Impact evaluation jobs

Circa £49,000 per annum

Permanent

Part home/Part office (London) based

UNICEF ensures more of the world’s children are vaccinated, educated and protected than any other organisation. We have done more to influence laws and policies to help protect children than anyone else. We get things done. And we’re not going to stop until the world is a safe place for all our children.

This is an exciting opportunity to join The UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) as a Senior Political Affairs Adviser.

This unique role will lead the design, development and delivery of political influencing to secure positive change for our international advocacy goals. You will play a crucial role in building influential relationships with parliamentarians, building political networks and developing a strategic approach to political influencing at a critical time for children globally.

The successful candidate will have:

• Experience in successfully influencing and engaging parliamentarians in the UK political context.
• Motivation to put children and their rights at the heart of UK Government decision making.
• Excellent communication and relationship building skills to effectively deliver the role with colleagues across teams and with key external stakeholders. 

Act now and visit the website via the apply button to apply online.

Closing date: 5pm, Thursday 26 February 2026.

Interview date: First round: Wednesday 11 March & Friday 13 March 2026 via Microsoft Teams.

Second round: Monday 23 March 2026 via Microsoft Teams.

In return, we offer:

· excellent pay and benefits (including flexible working, generous annual leave and pension, big brand discounts and wellbeing tools)

· outstanding training and learning opportunities and the support to flourish in your role

· impressive open plan office space and facilities on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

· an open culture and workplace with colleagues who share our values, enjoy their work and are motivated to do their utmost for children.

· the opportunity to work in a leading children’s organisation making a difference to children around the world

Our application process: We use a system called "Applied" that anonymises your responses and focuses on your skills that are relevant to this role. This benefits you by giving you a greater chance of expressing your skills in this objective selection process.

We are gradually moving back to our offices on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, East London and we anticipate most colleagues will work one or two days a week in the office and the rest of the time from home.  We will happily discuss other flexible options to suit your circumstances.

We particularly welcome applications from black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates, disabled candidates, because we would like to increase the representation of these groups at this level at UNICEF UK. We want to do this because we know greater diversity will lead to even greater results for children.

UNICEF UK promotes equality, diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We make employment decisions by matching business needs with skills and experience of candidates, irrespective of age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.

We welcome a conversation about your flexible working requirements, personal growth, and promoting a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.

The successful candidate will be required to apply for a criminal records check. A criminal record will not necessarily bar you from working with us. This will depend on the nature of the role and the circumstances of your offences.

We only accept online applications as this saves us money, making more funds available for us to help ensure children’s rights.

If you require support in completing the online form or an application form in an alternative format, please contact the Supporter Care line during office hours.

If you do not hear from us within 14 days of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. Please note that we only provide feedback to shortlisted candidates.

Registered Charity Nos. 1072612 (England and Wales) SC043677 (Scotland)

We are looking for a fundraising manager whose core strengths are trusts and foundations fundraising, major donor cultivation, and excellent proposal writing.

The NCTJ is the guardian of the gold standard in journalism training. Through charitable initiatives including the Community Reporting Fund and Journalism Diversity Fund, we widen access to journalism careers, strengthen community reporting, and champion trusted journalism at a time when misinformation and public scepticism make high professional standards more important than ever.

Diversifying and growing charitable income is a strategic priority for NCTJ. Following the development of our fundraising strategy, this role will focus on building and growing income from UK trusts, foundations and high net worth supporters. You will have the autonomy to shape the grants and major donor pipeline.

Corporate partnerships are led primarily by our Head of Business Development. This role focuses on grants, major donors and stewardship.

About the role

You will:

• Research and manage a strong pipeline of trusts and foundation prospects
• Write and submit high-quality, tailored grant applications and expressions of interest
• Develop compelling cases for support, budgets, outcomes and proposal templates
• Build and manage major donor/high net worth pipeline through warm networks
• Lead on donor cultivation and follow-up
• Strengthen stewardship and reporting so funders feel valued and close to the impact
• Use HubSpot CRM to track pipeline, deadlines, reporting and performance

About you

You will have:

• A strong track record in trusts and foundations fundraising
• Experience securing substantial grants (five-figure and above)
• Excellent proposal and case for support writing skills
• Experience working with major donors/high net worth supporters (or strong transferable relationship-led fundraising experience)
• Strong organisation and CRM discipline
• Confidence working with senior leaders

Experience in journalism, media, education, social mobility or EDI is welcome but not essential. It is vital that you support the critical role professional journalists play in our democracy.

Benefits

• Salary c £40,000 (£37,000-£43,000) depending on experience
• Pension: 5% employer and 5% employee contribution
• Annual leave of 25 days plus bank holidays
• Discretionary bonus based on company performance
• Life cover
• Training and career development

How to apply

Please apply with your CV and a supporting statement (maximum 1,000 words total) addressing the following:

1. Trusts and foundations track record (300 words)
   Describe one trust or foundation grant of £30,000+ that you personally led. Include who the funder was, what the project was, how you shaped the proposal to meet their criteria, and the outcome.
2. Proposal writing approach (250 words)
   When starting a new funding application, what are the first five things you do before you begin writing? Please be specific.
3. Working with senior stakeholders and impact information (250 words)
   Give an example of how you worked with colleagues, senior leaders or contacts to gather the information needed for a funding proposal or donor meeting. What did you do and what was the result?
4. Interest in journalism and the NCTJ mission (200 words) What is it about the NCTJ’s work, values and mission that interests you, and why do you think it is important at this point in time for journalism and society?

Your supporting statement is an important part of the assessment for this role. We are looking for evidence of your own proposal-writing style, experience and judgement. Generic or highly templated responses are unlikely to score well.

Shortlisted candidates may be asked to complete a short writing exercise as part of the interview process.

About the NCTJ

The National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) is the charity at the heart of journalism education and training in the UK. We are the guardian of the gold standard in journalism training and qualifications, and we champion equality, diversity and inclusion so that journalism is accessible to people from all backgrounds.

Through charitable initiatives including the Journalism Diversity Fund and the Community Reporting Fund, we widen participation in journalism, support community reporting, and strengthen trusted journalism at a time when misinformation and public scepticism make high professional standards more important than ever.

NCTJ is financially stable and widely respected within the industry. However, diversifying and growing charitable income is a strategic priority for 2026–27. We have developed our first fundraising strategy to support sustainable growth and impact, and this role is central to delivering it.

