Leadership development manager jobs

About Us
IIED is an international policy and research organisation working to build a fairer, more sustainable world, in partnership with others across the globe.

• We stand up: challenging the systems and structures that perpetuate economic, social and environmental injustice – acknowledging our own role in this.
• We speak out: calling out the big blockers that prevent progress for communities and working to amplify voices, redistribute power and strengthen rights.
• We innovate: developing, co-producing and supporting evidence-based ideas to drive progress towards a thriving world for all.
• We collaborate: building connections at local, national and international levels, to support diverse partners to tackle the climate, nature and inequality crises so that people and the planet can thrive. Come and be part of this exciting journey with us.

We are now looking for a Head of Fundraising & Business Development to join us on a full-time, permanent basis, working 35 hours per week.

The Benefits

- Salary of £64,814 - £80,654 per annum
- 25 days' annual leave per year, plus bank holidays and additional leave over Christmas
- 7.5% employer pension contributions
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
- Cycle-to-work scheme
- Employee protection scheme (life, critical illness, income protection)

This is a pivotal opportunity for a proven fundraising leader with significant experience in international NGOs or charities and a strong track record of securing income across multiple streams to join our global organisation.

You will have the chance to utilise your fundraising expertise and leadership skills to close funding gaps and unlock new opportunities, making a lasting difference to our organisational sustainability and our international impact.

What’s more, this role offers both strategic influence and meaningful flexibility, allowing you to lead, develop others and grow long-term funding success, helping us to build a fairer, more sustainable world.

So, if you’re ready to lead ambitious fundraising that powers global change, read on and apply today.

The Role

As our Head of Fundraising & Business Development, you will lead efforts to secure and diversify funding, building a sustainable resource base to support our global mission.

Leading the Fundraising and Business Development Team, you will drive the implementation of our resource mobilisation strategy, focusing on increasing non-ODA income and expanding flexible and programmatic funding.

Working closely with colleagues across fundraising, finance, research and impact teams, you will help close funding gaps by developing strong donor relationships, negotiating funding agreements and shaping compelling funding propositions.

Alongside collaborating with the Director of Fundraising and Communications and supporting engagement with the Board of Trustees, you will manage systems, data and internal processes that strengthen fundraising performance and ensure effective delivery.

Additionally, you will:

- Gather and share intelligence on trends within the funding landscape
- Generate new fundraising ideas and opportunities with existing and new funders
- Support teams to develop fundraising plans, donor scoping and funding bids
- Analyse data to inform fundraising strategies and income generation
- Design and manage internal fundraising support processes and systems
- Oversee the team budget and support staff development and wellbeing

About You

To be considered as our Head of Fundraising & Business Development, you will need:

- Significant experience leading fundraising functions in an international NGO or charity
- A proven, impressive track record in fundraising
- Experience in partnership and consortium development
- Management experience with the ability to co-ordinate, support, motivate, energise and develop diverse teams
- The ability to design and deliver income-generation strategies across multiple streams
- A strong understanding of the evolving landscape of finance and resource mobilisation for sustainable development
- A strong understanding of policy and research related to sustainable development at an international level, particularly related to Africa, Asia and/or Latin America
- Strong influencing, negotiating, stakeholder engagement and diplomacy skills
- A degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent work experience
- The willingness and ability to travel internationally

This role requires a Basic DBS check.

IIED is a hybrid working organisation, and you are likely to be working from home most of the time. As such, you will need a suitable place to work and a reliable, fast internet connection.

The closing date for this role is 5th April 2026.

Other organisations may call this role Head of Fundraising, Head of Income Generation, Head of Partnerships and Fundraising, Head of Strategic Partnerships, Business Development Director, Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships, or Head of Grants and Partnerships.

IIED is a Global organisation that serves the Global Majority. We are committed to equity of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in IIED’s workforce, including members of minority groups and those with lived experience of the work we do. Even if you don't satisfy all the criteria, we still encourage you to apply, as we will offer training and development to upskill the right candidate for the role.

About Spear Norwich

Spear Norwich is a partnership between Spear and East Church Norwich!

East Church Norwich

Their vision is to play their part in sharing and reaching the East of England with the good news of Jesus. They are a large and growing church, one church, yet formed of multiple parishes across the city of Norwich. They are a family, journeying through life together, seeking to love God, to love each other, and to love those around us, as we gather and scatter. They gather on Sundays, as groups, communities, teams, and as family to worship, pray, and to open God's word, and to be filled over and over again with the Holy Spirit. They gather to connect with one another, to have fun, and to encourage each other along the way. They then scatter, to play their part in the mission that God calls us to, empowered by his Spirit to live everyday, supernatural lives for him.
 

Spear is at the very forefront of their mission to bring life through Jesus to all. They believe that every person, whether young or old, has a unique call on their life, and they want to see each person find the purpose for which they have been created. Find out more on their website.

You would be employed by East Church with Spear Norwich as a key missional activity. Prayer and worship are embedded into daily working practices, so there is an Occupational Requirement for applicants to be practicing Christians. You are welcome to reach out to the Spear recruitment team to discuss further before applying, although Spear will also provide an informal conversation to discuss East Church's theology early on in the application process.

