National director jobs

Due to educational commitments and a strategic review of our services, our Founding Director is stepping back from leading the organisation. This creates an exciting opportunity for a Managing Director to join a women-led movement shaped by lived experience.

Working closely with the Founder, Board, and team, you will take the lead in implementing our strategy, turning vision into action, and ensuring our work is sustainable, impactful, and ready to grow. You will play a central role in securing financial stability, strengthening income streams, and building a resilient organisation for the future.

We are looking for a proactive and experienced leader who can strengthen systems, processes, and team culture, while supporting and developing a small, dedicated team. This role is not just about leadership, but about working alongside others - someone who is human, approachable, and a genuine team player.

You will value collaboration and co-production and feel comfortable working in a culture rooted in trust, flexibility, and compassion. You will bring the confidence to represent the organisation externally, alongside the humility to listen, learn, and grow with the team.

This UK-based, remote role sits within a small, friendly organisation committed to reflection, learning, and continual improvement. You will help shape how we evolve, ensuring we deliver safe, high-quality, trauma-informed, and gender-sensitive support for women affected by their own or someone else's gambling addiction.

We are seeking someone who aligns with our values, understands the realities women face in a male-dominated space, and can lead with humanity and humility.

The Managing Director will be accountable for:

• Strategic direction
• Financial sustainability
• Safeguarding and risk oversight
• Commissioner relationships
• Organisational culture and values

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Lead development and delivery of the 3-year strategic plan.
• Ensure organisational growth aligns with mission and peer-led ethos.
• Identify opportunities for funding, partnerships and influence.
• Ensure services evolve in line with women’s needs and policy context.

Governance & Risk Oversight

• Maintain oversight of safeguarding and clinical governance.
• Ensure robust risk management and compliance systems are in place.
• Report quarterly to the Board on performance, finance and risk.
• Ensure Delegated Authority Framework is implemented effectively.
• Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Financial Sustainability

• Accountable for organisational budget and reserves strategy.
• Oversee funding pipeline and income diversification.
• Negotiate and sign contracts within Board-approved limits.
• Ensure staffing model remains financially sustainable.

Leadership & Organisational Culture

• Lead and support staff team.
• Maintain trauma-informed, women-centred organisational culture.
• Ensure appropriate delegation and clear accountability.
• Protect staff wellbeing and prevent executive overload.

External Representation & Influence

• Represent the organisation with commissioners, funders and partners.
• Build relationships with VCSE organisations, OHID, NHSE, ICBs, Local Authorities and sector bodies.
• Position the organisation as a credible specialist provider.
• Support policy and influence activity at strategic level.

Board Relationship

• Work closely with the Chair
• Provide clear and transparent reporting.
• Support Board development and portfolio governance.
• Ensure Board receives timely information on risk and performance.

Person Specification

Essential Experience

• Senior leadership experience within VCSE, health or social care.
• Experience in women-specific services.
• Experience managing budgets and financial sustainability including evidence of successful fundraising and income diversification.
• Experience working with statutory commissioners.
• Experience overseeing safeguarding in complex services.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams.

Desirable Experience

• Experience in addiction, gambling harm or mental health sectors.
• Experience within CIC or charity governance structures.
• Experience influencing policy or commissioning frameworks.
• Understanding and appreciation of lived experience communities and peer support spaces

Essential Skills

• Strategic thinking and planning
• Financial acumen
• Strong governance understanding
• Stakeholder diplomacy
• Ability to delegate effectively
• Crisis management capability
• Clear written and verbal communication

We kindly ask applicants to avoid submitting AI generated responses to encourage a real sense of who you are. 
 

Our operational days are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. We operate flexibly but our regular team meetings are held on a Wednesday and this role is expected to be accessible for our staff within these days. 

For more than 140 years, the Forces Employment Charity has helped the military community succeed beyond service – building careers, shaping futures, and living with purpose. Last year, we provided dedicated and specialist employment and justice support to over 23,000 people to create careers and long-term stability.

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Are you a passionate leader with a commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community? We’re looking for an experienced and driven individual to lead and shape our national employment support service, helping veterans and their families build meaningful and sustainable careers.

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This is a unique opportunity to lead a high-performing team, influence strategy, and make a real difference across the UK.