Purpose of the role

This is a specialist role focused on securing and stewarding funding from trusts and foundations and developing a pipeline of major donors and high net worth supporters, underpinned by exceptional proposal writing and strong relationship management.

Corporate partnerships are led primarily by the head of business development. This role will support corporate fundraising through proposal/case development and stewardship where needed, but the primary focus is securing charitable grants and major donors.

Key responsibilities

1) Trusts and foundations fundraising

• Build and manage a strong pipeline of UK trust and foundation prospects that advance NCTJ’s charitable priorities (including diversity, community reporting, and training for a fast-changing media industry).
• Develop and maintain a grants calendar and tracking system, including deadlines, funder preferences, decision timelines, and reporting requirements.
• Write and submit high-quality, tailored grant applications and expressions of interest, working to agreed targets and timescales.
• Develop a suite of core fundraising materials (case for support, programme proposals, budgets, outcomes and evaluation narrative, boilerplate and templates) to increase quality and consistency across submissions.
• Confidently communicate the NCTJ’s purpose and impact through presentations, reports, and digital content and represent the NCTJ at meetings and events, both virtually and in person.
• Build and maintain strong funder relationships, ensuring excellent stewardship, timely reporting and opportunities for renewal and uplift.

2) Major donor / high net worth giving

• Work with the senior team to identify major donor prospects through networks and sector connections.
• Undertake proportionate prospect research and build a high-quality cultivation pipeline.
• Create tailored donor proposals and impact statements that support donor interests while advancing NCTJ priorities.
• Support cultivation meetings with briefs, materials, follow-up and stewardship plans, tracking all activity in CRM.

3) Impact, storytelling and stewardship

• Work closely with programme and communications colleagues to gather impact data, case studies and beneficiary stories to strengthen proposals and reporting.
• Develop and deliver a clear plan for thanking trusts and major donors, keeping them updated on impact, and staying in regular contact.
• Use NCTJ events and industry milestones as stewardship and cultivation opportunities, coordinating targeted follow-up and relationship management.

4) Systems, reporting and evaluation

• Maintain excellent data quality and discipline in HubSpot CRM, including prospect stage, relationship owner, next actions, submissions, reporting deadlines and contact history.
• Produce clear pipeline and performance reports for the HoBD/chief executive (eg, submissions, conversion rates, forecast, learning and next steps).
• Contribute to quarterly review sessions to evaluate progress and refine approach.

5) Collaborative working

• Build strong working relationships across the charity and its stakeholders to translate NCTJ’s work into fundable propositions and well managed projects ensuring effective delivery of programmes through cross functional collaboration.
• Bring innovative and creative concepts to the team, and develop valuable programmes and initiatives which add to the NCTJ’s new income stream.
• Contribute to shared messaging that reflects NCTJ’s mission: high standards, quality, trusted journalism, accessibility and measurable EDI impact.

Person specification

Essential

• Significant experience in trusts and foundations fundraising, including writing successful applications.
• Proven track record of securing substantial grants (five-figure and above, including multi-year where possible).
• Outstanding proposal and case for support writing skills (clear structure, persuasive narrative, strong budgets/outcomes, and tailoring to criteria).
• Strong pipeline management skills and ability to deliver multiple submissions to deadlines.
• Experience cultivating and stewarding major donors/high net worth individuals (or strong transferable relationship-led fundraising experience).
• Strong CRM capability and reporting discipline.
• Confidence working with senior stakeholders.

Desirable

• Experience strengthening fundraising systems, templates and stewardship processes.
• Experience in education, media/journalism, social mobility, EDI or local/community development.

Personal attributes

• A high-quality writer who takes pride in precision, tone and evidence.
• Proactive, organised and accountable.
• Warm, credible and professional with funders and senior stakeholders.
• Motivated by widening access, high standards, and trusted journalism.

Location: Home-based or Bristol Office or a blend of the two 

Closing date: 20th February 2026

Interviews commencing from W/C: 2th March 2026

Change lives in a life-changing career

When a child or young person is diagnosed with cancer, their whole world can feel like it’s falling apart. Independence is taken and confidence is stolen. Stability no longer exists. The future suddenly feels uncertain.

The impact of cancer on young lives is more than medical. And that impact can be felt by entire family. That’s why we exist. Our specialist social workers help children and young people with cancer and their families navigate the emotional and practical impact of cancer.

We remove barriers, solve problems and prioritise wellbeing. And we stop at nothing to make their voices heard and their unique needs understood, so they can get the right care and support at the right time

About the role

We’re looking for a Learning and Development Advisor (known internally as People Development Advisor) with design, facilitation and training delivery experience to join our People Development Team

We’re on the lookout for a curious, creative and proactive Learning and Development Advisor to help shape, deliver and elevate the learning culture across Young Lives vs Cancer.

You’ll play a key role in supporting our people to grow, develop and thrive—ensuring everyone has access to engaging, meaningful and impactful learning opportunities that help them do their best work for young people with cancer.

A significant part of your role will involve co-developing learning content with internal subject matter experts, ensuring their specialist insights are translated into accessible, high-quality development experiences. You’ll also co-design and deliver in‑house training, including digital skills programmes (such as SharePoint, OneDrive, and Teams) and core management development for our people managers—covering areas like delegation, decision-making, problem-solving and effective objective‑setting.

Working closely with the People Development Manager and colleagues across the organisation, you’ll help drive our development priorities forward, champion great learning experiences, and ensure our people have the skills and knowledge they need—now and for the future.

What will I be doing?

No two days are the same at Young Lives vs Cancer. So, summarising your ‘day to day’ isn’t easy. Here are some of the main things you’ll be doing, but you’ll find more details in the job description.

• Train and develop our people managers by delivering or facilitating core management skills sessions such as delegation, decision-making, problem-solving and effective objective‑setting
• Shape and deliver high‑quality learning by developing engaging learning experiences using the 70:20:10 model and collaborate with internal experts to create guides, resources and tools that support onboarding and continuous learning.
• Support and enable the design and delivery (alongside our AI and UX learning lead) of our in‑house training around digital skills, including SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams and other M365 tools—helping colleagues use our digital systems confidently and effectively - turning technical or specialist knowledge into clear, engaging and practical learning experiences for a wide range of colleagues.
• Maintain and evolve our digital learning offer, including mandatory e‑learning, digital platforms and resources—ensuring everything is accessible, engaging and aligned with our values.
• Maximise external partnerships, including pro bono support and supplier relationships.
• Lead on apprenticeship and Skills & Growth Levy activity, supporting learners and aligning levy use to business needs.
• Use evaluation and data to drive improvement, ensuring learning is evidence‑based, impactful and continuously evolving.