Key Information:

• Salary: from £28,000 - £32,000 FTE
• Part-time, 4 days a week - Monday to Thursday
• 25 days annual leave pro rata, including bank holidays
• A DBS check will be requested in the event of a job offer
• The Spear Programme offers a rewarding opportunity to work with young people, but it requires a dedicated commitment. Due to the term-based nature of the programme (i.e. two consecutive 4-week programmes in autumn, spring and summer), we expect annual leave to be taken between, rather than during terms

Recruitment Process

Application Deadline: Monday 13th April, 5pm

Informal Call

Short Administration Task

Assessment and Interview Day: Friday 20th April

For more information please read through our Job Specification and Work with us pack.

If you require any reasonable adjustments as part of the recruitment process please let us know.

Person Specification

• An active Christian, dedicated to representing the values and ethos of Spear and East Church. A commitment to grow and learn spiritually and as a Christian leader.
• Passion for social justice, especially supporting young people in employment or education
• A dynamic and engaging individual with an enthusiasm for and experience of group and 1-1 coaching and training.
• An entrepreneurial and ambitious individual who enjoys starting new projects, works well under pressure and can translate ideas into practice with creativity.
• Self-motivated with strong leadership, management and organisational skills with the ability to exercise initiative and prioritise workload.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, high emotional intelligence, and a sense of fun!

The Hepatitis C Trust (HCT) is the UK patient-led charity for hepatitis C. The arrival of highly effective drugs allows us to cure almost everyone who has access to them. We now have an unprecedented opportunity to eliminate hepatitis C by 2030.

We are looking for a passionate and skilled manager who has excellent communication and organisational skills. Working under the guidance of the Southern Regional Manager, you will oversee an expanding network of peer programs and staff in London.

Experience of healthcare working with disadvantaged groups and an understanding of providing services to vulnerable people is essential, alongside an understanding of how lived experience can support this work.

Your work will involve maintaining and monitoring our existing HCT peer projects across London. This will involve providing support and supervision to existing staff, managing operational issues on a day-to-day basis and overseeing the management of separate projects. 

This post also involves regular liaison with external partners across the region, including key stakeholders such as Operational Delivery Network (ODN) managers for each area, alongside senior NHS colleagues, drug and alcohol services etc.

JUSTICE is looking to recruit a new Director of Development to join our friendly, outcome-focused, values-led team. This is a permanent role and provides an exciting opportunity for someone who is an experienced fundraiser who is able to provide strategic direction as well as get into the nitty gritty, when needed. 

We are looking for an individual who has an interest in the purpose of the charity (to improve the UK justice system so that it is fair and within everyone’s reach). The successful post holder will be a confident leader who has worked as a senior fundraiser in previous roles and someone who enjoys autonomy and is able to lead and empower their team. 

This role will really suit someone who thrives in a role where no two days are the same and who wants to be part of the effort to grow our small but mighty charity. 

The Director of Development will lead the organisation’s income generation strategy to support its work to advance legal reform, human rights and the rule of law. The role is responsible for diversifying, growing and achieving income through existing income streams, including: trusts and foundations, major donors, giving circles (JUSTICE60 and NextGen J60), corporate partnerships, membership as well as seeking out and creating new streams.

By working closely with the Chief Executive and senior leadership team, the Director will build long-term, strong relationships with funders and partners, strengthen the organisation’s case for support and ensure fundraising is aligned with the charity’s strategic priorities.

If this sounds like something you’d be interested in and something you would enjoy doing, please do apply!

Hours: 35 per week (full time)

Location: Home-based with regular travel across London.

Contract: Fixed term (until 31 March 2027)

About us

Housing Justice brings together communities and finds solutions to homelessness by building personal connections, a sense of belonging, and creating justice in the housing system. We train and support volunteers to offer various accommodation options while building a network of local support. This includes providing personalised assistance to help individuals access relevant local services and address their other needs. Through compassionate, courageous, and collaborative action, we implement innovative solutions to tackle housing injustice, enhance the quality of housing, and elevate the voices and experiences of groups affected by housing injustice to both local and national governments.

About Citadel

Citadel is a volunteer-powered homelessness prevention project that supports people experiencing, or at risk of homelessness, to find a place to live, settle into a home, and feel part of a welcoming and supportive community. Coordinators recruit and train volunteers before matching them with a person referred for support. Coordinators and volunteers work closely with people who have been referred, to establish what matters to them and how best they can support them.

About you

We are seeking to hire an outgoing, confident leader who is skilled and comfortable in building relationships and influencing people. You will be a dedicated, diligent person with experience of leading teams in the homelessness, housing or voluntary and community sectors and passionate about the role of the community in ending homelessness.

About the role

The successful candidate will provide supportive line management to six Coordinators working in North-East and South-East London. They will be responsible for overseeing and developing our London projects: building our partnerships, supporting the teams to grow the support we offer and supporting the projects’ continuous improvement and sustainability.

Women’s Work is a National Award Winning Charity founded in 2003. We aim to deliver a holistic, person centred support service to vulnerable and disadvantaged women with complex health and social needs. We do this by ensuring they can access support, education and information to raise self-esteem and confidence, empowering them to make positive life choices resulting in improved health and wellbeing.

We are seeking a talented, motivated and highly organised Business Development Manager to join our Senior Management Team and play a key role in supporting the organisation’s growth, sustainability and financial resilience.

