Head of strategic communications jobs

We are the national body for careers education in England, delivering support to schools and colleges to deliver modern, 21st century careers education. 

The Careers & Enterprise Company (CEC) is a great place to work. We operate within a fast-paced and collaborative environment. We are brought together by one thing: our passion to ensure young people get the best possible start in life and are supported to find their best next step. 

Do you want to be part of a mission-driven team focused on transforming young people’s lives? If so, we’d love to hear from you! 

Role summary

Essential criteria: 

• Background in corporate relationship management/account management - able to build relationships at all levels and sell propositions to organisations.   

• Experience in developing resources to support employers to deliver quality outreach with young people.   

• Demonstrable experience of operationalising national strategy into projects and programmes, ideally across multiple locations.   

• Significant experience of managing multiple clients/stakeholders and projects to time and budget, managing risk, and maintaining a high-quality service level.   

• A demonstrable understanding of the current careers’ education and early careers landscapes.   

Desirable criteria: 

• Expertise in supporting employers to engage with specialists education settings, especially Alternative Provision.  

For further information about the role, and to apply, please visit our website via the Apply button.

Closing date: Monday 13th April 2026 (Midnight).

Please note that we reserve the right to close this advert early should we receive suitable applications.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion        

At the Careers and Enterprise Company (CEC) we are committed to fostering a culture of belonging. We know that engagement at work relies on feeling included and valued. Inclusion is both a choice and a practice, for us as an organisation and for individuals within our team. We aim to drive inclusion through every aspect of our work and we understand that diverse teams are essential for innovative careers education and are central to our mission and impact. CEC values the visible and invisible qualities that makes each member of our team who they are. We are a disability confident employer and if you need any help or support through the application process, please contact the HR team and details can be found on our website.

Job title: Head of Finance & Business Services

Reports to: Director of Operations

Salary:  In the region of £39,000. Flexible based on experience and qualifications

Location: Hybrid

Hours: Full time – 37.5 hours over 5 days

Objective:

2wish exists to provide support to anyone affected by the sudden and unexpected death of a child or young person aged 25 and under.

Aims:

• Ensure every Emergency Department and Critical Care unit has a suitable bereavement suite
• Ensure that bereavement boxes are available at each of these hospitals
• Ensure that immediate bereavement support is available for all affected by the sudden death of a child or young person
• Provide a professional counselling service and other therapies for those affected by the sudden death of a child or young person
• Provide support to individuals who witness the sudden death of a child or young person
• Provide support and training to professionals from any sector who may be affected by the sudden death of a child or young person
• To advocate and campaign on behalf of suddenly bereaved families

2wish Cymru and 2wish:

2wish has been established since 2012 and has since grown from strength to strength. During this time, we have worked tirelessly to embed our service and ensure that the offer of support is made at the point of death.

We offer an immediate, consistent, high-quality and compassionate service to all individuals affected by the sudden and unexpected death of a child or young person aged 25 and under. We work in partnership with professionals who refer into the charity on behalf of families, so they don’t have to trawl through the internet for an organisation who may, or may not, be able to support. We provide immediate, and ongoing, support and are here for as long as our families need us.

We were founded as a Welsh organisation providing immediate casework support, as well as ongoing aftercare services including counselling, alternative therapies, play therapy, support groups, support events and a respite cottage.

In January 2024, we expanded into ‘phase one’ England, namely Cheshire, Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and Somerset. And in July 2025 we expanded into ‘phase two’ England, namely Merseyside, Devon and Cornwall, Wiltshire, Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Context of role:

The Headof Finance & Business Services will be a key member of the senior leadership team, responsible for ensuring the charity is financially sustainable, legally compliant and operationally efficient.

This role provides strategic oversight of finance, governance, HR, IT, facilities, risk management, and business administration, enabling the charity to deliver its mission effectively and responsibly.

Line management responsibilities, including Business Services Officer and Finance and Administration Officer.

Key responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Act as a senior advisor to the CEO and Board of Trustees on financial strategy, organisational performance, risk, and governance.
• Lead on the development and implementation of long-term financial plans, budgets, and business services strategies.
• Contribute to organisational planning, change management, and culture-building across the charity.

Financial Management

• Oversee all aspects of financial management, including grants and foundations, forecasting, management accounts, statutory accounts, and cashflow.
• Ensure accurate financial reporting in compliance within the Charity SORP, and relevant regulatory frameworks.
• Lead on financial risk management, reserve’s policy, investment planning, and financial controls.
• Oversee payroll, pension administration, procurement, and contract management.
• Support fundraising colleagues with financial modelling, grant budgets, and reporting to funders.

