Research engagement manager jobs

Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist care and support for babies, children and young people who are life limited or life threatened. Supporting over 750 children and nearly 1,000 families annually, Acorns is a vital lifeline for families across the West Midlands and Gloucestershire during unimaginably difficult times.

Over the past three years, Acorns’ leadership has enhanced collaboration and innovation across the charity and embedded an organisation-wide fundraising culture. With an integrated fundraising structure and an upcoming £5m appeal, Acorns is looking for a senior leader to review, refine and scale its end-to-end donor experience across all income streams.

Forming part of the Fundraising Leadership Team and reporting to the Associate Director of Fundraising, the Head of Donor Experience will lead a central support function covering donor journeys, supporter care, data and insight, digital fundraising and compliance. They will be responsible for shaping and delivering a comprehensive donor-centred strategy that drives engagement, loyalty and long-term value, while championing a digital-first, data-driven approach to stewardship.

As Head of Donor Experience, you will:

• Lead a high-performing Donor Experience team of nine, with four direct reports across Donor Experience, Data & Insight, and Digital Fundraising
• Develop and embed a cohesive donor experience strategy aligned to the wider Fundraising Strategy
• Design and implement a structured supporter journey framework, ensuring appropriate automation and personalisation across channels and income streams
• Drive innovation in stewardship, including digital engagement, journey design, automation, and personalisation
• Review and refine thanking, banking, fulfilment and supporter care processes to improve efficiency and supporter satisfaction
• Oversee CRM development and optimisation, ensuring robust data governance and a clear single supporter view
• Lead insight generation and segmentation strategy to inform fundraising performance and income growth
• Establish and maintain a centralised compliance framework across fundraising activity
• Strengthen collaboration between Fundraising and Marketing to enable more coordinated, funnel-led campaigns

Essential skills and experience:

• Strong background in fundraising operations, supporter care, compliance or customer experience within a charity setting
• Proven track record of developing and delivering stewardship strategies that improve retention and long-term supporter value
• Experience managing and motivating teams to deliver operational excellence and performance improvement
• Experience designing and implementing strategy, annual plans and process improvements
• Strong working knowledge of CRM systems, data governance and supporter database management
• Confidence influencing senior internal stakeholders and driving cross-team collaboration
• Experience of reporting, performance analysis and using insight to inform decision-making
• Strong understanding of fundraising compliance, including GDPR and sector regulation

Employee benefits include: 

• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• 5 days holiday buyback scheme starting from April 2026
• 7.5% employer pension contribution
• Life assurance scheme (2 x annual salary)
• Retail discounts (including the Blue Light card)
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounted gym membership
• Access to expert financial health and wellbeing support

• Job: Consultant: social media & brand (account manager equivalent)
• Start date: As soon as possible
• Type: Permanent, full time, hybrid 
• Salary: £35,000-40,000
• Deadline for applications: Sunday 29th March, 11pm

Background

We’re a team of strategists who shape and disrupt policy narratives.

Cast from Clay is a communications consultancy for those who work on policy change. Most good ideas in the world of policy never make it to the desk of a decision maker. That’s where we come in. We help clients figure out what to say, to whom, and how. We treat brand as a strategic tool, giving complex ideas the focus and intention they need to land with the right audience.

The job

The Consultant: social media & brand (account manager equivalent) is a full-time, hybrid, permanent position at Cast from Clay. No two days are the same. As a team of 12+ based in the UK and Ukraine, we get involved in everything. You could be researching, planning and writing social media content, crafting brand strategies, developing creative concepts, or managing client relationships.

We’re not expecting you to come in and lead client accounts from day one, but over time, our goal is to coach you into a place where you can. What we do expect is for you to lead the execution. We are looking for someone who can take a project brief and run with it. You need to be able to deliver high-quality work on time with little hand-holding, becoming the person the client calls when they need to know a job will get done.

We’re looking for someone who is intellectually curious. If you love exploring ideas, their impact on the world, and understanding how people relate to them, you’ll fit right in. Importantly, we’re looking for someone who wants to learn and grow, who is hungry for career progression, and who gets a kick out of working hard and doing amazing things.

What we are looking for: 

You will have: 

• At least 3 years experience in a communications agency, in-house and/or in a communications-related role.

• A strong understanding of how social platforms work. You will be familiar with audience engagement, community management, and platform algorithms.

• Experience of setting up and managing organic and paid campaigns (social/PPC). You can track performance, interpret metrics, and use data to refine the approach.

• The ability to write high-quality content tailored to distinct brand voices. You are a storyteller who can translate technical, jargon-heavy topics into compelling narratives.

• Strong interpersonal skills and the confidence to manage client expectations and offer constructive pushback when necessary.

• Excellent attention to detail, diligent and proactive. You can manage multiple deadlines and projects simultaneously. 

It’s a bonus if you have: 

• Knowledge and understanding of the components of a brand strategy.

• Basic design understanding to assist the team with creative concepts, help visualise ideas during the development process, and enjoy collaborating with designers on visual execution.

If you feel like you don’t meet 100% of the criteria, please don’t let that stop you. If you love the sound of this role and have a strong foundation in social media and writing, we would love to hear from you.

What we offer

We offer a competitive benefits package for all our positions, including enhanced parental leave, sabbaticals, and training budgets.

• Office: we work from our offices in Vauxhall on Tuesdays and Thursdays. You’re welcome to use the office more frequently than that if you wish.

• Home office allowance: we’ll make a £150 contribution towards kitting out your home workspace.

• Flexible working: tell us how you work best and we’ll do what we can to make it happen – including if you want to spend time working from abroad.

