Head of policy and advocacy jobs

Bid Writer — The Heritage Alliance

Application Deadline: 22 May 2026

Fixed Term: 0.4 FTE (14 hours per week) for 6 months 

Start Date: June 2026 

Salary: £33,000 FTE per annum, pro-rata (£6600 total for the contract period) 

Leave: 24 days FTE per annum pro-rata, in addition the Heritage Alliance Office closes between Christmas and New Year 

Line Manager: Head of Development and Membership 

Place of Work: The Heritage Alliance Office, Central London, EC4M 
(Flexible working arrangements can be considered) 

The Opportunity

Are you an experienced bid writer looking for an intensive, focused role with a leading heritage organisation? We are seeking a skilled professional to join our "Creating Connections" project team for a targeted 6-month assignment.

This role is part of The Heritage Alliance's NLHF-funded resilience project, specifically supporting Strand C: Future-proofing our charity. You will work with a pipeline of funding opportunities already developed by our professional fundraising consultant to secure vital long-term funding for our sector support activities.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced bid writer to make a significant impact in a short time-frame, working with high-quality prospects and supporting England's heritage sector through sustainable funding solutions. 

About The Role

Key Tasks:

Research & Development

• Conduct detailed research on prospective funders to tailor applications effectively 
• Develop compelling case studies and evidence base to support funding applications 
• Research and incorporate relevant sector data, impact statistics, and beneficiary testimonials 
• Stay informed about current funding trends and opportunities in the heritage and charity sectors 
• Identify additional funding opportunities that align with our strategic priorities

Strategic Bid Writing 

• Develop compelling funding applications to trusts, foundations, and grant-making bodies using an established pipeline of prospects 
• Write high-quality proposals for long-term support of the Heritage Funding Directory 
• Create applications for new sector-wide support programmes addressing skills needs and emerging challenges identified in our sector capability-building strategy 
• Adapt proposals to different funder requirements, priorities, and application formats 
• Work closely with the Head of Development to ensure applications align with organisational strateg

Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration 

• Work with a professional fundraising consultant to prioritise and progress pipeline opportunities 
• Collaborate with the Heritage Alliance senior team to gather project information and organisational data 
• Engage with relevant staff members to collect evidence, case studies, and impact data 
• Coordinate with the Project Administrator and other team members to ensure consistency in messaging 
• Liaise with potential funders as appropriate during the application process 

Project Support & Administration 

• Maintain accurate records of all funding applications and their progress 
• Manage application deadlines and submission processes 
• Support the development of a sustainable fundraising strategy for post-project continuation 
• Contribute to project reporting and evaluation activities 
• Participate in project team meetings and provide updates on fundraising progress 

Key Competences: 

Experience: 

Essential:

• Proven track record of successful bid writing with demonstrable results in securing funding 
• Experience writing applications to trusts, foundations, and statutory funders 
• Strong background in the charity/not-for-profit sector with understanding of funding landscape 
• Experience managing multiple applications simultaneously and meeting tight deadlines 
• Knowledge of different application formats and funder requirements 

Desirable: 

• Experience in the heritage, cultural, or arts sectors 
• Previous work with membership organisations or sector support bodies 
• Experience with capacity-building or infrastructure funding applications 
• Knowledge of NLHF and other major heritage funders 
• Experience working with professional fundraising consultants 
• Understanding of digital heritage projects and online resource development 

Skills, Abilities and Knowledge: 

Essential: 

• Exceptional written communication skills with ability to adapt tone and style for different audiences, and present detailed information clearly and concisely 
• Strong research skills and ability to quickly understand complex organisational contexts 
• Excellent project management skills with ability to prioritise and meet multiple deadlines 
• High attention to detail and accuracy in application preparation 
• Understanding of charity finance, governance, and impact measurement 
• Ability to work independently and take initiative in a fast-paced environment 
• Strong interpersonal skills for stakeholder engagement and collaboration 

Desirable: 

• Knowledge of heritage sector challenges, funding landscape, and policy environment 
• Understanding of digital transformation and accessibility requirements for online resources 
• Experience with monitoring and evaluation frameworks 
• Knowledge of social impact measurement and outcome reporting 
• Familiarity with Data Protection legislation and compliance requirements 
• Understanding of partnership working and collaborative funding approaches

Application Process

To apply, please submit a CV/resume detailing your qualifications and experiences together with a cover letter (to be pasted into the box labelled 'Anything else to mention').

