Major events manager jobs in Chelmsford, essex

This new role at Young Sounds UK will lead on securing grant income from and coordinating relationships with Trusts and Foundations. This will include identifying and researching funders, submitting compelling applications and completing timely and accurate reports.

You'll need to be comfortable with managing budgets, using CRMs, and demonstrating our impact through writing case studies that bring our work to life. You'll also need to have excellent communication and relationship building skills, and be organised, flexible and with a great attention to detail.

We're looking for someone who has at least three years experience of fundraising in a charity, especially if they’ve focused on fundraising from Trusts and Foundations, and who is looking for an opportunity to take the next step in their career.

For full information on this role, including key responsibilities and person specification, please view the job pack.

The closing date for applications is Monday 19 January 2026 at 12 noon.

About Young Sounds UK 

Young Sounds UK exists because musical talent is everywhere but opportunity isn’t: family finances and other obstacles too often get in the way. We’re here to change this in two key ways:

• We support young musicians from low-income families with funding and other help 
• We support music education through training, advocacy and research.

Established in 1998 we work across genres and across the UK. Our four programme areas are: 

• Discover: training teachers in how to spot young people’s musical potential 
• Connect: targeting and sustaining young people’s emerging talent through strategic support
• Thrive: funding young talent UK wide through annual grants and tailor-made help for individual musicians
• Innovate: leading new thinking and action on talent development

Key info
Closing date: Sunday 14th January 2026 at 23:30. 

Annual salary: £42,400

Hours: 37.5 hours per week (full time)

Contract length: 3 years initially, with contract extension subject to funding

Location: UK based, mainly remote with occasional in person work

The role

TransActual is recruiting a Communications Lead to join our rapidly growing team. You’ll be working alongside our board and Senior Management team to develop and implement a communications strategy across all media channels that supports the accurate representation of TransActual’s work to the wider world and our mission to advocate, empower and inform.

We are looking for someone with strong interpersonal skills both in terms of understanding and responding to underlying questions in a sometimes hostile media environment, identifying the effective ways of proactively and reactively communicating about our advocacy goals, and working closely with our Policy Lead, Director of Operations and for Healthcare, staff team, board and volunteers to achieve that.

Your responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, the creation of a communications strategy, communications processes, protocols and standards, press releasing and liaison, and line management of our communications officer. You will be responsible for forward planning of communications where events are foreseeable and will also be required to enable rapid and sensitive response to unpredictable events and consequent media inquiries.

An in-depth understanding of trans people’s lived experiences and an ongoing commitment to bringing about positive change for all trans people in the UK is absolutely essential for this role. This understanding can come from your own lived experience. You will demonstrate a strong understanding of and commitment to equity, particularly in relation to race equity and disability equity.

We particularly welcome and encourage applications from trans people, Black People and People of Colour, neurodivergent people and disabled people.

We are looking for a new business focussed part time Global Trust Fundraiser to join a small team and play a critical role in securing funding from diverse sources to support the charity with their innovative development initiatives.

The ideal candidate would bring senior-level fundraising experience from a similar role at an NGO, organisation, or charity with an established network of executive relationships in major foundations.

This is a remote working role offering £60k pro rata

The charity
A passionate international development charity, dedicated to to collaborating world wide to make a lasting social impact.

The Role
Relationship Management
Oversee the complete grant lifecycle, from initial lead to application to reporting and closeout.
Build and maintain relationships with current and prospective donors, program officers, and other key stakeholders.

Applications & Fundraising Development
Lead the development of high-quality grant proposals, ensuring proposals are compelling, well-written, and tailored to meet the requirements and priorities of each donor.

Events and Networking and Representation
Effectively convey the charity mission, vision, and programs to potential donors, organising fundraising events while overseeing teams of volunteers and probono partners.

The Candidate
Senior-level fundraising experience from a similar role at an NGO, organisation, or charity.

Extensive existing network of senior executives with major global foundations and organisations.