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Brief role description

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The Programme Manager plays a pivotal leadership role in delivering the Forces Employment Charity’s Ex-Forces Employment Charity Programme. This programme provides regionally-based, comprehensive employment support to all who have served in HM Armed Forces, ensuring personal and locally informed guidance for veterans seeking employment or career change.

Working closely with the Director of Veterans and Families Employment, the Programme Manager drives operational excellence, strengthens service consistency across the UK, and represents the charity’s employment offer in the devolved nations. They ensure that our national network of Advisors is supported, empowered, and aligned to strategic goals, enabling the very best outcomes for the veteran community.

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It’s essential that they have experience managing multi-site or national teams, alongside a strong understanding of employment support or careers guidance. They will be confident working with a range of stakeholders, able to use data to inform decisions, and an excellent communicator. Strong IT skills and a genuine commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community are also key.

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Ideally, they will bring experience from the veterans or employability sector, along with some understanding of devolved nation policy or frameworks such as safeguarding or vocational training.

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This role requires an Enhanced DBS check.

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Interested? Want to know more about the Charity? Check our website.

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Eager to know more the role? Have a look at the Job Description.

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What’s in it for you? Check out our Benefits.

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Have we convinced you to apply? If so, submit your CV and Covering Letter by closing date Wednesday, 6 May 2026.

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Please note: Applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert; therefore, we may at any time bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as possible. If you are an internal applicant, please ensure you have made The People Team aware before applying.

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We are committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff by fostering an inclusive, supportive environment where everyone, including those with disabilities, can thrive, develop, and achieve their full potential. We actively encourage applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and ensure reasonable adjustments are made to support candidates with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.

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We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process.

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#LI-DNI

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and numeracy levels amongst people in the criminal justice system?

We’ve made substantial progress in recent years, with improvements and expansions to our delivery model and significant growth in our staff team. In Spring 2026, we will launch our refreshed organisational strategy, which will shape our work over the next three years and beyond. To support this growth, we are recruiting for a full time National Director of Operations to lead our delivery across England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and emerging community settings, with an ambition to reach Scotland. This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in scaling our impact and strengthening our presence across the criminal justice system and beyond.

As National Director of Operations, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for our learning programmes in prisons and community settings. You will ensure high‑quality, consistent and accessible delivery, overseeing a team of six Regional Managers and a wider workforce of around 65 staff, volunteers and over 2,000 peer mentors trained each year.

Working closely with senior colleagues, partner organisations and national bodies such as HMPPS, you will drive programme excellence, innovation and partnership working. You will also play a key role in new business development, operational strategy, contractual delivery and ensuring we can reliably demonstrate the impact of our work.

The role requires an experienced operational leader with a deep commitment to improving outcomes for people facing disadvantage. You will bring:

• Senior leadership experience in a complex, multi‑site environment.
• A track record of delivering large-scale programmes and leading distributed teams.
• Strong strategic thinking, problem‑solving and relationship‑building skills.
• Experience working with statutory bodies or large public-sector partners (e.g. HMPPS).
• Excellent judgement, communication skills and the ability to influence at all levels.
• Understanding of the criminal justice system, safeguarding, or alternative education environments (desirable).
• A collaborative, inclusive leadership style aligned with Shannon Trust’s values.

We want to hear from applicants who are as committed to the cause as we are.

This is a home-based role but will require travel around the UK including overnight stays. This role is 5 days per week (35 hours) with working days/hours to be mutually agreed in line with business needs.

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. This role does 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, which will be held online, are planned for the w/c 18th May.

“The go-to organisation for a public health perspective”.

(Senior UK Government official)

The Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH) is the representative body for Directors of Public Health in the UK. It has a rich heritage, with its origins dating back more than 160 years and is a collaborative organisation working in partnership with others to maximise the voice for public health.

We are now seeking a new Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation through the next phase of its evolution, maintaining and building upon its established reputation and influence. The role requires a wide-ranging set of skills, capabilities and experience, proven leadership and credibility at the highest level. The successful candidate will have strong negotiating and influencing skills, and the ability to work independently, with board-level accountability, and be expected to develop and sustain extensive national networks across local authorities, the NHS, the voluntary sector and central Government. Possessing an adaptability in working practice together with a self-motivated, proactive approach that performs well under pressure, the successful candidate will be educated to Masters level with ongoing study in public health. In addition, they should have senior management training or equivalent experience and a clear record of continuing professional development. Experience should include at least five years in the public health environment, including in policy development, plus a minimum of three years in operational, financial and resource management.