What do I need? 

Diverse perspectives and unique skillsets are at the heart of Young Lives vs Cancer. If you're passionate about making a positive impact and eager to learn, we encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet the criteria and person specification fully. Your potential is what matters most to us, and we’re committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment to help you develop.

The key skills we’re looking for in this role are:

• Experience designing and delivering impactful learning for staff and/or volunteers.
• Proven track record of co‑creating learning with subject matter experts and transforming complex ideas into clear, engaging content.
• Confident delivering digital skills training (e.g., SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams) and building wider digital capability.
• Skilled facilitator with experience leading management and behavioural skills sessions, such as delegation, decision-making, problem-solving and effective objective‑setting.
• Strong stakeholder management experience, working collaboratively across teams in a fast‑moving environment.
• High digital confidence, with hands‑on experience designing online learning and using LMS platforms and/or SharePoint to shape great learner experiences.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills, with the ability to manage own workload, using data and evaluation insights to sharpen and improve learning.

What will I gain?

For people to reach their full potential, they need the right environment. As a member of Team Young Lives, you’ll be made to feel supported, valued and appreciated. Here’s how we do it:

• Wellbeing, Thinking & Growth Days: four days a year to to step back from the day-to-day and focus on your own learning and development
• Generous annual leave allowance
• Great family/caring leave entitlements
• Enhanced pension
• Access to our employee savings scheme

To find out more about our benefits package, have a look on our website.

Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At Young Lives vs Cancer, we recognise that opportunities for too many people remain a condition of their sex, ethnicity, class, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation – or a combination. This has never been acceptable to us as an organisation. We don’t just accept difference, we value it, celebrate it, nurture it and we thrive because of it.

We’re on a journey to be reflective of the diverse children, young people and families we support. We know we aren’t there yet, and we’re passionately committed to taking actions and making changes to be a truly diverse, inclusive and equitable organisation. This includes taking anti-oppressive action and removing barriers in our recruitment practices. We particularly welcome applications from members of minoritised communities. Our Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging strategy will tell you more.

We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. CVs can be uploaded, but we won't be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to fully complete the work history sections of the online application form for us to be able to assess you quickly, fairly and objectively.

Accessibility

We’re committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always aim to be as accommodating as possible.Please let us know in your application form of any adjustments or access requirements we could make to help you with the application process and interview.

#ShowTheSalary #NonGraduatesWelcome

Help unlock life-changing employment opportunities for underrepresented young people across London.
Join 20/20 Levels as our Business Development Manager and build the employer partnerships that power social mobility.

At 20/20 Levels, we believe talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. This role is a unique chance to work at the intersection of business development, recruitment, and social impact, securing paid roles, internships, apprenticeships and career pathways for our alumni.

You’ll engage employers in high-growth sectors, develop long-term partnerships, and position 20/20 Levels as a trusted talent partner for diverse early-career candidates. If you’re commercially driven, relationship-focused, and motivated by creating real change through employment, we’d love to hear from you.

Fundraising and Partnership Coordinator

Closing date: 2nd March 2026

Use your fundraising and partnership‑building skills to support people with learning disabilities and/or mental health needs to live richer, more meaningful lives.

We offer a wide range of services that help the people we support to truly thrive in their communities. To make this possible, we’re looking for someone who can help us raise funds for the extras that statutory funding doesn’t cover—those things that make life richer, more connected, and more joyful.

While we fundraise for a variety of enhancements, the heart of our efforts is focused on our community‑based projects, including:

• Warmley Wheelers – our accessible cycling project that enables people of all abilities to enjoy the freedom and wellbeing benefits of cycling.
• Creative arts programmes – offering people meaningful ways to express themselves, build confidence, and connect with others.
• Garden‑based wellbeing initiatives – supporting the startup of therapeutic community gardening projects that nurture both people and green space.

We’re seeking someone who can help bring these projects to life—someone who can secure the funding that turns good ideas into real, lasting impact for local people.

About the role:

As our Fundraising and Partnerships Coordinator, you will play a vital role in delivering our Fundraising Strategy by:

• securing income through well‑crafted grant applications
• building meaningful, strategic partnerships with local and national businesses

Your work will directly support the growth and sustainability of our community programmes, ensuring we can continue offering the opportunities and experiences that make a real difference.

This is a developmental role, designed to help you grow and thrive professionally. To support your success, you will receive structured mentoring, coaching, and professional development over a 6–9 month period from a senior freelance fundraising specialist. This hands‑on support reflects our commitment to nurturing talent and ensuring you feel confident and equipped to progress in your fundraising career.

What you’ll do:

• Research, prepare, and submit high‑quality funding applications to trusts, foundations, and statutory bodies.
• Build and manage relationships with funders and corporate partners, creating tailored proposals and partnership opportunities.
• Monitor grant budgets and ensure compliance with funder requirements and fundraising regulations.
• Support marketing and communications for fundraising campaigns and coordinate corporate fundraising events.
• Engage with the people we support to ensure their voices are represented positively and respectfully in bids and reports.

What we’re looking for:

• Educated to A‑Level standard or equivalent, with strong literacy and numeracy skills.
• Proven experience in charity fundraising, including successful grant applications and corporate partnerships.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to craft persuasive proposals.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• A proactive, results‑driven approach and commitment to our values.

Desirable:

• Institute of Fundraising (IoF) qualification
• Knowledge of CRM systems
• Experience in community‑based fundraising

At Milestones Trust we recognise that without the hard work, commitment and passion of our staff, we wouldn’t be the charity that we are today. In return, we are committed to rewarding you with a competitive pay and benefits package including:

• 30 days annual leave entitlement (including all recognised public holidays)
• Company pension scheme, to help grow your retirement pot
• Learning and development opportunities to help you to build your career, including a comprehensive induction programme, and the opportunity to undertake further qualifications
• Health Cash Plan on completion of probation giving you access to a minimum of £695 cash back for health treatments e.g. dental, therapies, optical, maternity/paternity, NHS prescriptions etc.
• Generous Occupational Maternity/Paternity pay
• Get paid when you want – access your money as you earn it and request your earnings before payday using Dayforce Wallet
• An employee referral scheme that allows you to earn money for referring friends and family.

We pride ourselves with being able to offer staff opportunities to develop and progress their careers within the Trust.

