Lead programme manager jobs in Birmingham

Age UK is recruiting for a HR Business Partner - Change on a 12-month fixed term contract.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced HR professional to partner with senior leaders across diverse directorates, driving impactful change programmes that support our mission. You'll have expert knowledge of organisational design, restructuring, and employee relations and will be supporting and coaching senior managers through all aspects of the change management cycle.

Working closely with senior leaders, you will bring the ability to influence at senior level and collaborate on business proposals, board papers and consultations, delivering pragmatic, solution focused advice.

If you're experienced in leading change and are passionate about building strong stakeholder relationships, we'd love to hear from you.

Please note - this is a home-based role and does not require a weekly presence in the office.

Age UK internal grade: 5N

Last date for applications Monday 20^th July. Interviews for shortlisted candidates are scheduled for Wednesday 5 August, with second-stage interviews to follow shortly afterwards.

Must haves:

The below competencies will be assessed at the indicated stage of the recruitment process:
Application = A, Interview = I, Test = T, Presentation = P

Experience

• Experience of change management and restructures. A, I
• Experience of handling complex Employee Relations cases. A, I

Skills & Knowledge

• Knowledge of UK employment law and TUPE legislation, including a proven track record in change management, resourcing, and organisational design. A, I
• Strong communication skills with the ability to establish credibility and present information effectively both orally and in writing. A, I
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. A, I
• Highly organised. A, I
• CIPD Level 7 Qualification or similar experience. A

Personal attributes

• Energy, enthusiasm, and eagerness to contribute and influence at a senior level. I
• Team player with the ability to build relationships and work effectively with a wide range of people. I

What we offer in return

• Competitive salary, 26 days annual leave + bank holidays + annual leave purchase scheme
• Excellent pension scheme, life assurance, Health cashback plan and EAP
• Car Benefit Scheme, Cycle to Work Scheme and Season Ticket Loan
• Techscheme - buy any tech from Apple or Currys, up to £1000, and spread the cost over 12 months, interest free
• Blue Light Card Scheme
• You Did It Awards - recognition awards from £100-250
• Many additional benefits

Additional Information

Supporting statements and anonymisation
Candidates are expected to provide a supporting statement that explains how they meet the competencies annotated with an 'A' in the job description, to assess suitability for the position. Age UK acknowledges and accepts that AI may be used to support the application; we do expect candidates to personalise experience, knowledge and skills and failure to do so, may result in your application being rejected.

Please submit a Word version of your CV as it will be anonymised by our recruitment system when you apply for a role. Our system is unable to anonymise supporting statements and heavily formatted CVs. Please could you remove any personal information including your name before you upload to support our inclusive recruitment process. All equalities monitoring information is also anonymised and not shared with the hiring panel. Your name and address will only be known to us if invited for interview.

Equal opportunities & Disability Confident Scheme
Age UK is an Equal Opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates, regardless of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital/civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity. Age UK is a Disability Confident Scheme employer. Due to high numbers of applications received, Age UK reserves the right to limit the overall number of interviews offered, and therefore, it may not always be practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people that meet the minimum criteria for the job.

Reasonable adjustments
Disabled job seekers can access reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. All requests for reasonable adjustments are considered on a case-by-case basis, in collaboration with the disabled job seeker to best meet their needs, by contacting the Recruitment Team. Disability disclosures will be kept confidential and only shared on a need-to-know basis to support the implementation of adjustments. Disclosures will not be used to inform hiring decisions.

Age UK is committed to safeguarding adults at risk, and children, from abuse and neglect. We expect everyone who works with us to share this commitment.

Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert at any time.

Age UK politely requests no contact from recruitment agencies or media sales. We do not accept speculative CVs from recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.

For a full list of benefits please visit our website.

We are looking for an experienced Regional Opperations Lead, to coordination all aspects of the StreetDoctors operations within the Midlands  Region and to ensure our programmes are fit for the future.

We are an award-winning national charity  which trains over 20,000 young people affected by street violence each year in emergency first-aid, through a team of 250 healthcare volunteers and youth workers. We empower young people with the skills to become part of the solution to violence by developing their skills and confidence to save lives and increasing their understanding of the medical and psychological consequences of violence.

