Literacy jobs

About GDI Hub

Our mission is to accelerate ideas into impact for a more just world - for disabled people, and all people. Our vision is for disability inclusion and social justice. We work towards a world without barriers to participation, where everyone has the opportunity to live a joyful life.

We are a world leading delivery and practice centre, an Academic Research Centre at UCL (University College London) and the first WHO Global Collaborating Centre on Assistive Technology (AT). We work in 40+ countries, with a reach of more than 64 million people since 2016, GDI Hub develops homegrown technologies alongside new knowledge and research.

In collaboration with global partners, we deliver accelerators and market shaping initiatives - building ecosystems with a focus on low-and middle-income countries. An Academic Research Centre and a Community Interest Company, our diverse portfolio and unique set up enable rapid translation of research into practice.

Launched in 2016 as a legacy of the London 2012 Paralympic Games, our office and research lab continue to be based on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, at UCL’s East London campus. GDI Hub is home to the UK Aid funded AT2030 programme which tests ‘what works’ to improve access to life- changing Assistive Technology (AT) for all.

We accelerate new solutions through innovative partnerships and multi-disciplinary thinking.

Our strategic goals include:

• Include: Create deep community leadership & engagement
• Inquire: Generate new evidence & insights.
• Incubate: Develop & test tech inspired solutions.
• Invest: Bring effective solutions to market.
• Integrate: Strengthen systems to make inclusion a reality.
• Impart: Educate & learn from change makers

Role Purpose

GDI Hub CIC is seeking an experienced PA/ Team Assistant to provide high-level support to its CEO and Academic Director as well as support the wider team.

The successful candidate will enable the CEO and Academic Director to be more effective by providing proactive administrative, communication, and operational support. The role will act as a key coordination point across the organisation, ensuring priorities are managed, diaries are coordinated, and that the CEO and Academic Director’s time is used strategically.

In addition, the candidate will also support the wider GDI Hub CIC team, particularly Operations, Comms and Project Delivery.

Across all elements of the role, the successful candidate will need to work with multiple colleagues and balance competing priorities. Responsibilities will include diary and time management, handling written communication, arranging national and international travel and logistics, event coordination, administrative support, and meeting and document preparation.  This role will work closely with members of the GDI Hub team, with some interactions with external partners, collaborators and stakeholders.

We are looking for a candidate with strong organisation, administrative and communication skills. The ability to work in a changing environment is essential, as is a coordinated approach and willingness to take on new tasks.

Successful candidates will need to be proactive and organised with excellent attention to detail.

GDI Hub values inclusion as a core business success factor. We are a Disability Confident (Committed) employer and actively seek to attract employees from diverse backgrounds and particularly welcome applications for this role from disabled people and people from all cultural and faith backgrounds. The accommodation of reasonable adjustments is business as usual for us.

The role requires one day a week in our London based offices either in Stratford on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park or Euston Road.

Responsibilities

Personal assistant

• Manage complex calendars, scheduling internal and external meetings and setting reminders
• Prioritise appointments and resolve scheduling conflicts where these arise
• Ensure the CEO/Academic Directors time is used efficiently and plan for commitments in advance
• Track director credit/debit card spending and supply timely copies of receipts as required
• Collate/ process expense claims
• Monitor and manage inbox as required
• Point of contact for internal and external stakeholders

Travel & Logistics

• Arrange international travel, accommodation, transport and itineraries for both Directors and project staff
• Arrange travel visas for Directors
• Manage travel alterations and resolve issues promptly

Administrative Support

• Implement and maintain procedures/ administrative systems
• Support CEO/Director with line-management administration (1:1s, objective setting etc)
• Provide basic budget tracking and administration
• Maintain organised filing systems
• Draft and prepare routine correspondence
• Prepare presentations and documents
• Maintain accurate records and contact databases
• Provide IT support and troubleshooting where needed

Meeting & Document Preparation

• Assist CEO/Director with meeting prep as required
• Prepare agendas and collate meeting papers
• Take and distribute meeting notes/minutes where required
• Track actions and follow up on outstanding items

Team Assistant  

• Process staff travel claims for payment, checking receipts and sign off from line managers
• Logistical support for UK based events inc. away days for venues, travel, materials
• Logistical support for project events and workshops (UK & overseas) 
• Ad-hoc diary coordination for group events
• Contract management support; including due diligence info and evidence gathering
• Support Comms and other teams as required

This is not intended to be an exhaustive list and the need for flexibility, taking responsibility and working with other members of the team is required. The role-holder is expected to carry out any other related duties that are within their skills and abilities whenever reasonably instructed. This is a description of the role as it is at present. It is the practice of GDI Hub CIC to review role profiles regularly to ensure that they relate to the role being performed. These reviews will be carried out by the line manager in consultation with the role holder.