Business Services Oversight

• Lead and develop the business services function, which include IT, facilities, data protection and health & safety.
• Oversee HR policies, employee relations, recruitment processes, and wellbeing initiatives with the support of our HR consultants.
• Ensure reliable IT systems, digital security, and effective use of Microsoft 365 and organisational software with the support of our IT consultants ITCS.
• Manage the Business Services Officer who oversees office facilities, leases, equipment, and supplier relationships.
• Hold line management responsibilities for our Business Services Officer and Finance and Administration Officer.

Leadership and People Management

• Provide inspirational leadership to finance and business services staff.
• Support a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, compassion, and teamwork.
• Champion organisational values, equity, diversity, and inclusion in all areas of operations

General:

• To be responsible for organising own work agenda, time management and administration.
• To adhere to all company policies and procedures including Safeguarding, Confidentiality, Health and Safety and Lone Working; and to be proactive in implementing new safe working practices as appropriate.
• To attend weekend and evening community events in support of the charity as necessary.
• Participate as and when required in team meetings and one-to-one meetings, and undertake, as appropriate, courses/training/other developmental activities, which is relevant to the role.

It is the nature of the work that tasks and responsibilities are in may circumstances unpredictable and varied. All employees are therefore expected to work in a flexible way and tasks, which are not specifically covered in their job description may have to be undertaken.

You will be subject to performance review, which will incorporate a review of the above duties and performance over the period.

This role is subject to a DBS check.

Person specification:

Essential

• Fully or part qualified in accountancy or qualified by experience (QBE).
• Proven financial leadership experience within the third sector or a, challenging values-driven organisation.
• Strong understanding of charity finance, including SORP, restricted/unrestricted, designated funds, grant applications and reporting.
• Experience of managing governance, risk, compliance, and business administrative functions.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship building skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively whilst providing strong challenge and professional insight.
• Demonstrable commitment to the mission and values of 2wish.
• Assist with compliance of the Equality Act, Employment Rights Act / Bill & General Data Protection Regulations.

Desirable

• Experience supporting or working alongside a Board of Trustees.
• Experience leading digital transformation or implementing new systems.
• Understanding bereavement-support environments

What we do for you:

Contract type: Permanent

Hours: Normal office hours are 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday, although alternative hours may be worked with line manager agreement. Work outside office hours may sometimes be necessary and will be compensated for by time off in lieu.

Annual leave: 28 days plus bank holidays. Annual leave steadily increases after five years of service. Annual leave and statutory holidays are calculated on a pro rata basis where applicable.

Pension: 2wish operate a contributory pension scheme. 2wish will auto-enrol you into the scheme in accordance with it’s auto-enrolment obligations. Full details of the scheme will be provided to you once you are enrolled, including the minimum level of contributions that you will be required to make during your membership (current contributions – employer 3% and employee 5%).

Mileage: A fixed rate allowance is payable for agreed mileage undertaken on 2wish business in a private vehicle, over and above your usual journey to your workplace/s.

Additional benefits for our employees:

• An ‘Employee Assistance Programme, ‘ including wellbeing support
• Free parking on 2wish premises
• Free branded 2wish clothing
• An extra annual leave day on your birthday
• Incremental increase in holiday entitlement based on length of service
• Paid sick leave
• Discounts for personal purchases on 2wish Merchandise
• Discounted tickets to UK 2wish events for staff and family
• Extra holiday entitlement when taking part in 2wish overseas events
• Company mobile phone for performance of duties
• Tools/equipment required for the performance of duties
• Reimbursement of work expenses
• Bright Exchange employee discounts
• Auto-enrolment into company contributory pension scheme after 3 months service

How to apply:

Please return a CV and covering letter, or a CV and two-minute video,.

Closing date: Friday 3rd April 2026

Thank you very much for your interest in the role. Please note, if you do not hear from us within ten working days of the closing date, you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Marketing Officer
Harrogate, North Yorkshire

We offer hybrid working.

About Us

Yorkshire is one of the regions hardest hit by cancer. Together, we can change this.

Yorkshire Cancer Research is a charity dedicated to funding research so that you and those you love live longer healthier lives, free of cancer.

Thanks to supporters, the charity funds vital cancer research and pioneers innovative new services for people with cancer. These life-giving medical breakthroughs are helping more people survive cancer – in Yorkshire, and beyond.

As an inclusive employer, our aim is to ensure our workforce reflects the rich diversity of our region. We believe a diverse workforce is vital to us taking action to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer more effectively in Yorkshire. We offer equal opportunities regardless of race, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnerships.