Accountable to our Board of Trustees and the wider membership, the new CEO will develop the strategic direction of the Association and lead the organisation to deliver a rolling medium-term Strategic Business Plan, balanced budgets and effective governance in compliance with company and charity law. An ability to prioritise planned and reactive work programmes to meet the needs of our membership is required, alongside the sourcing and delivery of timely bids for external funding together with the management of staff and resources to ensure value for money and staff wellbeing.

The post holder will support the President, Vice‑President, Board and ADPH Council by applying public health knowledge through teaching, coaching, publishing and presenting as appropriate, maintaining a personal programme of continuing professional development, and be expected to uphold the Association’s values of members first, excellence, collaboration, inclusion and professionalism. Occasional travel, throughout the UK, and flexibility for occasional evening or weekend work will also be necessary.

To apply, submit a CV and a covering letter outlining your leadership experience, strategic achievements and vision for supporting Directors of Public Health across the UK.

Country Director – Scotland

We are seeking a talented individual to join our Leadership team and help sustain and expand our programmes across Scotland.

Position: Country Director – Scotland
Salary: £53,836 - £59,012
Location: Hybrid with travel to Glasgow office at least once a week
Hours: 35 hours per week, full time
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: Wednesday 6th May 2026
Interview Dates: 13th May (online) and 18th May (Glasgow)

About the Role

This is an exceptional opportunity to join The Fostering Network as one of four Country Directors, working closely with the CEO to deliver organisational strategic objectives.

You will lead and manage our work in Scotland, making a vital contribution to improving the lives of foster families, children and young people in foster care, while supporting fostering services across the country.

Key responsibilities include:

· Overall management and leadership of our work in Scotland

· Driving forward the monitoring, impact and evaluation of our work

· Developing and maintaining key stakeholder relationships including government, fostering services and sector partners

· Overseeing the development and delivery of sustainable, impactful programmes

· Securing grants, fundraising and promoting our work across the sector

· Budget management and financial oversight

· Identifying opportunities for innovation and collaboration

· Growing membership and maintaining our position as the leading fostering charity in the UK

· Acting as safeguarding lead for Scotland

About You

We are looking for a strategic, collaborative leader with extensive experience of the fostering sector.

You will bring:

· In-depth knowledge of foster care practice and children’s social care

· Experience working within statutory local authority social services

· A track record of leadership, line management and delivering change

· Experience of strategic planning, programme delivery and budget management

· Strong experience working with government officials and key stakeholders

· Excellent communication and relationship management skills

· The ability to inspire trust and credibility across a wide range of audiences

· Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise effectively

You will also demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion, and the organisation’s mission and values.

About the Organisation: The Fostering Network is the UK’s leading fostering charity and membership organisation, dedicated to empowering, enriching and supporting the relationships at the heart of the fostering community.

They work across all four nations of the UK to improve outcomes for children and young people in foster care and to support foster carers and services.

What’s on Offer

· 38 days leave including bank holidays

· Flexible and hybrid working

· Enhanced maternity, adoption and sick pay

· Employee Assistance Programme

· Pension and life assurance

· Family friendly policies and fostering friendly leave

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Director of Services, Head of Fostering, Assistant Director Social Care, Service Director, Head of Operations, Programme Director, Children’s Services Manager

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client Not For Profit People.

The Chief Executive & Creative Director holds the most senior post at Dance City, unites the creative and strategic functions of the organisation, and is accountable to the board of trustees for the good management and impact of the charity. The Chief Executive & Creative Director leads and works collaboratively with the board, senior management team (SMT) and stakeholders and partners to ensure that Dance City creates opportunities for people to create, produce and experience dance at its very best. The Chief Executive & Creative Director drives the business, identifying commercial opportunities, securing financial resilience, and ensuring that Dance City’s programme is at the vanguard of sustainable dance development in the region. The Chief Executive & Creative Director is based in the northeast and plays an active role in the social life and cultural communities of the region. 
 

Role Profile and Person Specification 

Key deliverables 

• Lead on Dance City’s vision, values and organisational objectives and ensure the relevance and sustainability of its creative programme.

• Ensure there is alignment between Dance City’s creative ambitions and its business needs and that all activity is delivered to the highest possible standards to plan and within budget.