The Role

This is predominantly an office-based role working closely with the Finance Manager and under the guidance of the CEO, with a strong focus on:

• Bid writing, tender submissions, commissioning applications and grant funding
• Identifying, securing and managing new funding opportunities
• Supporting financial planning, allocation to funded projects
• Fundraising and promoting the charity in the local community

You will lead on the development and continuation of the project-specific funding, ensuring bids and applications align with Women’s Work’s strategic objectives and future expansion plans.

Working collaboratively with the Finance Manager, you will review funding streams, develop robust applications and contribute to the effective financial management of funded activities. You will liaise with businesses, statutory bodies, organisations, community groups and charities to identify and secure new income opportunities, partnerships and sponsorships.

Key Responsibilities

• Research, identify and secure new funding opportunities, grants and tenders
• Lead and co-ordinate high-quality bid writing, commissioning and tender submissions
• Support the Finance Manager with funding reviews, budgets and financial monitoring
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with funders, partners and stakeholders
• Contribute to organisational planning, sustainability and income diversification
• Ensure funding requirements, reporting and compliance are met
• Event planning/identify and co-ordinate fundraising opportunities

About You

The successful applicant will be self-motivated, detail-focused and high organized, with strong project management and communication skills. You will be able to work collaboratively while also managing competing priorities independently.

You will also be able to demonstrate:

• Proven experience in bid writing, tenders and/or commissioning
• A track record of pro-active business development, ideally within the charity or voluntary sector
• Strong relationship-building skills across multiple sectors
• Empathy and a clear commitment to Women’s Work values, aims and objectives

Additional Information
An Enhanced DBS check will be required.
Ref: BDM

Location: National with regular travel across the UK. (If London-based you will be required to attend the office 2 days per week)

Contract: Full Time, 12-month maternity cover

Salary: £61,926.68 – £71,274.10 per annum depending on experience. (Plus competitive pension)

Please note that this role will be closing on Monday 30 March 2026 at 9am.

A little bit about the role 

The Business Development team is a recently established and growing team at Frontline. The team is responsible for delivering and developing high-quality leadership programmes, workforce development training, and commissioned projects that support practitioners and leaders across the children’s social care sector.

Reporting to the CEO, The head of business development will play a critical leadership role in driving Frontline’s growth, diversification, and long-term sustainability. You will lead the Business Development team, setting a clear strategic direction and ensuring it is delivered through our training offers, including programmes and commissioned work that support the workforce working with children at risk of harm.

You will oversee the organisation’s sales pipeline, ensuring we identify and secure opportunities that expand Frontline’s impact and generate sustainable income. This includes building strategic partnerships and ensuring our work is shaped by the evolving needs of the children’s social care sector, positioning Frontline as a trusted partner for workforce development and system improvement.

The role comprises of five core areas of responsibility: 

• Setting strategic direction and driving growth
• Developing and managing strategic external relationships
• Overseeing programme and offer development 
• Ensuring commercial performance and sustainability 
• Leading and developing the business development team

Please review the job pack for full list of responsibilities.

This is a pivotal role for an ambitious leader who combines strategic insight, commercial acumen, and strong external relationships with a deep commitment to improving outcomes for children and strengthening the social work workforce.

A little bit about you 

We are looking for a senior leader with a professional background in social work, education or a related discipline. You should and a passion for improving outcomes for children and families. You’ll bring a proven track record of strategic leadership, business development and senior stakeholder engagement. You must be a confident and credible communicator with sound financial judgement. You must be able to lead high-performing teams with a deep commitment to equity, inclusion and Frontline’s mission.

We have a fast-moving culture within the team and organisation, so we’re looking for someone who is who is well organised, details-focused and can use their initiative to do what works. You will have excellent communication skills, be able to build relationships with people and be willing to learn. There are lots of opportunities for growth and development in this role – and for the right candidate to make the role their own. 

If you feel you have the skills to make a real impact and contribute to creating lasting social change for children and families, we would love to hear from you. 

Important information

We have increased the diversity of Frontline’s workforce in the last 12 months, but we need to do more to have greater global majority representation in our senior roles. We know the value global majority voices bring and therefore, we are strongly encouraging applicants from these backgrounds to apply. We are also a disability confident employer and welcome applicants with disabilities.

With so many people now using AI to apply for jobs, it is common for applications to be repetitive and nearly identical. There are tell-tale signs when AI has been used, the writing has the same structure, the same tone and the same language. Using AI to clarify your thoughts and sharpen your answers is one thing, but we strongly discourage you from using a tool to generate the substance of your answers. We want your application to demonstrate your skills, as well as show us your thought process, how you respond to problems, what you have learned from different experiences and how you communicate in your own voice. Please be reassured – we are not expecting perfection.

We reserve the right to close this role ahead of the deadline once we reach a suitable number of applications, so please apply as soon as you can!

Events, Community & Digital Fundraising Manager 
Salary: £40,000 – £45,000 per annum, plus benefits
Location: London N1
Full time: 37.5 hours a week

We’re a hybrid working employer, meaning you’re required to come into the office at least 2 days per week currently Tuesday, and Wednesday or Thursday.