The Benefits

We offer all employees a wide range of benefits including an enhanced contributory pension scheme, 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays (increasing to 30 days after 5 years’ service), flexible working arrangements, private medical insurance, enhanced maternity leave, career progression, learning and development, wellbeing initiatives, offices within walking distance of Hornbeam Park train station and a whole lot more.

We’ve got a strong set of values that inform everything we do and we’re looking for people who are aligned with these. As our Marketing Officer, you will put people in Yorkshire at the heart of everything you do, unite with colleagues and other organisations in this cause, and dare to think big and bold to make positive solutions happen.

The Role
As Marketing Officer you will play a key role in developing and executing marketing campaigns and activities to enhance the charity’s brand, engage target audience(s) and achieve the charity’s strategic objectives.

Specifically, you will:

· Conduct market research to understand the competitive landscape, sector trends and identify supporter needs.

· Lead the development and approval of high-quality marketing briefs.

· Support the development, testing and refinement of marketing propositions through qualitative and quantitative research.

· Lead project / campaign planning, including defining objectives and KPIs, recommending channel strategy, marketing budgets and creating project plans. 

· Lead project delivery teams and meetings, working with key stakeholders across the charity to ensure relevant stakeholders are included / kept informed.

· Project-manage marketing and campaign delivery, working with internal teams and external partners. Plan and execute marketing activities, coordinating workstreams across different teams to meet key campaign / project milestones.

· Work with internal and external marketing experts to create effective marketing plans and insightful and engaging marketing creative. For example, this may include working with creative, digital marketing and media agencies.

· Lead the development of engaging marketing content and collateral for a range of channels – from digital, social, web and email to printed literature and direct mail. For example, this may include developing marketing messages, identifying and working with case studies, leading photography and photo/video shoots.

About You

To be considered for this role, you will need:

· To be educated to degree level or equivalent qualification or work experience in related field.

· To have marketing experience at a similar level or in a similar role

· To have experience of working effectively with external suppliers (including marketing agencies) to procure marketing services / materials / merchandise.

· To have experience of implementing marketing activities / campaigns across a range of different marketing channels / customer touchpoints.

· To be highly organised with an ability to deliver multiple projects on time and to budget.

· To have strong bias to action and ability to ‘get things done’.

· To have excellent copy writing and communication skills.

· To have attention to detail, able to carry out tasks accurately, including correct data entry and reporting.

· To understand brand, brand guidelines and how to ensure brand consistency.

· To have good collaboration and relationship-building skills. To be able to work effectively, with colleagues and external suppliers, to deliver marketing campaigns / projects and activities.

· To be able to travel across the Yorkshire region.

Application

Before applying, please visit our Careers Page to view the full role profile and find out more about working for Yorkshire Cancer Research.

To apply please submit a CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to Claire Wooldridge, Head of People, before 14 April 2026. Please read our privacy notice before applying.

Yorkshire Cancer Research is a responsible and flexible employer.  We welcome any discussion for flexible working at the interview/offer stage where we will consider an individual’s circumstances against the needs of the charity.

We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates from all backgrounds. If we can make any reasonable adjustments to support your application, please contact us via our website. 

In 30 years we've helped transform over 10,000 children's lives around the world, giving them the chance of a brighter future. We're feel we are just getting started and are looking for a confident, relational communicator with a heart for transforming children's lives to join our team. 

We're looking for someone who loves fundraising and will thrive in an outward facing role which blends strategy, storytelling and relationship-building. You’ll be as comfortable speaking from a church platform as you are meeting one-to-one with a key donor.

Please read the job description and if you feel this sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you. 

Make a Difference Where It Matters Most 

At Home-Start Richmond, Kingston and Hounslow, we believe that childhood can’t wait. We’re a vibrant, community-rooted charity supporting families through the critical early years of parenting. Our volunteers and staff work side-by-side with families, offering emotional and practical support, building confidence, and creating lasting connections. 

We are now seeking an Impact and Operations Manager to join our passionate team and shape the future of our services. 

About the Role 

This is a unique opportunity to lead our impact and operations strategy, ensuring we have the insight, tools, and systems to deliver high-quality support to families. You’ll play a pivotal role in measuring and communicating our impact, supporting strategic decision-making, and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead and manage data collection, evaluation, and reporting across all family support services 

• Develop tailored reports and insights for internal and external stakeholders 

• Collaborate on funding applications with the CEO and Head of Marketing & Fundraising 

• Oversee administrative systems and policies, including GDPR compliance and HR processes 

• Manage office operations, including tech support, premises, and general administration, and line manage operations and data & impact team 

• Contribute to strategic planning and service innovation using data and insight 

• Strengthen our presence across local and national networks in partnership with the Senior Management Team 

What You’ll Bring 

• Strong experience in managing and interpreting data to drive impact and inform strategy 

• Strategic thinking with the ability to manage multiple projects and deliver results 

• Confidence with technology and quick ability to learn new tools and systems 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build strong relationships 

• A curious, analytical mindset and a passion for telling the story of our work 

Why Join Us? 

