Legal counsel jobs in Belfast

Here at the Royal British Legion, we are currently embarking on an exciting new phase within our Membership directorate. As part of our new ten year strategy, we are pleased to be seeking a Head of Youth in a newly created, leadership role.

As a key member of the Membership, Armed Forces and Community Engagement team, this role will contribute to the delivery of our new strategy leading a nationally-scaled, innovative youth approach, creating the conditions for our organisation to thrive for future generations.

Reporting into our new Director: Armed Forces Engagement, Partnerships and Youth, this exciting new role will see you identify and develop strategic, high-impact youth partnerships at a national level (including in the devolved nations) that help us reach more young people in new, exciting and innovative ways, advancing RBL’s vision of “Bringing Society Together to Recognise, Remember and Support the Armed Forces Community”.

You will lead the development, delivery and evolution of an RBL youth plan, highlighting the role of the RBL and positioning youth engagement as a long-term strategic enabler of our Armed Forces Community. This will include work across schools and youth organisations, with a particular emphasis on remembrance activities, and developing a Cadet Forces Engagement strategy.

Managing a small and newly created team, key responsibilities will include:

- Develop and implement a Cadet Forces engagement and partnership working strategy aimed at both cadets and CFAVs which seeks to raise awareness and understanding of the role of the armed forces community, promotes engagement in remembrance activities (including the wearing of the Poppy) and develops and understanding of the role of RBL
- lead the development and approval of the RBL Schools and Learning Strategy, fostering collaboration across departments to maximise engagement with school-age children
- Working with our current youth members, re-design and re-launch the youth membership, ensuring RBL has a relevant, engaging and attractive youth membership offer
- Demonstrate creativity, initiative and thought-leadership in planning, piloting and developing youth initiatives with partners
- Act as a champion for young people internally and externally to partners

Come and be part of the leading Armed Forces charity, making a difference to the lives of those who have served to keep us safe and protect our way of life.

You will be expected to travel regularly in the course of your work including regularly to London Haig House. You will be contracted to your home address, where you will be expected to work when not travelling.

This is a full time position, working 35 hours per week, Monday-Friday, with understanding that due to the nature of the role some evening and/or weekend work may be required at times.

The successful applicant will require a full UK driving licence and an Enhanced DBS check will be be undertaken as part of the pre employment checks process.

Employee benefits include –

- 28 day’s paid holiday (plus bank holidays) increasing with service, with optional annual leave purchase scheme of up to 5 working days
- Enhanced paid maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- Generous pension contributions, with Employer contributions ranging from 6% to 10%
- Range of flexible working options may be available, depending on your role
- Employee Assistance Programme providing confidential counselling, financial and legal advice
- Range of courses delivered by learning specialists to support your development goals and objectives
- Opportunities to volunteer
- Travel loans, Cycle to Work, and more!

For more detailed information about the role, please see the Vacancy Information Pack attached to our direct advert. Our teams take a personalised approach to shortlisting, which is carried out without the use of AI and is based on the evidence provided in your application against the essential and desirable criteria in the Person Specification.

RBL is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive organisation, reflecting the diversity of the armed forces community and of wider society. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and personal characteristics.

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interview schemes for candidates who declare an Armed Forces connection and/or a disability. However, candidates are only eligible for this scheme if their application clearly demonstrates that they meet all of the essential criteria listed in the Person Specification for the role.

We may close this vacancy early if we believe we have enough strong applications to be able to successfully fill the role. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Work with us at NCT

For pregnancy, parents and progress.

At NCT, what we do every day has a real impact on people’s lives.

We’re the UK’s charity for pregnancy, birth and early parenthood. For nearly 70 years, we’ve been alongside women and parents, offering trusted information, practical support and building communities.

Today, we reach hundreds of thousands of new and expectant parents every year. We provide antenatal and postnatal education, local and national support for infant feeding and mental health, and we campaign for fairer, safer maternity care. We listen to parents’ experiences and act on them - tackling health inequalities, challenging systems that don’t work, and pressing for progress.