• Grow the organisation’s earned income and shape and set targets for initiatives embracing commercial ventures, corporate partnerships, public funding, trusts and foundations and individual philanthropy.

• Be accountable to the board and to funding bodies, and for the responsible stewardship of Dance City.

• Ensure a strong profile and reputation for the organisation and for dance practice locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. 

• Initiate, develop and sustain partnerships with existing and potential funders and key stakeholders. 

• Lead and enable the senior team; motivate, inspire, and support the development of the wider staff team.

Role profile 

Leadership and governance  

• Develop and monitor the strategic plan with the SMT and Board. 

• Work closely with the Chair and Trustees to ensure the good governance of the charity and that organisational performance is structured and monitored using well articulated, achievable KPIs. 

• Support Trustees in being an effective Board, ensuring it comprises the appropriate range of skills and has access to training and development opportunities.

• Deploy Trustees’ skills and networks to identify and activate opportunities for commercial development and business growth.

• Be an inclusive leader, collaborate with and empower the SMT, and motivate, support and develop the wider staff team. 

Advocacy, profile and civic engagement 

• Promote the profile and reputation of Dance City locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

• Initiate and enable constructive debate about dance and its development by artists, policy-makers and the public, and to promote Dance City’s role in dance leadership.

• Articulate the transformative potential of dance in enabling social cohesion, the centrality of its place in the wider creative industries sector, and its potential, through civic partnerships and collaboration, to make a major contribution to the economy and well being of the city and region. 

• Ensure Dance City is part of local, regional, national  and international arts discussions and networks, is represented at key events and viewed as crucial to decision-making processes in the dance and wider cultural and social sectors.

• Be the face of Dance City in professional and community networks and at events in the northeast; communicate and advocate for its plans and ambitions to the widest range of people including politicians, the media, funders, artists, audiences and the public.

Creative 

• Shape, co-create and communicate the creative vision for Dance City. 

• Oversee the development and delivery of a creative programme which appeals to a wide range of audiences, demonstrates excellence, and sets out to grow appetite and demand for diverse dance experiences. 

• Build and manage sustainable commercial and funding partnerships which will enhance the profile of the programme and enable the commissioning, programming and presentation of dance within and beyond Dance City.

• Oversee the evaluation of the programme, to ensure quality, to engage in reflection and implement learning with colleagues.

• Maintain an overview of the local and national dance ecology in order to inform advocacy and planning.

Brand, commercial performance and income 

• Oversee the design and delivery of effective marketing and communications strategies that are developed and effectively delivered, to retain existing and grow new audiences for dance in the northeast and to promote the Dance City brand.

• Be proactive in the development and delivery of effective fundraising and income generation strategies for Dance City, to ensure that contributed income grows and is diversified, and to develop commercial opportunities enabled by the building and programme. 

• Play an active role in identifying and approaching prospective donors, sponsors and funding partners.

• Develop, maintain, and strengthen relationships with existing and potential supporters and to lead on key public funding and donor relationships.

Finance and operations  

• Be accountable for the financial operation of the organisation, ensuring budgets are set and monitored, appropriate financial policies and procedures are in place, compliance with appropriate legal and fiscal frameworks is followed, and that there is timely reporting to the relevant funders and authorities.

• Oversee and ensure the smooth and efficient management of Dance City’s facilities and infrastructure.

• Ensure Dance City remains a visible champion of environmental responsibility.

• Ensure the organisation is fully compliant with all legal requirements, including health and safety, and that all staff are trained appropriately. 

People and culture 

• Set the tone for and model the organisational culture, be an inclusive and consultative leader, championing employee wellbeing and engagement. 

• Ensure that appropriate policies and procedures are in place for recruitment, induction, appraisals and the professional development of staff.

• Ensure the organisation upholds its principles of equity, diversity and inclusion, valuing the wellbeing of all colleagues.

Person specification  

Essential  

• Has held a senior role in a cultural venue or within an organisation with a substantial arts programme or partnerships; is well networked in and beyond the cultural and creative industries. 

• Understanding of the current landscape and eco-system in the cultural sector and awareness of local/national political initiatives that will impact on - and create opportunities for - Dance City and its partner organisations.

• Understanding of the legal, fiscal, social and political context within which the arts operate, and the contribution they make to health, education, social cohesion and civic pride.

• Understanding of the needs of dance as an art form and a commitment to best practice and to promoting inclusion and equality of opportunity.