• A flexible, hybrid working model co-designed with our team 

• A supportive, inclusive, and values-driven culture 

• A chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of local families 

• Excellent pension and generous annual leave 

We’re looking for an experienced, proactive fundraiser who can think strategically and deliver hands-on. Someone confident writing bids, building partnerships and spotting opportunities for growth.

This is a key role at a pivotal moment for AudioActive, offering the chance to build on strong foundations and shape a diverse, sustainable income model and power a team that is dedicated to empowering young people through music.

What you’ll do

• Lead and deliver AudioActive’s fundraising and development strategy
• Grow income across trusts & foundations, tenders, contracts and partnerships
• Write high-quality bids, proposals and pitches
• Develop new business partnerships aligned with our mission
• Build strong relationships with funders, partners and supporters
• Work closely with the CEO and team to align income with programmes
• Track performance, manage targets and identify new opportunities

For the past 8 years, Just Finance Foundation has been growing our LifeSavers programme, bringing financial education to life in primary schools across the UK.

In 2025 alone, 135,809 of children across 551 schools had the opportunity to build essential money skills. It’s something we’re really proud of. But we’re not done yet.

We believe every child deserves the chance to grow up with confidence about money and we’re looking for someone who can help us reach many more classrooms.

The role

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced, hands-on digital marketer to shape how we connect with teachers across the UK.

Over the next two years, we’ll be:

• Supporting primary schools in England as they prepare for a new curriculum
• Expanding our reach across Scotland and the devolved nations

You’ll play a key role in making that happen: leading digital marketing activity that grows awareness of LifeSavers and inspires more teachers to take part.

Working with a collaborative and ambitious team, you’ll turn insight into action: building smart, effective campaigns and journeys that make it easy for teachers to discover, sign up, and get started.

What you will be doing (a summary)

• Design and deliver digital customer journeys for teachers from first awareness through to sign-up and early engagement
• Grow teacher participation by increasing high-quality leads, enquiries and sign-ups
• Plan, run and optimise digital campaigns across channels, including paid ads
• Improve how our content shows up in search, helping more teachers find what they need
• Use data and insights to continuously improve performance and make strategic decisions

About you

You’ll bring:

• Experience building and improving digital customer journeys (from awareness through to conversion and onboarding).
• Confidence managing key digital channels like social, web and email.
• Hands-on experience running successful paid digital campaigns.
• Strong analytical skills, using tools like Google Analytics to track and improve performance.
• Great organisation and a focus on delivering against targets.

Most importantly, you care about the impact of your work. You’re motivated by the chance to help children build skills that last a lifetime.

Why join us?

You’ll be part of a team that’s supportive, ambitious, and genuinely cares about making a difference.

This is a role where your ideas matter, your work has real impact, and your growth is supported every step of the way.

Together, we can make sure financial education becomes an everyday part of growing up.

How to apply

Please send your CV and a cover letter of no more than 2 pages to the email address provided no later than Sunday 19th April. Interviews will be held via Teams between Thursday 23rd April and Thursday 30th April.

Potential Applicants: If you’re interested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills and experience, we’d still love to hear from you. We don’t expect everyone to meet all the criteria listed.

JFF is an inclusive organisation and we welcome all applications. We want our workforce to be truly representative of the communities we serve. Diversity is an asset to our organisation and helps us create an inclusive, welcoming environment for all.

Are you keen to contribute to sharing God’s kingdom and alleviating suffering? Are you passionate about building strong relationships and inspiring supporters? Do you thrive when you work as part of a team towards ambitious targets? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you!

BMS World Mission is a Christian mission organisation founded in 1792. Today we are working in around 30 countries over four continents. We are passionate about making Jesus known across the world and transforming the lives of those we serve.

We’re looking for an Individual Giving Manager (9-month maternity cover) to achieve BMS’ fundraising strategy and goals by stimulating new and repeat donations from individual givers and leading creative innovative fundraising campaigns. You will also lead a small team of two Individual Giving Officers (one full-time and one part-time).

The successful candidate will be a fundraiser with a track record of meeting ambitious fundraising targets. You will develop and deliver an individual giving strategy and employ a range of retention and acquisition techniques. You will manage and oversee BMS’ appeals, regular giving, major donor and community fundraising programmes.

