Member services and market programme director jobs

Lead a national charity at a pivotal moment of change and make a life‑changing impact for individuals and families affected by rare craniofacial conditions. 

Headlines Craniofacial Support is a UK-based charity providing information, advice and support to individuals and families affected by craniosynostosis and other rare craniofacial conditions.  The charity works closely with professional partners, including the 5 NHS Designated Specialist Craniofacial Units across the UK.

Craniosynostosis is a condition where two or more of the plates in the skull fuse prematurely, requiring medical support from a young age. Around 350 children are born with craniosynostosis each year in the UK.

Established by group of parents in 1993, Headlines now has over 2,500 members.  Within our charity offer we send out regular newsletters and an annual magazine, Headline News.  We also support families to connect through events such as an annual Family Weekend, conferences and Days Out, and provide information through our helpline and access to psychological support.  We have private social media groups and specific groups within our membership who meet regularly including Cranio Dads, Young Persons Network and a Teens Group.

After 8 successful years, our current Director will be retiring in 2026 and we are now seeking an enthusiastic, inspirational and proactive individual to take up the reins.This is a rare opportunity to lead a well-established, respected national charity at an important moment of transition.

Strategic priorities for us, moving forward, include increasing our fundraising activities to ensure sustainability of the charity alongside the smooth running of our core activities in providing support, facilitating research and raising awareness.

Key responsibilities

The Executive Director will hold day-to-day responsibilities, working closely with the Chair and Trustee Board to provide effective leadership and operational management of the charity. Specifically, they will:

• Act as an ambassador for the charity, liaising with members, health professionals and with wider community and provide day-to-day management of Headlines staff and activities, setting objectives in line with the operational plan.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding, data protection and other legal, statutory and regulatory requirements and responsibilities.
• Work on behalf of and with the Trustees to deliver the charity’s mission, goals, operational plans and long-term strategy,  and act as a positive leader and role model, managing and motivating Headlines staff,
• Ensure effective financial management of Headlines working closely with trustees and the treasurer to ensure financial security and appropriate allocation of funds.
• Manage and enhance the event programme to meet charity objectives, including identifying and meeting members’ priorities and raising awareness of craniofacial conditions.
• Develop opportunities for collaborative working and partnerships with other organisations for the benefit of people with craniosynostosis and rare craniofacial conditions.  This also includes work overseas, predominantly in Europe with our medical and charity partners.
• Oversee communications and marketing activities to raise the profile of Headlines, its work and the needs of its members.
• Identify opportunities for growth, developing projects and keeping policies relevant, to enhance and expand the work of Headlines.
• Be responsible for generating funds through innovative and cost-effective fundraising activities and grant applications to maintain the long-term success of the charity.

Person specification 

Essential criteria

• An understanding of the importance of the charity’s values and priorities.
• Evidence of inclusive, innovative and proactive leadership, with demonstrable experience of fundraising and income generation.
• Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills with experience organising events and activities.
• Experience of successfully managing budgets and developing new and sustainable funding streams.
• Excellent organisational, presentation and communication skills and the ability to write reports for public consumption and for statutory obligations.
• A high level of digital literacy skills with an understanding of online technology and the application of social media.
• Proven track record in managing, leading and motivating staff and volunteers.
• Willingness to operate a hybrid model of working with most work taking place from home, working remotely with stakeholders and across the UK/ internationally for specific events.
• Experience of working within the charity sector, ideally at a management level and/or within  financial management of the charitable sector, with sound knowledge of the relevant legal requirements and regulations applicable to a charitable organisation.

Desirable criteria

• Experience of working effectively with a Chair and Board of Trustees.
• Experience of working for a health-related organisation.
• An awareness of the principles of inclusivity, accessibility or experience of working with individuals with visible differences.
• Degree or equivalent.
• Experience of commissioning research and liaising with research bodies.