Experience and Qualifications

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate the following criteria:  

Essential:

• Experience of providing excellent PA support to Directors
• Strong attention to detail
• Professional written communication
• Excellent judgement and discretion

Desirable:

• Experience of providing high level PA support to multiple directors
• Experience of general administration
• Experience of working in a university setting
• Interest in working for a community interest company
• Interest/ knowledge of the disability sector

Skills and abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with attention to detail
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, including the ability to work effectively on numerous projects simultaneously – both independently and collaborativelyExcellent computer literacy across all Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Confident to learn new computer packages with ease (e.g. bespoke University finance systems)
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to liaise comfortably with all levels of staff external individuals
• Able to understand financial information

Attributes

• Patient and supportive
• Happy to use own initiative to suggest and try new approaches
• Adaptable and resilient with the ability to work effectively under pressure
• Flexible and excited to adapt to changing scenarios
• Personable and relatable
• Pride in creating streamline approaches to maximise outputs.

How to Apply

To apply for this role, please submit your CV and a covering letter via the 'Redirect to Recruiter' button describing how your skills and experience are relevant. Applications are considered as/when they come in so we encourage applying as soon as possible.  

AI Policy

GDI recognises that candidates may wish to use AI to support their job application. However, over reliance on AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish your chance of success. AI can be used to enhance your application with regards to spelling, grammar and structure. However, the content and writing style must be your own and be reflective of your own skills and experience and personalisation is essential to convey your individual skills, knowledge, and experiences effectively.

GDI does not use AI as standard to shortlist applications or select candidates for interview.

We have made every effort to make this process accessible.  However, if for any reason you find it is not, please let us know and we will make an adjustment.  We encourage early applications.

Reminder: Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

Would you like to join an effective and encouraging team that helps people who are homeless find housing? You will be making a tangible difference every day. 

HOPE worldwide provides a compassionate, person-centred housing service ‘Two Step’ that helps people find and sustain accommodation in the private rented sector and in supported housing. 

The team spirit, opportunities for staff development, and the way that staff live out Christian values were instrumental in HOPE worldwide being awarded Investors in People Gold Accreditation.

The nature of the work will require someone who is resilient, quick to learn and is a good team player. Full training and regular support will be provided. 

Relevant experience is desirable but not essential.

Salary: £29,000 – £32,000 per annum

Working hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week - hybrid role: can work up to 2 days from home by arrangement)

Annual leave and benefits: 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, 5% pension contribution, Employee Assistance Programme.

Requirements - this job is for you if you:

• Have good written and oral communication skills in English and can liaise with external agencies in a professional manner 
• Can communicate compassionately and build trust to help people navigate challenging circumstances
• Have good IT literacy and organisational skills
• Can take initiative as a member of a team
• Can work under emotional pressure and respond to stressful situations professionally and with integrity

What will you do in the role?

• Assess client needs and suitability for accommodation in the private rented sector and/or supported housing via in-person meetings 
• Provide advice, guidance and support over the phone, in person, and via email to clients and stakeholders
• Arrange viewings of suitable properties with clients and liaise with agents and landlords
• Make referrals to hostels and supported housing
• Assist clients to access grants and with benefit claims
• Support clients with issues such as rent payments, liaising with landlords and dealing with neighbours
• Update client records and referrers using our CRM system, In-Form.
• Work with the team to keep improving the service

Desirable Experience and skills:

At HOPE worldwide, we value both lived and learnt experience. The following skills and experience would be helpful but if you don't have them, rest assured that we value attitude and willingness to learn, not just experience and skills:

• Working within a team of professional staff
• Successfully building relationships with a variety of stakeholders
• Experience of working with a charity/third sector organisation
• Working or serving within an organisation with a Christian ethos
• Supporting people to resolve issues with benefit claims
• Personal experience of overcoming homelessness or disadvantage
• Supporting people to access or sustain accommodation 

Equal Opportunities:

HOPE worldwide is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to ensuring that our workplace is free from discrimination within the framework of the Equality Act 2010.

