Senior challenge events executive jobs

Join the award-winning Independent Society of Musicians
Central London – Senior Communications Officer Full time – £35k to £40k DOE

The ISM is now looking for an experienced and talented Senior Communications Officer to join our team, reporting to the Head of Sales & Marketing. This is an exciting opportunity for an outstanding writer and communications professional to help raise the profile of the ISM, promote the value of membership and engage professional musicians through high-quality content and campaigns.
You will lead on the planning, writing, editing and publication of content across a wide range of channels, including the ISM website, newsletters, publications, marketing materials and external media. You will be responsible for developing compelling and persuasive content that supports membership growth, strengthens the ISM brand and communicates the organisation's work effectively to members and the wider music sector.
You will also play a key role in managing the ISM's content strategy and SEO activity, working closely with the Website and Marketing Manager to improve content performance, increase visibility and attract new audiences through search. This will include content planning, keyword research, link-building activity and reporting on performance and engagement.
Working collaboratively across the organisation, you will identify opportunities to showcase the work of the ISM Group, including its campaigns, events, resources, legal services and thought leadership. You will also work closely with the Chief Executive on the production of Music Journal, secure profile-raising opportunities for senior representatives and support the development of speeches, presentations and briefing materials.
You will have significant experience in a communications, content, copywriting or marketing role and be able to demonstrate exceptional writing, editing and proofreading skills. You will have experience of producing engaging content for a variety of audiences and channels, alongside a strong understanding of content marketing, brand management and SEO best practice. If possible, you should have a music background. 
You will be joining a professional and committed staff team based in Bayswater, London. This is an excellent opportunity for a creative and proactive communications professional who wants to make a real impact in a leading organisation supporting musicians across the UK.

For a full job description for this role please visit our website. 

To apply please send a CV and covering letter saying why you are right the person for the job 

Closing date is Tuesday 1st September at 8.30am. First interviews will take place face-to-face on Tuesday 8th September. Applications generated by AI will not be considered.

Ambition Aspire Achieve is seeking an exceptional, values-led Chief Executive to lead our much-loved children and young people’s charity into its next chapter.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a practical, relationship-based and strongly rooted Newham charity that makes a real difference to children, young people and families facing disadvantage, vulnerability, SEND, disability or risk.

Founded in 2016 by Kevin Jenkins OBE, Ambition Aspire Achieve has grown from a small number of projects at the Terence Brown Arc in the Park into a well-established charity working across Newham. Today, AAA supports nearly 1,000 children and young people each year through its hubs, with many more reached through outreach, schools-based work and community programmes.

Our work is grounded in the belief that every child and young person should be able to enjoy their childhood, overcome barriers, build confidence and develop the skills and self-belief to achieve positive futures. We deliver a broad programme of support including after-school clubs, holiday programmes, youth clubs, SEND activities, mentoring, outdoor learning, sports, family days, residentials, detached youth work, schools-based youth safety work, community events and targeted family support.

This is an exciting and important moment in AAA’s journey. Following a period of growth, the charity is now focused on consolidation, quality and long-term sustainability. We are financially stable, well regarded and deeply rooted locally, with strong relationships across funders, schools, corporate partners, local agencies and community organisations.

The next Chief Executive will provide clear, steady and values-led leadership, working closely with the Chair and Board of Trustees. They will lead and support the staff team, strengthen organisational sustainability, maintain and develop partnerships, champion safeguarding and inclusion, and ensure children and young people remain at the heart of every decision.

As AAA does not currently have a dedicated senior fundraising post, the Chief Executive will also play a central role in securing and maintaining the income needed to sustain and develop the charity’s work. This will include trusts and foundations, statutory funding, corporate partnerships, individual donors, appeals and wider supporter engagement.

We are looking for someone who can combine strategic leadership with practical operational understanding. You may already be a Chief Executive, or you may be an experienced senior leader ready to step into your first Chief Executive role. What matters most is your ability to lead with clarity, care and resilience; build trusted relationships; secure income; uphold strong governance; and keep AAA’s values at the centre of how the charity works.

AAA’s values are Committed, Caring, Collaborative and Creative. We are looking for a leader who can live these values, promote a positive and inclusive culture, and help ensure AAA remains strong, responsive and ambitious for the children, young people and families who need us most.

This is not a turnaround role, but it is a significant leadership opportunity. The successful candidate will inherit a respected and impactful charity with strong foundations, while also leading it through a more challenging external funding environment and into its next phase of development.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Leadership

· Lead and evolve Back Up's Partnerships strategy aligned to organisational objectives.

· Identify opportunities to diversify and grow income across corporate, trusts, statutory and commercial partnerships.

· Contribute to fundraising strategy, budgeting and business planning.

· Monitor KPIs, income targets and pipeline performance.

· Prepare reports and forecasts for senior leadership and trustees.

· Act as core member of the Fundraising Leadership Team.

Corporate Partnerships

· Develop an ambitious corporate partnerships programme.

· Personally secure and steward high-value partnerships.

· Develop compelling partnership propositions.