About the role

Community Services at The Passage are delivered from our Resource Centre in Victoria, which provides a single, accessible entry point for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The Resource Centre acts as a central hub, enabling people to be assessed once and supported to access the most appropriate accommodation, services or onward referrals based on their individual needs. 

People are supported by skilled client facing staff who work with them to understand their circumstances and identify the right pathway of support. Alongside assessment and casework, the Resource Centre provides immediate welfare services to help meet urgent needs and stabilise people at times of crisis. 

Following assessment, Community Services deliver a range of specialist and preventative interventions, including rapid rehousing for those at imminent risk of homelessness, advice and advocacy, employment and skills support, housing-related casework delivered in partnership with the local authority, and assertive engagement for people less able to access services independently. The overall aim is to prevent homelessness wherever possible and to support people to move quickly into safe, stable accommodation.

Key responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Service Development 

• Lead delivery of The Passage’s 3-year strategy as it relates to Community Services, ensuring services are preventative, trauma-informed, and outcomes-focused. 
• Develop, implement and monitor an annual Community Services business plan, reporting to the Quality & Services Committee and Board as required. 
• Provide strategic leadership for No Night Out, ensuring it continues to deliver rapid, effective interventions aligned to Westminster’s homelessness strategy and wider system reform. 
• The post holder will be responsible for embedding equality, diversity and inclusion across Community Services, ensuring services are accessible, inclusive and responsive to the diverse needs of people we support, and that inclusive practice is reflected in service delivery, staff development and partnership working. 
• Identify, develop and lead new service opportunities, including bid development and commissioner engagement for Community Services. 
• Lead planning and operational delivery for Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) and other system-wide responses.

Safeguarding, Risk and Community Impact

• Act as Safeguarding Lead for Community Services, ensuring robust policies, training, escalation pathways and safe practice across all services. 
• Maintain oversight of risk management, incident reporting, and health & safety compliance within Community Services. 
• Lead locality management across services, including proactive management of anti-social behaviour (ASB) and community impact in a dense residential environment. 
• Hold responsibility for security provision within Community Services, ensuring appropriate deployment, escalation and alignment with The Passage’s values and legal responsibilities. 
• Work closely with local residents, businesses, the local authority and other stakeholders to manage concerns, maintain confidence, and protect The Passage’s reputation. 

Operational Leadership and People Management

• Provide clear leadership and direction to Community Services managers and teams, fostering a culture of accountability, learning and continuous improvement. 
• Recruit, develop and retain high-performing teams, ensuring robust supervision, appraisal and development planning. 
• Ensure consistent application of people policies, including performance management, grievance, disciplinary and absence processes. 
• Support managers to define clear roles and responsibilities aligned to service objectives and contractual requirements. 
• Champion co-production and lived experience involvement in service design and delivery, working closely with the Lived Experience Project Manager. 

Primary Services and Resource Centre Operations

• Hold strategic and operational responsibility for Primary Services, including the catering function within the Resource Centre. 
• Ensure full compliance with food hygiene, health & safety, and all relevant regulatory and legal requirements. 
• Work closely with Fundraising to support corporate volunteering and “Kitchen Takeover” initiatives, ensuring safe, high-quality delivery that enhances supporter engagement while protecting service users and staff. 
• Balance operational integrity, safeguarding and service quality with supporter and volunteer experience. 

Financial Management and Funding Stewardship

• Set and manage realistic budgets and forecasts across Community Services, working closely with Finance and Fundraising. 
• Oversee multiple funding streams, including large trusts, grant-giving bodies and commissioned services, ensuring full compliance with funding conditions and reporting requirements. 
• Support managers to understand and deliver against budgetary and income-related targets. 
• Contribute to the development of funding proposals and service models that align with organisational strategy and funder priorities. 

Monitoring, Evaluation and Impact

• Strengthen monitoring, evaluation and learning across Community Services, supporting teams to evidence impact and improve practice. 
• Analyse service data (e.g. In-Form) to identify trends, risks and opportunities for improvement. 
• Produce high-quality narrative and impact reporting for funders, commissioners and supporters, demonstrating both quantitative outcomes and qualitative change. 
• Work with Fundraising to showcase frontline work through supporter communications, social media and events. 

External Relations and Partnerships

• Develop and maintain strong strategic and operational partnerships across Westminster and the wider homelessness sector. 
• Work closely with Fundraising colleagues to steward corporate partners, major donors and trusts, including hosting visits and events. 
• Represent The Passage in multi-agency forums, contributing to system-wide solutions and best practice. 

Organisational Leadership

• Actively contribute as a member of the Senior Management Group, supporting organisational planning, innovation and culture. 
• Provide reports to, and attend, Board and Committee meetings as required. 
• Deputise for the Director of Housing & Services when appropriate. 
• Role-model The Passage’s values and commitment to dignity, respect and excellence. 
• Work flexibly in line with organisational needs. 

Desired experience

Experience 

1. Senior leadership experience within homelessness, housing-related support, social care, or a closely aligned sector, with responsibility for multiple frontline services and managers. 

1. Proven experience leading preventative or rapid-response services, such as homelessness prevention, assessment services, outreach, crisis response or equivalent, including partnership working with local authorities. 

1. Demonstrable experience of safeguarding leadership, including acting as a designated or senior safeguarding lead and managing complex risk, incident response and escalation. 

1. Experience of managing services in complex localities, including community impact, ASB, neighbour relations and working alongside security provision or comparable risk-managed environments. 

1. Experience of managing multiple funding streams, including trusts, grants, and/or commissioned services, with responsibility for compliance, reporting and supporting income generation. 

Knowledge and Skills 

1. Strong strategic and operational leadership skills, with the ability to translate organisational strategy into effective, high-quality service delivery and measurable outcomes. 

1. Excellent people management capability, including coaching senior managers, handling performance, and fostering a culture of accountability, learning and continuous improvement. 

1. Sound understanding of safeguarding, health & safety, and regulatory compliance, with the confidence to provide assurance across diverse services, including food provision and volunteer-involved activity. 

1. Highly developed partnership and influencing skills, able to build credibility with commissioners, funders, residents, corporate partners and senior stakeholders in a high-profile environment. 

1. Strong financial and analytical skills, including budget management, monitoring performance data, and producing clear, compelling reports that demonstrate impact to funders, boards and supporters. 

Above all we are looking for inspiring and committed individuals who have a genuine desire to support people, and to help them to rebuild their lives.

Relationship Management

• To act as the lead and relationship manager with partners on behalf of Think Active Lead, or support the development of local partnerships and networks promoting collaboration across all relevant sectors

• Raise awareness of funding opportunities available to increase participation in sport and physical activity.