Join our passionate team and contribute to the meaningful work that transforms the lives of parents and families.

Your role will include:​

• Raise awareness of who we are – what we do and the difference we make and encourage people to use our services, support our charity and advocate on behalf of new parents.
• Drive impactful campaigns – Engage parents, policymakers, pregnancy and birth stakeholders and organisations with compelling advocacy and messaging.
• Lead the press office – Develop and implement PR strategies to enhance NCT’s visibility and credibility through powerful and creative storytelling.
• Lead our responsive external communications work – developing thought leadership, reactive comment pieces and content in response to external developments affecting new and expectant parents.

Why work at NCT?

Whether you’re supporting services, shaping policy, delivering programmes, raising funds, running operations or telling our story, you’ll be contributing to something bigger:
a society where everyone who becomes a parent feels confident, connected and safe.

People join NCT because they want to make a difference - and stay because they believe in how we do it.

How we work

We’re guided by a simple principle: no judgement, no exception. That shows up in how we support parents - and how we work with each other.

At NCT we are:

• Welcoming: We are always welcoming, creating connections and building communities.
• Collaborative: We achieve better outcomes by working together.
• Inclusive: We ensure equity and inclusion are core to who we are and what we do.
• Bold: We are bold, brave, and progressive
• Trusted: We provide trusted, high-quality, evidence-based information, support, and services.

We deal with complex issues, make tough decisions, and work in environments that can be challenging. But we do it with honesty, care and a shared sense of purpose.

When you work at NCT you’ll get fantastic benefits to support your well-being and professional growth:

• 30 days annual leave (excluding Bank Holidays)
• Pension matched up to 5%
• Flexible working options to suite your lifestyle
• Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 GP access, personalised counselling, legal advice and more
• Cycle to work scheme to support sustainable commuting
• Life Assurance for peace of mind
• Free eye test for all staff, with further discounts
• Blue Light discount card

Join us

At NCT, we’re committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce. If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or within your role, please let us know - we’re here to support you. If you want your work to contribute to lasting change - for generations of parents to come - we’d love to hear from you.

Together, we are NCT.

Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

At NCT, we believe everyone should be able to shape their own journey - as parents, and as colleagues.

We are taking positive action to increase diversity across our organisation, at all levels, and to nurture a culture of inclusion and belonging for all our people and for the parents and families we support. You can read more about our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion action.

We are committed to zero discrimination, both internally and externally. This commitment applies regardless of visible or invisible difference, including (but not limited to): sex, sexual orientation, age, race, ethnicity, disability, impairment, learning difference or long‑term condition, religion or belief, gender identity, economic class, marital or civil partnership status, family status (including single parents), socio‑economic background, pregnancy and maternity.

We actively welcome applications from people from communities who are under‑represented in our organisation and the charity sector more widely.

About NCT

NCT is a charity with a clear mission: to support people as they become parents, through pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood.  

With a 65-year history of transformative change, we are a vibrant community of volunteers, practitioners, peer supporters, members and advocates. We are the largest parenting charity in the country and over the decades we’ve supported millions of people on their unique journey into parenthood.    

While many know us for our antenatal classes, we also do much more. We campaign on issues that matter to parents, provide infant feeding support, and run thousands of free community events and activities led by our amazing volunteers. We also support families facing challenges like social isolation, feeding difficulties, and poor mental health. We offer support in communities, in hospitals and online. 

About the role

Join our passionate team and contribute to the meaningful work that transforms the lives of parents and families. Your role will include:

• Leading the planning and delivery of integrated marketing campaigns that are audience-led, insight-driven and deliver against organisational objectives.
• Working closely with the Content Studio, managing briefs, priorities and workflows to ensure high-quality and effective content delivery.
• Bringing creative ideas and energy, helping NCT continually improve how its marketing reaches and supports parents.
• Collaborating with internal colleagues across Marketing, Communications and Strategic Partnerships, as well as external agencies to deliver joined-up marketing activity.  