· Build and manage a robust prospect pipeline.

· Explore sponsorship, commercial collaborations, and pro bono opportunities.

Trusts, Foundations and Statutory Funding

· Oversee the statutory, trusts, and foundations programme.

· Lead the development of high value, complex funding applications.

· Support compelling funding applications across funders.

· Identify new funding opportunities.

· Ensure timely, high-quality reporting and stewardship.

Special Events

· Provide strategic oversight of special events fundraising, for example: Front Row Fashion, the City Dinner, and the Back Up Ball.

· Support the Special Events Manager to maximise income, sponsorship and engagement.

Leadership and People Management

· Lead, coach and develop a high-performing team.

· Foster an inclusive and collaborative culture.

· Set objectives and support professional development, including through mentoring, coaching, and training.

Relationship Management

· Build relationships with partners, trustees and stakeholders.

· Represent Back Up externally.

· Work collaboratively across the organisation.

· Ensure partnerships align with Back Up's values and ethical fundraising principles.

Planning, Performance and Governance

· Manage budgets, forecasts and income pipelines.

· Maintain accurate CRM records.

· Analyse performance and recommend improvements.

· Ensure compliance with fundraising regulation and organisational policies.

· Support the ethical and responsible use of AI and other technologies across the charity to support our ability to deliver for people with spinal cord injury.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Experience

· Significant experience securing a wide variety of high-value corporate partnerships, statutory, and trust funding.

· Track record of delivering 7 figure income targets.

· Experience leading fundraising or business development teams.

· Experience developing fundraising or commercial strategies.

· Experience managing fundraising special events.

· Experience managing senior stakeholder relationships.

· Experience managing KPIs, budgets, and forecasts.

Essential Knowledge and Skills

· Excellent influencing, negotiation and relationship-building skills.

· Outstanding written communication and presentation skills.

· Strategic thinking and commercial awareness.

· Strong project management and organisational skills.

· Ability to use data and CRM systems to inform decisions.

· Collaborative leadership style.

Desirable

· Knowledge of disability or spinal cord injury.

· Experience with Power BI, Canva, Mailchimp or Asana.

The above list is not exclusive or exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such duties as may reasonably be expected within the scope of this role.

About the role

We’re seeking a senior media and PR manager (fundraising and brand) to join our talented and ambitious media and PR team at an exciting time of growth for the charity.

As part of our 2025-2030 organisational strategy, we have ambitious plans to increase awareness, understanding, trust and engagement, to support the impact we can have for people affected by breast cancer and this role will play a key part in helping realise these ambitions.

You’ll lead all media and PR activity around Breast Cancer Now’s fundraising and brand marketing, developing and leading delivery of bold and ambitious annual media strategies for these areas that support the charity to supercharge progress for anyone affected by breast cancer. You’ll ensure all plans are tightly aligned to the charity’s strategic ambitions and integrated across owned, earned, shared and paid channels for consistency and greatest impact.

You’ll build media profile that positions Breast Cancer Now as determined leaders and as the ‘charity partner of choice’, raising awareness, engagement and support among actual and potential supporters across our fundraising activity, from our wide range of fundraising challenge events and flagship campaigns, to driving excellent results for corporate partnerships around shared values and targets in a way that makes us an aspirational charity to partner with.

Leading media and PR for our brand marketing activity, you’ll work closely with the brand marketing team and have a unique opportunity to work closely with our world/industry leading brand marketing agency to provide counsel and support the shaping of creative media and PR activity that best amplifies the charity’s brand across the year. Key to this role is ensuring relevant internal stakeholders are brought in where appropriate.

You’ll also play a key part in supporting the day-to-day leadership of the wider media and PR team.

About you

Excellent at building and nurturing impactful relationships both internally and externally at all levels, you’ll be an effective negotiator with the ability to balance complex and sensitive needs across stakeholders (including corporate partners, agencies, fundraisers, and journalists) to secure media profile that cuts through and resonates with key audiences. You’ll also be a sensitive in your interactions with people affected by breast cancer who support our work.

Drawing on strong experience of working in health communications, and media/PR relations environments, you’ll digest and translate complex health information and create compelling copy at pace for media. With an instinctive news sense you’ll identify and be quick to seize proactive and reactive opportunities to secure impactful media profile. 

A creative thinker, you’ll bring fresh ideas and bold thinking to help elevate the charity’s brand, cutting through the media noise with smart, stand-out storytelling. You’ll be agile in feeding into and delivering campaign ideas that make an impact.

A natural planner with a strategic mindset, you’ll work closely with colleagues to forward plan and consider the bigger picture while ensuring tight alignment and consistency across all communications output. Your ability to prioritise multiple and complex projects and handle conflicting demands and tight deadlines will also be key to the success of your team.

Job description and benefits

The job description and our attractive benefits are available for you to download.

Primary location of role and hybrid working

This role is primarily based in our London office. Our hybrid working model allows you to work up to 3 days per week at home.