• Monthly team socials: we like spending time together so every few weeks we come up with ideas for things to do together. That’s included board games over pizza, ice skating, movie nights, playing a VR game together and going on llama safari at our local city farm.

• Training: you’ll get up to £1,000 annual training budget to spend on your professional development. 

• Pension: we will pay 5% of your salary, matching the 5% you pay, to make a total of 10% annual contributions.

• Holidays: we offer 25 days holiday per year, plus bank holidays, and we close the office over Christmas.

Interested?

If this sounds like you, please send us: 

1. Up to 250 words on a campaign you have worked on and why you are proud of it.

2. Your CV (no more than 2 pages).

Some things to bear in mind:

1. We expect to receive a lot of applications to this role. If you want to stand out, include a (logical) reference to Cast from Clay in your CV.

2. We don’t mind you using generative AI to help you wordsmith your submission, but if you use AI - and we can tell - we’ll disregard your application. 

Things to note

• You need to have permission to work in the U.K. already - we cannot sponsor visas for this role.

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

At Yada we provide an outreach service across coastal west Sussex that supports women impacted by sexual exploitation. Our outreach team is warm, friendly, approachable and trauma informed. As a team we are passionate about reducing the risk of sexual exploitaton, supporting women impacted by it and educating our community on the risks of sexual exploitation.

Policy and Public Affairs Manager (Northern Ireland)
£41,278 pa plus excellent benefits
Home-based with regular meetings in Belfast
35 hours per week, full-time
Fixed-term, 12 months

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) is seeking an experienced and influential Policy and Public Affairs Manager to lead our work in Northern Ireland. This is an exciting opportunity to shape policy, influence decision-makers, and ensure the voices of paediatricians and child health professionals are heard at the highest levels.

Reporting to the Associate Director of Policy and External Affairs / Head of Policy and Public Affairs (Devolved Nations), you will lead the College’s policy and public affairs activity in Northern Ireland. You will develop and communicate policy positions that reflect the national context, engage senior stakeholders across government and the health sector, and maximise the College’s influence to improve child health outcomes.

You will work closely with colleagues across the UK to ensure our four-nation advocacy is aligned, while remaining responsive to the specific needs of our members in Northern Ireland. You will also line manage a Policy and Public Affairs Officer, supporting their development and overseeing external-facing outputs.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the development of policy positions and public affairs outputs specific to Northern Ireland
• Engaging with Ministers, MLAs, government officials, statutory services, and third sector stakeholders to influence policy and practice
• Producing and overseeing consultation responses and policy briefings
• Acting as a source of expertise on the Northern Ireland political and health landscape
• Supporting College Officers with high-level stakeholder engagement through briefings and policy advice
• Drafting media content including quotes, press releases and opinion pieces in collaboration with communications colleagues
• Managing the College’s presence at the Northern Ireland Assembly and party conferences
• Line managing and developing the Policy and Public Affairs Officer (Northern Ireland)

Essential skills and experience include:

• A primary degree and/or extensive relevant experience in policy and public affairs or a related field
• Proven experience of developing and delivering a measurable and successful public affairs strategy
• Experience of preparing high-quality briefings for political stakeholders and senior leaders
• Strong understanding of the political and health policy landscape in Northern Ireland
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively
• Demonstrable stakeholder management skills, including engagement at senior level
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and project management skills
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a wider UK team

The RCPCH has more than 25,000 members and fellows and employs around 200 staff, most of whom work in our London office in Holborn. We have a Devolved Nations team operating from Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Our College values: Include, Influence, Innovate and Inspire, are important to us. These values ensure we bring out the best in each other, strive forward together to make the College a positive and dynamic place to work. 

The RCPCH champions Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. Our workplace is inclusive, offering a supportive environment where staff can thrive. The College is keen to accept applications from people with protected characteristics. We believe that our staff should represent all of the diverse communities we serve. Join us to help realise our vision of a world where every child is healthy and well.

The RCPCH is committed to safeguarding the children, young people and adults it has contact with in the exercise of its functions and responsibilities. The RCPCH expects all staff to share this commitment – we place a high priority on ensuring only those who do so are recruited to work for us. 

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records. 

Closing date: 4 March 2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

Post: Grants / Fundraising Manager

Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer, Umbrella

Accountable to: Trustees

Responsible for: Fundraising and Grants across the organisation.

Job Purpose

The Grants & Fundraising Manager will play a lead role in maintaining and growing Umbrella’s income, with a primary focus on grant fundraising and the development of corporate partnerships. Working closely with the CEO, Trustees and staff teams, the post holder will strengthen existing income streams, identify new opportunities, and support the development of Umbrella’s fundraising strategy. This role is central to ensuring the sustainability and expansion of Umbrella’s services for disabled children, young people and their families.

Key Terms of Employment

Hours: 15-20 hours per week (may include occasional evening and weekend work)

Annual Leave: 22 days per annum (Pro-rated on hours) plus 8 Bank Holidays

Salary Scale: Band 11 to 13 - £30,763 - £ 32,591 dependant on experience (pro-rated)

Base: Umbrella House, Mackworth, Derby

Pension: Umbrella offer a pension scheme and details will be provided

Notice period: 2 months

Contract Term: Permanent dependant on funding

Subject to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Key Responsibilities

• Research, develop and maintain a strong pipeline of grant opportunities across trusts, foundations, Lottery, corporate CSR programmes, and statutory funders.
• Write, coordinate and submit high-quality grant applications and expressions of interest.
• Manage grant reporting, monitoring and compliance, working with operational teams to ensure accurate data collection and spend tracking.
• Identify and engage potential corporate partners, including through Marketing Derby and local business networks.
• Support the roll-out and delivery of Umbrella’s corporate engagement programme.
• Steward existing corporate supporters to maximise long-term value.
• Work with the CEO and trustees to build relationships with community groups (e.g., Freemasons, Rotary, sports clubs) to secure fundraising support and “charity of the year” partnerships.
• To work with the CEO to produce and implement Umbrella’s Fundraising plan and to report regularly to the Fundraising Marketing and Communications Sub- Group on progress against agreed targets.