About you

You will:

• You have experience delivering integrated marketing campaigns and turning strategy into clear and effective plans.
• You’re confident managing different priorities and working closely with content or creative teams to prioritise briefs.
• You’re collaborative, insight-led and comfortable using data to improve on and report marketing performance.
• You’re proactive, organised and motivated to use marketing to drive growth and change brand perceptions. 

Our Benefits – What we offer you  

We value our team and offer fantastic benefits to support your well-being and professional growth: 

• 30 days annual leave (excluding Bank Holidays)  
• Pension matched up to 5%  
• Flexible working options to suit your lifestyle  
• Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 GP access, personalised counselling, legal advice and more  
• Cycle to work scheme to support sustainable commuting  
• Life Assurance for peace of mind  
• Free eye test for all staff, with further discounts  
• Blue Light discount card

Why work at NCT? 

Whether you’re supporting services, shaping policy, delivering programmes, raising funds, running operations or telling our story, you’ll be contributing to something bigger: 
a society where everyone who becomes a parent feels confident, connected and safe. 

People join NCT because they want to make a difference - and stay because they believe in how we do it. 

How we work 

We’re guided by a simple principle: no judgement, no exception. That shows up in how we support parents - and how we work with each other. 

At NCT we are: 

• Welcoming: We are always welcoming, creating connections and building communities. 

• Collaborative: We achieve better outcomes by working together. 

• Inclusive: We ensure equity and inclusion are core to who we are and what we do. 

• Bold: We are bold, brave, and progressive 

• Trusted: We provide trusted, high-quality, evidence-based information, support, and services. 

We deal with complex issues, make tough decisions, and work in environments that can be challenging. But we do it with honesty, care and a shared sense of purpose. 

Join us 

At NCT, we’re committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce. If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or within your role, please let us know - we’re here to support you. If you want your work to contribute to lasting change - for generations of parents to come - we’d love to hear from you. 

Together, we are NCT. 

Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion 

At NCT, we believe everyone should be able to shape their own journey - as parents, and as colleagues. 

We are taking positive action to increase diversity across our organisation, at all levels, and to nurture a culture of inclusion and belonging for all our people and for the parents and families we support. You can read more about our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion action. 

We are committed to zero discrimination, both internally and externally. This commitment applies regardless of visible or invisible difference, including (but not limited to): sex, sexual orientation, age, race, ethnicity, disability, impairment, learning difference or long‑term condition, religion or belief, gender identity, economic class, marital or civil partnership status, family status (including single parents), socio‑economic background, pregnancy and maternity. 

We actively welcome applications from people from communities who are under‑represented in our organisation and the charity sector more widely. 

Work with us

For pregnancy, parents and progress.

At NCT, what we do every day has a real impact on people’s lives.

We’re the UK’s charity for pregnancy, birth and early parenthood. For nearly 70 years, we’ve been alongside women and parents, offering trusted information, practical support and building communities.

Today, we reach hundreds of thousands of new and expectant parents every year. We provide antenatal and postnatal education, local and national support for infant feeding and mental health, and we campaign for fairer, safer maternity care. We listen to parents’ experiences and act on them - tackling health inequalities, challenging systems that don’t work, and pressing for progress.

About the role

Join our passionate team and contribute to the meaningful work that transforms the lives of parents and families. Your role will include:

• Create high-quality, engaging and accessible content across multiple formats, including video, social media, email, web and other campaign assets, ensuring alignment to NCT’s brand, tone of voice and messaging.
• Actively monitoring social channels, media, trends and the external environment to identify relevant conversations, risks and opportunities for NCT.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across Marketing, Communications and Fundraising & Strategic Partnerships to ensure content supports the objectives of integrated campaigns.
• Managing own workload effectively within the Content Studio, balancing deadlines and planned vs reactive activity.

About you

• You’ll have experience creating engaging and creative content across multiple digital and physical formats.  
• You’ll have a strong understanding of brand and tone of voice, and how to apply these consistently.  
• You’ll have solid understanding of digital marketing platforms and tools including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Canva etc.
• You’re proactive, organised and motivated to use marketing to drive growth and change brand perceptions.

Why work at NCT? 