You will quickly build excellent relationships within BMS and with supporters and have a strong commitment to outstanding supporter care. This is an important role, at a critical time in the life of the organisation, and we are looking for a strategic, professional and knowledgeable fundraiser to deliver on our strategy.

This role is a 9 month maternity contract starting early June 2026 to early March 2027. This role can be hybrid with flexibility but would need to attend the Didcot office in agreement with your line manager.

The successful applicant will be a committed Christian. The nature of this role means that this is a specific occupational requirement.

Job Title: Head of EDIS (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Science and Health)
Reporting to: Director of Development & External Relations
Responsible for: Line-management of two staff (EDIS Community Manager, EDIS Programme Manager) and responsible for the wider EDIS team, including the EDIS Programme Officer and Events Officer
Based: Our Head Office is based in Kensington, London SW7, but we have an agile working policy enabling people to work at another UK location up to 4 days/week. Requests for permanent remote working will be considered and we welcome applications from people based in other parts of the UK.
Terms: Full-time (35 hours per week), permanent. Requests for part-time or flexible working will be considered
Salary: £46,811 - £57,416 per annum

About Us

The British Science Association (BSA) was founded in 1831 and is a registered charity.

We are creating a future where science is more relevant, representative, and connected to society.

We have ambitious goals to put people at the heart of science.

About the Role

EDIS is a coalition of organisations working to improve equality, diversity and inclusion within the science and health research sectors. Originally established by The Francis Crick Institute (The Crick), Wellcome Trust (Wellcome) and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), the British Science Association (BSA) has recently taken over the hosting of the coalition (from February 2026), working in partnership with the Crick, and funded by a seven-year grant from Wellcome.

The new Head of EDIS will provide strategic leadership for the EDIS programme, positioning EDIS as a trusted, influential voice and source of sector support on equity, diversity and inclusion across science and health research.

EDIS is a long-term programme with national reach. The Head of EDIS will be responsible for shaping and implementing the EDIS strategy in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring activities are valued by members and aligned with the coalition’s values and objectives and contributing to the long-term sustainability and evolution of the programme beyond the grant period. The role holder will lead a dedicated team, cultivate a culture of inclusivity, and champion the impact of EDIS across and beyond the coalition, ultimately supporting the advancement of equitable practices and opportunities in science and health.

Key responsibilities

Develop and deliver the EDIS strategy

• Review and update the EDIS strategy, working with key stakeholders, including developing an implementation plan, KPIs and a theory of change.
• Lead on engagement with EDIS members and prospective members, the EDIS Advisory Group, and senior external stakeholders including funders, policy makers and national bodies to shape and deliver the EDIS strategy.
• Oversee delivery of the EDIS strategy, reporting on progress and collecting, using and sharing evidence, evaluation and learning to shape priorities, activities and outputs.

Recruit, lead, support and champion the EDIS team

• Recruit the ‘core’ EDIS team, with direct line management responsibilities for the EDIS Programme Manager and EDIS Community Manager.
• Develop a strong, collaborative team culture for EDIS, reflecting the values of the BSA and of EDIS, and inspiring the team to develop and contribute to the programme and strategy.
• Champion the work of EDIS across the BSA and more widely.

Develop and deliver EDIS activities

• Network and build strong relationships with EDIS members and prospective members.
• Support and work with the EDIS team to deliver the ‘embedding EDI’ workstream of the EDIS Strategy, and to provide overall co-ordination on the delivery of the other workstreams (Inclusive Research and Inclusive Leadership), including the development of shared definitions, principles, frameworks and practical guidance for the sector.
• Provide strategic oversight of EDIS activities, working closely with the BSA Grants (Community Engagement) team and our partners at the Crick.
• Act as a senior advocate and spokesperson for EDIS, working closely with the Policy & Public Affairs team to influence policy and practice and to position EDIS as a credible, evidence-led voice on EDI.

Support the EDIS membership

• Consult and collaborate with the EDIS members, and prospective members, to ensure that their views are listened and responded to.
• Steward current and prospective EDIS members, ensuring there is a vibrant, engaged community and membership offer. This may require regular travel, particularly to London.
• Lead on the sharing of insights and updates to EDIS members on key developments and updates.
• Work closely with Head of Fundraising and Membership to grow the EDIS membership, and to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of EDIS.

The successful candidate will have extensive experience of developing and delivering EDI strategies and Experience in leading a significant project, programme or discrete area, setting strategy, and influencing stakeholders towards its aims and objectives.

The closing date for applications is Monday 13 April at 12 noon.

First round interviews are due to take place in the week commencing Monday 20 April 2026, with second round interviews taking place on Tuesday 5 May and Wednesday 6 May 2026.