General Responsibilities

• Take an active part in continuing to develop own knowledge and skills relevant to the job, attending training as required.
• Adhere to Umbrella’s Safeguarding/Protecting Vulnerable Children and Adults Policy
• Be familiar with and adhere to Umbrella’s policies and procedures
• Maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Manage and organise your own time and activities to ensure tasks are prioritised, and agreed deadlines are met.
• To assist with any other duties that may occur from time to time in order to meet the needs of Umbrella, which are not covered in the above. These will be mutually agreed with the Chief Executive.

Other Requirements

• In order to achieve the objectives of Umbrella, the post holder will need to work flexibly, including occasional out of hours as required.
• Driving licence and vehicle, for which a mileage allowance will be paid.

This is not a full and complete statement of duties and responsibilities, which may be amended in the light of changing needs of the organisation, after consultation with the post holder

Person Specification

Education

• Educated to degree level or have the equivalent experience in fundraising, income generation or relevant roles within the charity sector or similar organisation.

Experience

• Proven experience in securing funding through grants, trusts, foundations or statutory funders.
• Experience of developing and delivering successful fundraising activities.
• Demonstrated success of building and maintaining productive relationships with funders, donors or partners.

Skills and Knowledge

• Good understanding of the current grant funding landscape and / or corporate funding environment
• Excellent relationship management, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, persuasive funding applications
• Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills
• Ability to confidently articulate a case for support
• Competent user of IT systems
• Understanding of the barriers faced by disabled children and their families – or willingness to learn.

Personal Attributes

• Proactive, resilient self-starter with a positive approach to work.
• Positive and collaborative approach to work
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

Other

• Willingness to work occasional evenings or weekends if required
• Full driving license and access to a vehicle (mileage allowance payable)

Interviews will be conducted as suitable candidates apply.

The Survivor Engagement and Activism Coordinator leads the Helen Bamber Foundation’s work to ensure that survivors of trafficking, torture, and human rights abuses are meaningfully involved in shaping services, influencing policy, and driving social change. Working within the Community and Integration team, the post holder safeguards and supports clients as they participate in advocacy, leadership, and organisational development projects.

They oversee key survivor engagement programmes, including the Ambassadors for Change advocacy and leadership programme, the Client Voices Forum, the Board Advisers, and the Alumni Network. This involves coordinating training, facilitating meetings, supporting campaigns, managing administrative processes, and ensuring survivors are prepared, empowered, and safe throughout their involvement.

The role also involves developing innovative ways for survivors to collaborate with staff, contributing to service design, organisational strategy, and sector-wide initiatives. The post holder builds relationships across the asylum and modern slavery sectors, manages lived experience opportunities, and may support client progression and education casework when needed.

Throughout all responsibilities, the Coordinator champions survivor leadership, promotes diversity and inclusion, maintains the ethos of the charity, and practices strong self-care while working with traumatic material.

We are looking for a Head of Income Generation & Engagement to lead the creation and delivery of a new, integrated strategy, with scope to innovate across individual and major giving, retail, digital engagement and emerging income streams.

The Charity
A close knit, collaborative animal welfare charity based in Surrey looking for full time office working.

The Role
Working with the Chief Executive and others, to develop a multi-disciplinary team covering income generation, marketing, communications and engagement to rasie c£2m income.

Review income generation, marketing and communications trends, approaches and evaluation frameworks. Conduct further research and evaluation as required and set against sector comparators.

Conduct analysis of the charitys audiences, both existing and potential, with a view to maximising opportunities for engagement, influence, giving and volunteering.

Create an integrated brand, marketing and income generation strategy, with clear delivery plans and evaluation frameworks.

Review and lead development of the individual giving programme, both traditional and digital, including membership, friends schemes and mid-level giving programme as a funnel to major gifts and legacies.

The Candidate
Track record at senior level with demonstrable experience across income generation, marketing and communications disciplines.

Demonstrable experience of building, implementing and evaluating income generation and engagement strategies.

Demonstrable experience of integrating brand, marketing and income generation strategies and the teams delivering them to achieve both financial and wider organisational targets (e.g. homing, influence etc.).

Budgetary understanding and experience; able to understand corporate budgets and management accounts, build and manage
annual budgets and accurately forecast both income and expenditure.

Significant experience of line management and team development, setting objectives and goals and holding regular supervision and one to-one meetings.

IMPORTANT NOTE

Our aim is to respond to all successful applications within 5 days. If you havent been contacted within 5 days your application has been unsuccessful, but we positively encourage you to apply for any other positions that you may see in the future.

We apologise that we cannot contact everybody in person but thank you in advance for your interest.

Third Solutions encourages applications from individuals of all ages & backgrounds. Appointment will be made on merit alone but candidates must be able to demonstrate their ability to work in the UK. Third Solutions acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment & an employment business for temporary recruitment as defined by the Conduct of Employment Agencies & Employment Business Regulations 2003.