Whether you’re supporting services, shaping policy, delivering programmes, raising funds, running operations or telling our story, you’ll be contributing to something bigger: 
a society where everyone who becomes a parent feels confident, connected and safe. 

People join NCT because they want to make a difference - and stay because they believe in how we do it. 

How we work 

We’re guided by a simple principle: no judgement, no exception. That shows up in how we support parents - and how we work with each other. 

At NCT we are: 

• Welcoming: We are always welcoming, creating connections and building communities. 
• Collaborative: We achieve better outcomes by working together. 
• Inclusive: We ensure equity and inclusion are core to who we are and what we do. 
• Bold: We are bold, brave, and progressive 
• Trusted: We provide trusted, high-quality, evidence-based information, support, and services. 

We deal with complex issues, make tough decisions, and work in environments that can be challenging. But we do it with honesty, care and a shared sense of purpose. 

When you work at NCT you’ll get fantastic benefits to support your well-being and professional growth: 

• 30 days annual leave (excluding Bank Holidays)
• Pension matched up to 5%
• Flexible working options to suite your lifestyle
• Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 GP access, personalised counselling, legal advice and more
• Life Assurance for peace of mind
• Free eye test for all staff, with further discounts
• Blue Light discount card

Join us 

At NCT, we’re committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce. If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or within your role, please let us know - we’re here to support you. If you want your work to contribute to lasting change - for generations of parents to come - we’d love to hear from you. 

Together, we are NCT. 

Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion 

At NCT, we believe everyone should be able to shape their own journey - as parents, and as colleagues. 

We are taking positive action to increase diversity across our organisation, at all levels, and to nurture a culture of inclusion and belonging for all our people and for the parents and families we support. You can read more about our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion action. 

We are committed to zero discrimination, both internally and externally. This commitment applies regardless of visible or invisible difference, including (but not limited to): sex, sexual orientation, age, race, ethnicity, disability, impairment, learning difference or long‑term condition, religion or belief, gender identity, economic class, marital or civil partnership status, family status (including single parents), socio‑economic background, pregnancy and maternity. 

We actively welcome applications from people from communities who are under‑represented in our organisation and the charity sector more widely. 

Work with us

For pregnancy, parents and progress.

At NCT, what we do every day has a real impact on people’s lives.

We’re the UK’s charity for pregnancy, birth and early parenthood. For nearly 70 years, we’ve been alongside women and parents, offering trusted information, practical support and building communities.

Today, we reach hundreds of thousands of new and expectant parents every year. We provide antenatal and postnatal education, local and national support for infant feeding and mental health, and we campaign for fairer, safer maternity care. We listen to parents’ experiences and act on them - tackling health inequalities, challenging systems that don’t work, and pressing for progress.

About the role

Join our passionate team and contribute to the meaningful work that transforms the lives of parents and families. Your role will include:

• Create high-quality, engaging and accessible content across multiple formats, including video, social media, email, web and other campaign assets, ensuring alignment to NCT’s brand, tone of voice and messaging.
• Actively monitoring social channels, media, trends and the external environment to identify relevant conversations, risks and opportunities for NCT.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across Marketing, Communications and Fundraising & Strategic Partnerships to ensure content supports the objectives of integrated campaigns.
• Managing own workload effectively within the Content Studio, balancing deadlines and planned vs reactive activity.

About you

• You’ll have experience creating engaging and creative content across multiple digital and physical formats.  
• You’ll have a strong understanding of brand and tone of voice, and how to apply these consistently.  
• You’ll have solid understanding of digital marketing platforms and tools including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Canva etc.
• You’re proactive, organised and motivated to use marketing to drive growth and change brand perceptions.

Why work at NCT? 

Whether you’re supporting services, shaping policy, delivering programmes, raising funds, running operations or telling our story, you’ll be contributing to something bigger: 
a society where everyone who becomes a parent feels confident, connected and safe. 

People join NCT because they want to make a difference - and stay because they believe in how we do it. 

How we work 

We’re guided by a simple principle: no judgement, no exception. That shows up in how we support parents - and how we work with each other. 