Closing date: 23rd March 2026
First Interviews: 31st March and 1st April
Second interviews: w/c 13th April

At World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), we’re passionate about saving lives through research, education and prevention. Around 40% of cancers could be prevented – and with your help, we can reach more people, inspire healthier choices and fund life‑changing research.

We’re now looking for an Events, Community & Digital Fundraising Manager to join our friendly and ambitious Fundraising Development team. If you love bringing people together, creating brilliant supporter experiences and using digital innovation to drive impact, this could be the role for you.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead and grow WCRF’s events, community and digital fundraising programmes at a time of real momentum.

You’ll play a pivotal role in shaping our fundraising future. You will build on the success of our running and challenge events, looking for new and innovative opportunities in the UK and internationally.

You will expand our community fundraising activity, supporting fundraisers with outstanding stewardship and supporter journeys.

You will also drive our digital fundraising strategy, developing engaging digital and virtual fundraising campaigns, using insight and data to optimise performance, test new ideas and maximise return on investment.

Alongside this, you’ll manage budgets, forecasting and reporting, ensuring ambitious income targets are met and also lead and support our Events & Community Fundraiser, helping them thrive and develop.

Working closely with colleagues across Fundraising, Health Information and Communications & Engagement (especially our Digital team), you’ll deliver integrated, engaging, data‑led campaigns aligned with WCRF’s mission that inspire supporters, grow income and deepen long‑term relationships.

You’ll be a creative, organised and collaborative fundraiser with experience across at least two of the following areas: events, community fundraising and digital fundraising.

You’re confident leading projects from idea to delivery, enjoy working with data and insight, and are excited by testing new approaches.

Most importantly, you care deeply about supporter experience and are motivated by making a real difference.

An interest in healthy living and cancer prevention is not essential but would be advantageous.

Do you have a track record of delivering outstanding fundraising results? Do you have the drive, passion and commitment to develop and lead fundraising campaigns that ultimately help young people succeed? We are looking for a fundraising professional to lead the alumni and fundraising activities at the BRGS Fundraising Trust, a charity connected to Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School.

About Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School

Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School is a mixed secondary grammar school and sixth form for 11 to 18 year olds in Waterfoot, Lancashire. We joined Star Academies in 2023 and, like all Star schools, we have a leadership specialism.

We provide a knowledge-based academic curriculum alongside a rich and diverse leadership programme that grows character and inspires charitable and social action. Our pursuit of educational excellence is based upon our fundamental belief that every pupil has the capacity to become a successful and inspirational leader.

Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School has a charitable foundation, the BRGS Fundraising Trust, that raises and distributes funding to support Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School pupils. It exists to expand opportunities and improve outcomes for all pupils at the school, with a particular focus on supporting those with additional barriers to success, such as pupils from lower‑income families.

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for a talented individual to lead the development of fundraising and alumni engagement for the BRGS Fundraising Trust. Your expertise will secure the support of our community to continue to provide an outstanding learning environment for our young people.

The successful candidate will be a proactive leader with strong fundraising knowledge and skills. You will have extensive experience of delivering fundraising projects and campaigns, preferably in education contexts, with proven ability to develop relationships with alumni, parents and other donors.

The successful candidate will be employed by Star Academies and will deliver the fundraising strategy for the school and charity.

You will have:

• A degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience in fundraising through individual giving and major donors.
• Experience cultivating and stewarding major donors and senior stakeholders.
• Understanding of effective fundraising practice and donor stewardship.
• Knowledge of alumni relations and community engagement strategies.

About Star Academies

Star Academies is a high-performing multi-academy trust that runs more than 30 primary and secondary schools. We are a values-based organisation that works to improve the life chances of young people in areas of social and economic deprivation to help them succeed at the highest levels of education, employment and the professions. Every single day you’ll be rewarded with the opportunity to shape a young person’s future - our STAR values embody what we believe is needed to succeed.

Professional development is key to our ongoing success, so we continually invest in our employees through our professional development hub, Star Talent Academy. With a wealth of training, mentoring and progression opportunities across a large, growing group of academies, joining our team of leading education experts could propel your career to the next level.

We can also offer you a range of rewards and benefits, including competitive salaries and pension schemes, generous holiday entitlements and healthcare cash plans.

Find out more

This role is full time, however we are open to requests for part-time working, with a minimum of 3 days a week.

At least 50% of the role will be on site at Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School, with the remaining proportion undertaken remotely if preferred by the postholder.

Please download the job description and person specification below for further information about the role. For an informal and confidential discussion about the role, please contact the school.

Key Dates

Closing Date: Sunday, 12 April 2026 at midnight.

Interview Date: Thursday, 30 April 2026.

Proposed Start Date: Monday, 1 June 2026.

Application Process

To apply for this vacancy please use the 'Apply for job' link below. You should ensure your application form and supporting statement address all elements of the person specification. We will only consider candidates who meet the vast majority of the essential criteria outlined in the person specification.

Our Commitment

Star Academies is committed to safeguarding, safer recruitment and promoting the welfare of pupils. Our comprehensive recruitment and selection processes aim to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants. Successful candidates are subject to rigorous pre-employment checks.

We are equally committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity. We aim for our workforce to be representative of society and that each employee feels respected and able to give their best. We are committed to providing equality and fairness in our recruitment and employment practices and not to discriminate on any grounds. We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination.