NRC UK was established in 2020 with the main objective of strengthening the profile, outreach, and impact of the Norwegian Refugee Council as a humanitarian organisation in the United Kingdom. We work to leverage relationships with UK foundations, corporates and private philanthropists to secure funding that enables NRC to deliver its mission and improve the lives of people displaced by conflict.  We also work to influence stakeholders and partners in the UK in order to influence their humanitarian policies and practices.

You are likely to be in the early stages of your career, interested and experienced in humanitarian work and ready to lend your hands-on organisational and administrative skills to to enable the advocacy and fundraising work of the UK Director, the Private Partnerships Special Adviser and the rest of the core team based in the London office.

You will bring enthusiasm and ability to work confidently and independently with guidance and supervision on a range of external-facing administrative tasks including communications, relationship management, note-taking and record-keeping, desk research & analysis and event organisation.

These tasks and responsibilities will support NRC UK in the implementation of our strategy and action plans on private fundraising and external engagement and will also provide support to the Director in delegated areas on a full range of activities in the UK including advocacy, institutional funding, strategic partnerships, compliance and office management.

Please note this role is offered at 80% of FTE (4 days per week).

Responsibilities

1. Support the Private Sector Partnerships Specialist Adviser (50%) and the UK Director (50%) to deliver on key tasks required in order to meet NRC UK’s private fundraising and broader objectives. 

2. Provide administrative support to the Specialist Adviser on tasks necessary to meet fundraising targets, including communications and relationship management, prospect research, due diligence, meeting and event organisation. 

3. Provide administrative support to the UK Director including communications, organising and attending both external and internal meetings and events, taking notes and minutes, research and analysis, document preparation and coordinating input into internal reports including the annual report. 

4. Provide additional ad-hoc administrative support to the NRC UK team as required. 

5. The Officer will be required to execute existing workplans and meet objectives and deadlines with oversight and support from Adviser and Director. 

Qualifications

• 3 years of progressive professional experience (preferably within the UK Third Sector) in business development, advocacy, fundraising and/or general administrative duties 
• Bachelor’s degree in Social Science, Politics, Law, Communications, International Relations or a relevant field.  Equivalent experience will be accepted instead of qualifications. 
• Demonstrable experience in prospect research and ability to identify partnership opportunities based on criteria provided by NRC 
• Demonstrable interest in humanitarian issues, with clear understanding of ethical and principled humanitarian approaches. 
• Fluency in English, both written and verbal 
• Applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK 

We are looking for an inspiring and experienced Head of Fundraising and Development to join our team at Dalgarno Trust. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone passionate about fundraising, communications, and making a real difference in the community.

Key Details:

• Salary: £38,500 for FTE (note this is a four-day role)
• Contract: Permanent
• Location: Dalgarno Trust Community Centre,(hybrid TBC)  North Kensington (with occasional off-site meetings)
• Hours: 4 days per week (28 hours), flexible by agreement
• Line management: Reports to the Chief Executive
• Deadline: 15th March
• Interviews: Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly to arrange an interview

Based in North Kensington, Dalgarno Trust is a vibrant community centre supporting local residents of all ages through health, wellbeing, education, training, and youth programmes. As the only community centre in this part of the borough, we play a vital role in bringing people together, tackling inequality, and strengthening community resilience.

As Head of Fundraising and Development, you will be a key member of our Core Team, working closely with the Chief Executive to secure and manage the resources that enable our work. This is a varied and hands-on role combining fundraising, CRM management, marketing and communications, and organisational administration, offering the opportunity to make a visible and lasting impact.

You will lead on researching and writing funding bids, managing relationships with funders, and ensuring that monitoring, evaluation, and reporting requirements are met. You will oversee and develop our CRM system (Salesforce), ensuring high-quality data, producing reports, and supporting colleagues through training. You will also play a central role in diversifying income through donations, sponsorships, commercial activity, and use of our assets.

Alongside fundraising, you will lead our marketing, communications, and promotion, keeping our website, social media, and noticeboards up to date, and ensuring our work is clearly and effectively communicated to the wider community. The role also includes administrative and HR support, such as assisting with recruitment processes, timesheets, training coordination, and ensuring compliance with fundraising regulations and best practice.

We are looking for someone highly organised, administratively confident, and comfortable working independently, while also enjoying collaboration with colleagues, partners, and community members. You will bring experience of community-based work, strong written and verbal communication skills, and a genuine commitment to equality, inclusion, and positive social change. 

This role offers flexibility in working hours and a supportive team environment, with the chance to shape and grow the organisation’s income and profile at an exciting time for Dalgarno Trust. 

Ad close date: Sunday 15 March

Interviews: 24 March 

Note: Previous applicants need not apply

SUDC UK is a national charity dedicated to funding research, raising awareness and supporting families affected by Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC). Our team is passionate, warm, friendly and impact-driven.

SUDC is the sudden and unexpected death of a child aged 1-18 years where the cause of death remains unexplained despite a thorough investigation. 40 children are affected every year in the UK, more than young child deaths due to traffic accidents, fires or drowning and comparable to 1-2 seemingly healthy children dying every fortnight, often going to sleep and never waking up. 

As a specialist charity, SUDC UK informs, empowers and advocates for families when their child dies suddenly and unexpectedly. We operate nationally and have expertise in SUDC, bereavement support, the child death process, genetic investigation, SUDC research and medical screening.Founded by three bereaved parents, we have deep understanding of the impact of SUDC and loved children, and their families, are at the heart of all we do.

The purpose of this role is to lead and deliver our income generation and marketing strategy, growing sustainable income streams while increasing our profile, reach and impact. This dynamic and rewarding role blends strategic leadership with hands-on delivery, including first-line management of a small team.