Proven track record of identifying and closing deals for 6 - 7 figure gifts.

IMPORTANT NOTE

Our aim is to respond to all successful applications within 5 days. If you havent been contacted within 5 days your application has been unsuccessful, but we positively encourage you to apply for any other positions that you may see in the future.

We apologise that we cannot contact everybody in person but thank you in advance for your interest.

Third Solutions encourages applications from individuals of all ages & backgrounds. Appointment will be made on merit alone but candidates must be able to demonstrate their ability to work in the UK. Third Solutions acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment & an employment business for temporary recruitment as defined by the Conduct of Employment Agencies & Employment Business Regulations 2003.

Contract:  12-month fixed-term contract

Salary:  £60,000 per annum 

Location: Home-based with regular travel 

Closing date:  Wednesday 28 January 2026 

Interview date:  4 & 5 February 2026 

Blue Cross is seeking an experienced and ambitious Head of Philanthropy to lead and make an active contribution to our High Value Fundraising project, a key initiative designed to grow our future income. This 12-month fixed-term role will focus on delivering high-impact fundraising activity while managing and inspiring a talented Philanthropy team. 

More about the role

You will support in the delivery of the 2026 Philanthropy plan across trusts, foundations, and high-net-worth individuals, with a particular focus on the High Value Fundraising project. Leading high-value fundraising activity, you will manage your own portfolio, create income pipelines, develop key performance indicators, and work closely with internal and external stakeholders to maximise philanthropic support. You will ensure the charity’s Case for Support remains current and compelling and deliver high-standard donor reporting. 

This is a home-based role with a contracted base site. Travel to your base site is considered normal commuting, while travel to other Blue Cross locations or partner sites will be reimbursed. 

About you

You are a credible senior leader with a strong track record in philanthropy fundraising, capable of translating strategic priorities into tangible outcomes. Motivated by ambitious goals, you thrive on building relationships, inspiring teams, and influencing at the highest level. You are resilient, creative, and aligned with Blue Cross’s values of compassion, courage, and inclusion. 

Essential Qualifications, Skills, and Experience 

• Extensive experience developing strategies that increase income from major donors and institutional funders, including personally securing five- and ideally six-figure donations 
• Proven experience of meeting and exceeding ambitious income growth targets 
• Experience of building and managing funder relationships 
• Strong financial monitoring, target setting, and reporting skills 
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including the ability to analyse and present data tailored for different audiences 
• Highly developed influencing and negotiation skills 
• Track record of leading, managing, and inspiring a team, encouraging innovation and improving ways of working 
• Experience working at senior organisational levels and managing relationships with Directors, CEOs, and Boards 
• The ability to demonstrate, understand, and apply Blue Cross’s values 

Desirable Qualifications, Skills, and Experience 

• Experience of fundraising for significant capital projects 
• Knowledge of CRM systems and data management 

How to apply  

Click Apply to submit your application. Please note that applications may close early if we receive a high volume, so we encourage early submission. 

Who we’re looking for 

We’re looking for an exceptional Director of Fundraising and Communication who will lead our fundraising and communications with vision and purpose, helping us grow our reach, deepen our impact and amplify our voice. You’ll be joining a people-centred, mission-driven team, united by a shared commitment to making a meaningful difference. At a time when vulnerable young people face increasing challenges, our work has never been more urgent. If you’re motivated by impact and driven by purpose, this is a good opportunity to contribute to lasting change. 

You will be stepping into a well-established and highly effective organisation, but one that remains energised by innovation and continuous improvement. We actively welcome fresh thinking and new approaches that help us evolve and enhance our work. 

What will you do? 

This is a pivotal moment to join JET as we build on fourteen years of impact and enter a new chapter in our journey. We have ambitious plans to expand our reach and influence, and we’re seeking someone who can help us strengthen our funding base and sharpen our message. 