You will be informed as soon as possible after the application deadline whether you have been selected for interview.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

As part of the British Science Association’s commitment to being a Disability Confident employer, all disabled* applicants who meet the ‘essential criteria’ for this vacancy will be offered an interview under our guaranteed interview scheme.

No agencies please.

The Role

SERT is re-organising our structure geographically into three Catchment Clusters (CCs) in the South East (defined as South London, East and West). Having conducted a successful pilot in the East, we are now expanding this approach to the new South London and West Catchment Clusters.

The South London Catchment Cluster (SLCC) requires an individual with proven leadership experience who can lead this newly formed team and strategically maximise SERT’s impact in the London, urbanised, catchments of the rivers Wandle, Hogsmill, Beverley Brook and Cray.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Help to establish and enhance a ‘one-team’ ethos across the Catchment Cluster, whilst also ensuring it is embedded within the wider organisation.
• Lead SLCC’s prioritisation on the key activities (including restoration and engagement) that we wish to undertake in our London Catchments.
• Leadership of the team ensuring a supportive, collaborative, inquisitive and ambitious culture.
• Direct line management of three roles (this may increase in the future):

i) Working with the Monitoring and Evidence Lead to develop and embed a new Monitoring and Evidence Strategy.

ii) Supporting our Nature Finance Lead to secure new ecosystem-service related payments to fund our work and drive impact.

iii) Managing the Senior Catchment Manager to ensure our Catchment Partnerships are effective convening spaces and action based.

• Identify and directly support new business development and project funding opportunities from a range of sources to grow our impact.
• Ensure SLCC is at the right tables where decisions affecting its rivers are being made and has an important and respected voice in those decisions.

What We Are Looking For

This role is an exciting challenge and will require you to build on the foundations of what has already been achieved within these catchments. You will maximise our impact by collaborating with our Specialist Teams to prioritise SERT’s activities.  Central to this is the need to deliver effective catchment management through our Catchment Partnerships. You will also work strategically with the Restoring Rivers and Catchments team (RRC) to identify and prioritise projects which drive impact, whilst working closely with our Working With Communities team (WWC) to further increase engagement with the communities who live along the CC’s rivers. It is desirable if you have a good overview of monitoring and evidence-based approaches (including citizen science), alongside knowledge of nature-based solutions, ecosystem services and emerging nature investment opportunities.

About You

Besides having a passion for rivers, we need an individual who can confidently develop, grow and lead a team, whilst seeking new opportunities for impact. You will be adept at business development and will be comfortable supporting strategic relationships with catchment partners, local government, regulators, water companies, local businesses and environmental organisations. You will require a good overview of Health and Safety best practise, empowering our RRC team to undertake effective project delivery and risk management in the field.

Interested? Apply now via our website.

Application process

• Closing date for applications: Tuesday 14th April 2026 at 11:59pm.
• Interviews: Monday 20th April - Friday 1st May 2026

The Role

SERT is re-organising our structure geographically into three Catchment Clusters in the South East (defined as South London, East and West). Having conducted a successful pilot in the East, we are now expanding this approach to the new South London and West Catchment Clusters.

The West Catchment Cluster (WCC) requires an individual with proven leadership experience who can lead this newly formed team and strategically maximise SERT’s impact in the predominantly Surrey-based catchments of the Loddon, Wey and Mole.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Help to establish and enhance a ‘one-team’ ethos across the CC, whilst also ensuring it is embedded within the wider organisation
• Lead WCC’s prioritisation on the key activities (both restoration and engagement) that we wish to undertake in our Surrey Catchments.
• Direct line management of two roles (this may increase in the future):

i)Working with the Natural Flood Management Lead to grow the opportunities of using nature to hold back water in the landscape 

ii) Managing the Catchment Manager to ensure our Catchment Partnerships are action-based.

• Identify and directly support new project funding opportunities from a range of sources to grow our impact.
• Ensure WCC is at the right tables where decisions affecting its rivers are being made and has an important and respected voice in those decisions.

What We Are Looking For

This role is an exciting challenge and will require you to build on the foundations of what has already been achieved within these catchments. You will need to maximise impact by working with our Specialist Teams to priorities SERT’s activities and strategically guide river restoration projects.  You will also work closely with our Working With Communities team (WWC) to improve engagement with the communities who live along these rivers. It is desirable if you have a good overview of river catchments, data monitoring and the role that nature-based solutions (such as Natural Flood Management) play in providing multiple benefits.

About You

Besides having a passion for rivers, we require an individual who can confidently develop and grow a new team, whilst seeking new opportunities for impact. You will be adept at business development and will be comfortable supporting strategic relationships with catchment partners, local government, water companies, local businesses and environmental NGOs. You will need a good overview of Health and Safety best practise, empowering our Restoring River Catchments (RRC) team to undertake effective project delivery and risk management in the field.