We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Candidates will require Right to Work in the UK.

Please note that our office is in Angel, Islington and is up two flights of stairs with no lift. The requirements of job applicants and existing members of staff who have a disability will be reviewed to ensure that, wherever possible, reasonable adjustments are made to enable them to enter into or remain in employment with us. 

DBS checks:

Due to the nature of the role, a criminal record check is required before a final job offer is made.

How to apply:

Please submit a CV and cover letter outlining your motivation, skills and experience.

We know that there will be strong candidates who will not fit all the criteria, or who have important skills we have not mentioned. If that is you, please do not hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to in-person interviews at HOPE worldwide’s office in Islington.

We look forward to hearing from you!

This is not a turnaround role, but nor is it a stewardship-only role. We are looking for a CEO to lead the next ambitious phase of Literacy Pirates’ journey: building on strong foundations to deliver a disciplined, digitally enabled phase of national growth. The successful candidate will not be expected to reinvent the mission or abandon the existing strategy. They will be expected to sharpen execution, increase momentum, strengthen the growth engine, and lead the organisation through the next phase of scale. 

The CEO will work closely with a strong Senior Leadership Team and Board to scale the Virtual Ship, strengthen partnerships and income, protect what is distinctive about Literacy Pirates, and ensure the organisation is operationally and financially ready for sustained growth. 

Role purpose 

To lead Literacy Pirates through its next phase of growth by: 

• scaling the Virtual Ship nationally in line with the 2030 strategy; 
• maintaining impact while improving the organisation’s economics and operating model; 
• building the partnerships, income and organisational capacity needed for long-term success; and 
• protecting and evolving the culture, values and quality that make Literacy Pirates distinctive. 

The Literacy Pirates is an educational charity working across the UK to develop the literacy, confidence and perseverance of children who are falling behind in school and have fewer opportunities in their personal lives. We offer in-person and online literacy programmes that support children to meet age-related expectations in reading and writing, succeed in school, and thrive beyond the classroom. 

Literacy Pirates is at an incredibly exciting point in its 15-year journey, as we embark on a period of national expansion with a target to quadruple the number of young people we support over the next four years. The Communications Manager role is critical to achieving our national expansion ambitions. We are excited to be able to recruit for this specialist role to develop our brand and lead the investment in our communications and marketing capacity. 

Objectives

To develop and implement a communications strategy that supports the organisational expansion strategy as well as growth in the three key areas of school recruitment, volunteer recruitment and fundraising performance. 

Developing high-quality communications content and stewarding key external relationships in support of organisational comms work.  

Key Responsibilities

• Develop audience specific communications strategies and work with departmental managers to deliver targeted campaigns to recruit volunteers, school partners and new funders. 
• Produce high-quality written, visual and digital content translating our impactful work to be accessible, engaging and audience/channel specific. 
• Develop close and supportive relationships with external ambassadors and other allies, in support of organisational communications work.
• Track engagement across media channels and email marketing, and produce monthly reports for leadership team showing activity 
• Continue the development of our new website, including monitoring analytics. 
• Support freelancers, interns and internal colleagues to design high quality video, social media, print and digital material 
• Drive storytelling initiatives by sourcing and sharing case studies and impact stories that inspire donors and the wider public. 
• Proactively identify communication opportunities as well as new relationships with external individuals and organisations.
• Manage an engaging newsletters distribution system to a range of key audiences. 
• Continue to develop the quality of all external communications ensuring all materials are aligned with our brand guidelines, key messages, and core organisational strategy. 
• Recruit and then manage a Communication and Marketing Associate in year two, resource permitting. 
• Work with the Senior Leader Team to develop and implement our PR & media strategy. 
• Work across the charity to upskill and develop the team in effective, user-centred communications. 
• Work to ensure safeguarding and dignity of children and families are central to all organisational communications.  
   