The salary range is: £47,000 and £52,000 per annum

When applying

We hope you choose to apply for this role. To support your application, you’ll be asked to submit your anonymised CV and a supporting statement online. Please refer to the essential criteria on the person specification and clearly provide as much information as you can with examples, to demonstrate how and where you meet the criteria.

Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

We’re committed to promoting equity, valuing diversity and creating an inclusive environment – for everyone who works for us, works with us, supports us and who
we support.

We reserve the right to close this advert early. Therefore, to avoid disappointment please submit your application as soon as possible, if you’re interested in this opportunity.

Closing date: Friday 14 August 2026

Interview date week commencing 23 August 2026

Join an aspirational community where your personal impact will be recognised, celebrated, and felt for years to come.

This role is for someone who can design and deliver a major gifts programme that secures five- and six-figure philanthropic gifts to expand bursaries and campus facilities at Cranleigh. You will lead high-value relationship-building, translate strategic campaign goals into personalised appeals, and create stewardship that demonstrates measurable impact to donors.

What you'll be doing

• Shape campaign strategy with the Director of Development and Senior Leadership, translating strategic priorities into prospect journeys and solicitation plans.
• Manage a portfolio of high-net-worth individuals end-to-end: identification, cultivation, solicitation and long-term stewardship aimed at five- and six-figure gifts.
• Develop insight-led stewardship and reporting that shows donors the impact of their gifts and encourages ongoing support.
• Build strong internal partnerships across academic departments, boarding, alumni and trustees to identify funding opportunities and create joined-up donor experiences.
• Support events and donor-facing activities that deepen engagement and raise the profile of priority projects.

What we're looking for

Essential 

You will excel at cultivating prospective relationships into philanthropic income, delivering impact-focused stewardship, and presenting persuasively to senior stakeholders. Solid experience with fundraising CRMs and donor data protection is required.

Desirable 

Ideally, you bring background experience in education (schools or HE), capital campaigns, or bursary fundraising, alongside familiarity with platforms like Raiser’s Edge or ToucanTech and alumni or volunteer networks.

About the team

You will report to the Director of Development and work closely with a small fundraising team and the Fundraising Operations Manager. Expect close support for strategy-setting and practical delivery, and direct involvement in high-profile donor meetings and events.

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape and lead a major gift programme with visible institutional backing.
• Work on an attractive campus in the Surrey Hills within an active day and boarding school community.
• Competitive benefits package

About us

Cranleigh is an independent day and boarding school based in the Surrey Hills. The school is expanding campus facilities and increasing bursary provision to broaden access to a Cranleigh education.

Cranleigh offers a supportive community environment and also a wide range of benefits. 

For further details about the role and to apply, please click apply which will take you to our website.

Candidates are requested to submit a brief letter of application (no more than one side of A4), together with the online application and supported by a full CV (via the ‘Apply now’ button on the website) as soon as possible and no later than 9:00 am 1st September. Applications are considered as they are received and therefore the vacancy may close sooner than advertised.

Cranleigh School recognises the positive value of diversity, promotes equality and challenges discrimination. We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds.

All applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  The post holder will be subject to a DBS check.

Senior Events Manager (Maternity Cover) | Immediate Start Available

Central London | Hybrid | Part-Time (21 Hours) £28005 pro rata | 9-Month Fixed-Term Contract

Lead fundraising events that make a real difference.

We're recruiting on behalf of a leading national charity for an experienced Senior Events Manager to join its fundraising team on a 9-month maternity cover.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a portfolio of high-profile fundraising events, manage an Events Executive, and help develop new fundraising initiatives that deliver an exceptional supporter experience.

The Role

You'll take responsibility for planning and delivering fundraising events from concept to completion, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and achieve participation and fundraising targets.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, delivery and evaluation of fundraising events.

• Manage budgets, timelines, suppliers and event logistics.

• Drive participant recruitment and maximise fundraising income.

• Build strong relationships with supporters, volunteers and stakeholders.

• Deliver engaging supporter communications across multiple channels.

• Line manage and support the Events Executive.

• Identify opportunities to improve event performance and processes.

About You

You'll have:

• Experience managing fundraising or large-scale events.

• A proven track record of delivering projects on time and within budget.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

• Experience using Microsoft Office and event management or CRM systems.

• A proactive, solutions-focused approach.

What's on Offer?

• £28,005 per annum (pro rata)

• Hybrid working in Central London

• Part-time, 21 hours per week

• 9-month fixed-term contract

• Immediate start available

• Employer pension contribution

• Income protection scheme

• TOIL for additional hours worked

• A rewarding opportunity to support a nationally recognised charitable organisation

Key Dates

Application deadline: 12 August 2026

Interviews: 18 August 2026

Early applications are encouraged.

Apply Now

If you're an experienced Events Manager looking for your next challenge, we'd love to hear from you.

Submit your CV today to be considered.

Senior Events Manager (Maternity Cover) | Immediate Start Available

Victoria, London | Hybrid | Part-Time (21 Hours) £28,005 pro rata | 9-Month Fixed-Term Contract

Lead fundraising events that make a real difference.