All applications should be submitted through our WorkSmarter vacancy page by 22 May 2026.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted w/c 25 May to arrange interviews. We will also request that shortlisted candidates provide a portfolio of successful funding applications (anonymised as appropriate) demonstrating your track record and writing style. 

The Heritage Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities.

Thank you for considering a career at The Heritage Alliance. We look forward to receiving your application!

About the Heritage Alliance 

Established in 2002, The Heritage Alliance represents the independent heritage movement in England. We have a unique role, promoting and championing the sector in all its diversity: 

We influence legislation and policy through our extensive links with Government, Parliament and Sector Networks 

We bring the sector together in our advocacy and working groups, events and publications 

We help our members grow through both member-only initiatives and broader sector support programmes with partners like the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, Media Trust and Clore Leadership. 

Our membership ranges from large bodies such as the National Trust, Historic Houses, Canal & River Trust to specialist charities and community organisations, across the breadth of sector, from museums, conservation, archaeology to science and construction. 

Finance Director

London Community Foundation
Salary: c. £80,000 pro rata
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full-time or 28 hours per week (0.8 FTE)
Location: London (hybrid, typically 1 day per week in the office)

London Community Foundation exist to improve the lives of the most disadvantaged people in London by working with donors to invest in small, local charities and community groups.

We are now seeking a Finance Director to play a pivotal role in shaping our future, strengthening our financial sustainability, supporting our governance, and enabling us to deliver greater impact for London’s communities.

The role

As Finance Director, you will sit at the heart of decision-making within a purpose-driven organisation, influencing strategy, supporting the Board, guiding investment decisions and ensuring that resources are directed where they matter most.

As a key member of the Senior Management Team, working closely with the CEO, Board, and committees to ensure strong financial leadership, governance, and long-term sustainability.

You will:

· Lead financial strategy, planning, and performance across the organisation

· Provide clear, accessible financial insight to support decision-making at Board and executive level

· Oversee financial control, reporting, audit, and compliance (including SORP)

· Support stewardship of investments and endowment funds

· Lead risk, assurance, and governance processes, including engagement with the Finance, Risk & Resources Committee

· Act as Company Secretary, ensuring robust governance and regulatory compliance

· Oversee contracts, supply chain, and value-for-money across the organisation

· Provide strategic oversight of systems, data, and technology, including line management of the Technology Manager

· Lead and develop a high-performing finance team

This is a broad and influential role, combining strategic leadership with hands-on delivery, well-suited to someone who enjoys working across organisational boundaries and shaping how an organisation operates.

About you

You will be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with experience operating at a senior level and advising Boards and executive teams.

You will bring:

· A track record of leading financial strategy, planning, and organisational performance

· Strong experience in governance, risk, and compliance within complex environments

· Confidence working with Boards, committees, and senior stakeholders

· The ability to translate financial information into clear, actionable insight

· Experience leading teams and developing people

· An understanding of systems, data, and organisational infrastructure

· A commitment to inclusive leadership and equity

Experience in grant-making, philanthropy, or endowment management is welcome, but not essential.

Our commitment to inclusion

At London Community Foundation, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the communities we serve.

We actively encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, including those with lived experience of the issues our work seeks to address.

Further Information

For an informal discussion about the opportunity or if you require any additional support with your application, please contact Alex Williams at Giving Back Recruitment

Recruitment timetable 

• Closing date: Wednesday, 20th May 2026
• Interviews with London Community Foundation W/C 15th June

About the Role

Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) is responding to the largest emergency in our 40+ year history. Over the last two and a half years, tens of thousands of new supporters have joined MAP, driving significant growth in income across individuals, trusts, foundations, and corporate partners. As we work to sustain this support — and with an ambition to become a £50m organisation by 2028 — high‑quality data and robust supporter operations are essential to our success.