As the StreetDoctors lead for the region, you will provide leadership in partnership development, volunteer management, the delivery of training and maintaining quality standards.
The key areas of focus include:

• To create, develop and maintain partnerships with a range of organisations including, funders, commissioners, community organisations, criminal justice organisations, education providers and youth organisations.
• To develop and manage engaged volunteers and youth workers and ensure their expectations are aligned to the organisation's objectives and provide the best volunteering experience possible.
• To deliver training and ensure the quantity and quality of projects meet the required targets and new opportunities are maximised.

At StreetDoctors we believe diversity supports innovation and creativity. We are committed to equality of opportunity, being inclusive, and being representative of the people we are here to support. We would therefore encourage applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds.

Are you an experienced and compassionate leader with a passion for empowering young people and making a difference?

At NYAS (National Youth Advocacy Service), we are dedicated to making a lasting impact on the lives of children, young people, and adults at risk. We believe no child or young person should ever be alone or voiceless in the care system, in family court, or when decisions are being made about their future.

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Project Coordinator, working 28 hours per week, to lead the delivery of Project Unity across England. Project Unity provides high-quality, rights-based advocacy and intensive support to care-experienced young mothers who are pregnant or have recently given birth, helping to empower young mothers, strengthen outcomes and prevent children from entering care.

About Project Unity England

Project Unity England improves outcomes for care-experienced young mothers and their children through collaborative, multi-agency working, delivered through cluster-based areas bringing together local stakeholders for coordinated, community-focused support. Cluster one is based around London and cluster two around Yorkshire, with a third cluster area to be identified in year three. Travel between cluster areas is expected, particularly from year two onwards.

As Project Coordinator, you will support delivery and development of Project Unity within your assigned cluster areas, working closely with partners and internal teams. Key responsibilities include:

• Coordinating project activities and line managing senior practitioners
• Supporting planning, implementation and monitoring of local initiatives
• Facilitating communication between partners and stakeholders
• Organising professional meetings, workshops and events
• Tracking progress and sharing best practice across clusters

This role offers the chance to work across diverse cluster areas, influence at both local and Parliamentary level, and make a direct impact on services for care-experienced young mothers and their children.

About the role

You will provide day-to-day leadership of Project Unity, supporting a team of Project Workers and volunteers to deliver high-quality, advocacy-led, trauma-informed support that empowers young mothers to understand their rights and have their voices heard.

Working with local authorities, health partners, safeguarding networks and community organisations, you will build relationships and referral pathways, monitor outcomes, and identify opportunities to strengthen and grow the service – leading meaningful work within a values-led organisation.

About you

You are passionate about supporting vulnerable young people and families, confident leading teams within a trauma-informed environment, and able to balance operational oversight with a person-centred approach.

You will have experience working with vulnerable young people or families in a social care, advocacy or support setting, alongside experience managing or supervising staff and/or volunteers, plus a strong understanding of safeguarding frameworks and relevant legislation. Excellent communication and organisational skills are essential, with the ability to manage competing priorities and make sound professional decisions, demonstrating NYAS’s values of Collaboration, Accountability, Respect and Empowerment.

How to Apply

Please apply via the the NYAS website. In your application, evidence using specific examples how your skills and experience meet the criteria in the person specification within the attached job description, including:

• Experience with vulnerable young people or families in a social care, advocacy or support setting
• Experience managing or supervising staff and/or volunteers
• Knowledge of legislation and policy relating to advocacy, safeguarding and children’s social care
• Excellent communication, organisational and report-writing skills, with sound professional judgement

Employee Benefits

We offer the following employee benefits:

• 26 days, increasing to 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time)
• Occupational sick pay (subject to completion of qualifying period)
• Enhanced pay for family friendly leave
• Free parking at some of our offices
• Employee assistance programme
• Group stakeholder pension scheme
• Access to BHSF health cash plan
• Cycle to work scheme
• Support and supervision from your line manager
• Learning and Development opportunities

Safeguarding and Compliance

NYAS operates robust safeguarding procedures, and internal candidates will be subject to references in line with our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy. In accordance with UK immigration law, proof of eligibility to work in the United Kingdom will be required as part of the recruitment process. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications.

About NYAS

NYAS (National Youth Advocacy Service) is an established rights-based charity ensuring that children, young people, and adults across England and Wales are respected, represented and supported in expressing their views. We work with care-experienced people who are often reliant on statutory services, and our combination of social care and legal services places us in a unique position to ensure their voices are heard.