Positive Engagement Worker

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Job Title: Positive Engagement Worker

Location:Service is located at the heart of Croydon, close to the East Croydon train station. Please be aware that this service does not have step free access.

Salary: £27,000

Shift Pattern: 37.5 hours per week Monday to Sunday 7.5 hours shifts between 08:00 - 20:30. You may also be required to work to work outside these hours including bank holidays as per service and resident requirements. We are a 24/7 staffed service.

About the Role

We're recruiting a Positive Engagement Worker to join the team in Croydon in a 27 bed residential property which specialises in forensic mental health, complex needs and dual diagnosis. The team offers psychologically informed housing and resettlement support that comes with additional help for individuals’ specific needs. Our forensic mental health step down services consist of four individual sites which cater for high and medium support for both, men and women. 

In this role, you will be at the centre of researching, sourcing, and providing various opportunities for our residents. This can include partnering with external employers for employment opportunities, liaising with colleges for courses and upskilling opportunities, or community based projects which residents can get involved in. The role is dynamic and you can put your own ideas forward to bring new ideas to the team to help support our residents have access to wider resources. You will work closely with the rest of the care and support teams to enhance the opportunities available to our residents. 

Some Key Responsibilities Include:

• Plan and deliver various activities which includes within the service and outside in the local community to help gain a sense of community and belonging. This can include days out to museums, community events and other areas of interest by our residents
• Plan in service events to bring residents together which could include group cooking sessions, games days, sporting events, and religious festivals.
• Keeping support plans up to date using our online portal
• Carrying out housing management support including welfare benefits support

About You

We're looking for someone who has a true passion to support those who face challenges with their forensic mental health, complex needs and dual diagnosis. You will be able to build rapport and trusting relations in a professional setting, and able to build positive outcomes. You will be creative in your approach to find new ways to bring people together to gain a sense of community and belonging through various events and activities both in house and externally. You will have an adaptable and flexible approach to helping others, with an understanding that each individual has different levels and types of support needs. 

You will have an understanding and ability to help others overcome their personal barriers, and will be motivated to want to make a difference to people's lives. This is a fulfilling role, and is the perfect fit for someone who has a real passion in helping others. You will have:

• Awareness of external opportunities which are available such as with education, employment and benefits
• Experience working with people with multiple and complex needs, ideally in mental health
• Ability to show empathy and compassion to our residents, and different challenges they face
• Ability  to motivate, and empower others to achieve their personal goals and overcome barriers
• Ability to use, learn and adapt to IT at an intermediate level, including Microsoft and other software programs
• Understanding of the different needs people with multiple and complex needs have and be aware of the social marginalisation that can be attached to people who face personal challenges
• Alignment with our values of Ambition, Empowerment, Inclusivity, and Transparency

Please refer to the JDPS attached for more details on the vacancy and our requirements/key criteria.

What we Offer

• 25 days (Full time equivalent) annual leave, increasing with the length of service
• Employer Pension Contribution
• Eligibility to register with Blue Light Discount Card
• Access to discounted tickets for music events, shows, sports and more
• Reflective Practice regular sessions with a therapist provided by an external provider to support Mental Health and Wellbeing at work
• Training and Development, including access to courses, upskilling, and progression plans
• Employee Assistance Programme, including counselling
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Annual Staff Awards
• EDI Ambassador programme

About Social Interest Group (SIG)

SIG is a not-for-profit organisation providing thousands of people with good-quality support and care in residential, drop-in centres, community floating support settings, probation settings, and hospitals. We do so across London, Brighton, Bedfordshire, Luton, Kent and Liverpool. Our goal is to transform lives through empowering change. 

We believe good care and support improves lives with the vision to create healthier, safer, and more inclusive communities. Join us on our mission to empower independence through trauma-informed solutions and dynamic partnerships that keep people out of prison, out of hospital, and off the streets.
Want to know how we work? Watch our short Theory of Change video to see how we support people towards a brighter future: Theory of Change Further details can be found on our website here: Theory of Change - Social Interest Group - Social Interest Group. 

Additional Information

Please note that this job advert may close early due to screening applications on an ongoing basis. We advise applying as soon as possible for your application to be taken into consideration at the early stages.

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide sponsorship, please ensure you have full right to work in the UK prior to applying to our positions. 

About the team​

The Policy team is a small, collaborative and collegiate team looking to expand. We have a unique set-up, sitting separately to but working closely alongside the Communications team as part of the wider Public Affairs team. We influence key decision makers through direct engagement with senior officials, commissioning and sharing research and insight and supporting coalitions which include our portfolio charities to take their voice to decision makers to secure policy and funding commitments.

The team also works across the organisation, presenting insight to inform our investment decisions and making a compelling case to generate new financial commitments for our work.
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About this role

The Public Affairs Officer is a new and exciting role in a rapidly expanding organisation at the forefront of youth policy. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to support the strengthening of Impetus’ public affairs profile, as well as support colleagues to strengthen and maintain relationships with parliamentarians, decision-makers, sector stakeholders and wider civil society.

We are looking for someone who shares our commitment to getting the support young people from disadvantaged background need in education and employment. You’ll have a passion for building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders across government and the third sector. You will have a good understanding of the UK’s policy environment with an interest in increasing your knowledge and relationships in this area and developing and expanding links with a range of parliamentary, government and other key stakeholders.