At NCT we are: 

• Welcoming: We are always welcoming, creating connections and building communities. 
• Collaborative: We achieve better outcomes by working together. 
• Inclusive: We ensure equity and inclusion are core to who we are and what we do. 
• Bold: We are bold, brave, and progressive 
• Trusted: We provide trusted, high-quality, evidence-based information, support, and services. 

We deal with complex issues, make tough decisions, and work in environments that can be challenging. But we do it with honesty, care and a shared sense of purpose. 

When you work at NCT you’ll get fantastic benefits to support your well-being and professional growth: 

• 30 days annual leave (excluding Bank Holidays)
• Pension matched up to 5%
• Flexible working options to suite your lifestyle
• Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 GP access, personalised counselling, legal advice and more
• Life Assurance for peace of mind
• Free eye test for all staff, with further discounts
• Blue Light discount card

Join us 

At NCT, we’re committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce. If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or within your role, please let us know - we’re here to support you. If you want your work to contribute to lasting change - for generations of parents to come - we’d love to hear from you. 

Together, we are NCT. 

Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion 

At NCT, we believe everyone should be able to shape their own journey - as parents, and as colleagues. 

We are taking positive action to increase diversity across our organisation, at all levels, and to nurture a culture of inclusion and belonging for all our people and for the parents and families we support. You can read more about our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion action. 

We are committed to zero discrimination, both internally and externally. This commitment applies regardless of visible or invisible difference, including (but not limited to): sex, sexual orientation, age, race, ethnicity, disability, impairment, learning difference or long‑term condition, religion or belief, gender identity, economic class, marital or civil partnership status, family status (including single parents), socio‑economic background, pregnancy and maternity. 

We actively welcome applications from people from communities who are under‑represented in our organisation and the charity sector more widely. 

As Director of External Affairs across the Bild Group of four small charities (with collective turnover of approx. £3m/yr), you will have a deep commitment to human rights and improving people’s lives.

You will provide strategic direction and leadership to the External Relations function across all four charities in the group, taking overall responsibility for and providing thought-leadership on our strategic approach to policy, influencing, public affairs, stakeholder engagement. 

You will play a lead role in planning, developing, and implementing the communication and external relations and wider engagement strategic plan to grow awareness and profile of Bild, Respond, Restraint Reduction Network (RRN) and ACT.

By sharing the impact of our work and programmes in improving the lives of people with learning disabilities, autism and /or mental health conditions, you will support Bild in becoming the sector leading provider of organisational and workforce development (and RRN in becoming the leading charity in reducing restrictive practices globally – and Respond as leaders in trauma informed therapy).

You will champion Bild and RRN’s brand, vision, mission and values acting as an ambassador for the organisation both internally and externally to partners, stakeholders and media.

Key Responsibilities and Duties: 

Strategic Leadership:  

• Develop and implement an integrated communications and external relations strategy across the four charities in the group to raise our profile and to influence change which positively impacts on our beneficiaries, aligning media, campaigning, and public affairs with the charity’s mission and strategic priorities 

• Lead and inspire a high-performing team including Membership and Events Officer, Resources Coordinator and comms team as required 

Comms & Marketing:

• Plan, develop and implement strategic communications and marketing plans to maximise awareness of the Bild Group of charities across the broad spectrum of communications disciplines including media relations, stakeholder management, influencer engagement, ethical (impact focused) marketing, social and new media and the production of new materials and resources 

• Write, develop and produce materials such as infographics, press releases, briefing documents, media statements and online information suitable for stakeholders, including people with lived experience

• Ensure effective marketing across all four charities focusing on impact and including ensuring we attend a range of external events and that all four websites are best practice. 