Join the Fire Fighters Charity as our Volunteering Manager and lead the development of a dynamic, inclusive volunteering programme that supports the wellbeing of the UK’s fire services community.

You’ll shape and deliver our national volunteering strategy, design an exceptional volunteer journey, build strong relationships, and ensure volunteers feel supported, valued and inspired. Working across teams, you’ll embed volunteering into our services, champion best practice and use insight to drive continuous improvement.

We’re looking for someone who:

· Has strong experience in volunteer management and volunteer strategy implementation

· Brings strategic thinking with hands‑on delivery

· Builds great relationships and influences at all levels

· Understands safeguarding, data protection and inclusive practice

· Is passionate about creating positive, impactful volunteer experiences

If you want a role with purpose and the chance to make a genuine difference, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now and help us grow a thriving volunteer community.

Be the spark that turns creativity into impact.

​Help Age Exchange grow arts & heritage programmes that change lives in social care.

Age Exchange—embedded in social care and powered by the arts—is hiring a Business Development Manager to ignite partnerships and funding that deliver innovative programmes across the UK. If you come from museums, galleries, archives or cultural organisations and can spot opportunities, craft compelling bids and open doors fast, this is your stage. Lead the growth of projects that boost health, wellbeing, learning and social connection—so creativity reaches the people who need it most.

The role will require someone who can work from our head office in Blackheath and the role will include some national travel as and when required so the ideal candidate will be based within an hours commute of the Community Hub in Blackheath, London. 

What is The Deal for you?

• Flexibility! You will be working 35 hours per week over 5 days with some weekend work.
• Location: You need to be based within a commutable distance to our Community Hub in Blackheath, London.
• Benefits: retail discounts, holiday discounts, cycle to work scheme and travel discounts through our benefits app
• Best Lives Possible: You'll be working for an award winning charity who is passionate about ensuring our colleagues and the people we support lead the best lives possible 
• Development: We'll work with you to develop your career or to learn and experience new things. We're passionate about developing our people!
• Support: From our Employee Assistance Programme (available 24/7), financial support options, and wellbeing fund you'll have the support available to lead an easier (financial) life

This role will design and secure a portfolio of national and local strategically aligned, market-relevant and impactful programmes which use arts, culture and creativity to achieve a positive impact on our target audiences. These programmes will empower the health, wellbeing, learning, social mobility and social connection of people supported by Age Exchange and Community Integrated Care. The role holder will play an essential role in leading the growth, reach and sustainability of Age Exchange by generating funding and commercial revenue and new partnerships.

​What You'll do (list not exhaustive):

• Win funding & partnerships that fuel our programmes and core costs—trusts & foundations, corporates/sponsorships, individual giving, and earned income.
• Build and manage a high-quality pipeline—prospect, cultivate, write compelling bids/proposals, negotiate, and steward partners.
• Collaborate across the delivery team—aligning with colleagues so proposed projects and tenders are fundable, impactful, and on-brand.
• Report outcomes & learn—own quarterly KPI reporting and iterate approaches to hit clear income and partnership targets.

Our ideal Candidate:​

• Degree-level education or equivalent experience.
• Proven success in bid writing and securing projects/tenders of £250k+.
• Strong experience in fundraising, commercial development, and project management within a funded environment.
• Creative thinker with the ability to design innovative programmes aligned to strategic objectives.
• Excellent relationship-building and influencing skills, with experience engaging stakeholders at senior levels.
• Skilled communicator and presenter, able to craft compelling proposals and pitches.
• Proficiency in MS Office and project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet).
• Bring proven success in the arts or heritage sector (e.g., museums, galleries, performing arts, creative health, community arts) with a track record of securing grants and/or sponsorships.
• Are a confident storyteller and bid writer who can turn creative ideas into fundable, strategically aligned propositions.

Why join us ?

• Be part of a nationally recognised charity making a real difference in people’s lives.
• Lead ground-breaking projects that combine creativity and social impact.
• Work in a collaborative, values-driven environment with opportunities for professional growth.

Success in this role means:​

• Meeting funding and growth targets.
• Delivering a diverse portfolio of innovative programmes.
• Enhancing the charity’s profile through impactful projects and partnerships.

Ready to make a difference ?
Apply now and help us shape a future where arts and creativity empower communities across the UK.

​Please note, if you are interested in this role, we welcome your application as soon as possible! Depending on the volume of applications received, the vacancy may be closed before the expected advertising end date.

​We’re really proud to be a Hive HR Employee Voice Certified organisation, a recognition that confirms our commitment to creating a culture where our colleagues are not only encouraged to share their thoughts, but where this feedback is actively sought and acted upon to drive positive change at every level.

In our 2025 Colleague Engagement Survey, 59% (nearly 3,800) of our people shared their feedback and insights, giving us an incredible Employee Net Promoter Score of +34.

The Employee Net Promoter Score is a measure of how willing our colleagues are to recommend us as a good place to work to their loved ones – and a score of +34 is considered a Very Good score when compared to global benchmarks set by hundreds of other organisations.

Senior Policy and Influencing Manager

£42,385 - £44,615 (plus £4,250.69 London weighting if applicable)

Hybrid working across the UK, with regular travel to London needed and expected. 

Interviews to be held online, virtually on 16th April

The WEA is the UK’s largest voluntary sector provider of adult education, a charity dedicated to bringing high quality, professional education into the heart of communities.