The Public Affairs Officer will be part of the wider Public Affairs Team. Though you will report to the Head of Youth Employment Policy, you will work across both our education and employment policy work, and will be expected to regularly collaborate with the Communications Team, and will understand the role of communications in shaping the political agenda and the public debate. You will have experience of writing for a wide range of audiences, ranging from policy briefings to social media content.

This role supports the delivery of high-quality public affairs work, following agreed plans, templates and processes, and escalating risks or issues promptly.

We’re interested in candidates who can demonstrate strong organisational skills, with experience of either leading or supporting the coordination and delivery of events. We’d particularly like to hear from candidates who have managed a CRM database such as Salesforce. You will be a strong team player, with a collaborative working style.

We are also keen to see a demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), and interested to hear how you have led or supported any initiatives or projects relating to this.

We welcome application from underrepresented groups, particularly those who were eligible for free school meals as children. If you would like to chat about the role, please find more information listed in the Public Affairs Officer Recruitment Pack. 
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Key responsibilities

• Work with the Heads of Policy and Communications teams to contribute to public affairs plans by providing research, coordination and administrative support from the outset of each project
• Monitor and analyse political, policy developments and parliamentary activity, keeping your knowledge up to data and accurate, ensuring information is recorded using agreed templates and systems, and flagging relevant updates promptly
• Support the coordination of stakeholder engagement, including preparing briefings, organising meetings and maintaining accurate CRM records
• Coordinate and deliver public affairs events, including logistics, invitations, materials, briefing packs, on-the-day support and post-event follow-up for meetings, party conference activities, evidence sessions, roundtables, report launches and all other relevant events
• Manage our CRM database (Salesforce), ensuring data quality, completeness and accuracy, and flagging issues when needed
• Support the Communications Team to maintain and grow the profile of our policy work with priority audiences, following agreed brand guidelines, templates and approval processes
• Undertake some desk-based research to support policy projects when required, ensuring accuracy and clarity in all research outputs
• Assist in developing campaign tools and published materials
• Draft policy briefings, summaries, papers, presentations, and social media content
• Brief and support senior staff within the relevant policy areas, such as to prepare for a speaking event, roundtable, or high-level stakeholder meeting
• Monitor political and parliamentary developments and flag relevant updates and opportunities for influencing public policy to senior team members
• Support internal team processes by monitoring an allocated set of information sources, providing content for the internal and external newsletters, ensuring information management systems are kept up to date and accurate (e.g. briefing pack, team calendar)
• Contributing to a collaborative and inclusive team culture
• Attend relevant external events on behalf of the team and support colleagues by taking notes, preparing summaries and sharing relevant insights

Person specification

​Essential​

• A strong commitment to improving outcomes for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, and an understanding of the barriers they face across education and employment
• Proven organisational skills and the ability to operate effectively in a busy office environment, including the ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and work across different projects simultaneously.
• Able to follow agreed processes, templates and guidance, maintaining accurate records and escalating issues early
• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to write copy for a range of audiences and formats based on complex content e.g. policy briefings, blogs, articles, website content and more, and willingness to seek feedback to improve clarity and impact
• Demonstrable record of building and maintaining effective working relationships across an organisation, working co-operatively as part of a team, welcomes feedback, and seeks clarification when tasks or priorities are unclear
• Strong IT Skills (Microsoft Office skills essential)
• Comfortable handling data, ensuring accuracy, and following data quality and confidentiality standards
• Interest in politics and UK public policy and enthusiasm for developing professional knowledge in this area
• A commitment to Impetus’ mission
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

Desirable​

• Experience supporting engagement with external stakeholders such as parliamentarians, civil servants, academics, researchers, and/or charity partners who influence and shape policy and its implementation (e.g. scheduling meetings, preparing briefings, drafting correspondence)
• Experience managing a CRM database or similar, ensuring information management systems are up to date
• Experience of leading and supporting event delivery and management including logistics, preparation, and coordinating inputs from colleagues

​About Impetus

At Impetus, our focus is on helping young people achieve positive education and employment outcomes to increase their chance of leading fulfilling and successful lives, irrespective of their background.​

We tackle the three most difficult challenges that affect a young person’s ability to succeed in life in Britain today: ​

- Lost learning through absence, suspensions, exclusions from school
- Stagnation in education attainment outcomes, which means many are missing out on key qualifications like GCSE English and maths
- The large numbers of young people out of education, training and employment ​

We use our deep expertise and high calibre networks to give the best non-profits working in these sectors the essential ingredients to have a real and lasting impact on the young people they serve.​

Through a powerful combination of long-term funding, direct capacity building support from our experienced team and our pro bono partners, alongside research and policy influencing to drive lasting systems change, we work towards a society where all young people can thrive in school, pass their exams and unlock the doors to sustained employment, for a fulfilling life. ​

We are resolutely focused on outcomes and impact, driven by quality evidence.​

You would be joining a team that is passionate, rigorous, determined, creative and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our portfolio partners and the young people we serve.​

Impetus is a registered charity and our charity number is 1152262.​

Our Values​

In 2022 the Impetus staff agreed the following set of Values to act as our guiding principles as an organisation and help us to remain focused on achieving our mission to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

We are brave and curious

We are bold and brave in our pursuit of better outcomes for young people. We lead with curiosity and stay open to new perspectives. We support one another to take considered risks and learn together.

We bring high trust, high challenge

We build strong, long-term relationships through honesty, kindness, integrity, and respect. We create the space for open, constructive challenge, where colleagues, partners and supporters feel safe to speak up, hold each other to account, and bring their best in pursuit of our mission.

We are evidence led and results driven for young people

We pursue excellence for the young people we work with, are wholly committed to better outcomes, unapologetically results driven, and accountable for our actions.