Other information

Headlines hosts events and fundraising activities throughout the whole of the UK. All Headlines staff are expected to work flexibly to support those activities as required, e.g. attendance at Annual Family Weekend, conferences, member events, supporter receptions and other related scientific meetings and conferences. This may occasionally require travel and overnight stays. In addition, all staff are expected to be self-servicing in terms of administration and basic digital skills. Please note that the list of duties is not exhaustive and additional responsibilities might occasionally arise and the workload can vary across the year

Schools North East is approaching its 20th year as the region’s dedicated, independent voice for schools. Over that time, we have grown into a highly successful, dynamic, and influential charity, representing over 1,150 member schools in the North East and 400 specialist schools nationally. Our reputation as the Voice of North East Schools is firmly established – trusted by our members, respected by policymakers, and recognised nationally.

We are now entering the next phase of our journey and are recruiting a highly motivated Events Manager to join our small but very successful team. This is a diverse and challenging role which offers tremendous opportunity to shape and implement programmes that make a real difference in schools.

It requires someone with strong business acumen who is a target-oriented and driven individual, focused on achieving challenging targets. You must have significant experience in managing a large and successful events programme consisting of a diverse range of physical and virtual events, ranging in size from 20 to 700 attendees. In the academic year 2024/25, we supported over 3000 school leaders from the North East and beyond through our events programme.

You will be joining a small, committed and high-performing team, where people take ownership, work at pace, and care deeply about the difference we make. In return, this role offers a genuine opportunity to shape a key part of the organisation and to play a central role in its future direction.

If you combine strong delivery with curiosity, initiative and the confidence to develop new approaches, we would be delighted to hear from you.

The Role

The Events Manager will work closely with the Directors and Senior Leaders to drive the organisation’s strategic development, financial resilience, and stakeholder relationships. As a key member of the leadership team, you will design and deliver a comprehensive annual events programme that aligns with the charity’s strategic plan and provides tangible support to schools across the North East and beyond. You will play a proactive role in shaping company strategy, contributing to the growth and sustainability of all programmes and activities.

Your primary focus will be the execution of a successful events programme and a robust income strategy for Schools North East. This involves exploring innovative ways to support the organisation’s core projects and representing the charity externally to expand our network of speakers, delegates and commercial sponsors. Working alongside other teams, you will also help grow membership programmes, ensuring the long-term sustainability of both the charity and its trading arm.

Success in this role requires the ability to maintain excellent relationships with existing and potential supporters while driving high levels of engagement across the events portfolio. You will be a confident and highly organised networker, tasked with increasing school participation by actively promoting Schools North East and developing deep links with regional stakeholders.

You will provide Directors with the essential information and capacity needed to focus on overarching strategic priorities, ensuring the events programme remains mission-aligned. By managing the Deputy Events Manager and Event Coordinators, you will ensure the team is equipped to handle the increased scale and complexity resulting from the organisation’s recent growth, delivering high-quality outcomes across all activities.

Join our Team

This is a key role in the organisation, working with a team of similarly motivated and like-minded people with a strong desire to succeed, make a difference and to support education in our region. In your role, you will support and be supported by the wider Schools North East team, which includes a dedicated Events team, Finance & Admin team, Marketing & Communications team, and Policy team.

Key tasks will include, but are not limited to:

Strategy and Development

• Contribute ideas, information and high-level speakers to produce a ‘must attend’ events programme that meets strategic goals
• Represent the charity externally to conduct strategic conversations with members, steering groups and commercial organisations, securing sponsorship and long-term support for the charity’s sustainability
• Oversee the marketing strategy for all events to ensure maximum engagement and brand visibility
• Grow the events programme through online and face-to-face delivery

Financial Management

• Provide Directors with the necessary data to formulate the annual budget and produce timely cash flow projections
• Take full responsibility for project budgets, and support the Business Manager to prepare detailed profit and loss reports for review by the Directors
• Manage supplier and venue relationships, ensuring all contracts and services are delivered efficiently and cost-effectively

Team Leadership

• Line manage the Deputy Events Manager, Events Coordinator (s) and any temporary support staff or interns
• Work as an integral member of a small, senior team, undertaking flexible tasks as required to deliver the overarching aims of Schools North East

Event Delivery and Operations

• Manage the full lifecycle of the events programme, from initial proposal and on-site inspection to final execution
• Ensure all projects are delivered on time and within budget, maintaining clear timelines and priorities across the team
• Oversee all operational and administrative functions to ensure excellent customer service and high-quality delivery across every event

Person Specification

Essential

Strategic & Operational Balance:

Highly organised with an eye for detail and the capacity to pivot between high-level strategy and hands-on operational tasks; organised with an eye for detail.