We're recruiting on behalf of a prestigious national charity for an experienced Senior Events Manager to join their successful fundraising team on a 9-month maternity cover.

Working within a team that raises over £3.5 million annually, you'll lead the charity's flagship virtual fundraising challenge, Operation Bletchley, oversee delivery of the London Marathon programme through line management of the Events Executive, and help develop new fundraising initiatives.

The Role

You'll take responsibility for planning and delivering high-quality fundraising events that exceed participation and income targets while providing an outstanding supporter experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead fundraising events from planning through to delivery and evaluation.

• Manage budgets, timelines, suppliers and event logistics.

• Drive participant recruitment and maximise fundraising income.

• Build strong relationships with supporters, volunteers and stakeholders.

• Deliver engaging supporter communications across multiple channels.

• Line manage and support the Events Executive.

• Identify opportunities to improve event performance and processes.

About You

You'll have:

• Experience managing fundraising or large-scale events.

• A proven track record of delivering projects on time and within budget.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

• Experience using Microsoft Office and event management or CRM systems.

• A proactive, solutions-focused approach.

What's on Offer?

• £28,005 per annum (pro rata)

• Hybrid working in Victoria, London

• Part-time, 21 hours per week

• 9-month fixed-term contract

• Immediate start available

• Employer pension contribution

• Income protection scheme

• TOIL for additional hours worked

• The chance to deliver nationally recognised fundraising events for an outstanding cause

Key Dates

Application deadline: 12 August 2026

Interviews: 18 August 2026

Early applications are encouraged.

Apply Now

If you're an experienced Events Manager looking for your next challenge, we'd love to hear from you.

Submit your CV today to be considered.

Role Overview:
The Talent Set are delighted to partner with our client on a fantastic Virtual Events Executive role. This position involves managing and developing virtual fundraising events, engaging supporters, and driving income to support the charity’s vital work.

Key Responsibilities:

• End-to-end project management of virtual challenges, including planning, organisation, and delivery, ensuring successful outcomes and participant engagement.
• Developing and executing marketing plans, with a focus on digital channels, to maximise event participation and income.
• Coordinating the creation of marketing content, liaising with internal teams and external suppliers to produce accurate and effective promotional materials.
• Analysing performance metrics, preparing comprehensive evaluations, and providing insights for continuous improvement.
• Building strong collaborative relationships internally across fundraising, marketing, and data teams, whilst negotiating externally to secure value and resources.
• Managing supporter stewardship plans to foster loyalty, maximise gifts, and enhance supporter experiences.
• Overseeing volunteer support, including recruiting, training, and moderating Facebook Champions assisting with participant stewardship.
• Ensuring all activities comply with relevant regulations, including data protection and fundraising codes of practice.
• Monitoring sector trends and making recommendations to expand and diversify the virtual events portfolio.

Person Specification:

• Proven experience in fundraising, supporter engagement, or event management, preferably within the charity sector.
• Effective project management skills, with the ability to deliver multiple initiatives on time and within budget.
• Strong understanding of digital marketing channels and supporter engagement techniques.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of producing compelling content and maintaining positive relationships.
• Analytical mindset, with the ability to assess campaign performance and implement improvements.
• Organised and proactive, with a focus on delivering high-quality supporter experiences.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work collaboratively across teams.
• A commitment to the values of inclusivity, diversity, and the organisation’s mission to support those living with the condition.

What’s on Offer:

• Salary: £33,000 - £35,000
• Location: Hybrid – Central London
• Contract: Permanent

How to Apply:
To apply, please submit your CV demonstrating your suitability for this role by clicking the 'apply now' button (please do not apply via email). We aim to get back to all successful candidates within 48 working hours.

Commitment to Diversity:
The Talent Set are committed to diverse and inclusive recruitment practices, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability, or age. We actively encourage applications from a wide range of backgrounds and are always happy to make reasonable adjustments to ensure a fair recruitment process.

York Travellers Trust (YTT) is seeking an inspiring, values-led Chief Executive to lead our organisation through its next stage of development.

We work alongside the vibrant and resourceful Gypsy and Traveller communities of York and the surrounding area. We challenge discrimination and inequality, increase opportunities and life chances, and build bridges that promote understanding and community cohesion.

As Chief Executive, you will provide strategic leadership and hold overall responsibility for YTT’s performance, financial sustainability, governance, safeguarding and organisational development.

Working closely with our Board, staff and community members, you will:

• shape and deliver YTT’s strategic direction;
• strengthen our financial sustainability and develop new income opportunities;
• ensure our services remain effective, safe and responsive;
• build influential relationships with communities, funders, partners and policymakers;
• champion the rights, needs and aspirations of Gypsy and Traveller communities; and
• embed sociocratic and democratic ways of working so that community voices genuinely shape our decisions.

We are looking for an experienced senior leader with a strong commitment to equality, social justice and community empowerment. You will have experience of leading in a charity, community organisation, public service or another values-led environment.