The Supporter Database Manager plays a critical role in ensuring our supporter data is accurate, reliable, and fit for purpose. Managing the day‑to‑day operation of MAP’s supporter database, you’ll lead a small, specialist team and work closely with colleagues across Fundraising, Finance, Campaigns, and Digital, Data and Technology (DDT) to ensure income is processed correctly, data standards are upheld, and our systems support effective fundraising, campaigning and supporter care.
 

MAP is currently embedding a new CRM (Microsoft Dynamics 365). While CRM system ownership sits within the DDT team, this role will be central to ensuring the database works for users, data quality remains high, and operational processes are continuously improved.
 

If you’re an experienced database professional with strong people skills, high attention to detail and a commitment to MAP’s mission and values, we’d love to hear from you.

What is the role about?

Lead on ensuring MAP’s supporter data can be trusted and used with confidence across the organisation. You’ll oversee data quality, imports, integrations, and financial reconciliation, while managing and developing a small team responsible for the smooth running of supporter database operations. Your work will directly support fundraising and campaigning performance, supporter experience, and organisational decision-making.
 

A full description of responsibilities can be found in the job description.
 

About You

This role is ideal for an experienced supporter or customer database professional — or a CRM specialist ready to step into a management role — who enjoys combining hands‑on operational work with team leadership. You’ll be detail-focused, collaborative, and confident working across systems, suppliers and teams.
 

You’ll be motivated by improving processes, strengthening data quality and enabling colleagues to deliver outstanding experiences for supporters, all while contributing to MAP’s work to protect the health and dignity of Palestinians living under occupation and as refugees.
 

We encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every requirement, but who have the potential to develop into the role.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS
 

 How to Apply

Please submit your CV before the deadline of 8:00 am GMT on 20th May 2026.

First interviews: w/c 26th May 2026.
 

Equal opportunities
 

MAP aims to be an equal opportunities employer and we are determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race, or is disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be justifiable.
 

Background checks
 

As an organisation MAP is committed to the welfare and protection of children and vulnerable adults. MAP will conduct appropriate background and references checks. Link in that safeguarding and ethical conduct.
 

Disclaimer
 
**MAP reserves the right to close this advert before the confirmed closing date when we are in receipt of sufficient applications.     

  **We would therefore advise interested applicants to apply as early as possible. Due to the high volume of applications, we receive, we are unable to respond to every application. If you have not heard from us within two weeks of the deadline, then you have not been successful in shortlisting

We're the UK's specialist blood cancer charity and our vision is clear: we’re here to beat blood cancer. We fund world-class research; provide information and support to patients and their loved ones; and raise awareness of blood cancer.

We’re looking for a driven and relationship-focused Corporate Partnerships Manager – Pharmaceuticals to lead and grow our work with the pharmaceutical sector. In this role, you’ll manage and develop high-value partnerships, secure significant income (c.£500k annually), and identify new opportunities that support groundbreaking research and services for people affected by blood cancer. Working closely with senior stakeholders, you’ll shape compelling proposals, represent the organisation in pitches and negotiations, and ensure partners are engaged through excellent stewardship and impact reporting.

You’ll be a confident communicator with a strong track record in high-value fundraising, or equivalent transferable experience, and skilled at building relationships at all levels. Collaborative and proactive, you’ll work across teams to develop ambitious, mutually beneficial partnerships aligned with organisational priorities. 

Regular travel to our London office and donor meetings will be required, typically once or twice per month, or as the role demands.

We are committed to actively promoting equality, diversity, and inclusivity. In line with our strategy we welcome approaches from individuals from underrepresented groups, including minority communities, and applicants with a disability, to better reflect the community we serve and help broaden our perspectives. state this in your cover letter when applying. 

We are open to receiving applications from candidates wishing to work part-time, with a minimum of 28 hours per week. Please indicate in your cover letter if you wish to work part-time.