• Lead, or support, on the development of local place partnerships that align multiple agendas with partners from across different sectors and advocate for the benefits of physical activity.

Project Management

• To act as the lead for Sport England and other projects and initiatives managed by Think Active.

• High-quality project management that ensures the project's aims are clear, that they are delivered on time and on budget and in line with our values.

• Effective delivery of the Think Active, #WeThinkActive strategy, through your contribution as a team member of Think Active and with and through partners.

• Tangibly contribute to the increase in participation in sport and physical activity and address wider social needs through creative and innovative approaches and partnerships.

• Seek out opportunities to generate income and contribute to Think Active business development and income generation targets both for the organisation and for local partners.

• Use robust data and insight to co-design, implement and evaluate innovative. and appropriate projects and initiatives.

• Prepare detailed performance and financial reports for your work.

• Adhere to GDPR and data protection through your planning, implementation and communication.

Financial Management

• Plan, implement and in accordance with funding guidance, financial procedures, and policies, take responsibility for diversifying Think Active’s income streams in line with the strategy and business development plan

• Project and budget management, including forecasting, monitoring of income and expenditure, plus the submission of financial reporting

Demonstrating Impact

• Reporting progress and capturing value through case studies and evaluation processes designed to evidence the impact

• Storytelling – the ability to articulate the impact and value of Think Active (locally, regionally, nationally and across various sectors)

Marketing and Communications

• By strategically cultivating and managing partnerships, you will play an important role in building brand visibility and enhancing Think Active’s marketing and communications efforts.

• You will collaborate with internal colleagues and external stakeholders to create compelling narratives that showcase the impact of our projects and initiatives, driving awareness and engagement.

• By leveraging partnerships, the Partnership Manager will contribute to positioning Think Active in promoting health and well-being through innovative and impactful physical activity projects, initiatives and collaborations.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Core Values

• Ability to promote and manage diversity and demonstrate a fair and ethical approach in all situations

• A team player who can communicate and work effectively within a team environment

• Demonstrate kindness, consideration, appreciation, and acceptance (and you should expect the same in return).

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Qualifications

• Relevant degree or equivalent or experience qualification in business, health, sport, physical activity or a related field

Knowledge / Experience

• Proven experience in partnership development or comparable role (including project management) within a sport, physical activity, health, charity, nonprofit or similar setting. We are particularly interested in those with experience in the Health Sector

• Track record of delivering successful individual, team, and partnership outcomes

• Experience in developing, managing and nurturing relationships with partners and stakeholders

• Knowledge of issues facing the least active in society and the benefits of physical activity

• Knowledge of the local community and stakeholders in Coventry, Solihull, and Warwickshire

• Previous experience with fundraising and grant applications

• Experience in event planning and delivery

• Knowledge of local and national strategies and policies relating to sport, physical activity, and health promotion

• Knowledge of current trends and innovations in sport and physical activity participation and promotion

• Knowledge of safeguarding and protecting children and vulnerable people in sport.

• Knowledge of current legislation related to health, community, and sport agendas.

• Experience in drafting, implementing, and reporting on strategic development plans and policies in partnership with partners, stakeholders, and people.

• Experience in planning and managing significant budgets related to priorities and meeting the requirements of funding agencies or partner organisations.

Skills & Abilities

• Ability to successfully lead or manage and motivate individuals and a project team

• Ability to develop and implement effective partnership strategies

• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills and the ability to motivate, enthuse, persuade, negotiate, and influence.

• Strategic, critical thinking and decision-making skills

• The ability to be well organised, work on your own initiative and across a broad portfolio, successfully managing a range of projects, partners, and budgets often with conflicting deadlines and priorities.

• Strong project management skills

• Computer literate across a range of platforms (we use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Project)

• Presentation skills with the ability to facilitate group sessions and workshops

BEHAVIOURAL TRAITS

• Strong work ethic and have the willingness to go above and beyond.

• Professional, supportive and always respect confidentiality.

• Able to reflect on your own performance and want to improve, can take and welcome feedback, and embrace improvement areas through self-development, training, and professional development

TECHNICAL & PRACTICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Willingness to work occasional evenings/weekends.

• Ability to travel across Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire, and wider across the West Midlands and nationally as required,

• Think Active’s main headquarters are in Leamington Spa, with work also taking place across Coventry, Solihull, and Warwickshire. We operate a blended working model that includes home working, office attendance, and travel to meetings as required. The post holder will be expected to work flexibly to meet the organisation's needs.

Be part of a life-changing programme helping young people from underrepresented backgrounds take their next step into meaningful employment.
Join 20/20 Levels as a Programme Co-ordinator and play a key role in delivering our flagship I AM CHANGE career development journey.

This is a hands-on, people-focused role supporting the smooth delivery of workshops, mentoring and cohort experiences. You’ll work closely with participants, facilitators and the Programme Manager to ensure every session runs brilliantly and every young person feels supported, confident and work-ready. If you’re passionate about social mobility, youth empowerment and creating real opportunity, this is an exciting chance to make a tangible impact.

High Trees is seeking a Youth Employment Support Service Coordinator for our Build Your Future programme. Build Your Future is a targeted youth employment project supporting young people aged 16–24 who are not in education, employment or training (NEET). The project provides holistic, person-centred support combining outreach and engagement, pastoral support, employability skills development and progression into education, training or work.

The project is primarily delivered in-house by High Trees, working in partnership with other local delivery partners. Build Your Future focuses on young people facing multiple barriers, including care-experienced young people, migrants and refugees, young people with SEND, and those experiencing social or economic exclusion.

The Build Your Future Project Coordinator plays a central role in ensuring the effective day-to-day delivery of the project. Working closely with High Trees delivery teams and partner organisations, the postholder will coordinate outreach and engagement activity, support the provision of high-quality pastoral support for young people, and ensure strong project coordination, monitoring and reporting.

This role will suit someone who is highly organised, collaborative and passionate about supporting young people facing multiple barriers into education, training and employment.

The role requires a balance of coordination, communication and relationship-building skills. You will work closely with colleagues across Employment & Careers and Children, Young People & Families teams, as well as with delivery partners, to ensure Build Your Future is delivered to a high standard.

The post holder will also play an important role in monitoring and evaluation, maintaining accurate records and supporting reporting requirements linked to external funding.