You will understand the strengths, needs and systemic barriers experienced by Gypsy and Traveller communities, gained through direct work with these communities or substantial experience alongside other marginalised groups.

You will combine strategic thinking with a collaborative, authentic and hands-on leadership style. You will also bring experience of managing people, working with a Board, overseeing finances, securing income and representing an organisation externally.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a trusted community organisation at an important point in its development. If you share our ambition for an inclusive, community-led and sustainable future, we would be delighted to hear from you.

We are very interested to hear from the Gypsy and Traveller Community and applications will be most welcome.

If you aer interested in the role but would like less hours than 37 then please let us know in your application.

Help tell the stories that bring joy to seriously ill children.

Rays of Sunshine is looking for a creative, sensitive and confident Senior Communications Officer to help bring our work to life through powerful storytelling, media engagement and compelling content.

This is an exciting opportunity to join us as we launch our new five-year strategy, refreshed brand and new website. You’ll play a key role in helping us share the stories of seriously ill children, young people and their families, raising awareness of our work and inspiring more people to support Rays of Sunshine.

As our Senior Communications Officer, you’ll act as our story development lead, working directly with children, young people and families to sensitively capture the moments that demonstrate the impact of our work. You’ll develop case studies, coordinate photography and filming, create content for social media, website, press and email marketing, and help ensure our storytelling is handled with care, consent and integrity.

You’ll also support PR and media activity, build relationships with journalists, identify media opportunities, draft press releases and case studies, and help coordinate activity involving families, colleagues, ambassadors, celebrities and high-profile supporters.

Alongside this, you’ll support our Wish Ambassador programme, celebrity and influencer engagement, digital communications, social media, website content and wider communications campaigns. This is a varied, hands-on role in a small and ambitious team, with the opportunity to make a real and lasting impact.

We’re looking for someone with excellent writing and storytelling skills, strong editorial judgement and the ability to build trusted relationships with families, journalists, ambassadors, celebrities and colleagues. You’ll be warm, organised, proactive and passionate about putting children’s voices at the heart of communications.

Rays of Sunshine has recently been recognised as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026, reflecting our positive, values-led culture and commitment to supporting our people.

Help build a future where our ocean and sea turtles thrive

The Olive Ridley Project is a UK-registered international conservation charity dedicated to protecting sea turtles and their habitats through rescue & conservation medicine, scientific research, education & community engagement.

Since our founding in 2013, we've grown into a leading voice for sea turtle conservation, delivering programmes across the Maldives, Kenya, Oman, Pakistan, and the Seychelles. We operate one of the largest sea turtle photo-identification databases in the Indian Ocean, provide specialist veterinary care to injured sea turtles at three clinical facilities in the Maldives, and work with governments, communities, and businesses to create lasting conservation impact.

As we enter an exciting new phase, we're looking for an experienced fundraiser to help strengthen and diversify our income so we can achieve even more.

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious fundraiser who is ready to take the next step in their career.

You may already be working as a Senior Fundraising Manager, or perhaps you're an experienced Corporate Partnerships, Trusts or Major Donor fundraiser looking for your first broader fundraising leadership role.

Working closely with our CEO, you'll help deliver our fundraising strategy while remaining hands-on in securing income from corporate partners, trusts and foundations, and major donors. A particular focus will be developing our corporate partnerships programme and building long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with businesses.

As our fundraising function continues to grow, you'll have genuine opportunities to shape our approach, influence strategic decisions, and expand your own responsibilities.

About you

We're looking for someone who is ambitious, proactive, and passionate about building meaningful relationships.

You'll bring:

• A successful track record of securing significant income through one or more fundraising disciplines.
• Experience developing corporate partnerships and/or securing funding from trusts, foundations, or major donors.
• Excellent relationship management, communication, and proposal writing skills.
• Confidence engaging with senior stakeholders and supporters.
• A collaborative approach and the ability to work independently in a fully remote team.
• A desire to develop professionally while making a meaningful contribution to an ambitious conservation charity.

Why join us?

This is a chance to play a key role in an ambitious international charity where your work will directly support the protection of threatened sea turtles and their ocean habitats.

You'll join a passionate, collaborative international team and have the opportunity to help shape the future of fundraising within a growing organisation.

We offer

• Salary up to £38,000 per annum depending on experience.
• Fully remote working within the UK.
• Flexible working arrangements, 37.5 hours per week.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Employer pension contribution.
• Opportunities for occasional UK and international travel.
• A supportive international team committed to making a lasting conservation impact.
• The opportunity to help protect threatened sea turtles and the marine ecosystems they depend on.

For full details about the role, responsibilities, benefits, and recruitment process, please read the Candidate Information Pack before applying.

This post is subject to a standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

The Olive Ridley Project is committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity or expression, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Join Challengers as Community Events and Partnerships Manager to play a key role in growing sustainable income and supporter engagement for the charity.

Location: Hybrid / Guilford (3 days per week in office)

Applications close: 9 a.m. Monday 10th August 2026

About Challengers

For almost 50 years, Challengers has been transforming the lives of disabled children and young people through inclusive play. We break down barriers, reduce isolation, support families, and provide respite and community when it’s needed most.