We thrive through diversity

We seek to embed diversity of thought, background and experience in every aspect of our work. We are open, thoughtful and proactive in better understanding and challenging our assumptions to better deliver the change we seek.

We always seek collaboration

We will not succeed alone. We seek meaningful, productive partnerships with others to achieve our mission and drive systems change for young people.

Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

We believe that a diverse workforce leads to an organisation that is more open, creative and gets better results.​

We want our team at Impetus to represent the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We also want our team to be one where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop.

We want to reach a diverse pool of candidates. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that potential employees may need to in order to be successful.​

We recognise the importance of a good work/life balance. We do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including working from home, working part-time job shares and other arrangements.​

Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore.​

Impetus is an equal opportunity employer and is determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We value diversity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

​Our employee benefits ​

Impetus appreciates the invaluable contribution made by all employees and wishes to encourage and reward loyalty, motivation and experience. We therefore offer a range of benefits and policies which aim to assist employees during various stages of their lives and careers. For more information on these, please download the job information pack from our website.

How to apply

Please click on the "Apply for this job" button.​

You will need to:​

- Complete the online form (including the equal opportunities monitoring form)
- Upload a comprehensive CV and supporting statement.​

The supporting statement should be no more than two sides of A4 and should address the criteria in the person specification.​

You should also include the contact details of two referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be approached with your express permission.​

As part of our commitment to flexible working we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at interview stage.​

The deadline for applications is Monday 9th March 2026, 11:59pm.​

Interviews:​

1st Interviews will take place on w/c 16th March 2026.

2nd Interviews will take place on w/c 23rd March 2026.​

You will also be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK.

Personal Data

Your personal data will be shared for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes our HR team, interviewers (who may include other partners in the project and independent advisors), relevant team managers and our IT service provider if access to the data is necessary for performance of their roles. We do not share your data with other third parties, unless your application for employment is successful and we make you an offer of employment. We will then share your data with former employers to obtain references for you. We do not transfer your data outside the European Economic Area.

This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled Policy Advisor (maternity cover) to join the Work Foundation at Lancaster University. At a time of big changes in the world of work, we are looking for a talented individual who shares our goal to tackle structural inequalities in the UK labour market.

About you

The ideal candidate will be able to undertake research and policy analysis, help secure and manage funded research projects and clearly communicate complex issues to a range of audiences. Experience of building effective internal and external relationships with a wide range of groups including civil servants, academics, politicians, business leaders and workers will be a particular advantage.

The Policy Advisor will support the research team to deliver valuable new quantitative and qualitative evidence and insights. We are ambitious about delivering research that has a positive impact in society, and work closely with workers, employers and policymakers to realise that goal.

Working with us

We are a small, friendly and collaborative team. Flexible working is important to us at the Work Foundation and we’re open to candidates who would like to work flexible hours, part-time, or job share.

This role can either be London based at our office in Fetter Lane or based at the Lancaster University campus, with a hybrid working arrangement. Our team tend to work part of the week at home, and part of the week on site.

Benefits include a defined benefit pension with the USS Scheme, generous holiday entitlement (25 days plus five university closure days between Christmas and Easter), a Cycle to Work Scheme, a confidential Employee Assistance Programme and a range of other benefits and discounts.

Further information

This is a maternity cover position for 10-months with a potential to be extended, but this is not guaranteed. Please note: it is the normal expectation of Lancaster University that the chosen candidate will be appointed to the minimum point of that grade. Key details:

Salary: £39,906 to £46,049 (+ £3,506 London Weighting, pro-rata - if applicable)
Contract: Full time, 10-month fixed-term contract
Location: London or Lancaster
Closing Date: 23.59, Thursday 5 March 2026
Interview Date: Monday 16 March 2026
Reference: 0020-26

If you would like to discuss this role before applying, please contact Alice Martin (Head of Research), with any questions.

To view the full Job Description and apply, please visit our website.

About the Work Foundation at Lancaster University

We believe everyone should have access to secure, rewarding and high-quality work. By engaging directly with workers, employers, policymakers and leading academics, we deliver rigorous applied research to tackle structural inequalities in the labour market and improve working lives across the UK.

About Lancaster University

Lancaster University is among the best in the UK. A top 15 university in the three major UK league tables, we are also highly ranked in international league tables such as the QS World Rankings. It has been recognised as a Stonewall Diversity Champion and a Disability Confident employer, and holds an Athena Swan Bronze Award for advancing the careers of women in higher education. The university has several networks focussed on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, including a Race Equality Network, an LGBT+ staff network and a Parents and Carers’ network.

Terms and conditions

Please note we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position. No agencies please.

Leukaemia UK – Our Charity

We are a ‘small but mighty’ charity with one big ambition: to stop leukaemia devastating lives. Over the next 10 years we want to help save and improve the lives of more people with leukaemia through finding and funding life-changing research and campaigning for change.

Despite progress in recent decades, someone in the UK is diagnosed with a blood cancer every 16 minutes and survival rates are among some of the worst of any cancer.  And the physical and psychological impact can be lifelong. 

Our current 5-year strategy outlines our plan to increase our investment into ground-breaking world class research and policy development focused on improving access to kinder, more effective diagnosis, treatment and care for leukaemia and other blood cancers. To do this, we have embarked on a period of significant growth, investing strategically to grow our income, profile, influence, and engagement and impact.