We are looking for talented individuals to help us deliver our mission – to bring lifelong learning within reach fighting inequality and promoting social justice.

Job Description

WEA are looking for talented individuals to help us deliver our mission – to bring education within reach. If that sounds like you, then please read on! 

As the Senior Policy and Influencing Manager, you will lead our influencing strategy, helping us to raise the profile of lifelong learning in Whitehall and beyond, whilst enabling our movement to secure wins that bring learning within reach for 1000’s of adults.

Working across multiple policy areas, providing expert guidance to the Leadership Team, supporting them to engage with national and devolved public policy, and enable colleagues to bring their subject matter expertise to the fore. To support colleagues to engage with regional and local decision-makers, such as Mayoral Combined Authorities and Local Authorities.

You will play an instrumental role in driving our wider movement to advocate for lifelong learning, ensuring our campaigns are impactful, meaningful and engaging

As part of the Charitable Purpose Team, the Senior Policy Manager also has line management responsibility for the Research Specialist, ensuring a close fit between research projects and wider campaigning and influencing strategies.

We have attached the full role profile, that lists the key deliverables, performance measures and experience/qualifications needed for this role. Please take your time to read through this, and if you’d like to apply, hit that button!

We are working hard to create a workplace that reflects the communities we seek to serve and in which everyone feels empowered to be themselves and work together to drive positive change. We strongly encourage applicants from a diverse range of candidates and encourage everyone with the appropriate skills, experiences and potential to apply.

Should you need any support with your application, then please email us. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible

In our recent OFSTED inspection, we received a GOOD overall grade, with an OUTSTANDING rating for Behaviour and Attitudes and Personal Development.

You can read more about our benefits and what it’s like to work here, on our website

Role: Senior Delivery Manager

Directorate:            Standards

Team:                      Workforce Development

Manager:                Director of Standards

Direct reports: Education Network Manager, High Skills Performance Coach and Curriculum Lead (two colleagues)

Role purpose

The Senior Delivery Manager plays a key role in leading high-quality operational delivery across WorldSkills UK’s workforce development products and services. The postholder will be responsible for contract, project and performance management, ensuring all programmes are delivered efficiently, consistently and to a high standard. Working closely with colleagues across the organisation, this role leads operational systems, processes and delivery management to support effective provision for further and higher education and the skills system, raising standards of teaching, learning and assessment.

Key tasks and responsibilities

The postholder will be accountable for ensuring that workforce development programmes and services are delivered efficiently, compliantly and to a high standard, with strong operational oversight and continuous improvement.

Contract and project management

· Lead contract and relationship management with key grant funders, ensuring compliance with funding agreements and timely resolution of delivery issues.

· Ensure timely and accurate reporting, including regular performance updates and financial summaries, to support effective oversight and decision making.

· Maintain strong operational governance by identifying, managing and mitigating risks, and escalating issues appropriately.

· Oversee evaluation activity, ensuring evidence and insights to inform continuous improvement and future programme development.

Operational management

· Oversee data management processes to ensure accurate collection, monitoring and reporting of operational and performance data.

· Lead the development, implementation and continuous improvement of systems and tools that underpin programme delivery (e.g. CRM, dashboards, workflow).

· Design, refine and maintain operational processes that support high‑quality, efficient delivery and a positive customer experience across all workforce development activities.

Delivery management

· Lead the planning, implementation and delivery of workforce development products and services to ensure they meet agreed project objectives, quality standards and stakeholder requirements.

· Plan and oversee high‑impact events and training delivery, managing the full end‑to‑end customer journey from promotion and delegate engagement, through booking and delivery, to post‑event evaluation. Ensure all activity is scheduled and sequenced effectively around the academic year.

· Manage and support the team of trainers and coaches to deliver high‑quality, consistent and impactful training and engagement activity.

· Coordinate internal and external resources to ensure smooth, timely and cost‑effective delivery of programmes and services.

General

In addition to the key tasks and responsibilities set out above, employees at this level are expected to:

· Manage, support and motivate allocated staff to successfully deliver agreed activities and tasks.

· Produce specification requirements in line with procurement processes for outsourced activity.

· Contribute to organisational risk and issues management processes.

· Support delivery of WorldSkills UK’s strategic priorities and annual business plan.

· Ensure resources (staff, suppliers, partners, volunteers) are managed efficiently and effectively.

· Contribute to a performance‑driven culture with robust monitoring, evaluation and reporting.

· Demonstrate WorldSkills UK’s values in all aspects of the role, contributing to a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing organisational culture.

· Promote and comply with WorldSkills UK’s policies, including safeguarding, health and safety, equality, diversity and inclusion.

· Carry out any other duty as may be reasonably assigned that is consistent with the nature of the role and its level of responsibility. Any significant changes will be made in consultation with the post holder taking account of their experience, skills and capability.

Person specification

Key: [E] Essential / [D] Desirable.

Qualifications and experience:

· Experience of operational, project or programme management within education, skills or workforce development [E].

· Experience managing complex projects and multiple stakeholders in publicly funded or grant‑funded environments [E].

· Experience of event management or oversight of outsourced delivery [D].

Knowledge and skills:

· Strong programme and budget management skills [E].