• An inclusive leader with experience of overseeing organisational transformation and managing change. 

• A track record in relationship building, working in partnership with a range of funders, agencies and organisations, and of successful fundraising and income generation from a range of sources. 

• A strong advocate and compelling storyteller, able to network, represent the organisation, communicate its vision and inspire confidence among existing and potential peers and stakeholders.

• Strong financial literacy and skills, knowledge of charity governance and relevant financial policies and procedures; experience of senior financial accountability.

• Experience of working effectively with a Board of Directors, understanding of best practice in governance and organisational development.

• A commitment to living in the region, able to travel nationally and internationally, and to work some evenings and weekends where there is reasonable expectation to attend events.

Desirable 

• Experience of running a building with a diverse and impactful arts programme. 

• An extensive network in the cultural sector. 

• Experience of significant national/international cultural partnership projects. 

• Experience of managing significant public investment programmes such as ACE NPO, Creative Scotland RFO or equivalent.

Equity, diversity and inclusion 

At Dance City we believe that voices and perspectives from a range of backgrounds and lived experiences make our understanding of the world and the arts more relevant.

We believe that difference is our strength.

Therefore we actively encourage applications from people from all backgrounds and those that are under-represented in our city and region and in dance leadership. 

Our Operations Director will lead the development of the operational infrastructure required to scale Fruitful Work nationally and internationally. Working in close partnership with the Founder & CEO, this role takes ownership of the systems, processes, team and organisational rhythms that enable the charity to grow rapidly and sustainably. This is a senior, hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys building from the ground up, turning vision into reliable execution, and creating the foundations that allow a small team to deliver outsized impact.

You will take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the organisation and lead the recruitment and management of a growing operations team as Fruitful Work expands.

Please see our attached candidate pack for the full role description

Salary: £87,500 per annum

Hours: 37.5 hours per week 

Location: Hybrid – remote/Exeter with regular attendance at HQ, plus regular travel to other DAA sites and events as required

Duration: Permanent 

The Role

The Income Generation Director plays a pivotal leadership role in enabling Devon Air Ambulance to deliver its mission through strong, trusted relationships with the public, supporters, partners and stakeholders. You will be responsible for the strategic leadership of income generation, communications and public engagement, as the Income Generation Director brings together fundraising, marketing, communications and commercial activity to grow support for Devon Air Ambulance and generate long-term sustainable income.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will contribute to the development and delivery of the corporate strategy, providing insight, challenge and leadership across the organisation. You will hold responsibility for public engagement and income generation activity across both the Charity and the Trading Company, becoming a Director of the Trading Company upon successful completion of probation.

The Candidate

We're seeking an inspirational leader who is collaborative and open, and can provide cross-departmental support to all teams, with the ability to achieve strategic goals. The ideal candidate will be able to role model a culture of integrity, honesty and openness with demonstrable experience of senior leadership within public engagement, income generation communications, marketing or a related field. They will have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to build effective partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, being able to influence and have a tangible impact on income generation. The candidate will be able to operate in a dynamic and high-profile environment with the confidence to innovate and take informed risks. 

As the role will require engagement with communities, staff and supporters across the county, it is essential that the candidate has a full driving licence. 

The Package

Salary: £87,500 per annum.

As a valued member of the team you will have access to a wide range of employee benefits including:

• 25 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays (pro rata)
• Maternity/Paternity & Adoption leave
• Pension scheme
• Occupational sick pay scheme
• Free counselling and financial wellbeing services
• Up to £8,000 relocation package available if eligible. 

Find out more about our staff benefits on our website.

Alongside our excellent staff benefits, we will support your ongoing development to build your skills, experience and career.

We are looking for a Director of Communications (External Relations)

We are looking for a communications leader to help us transform Nesta’s impact, reach and influence. We're already an ambitious, award-winning, multidisciplinary team, and now we're looking for someone to help us elevate our work to the next level.

The UK information environment is changing rapidly and our team is midway through a period of reform and transformation to adapt. We want to be industry-leading in the way we communicate - on the cutting edge of testing and experimenting with new formats and tactics, constantly iterating our practice in response to an information environment that is being constantly reshaped by AI, changing political communications and new technology. This is where you come in.