Person Specification

• 3 years’ experience within a digital communication role 
• Excellent copywriting skills with an ability to craft clear, engaging content for different audiences to tight deadlines 
• Experience with digital advertising and promoted social media posts, analysing trends, reviewing efficacy, and adjusting campaigns in real time 
• Good knowledge of the digital and social media landscape and emerging trends. 
• The ability to simplify complex concepts into plain, compelling English. 
• Proven experience working in an editorial capacity, developing compelling copy for online audiences, with a varied portfolio of written work 
• Experience of digital content creation, commissioning and management 
• Proficiency newsletter creation, working to tight deadlines, collaborating with other departments, and using mail clients 
• Experience of managing suppliers, partners and contributors 
• Familiarity with design software for creating digital assets, such as Canva 

Personal attributes 

• Self-starter, able to work proactively and intuitively 
• Able to work to varying timelines and prioritise own workload accordingly 
• Ability to communicate with a range of people of different levels, disciplines and backgrounds 
• Passionate about addressing poverty and inequality, and commitment to equality and diversity 

Salary: £40,000 – 42,000 (incl. London Weighting)

Contract: Full time, Permanent
Location: London based, two days in the office, with the option to work remotely three days

How to apply

To apply for the position, complete our online application form and upload a CV by midday on Friday 1st May 2026.

At an exciting time of growth you will be a key member of the Fundraising Team, researching and cultivating new prospects, delivering excellent stewardship and events, and keeping our systems firing on all cylinders. If you’re excited by the power of stories to change lives and ready to make your mark on our fundraising campaigns, we’d love to hear from you.

The main purpose of the job is:

• Identify through research new funding prospects and opportunities for the museum. 
• Pursue individual and team-wide fundraising targets through a portfolio of prospects and donors.
• Support the museum in delivering exceptional supporter services including fundraising events, reports, and stewardship activity.
• Support an effective and sustainable fundraising function by maintaining accurate systems and records.

A copy of the full job description can be found on our website.

Marine Policy Officer
Scotland (Hybrid/Flexible)
£30,533 per annum

Fixed Term until June 2027, Full Time (35 hours per week)

Reports to: Marine Policy Manager

Closing date: 12 noon 13th April 2026

Interview date:  it is anticipated that interviews will be conducted week commencing 20th April 2026

Join us in shaping Scotland’s marine future.

We are looking for a passionate and skilled Marine Policy Officer to join our Policy & Advocacy team and help drive forward our marine conservation and ocean literacy work. This is an exciting opportunity to influence how Scotland manages and protects its marine environment, and to play a central role in the Trust’s Sea the Connection project - an initiative designed to remove barriers and empower communities to participate meaningfully in marine decision making.

The role is varied, high-impact, and ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic policy landscape and enjoys working collaboratively with government, partners, and communities.

About the Role

As Policy Officer, you will play a central role in advancing the Trust’s marine policy, planning, and ocean literacy ambitions across a diverse and impactful portfolio. Working closely with the Marine Policy Manager and the marine policy inclusion officer, you will contribute to the development of evidence based, solutions focused policy positions on –

• Scotland’s Marine Protected Area network
• National and regional marine planning
• Fisheries management
• Marine renewables
  - and the delivery of Scotland’s Blue Economy Vision - particularly its aim to build an ocean literate nation.

A significant focus of the role will be leading the coordination and delivery of the Scottish Ocean Literacy Coalition and supporting the development of Scotland’s first national Ocean Literacy Strategy. You will convene and chair steering group meetings, design and deliver both online and in person engagement events, and gather perspectives from a wide range of stakeholders to shape a shared national vision for ocean literacy. This will require confidence in planning, facilitating, and managing events, as well as the ability to build strong, collaborative relationships across sectors including government, NGOs, academia, communities, and marine industries.

You will also represent the Trust at external meetings, workshops, and conferences, ensuring our priorities are communicated effectively and that we remain an active, constructive voice in Scotland’s marine policy landscape. The breadth of the role offers an excellent opportunity to deepen your expertise across marine environmental topics while developing your own specialist area of interest. Ultimately, you will help strengthen the Trust’s capacity to influence marine planning processes, support marine protection initiatives, and contribute to a more ocean literate Scotland.

Why Join Us?

• Work at the heart of Scotland’s marine policy landscape.
• Influence real change for nature, climate, and coastal communities.
• Be part of a supportive, knowledgeable, and collaborative team.
• Shape national approaches to ocean literacy and marine protection.
• Develop your own specialist areas within a broad and meaningful role.

For more Information please see the job description below.

To apply please click on the “Apply now” button, which will take you to our application pages.