Influencing & Public Affairs:  

• Working with the CEO, you will drive policy change by developing strategies to influence key decision makers through building relationships with parliamentarians, government departments, and sector stakeholders to ensure the charity's policy agenda is impactful 

• Lead proactive and reactive media engagement, calls and requests for information in order to capitalise on suitable opportunities for maximising the reach and impact of all four charities

• Build our credibility as a thought leader in the sector 

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships:  

• Build and sustain strategic alliances with senior civil servants, civil society groups, and community partners to increase the organization's influence and impact 

• Develop effective stakeholder relationship management processes that ensure partnerships of all levels are provided with a rich, immersive engagement experience with the organisation and the work that we do 

• Identify, liaise with and ensure positive relationships with key stakeholders – internal and external including media, government departments, partners, charities, providers, customers, other relevant parties to secure maximum impact for all four charities and their beneficiaries

Reputation, Brand Management & Marketing:  

• Champion the Bild group brands, promoting the mission, values and impact of the organisation and ensuring consistent, engaging narratives and high-quality storytelling across all external channels

• Shaping the charity's profile and protecting its reputation through media relations, digital engagement, and consistent key messaging and building our credibility as thought leaders in sector. 

Membership, Events & Communities:  

• By ensuring appropriate, effective and engaging communications to all relevant audiences and stakeholders, your role will support the growth and development of our membership, Communities of Practice and the event programme (including webinars and conferences).

• Effectively plan, manage and lead a range of events for the Bild group of charities and associated marketing and communications

• Develop framework for Communities of Practice and strategy for engagement and growth 

• Supporting Bild and RRN spokespeople with PR and media outreach

• Keep abreast of communications and engagement activity within the sector and demonstrate an awareness of the impact these may have on existing and future communications activity

General Responsibilities 

• Contribute to evaluation and assessment of results against KPIs and tracking activity

• Allocate, manage and evaluate budget spend

• Identify resource requirements for activity across Bild group

• Develop and maintain systems, databases and procedures to support Bild group communication activities

• Plan, monitor, appraise and report progress of activity regularly with an innate understanding of how this supports activity across the Bild group

• Plan, manage and oversee budgetary spend related to outsourcing specialist activities such as video editing and design

• Ensure communications and marketing work complies with data protection and other legal, professional and agency requirements, standards and policies

• Support the senior leadership team on any activity as required. 

Personal Development  

• Be part of a culture of quality in all areas of communications, PR and marketing

• Participate and contribute to individual performance appraisal and supervision sessions

• Keep abreast of relevant initiatives and developments within the adult health and social care, education & disability sector and the wider communications / engagement profession

• Undertake relevant training, as necessary including accessing new systems and software as required to support the role.

Organisational Responsibilities: 

• Access and work within Bild’s policies and procedures.  

• Attend internal cycle of team meetings relevant to this role.  

• Engage with line management, supervision (where appropriate) and appraisal process.  

• Comply with data protection regulations, ensuring that information on clients, employees, volunteers and other stakeholders remains confidential.  

• Take responsibility for personal learning and development with support from line manager.  

• Work in a manner that facilitates equal opportunities and inclusion for all.  

• Remain professional and respectful at all times, promoting positive relations with all those we encounter in our work.  

• Maintain health and safety and risk awareness for self and others across the organisation.  

• Undertake any other duties that Bild may require within the remit of this role.  

This job description does not form part of the contract of employment. It is intended as a guide to the general scope of duties and is not definitive or restrictive. It is expected that some duties will change over time and this description will be subject to review with the postholder at their annual appraisal.  

Person Specification  

Job Title 

Director of External Relations 

• Exceptional copy writing and verbal communication skills

• Good presenting, negotiating and influencing skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build mutually beneficial relationships

• The ability to work effectively within a small team

• Ability to work under pressure, and plan, manage, and adapt own workload

• A flexible, proactive and problem-solving approach to work

• A motivated attitude and ability to work on own initiative 

• A commitment to human rights and modelling accessibility and inclusion throughout activity

• Willingness to travel and work flexible hours as demanded by the post

• Fit to undertake the duties of the post. 