We are an equal opportunities employer and a Disability Confident Employer, guaranteeing an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria. We welcome applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, nationality, religion or belief, or any other protected characteristic.

The Marketing Projects & Partnerships Lead will play a pivotal role within the Bikeability Trust's Strategy team, supporting both the Marketing & Communications team and Fundraising team to achieve their 5-year strategic goals – namely income generation and dynamic behavioural change programmes.

This is a project management focused marketing role, spanning marketing project delivery, partnership activation, and stakeholder engagement. The role requires an exceptionally organised individual who can manage and prioritise multiple concurrent projects, ensuring activity is planned, aligned, and delivered on time. 

You will be responsible for keeping complex workstreams moving—coordinating internal teams and external partners—while bringing a solid understanding of marketing channels and approaches to support effective delivery. 

Camp Jojo is expanding from its established Essex site to a second location at Nag’s Head Farm, near Appleby in Cumbria. We are seeking a Volunteer Manager to lead the recruitment, administration and support of volunteers for our Cumbria camps.

This role is responsible for managing the full volunteer journey, from initial enquiry and recruitment through to placement at camp, while maintaining accurate databases and acting as the main point of contact for volunteers. Working closely with the Operations Managers and supported by the experienced team at our Essex site, the Volunteer Manager will help ensure a positive and well-organised volunteer experience.

The role includes attending and minuting volunteer-related meetings, maintaining effective communication with volunteers, and supporting the wider Camp Jojo team. This is a varied and rewarding position requiring excellent organisation, time management and communication skills. Hours are seasonal, with increased demand during spring and summer, and attendance at the start of camps during school holidays is required.

Fundraising Lead  
£45,000–£55,000 F/T 
Remote with regular travel 

About Metabolic Support 

Metabolic Support is the UK umbrella patient organisation for people living with Inherited Metabolic Disorders (IMDs) — rare, lifelong genetic conditions affecting around 40,000 people in the UK and 1.43 million worldwide. Since 1981 we have been at the forefront of rare disease advocacy, research and community support. 

About the Role 

This is a strategic, hands-on opportunity to lead our fundraising activity, drive sustainable income growth and position Metabolic Support as the leading international patient advocacy group for IMDs. Reporting to the Chief Executive, you'll shape and deliver an ambitious fundraising strategy, build relationships with trusts, foundations, corporates and major donors, and work across our small, agile team to embed fundraising principles into everything we do. The role has no direct reports but requires a collaborative, proactive approach and the confidence to work autonomously. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Develop and deliver an integrated fundraising strategy covering corporate partnerships, individual giving, major donors, trusts and foundations, legacies, community and events 

• Lead on high-value bids and build compelling donor propositions 

• Manage donor stewardship, CRM (Nutshell), budgets and board reporting 

• Instil fundraising principles across the team and maximise income opportunities organisation-wide 
   

About You 

• Proven fundraising or income generation experience with expertise in at least one area: trusts and foundations, corporates or major donors 

• Strong relationship-builder with excellent written and verbal communication skills 

• Highly organised, self-starting and comfortable managing competing priorities 

• Committed to Metabolic Support's mission; willing to travel in the UK and internationally 

Brightside is the UK’s leading and safest online mentoring provider, with 23 years’ experience in delivering personalised and flexible online mentoring to young people. We exist to connect young people facing barriers with relatable role models so they can make confident and informed decisions about the future. Our flexible technology gives young people a mentor in their pocket, on their own schedule, to support their next steps. 

The Data and Insights Manager will be responsible for monitoring and evaluating quality and impact across our mentoring programmes. The postholder will work closely with the Programmes Team to embed impact in project design and to produce evaluations that assess the impact of mentoring against our theory of change outcomes. The postholder will complete data analysis and evaluation reports for individual mentoring programmes as well as our whole portfolio to present our impact at an aggregate level. The postholder will produce organisation wide impact reports for external publication and work closely with the senior management and leadership teams to demonstrate and celebrate our impact. This is a varied role, suited to candidates interested in using data and insights to improve processes and articulate impact to a wide range of audiences. 