We are seeking an experienced, driven and passionate Head of Philanthropy to lead on delivering income from our High Value (HV) audiences and income streams. We are looking for someone with energy and ambition, who can demonstrate strategic leadership to maximise fundraising opportunities across Major Giving, Trusts and Foundations, Special Events and Corporate Partnerships. The post holder will be a key part of the Fundraising Leadership Team, helping to grow our supporter networks, optimise supporter experience and contributing to the development of the overall fundraising growth strategy, at this crucial stage as we complete the current cycle and move into our new 5-year strategy period in 2027.

Team

We are a close-knit team, who are all passionate about Leukaemia UK and putting those affected by the disease at the heart of everything we do.  We are all focused on “keeping it real” with pragmatic, practical solutions, as well as ensuring that our charity maximises voluntary income to invest in more life-changing research, so that we can continue to have impact for those with a leukaemia diagnosis.

From us you can expect all the laughter you can handle, as well as great challenge and support. We are all about delivering exceptional supporter experience and making a real difference to people’s lives.

You will be part of an ambitious fundraising team driving growth across the portfolio, so we can fund more leukaemia research and save more lives from this devastating disease. You will report to the Director of Fundraising, working alongside the Head of Public Fundraising, and collaborating across the wider organisation to ensure fundraising aligns with our organisational priorities and values (Bold, Collaborative, Curious) and feels insight-driven, strategic and competitive in a crowded marketplace.

Leukaemia UK and You 

In 2025 we invested in growing our fundraising team so that we could fund more life-changing research, to increase our understanding of leukemia as a disease, and accelerate the development of kinder, more effective treatments. This included investment to grow the Philanthropy fundraising team, develop new fundraising products, increase our supporter networks, and build a stronger pipeline. As a result, we have seen significant year-on-year growth for a charity of our size and are keen to maintain this trajectory with the opportunities in front of us.

We are in the final year of our current 5-year organisational strategy cycle and in the process of developing our new 5-year fundraising strategy, so you will be instrumental in bridging the gap, delivering against agreed income targets for 2026 and driving forward new plans into 2027. 

Reporting to the Director of Fundraising, the post holder will at times be required to work both strategically and operationally, autonomously and collaboratively, as a critical member of the Fundraising Leadership Team.  You will be results-driven with an appetite to innovate and drive continuous improvement, leading to increased conversions, deepened relationships, and long-term high value support to upscale our research programme.

Skills and Experience

• Previous experience of being a Head of Philanthropy, demonstrating strategic leadership with a remit that includes oversight of a broad High Value fundraising portfolio, across multiple income streams.
• Experience of applying the principles of Philanthropy fundraising to develop and nurture a growing pipeline of 5- and 6-figure gift opportunities for supporters able to give at the highest levels.
• Experience of managing engaging Major Giving and Trusts & Foundations fundraising programmes to generate a warm pipeline of 5- and 6-figure gifts.
• Experience of overseeing a Special Events programme, comprising both fundraising and cultivation events.
• Experience of overseeing a Corporate partnerships portfolio and representing the charity at a senior level.
• Demonstrable experience of managing a high-performing team, focussing on creating a culture where people thrive as individuals.
• Strong experience of building effective relationships with internal and external partners, senior stakeholders and suppliers, leading on the key relationships for the charity. 
• Strong written and oral communication skills with a real talent for connecting and influencing people at all levels.
• Strong project-management experience, including managing budgets, schedules, creative development, and supplier relationships for fundraising events and campaigns.
• Proven experience of driving effective High Value stewardship programmes to maximise supporter experience.
• Great listening skills and the ability to interpret the needs of individuals, teams, and organisations.
• Ability to think through complex issues and produce evidenced-based judgements.
• Experience of setting and managing annual budgets, monitoring, and reconciling results and financial performance in income and expenditure. Providing associated narratives and monthly reforecasts.
• Working to a wide range of financial and non-financial KPIs set in annual activity plans. 
• Ability to work well cross-organisationally, recognising different teams’ priorities and workloads.
• Entrepreneurial and results-led, with the ability to lead programmes of fundraising activity, with strategic, well thought through resourcing to deliver growth.

Knowledge

• Excellent specialist knowledge of the principals and methods underpinning successful Philanthropy fundraising and stakeholder management across Major Giving, Trusts and Corporate partnerships.
• Up-to-date knowledge of current fundraising trends.
• High level knowledge of Salesforce CRM and how best to steward supporters.
• High level knowledge and understanding of charity law in relation to legacy fundraising, GDPR, PECR, data protection and other relevant fundraising regulation.

Role specifics

• Hours: 0.8 FTE are 30 hours per week – days and times to be agreed
• 12 months fixed term contract – maternity cover
• Location: We are very flexible! Whilst our hybrid working policy is a minimum of two days per month in our London office, for this role we would typically expect the role holder to be in the office once a week.   
• Salary range £55,000 - £65,000 (FTE)

Applications

If you feel you have the passion for our work and the right mix of experience, skills, energy, and flair to embrace this broad and challenging leadership role and enable our strategy to fly, then we would love you to apply. Please also see the full job description attached to the advert.

• First interviews will be held via Teams Monday 16th and Tuesday 17th March 2026
• Second interviews will be face to face in our London Offices – at 26 Great Queen St, London WC2B 5Bl on either Tuesday 24th or Wednesday 25th March 2026
• We are proud of our benefits – see a summary on our website in the section Work With Us

Application instructions: To minimise unconscious bias, we use anonymous recruitment and are unable to consider direct applications. Please apply via the CharityJob website with your CV and covering letter.

Closing Date: Midnight Sunday 8th March 2026

I look forward to hearing from you! 

Holly Hastings-Payne

Director of Fundraising