This role offers the mandate to experiment with a suite of high-impact products that are ready for their next stage of growth. You will play a central role in developing our new podcast, expanding our collection of data-driven stories, and testing long-form video as a way to translate deep research into compelling visual narratives. We care about micro communities as much as the traditional broadcast tools, and you’ll lead a stable of products designed to reach policy audiences. Alongside this, you will help to spearhead the advocacy and influencing activity that will deliver success in our three missions, and work more broadly to support BIT and all other parts of the Nesta Group.

You will blend exceptional political acumen with a proven track record of delivering policy and advocacy campaigns that have a tangible impact. You will be a trusted advisor, adept at providing strategic counsel across multidisciplinary teams while fostering an empowering, best-in-class culture. Beyond managing projects and campaigns, you will invest in our people, ensuring our talented team has the support and clarity to perform at their best.

We are looking for a leader who isn't satisfied with the status quo and is ready to take our collective impact to the next level. Five years into our strategy, Nesta’s ideas are gaining significant influence - now we need you to raise our reach and profile to the same level.

What you’ll be doing:

• Lead the design and delivery of integrated campaigns with policy and advocacy objectives, using the right mix of channels, the highest standards of creative execution and the most effective messaging. Support the team to navigate the UK political and news agenda, identifying and securing the most effective moments for our work to exert influence.
• Lead the full range of policy communications across Nesta (working with and beyond the communications team with missions, units, subject specialists and senior leaders to bring coherence to our content and activity). Lead on policy-facing products, from blogs to policy briefings, podcasts to newsletters.
• Oversee delivery of broader communications activity, working across the organisation to form project teams, set priorities and tactics. Elevate the quality of our external output so all of our communications meet a consistently high bar for excellence. Ensure that all of our activity is delivered with the right mix of creativity, professionalism and speed to maximise success.
• Distil complex policy and research into powerful narratives, ensuring our strategic messaging resonates and persuades target audiences and that is used consistently and coherently across all of our activity. Manage our suite of editorial products and ensure our content is sharp, timely, and directly aligned with our advocacy objectives.
• Provide authoritative communications strategic counsel across teams, acting as a trusted advisor to senior leaders on complex communication challenges and reputational issues
• Provide functional (direct) leadership of our policy communications, media relations and data journalism functions.

You will also work across all of the Communications department to:

• Drive forward new approaches to advocacy and influencing that organisations like Nesta need to adopt in response to the changing information environment
• Look across all activity being conducted and identify and act on opportunities for new content streams, activities or partnerships that support our strategic communications goals
• Spot opportunities to do more with our existing channels and campaigns, finding ways to extend their value and impact
• Troubleshoot and support where a project or campaign is at risk of failure, either because of differing views on execution, changing objectives, or missed deadlines
• Mentor and evolve a talented communications team, providing the leadership and vision necessary to take our collective impact to the next level.

What we’re looking for:

• Significant leadership experience in external affairs, communications, or press, specifically within an advocacy-focused environment.
• Exceptional strategic skills, with a history of delivering multi-channel campaigns that build genuine profile and influence.
• A deep understanding of the UK political and news agenda and wider information environment, with a demonstrated ability to navigate complex policy landscapes.
• The ability to provide high-level strategic counsel, acting as a trusted advisor to senior leaders on complex communication challenges and reputational issues.
• A genuine love of communications, with experience of exploring new approaches to advocacy and influencing that organisations like Nesta need to adopt in response to the changing information environment
• The ability to craft and embed strategic messaging that distills complex ideas into clear, authoritative narratives for diverse audiences.
• An accomplished writer who has successfully managed high-level editorial functions and maintained a high bar for content.
• Sharp media instincts and creative flair, with a proven ability to spot and shape stories that capture media interest.
• A grounded leader and people manager who knows how to motivate teams and cultivate a high-performing culture.

As with all members of the Nesta Group communications team, the postholder will also be at their best working in a collaborative, fast-paced environment, have a flexible approach and an appetite for taking on new tasks and challenges. They will also have excellent written and verbal communication skills and a proven ability to write for a range of different audiences.

What we offer:

Salary: £91,500 plus an array of benefits, including a generous pension scheme, private medical insurance, dental insurance, the ability to buy and sell annual leave, and more

Location: This role is based in Blackfriars, London, hybrid working arrangement with a minimum of two days in the office

Term: Permanent

Hours: This is a full-time role but we offer a range of flexible working arrangements and encourage our people to take advantage of them. Many do.