Collaborative Leadership:

A proactive can-do attitude; able to work independently or as a team lead to achieve shared organisational goals.

Results Driven:

Highly motivated and target orientated, with a genuine passion for making a difference in North East education.

Innovative Problem Solving:

Creative thinker able to articulate new ideas and solve complex, unexpected issues on the spot under pressure.

Stakeholder Engagement:

Excellent communication skills (verbal/written) with a natural ability to build relationships with a diverse range of people.

Senior Event Management:

5+ years’ experience delivering complex, large-scale event programmes from initial concept to final execution.

Income & Growth:

Proven track record in event income generation, including sponsorship, exhibitor sales, and executing effective marketing strategies.

Sector Knowledge:

Understanding of the education system, current policy issues and political developments affecting schools, or the willingness to learn.

Technical Skills:

Proficient in virtual event platforms ie, zoom; CRM systems and G Suite; and, event-specific platforms and AV.

Desirable

Experience in the education, charity, or membership sector

Schools North East is approaching its 20th year as the region’s dedicated, independent voice for schools. Over that time, we have grown into a highly successful, dynamic and influential charity, representing over 1,150 schools in the North East and 400 specialist schools nationally.

Our reputation as the Voice of North East Schools is firmly established, trusted by our members, respected by policymakers, and recognised nationally. We are now recruiting a highly motivated Deputy Events Manager to join our small but very successful team to provide maternity cover on a fixed-term basis for up to 12 months. This is an important delivery role within Schools North East, supporting the Events Manager to plan and deliver a high-quality events programme that provides practical support, insight and connection for schools across the North East and beyond.

The role requires someone with strong organisational skills, excellent attention to detail and the confidence to take ownership of allocated events from planning through to evaluation. You will support the delivery of a diverse programme of conferences, webinars, roundtables, training sessions and stakeholder events, helping to ensure that every event is well-run, financially sound, professionally delivered and valued by delegates, speakers, sponsors and partners.

This is a hands-on role in a busy team. You will need to work at pace, manage multiple deadlines, solve problems calmly and build strong working relationships with colleagues, suppliers, venues, speakers, sponsors and school leaders. You will also contribute ideas to improve the events programme, support income generation through delegate engagement, sponsorship and exhibitor activity, and help maintain the high standards associated with Schools North East events.

You will be joining a small, committed and high-performing team, where people take ownership, work flexibly and care deeply about the difference we make. If you combine strong delivery with initiative, creativity and a genuine commitment to supporting education in the region, we would be delighted to hear from you.

The Role

The Deputy Events Manager will support the Events Manager in the planning, coordination, delivery and evaluation of Schools North East’s annual events programme. The role will take responsibility for allocated events and projects, ensuring that each one is delivered to a high standard, on time, within agreed budgets and in line with the charity’s strategic priorities.

This is a key operational role within the Events team. You will work across conferences, online events, webinars, roundtables, training sessions, stakeholder events and other activities that bring together school leaders, business professionals, policymakers, commercial partners and wider education stakeholders. You will help ensure that delegates, speakers, sponsors and exhibitors experience Schools North East events as professional, purposeful and valuable.

Working closely with the Events Manager, you will contribute to the smooth running of the events programme by managing event logistics, coordinating suppliers and venues, supporting speaker liaison, maintaining accurate event information, contributing to marketing activity, supporting sponsorship and exhibitor delivery, and ensuring strong customer service before, during and after each event.

You will also play an important role in evaluation and continuous improvement. This will include gathering feedback, reviewing delegate and sponsor experience, identifying practical improvements, and helping the Events Manager to use evidence and insight to strengthen future events.

The Events Manager retains overall accountability for the events strategy, annual programme, income targets, budgets, commercial growth and team leadership. The Deputy Events Manager will contribute to these areas by delivering allocated events effectively, supporting income-generating activity, identifying opportunities for improvement, and ensuring that operational delivery reflects the quality and ambition of Schools North East. You will also deputise in the absence of the Events Manager.