JOB TITLE: Northern Partnership & Dog Training Manger

LOCATION:                         Northern Region (Including Scotland, Northern England and parts of the Midlands)

SALARY: £37,000 - £45,000 p/a

JOB TYPE: Permanent, Full-Time and Part-Time applications considered

Medical Detection Dogs trains dogs to save lives.

We train specialist dogs to detect the odour of human disease, providing life-saving Medical Alert Assistance Dogs to people with complex health problems across the UK and collaborating with NHS Trusts and other researchers and Universities both in the UK and internationally to advance the early diagnosis of disease.  We have an exciting new opportunity to join this small, but ambitious charity that is a world leader in its specialist, innovative field.

MAIN PURPOSE & SCOPE OF THE ROLE:

The Northern Partnership & Training Manager is responsible for the operational leadership, coordination and quality assurance of Partnership and Dog Training Instructor roles operating within the Northern region.

Partnership and Dog Training Instructor roles within the Medical Alert Assistance Dog department combine elements of dog training, client instructing, partnership placement and aftercare, depending on programme need. This role provides direct line management and oversight of Northern region staff working in these hybrid capacities.

The postholder ensures consistent, high‑quality delivery of MAAD partnerships, working collaboratively with training, welfare and senior management colleagues to support dog progression, client outcomes and compliance with ADUK and ADI standards.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

Provide operational leadership for Northern region Partnership and Dog Training Instructor roles, ensuring staff who work across training, instructing and partnership delivery are effectively supported, coordinated and developed.

You will act as the regional lead for instructor‑delivered partnership work, maintaining oversight of workloads, partnership progression, accreditation readiness and aftercare delivery, while contributing to continuous service improvement under senior management guidance.

Reports to: Interim Head of Partnership Services

ABOUT THE ROLE

You will oversee and coordinate the Northern Medical Alert Assistance Dog function, managing staff in Partnership and Dog Training Instructor roles who support MAAD partnerships from allocation through placement and ongoing aftercare.

You will provide clear leadership, supervision and quality assurance, ensuring consistent delivery standards, balanced workloads and clarity of expectations for staff whose roles span multiple functions.

You will maintain oversight of partnership pipelines, regional capacity and accreditation timelines, ensuring accurate reporting and timely escalation of risks or concerns.

This is a senior operational role requiring strong people management, excellent dog training and instructing expertise, and a calm, organised approach to managing complex client‑facing services.

Responsibilities of the Role

Hybrid Role Leadership & Management (Northern Region)

• Line manage and support Northern region‑based Partnership and Dog Training Instructor roles
• Conduct regular 1:1s, supervision and appraisals
• Chair Northern regional team meetings and provide updates to the Interim Head of Assistance Dog Programme
• Approve annual leave and expenses, ensuring appropriate regional cover
• Support senior Partnership and Dog Training Instructor staff in mentoring or supporting less experienced colleagues
• Ensure staff adhere to departmental standards, methods and policies

Partnerships, Training & Client Delivery

• Oversee the progression of puppies within the Northern region and where required, carry out relevant assessments 
• Oversee the progression of MAAD partnerships across training, placement and aftercare within the Northern region
• Ensure client learning styles, family dynamics and individual needs are identified and supported
• Support or directly deliver Partnership and Dog Training Instructor role activity where required, including: Scent and odour training, Client‑specific training, Placement training, Aftercare and refresher support
• Maintain oversight of partnerships requiring remedial training or additional intervention
• Carry out or support final accreditation assessments where appropriate
• Ensure qualified partnerships continue to meet ADUK standards

Planning, Oversight & Reporting

• Maintain oversight of Northern region partnership activity, including: Applicants, Dogs approaching match, Partnerships in training, Accredited partnerships receiving aftercare
• Escalate risks, delays or welfare concerns to the ADPM with recommended solutions
• Contribute to departmental reports and inspection readiness