Responsible for

• Championing and quality assuring our theory of change, ensuring that programmes are designed with impact at the centre and within the frameworks that will give us the most robust data sets
• Quantitative data analysis for individual programmes and our portfolio of mentoring programmes as a whole, clearly presenting our impact against our outcomes
• Qualitative data analysis of mentoring messages, written feedback and focus groups/1:1 interviews
• Producing high quality evaluation reports for individual programmes, including recommendations for future iterations
• Producing organisational impact reports and blogs/posts, to present our impact to external audiences
• Creating and maintaining PowerBI dashboards to present live impact data
• Proofing and testing baseline and exit surveys to ensure accuracy of questions and survey logic across our portfolio
• Overseeing our data collection tools and upskilling the team to use them effectively/accurately
• Overseeing our external communications to ensure regular sharing of case studies and impact stories through our comms and marketing (social media, newsletters etc.)
• Conducting focus groups and interviews and writing up case study stories Ensuring that all data collection is accurate and in line with our policies
• Annual data uploads to HEAT and monitoring our HESA return 

Please download the job description document and read the essential criteria and application instructions carefully. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

o you want to design something truly transformative for young people across the UK? 

We’re looking for a passionate, creative, and purpose-driven Design Lead to shape and deliver a bold new mentoring initiative at The King’s Trust; one that will inspire businesses, communities, and volunteers to come together and support young people to thrive. 

In this pivotal role, you’ll lead the design, pilot and launch of a suite of mentoring offers that will reach young people across the UK. This includes developing innovative approaches such as in-school experiences, digital micro-mentoring, and enhanced mentoring pathways. Your work will directly influence how young people access support, build confidence, and unlock their future. 

You’ll bring deep expertise in user-centred design and a relentless focus on what works for young people. Using insight, research, and creativity, you’ll design experiences that are engaging, scalable, and impactful - while ensuring they resonate with partners, funders, and communities across the UK. 

Collaboration will be at the heart of what you do. You’ll work alongside delivery teams, young people, employers, and supporters to co-create solutions that reflect real needs and real ambition. At the same time, you’ll lead from the front - setting direction, driving delivery, and championing innovation across a complex and high-profile programme. 

If you’re excited by the challenge of creating something new, motivated by making a measurable difference, and ready to lead design that changes lives, we’d love to hear from you. 

Could you lead on building a grant programme from scratch that delivers funding to restore justice with integrity, fairness and impact?

Salary: £50,000 per annum

Location: Remote, with monthly meetings in Manchester

Contract: Permanent, 35 hours per week full-time (4 days considered)

Benefits: 25 days holiday and 5% pension contribution

The Charity Service is a small, but mighty charity looking for a brand-new Head of Grants Programme to lead the development and delivery of a new, independently managed £10m fund, supporting victims of a historic miscarriage of justice. This is a unique opportunity to shape a programme from day one, creating the processes, partnerships and infrastructure that will underpin its success.

Joining at a pivotal moment, you'll combine strategic leadership with hands-on delivery, ensuring funding reaches people and organisations in an accessible, transparent and trauma-informed way.

About the role

This is a varied role with a unique opportunity to shape how it develops and grows with the programme. You can expect to:

• Lead the design, implementation and ongoing development of a new £10m grants programme.
• Develop grant-making processes, policies and governance frameworks.
• Consult with victims and families to ensure the programme reflects their needs and priorities.
• Build relationships with charities, community organisations and delivery partners.
• Oversee applications, due diligence, reporting and evaluation.
• Produce impact reporting and help shape the future development of the programme.
• Line manage a Grants Administrator and work closely with the wider TCS team.

About you

As this is an exciting and evolving role, we're looking for a proactive, highly engaged individual who thrives on taking ownership, while working collaboratively with others.

In your expression of interest, we'll be looking for you to demonstrate:

• Experience in grant-making, philanthropy, programme management, or experience within CSR or ESG.
• Strong knowledge of governance, compliance and due diligence in a charitable context.
• Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Confidence working in complex or sensitive environments.
• Experience working with vulnerable or trauma-affected communities, or a strong understanding of trauma-informed practice.
• A thoughtful, pragmatic and values-led approach.

The Charity Service is an independent charity with more than 35 years' experience in philanthropy and grant-making. As the organisation embarks on an expansion and growth journey, this role offers the opportunity to shape a significant programme while helping build the future of the organisation itself.

If you're excited by the opportunity to build something meaningful from the ground up and play a key role in ensuring funding enables justice to happen, we'd love to hear from you.