Nearly 1 in 5 children has a SEND need, yet many are excluded from school, play and community life, lacking safe spaces to connect and belong. This leads to isolation for children and intense pressure on families. Children become isolated, missing out on vital opportunities to develop confidence, friendship and independence. Parents are facing exhaustion, declining mental health and often being forced to give up work.

Challengers exists to break this cycle, creating inclusive, community-based spaces and providing services where disabled children and their families are supported. From play and youth schemes to family days and parent carer training and three alternative provision sites, our work tackles inclusion at its root by focusing on belonging, connection and dignity.

About the role

As the Community Events and Partnerships Manager, you will play a key role in growing sustainable income and supporter engagement for Challengers.

Leading the community, corporate & events team, you will be responsible for developing and delivering an ambitious programme of community fundraising, challenge events, partnerships and supporter engagement activities.

You will ensure supporters receive an exceptional experience throughout their journey with Challengers, building long-term relationships that maximise impact, retention and income.

Working collaboratively across the fundraising, communications and service delivery teams, you will identify opportunities to strengthen supporter engagement, raise the profile of Challengers and support the delivery of organisational fundraising objectives.

Acting as an enthusiastic ambassador for Challengers, you will represent the charity at fundraising, networking and community events and help build meaningful relationships with supporters, volunteers, local organisations and partners.

Who we are looking for

We seek a relationship-focused fundraising professional who thrives on bringing people together to make a tangible difference. You’ll be passionate about creating exceptional supporter experiences, building lasting relationships and delivering engaging fundraising activities that inspire individuals, communities and corporate partners to support our mission.

You’ll have experience of managing successful fundraising or engagement events, corporate partnerships and delivering community fundraising programmes which deliver on ambitious income targets.

Above all, you’ll be a collaborative and supportive team player who shares our commitment to delivering outstanding supporter experiences. You’ll be inspired by Challengers’ mission, embrace the social model of disability and be motivated by the opportunity to help create a world where disabled children and young people can play, learn and thrive without barriers.

Please click on the link to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you will find full details of the role and how to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 10th August 2026.

About the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

For over 50 years, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust has been at the forefront of wildlife conservation in Kenya. Founded on the extraordinary work of Dame Daphne Sheldrick, we are best known for our orphaned elephant rescue and rehabilitation programme – the most successful of its kind in the world. Our work has grown to encompass anti-poaching, habitat protection, community conservation and long-term field programmes across East Africa.

We have a global community of passionate supporters, a powerful brand, and a cause that genuinely moves people. Our UK charity facilitates the global elephant adoption programme, leads on UK fundraising, and connects supporters everywhere with the animals and landscapes they love.

The Opportunity

This is a new and significant appointment for SWT UK. We are looking for a Director of Development to develop and lead our UK fundraising strategy – taking ownership of income generation across all streams, donor communications and supporter stewardship, and managing a team of three talented fundraising professionals.

Our individual supporter base is large globally – growing in UK – loyal and deeply engaged: many give through our elephant adoption programme, which connects them directly with named animals in our care. We are now ready to build on this engaged supporter base and develop it into a structured individual giving programme – with mid-level giving pathways, major donor cultivation, systematic stewardship and deeper philanthropic relationships. That is the central challenge and opportunity of this role.

We also have active corporate and trust relationships, a legacy programme in development, and real potential to grow income from European and international funders. The Director of Development will take ownership of all of this – hands on and strategic in equal measure.

What You Will Do

• Develop and implement a new UK fundraising strategy, establishing clear priorities, income targets and programmes that will drive growth through to 2030 and beyond
• Develop and implement a UK individual giving programme – building on our adoption base to create structured giving journeys, mid-level and major donor cultivation, and meaningful stewardship
• Manage the UK fundraising budget, set and monitor income targets across all streams, and report regularly to the Executive Director on performance and ROI
• Take day-to-day ownership of corporate and trust relationships, writing reports, proposals and partner communications
• Build a major donor programme from the ground up, identifying and cultivating high-value individual prospects
• Develop legacy marketing activity, working alongside our existing legacy administrator and Freewill partnership
• Manage and inspire a team of three: Communications and Fundraising Manager, Retail Manager and Supporter Care Officer, and Fundraising Support Officer
• Oversee the donor database (Donorfy), ensuring data quality and insight-driven decision making
• Explore opportunities to grow income from European and international donors
• Contribute to the global income picture, including through improved donor stewardship and deeper supporter engagement
• Support the growth of SWT's profile and visibility in the UK through press opportunities, social media, and other channels.

About You

We are looking for a fundraiser who loves the craft – someone who is energised by building relationships, writing a compelling proposal, developing a giving programme from scratch, and ensuring every supporter feels genuinely valued. This is a hands-on role as much as a leadership one, and the right person will be comfortable doing both.