Join our team

This is an important role in the organisation, working with a team of similarly motivated and like minded people with a strong desire to succeed, make a difference and support education in our region. In your role, you will support and be supported by the wider Schools North East team, which includes a dedicated Events team, Finance & Admin team, Marketing & Communications team, and Policy team.

Key tasks will include, but are not limited to:

Event Delivery and Operations

• Lead on the planning, coordination and delivery of allocated events, from initial briefing through to post-event evaluation
• Manage event logistics, including venue arrangements, delegate information, speaker requirements, supplier coordination, event materials, AV requirements and on-the-day delivery
• Ensure allocated events are delivered on time, within agreed budgets and to a consistently high standard
• Maintain clear event plans, timelines, task lists and records, ensuring colleagues have the information they need to support delivery
• Provide excellent customer service to delegates, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors and partners before, during and after events
• Support the Events Manager in ensuring that operational processes are effective, consistent and fit for purpose across the full events programme 

Programme Support and Development

• Support the Events Manager to deliver a comprehensive annual events programme aligned with Schools North East’s strategic priorities
• Contribute practical ideas for event content, formats, speakers, delegate engagement and continuous improvement
• Use delegate feedback, event data and stakeholder insight to help identify opportunities to strengthen the programme
• Support the development of online, hybrid and face-to-face events, ensuring that each format is well planned and professionally delivered
• Work with colleagues across the organisation to ensure events reflect current priorities for schools and provide tangible value to members and stakeholders

Income, Sponsorship and Commercial Support

• Support the delivery of income-generating events, including delegate bookings, sponsorship packages, exhibitor activity and partner engagement
• Help identify potential sponsors, exhibitors, speakers and partners for allocated events
• Liaise professionally with sponsors and exhibitors, ensuring agreed benefits are delivered accurately and on time
• Support the Events Manager with the preparation of information needed for sponsorship, exhibitor and delegate income monitoring
• Contribute to the development of commercial opportunities while ensuring that events remain mission-aligned and credible with schools

Financial and Supplier Management

• Manage event-level budgets for allocated projects, tracking expenditure and income against agreed plans
• Obtain quotes, liaise with venues and suppliers, and support cost-effective procurement for event delivery
• Maintain accurate financial and operational records to support budget monitoring, invoicing and post-event reporting
• Support the Events Manager and Business Manager with the preparation of event information for profit and loss reporting
• Ensure contracts, purchase orders and supplier arrangements are managed in line with organisational processes 

Marketing, Communications and Engagement

• Work with the Marketing & Communications team to support effective promotion of events
• Provide accurate event information, deadlines, audience insight and content for mailers, website listings, social media and delegate communications
• Support audience engagement by helping to identify target groups, school networks and stakeholder contacts for allocated events
• Ensure delegate communications are clear, timely and professional
• Help maintain the Schools North East brand and reputation through high-quality event materials, communications and customer service

Team Working

• Work closely with the Events Manager, Events Coordinator(s) and wider team to ensure effective delivery across the events programme
• Coordinate tasks for colleagues, temporary staff, interns or volunteers where required for specific events
• Contribute positively to a small, busy and flexible team, undertaking practical tasks as required to support the wider aims of Schools North East
• Share learning, feedback and improvements to support consistency and quality across events
• Work flexibly, including occasional early mornings, evenings, regional travel and national travel where required 

Person Specification

Essential

Event Delivery:

At least 3 years’ experience in event planning and delivery, including responsibility for coordinating events from planning through to evaluation

Operational Organisation:

Highly organised, with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple deadlines, tasks and priorities at pace

Problem Solving:

Able to remain calm under pressure, solve practical problems quickly and respond effectively to unexpected issues during event planning and live delivery

Communication and Customer Service:

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to provide professional, responsive and high-quality customer service to delegates, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, suppliers and colleagues

Stakeholder Relationships:

Confident in building and maintaining effective relationships with a wide range of people, including venues, suppliers, school leaders, speakers, sponsors and partners

Income and Commercial Awareness:

Experience supporting income-generating events, including delegate bookings, sponsorship, exhibitors, ticket sales or commercial partnerships