Experience/Skills/Competencies 

Essential 

• Significant experience working in communications, policy and PR with demonstrable success

• PR and media management experience, including both online and traditional PR

• Experience of managing and implementing social media plans, including post development, scheduling, evaluation and monitoring feedback

• Experience of overseeing the design and production of print and electronic publications, including website management and development

• Experience of managing CRM systems and ensuring effective data capture and utilising data to inform decision making

• Ability to analyse data and shape results into reports that inform decision making

• Ability to build effective relationships and networks and establish credibility for Bild, RRN, Respond and Bild ACT 

• Ability to work collaboratively and develop positive relationships with colleagues, members and wider stakeholders

• Demonstrated digital comms / social media skills and understanding of emerging digital marketing tools and platforms

• Ability to use a variety of IT packages/databases including CRM systems.

• Experience managing budgets and associated reporting

• Ability to work remotely and regularly travel to in person events

• Time management skills and ability to prioritise workload under pressure as part of a small but vibrant team

• Strong awareness and interest in news/current affairs/politics and the broader third sector, social care and education sector. 

Desirable 

• Experience working in the not-for-profit sector, preferably in another disability and/or membership charity

• Strong understanding of education, health, social care, disability and not for profit environment

• Strong media contacts within relevant trade sector publications

• Ability to use externally managed media databases (such as Agility etc.)

• Experience with conferences, webinars and hybrid events. 

• Experience supporting and manging a remote team

Education and Qualifications: 

Other Requirements: 

• Commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities and able to apply awareness of diversity issues to all areas of work.  

• Regular travel to attend meetings and events. 

• Occasional evening meetings.  

Legal requirements: 

• Enhanced DBS check. 

This is a rare opportunity to lead the development and delivery of our digital learning and natural history publishing at our national environmental education charity.

You will oversee a talented team and collaborate with authors, designers, and creators in the natural history community to deliver innovative training and resources that set the standard for environmental learning.

• Permanent full-time contract
• Starting salary circa £36,973 per annum + excellent benefits
• Flexible base location with remote / home working welcomed
• Make a visible, lasting contribution to environmental education across the UK

Love where you work!

At the Field Studies Council, our mission is to create outstanding opportunities that inspire everyone to engage with and care for the environment.

Your team will be responsible for creating high-quality training courses, publications, and resources that inspire learners of all ages. You’ll work together to extend our charity’s impact across the UK.

We value the contribution each team member makes and provide excellent benefits to reward and support you in your role.

What you’ll be doing

In this key leadership role, you will guide the Digital Learning & Publishing unit, ensuring our courses and publications are impactful, financially sustainable and aligned with our charitable mission. Your work will include:

• Overseeing the production and management of biodiversity training courses and natural history publications
• Leading a team to deliver both in person and digital learning experiences
• Managing budgets, business planning, and the operational performance of the unit
• Working with Marketing to grow ecommerce revenue and promote the portfolio
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with partners, authors, tutors, designers, and the wider natural history community
• Identifying new opportunities, markets, and partnerships to expand our reach
• Leading editorial workflows, rights management, licensing, and version control
• Commissioning new titles and resources that support environmental understanding
• Ensuring compliance with GDPR, safeguarding, and copyright requirements

Where you’ll be based

The base location for this position is negotiable, with remote working / home working welcomed. If you prefer working in an office environment, you can work from one of our Field Studies Centres across the UK. Hybrid working options can also be considered.

This role includes travel to Field Studies Council locations and other venues throughout the UK and will involve some overnight stays.

You’ll thrive in this role if you are:

• An experienced senior manager with a strategic mindset
• Skilled at leading teams, freelancers, and creative contributors
• Confident working with authors, artists, designers, and content creators
• Experienced in delivering training materials at regional or national scale
• Commercially aware, with strong budget management experience
• A clear and engaging communicator with excellent written and verbal skills
• Highly organised, detail focused, and able to deliver at pace
• Comfortable using digital tools, databases, and online learning platforms
• Motivated by our mission and values

If you are looking for a role where your leadership can make a genuine difference to environmental learning, we would be delighted to receive your application.