· Ability to lead operational change initiatives and embed new systems and processes [E].

· Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex information and translate insights into action [E].

· Excellent risk management, problem‑solving and decision‑making skills [E].

· Ability to influence and motivate colleagues and partners, including those working remotely [E].

· Ability to build strong and effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders [E].

Personal qualities and attributes:

· Demonstrates professionalism, reliability and sound judgement [E].

· Organised and methodical, with a structured approach to planning and delivery [E].

· Able to work independently, using sound judgement and initiative, while collaborating effectively with others [E].

· Able to identify practical solutions and improve ways of working [E].

· ideas Adapts positively to changing priorities and ways of working [E].

· Works collaboratively with colleagues and partners to achieve shared goals [E].

· Able to motivate and support others to deliver high quality work [E].

Special circumstances:

· Able to work occasionally outside normal hours where required [E].

· Able to travel within the United Kingdom, where required [E].

· Able to undertake occasional overnight stays where required [E].

Summary of terms and conditions

· Permanent.

· The salary for this role is £50,000.

· WorldSkills UK offers a maximum employer’s contribution to your pension of 6% of your basic salary, on the condition that you make an employee contribution to your pension of at least 3%. You may choose to contribute a higher percentage of your salary to your pension, subject to statutory limits.

· Group Death in Service (Life insurance) 3 x annual salary.

· Health Care Cash plan.

· Normal place of work is Third Floor, 52-54 St John Street, London EC1M 4HF. This role is office based (as above) with flexible hybrid working. It is expected the postholder will attend the office at least once or twice a week (a minimum of four days per month).

· Full time working hours are a minimum of 35 hours per week, normal working hours are 09:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday although we pride ourselves on having a flexible approach to our working practices and service delivery and are happy to discuss flexible working options, with suitable candidates.

· 25 days’ annual leave [which will increase by one additional day for each completed year of service up to a maximum of 30 days] plus public and bank holidays.

· The post is subject to six months’ probationary period with two weeks’ notice during the probationary period and one month thereafter.

· The offer of appointment will be subject to satisfactory references.

· Salaries are paid monthly by direct transfer on or about 21st of the month.

How to apply

WorldSkills UK is committed to making appointments on merit by fair and open processes and use a blind recruitment approach. Please ensure that you submit your application in Word (curriculum vitae and cover letter) to help us in this process.

We recognise that no candidate is likely to meet every criterion in full. If your experience is not an exact match but you believe you can bring relevant skills and experience to the role, we encourage you to apply.

Applications should be by email and must include:

· Curriculum vitae outlining your full career history. Please remove identifying information such as your name, contact details, date of birth, nationality, photographs and links to personal profiles to support our anonymised recruitment process. This includes your name, email address, date of birth, nationality, languages spoken other than English, photographs, and links to personal profiles (e.g. LinkedIn). Applications that contain identifying information in the CV may not be considered.

· Supporting statement outlining your suitability for the role, addressing the points listed in the role description and person specification. Throughout the recruitment process we will be looking for clear examples and evidence of your experience, knowledge and skills.

· Separate document containing your name, contact details (email and phone number) and confirmation of your right to work in the UK.

For the full information on how to apply, read the job pack attached to the advert. 

Interview process and timeline

It is intended that the interview process will have two stages:

· Stage 1 – online via MS Teams. The interviews will be held on Tuesday 7 April 2026.

· Stage 2 – in person. Candidates progressing to the second stage will be invited to attend an in-person interview at our office: Third Floor, 52–54 St John Street, London EC1M 4HF. This stage of the interview process will take place on Wednesday 15 April 2026. Candidates will be asked to complete an interview task as part of this stage of the process, details of which will be provided to those invited to the interview.

Reasonable adjustments will be offered to all candidates during the recruitment process. For further information please contact our Senior HR Manager, Andreea Ojog.

Application deadline

The deadline for applications is Sunday, 29 March 2026 at 17:00. Please note that late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Trusts and Foundations Manager will lead the development of a new income stream that supports the organisation’s future growth and strategic ambitions. With no current active grants or established project portfolio, the postholder will build the foundations of a strong trusts and foundations programme, developing a robust pipeline, shaping emerging ideas into fundable opportunities, and securing long-term income to enable new services.

Working collaboratively across the organisation, they will help colleagues understand funder expectations, develop compelling cases for support, and build the systems required for sustainable, high-quality grant fundraising. This role is central to diversifying income and ensuring the organisation is well positioned to secure future investment as new projects are developed.

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Trusts and Foundations Manager will develop and grow a new trusts and foundations income stream from the ground up. They will build a pipeline of prospective funders, shape emerging ideas into fundable opportunities, and lead on high quality applications that support the organisation’s future projects. Working collaboratively across directorates, they will cultivate strong funder relationships and establish the systems needed for sustainable, long‑term income growth.

KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Planning and Strategy

• Lead the development of a new trusts and foundations income stream, building a sustainable portfolio of prospective, warm, and active funders.
• Create and maintain a structured pipeline that clearly maps cultivation, application, and stewardship stages.
• Establish effective systems, processes, and tools for researching, tracking, and managing all funding opportunities.
• Work with colleagues across the organisation to identify future fundable projects and shape them into compelling propositions.
• Develop annual trusts and foundations workplans and income forecasts aligned to organisational priorities.