The Trust is a passionate employer, proactive about creating a culture of diversity and inclusive workplace that promotes and values equal opportunities for all. We welcome individuals from all networks of life, backgrounds, and experiences.

Barnet Mencap is a charity based in Finchley that provides support and runs a multitude of projects for people with learning disabilities and/or Autism. We are dynamic, enthusiastic, diverse, and committed to equal opportunities and the safeguarding of children and adults at risk. 

There is currently a vacancy within our Project Support Team for someone with strong communication and IT skills, with a creative streak, who enjoys a challenge. Please view the Job Description and Person Specification for a better idea of what the role entails and what we’re looking for.

The successful candidate will have:

• good interpersonal skills working as part of the administrative team 
• high attention to detail and a high standard of literacy
• excellent organizational skills working in a timely manner
• be confident and flexible, acting as the public voice of Barnet Mencap

To apply, please send your CV alongside a covering letter explaining how you meet the criteria on the person specification. 

The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service application in line with Section 115 of The Police Act 1997. 

Closing Date:Thursday 16th April 2026

Interview Date: Thursday 23rd April 2026

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy levels amongst people in prison?

Shannon Trust are delighted to be working with His Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) to provide peer-led learning programmes at HMP Bullingdon. Working closely with the prison and their staff, people in prison, Shannon Trust volunteers and mentors, this post will lead the delivery and development of our prison-based reading and numeracy programme, maximising opportunities for people in prison to learn to read.  

Ideally you will have some experience of prison settings underpinned by the ability to build relationships and personal qualities that include resilience, determination and a problem-solving approach. 

This role is a fixed term role until May 2027 with the opportunity to be made permanent subject to contract renewal.

The role will be prison-based. Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme. The biggest benefit though is our culture – our people really want to work for the organisation.

?We welcome job applications from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system and do not routinely ask for details of any criminal convictions. These roles do require prison security clearance, so we will need to ask for details of any relevant criminal convictions before an offer of employment is finalised.
?Interviews will be held on a rolling basis.

REF-227 635

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy levels amongst people in prison?
Shannon Trust are delighted to be working with His Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) to provide peer-led learning programmes at HMP New Hall. Working closely with the prison and their staff, people in prison, Shannon Trust volunteers and mentors, this post will lead the delivery and development of our prison-based reading and numeracy programme, maximising opportunities for people in prison to learn to read.  

Ideally you will have some experience of prison settings underpinned by the ability to build relationships and personal qualities that include resilience, determination and a problem-solving approach. 

This role is a fixed term role until 31st March 2027 with the opportunity to be made permanent subject to contract renewal.

The role will be prison-based. Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme. The biggest benefit though is our culture – our people really want to work for the organisation.

?We welcome job applications from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system and do not routinely ask for details of any criminal convictions. These roles do require prison security clearance, so we will need to ask for details of any relevant criminal convictions before an offer of employment is finalised.

Please note this role is subject to contract award

Closing date is 23rd April 2026.
Interviews are planned for 29th April 2026.

REF-227 632

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy levels amongst people in prison?

Shannon Trust are delighted to be working with His Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) to provide peer-led learning programmes at HMP Leeds. Working closely with the prison and their staff, people in prison, Shannon Trust volunteers and mentors, this post will lead the delivery and development of our prison-based reading and numeracy programme, maximising opportunities for people in prison to learn to read.  

Ideally you will have some experience of prison settings underpinned by the ability to build relationships and personal qualities that include resilience, determination and a problem-solving approach. 

This role is a fixed term role until 31/03/2027 with the opportunity to be made permanent subject to contract renewal.

The role will be prison-based. Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme. The biggest benefit though is our culture – our people really want to work for the organisation.

?We welcome job applications from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system and do not routinely ask for details of any criminal convictions. These roles do require prison security clearance, so we will need to ask for details of any relevant criminal convictions before an offer of employment is finalised.

Please note this role is subject to contract award.

We reserve the right to withdraw this role early if a suitable candidate is found  

?Interviews are planned for week commencing 27th April 2026.

REF-227 633

We are looking for a new CEO to lead Surrey Community Action into a bright and exciting future, where the voluntary sector and communities of Surrey are helped to survice and thrive.

Surrey Community Action

Chief Executive Officer

35 hours per week, mostly office based but with some scope for working remotely.

Based in Burpham, Guildford, Surrey

The role is subject to a satisfactory DBS check.