Governance, Welfare & Compliance

• Ensure all Partnership and Dog Training Instructor role activity complies with ADUK and ADI regulations
• Liaise with the Health & Welfare Manager regarding health or welfare concerns
• Support rehoming outcomes for withdrawn dogs in conjunction with relevant teams
• Ensure accurate and timely record‑keeping within the Harlequin CRM system
• Occasional handling of the emergency phone, liaising with clients and volunteers to manage emergency situations

Stakeholder & Cross‑Departmental Working

• To ensure volunteers and Dog training contractors based within the Northern region are well supported by regional staff.
• Act as the primary Northern region contact for partnership‑related matters
• Work closely with Applications and Welfare teams
• Support fundraising, communications and volunteering activities when required
• Promote best practice and learning across the charity

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

Experience & Qualifications

Essential

• Minimum 2years’ experience managing or leading staff in the Assistance Dog roles within an ADUK‑affiliated organisation
• Extensive experience delivering assistance dog partnerships, including training, placement and aftercarProven experience mentoring, supporting and performance‑managing staff
• Sound knowledge of ADUK and ADI regulations
• Strong organisational and caseload‑management abilities
• Confident working independently and managing competing priorities
• Comfortable working in the presence of dogs

Desirable

• Experience working with medical alert assistance dogs
• Knowledge of medical conditions affecting adult and child clients
• Experience supporting accreditation reviews or inspection processes

Knowledge & Skills

DESIRABLE

• Strong practical dog handling, scent training and knowledge of dog behaviour and development
• Excellent coaching, assessment and quality‑assurance skills
• Calm, clear and empathetic communication style
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to exercise sound judgement in complex, client‑facing situations
• High level of IT literacy including Microsoft 365 and CRM systems

Other Requirements

• Full UK driving licence
• Willingness and ability to travel across the Northern region
• Willingness to stay away from home and have dogs reside in the home when required

DIVERITY, EQUALITY & INCLUSION

We are a welcoming, diverse and inclusive charity. Medical Detection Dogs thrives when everyone feels comfortable bringing their best self to work. We celebrate difference, whilst striving to create an environment where colleagues feel respected and valued for their unique potential. We are committed to our values on equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Values & Behaviours

Working at Medical Detection Dogs will be a richly rewarding experience.

Our Values & Behaviours encapsulate who we are, what we stand for and what it will feel like to be part of our team:

• We are respectful
• We stay positive
• We strive for excellence
• We communicate and listen
• We are ambassadors
• We are one team

And of course, we advocate for Medical Detection Dogs whenever we get the chance, and we pride ourselves on our role as ambassadors for the charity.

Position: Communications and Engagement Officer

Location: Barnsley, South Yorkshire

Hours: 22.5 hours per week, 1 day working from home allowance

Salary: £24,454 FTE (£14,870 actual); 5% pension contribution, 33 days of annual leave entitlement (inclusive of bank holidays) pro rata

Contract type: Permanent

Reportable to: Communications and Engagement Manager

Direct reports: No direct reports

Benefits:

• 5% pension contribution
• 33 days of annual leave per year (pro rata) which increases with length of service
• Enhanced sick leave entitlement with length of service
• Enhanced maternity pay
• Individual training budgets
• Discounts on local Barnsley Gyms
• Free parking in the town centre

Job Purpose

At an exciting time of growth and strategic development, Barnsley CVS is looking for a creative and motivated Communications and Engagement Officer to help tell our story and strengthen connections across the borough.

In this entry-level role, you will support how we communicate, connect and engage with local communities, members, stakeholders and the wider VCSE sector. You’ll help bring our work to life – creating accessible, engaging content and supporting campaigns that showcase the impact of local organisations and the difference they make every day.

Working as part of a small, supportive team, you will contribute to delivering communications that inform, inspire and involve. From digital content creation and social media to events and community engagement, you’ll play a hands-on role in helping people understand, access and take part in opportunities across Barnsley.

You will also help ensure that we are quick and effective at responding to the voices of local people and organisations. Your role will be key to supporting Barnsley CVS’s mission to build a strong, connected and thriving VCSE sector that has a positive impact on communities.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone starting their career in communications and engagement, who is passionate about communities, keen to develop their skills, and motivated to make a meaningful difference.