• Proven track record in fundraising, with demonstrable success securing income from individuals, trusts or corporates – including five-figure gifts and above
• Experience developing individual giving programmes, including mid-level or major donor cultivation
• A hands-on practitioner – comfortable writing proposals, reports and donor communications yourself
• Experience managing a small fundraising team with warmth, clarity and accountability
• Strong relationship management and stewardship skills
• Experience working with a donor CRM and using data to inform fundraising decisions
• Comfortable in a building role – excited by developing programmes that don't yet exist
• Experience managing fundraising budgets and producing income forecasts and performance reports.
• Genuine passion for wildlife conservation – this role is for someone who cares about the cause
• Committed to in-person working – we believe day-to-day presence and collaboration produces better outcomes for our donors and our team, and ask for a minimum of three days per week at our Billingshurst office

Why Join Us

• A mission that genuinely matters – 50 years of life-changing conservation work and a cause that moves people around the world
• A large, loyal and warm supporter base with significant untapped potential
• Real scope to build something – this is a new role with genuine influence from day one
• A small, close-knit team with shared purpose and a genuine commitment to each other's wellbeing
• Direct line to the Executive Director and member of senior leadership team
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (33 days total)
• Salary exchange pension with 5% employer contribution
• Salary of £55,000 – £60,000 depending on experience

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a covering letter of no more than two pages – telling us why you are interested in this role and how your experience meets the person specification – by 16th August 2026.

We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and may appoint before the closing date, so early application is encouraged.

All applicants must have the right to work in the United Kingdom. We are unable to sponsor visa applications for this role.

Citizens UK

Citizens UK is the UK’s biggest, most diverse and most effective people-powered alliance. We bring communities and local organisations together to work on issues that matter; from campaigning for zebra crossings on dangerous roads, to reforming the immigration system, to the Living Wage campaign. We have a track record of winning change through hundreds of local and national campaigns. We know everyday people have the ability to shape the world around them. We believe that through developing local leaders, we can drive nationwide change and create community-led solutions to big and small problems.

Living Wage Foundation

The Living Wage movement began in 2001, after Citizens UK brought together communities in East London to discuss poverty and low pay. The campaign grew in momentum and soon required a mechanism to recognise employers who wanted to join the movement, which saw the establishment of the Living Wage Foundation in 2011.

Still part of Citizens UK today, the Living Wage Foundation continues to work with community organisations to make sure the voices of both workers and businesses are part of the Living Wage movement. We now work with over 16,000 employers, benefitting half a million people and winning over £3bn of better wages for people who need it most. 

Citizens UK works with a broad base of institutions across the political spectrum. At the Living Wage Foundation, we take the same deliberately broad-based approach and accredit all organisations who pay the real Living Wage to their directly and indirectly employed staff and are committed to tackling in work poverty.  As a team we work across a range of industries and sectors to achieve this mission. We seek pragmatic coalitions to progress specific campaigns, and partnership around a particular issue such as Living Wage, does not imply an endorsement of broader purpose and policies. We are a non-partisan organisation and work with partners across the political spectrum to advance our mission.

Purpose

The Living Wage Foundation is seeking an experienced and driven Senior Media and Communications Manager to join our team for a 12-month contract. This is an exciting opportunity for a highly organised and proactive communications professional with a strong background in media relations, public messaging, and team leadership. The ideal candidate will be experienced and confident in working to tight deadlines, responding to last-minute changes, and prioritising competing demands in a high-profile environment. They will be motivated to amplify the Living Wage Foundation’s mission of tackling low pay and insecure work.

The postholder will lead all media, messaging, and external affairs work, developing and implementing a proactive media strategy that supports our mission and key campaigns, such as Living Wage Week and the annual Rates announcement. As a skilled media professional, you will oversee all communications outputs, ensuring consistency and strategic alignment, while delivering media training and refining key messaging to maximise reach and impact. 

In this role, you will be instrumental in advancing our political engagement efforts, building cross-party support and working with political leaders, mayoral teams, and other key stakeholders to promote our initiatives. You’ll manage two direct reports (Events Manager and Media Manager) who each hold line management responsibilities, and you will play a critical role within our Senior Management Team, collaborating closely with the Head of Communications to shape the overall direction of our communications work. This role will work closely with Citizens UK colleagues, including the Citizens UK communications team on cross-organisational priorities.  You will report to the Head of Communications.

As a senior leader, you will be responsible for managing and allocating part of the communications team budget, expanding team capacity, and driving the team’s effectiveness. In collaboration with other senior managers, you will help foster a culture that values creativity, innovation, and strategic impact.

Main Responsibilities

Contribute to CUK mission and its strategic objectives:

• Provide strategic oversight of the organisation’s media strategy, ensuring it aligns with broader organisational, communications, and campaign goals, and establish clear processes for evaluating its success.

• Work alongside other Senior Managers across Citizens UK on cross-organisational activity including through the Senior Management Group

• Support the Living Wage Foundation’s Political Engagement Strategy by building and sustaining cross-party support for the organisation’s mission and objectives.

Situational awareness and research:

• Lead regular updates on key audiences, tracking positions on issues of interest and ensuring the team is fully informed.