* Your benefits whilst working with us will include:

• 28 days annual leave + bank holidays
• 2 extra loyalty days dependent on length of service
• Life assurance 5 x your annual basic salary 
• Health and Wellbeing Support App for you and eligible family members to access remote GP appointments, mental health consultations, physiotherapy sessions and financial & legal support
• 24-hour Counselling Helpline Service
• Cycle to work and EV schemes
• Discounts and cashback opportunities 
• Flexible working options where roles permit
• Quality learning and development opportunities

The closing date for receipt of your completed application is 27th April 2026.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we’re in receipt of sufficient applications. Please apply early to avoid disappointment.

Interviews are scheduled to take place at Field Studies Council online in the week commencing 11th May 2026.

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by email.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and we expect all team members to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will only be confirmed following the successful completion of rigorous pre-employment checks, including appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks / PVG Scheme check with Disclosure Scotland.

We are seeking a dynamic Head of Housing Support to lead our national Housing Support Services, ensuring clients receive exceptional, trauma‑informed care in safe, compliant and high‑quality homes. This is a pivotal role that influences service delivery, operational performance, and the long‑term vision for Life’s housing provision.

As Head of Housing Support, you will:

Lead & Inspire

• Provide strategic leadership for Housing Support Services across the UK.
• Manage and motivate Support Services Managers and Tenancy Sustainment Officers to deliver outstanding client‑focused support.
• Embed a culture of collaboration, high performance and trauma‑informed practice.

Drive Operational Excellence

• Oversee the implementation of the Housing Strategy, ensuring the safety, compliance and quality of all homes.
• Work closely with the Estates Team to maintain high housing standards and meet regulatory obligations.
• Oversee tenancy management, rent setting, arrears management and income recovery.

Shape the Future

• Influence policy, develop best‑practice procedures and contribute to organisational strategy.
• Build strong partnerships with local authorities, housing developers and external stakeholders.
• Represent Life at networking events and act as an ambassador for the charity.

Lead with Purpose

• Champion safeguarding, ensuring training, oversight and adherence to all safeguarding policies.
• Produce reports and KPIs for the Board, Senior Leadership Team and Operational Leadership Team.
• Support the financial sustainability of the Housing department, including budget management and cost‑saving initiatives.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is:

• A values‑driven leader committed to Life’s mission and vision.
• Experienced at senior management level within supported housing (multi‑million‑pound scale desirable).
• Skilled at leading high‑performing teams and developing individuals.
• A confident communicator with excellent relationship‑building and presentation skills.
• Knowledgeable in tenancy support, housing compliance, safeguarding and quality service delivery.
• Highly organised, strategic, creative and able to work under pressure.
• Passionate about trauma‑informed practice and delivering outstanding client outcomes.

Relevant housing or management qualifications (such as CIH Level 4) are desirable but not essential with strong experience.

About Life:

Life is a national pregnancy support charity that helps over 60,000 people a year. Through our services, we help people – whoever they are – to meet pregnancy or pregnancy loss with courage and dignity so they can flourish.

Our services include

• Supported housing and community support
• Counselling and skilled listening
• Free pregnancy tests and baby supplies

Our values

All our work is underpinned by the following universal human values:

• Humanity – All people are special and equal
• Solidarity – We’re with you and for you
• Community – We’re better together
• Charity – Doing good for one another
• Common good – Building a better world

Information about the role:

For further information, please see the attached job description.

Please note, driving licence and own vehicle are required.

Salary: £45,655 per annum

Hours: 35 hours per week, 5 days per week

Location: Home Based with Extensive Travel across Midlands and South East

Benefits

At Life we are passionate about providing our employees with a supportive and engaging environment. As well as ongoing development and training, we offer our:

• Generous holiday allowance, starting at 25 days per year, plus 8 Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time hours)
• Birthday Leave (applicable after 1 years service)
• Extra annual leave for long term service
• Company Pension Scheme
• Signed member of the Menopause Workplace Pledge

Safeguarding and Equality

Life is committed to protecting all staff, volunteers and service users from harm of any kind. Life expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct.

We are committed to ensuring diversity and equality within our organisation by encouraging applications from all backgrounds.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks. Life takes its obligation to protect the rights of children and vulnerable people very seriously; therefore, the successful candidate for this post will be also subject to extensive background checking, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS) which is paid for by the Charity.