£62,000 for a 35-hour week

5% employers pension contribution

25 days annual leave plus three days over Christmas

Employee Assistance Programme

About Surrey Community Action

Surrey Community Action supports Surrey’s voluntary sector, the diverse communities of Surrey, and other organisations who seek to work with either. We ensure that non-voluntary sector stakeholders understand the value of our sector and how to work together to achieve shared objectives. We provide services to Surrey’s voluntary sector that increase their effectiveness or fill gaps in their capability, capacity, and resilience. Services to the Surrey’s Communities and we provide services directly to Surrey’s communities that support community action and address unsupported needs.

About The Role

We are seeking a new Chief Executive to join us at an ideal time to complete and implement our emerging new strategy and direct Surrey Community Action into a bright future.

As Chief Executive Officer, you will have the scope and authority to shape strategy, influence policy, empower Surrey’s voluntary sector, and champion rural communities, working closely with a committed Board, and experienced staff team.

You will be the organisation’s lead ambassador, building trusted relationships with partners, funders and decision‑makers, and ensuring the organisation’s voice is heard at local, regional and national level.

You will also play a critical role in leading change and transformation within the charity - strengthening systems, diversifying income and evolving how the organisation works so it remains resilient, relevant and impactful in a fast‑changing environment.

This is a role for someone who enjoys balancing big‑picture thinking with practical delivery, and who can bring people with them through periods of transition.

If you are motivated to improve the capability, capacity and resilience of the Surrey’s voluntary sector, communities and residents; if you thrive in complex and changing stakeholder environments; and if you are excited by the challenge of leading an organisation through its next phase of growth and influence, this role is for you.

No two days will be the same, but there are some core parts of this role.

• Strategic Leadership & Organisational Direction
• You will lead the delivery of a clear, compelling organisational strategy, adapting it in response to an evolving operating environment and ensuring the organisation remains agile, future‑focused and well positioned within the voluntary and community sectors.
• Board Partnership & Governance
• You will work collaboratively with the Board of Trustees, providing high‑quality insight, advice and assurance on strategy, finance, risk, governance and compliance, and then supporting effective Board decision‑making through clear reporting, analysis and professional guidance.
• Leadership of People & Culture
• You will lead, inspire and support the staff team through a transparent, inclusive and empowering management style, creating a high‑performance culture rooted in trust, accountability, equality, diversity and wellbeing.
• Change Management & Organisational Development
• You will be a skilled change manager, leading transformation in response to evolving funding landscapes, policy shifts, technology and community needs, designing and implementing systems, structures and processes that strengthen organisational effectiveness and resilience.
• Ambassadorial Role, Advocacy & External Relations
• You will be the public face of the organisation, representing it with credibility, passion and authority, and building strong, influential relationships with funders, partners, policymakers, communities and stakeholders.

About You

The purpose of the Chief Executive Officer’s role is to guide and plan the strategic development and overall direction of the organisation, providing strong leadership and co-ordination to ensure the aims, strategic objectives and priorities of the organisation are achieved.

To do this, we need someone who embodies the following attributes, skills and experience.

You will have:

• Senior leadership experience within a voluntary, community, public or values‑led organisation, with accountability for strategy, performance and resources.
• Proven experience of working effectively with a Board or trustees
• Demonstrable success in leading and managing organisational change, including restructuring, service development or cultural transformation.
• Experience in fundraising, income generation and business development
• Experience of financial leadership, including budgeting, financial planning, income generation and managing funding agreements or contracts.
• A strong track record of external engagement, partnership working and representation at senior level.
• People management experience, supporting a compact team delivering diverse projects.
• Excellent communication skills (including social media) and governance literacy.
• It will be a distinct advantage to have familiarity with Local Government Reorganisation and devolution, ideally in a county like Surrey.

You will be:

• Motivated, motivating and dynamic
• An effective communicator (including social media) with good network contacts, especially in the VCSE sector and across local government
• A strong team builder, able to develop, encourage and support colleagues in making the most of their experience and skillsets and to feel confident in their abilities
• A visionary leader who is able to embrace and manage change through strategic creativity and innovation, while also able to pay attention to detail when necessary.
• Ideally, you will also be able to demonstrate understanding of charity governance, compliance and safeguarding.
• Calm and confident under pressure with an evidence-based approach to prioritising finite resources.

