularly London

£90,000–£110,000 per annum

Full-time, permanent.

About NASS 

The National Association of Special Schools (NASS) is the membership association for special schools in England and Wales. We bring together independent special schools, non-maintained special schools, special academies, maintained special schools and multi-academy trusts with specialist provision.

We exist to inform, support and represent our members, helping specialist schools improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND and secure the place of specialist provision within the wider education system. NASS is known for being accessible, responsive and personal, combining national influence with practical support that members value as timely, human and trustworthy.

This is a pivotal moment for the organisation. In February this year, the Department for Education published a major white paper on SEND reform which will require NASS to both influence national policy on behalf of our members and children and young people, as well as support them to navigate the changes. Our new CEO will need to review our strategy while building on our strong platform and momentum to further deepen our influence and strengthen our internal capacity.

As our next Chief Executive, you will:

• Strategy & Impact: Lead NASS through a period of policy and structural change, ensuring the organisation remains clear on purpose, responsive to members and influential in the SEND landscape.
• Governance & Finance: Work closely with the Board of Trustees to provide strong governance, prudent financial stewardship, robust risk management and clear strategic oversight.
• Operational Leadership: Provide confident leadership to a small, remote team, strengthening collaboration, accountability, resilience and a positive, high-trust culture.
• Income Generation: Oversee budgeting, planning and reporting while developing thoughtful opportunities to diversify income through membership, partnerships, events and related activity.
• Community & Partnerships: Build and sustain trusted relationships with government, parliament, regulators, sector bodies and member schools, ensuring NASS remains relevant and well connected.
• Member Services: Protect and enhance the practical offer to members, from briefings and special interest groups to conferences, webinars, training and peer-to-peer learning.
• Brand & Profile: Act as a credible public ambassador for NASS, helping to modernise communications and broaden the organisation’s voice beyond a founder-shaped model.
• Future Growth: Shape a distributed leadership profile and support a more varied, accessible and engaging approach to membership, advocacy and communications.
• A seasoned senior leader with experience in a charity, membership body, education or public sector setting, and a clear track record of leading through change.
• A strong strategic thinker, able to absorb complex information quickly and translate it into clear, practical direction.
• A confident communicator with the gravitas to represent NASS with members, staff, trustees, MPs, peers, media and national partners.
• A politically astute relationship-builder, comfortable navigating a complex and fast-moving external environment.
• Experienced in governance, with a sound understanding of working with boards or trustees and supporting effective decision-making.
• Numerate and commercially minded, with experience of budgets, financial planning, income generation or partnership development.
• Credible, approachable and resilient, with the emotional intelligence to lead well in a high-profile, remote and sometimes uncertain context.
• Direct SEND experience would be a significant advantage, alongside understanding of specialist education or similarly complex stakeholder environments.

Why NASS?

• This is a chance to lead a respected, member-led organisation with a strong national reputation and a clear public purpose.
• You will help shape the future of specialist education at a time when SEND reform is high on the agenda.
• NASS has a loyal, experienced and collegiate remote staff team, supported by an active Board of Trustees.
• The organisation offers a genuinely influential platform, with strong connections across the sector and with government.

Application

For full details of the role including how to apply, please download the full appointment brief. For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny Hills at Harris Hill via apply button with times to speak and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile which will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 8th June 2026

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.