To apply: All you need to do is send a copy of your CV or draft profile over to Amelia Lee as the first step. From there, we'll be in touch with full application details if you meet our initial assessment of the skills and experience required.

Deadline: 9am on Friday 24^th July

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

We have an opportunity for an experienced and motivated leader to join our Service Improvement & Transformation team. As a Programme Lead – Integrated Support, you will lead the development and delivery of integrated support models for people living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

As a Programme Lead, you bring expertise in project governance, stakeholder engagement and service improvement. You are confident managing risk, budgets and performance, and skilled at turning strategy into delivery. This Programme Lead role will see you coordinate interconnected projects, drive collaboration and ensure consistent, high-quality delivery across an ambitious programme.

This is a pivotal role at the heart of national transformation, where you will drive innovative approaches to service design, strengthen partnerships across health and care systems, and ensure that people affected by MND receive high-quality, coordinated support wherever they live.

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead the planning and delivery of the Programme Lead – Integrated Support portfolio
• Coordinate seven connected workstreams, ensuring alignment and quality
• Develop and manage programme frameworks, governance and reporting
• Drive progress across projects, managing risk and dependencies
• Work with senior stakeholders to shape and deliver strategic priorities
• Oversee timelines, budgets and outcomes across all activity
• Promote inclusive collaboration with colleagues, volunteers and communities
• Use data and insight to track performance and embed improvement

About You 

• Proven experience as a Programme Lead or within a similar role
• Strong project and programme leadership across multiple initiatives
• Formal project management qualification (PRINCE2, APM or Agile)
• Experience in service improvement and quality improvement methods
• Strong stakeholder engagement, including senior leaders
• Skilled in risk management, planning and delivery within budget
• Analytical thinking with the ability to translate insight into action
• Experience within health, charity or service-led organisations
• Knowledge of integrated service delivery approaches
• Experience developing sustainable programme frameworks

Further information about working for the MND Association and full job description is available in the attached Candidate Pack. 

This is a home-based role with travel requirements across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We work to remove barriers for everyone affected by MND, employees, volunteers, and stakeholders. 

As part of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee interviews for disabled applicants who meet the role's requirements. 

What We Offer 

• 28 days holiday, increasing to 33 days after 5 years, plus Bank Holidays 
• Access to UK Healthcare, including dental, eyecare, health screenings, and therapies 
• 24/7 GP access via phone and video 
• Life assurance and confidential counselling helplines 
• Salary sacrifice schemes (Cycle to Work, Buy/Sell Annual Leave) 
• Access to Benefit Hub for discounts on everyday shopping 
• Enhanced pension scheme 
• Opportunities for training and personal development 

About Us 

Motor Neurone Disease moves fast. It takes away time, it takes away independence and it has no cure. Every day we support people affected by MND. We fund ground-breaking research. We campaign for better care. We’re here for everyone who needs us. Because with MND, every day matters.   

Digital Service Manager

We are seeking an experienced Digital Service Manager to lead the delivery, governance and improvement of high-volume digital services that support democratic participation.

Position: Digital Service Manager
Salary: £45,000 to £55,000 per annum (FTE)
Location: Remote, UK based
Hours: Full-time
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: Friday 7 August 2026

About the Role

mySociety is looking for a Digital Service Manager to oversee the day-to-day running and development of its online services, including WhatDoTheyKnow, FixMyStreet, TheyWorkForYou and WriteToThem.

This is a varied role combining operational service management, user support, governance, risk management and continuous improvement. You will ensure services run effectively, support users, manage complex issues and work collaboratively with teams and stakeholders to improve digital services that create meaningful social impact.

Key responsibilities include:

· Managing complex and high-volume digital services, ensuring excellent user support

· Overseeing escalations, priority cases and rights-based requests including GDPR related matters

· Maintaining policies, processes and governance standards across services

· Managing service risk, reporting and compliance with relevant legislation

· Identifying opportunities to improve user experience and service delivery

· Supporting and developing a User Support Officer and working alongside volunteers

You will join a fully remote, digital-first team, with opportunities to meet colleagues face to face at quarterly team meetings.

About You

You will have experience managing complex digital services and the ability to make effective decisions in fast-moving environments.