Interested? Apply now via our website.

Application process

• Closing date for applications: Tuesday 14th April 2026 at 11:59pm.
• Interviews: Monday 20th April - Friday 1st May 2026

Who we are and why we are needed

The Fore is creating a society that solves its own problems. Each year we provide funding and skills to the best grassroots charities and social enterprises in the UK and we are growing. 

Across the UK, talented people within communities are building practical solutions to our most complex challenges – from poverty and mental health to education, exclusion and sustainability. However, the vast majority of these solutions do not achieve their potential to drive wider change across society because of failures in how the funding system works. 

The Fore is the UK’s only venture philanthropy fund that has cracked the code in how to identify and distribute funding to turbocharge grassroots innovation and catalyse change. Since 2017, The Fore has been backing the best small charities and social enterprises with astonishing results. So far over 50% of local organisations supported eight years ago have gone on to influence policy, shape national conversations and change lives at scale.

Currently The Fore is funding around 50 of the best charities per year and supporting hundreds of others with skills. However, as an organisation we need to do more. We are looking to scale our impact through two routes. Firstly, by increasing our work backing the best charities and convening and educating donors, and secondly by leading change in the broader funding system.

The role

In the next phase of The Fore’s development, it is a priority for the CEO to be able to concentrate on building the external profile and influence of The Fore’s work. Therefore, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) will play a central role in leadership as the organisation develops. The role translates strategy into delivery, providing oversight across grant making, partnerships, people, and governance, and ensuring the organisation can deliver on its ambitions while managing risk and capacity. We’re a small, agile charity so you’ll work across both high-level direction and day-to-day organisational delivery. In the next eighteen months, the COO will have responsibility for designing and delivering on a number of key strategic priorities, such as:

• ensuring the continued excellence of the grant and skills support we provide to the charities and social enterprises we back
• building out and refining existing activities and processes to ensure exceptional relationship management for our growing number of corporate and private philanthropic partners
• working with the CEO to develop the Partnerships Team to set it up for scaling and to meet the needs of new partnership models
• incorporating the use of AI into our systems and processes to streamline operations wherever possible while safeguarding the personalised experience we pride ourselves on offering all our partners.

Key responsibilities

Grant making and programme delivery

• Provides strategic oversight of the grant-making model, ensuring alignment with The Fore’s overall mission and priorities
• Acts as a senior advisor and escalation point for the Programme Team on complex decisions and delivery challenges
• Ensures that operational delivery reflects agreed strategy, including any shifts in focus, criteria, or approach

Partnerships and income

• Provides strategic oversight of funder relationships and income streams, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities and capacity
• Supports colleagues to shape high-quality proposals, renewals, and reporting
• Ensures the organisation delivers on all funding commitments, maintaining credibility and trust with funders
• Ensures that The Fore’s external messaging and positioning are clear, compelling and aligned with partner priorities
• Acts as a senior escalation point for complex funder relationships or delivery challenges
• Supports the ongoing development of The Fore’s Pro Bono (skilled volunteering) offer, ensuring it delivers meaningful value to charities while remaining a compelling and well-structured proposition for corporate partners
• Leads the commercialisation and rollout of the Fore Index (a tool that allows organisations to put a £ value on their impact), securing partners and funding to support its expansion beyond The Fore’s portfolio

Impact, data and systems

• Holds responsibility for the organisation’s impact framework, ensuring it is credible, proportionate, and aligned with strategic priorities
• Ensures data and insight are used effectively to inform decision-making, reporting, and external positioning
• Ensures that insight and impact are translated into clear, compelling external communications to support The Fore’s positioning and influence

People and internal operations

• Holds responsibility for the effective functioning and integration of programme delivery and partnerships activity, ensuring teams are well supported and operating efficiently
• Leads and manages core operational staff, including the Head of Programmes and Impact, Partnerships and Programme Managers, and Partnerships and Programme Officers
• Manages performance, wellbeing, and retention, fostering a high-performing and sustainable team culture
• Works closely with the CEO and trustees to support the development and delivery of strategic initiatives, ensuring these are operationally viable and effectively implemented
• Holds oversight responsibility for The Fore’s physical office space and equipment, managing lease and facilities contracts
• Oversees IT and systems, managing contracts for IT support, Salesforce, and other platforms