Reporting directly to the CEO, you will lead and develop our fundraising team, shaping a cross-stream strategy and an integrated communications plan. You’ll be responsible for setting the strategic direction for fundraising, communications and events across the organisation. By doing so you will raise JET’s national profile, grow our supporter base and significantly increase income to support programme expansion. 

You’ll bring strong experience across multiple fundraising streams, with a proven track record of securing significant multi-year funding and building lasting relationships with funders—both individuals and organisations. Alongside leading our fundraising efforts, you’ll take ownership of our brand, ensuring clarity and consistency in our messaging, helping partners tell our story, and securing positive media coverage. 

You’ll lead the development of campaigns, fundraising and marketing activities, and digital engagement that not only enhance our national profile but also drive supporter engagement and income growth.

This is a home-based role, with travel required to and within the regions where we operate, including attendance at key events. 

About you 

You will provide strategic leadership across fundraising, communications, marketing and events. Your work will be closely aligned with JET’s five-year strategy, enabling continued growth in funding and programme delivery. 

You’ll bring a wealth of experience in leading fundraising and communications at a strategic level, with a strong understanding of the sector and a track record of securing and sustaining major gifts and partnerships. You’ll be adept at managing integrated campaigns across multiple channels and growing income through sustainable funding models. 

Your leadership style will be collaborative and empowering, with the ability to build high-performing teams and foster a culture of accountability and innovation. You’ll be a confident communicator, able to inspire and influence, with excellent relationship-building skills and a strategic mindset. 

Above all, you’ll be passionate about JET’s mission to empower young people facing adversity. You’ll be a credible ambassador, committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and driven by the desire to make a meaningful difference. 

Across the JET team we cultivate a culture of inclusion that respects individual strengths, views, and experiences. We believe that our differences enable us to be a better team – one that makes better decisions, drives innovation, and delivers better outcomes for our young people. We welcome applicants whatever your background and whatever your stage in life, so if you are returning to the workforce after a period away, or even seeking a change of pace, please get in touch.  

About the Jon Egging Trust (JET)

At JET, we support vulnerable young people to get back on track and realise their potential; more than 45,000 young people right across the UK to date, and there’s so much more we can do. We’re an organisation that really values its people and we’re immensely proud that our team culture is based on caring and raising each other up.

Our benefits package includes:

• Flexible working

• Enhanced annual leave

• Homeworking allowance 

• Occupational pension scheme

• Occupational sickness scheme

• Special paid leave provision

• Enhanced family leave 

Download the Candidate Information Pack

Read our Applicant Privacy Notice 

Child and adult at risk protection policy statement 

The Jon Egging Trust is committed to providing a safe and positive environment for everyone involved in its services and activities. The Trust takes its extended moral and legal duty of care very seriously in relation to children, young people, staff and volunteers. We seek to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children and to protect them from harm or abuse when they engage in any of our activities. JET expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. The suitability of all prospective employees or volunteers will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment. 

To apply

Please complete our online application form. 

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. The advert will close on Friday 16 January 2026 at [23:30] but may close earlier if a suitable candidate is found, so we encourage early applications. 

Provisional Interview Process

Stage 1 

• First interview: Online interview 

Stage 2 

• Online Workshop and fireside chat 

• Face-to-face interview with presentation in London

Questions?

Contact us through our website.

Please note:

Due to our anonymised recruitment process, if your application is not shortlisted, we are unable to provide personalised feedback.

To become an employee at JET, you must be able to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK and a satisfactory DBS check – enhanced with children's barred is required for this role.

As part of our recruitment process, we want to make clear that we are not able to offer visa sponsorship for this position. 

Please note that the interview process outlined above is provisional and may be subject to change. 

Are you ready to make a tangible impact in the world of independent media? New Internationalist Magazine is looking for a proactive and passionate Fundraising Co-ordinator to supercharge our efforts in growing and sustaining support for our vibrant media co-operative!

This flexible part-time role is perfect for someone who lives and breathes social justice and has a keen eye for scouting new funding opportunities in the realm of independent journalism. If you’re excited about shaping the future of media and connecting with passionate supporters, we want to hear from you!