These attributes, skills and experience will make you stand out, but even if you do not match all the criteria below, we still want to hear about you and what you can offer.

The Nuts and Bolts

The role is a permanent contract for 35 hours per week, mostly office based but with some scope for working remotely.

Our offices are in Guildford, Surrey

We are committed to continued professional development and will support you to develop your skills even further.

The role is subject to a satisfactory DBS check.

The salary for this post is £62,000 for a 35-hour week.

We also offer:

• 5% employers pension contribution
• Employee Assistance Programme
• 25 days holiday with an additional three days between Christmas and New Year, as well as all English Bank Holidays

We can only accept applications from candidates with the right to work in the UK.

Job Title: Business Development Manager (Fundraising & Earned Income)

Responsible to: Chief Executive

Location: Hybrid (with some in-person work as required)

Fulltime Salary: £42k pro rata (£25,200 for 3 days a week), dependent on experience 

Contract: Part-time (3 days a week), Permanent (subject to funding)

Role Purpose

The Business Development Manager will lead income generation for Sounddelivery Media, securing funding through grants, partnerships, and earned income from services offered to the SDM network and external clients. The role is critical to SDM’s sustainability and long-term growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver SDM’s business development and income generation strategy.

• Develop earned-income opportunities, including consultancy, training, production, and services for the SDM network and beyond.

• Build and manage relationships with funders, commissioners, partners, and clients.

• Lead on writing high-quality funding applications, proposals, and pitches.

• Work with senior staff to develop budgets, pricing, and cost recovery models.

• Track income pipelines and report on progress and performance.

• Support organisational sustainability planning and strategic growth.

• Develop and implement effective strategies to utilise digital platforms in income generation and stakeholder immersive experiences. Including the effective use of online shopping and social media platforms.

• Work with the CEO to develop and deliver Sounddelivery Media’s ambitious income generation strategy, securing both our annual operating budget.

• Accountable for all fundraising and voluntary income generation, expanding further into major Corporate Partnerships, Philanthropy, Trusts & Foundations, Statutory Bodies, Grant makers, Major Gifts, Government Contracts, Supporter Engagement etc

• Prepare operational budgets for all income generation activities.

• Set clear, ambitious, measurable targets for income generating activity, making effective use of benchmarking and industry standards.

Person Specification

Experience (Essential):

• Proven experience in fundraising, business development, or income generation within the charity or social enterprise sector.

• Strong track record of securing grant funding and/or earned income.

• Excellent proposal and bid-writing skills.

• Strong financial literacy and experience developing budgets.

• Confident relationship builder with excellent communication skills.

Experience (Desirable):

• Experience of developing services for networks or membership organisations.

• Knowledge of the media, creative, or cultural sectors.

• Experience working with Corporate Partnerships, Philanthropy, Trusts & Foundations, Statutory Bodies, Grant makers, Major Gifts, Government Contracts, Supporter Engagement etc

• Proven experience delivering significant growth and working to sustain the income of organisations turnover up to £1 million.

• Experience of financial literacy, analysis and forecasting skills.

Skills & Abilities

• Ability to work on own initiative with minimum supervision

• Ability to carry out tasks in a meticulous and methodical manner and pay close attention to detail

Flexibility & Commitment

• An open and flexible attitude, willing to work as part of a team

• Honesty and integrity to maintain confidential information and data and handle money

About the Role

Are you a skilled co-ordinator with a passion for creative education and climate justice? Development Education Centre South Yorkshire (DECSY) is seeking a Project Manager to lead an innovative project.

This role involves co-ordinating a high-impact programme that uses drama-based pedagogy and Philosophy for Children (P4C) to engage primary teachers and pupils in Climate Change Education (CCE). You will be the primary link between DECSY, our arts partners (Growtheatre and Voz Theatre) and the Senior Leadership Teams of seven participating schools.

Key Responsibilities

• Project Delivery: Oversee the logistics of a professional learning model including three residentials, training sessions and intensive in-school support (co-planning and mentoring).
• Pedagogical Support: Support teachers in integrating techniques such as P4C, Mantle of the Expert, Theatre of the Oppressed and Creative Outdoor Learning.
• Leadership & Equity: Ensure anti-racism and climate justice remain central to all project delivery.
• Administration & Finance: Manage the project budget (including teacher supply cover payments), oversee GDPR compliance and handle safeguarding procedures.
• Evaluation: Co-ordinate the project’s reflective practice framework, facilitating the use of Gibbs’ reflective cycle and collecting evidence such as audio and written diaries.