Governance, compliance, risk and finance

• Oversees the organisation’s financial management, risk management, and operational governance, ensuring robust and proportionate processes are in place
• Working with the external finance team, provides oversight of budgeting and financial performance, ensuring alignment between income, grant commitments, and operational capacity
• Contributes to the development of board and committee papers, leading on operational, financial, and risk-related content to ensure clear reporting
• Ensures appropriate compliance and governance frameworks are in place across grants, partnerships, and operations (including charity insurance, policies, health and safety, safeguarding, GDPR and cyber security)

Experience and attributes

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a senior operations or programme oversight role
• Track record of translating strategy into operational plans and delivery
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication and presentation skills
• Track record of developing and sustaining excellent relationships with stakeholders
• Exceptional people management skills
• Strong prioritisation skills and highly organised
• Demonstrable self-starter with excellent follow-through
• Enjoys working in a fast-paced environment with the ability to move between board-level thinking and day-to-day execution
• Takes pride in fostering a friendly, inclusive and productive working environment, with a positive and approachable style

Key details​

• Annual leave: 25 days leave, rising by 1 day for each year of service up to a total of 30 days, plus bank holidays and an additional 4 days during our Christmas closure.
• Location: Our office is based at Vox Studios in Vauxhall, London. We have a hybrid working pattern (three days in the office and two days at home).
• Reports to: CEO

The Operations Manager leads the day-to-day management of the office and administration team, oversees organisational operational and administrative systems, and acts as the key point of contact for all operational matters. They work collaboratively with the leadership team to develop, implement, evaluate and improve organisational operational policies and procedures, ensuring legal compliance, ethical working, effective service coordination and high standard client, staff, partner and stakeholder experience. They line manage the operations and administrative staff, recruit and manage volunteers and the volunteering service and coordinate trainers and the training service. At KSAAS, the operations lead is supported directly by the CEO, Head of ISVA Services & Head of Therapeutic Services and indirectly by the Board of Trustees.

Kent Sexual Assault & Abuse Service is a feminist organisation that firmly believes that sexual violence against women and girls arises from the patriarchal social structure in our society.  We believe this social structure causes and propagates gender inequality and that sexual violence is one tool that is used to control women and girls as part of this social dynamic.  We recognise the sexual violence affects people of al genders and provides a safe space for all survivors of sexual violence across Kent & Medway, where they can access the high-quality trauma-informed specialist practical and therapeutic support they need to recover from the impact of sexual violence and rebuild their lives.

Role Overview

This is an exciting opportunity to shape Shine’s strategic direction while managing the operational delivery of our services for children, young people, and families aged 0–25. Building on the success of our Little Stars/Ser Bach programme for members aged 0–12 and the development and extension of the FIRE (Friendship, Independence, Resilience, Empowerment) programme for those aged 13–25, you will play a key role in shaping the future of our support for children, young people and their families.

Working across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, you will lead the delivery of an established, evidence-based programme that improves health, social, and emotional outcomes for those living with spina bifida, hydrocephalus, and associated conditions.

You’ll lead a passionate team and work closely with Shine’s Adult Services Team (25+), Health Team, Wales and Northern Ireland Managers and wider colleagues across the organisation to ensure work is coordinated, complementary, and beneficial to members. At the same time, you’ll forge strong partnerships with NHS professionals, statutory services, and voluntary organisations—driving collaboration that will support our vision of providing consistent, high-quality support for children, young people and families nationwide.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Team Management
• Programme Development & Delivery
• Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting
• Member Support & Engagement

Please see the full Job Description & Person Specification below and on our website. 

Benefits to working at Shine:

• Competitive salary: Review due April 2027
• Regular working hours, and no shift work (some very occasional weekends or evenings)  
• 3% pension contribution
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with additional discretionary leave between Christmas and New Year
• Additional annual leave awarded for ‘long service’
• Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave
• Broadband allowance for home-based roles
• Life insurance after 12 months’ employment  
• Access to our Employee Support Programme and Mental Health First Aiders 
• Support to learn and develop 

How to apply 

Shine is a Disability Confident employer and will offer guaranteed interviews if a disabled applicant meets the minimum criteria for the job. 

If you would like to discuss the role with our Deputy CEO, Gill Valentine, please contact Shine to arrange a convenient time for a call. 

To apply please submit your CV and supporting statement, which should outline your interest and explain how you meet the role criteria. 

We understand that you may wish to use AI tools to help you with some aspects of your application but we do expect tailored applications which are personalised to your experiences and not generic applications which are completely AI generated. We encourage candidates to be transparent about AI usage in their applications. 

*Please note applications without a supporting statement will not be accepted* 

Closing date: Thursday 16th April 2026 at 11pm 

Interviews:  Monday 27th April 2026  

Please note: we reserve the right to interview suitable candidates before the closing date, therefore we encourage applications as soon as possible.