Youth Financial Education Development Lead

Are you passionate about helping young people understand money in helping young people explore how money works and what matters to them? The Just Finance Foundation (JFF) is looking for a Youth Financial Education Development Lead to lead the creation of a core youth financial education offer for 14–18-year-olds. You will design, pilot and refine a train-the-trainer approach that empowers youth workers to deliver learning that is engaging, relevant, and rooted in real life.

You’ll work closely with teams across JFF including Financial Education, Impact & Insights, Communications and Fundraising to develop a programme that is robust, consistent, and adaptable for different audiences, locations, delivery settings and funder requirements. This is a leadership-focused role: you will own the project, guide its development, and shape its impact.

What this role is — and is not

This role is:

• A project leadership role with clear ownership and accountability

• Focused on learning, testing and development

• Centred on internal collaboration across teams

• Engaging, interactive and grounded in real life

This role is not:

• A role focused mainly on direct delivery

• A high-volume external partnership role

• A one-off workshop facilitation role

• A people-management position

Who we’re looking for

• Experienced in youth, education, community or related settings

• Comfortable leading a design project and working collaboratively across teams

• Skilled in designing or supporting learning or training for adults

• Confident facilitating and reflecting on practice, using evidence to adapt approaches

• Organised, proactive and able to work independently

• Eligible for an enhanced DBS

Desirable experience: financial education, financial capability, youth work, and contributing insight to evaluation or funding proposals.

Why JFF?

At JFF, we are committed to making financial education an everyday part of growing up. We value curiosity, collaboration and practical innovation. If you’re excited to lead a project that could shape how young people learn about money across the UK, we’d love to hear from you.

To apply:

Apply today with your CV and a short covering note outlining your experience in youth programme development and community engagement, and how you would approach designing a train-the-trainer programme for young people.

Closing date: no later than 9:00am Monday 16th February 2026.

Chief Executive - Help & Care
Location: Home-based within easy reach of Dorset (regular travel across the region)
Salary: circa £85,000 per annum
Contract: permanent, either full-time basis (37 hours per week) or part-time (30 hours per week). We are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements for part-time hours, including how these are worked across the working week.

Are you an innovative leader who will put communities and social justice at the heart of transforming how health and social care is delivered in Dorset and the south of England?

Help & Care has been supporting communities across Dorset and the south coast since 1985. We deliver person-centred services that promote dignity, independence and connection - from dementia coordination and health coaching to our award-winning Roots gardening programme and social prescribing partnerships. Working with over 25 partners across health, housing and the voluntary sector, we co-produce services that make a real difference to older people, those with long-term conditions, carers and people at risk of isolation.

As our new Chief Executive, you will collaborate with a dedicated Board and a strong, highly motivated team focusing on the following key areas of responsibility:

• Strategic leadership: Define an ambitious, values-led strategy and deliver it, securing long-term impact alongside sustainable financial growth.
• Values leadership: Place Help & Care’s values - social justice, innovation, personal and collaborative - at the heart of decision-making and model them through visible leadership.
• Growth & income diversification: Lead business development to diversify income streams, winning commissioned contracts and developing social-enterprise opportunities to reduce reliance on public commissioning.
• Partnerships & advocacy: Strengthen and sustain senior-level relationships across the NHS, local authorities, commissioners and the voluntary sector; represent Help & Care across systems, media and stakeholder networks.
• Service quality & impact: Embed rigorous monitoring and evaluation so outcome evidence drives commissioning decisions, improves financial performance and enhances the organisation’s reputation.

• People leadership: Inspire, retain and develop a high-performing, compassionate leadership team and workforce, focused on talent development, wellbeing and accountability.
• Governance & financial stewardship: Provide the Board with timely, high-quality reporting, oversee financial recovery or sustainability plans as required, and ensure robust risk, compliance and governance arrangements.

Who you are:

• An experienced CEO or senior director from complex, multi-service health, social care or community organisations, with experience of developing and delivering multi-agency contracts.
• Proven track record of securing commissioned contracts, leading tendering and contract oversight, and developing income diversification, including social-enterprise opportunities.
• Comfortable driving strategic transformation and financial sustainability, with demonstrable expertise in strategic financial management.
• A values-led, collaborative and visible leader with high emotional intelligence and resilience, committed to social justice, person-centred practice and co-production; an effective public representative and mentor.

Why Help & Care?

• Lead a highly respected regional provider with an outstanding track record of co-production and innovation.
• Shape an organisation poised for growth and greater regional influence.
• Hybrid, home-based working, regular travel across Dorset, and the chance to safeguard vital services for local communities.

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 23rd February 2026. Interviews and assessments on 3rd, 4th and 5th March.

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.

Luton Town FC Community Trust is seeking to recruit an Oral Health Project Officer. This is a full-time role focused on the delivery of an oral health education programme within targeted primary schools and community settings in Luton over 37.5 hours per week. The individual will be employed on a three-year fixed-term contract.

We are seeking an individual who has previous experience of delivery within an education setting to join our team. Specific oral health training will be provided as required.

The individual will be passionate about creating positive change and health outcomes for children and their families.

The successful candidate will be a highly motivated, personable and flexible professional with an ability to create and deliver innovative engaging content. You will have an ability to recognise and develop new opportunities whilst maintaining and developing existing relationships across a broad range of project users and partners.

We will be looking for you to deliver positive and inspirational experiences to educate, stimulate positive change and reduce health inequalities. 

JOB ROLE OUTLINE

This role will lead the design, creation and delivery of an oral health education programme in primary schools and community settings that will provide vital awareness and support for children and their families.

Tooth decay rates in children, in Luton, are amongst the highest in the country. The project will work collaboratively with Luton Public Health and other locally focused oral health partners as a collective force for change.

AIMS

• Create awareness and lifelong habits of the importance of good oral health.
• Supporting children and families to understand contributing factors to poor oral health, including sharing public health messages that encourage positive behaviour change.
• Delivery of an outstanding programme of content.
• Support and strengthen the wider network of oral health partners to enable coordinated action and long-term behaviour change, including active participation in the Luton Dental Alliance.
• Highlighting demonstrable impact to support the sustainability and legacy of the project beyond the initial funding period.

ROLE SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with partners to develop and design the educational element of the project.
• Deliver a high-quality educational offer which uses sport as a tool to engage disaffected young people, encouraging good oral health and enhancing their mental wellbeing, attendance, attainment, and life skills through innovative and tailored curriculum delivery.
• Recruit targeted schools to create a delivery plan throughout the academic year.
• In school delivery of the education programme to provide much needed support and awareness to children and families.
• Collect relevant data to ensure that Community Trust reporting obligations are met with funders.
• Work with schools and partners to create high quality case studies that demonstrate the impact of the project.
• Create a project steering group and deliver timely and relevant updates in both written and verbal form.