• Guide the team in proactive media monitoring, enabling timely responses to significant developments.

• Collaborate with the Senior Research Manager to conduct and commission impactful research, driving media campaigns that effectively reach and engage target audiences.

Strategy development:

• Work alongside other Senior Managers in the Communications Team to shape and guide the overall communications strategy.

Lead on all media and messaging outputs, including developing high-quality materials, coordinating media events, and delivering media training.

Reputational & risk management:

• Develop and manage the organisation’s risk register, offering strategic oversight and serving as a primary contact for crisis communications.

• Manage and respond to reactive media enquiries promptly, ensuring alignment with the organisation’s values and objectives.

• Draft key messages and FAQs for media interviews and public responses, and advise senior leadership on sensitive media or reputational issues.

• Represent the Living Wage Foundation effectively in senior stakeholder interactions and participate in out-of-hours press duties when needed.

Materials development and dissemination:

• Oversee the Media Team in producing engaging press releases, blogs, opinion pieces, and media briefings to elevate the Living Wage Foundation’s profile and the voices of workers and employers within the Living Wage movement.

• Ensure media outputs and communications reflect the organisation’s values and uphold a consistent voice.

• Create and refine key messaging for public communications, including FAQs and response guides.

Social media and website

• Ensure consistency in messaging and alignment across all media and digital platforms in collaboration with the wider communications team.

External relationships (including media and press)

• Lead employer case study development, identifying and preparing Living Wage employers to speak to media and champion a real Living Wage.

• Drive stakeholder engagement efforts, cultivating valuable relationships with Living Wage employers, campaign partners, and media contacts.

• Build and maintain relationships with journalists across print, digital, and broadcast media to secure quality coverage.

• Collaborate with the Public Engagement Team to draft emails, speeches, speaker notes, briefings, and press notices for political engagements.

• Strengthen and maintain broad cross-party support for the Living Wage agenda.

Campaign & events management

• Provide a link between Events team and Senior Leadership Team to ensure efficient decision-making around key events.

• Lead on media and messaging elements of agreed comms-led campaigns.

Internal comms & knowledge management

• Oversee the development and maintenance of a comprehensive press database, mapping key media contacts and publications in line with the Living Wage Foundation’s objectives.

Internal relationships

• Work closely with the Senior Digital and Communications Manager to guide and oversee team initiatives.

• Provide line management and development support to the Media Manager and Events Manager.

Learning, expertise & DEI

• Lead media training sessions for LWF staff and Living Wage employers, enhancing their confidence and effectiveness in media engagements.

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the LWF and Citizens UK, including communications and DEI teams, to develop and implement ethical storytelling practices, ensuring lived experience is represented responsibly, inclusively, and in line with organisational guidance.

• Contribute to a positive and inclusive team culture.

• Ensure accessibility is embedded across communications and events, working with relevant teams to implement best practice and organisational guidance.

Person Specification

(D) Desirable, (E) Essential

Experience

· Proven experience and a strong understanding of the UK media landscape, with experience building relationships with journalists and securing high-quality media coverage. (E)

· Experience in line managing and leading a team. (E)

· Demonstrated experience in managing sensitive reputational issues, including risk assessment and crisis communications. (E)

· Skilled in leveraging real-life stories and case studies to drive engagement, including experience in leading media training for spokespeople. (E)

· Strong track record in designing and executing high-impact communications strategies that achieve measurable results. (E)

· Experience of working collaboratively across teams and influencing senior stakeholders to achieve shared objectives. (E)

· Experience of working with a range of voices and perspectives, including community, worker or lived experience storytelling. (D)

Key skills and knowledge

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce and edit clear, engaging content suitable for media, digital and public audiences. (E)

• Competence in using social media platforms to engage audiences effectively, understanding their role in broader media strategies. (D)

• Proficiency in evaluating campaigns and media outputs, with the ability to derive insights that inform future strategies. (E)

• Strong interpersonal skills for building effective relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders, including political audiences. (E)

• Solid understanding of the political landscape and public affairs, with experience engaging cross-party stakeholders (E).

Personal qualities & values

• An enthusiasm for media and communications, coupled with a strong commitment to the mission of the Living Wage Foundation. (E)

• Ability to lead, support and develop high-performing teams, fostering a collaborative and inclusive working environment. (E)

• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, with an understanding of how to communicate responsibly and ethically about lived experience. (E)

About the application process

We work within diverse communities bringing people together. In line with our Inclusion value, we would love to see applications from LGBTQIA+ people, people from racialised communities, people living with disabilities and people of faith, all to better represent the communities we work in. We want our employees to have the working conditions that allows them to fully participate, be able to be their best authentic selves and thrive doing so, and we have employee networks to support staff. Even if you don’t quite meet all the required criteria still consider applying, as we invest in our employees and support them to develop the skills and knowledge required to deliver their role.

For questions and reasonable adjustments regarding your application including information in a different format, or our recruitment process, please email us.

Interviews will be held 17th and 18th August.