You will bring:

· Experience managing user-focused digital services

· Strong understanding of GDPR and information rights requests

· Knowledge or experience of Freedom of Information, media law or online community moderation

· Excellent organisational, problem-solving and communication skills

· Experience improving processes and delivering high-quality services

· The ability to work effectively within a remote and geographically distributed team

You will be proactive, collaborative and passionate about using technology to improve access, participation and positive change.

About the Organisation

mySociety is a small, purposeful charity creating and running digital services that break down barriers to democratic participation. Through its platforms, the organisation helps people access information, engage with decision makers and take action on issues that matter.

The organisation is committed to creating an inclusive team and welcomes applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.

Other roles you may have experience of could include Digital Product Manager, Service Delivery Manager, Digital Operations Manager, User Support Manager, Digital Services Lead, Product Operations Manager, Digital Programme Manager.

Lead a Team. Shape Lives. Help Build the Future.

At Where Next, we believe that adults with learning disabilities deserve more than simply being cared for. They deserve opportunities, friendships, purpose and the chance to achieve their potential. For over 40 years, Where Next has supported adults with learning disabilities to develop skills, gain confidence, contribute to their communities and lead fulfilling lives. Many of the people we support have been part of the Where Next family for many years, and the trusted relationships they build with our staff are fundamental to their wellbeing, development and happiness. As we enter an exciting new chapter in our history, we are looking for an exceptional Site Manager – Learning Disabilities to help lead one of our services.

Title:     Engagement Manager

Salary:     £42,000–£52,000 (depending on experience)

Contract:     Permanent

Hours:     37.5 per week (Monday to Friday) 

Holiday:     25 days per year plus bank holidays 

Location:     Home based with regular travel within / to London and across the UK

Probationary Period:     3 months

Reports to:     Head of Department 

Benefits:     An additional 3 days holiday between Christmas and New Year, Flexitime policy, 5% pension contribution

Line Management:     Depending on experience, may line-manage the Senior Engagement Coordinator. 

We are River Action

We are a small and agile campaigning organisation on a mission to rescue Britain's rivers from a toxic cocktail of agricultural, sewage and industrial pollution and water shortages. We support community action, galvanise and mobilise public opinion, influence government policy, take legal actions and call out destructive industrial practices to incentivise changes that end river pollution and secure freshwater. 

We are building a talented team of positive disrupters and stakeholder mobilisers to deliver our strategy to urgently protect and restore our rivers for the benefit of communities, rivers and wildlife.

Britain’s rivers are our life support system and they are dying. We need urgent action to bring them back to life.

Who we are looking for

As River Action’s profile, influence and policy impact continue to grow, we are expanding our Public Affairs function to strengthen engagement with decision-makers, regulators, businesses, NGOs, strategic partners and local communities.

The Engagement Manager will play a critical role in helping River Action influence change by developing high-level relationships, building strategic partnerships and providing strategic leadership across River Action’s engagement programmes to advance our policy, legal and campaigning objectives.

This is a senior engagement leadership role responsible for providing strategic oversight of both stakeholder engagement and community engagement activity, ensuring River Action’s grassroots campaigning and external influence work are mutually reinforcing

What you’ll be doing

The Engagement Manager will lead River Action’s overall engagement strategy, providing strategic oversight of both stakeholder engagement and community engagement activity across the organisation.

Building and managing relationships with senior leaders across government, regulators, NGOs, businesses, financiers, academia and civil society, the postholder will identify opportunities to increase River Action’s influence, support policy and advocacy objectives, and help position the organisation as a leading voice on river protection and environmental reform.

The role will provide strategic direction and oversight to River Action’s community engagement work, including the River Rescue Kit, Community Toolkit and catchment-based campaigning activities, working closely with the Senior Engagement Coordinator who will lead day-to-day delivery, community support and programme implementation.

Working closely with colleagues across Public Affairs, Campaigns, Communications, Legal and Development, the Engagement Manager will ensure engagement activities contribute directly to organisational priorities and campaigns and that community insights help shape River Action’s policy, legal and campaigning work.

Main Responsibilities:

Strategic Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop and deliver River Action’s stakeholder engagement strategy.

• Manage relationships with senior stakeholders and decision-makers.

• Develop and implement engagement or public affairs strategies.

• Identify, map and prioritise key stakeholders across government, regulators, business, NGOs, academia and civil society.