Health & Safety:

Employee requirements:

• Maintain up to date knowledge of Health & Safety related guidance and processes within your role and in line with the Club’s Health & Safety Policy.
• Consider the Health & Safety implications of all actions and inaction within your role.
• Support and uphold agreed standards for Health & Safety compliance, including assisting in accident, dangerous occurrence and near miss investigations within your role.
• Follow and adhere to; safe management systems and working practices in line with the Club’s Health & Safety Policy.
• Ensure you have been briefed and are confident in using any equipment prior to use and seek guidance from your line manager as required.
• Regularly review risk assessments, safe working, and management systems associated with your role.
• Liaise regularly with the Club’s appointed Health & Safety representatives to support and maintain compliance
• Maintain records of all Health & Safety issues within your role and area of responsibility.
• Oversee project finance and budgets in conjunction with department lead.
• Follow robust quality assurance processes for all aspects of Luton Town FC Community Trust’s educational offer.
• To represent Luton Town FC Community Trust when required, at internal and external meetings.
• Compliance with Luton Town FC Community Trusts’ policies.
• Compliance with data protection, confidentiality, safeguarding and health and safety guidelines.
• To always promote the welfare of children and adults at risk.
• To undertake required training, including mandatory Health and Safety and Safeguarding training.
• To adhere to all relevant safeguarding policies and procedures and report any concerns to Luton Town FC Community Trust’s Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• To undertake such other duties as may be reasonably expected.
• To maintain professional conduct and demonstrate Luton Town FC Community Trusts’ core values.
• To support wider Trust projects when required.

MAIN JOB REQUIREMENTS AND PERSON SPECIFICATION

Education/Qualifications/Training:

Essentials

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience delivering programmes within school and/or community settings with children and young people
• Experience delivering education, health, or behaviour-change programmes
• Experience of working with schools, families, and community partners.
• Experience of collecting monitoring and evaluation data to meet reporting requirements
• Relevant qualification or demonstrable experience in education, youth work, community development, health promotion, or related field
• Willingness to undertake role specific oral health training
• Valid First Aid and Safeguarding qualifications (or willingness to obtain)
• Ability to design and deliver engaging, age-appropriate educational content
• Ability to communicate effectively with children, families, schools and partners
• Experience of producing high-quality written reports or case studies
• Strong organisational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to build and maintain strong, mutually beneficial partnerships
• Ability to work to deadlines and meet project targets
• Confident IT skills, including use of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Ability to manage groups of children safely and effectively
• Understanding of how children learn and develop
• Understanding of health inequalities and barriers faced by children and families
• Knowledge and understanding of the Children Act 1989 and the Children Act 2004 & 2006, Keeping Children Safe in Education September 2023, SEND code of practice and child protection procedures including understanding the effects of deprivation and abuse
• Understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion within community delivery
• Ability to recognise discrimination in its many forms and adhere to the Luton Town FC Community Trust’s EDI policies
• Ability to work effectively within a diverse community and promote inclusive practice
• Demonstrates appropriate motivation and commitment to working with children and young people
• Emotional resilience when working with challenging behaviours or sensitive family circumstances
• Strong commitment to high-quality, values led delivery
• A full valid driving licence and access to car to travel between sites throughout Bedfordshire.
• Willingness to work flexibly, including occasional evenings and weekends
• Willingness to support wider Community Trust projects when required
• Ability to satisfy Safer Recruitment checks, including references and Enhanced DBS
• Enhanced DBS clearance

Desirables

• Experience of delivering oral health, public health, or wellbeing programmes
• Experience of partnership working with public health teams or health-related organisations

• Degree or equivalent qualification in relevant discipline
• Evidence of continued professional development
• Qualification or training related to health, dentistry, or public health
• Youth Mental Health First Aid
• Leadership skills within a community or education setting

Abilities/Skills/Knowledge:

• Committed, enthusiastic and passionate about Luton Town Football Club.
• Must be pro-active, motivated, organised, responsible and able to work independently as well as in a team
• Highly developed problem-solving skills, resilience, and the ability to perform well under pressure
• Demonstrate good listening skills and have the ability to resolve issues where appropriate
• Ability to multi-task whilst maintaining priority efficiencies
• Focused on achieving Club, departmental and individual success
• Willing to follow and promote the philosophy of the football club.
• Be an ambassador for the Club presenting the Club in a positive image at all times.

Salary: £32,000 - £34,000 per year

Contract Type: Two-year fixed term contract, with possible scope to extend subject to budget considerations

Location: UK (minimum 2 days per week in the London office)

Work Pattern: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week with the opportunity for flexible working hours

Reporting to: Xavier Banson, Senior Communications Manager (Brand and Digital)

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit an anonymised CV and covering letter (please remove any identifying details such as name, address, photos) by midnight on Sunday 1st March via the Application link on Workable.

Your covering letter should outline:

• Your motivations for applying to this role and what about our mission resonates with you.
• Experience (professional, voluntary or lived) that makes you a great fit for this role in line with our values and the criteria outlined in this job description. 
• How this role fits into your career plans.

INTERVIEW STAGES

The selection process will consist of three stages (dates will be confirmed with shortlisted candidates):

• First-round interview w/c 9th March.
• Second-round interview w/c 16th March.

Candidates will be asked to prepare a presentation (10-12 minutes maximum) on managing a digital communications calendar. Candidates should allocate no more than 3 hours to prepare this task.

• Final interview with the CEO.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Mission 44 exists to drive change so that every young person can thrive in school and access great careers in STEM. As our work expands, so too does our need to tell stories that highlight the barriers young people face, demonstrate solutions, and inspire action. This exciting new role reflects our ambition to expand Mission 44's voice and enhance engagement across our digital channels.

As the Digital Communications Officer, you will play a key role maintaining Mission 44’s digital presence across our website, social media platforms, and email marketing. You’ll help to create high-quality, impactful content that connects diverse audiences to our mission and elevates the voices of young people within our network. Working collaboratively across the organisation, you’ll distribute content across digital platforms, ensuring our communications are timely, forward-looking, and aligned with Mission 44’s brand.

You’ll also use data and analytics to optimise digital output, track performance, and spot emerging trends - proactively identifying opportunities to grow reach and engagement. From planning and scheduling content to supporting campaign delivery and evaluation, you’ll help strengthen our storytelling and ensure all our digital platforms are being used to drive long-term, systemic change for young people.