Supplier and Venue Coordination:

Experience liaising with venues, AV providers, event suppliers and contractors to support high quality and cost-effective delivery

Budget Awareness:

Able to monitor event-level budgets, track income and expenditure, and maintain accurate records to support financial reporting

Technical Skills:

Confident using event systems, CRM or database platforms, virtual event software, G Suite or similar tools, and basic AV equipment

Collaborative Working:

A proactive, can-do approach, with the ability to work independently and as part of a small, busy team

Results Driven:

Highly motivated, target-oriented and committed to delivering high-quality outcomes that support education in the North East

Sector Interest:

An interest in, and ability to quickly understand, the education system and the issues affecting schools Desirable Experience in the education, charity, or membership sector

To apply: Please submit your full CV, clarifying any gaps in employment, along with a cover letter clearly linking your skills and experience to the job description and person specification FAO Lindsay Gerencser.

We believe that change for people affected by ME won't just happen; it must be made. That's why action and impact are at the heart of everything we do. Whether that's helping people today with support, information, or care. Or working towards securing future change through our research and campaigning work. The intent of everything we do is to pursue positive impact for the lives, rights, and futures of people affected by ME.

As Communications Manager you will play a pivotal role in delivering strategic, impactful communications that advance Action for ME’s work, improve understanding and recognition of ME and support fundraising efforts

The Communications Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day delivery of the communications strategy, leading a team of two other communications staff. You will work closely with colleagues across the fundraising, policy, research and services departments, delivering clear and compelling storytelling, and maximising visibility across media, digital platforms and key stakeholder networks.

Key duties

Leadership and Management

• Work to ensure that people with ME are at the heart of everything we do through meaningful engagement and participation to influence all aspects of communications and marketing.

• Contribute to the development of, and then lead implementation of, the Communications Strategy, ensuring the appropriate involvement of key stakeholders, scoping, evaluating, and improving our practice.

• Maintain a data-insight led approach to the communications work providing regular management information and key performance indicator reports.

• Work as a member of the Extended Leadership Team.

• Line manage Communications Team members, supporting them to set and achieve performance objectives through regular one-to-ones and 12-monthly appraisals.

• Be responsible for Communications budget and the relationship with services providers required for the production of the charity’s digital and printed information and support resources.

Communications and Marketing

• Raise the profile of the impact of ME, and of Action for ME and its work, to enable the organisation to reach more people and better support need, by establishing a regular cadence of appropriate but innovative product across all main social media channels.

• Ensure fundraising is supported by embedding clear calls to action around donations and membership growth as a matter of course.

• Under the direction of the Director of Fundraising, develop all website, press and social media content for charity appeals.

• Market the charity’s Support and Healthcare services, including key digital and printed information and support resources, to the ME community and the professionals working with them, working closely with respective service leads.

• Contribute to income generation by working closely with the Director of Fundraising to develop the communication and marketing materials needed to implement the organisation’s Fundraising Strategy.

• Coordinate the charity’s response to any crisis communications, including developing appropriate crisis management plans and working outside of office hours as required.

• Establish effective systems/processes for gathering, supporting, maintaining, and managing case studies for a range of purposes (including press and media opportunities, public affairs and policy work, and fundraising).

• Draft and issue press releases and media statements and ensure appropriate follow-up by telephoning journalists, contacting picture desks etc. as appropriate.

• Alongside the CEO and any commissioned agency, develop relationships with key press, media and communications stakeholders to enhance the charity’s work.

• Oversee the production of the annual report, on budget, to schedule, taking overall editorial responsibility for content.

• Oversee the ongoing development of our digital engagement including our website and social media and being the point of contact on website issues.

• Fulfil the role of brand gateway keeper, ensuring all digital and printed communications, including information and support resources, adhere to brand guidelines, house style and organisational tone.

• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge and oversight of how ME and related key issues (e.g. Long Covid) are discussed in the media and wider ME community.

• Build networks to enhance the charity’s strategic communications and marketing work.

• Build and maintain an effective social media monitoring regime, ensuring fit for purpose rules of engagement are in place and applied consistently.