The successful Fundraising Co-ordinator will grow individual donations, build new relationships with potential funders, and identify and secure new grant funding in a shrinking funding landscape. 

You will identify and prioritise efforts across crowdfunding, individual giving, grant applications, match-funding, legacies, and other tactics, and be responsible for our fundraising budget and administration. 

You will research the potential for other fundraising approaches and, with New Internationalist colleagues, agree on the strategic direction for this, identify key opportunities, align them with external funders, and prepare strong funding applications. You will be proactive in developing new funding contacts for New Internationalist and maintaining relationships with funders and supporters.

New Internationalist is an equal opportunity employer. 

Salary: £32,992 pro rata (£16,496 for 0.5 FTE)
Hours: Part-time, 0.5 FTE (2.5 days a week)
Location: Remote (UK-based) with occasional in-person meetings within the UK. The Fundraising Co-ordinator may be expected to do some occasional travel as part of their role.
Terms: One year fixed-term contract

Benefits include:

• 3% employer contribution to pension
• Flexible working
• Free subscription to New Internationalist magazine plus 2 free Myriad publications per year
• 30% Discount at the Ethical Shop
• Office closure between Christmas and New Year

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

Closing date for applications: Midnight on Sunday 18 January
First interviews: 3 or 4 February 2026
Second interviews (if needed): 12 February 2026

Find out more and apply via our website (recruiter link above)

Role: Director of Fundraising and Communications

Location:Home-based, with regular attendance (2-3 times per month) of meetings in London.

Salary:£70,000

Type: Permanent, full time (37.5  hours per week) or flexible to at least 0.8 FTE

Responsible to:CEO

Responsible for:Head of Communications, Marketing & Digital (and team); Fundraising Managers x 2; Fundraising Assistant

Benefits:   Flexible working arrangements, 28 days of annual leave (FTE pro rata for part-time) + 1 day for your birthday, pension scheme and Employee Assistance Programme

About the role

Every five minutes, someone, somewhere in the world is told that they have MS. There are currently 2.9 million people in the world living with MS. When you’re diagnosed with MS, in just seconds, the future that you saw for yourself and your loved ones has been shattered. A diagnosis often comes at a time when you’re in the prime of your life, when you should be planning your future, not facing a lifetime of uncertainty. Knowing you have MS can feel incredibly isolating and lonely.

Overcoming MS is here to provide hope: through lifestyle changes, backed by scientific research, a full and healthy life with MS is possible. Could you be the person that helps us get this message of hope through to thousands of people diagnosed each year, their families and friends, and to potential funders?

This role is an essential leadership role in Overcoming MS, working as a key member of a small Senior Leadership Team, in partnership with the Chief Executive and Director of Services. The Director of Fundraising & Communications is responsible for driving income generation, strengthening the charity’s profile, and embedding marketing and digital excellence across all areas of work.

Job summary:

You will set both strategic direction and deliver hands-on activity, overseeing all fundraising streams, communications, digital platforms, and supporter engagement. You will develop integrated strategies that maximise limited resources, grow sustainable income, amplify our impact and ensure the charity communicates with clarity, consistency, and purpose.

You will lead a small team of fundraisers, marketeers and communicators to deliver to our current organisational plans, whilst developing longer term plans to extend our reach and our income base. You will work proactively and independently to build relationships, develop innovative campaigns and provide the support that enables our service delivery to function.

You will be expected to provide a high standard and quality of impact across a range of activities and projects, being fully aware of and upholding the charity’s values, and taking responsibility for modelling these to others across the organisation and to the wider community.

Key responsibilities:

1. Strategic & organisational leadership

• Lead the development and delivery of an integrated fundraising, communications, and digital strategy aligned with the charity’s mission and growth ambitions.
• Provide senior leadership input into organisational planning, impact reporting, and strategic development.
• Manage departmental budgets, forecasting, and performance monitoring.
• Foster a collaborative, values-driven culture and support wider organisational priorities.