Prospecting and Research

• Identify and research new trust, foundation, and statutory funders, prioritising those with the strongest alignment to RLSS UK’s mission and strategic framework.
• Identify creative ways to engage new funders and build early relationships, even before projects are fully developed.
• Stay informed about new trust and foundation funding opportunities and broader sector developments and funder priorities, to strengthen the fundraising strategy.

Bid Writing and Proposal Development

• Develop high quality, persuasive, and tailored funding applications that clearly articulate the need and potential impact.
• Ensure all proposals clearly articulate the need, planned impact, and align with funder requirements and priorities.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across Education, Commercial Services, Finance and the wider Income Generation and Engagement team to develop credible cases for support, project budgets and clear anticipated impact.
• Identify the most appropriate approach for each funder, including opportunities for multi‑year grants and strategic partnerships.

Relationship Management and Stewardship

• Cultivate strong, positive relationships with funders, ensuring personalised, timely and impact focused stewardship for all supporters.
• Provide excellent donor care, responding promptly to enquiries and ensuring funders feel informed, valued, and connected to RLSS UK’s mission.
• Represent RLSS UK confidently in funder meetings, presentations, and networking events to strengthen long term support.

Reporting and Evaluation

• Monitor and report on trusts and foundations fundraising performance against KPIs and targets, reporting on performance to the Director of Income Generation and Engagement, Senior Leadership Team and the Board of Trustees. 
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date information in the CRM.
• Support the development of monitoring and evaluation frameworks to ensure future projects can deliver strong, funder‑ready impact reporting.
• Collaborate with internal teams to collect evidence of impact and evaluate programme performance.
• Support audit processes related to restricted funding alongside the Finance team.
• Use data-driven insights and KPIs to evaluate and refine strategies for maximum impact and return on investment.

Other Duties & Responsibilities

• All other duties reasonably associated with your role, as directed by the Line Manager.
• Act as an ambassador for the Income Generation & Engagement directorate, supporting a culture of collaboration, learning and innovation.
• Ensure compliance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 by complying with internal information governance policies and maintaining up-to-date documentation as part of RLSS UK’s compliance programme.
• Demonstrate and uphold the Society’s values and behavioural standards at all times.
• Create an inclusive working environment where diversity is valued, everyone can contribute, and everyday actions ensure we meet our duty to uphold and promote equality.

This job description is not to be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive. It is intended as an outline indication of areas of activity and responsibility and will be amended in light of the changing needs of the organisation.

PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential Relevant Experience, Skills and/or Aptitudes

• Proven experience in securing and managing trusts, foundations, or similar institutional funding.
• Comfortable working in an environment where systems, processes, and programmes are being built from the ground up.
• Strong understanding of CRM systems.
• Strong strategic thinking coupled with hands on delivery.
• Excellent written communication skills with the ability to craft persuasive proposals, cases for support and impact reports.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.
• Strong understanding of return on investment (ROI) and the ability to evaluate the effectiveness, sustainability, and value of fundraising activity.
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management abilities.
• A collaborative approach to working across teams and engaging stakeholders.
• Experience of developing or significantly growing a trusts and foundations pipeline.
• Ability to work confidently with financial information, including project budgets and restricted funding.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly and concisely to a range of audiences.
• Understanding of fundraising regulation, GDPR, and ethical fundraising practices.

Desirable Relevant Experience, Skills and/or Aptitudes

• Knowledge and understanding of RLSS UK’s mission, values and strategic priorities.
• Experience securing multi-year or six-figure grants from trusts, foundations, or statutory bodies.
• Experience of establishing monitoring, evaluation, or impact frameworks that meet funder requirements.
• Understanding of water safety, education, youth engagement, community development or related fields.
• Experience working in a small team or start‑up environment or programme development.

ABOUT RLSS UK

The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) is the leading charity for water safety and drowning prevention in the UK and Ireland. Our mission is to save lives by being the leader in lifesaving, lifeguarding, and water safety education so that everyone can enjoy water safely. We share our expertise, skills, and knowledge to empower people enjoy water safely and achieve our vision; communities free from drowning.

WHAT RLSS UK CAN OFFER YOU

RLSS UK is a national Charity based in Worcester, and we offer great staff benefits including -

• Annual Leave based on 27 days + Bank Holidays + a discretionary day off for your birthday
• Private Medical Scheme*
• Enhanced Society Sick Pay*
• Eye Care*
• Employee Assistance Programme via Health Assured
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Howdens Sports Benefits/Perks at Work
• Free RLSS UK Membership
• Free tea and coffee when working from HQ, including access to our wonderful Coffee Machine
• Free on-site parking when working from HQ
• Company Events and more!

*Subject to eligibility criteria

YOUR APPLICATION

Please send your CV along with a Cover Letter outlining why you should join our Income Generation and Engagement Team 

Closing Date – 5.00pm, Tuesday 17th March 2026

Interview Date – Wednesday 25th March 2026 at our Worcester Head Office (subject to change)

Should you wish to discuss the role, any reasonable adjustments you may require throughout the recruitment process, or have any questions, please get in touch where a member of the RLSS UK HR Department will be happy to help.

RLSS UK are a Disability Confident Committed Employer and an INclusive Worcestershire Leader.