About You

We are looking for a reflective and strategically minded individual who brings:

• Experience: Proven project management in the education, arts, or charity sectors.
• Education Knowledge: Experience working with primary schools and an understanding of the National Curriculum.
• Specialist Skills: Experience delivering P4C in primary schools (essential) and knowledge of drama-based pedagogies (desirable).
• Values: A deep-seated commitment to anti-racist practice, social justice and emotional literacy regarding the climate emergency.
• Collaboration: The ability to foster ‘caring collaboration’ among diverse stakeholders and manage complex timelines.

Benefits

• 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays (pro rata).
• Contributions to a personal pension scheme.
• Flexible working arrangements in an inclusive environment.

This role is vital to the growth of our charity and represents an exciting opportunity for the right candidate to join our small but dynamic team.

You will work closely with the Director of Fundraising and Events Manager on events, corporate, trusts and foundations, community, and individual fundraising efforts.

This is a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable experience in a fast-paced fundraising environment. 

The successful candidate will be motivated to improve life for autistic people - joining a team that is passionate about delivering impact. They will be a strong advocate for ensuring that all opinions are heard and respected and will have the ability to communicate with people of all backgrounds and with different communication styles and support needs.

Main duties and responsibilities

As Fundraising Officer, you will:

• Develop and maintain positive relationships internally with colleagues and externally with stakeholders, donors, and funders. 
• Create marketing materials, including content for social media and our website. 
• Work with the Director of Fundraising and Events Manager, to deliver a series of high-quality, high-profile fundraising events, including assisting with logistics and supporter engagement. 
• Take initiative to explore new areas of fundraising and contribute to innovation. 
• Own and manage delegated tasks or parts of projects, ensuring successful and timely delivery of work. 
• Provide administrative support to the fundraising team, including sending fundraising packs, processing donations and fulfilling orders from our e-shop. 
• Respond to supporter queries via phone, email, and web with professionalism and empathy. 
• Maintain accurate supporter data in the CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system. 
• Create quarterly Gift Aid claims reports via the CRM system and liaise with the finance team to ensure timely submission to HMRC.
• Prepare thank-you letters, certificates, and merchandise to support fundraisers and events. 
• Manage incoming post for fundraising and donors, process Gift Aid declarations, and maintain stock levels for shop and event materials. 
• Produce monthly reports on income, donor activity, and progress against target. 

Person specification (who are we looking for?)

Essential

Qualifications

• While there are no specific essential qualifications, the successful candidate will need to demonstrate a good standard of numeracy and literacy and proficiency in MS Office Suite.

Experience

• Knowledge of and/or personal interest in autism and current issues relating to autism and community preferences.
• At least one year’s experience in a similar role within a charity or nonprofit organisation.
• Experience in using CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems.
• Track record of managing multiple tasks autonomously and meeting deadlines.
• Experience in building strong relationships, managing expectations and engaging confidently with a range of stakeholders.

Skills

• Organisational and administrative skills, including the ability to manage your own time and multiple priorities to achieve high-quality outcomes.
• Ability to maintain systems for data management and keep accurate records of fundraising activities and donor interactions.
• Confident communicator, able to explain ideas clearly in writing and in conversation.
• A reliable team player who can prioritise work effectively and manage tasks under pressure. 
• Good numeracy skills and the ability to work on simple budgets. 
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to contribute to team discussions and work collaboratively with colleagues.
• Demonstrate an awareness of, and commitment to, inclusion, equality, and diversity.
• A good working knowledge of MS Office 365 and ability and willingness to learn new IT systems (with support/training where needed).

Desirable (please still apply even if you do not have these)

Experience

• Knowledge of data protection and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) compliance for handling donor information. 
• Experience of process mapping and CRM migration projects.
• Experience of digital content creation and donor engagement.
• Experience of remote and/or hybrid working.

Skills

• Able to apply basic marketing skills across different channels, such as emails, social media posts, or printed materials.
• A proactive learner with a passion for exploring new areas of fundraising and developing professionally. 

We are aware that the skills required for this role may be interpreted differently by different people. Our selection process will focus on the desired outcomes, and we are open to different ways of achieving them.