2. Fundraising leadership

· Drive sustainable income growth across key fundraising streams:

o Individual giving and regular giving

o Major donors

o Trusts and Foundations

o Corporate partnerships and sponsorships

• • Community and challenge events
• Personally manage selected high-value supporters and partnerships.
• Develop compelling cases for support, pitches, and fundraising campaigns.
• Ensure excellent donor journeys and stewardship, supported by effective digital and CRM systems.
• Maintain compliance with fundraising best practice and regulations.

3. Communications, brand & digital

· Transform our approach to raising awareness – both of the connection between healthy lifestyle and MS, as well as Overcoming MS itself – ensuring we reach people with MS and their families at the earliest point of a diagnosis.

• Lead Overcoming MS’s communication strategy to significantly grow visibility, engagement and trust, with everyone affected by MS, the Overcoming MS community, donors and fundraisers, and other key stakeholders.

• Ensure digital and communication tools, channels, systems and platforms underpin and are able to maximise opportunities for all fundraising, communications, and operational activity.
• Use communication and marketing techniques to amplify the impact of our services and increase our reach, ensuring maximum take up.
• Oversee the charity’s website, ensuring strong user experience, accessibility, SEO performance, and conversion optimisation.

• Oversee production of high-quality, tailored content for digital, print, and social channels.

• Oversee digital supporter acquisition and retention: paid ads, email marketing, marketing automation, and analytics.

5. Campaigns & public engagement

• Lead fundraising, awareness and media campaigns across digital and traditional channels.
• Use data, insights, and analytics to optimise campaign performance and supporter engagement.

6. Other

• Provide regular performance reports to the CEO and Board, including financial updates, campaign metrics, and risk management.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of fundraising regulation, data protection, accessible communications and digital governance, ensuring all our activities are compliant.
• Ensure that all activities uphold the charity’s values, safeguarding practices, and ethical commitments.
• Represent the charity externally at events, conferences, and partner meetings.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential experience

• Senior leadership experience within a charity or non-profit organisation, ideally in a small team or resource-limited environment.
• Proven track record of generating income across multiple fundraising streams.
• Experience leading digital, communications, and/or marketing functions.
• Demonstrable experience of measurable impact within a small organisation, through increasing income generation or significant reach.
• Demonstrable experience of content creation, audience engagement and strong message creation.
• Experience of delivering integrated campaigns, including overseeing media and digital engagement, with demonstrable outcomes.
• Experience managing donor relationships, funder reporting, and high-quality proposals.
• Budget management and strategic planning experience.
• Significant experience of managing external providers, agencies, suppliers and partners, managing relationships to achieve better terms, service or outcomes, overcoming difficulties or retendering where required.

Essential skills & competencies

• Strong digital skills: CRM systems, website CMS, email marketing tools, social media management, analytics, and digital fundraising techniques.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to craft compelling stories and proposals.
• Relationship-building ability with donors, partners, media, supporters, and stakeholders.
• Creative and data-driven approach to engagement, marketing, and income generation.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of fundraising, communications, GDPR, safeguarding, accessibility and other standards.
• Ability to balance strategic leadership with hands-on delivery.
• Strong organisational, planning, and project-management skills.

Personal attributes

• Passion for the work that Overcoming MS does and the communities we serve.
• Highly adaptable, resilient, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, small-team environment.
• Understanding of an organisation with a dispersed, remote team across a wide geography.
• Collaborative, supportive, and able to inspire confidence internally and externally.
• Proactive, solutions-focused, and committed to continuous improvement.
• Integrity, discretion, and a commitment to ethical fundraising and responsible communications.
• Excellent standard of written and spoken English and ability to communicate effectively with a range of people from diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Fully committed to Overcoming MS’s values

Desirable

• Experience with a charity from the health sector or an understanding of multiple sclerosis or other neurological conditions.