To be successful in this role, you will be someone who already has some experience and knowledge of communications and digital media but also has a genuine interest and passion for the VCSE/Charity sector in Barnsley and is motivated to highlight the work of the sector across our Borough.  Paid working experience is not essential if you can demonstrate an appetite and a commitment to charitable causes and creative communications.

Dataro are looking for a Customer Success Manager to help grow their presence across the UK charity sector. This is a role focussed on providing excellent client satisfaction to the post holders UK and Europe based charity and not for profit portfolio. You will spend your time meeting clients, following up on queries and IT tickets, and supporting them in a consultative way to get the best impact from Dataro. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys building relationships, spotting opportunities to deliver great customer service and maintaining great channels of communications.

Dataro is a growing company that has retained a start up midset and ethos, so colleagues work with high levels of agency, are solutions focussed and happy delivering at pace.

You’ll work closely with other Customer Success Managers in the UK, as well as colleagues across the USA and Australia. To be considered for this role it is vital the candidate experience of customer service and relationship management within a charity setting, who understands fundraising and what tools such as Dataro can do to help support income generation. Candidates don’t need to know Dataro’s product inside out, training will be provided, but an understanding of charity CRMs would be useful.

This is a great opportunity to join a growing organisation that still retains the energy and ownership of a startup environment, while working with charities across the UK to help them strengthen their fundraising and supporter engagement. 

Application notes

Please download the Candidate Info Pack provided for further information about the role, timelines and next steps.

To progress your application, please contact THINK Recruitment to organise an informal screening call. Please note, we cannot shortlist candidates who have not had a screening call so please allow enough time to speak to us before the closing date.

Location - Please note: this role is a remote based role but has been listed as hybrid due to the expectation of in person meetings and regular travel into London (expenses not paid). The team meet up at WeWork spaces reguarly and this post holder would aim to hold a minimum of 6 in person client meetings per quarter, all usually in London.

Timeframes 

Closing date for applications: Midday Thursday 19th May 

Candidates will be notified of outcomes by EOD Friday 22nd May

Interviews will be two stages, see dates within the Candidate Pack 

Harris Hill is delighted to be partnering with Maudsley Charity to recruit a Finance Officer. This is a strong opportunity for a part-qualified or early-career finance professional looking to gain broad exposure across financial accounting, reporting and business partnering within a purpose-driven organisation.

As Maudsley Charity continues to invest in innovative projects that improve mental health care for those who need it most, they are entering an exciting phase of growth and operational development.

To support this, they are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Finance Officer to play a key role in strengthening financial processes, supporting robust reporting, and enabling effective stewardship of funds. Working closely with the Finance Lead, this role will help ensure the organisation’s finances are managed with accuracy, integrity and insight, supporting informed decision-making and maximising the impact of every pound invested.

Location: London, UK (hybrid working)
Salary: £30,000 - £35,000
Contract: Full time, permanent

About the role

A varied, hands-on position within a small, collaborative Finance team. You’ll support day-to-day finance operations while contributing to reporting, budgeting and project work.

Key responsibilities include:

• Maintaining accurate financial records and processing transactions
• Managing invoices, payments, and bank reconciliations
• Supporting monthly management accounts and reporting
• Assisting with budgets, forecasts and grant due diligence
• Contributing to audit preparation and fund monitoring
• Improving processes and supporting finance queries across the organisation

About you

• Part-qualified (AAT or studying ACCA/CIMA/ACA) or equivalent experience
• Background in a finance or accounts role
• Strong Excel and systems skills
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Proactive, organised and keen to develop

This role would suit someone looking to step into a broader finance position with real variety and progression.

Closing date: 18th of May
interviews: Week commencing 1st of June (likely 4th of June)

Join our ‘Ask Us Anything’ webinar on Wednesday 13th of May at 12pm – 1pm. Link can be found in the information pack page 8.

Harris Hill is a certified B Corp™ and leading charity recruitment agency, committed to equitable and inclusive recruitment practices. Applications from all sections of the community are actively welcomed, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality or other protected characteristics.