• Build and maintain productive relationships with senior external stakeholders.

• Create opportunities for strategic collaboration that advance River Action’s mission and objectives.

• Monitor stakeholder developments and identify opportunities and risks.

Managing Stakeholder and Community Engagement

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of River Action’s stakeholder and community engagement programme.

• Ensure effective delivery and continuous development of the River Rescue Kit and Community Toolkit as key resources supporting grassroots campaigners and community groups.

• Oversee catchment-based engagement strategies that strengthen community-led action, advocacy and campaigning.

• Work closely with the Senior Engagement Coordinator to identify opportunities to expand and strengthen River Action’s network of stakeholder and community groups, campaigners and partners.

• Ensure insights, evidence and priorities emerging from stakeholders and local communities to inform River Action’s public affairs, policy, legal and campaigning work.

• Monitor the effectiveness and impact of community engagement activities and ensure learning is shared across the organisation.

• Support the development of engagement frameworks, systems and processes that enable effective community mobilisation at scale.

Public Affairs and External Influence

• Support the delivery of River Action’s Public Affairs strategy.

• Build relationships with parliamentarians, political advisers, local authority leaders and relevant government officials.

• Support engagement with regulators including the Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales, Ofwat and other relevant bodies.

• Represent River Action in external forums, roundtables, conferences and stakeholder meetings.

• Coordinate stakeholder engagement around key campaigns, policy initiatives and legal actions.

Strategic Partnerships

• Develop partnerships with environmental NGOs, think tanks, academic institutions, financiers and businesses.

• Identify opportunities for joint initiatives, campaigns and advocacy activity.

• Strengthen River Action’s position within the wider environmental and public policy landscape.

• Convene strategic partnerships to support policy and campaigning objectives.

Organisational Leadership

• Work closely with the Head of Public Affairs to support delivery of organisational objectives.

• Provide strategic direction, support and oversight to the Senior Engagement Coordinator, ensuring community engagement activity aligns with organisational priorities and objectives.

• Provide stakeholder intelligence and strategic advice to senior leadership.

• Contribute to organisational planning and public affairs priorities.

• Support cross-team working between Public Affairs, Campaigns, Communications, Legal and Fundraising.

• Ensure strong integration between River Action’s community engagement, public affairs, campaigns, communications and legal work.

Communications and Representation

• Act as an ambassador for River Action externally.

• Support media opportunities through stakeholder engagement and relationship building.

• Prepare briefings, stakeholder reports and engagement plans.

• Help identify influential voices and advocates who can amplify River Action’s work.

Monitoring and Reporting

• Maintain stakeholder engagement plans and CRM records.

• Monitor engagement outcomes and report against agreed KPIs.

• Evaluate the effectiveness of stakeholder engagement activity and recommend improvements.

What you’ll bring

Essential Experience

• Significant experience in stakeholder engagement, public affairs, external affairs, partnerships or advocacy.

• Experience managing relationships with senior stakeholders and decision-makers.

• Experience developing and implementing engagement or public affairs strategies.

• Experience overseeing or managing community engagement, organising or grassroots campaigning programmes.

• Experience translating community priorities and local evidence into policy, advocacy or campaigning objectives.

• Experience working across complex stakeholder environments.

• Experience representing an organisation externally.

Essential Knowledge

• Understanding of UK water-related political, regulatory and policy-making processes.

• Understanding of stakeholder engagement and influence strategies.

• Understanding of community engagement, organising and mobilisation approaches.

• Knowledge of environmental, sustainability or public policy issues.

Essential Skills

• Exceptional relationship-building and networking skills.

• Strong influencing and negotiation abilities.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong strategic thinking and political awareness.

• Ability to balance strategic stakeholder engagement with community-led campaigning and mobilisation.

• Strong understanding of how grassroots engagement can support policy, legal and public affairs objectives.

• Ability to develop engagement strategies that connect local action with national influence and impact.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and complex stakeholder relationships.

• Excellent project management and organisational skills.

Desirable

• Knowledge of water policy, environmental regulation or agricultural policy.

• Experience engaging with Westminster, Whitehall or devolved administrations.

• Experience developing partnerships with businesses and financiers.

• Experience supporting policy or advocacy campaigns.

• Experience working with community-led environmental campaigns or citizen science initiatives.

Why join us?