Other Key Accountabilities 

• Ensure that all relevant service standards are met including compliance with best practice, legal and regulatory frameworks and internal standards.

• Ensure best value in all our work.

• Undertake any other duty within your ability and within reason, as may be required, from time-to-time, at the discretion of your line manager.

• On occasions, provide management support and cover within the organisation, as needed.

• Act as an advocate for the charity and its work.

Person specification

Experience, Knowledge and Understanding 

• A minimum of 2 years’ experience working in a communications management role

• Experience of developing integrated, insight and audience-led communications plans including social media

• Experience of website and brand management

• Experience of delivering successful campaigns

• Experience of engaging with press and/or media including writing press releases and media briefings

• Experience of working collaboratively with different teams/departments

• Experience of working in charity communications (desirable)

• An understanding of ME and the impact on people affected by it (desirable)

• Experience of integrating fundraising with communications (desirable)

Skills, Behaviours and Values

• Adaptable and highly organised with an ability to work methodically, managing and prioritising a varied workload, use your own initiative, work independently, and work well in a team.

• Strong MS Office skills including the ability to use Word, Excel, databases and web-related programmes and software.

Head of Policy and Public Affairs (Devolved Nations)
£59,640 pa plus excellent benefits
Home-based in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland
35 hours per week, full-time
Permanent

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) is seeking an experienced and strategic policy and public affairs leader to head our devolved nations policy and public affairs function. This is a high-profile leadership role with a unique opportunity to influence policy, advocate for children and young people, and drive improvements in child health outcomes across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Reporting to the Associate Director of Policy and External Affairs and sitting on the Membership, Policy and External Affairs Divisional Management Team, you will lead the College’s policy and public affairs activity across the devolved nations. You will develop and deliver impactful advocacy strategies, build strong relationships with governments and policymakers, and ensure the College’s voice is heard on the issues that matter most to paediatricians, children and young people.

You will provide leadership to a team of Policy and Public Affairs Managers and work closely with College Officers, members, committees and colleagues across the organisation to maximise the College’s influence and impact.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the strategic planning and prioritisation of RCPCH policy and public affairs activities across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
• Developing and delivering influential public affairs and advocacy strategies to support the College’s policy priorities
• Providing expert advice on child health, healthcare delivery, workforce, public health and safeguarding policy across the devolved nations
• Managing and developing a team of three Policy and Public Affairs Managers
• Overseeing the production of high-quality policy reports, consultation responses, briefings and stakeholder communications
• Building and maintaining effective relationships with governments, policymakers, Royal Colleges, health bodies and external partners
• Working collaboratively with the Health Policy, Media and Public Affairs, Membership and Education teams to align priorities and maximise impact
• Supporting Devolved Nations Officers and committees to advocate effectively on behalf of members
• Leading the identification of opportunities to raise the College’s profile and influence policy development
• Managing a budget of approximately £60,000 and ensuring effective use of resources

Essential skills and experience include:

• Degree-level qualification, postgraduate qualification or equivalent relevant professional experience
• Strong understanding of the UK political and health policy landscape, particularly within Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
• Significant experience leading policy development and public affairs activity
• Proven experience producing and overseeing policy reports, consultation responses and briefing materials
• Demonstrable success in delivering public affairs campaigns with measurable impact
• Excellent stakeholder management skills with experience influencing senior political, policy and clinical audiences
• Outstanding communication skills, with the ability to adapt messages for different audiences and channels
• Strong leadership and people management experience
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes
• Experience of budget management, planning and forecasting

Desirable:

• Experience leading policy development relating to health services, children’s services or child health
• Experience working within healthcare, children's services or public sector organisations
• Experience working within a membership organisation or professional body

The RCPCH has more than 25,000 members and fellows worldwide and employs around 200 staff across the UK. Our devolved nations teams play a vital role in ensuring that the needs of children and young people are represented at every level of government and policy-making.

Our values – Include, Influence, Innovate and Inspire – are central to everything we do. We are committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are under-represented at this level of the organisation.

We operate a flexible and modern hybrid working policy. While this role is home-based in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, travel across the devolved nations and occasional travel elsewhere in the UK will be required.

Closing date: 24 June 2026.