We’re looking for someone creative, proactive, organised, and detail-oriented, with a passion for championing youth voices. You’ll thrive in a fast-paced environment, supporting multiple projects with confidence, and bring fresh ideas that help Mission 44 stand out across the digital landscape. If you’re motivated by impactful storytelling and want to be part of an ambitious team, we’d love to hear from you.

Requirements

DIGITAL PLATFORMS & CONTENT MANAGEMENT (50%)

• Manage Mission 44’s communications calendar, ensuring timely and consistent content across website, email newsletter, and social media channels.
• Coordinate content scheduling, publishing and distribution to maximise reach and engagement.
• Maintain and update the Mission 44 website to meet organisational and audience needs, including publishing content and ensuring accuracy and consistency.
• Ensure our digital communications are consistent with compliance best practice, including as it relates to data protection and safeguarding.

CONTENT PRODUCTION (20%)

• Support the planning and delivery of creative content and digital campaigns to drive engagement and increase impact.
• Lead on producing branded digital assets, including graphics, reports, presentations, newsletter and social media content, ensuring alignment with Mission 44’s brand guidelines.
• Work with internal teams and external partners to gather content, stories, and case studies.

MONITORING, REPORTING & INSIGHTS (20%) 

• Monitor, analyse, and report on digital performance using tools such as Google Analytics and Sprout Social.
• Share regular insights on latest digital trends and audience engagement, making proactive and data informed suggestions.
• Monitor social media activity, media mentions, sector news, and partner content, flagging relevant updates, risks and opportunities.

ADMINISTRATION & INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS (10%)

• Provide administrative support including scheduling meetings, storing data and documentation, and wider coordination across the communications team.
• Share regular internal updates on digital activity, performance, and media coverage to support cross-team collaboration and alignment.
• Maintain records and systems to ensure effective content management and reporting.

ESSENTIAL 

• Experience managing digital platforms including websites, email marketing (e.g. Mailchimp), and social media channels.
• Passion for creative storytelling and knowledge of latest digital trends.
• Strong content creation skills, including copywriting and use of design software (e.g. Canva, Adobe).
• Experience using analytics tools such as Google Analytics and social media management platforms (e.g. Sprout Social).
• Excellent organisation and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to brand consistency.
• Good communication and collaboration skills.
• Insight into data protection as it relates to digital communications.

DESIRABLE

• Experience working in the charity, education, or youth sector.
• Familiarity with content management systems (CMS).
• Basic knowledge of SEO and digital best practice.

PERSONAL QUALITIES  

• Passionate about supporting and empowering young people from every background to thrive.
• Committed to storytelling that amplifies the voices of young people around the world.
• Resilient and adaptable, with the ability to navigate uncertainty and shifting priorities with confidence.
• Highly organised and able to maintain high-quality output whilst working in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently and also as part of a dynamic team; self-motivated and proactive.

Benefits

• Enjoy 28 days annual leave, plus a day for your birthday
• Use our cycle-to-work scheme and free gym access
• Save for retirement with our generous pension package
• We finish every Friday at noon in August
• Optional health insurance and acccess to an EAP
• Professional development budget of £1k
• Unlimited volunteering leave, as agreed with your manager
• Wellbeing allowance to spend in whatever way works for you
• Competitive parental leave package

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Head of Communications to come and join our team providing maternity cover until January 2027 during a period of organisational growth.

Location – This role is mainly working from home with one day a week in our London office (usually a Monday). Occasional travel to our other programme sites (currently Stoke-On-Trent, Redcar, Middlesbrough and Scotland) will also be required.

Salary – Circa £60,000

Employment Type – Fixed term until January 2027, 35 hours per week

Team – Communications team

About you

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate the following:

· Strong experience in strategic communications, ideally within a start-up, growing, complex or place-based organisation.

· Experience setting up and embedding communications functions, including establishing foundations and building approaches as priorities evolve.

· Significant experience in people leadership, including developing others and building a strong, collaborative working culture.

· Experience influencing senior stakeholders and working with an SLT, including supporting government policy, media, funding and influence related activity.

· Strong content, storytelling and copywriting expertise and the ability to communicate a clear organisational narrative.

About the role

The responsibilities of this role include:

· Overseeing and ensuring the delivery of national and local communications strategies and plans, including national content activity and priority local campaigns and stakeholder engagement.

· Leading the set-up and embedding of new place-based communications functions.

· Leading and overseeing the planning and delivery of Thrive at Five’s 2026 Impact Report, communications relating to evaluations and learning, and our fifth-year anniversary, working closely with evaluation and fundraising colleagues.

· Maintaining and strengthening relationships with key national and local stakeholders in line with our communications strategy and goals.

· Providing professional and operational leadership and coaching to the wider Communications team to ensure they deliver to a high standard.

About us

Thrive at Five is a national charity focused on giving every child the best possible start in life. We know the foundations for life and learning are built in the earliest years, from pregnancy to five. By working alongside families, communities and local partners, we help build stronger, more connected support for parents, so more children get what they need to thrive and reach a good level of development by age five.

Thrive at Five is a relatively young organisation but with an already strong national and political profile, having been called out in Parliament for our ways of working in Stoke-on-Trent and invited to be interviewed at the 2025 Civil Society Summit by the Secretary of State for Education. We have grown rapidly in our first four years, with a growing team of nearly 40 across the country. 2026 will be a year of further growth and milestones for the charity as we celebrate our fifth-year anniversary and expand into our third and fourth regions. This will involve recruiting for a new teams, establishing our programmes and beginning to co-design and implement our work in partnership with communities.

About our benefits

· Pension contributions – We will contribute 3% and you can contribute 5% towards your pension through NEST.

· Hybrid working with one anchor day a week in our central London office near to Victoria train station, coach station and underground.

· 25 annual leave days per year plus bank holidays.

· In addition to your laptop and phone provided by us, you can also receive a £100 contribution towards your home-working set up.

· £100 contribution towards your professional body membership

Please note that as this role is subject to a successful Basic Level Disclosure check through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). If you have any unspent convictions, but wish to apply for this role, please advise us in your application. The successful candidate will also need to provide satisfactory references and current right to work in the UK.

To apply for this role, please submit your cover letter and CV by following the Apply Now button. Applications will be reviewed and shortlisted as they are received. While the closing date is midnight on Wednesday, 18 February 2026, we may close the vacancy earlier if a suitable candidate is identified.