• Be part of a mission-driven organisation working to restore and protect the UK’s rivers.

• Work at the heart of political and environmental change, influencing decision-makers at the highest levels.

• Work in an agile, supportive and happy work environment where your ideas and expertise will have real impact.

• Opportunities for professional development and growth within the organisation.

Diversity and inclusion

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies show that women and people of colour are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single criteria. We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace. So if you like the look of this role but your past experience does not align perfectly with everything in the job description, we’d still love to hear from you. You may be just the right person for this role.

How to apply

To apply, please submit to jobs at riveractionuk dot com with the subject ‘Engagement Manager’:

• your CV (2 pages), 

• a cover letter (2 pages) explaining why you want to work for River Action and how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role, and 

• a written submission (2 pages) as described below. 

Only applications including all three documents will be accepted. Please provide your documents in pdf format. 

Written submission

The Government is expected to bring forward a Clean Water Bill in Parliament. River Action wants to influence the Bill to secure stronger protections for rivers, hold polluters to account, and deliver measurable improvements in river health.

In no more than 750 words, set out how you would approach this challenge. Your response should explain:

• Which stakeholders you would prioritise engaging with, and why.

• How you would use partnerships, community groups and grassroots evidence to support your objectives.

• How you would measure the success of your approach.

• One significant challenge or risk, and how you would address it.

We are interested in your ability to think strategically, prioritise effectively, and demonstrate how engagement can help deliver policy and environmental change.

Application process

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until 5pm on Wednesday 15th July.

Should your application be selected during sift, the next stage will involve an initial 15-minute interview. You may then be invited to attend a second interview with a panel. 

Interviews will be held in the weeks commencing 19th July and 26th July via video conference. 

Please indicate in your covering letter or in a covering email your availability for interviews.

If you have any questions about the role or your application, please contact us on jobs at riveractionuk dot com.

Job Title: Freelance Programme Manager

Contract: Freelance / Self-employed. 12 months fixed term contract (with potential to extend)

Time Commitment: Approximately 4 to 6 hours per week. 

Location: Remote with occasional attendance at meetings and events 

Hourly Rate: £25

Reports to: Chair of the Board of Trustees

About Us

The Association of Teachers of Singing (AOTOS) is the UK’s leading organisation for singing teachers. As a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), we are dedicated to promoting excellence in singing teaching.

We support our members through professional development, training, networking, and advocacy, while working to strengthen engagement, visibility, and growth across the sector.

The Role

AOTOS is seeking an experienced programme manager to lead delivery and further development of our existing programme of training for its members and the wider singing teaching community. 

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver AOTOS’ programme of training and CPD in line with board strategy and member needs.

• Developing an annual programme plan and budget for approval by the board

• Be the face of AOTOS’ events and teacher development programme, including hosting online and in person events and conferences

• Review, develop and manage our Essentials teacher training course, including recruiting, training and managing course leaders

• Report against relevant KPIs for the programme, providing regular reports to the board of trustees

• Engage with AOTOS membership to understand training needs to feed into the board for future programme development

• Sourcing and booking venues and speakers for national conferences (currently two per year)

• Working with Operations Manager and Communications Officer to ensure programme operations and communications run effectively

• Other duties as required and agreed with the Chair of the board 

Person Specification

Essential

• Understanding of AOTOS and its mission

• Skilled and experienced singing teacher

• Experience in event planning and production

• Experience of course/learning pathway design

• Evidence of sustained commitment to maintaining personal CPD

• Evidence of ability to meet deadlines, plan in advance and manage a variety of different objectives and outputs

• Ability to monitor activities and collect data and other evaluation metrics

• Ability to work independently and in a team

• Ability to network and make contacts

• Confident presenter and ability to be the ‘face’ of AOTOS events

Desirable

• Knowledge of current voice pedagogy research

• Knowledge of a broad range of singing teaching styles, contexts and singing genres

• Experience managing a team

• Hands-on experience of teacher training

• Experience of reporting to a board of trustees

• Understanding the role and nature of a CIO

• A large network of connections within singing teaching practice and research

Hours and Working Pattern

• Approximately 4 to 6 hours per week (may vary seasonally depending on event workload)

• Flexible working pattern 

• Additional hours may be required to attend meetings and events. Any additional hours will be remunerated in addition to standard hours and at an agreed rate depending on nature of the work