Reports to: Group Executive Director of Communications

Making an application

To apply for this role, please submit a CV and a cover letter that states three reasons why you are a great candidate for the role before 8:00am on the 27th of April 2026.

Interviews will take place w/c 4th of May 2026.

About Nesta

Nesta is a research and innovation foundation that designs, tests and scales solutions for the biggest challenges of our time.

Driven by a vision to improve the lives of millions of people, our focus up to 2030 is on three missions: breaking the link between family background and life chances, halving obesity and cutting household carbon emissions.

We work with partners across the public, private and third sectors to develop high-potential solutions and test them as they evolve, drawing on deep expertise in qualitative and quantitative research, data science, behavioural science and design.

Once confident in the effectiveness of a solution, we are relentless in the pursuit of scale. We create and make the case for ambitious national policy proposals, develop consumer-facing products and services, spin out and support commercial ventures and harness the power of the arts to shape national narratives.

We extend our impact through two specialised units that help others to solve complex problems and achieve their missions. BIT applies a deep understanding of human behaviour to help clients achieve their goals. Challenge Works designs and runs challenge prizes to spark innovation in science, technology and society.

Together, we are building a powerful ecosystem for innovation that delivers proven solutions to create lasting, positive change.

At Nesta, we believe that a diverse workforce leads to an organisation that is more innovative, more creative and gets better results.

We want our workforce to represent the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We also want our workplace to be one where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop.

This means that when we are recruiting, we actively seek to reach a diverse pool of candidates. It also means that we are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that potential employees may need to in order to be successful.

We recognise the importance of a good balance between work and home life, so we do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including working from home, compressed or part-time hours, job shares and other arrangements.

Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore.

Purpose of the Role:

The Senior Research, Policy and Influencing Manager will play a pivotal role in driving Cerebra’s mission to influence national and local policy and practice. You will lead on the translation of research into actionable policy recommendations, develop strategic partnerships, advocate for systemic change and influence, persuade and engage with policy makers to improve outcomes for children with neurological conditions and their families. Alongside this you will work with the Research and Information team on Cerebra’s research contracts and the development and dissemination of information.

This is a senior role requiring strategic vision, strong analytical and communication skills, and an ability to build influence across government, academia, and the third sector.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

1. Policy and Influencing  

• Identify opportunities to influence national and local policy agendas, including legislation, guidance, and funding priorities related to childhood disability and neurological conditions.
• Develop accessible and compelling policy briefings, consultation responses, reports, speeches, and presentations for a range of stakeholders, including MPs, government officials, sector partners and the public.
• Monitor policy developments across the neuro-diverse landscape and lead on timely, evidence-led responses.
• Analyse data, trends and policy developments to produce insights and recommendations.
• Translate complex ideas into clear, persuasive communications that support positive change.
• Ensure our policy positions reflect the real experiences and insights of the neuro-diverse children and families we support.
• Develop and deliver Cerebra’s policy and influencing strategy, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and research priorities.
• Develop and deliver influencing campaigns in partnership with Communications team.
• Work closely with the Communications Team by contributing to the drafting of responses to media enquiries on our policy and influencing work and act as the media contact if required.
• Liaise with the Legal Rights Team to assess the impact of current or proposed policies in terms of their actual or potential effects on children with neurological conditions at both national and local levels, and for their input into consultation responses.

2. Engagement and Relationship Building

• Build and maintain strong strategic relationships with decision-makers across government departments, policymakers, NHS bodies, local authorities, professional associations, and sector partners.
• Represent Cerebra at meetings and events, including engaging with MPs, civil servants, policy forums, advisory groups, and cross-sector coalitions and other key influencers, or brief the CEO or Directors if attending.
• Work closely with internal teams to ensure our policy and influencing work is grounded in practice and informed by those delivering services.
• Work closely with the Communications Team to ensure consistent, impactful messaging.

3. Research and Information

• With one of our Lead Research Officers leading, you will oversee the tendering process and delivery of our research contracts.
• Working with our Information Development Officer to ensure that we maintain our PIF Tick accreditation for our information resources.
• Carry out high-quality research and analysis.
• Use findings from Cerebra-funded and external research to produce policy briefs, consultation responses, and evidence-based recommendations.
• Alongside our Lead Research Officers carry out horizon scanning to identify emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities in child health, neurodiversity, and public service delivery.

4. Budgeting, monitoring and forecasting

• Working with the team and Director to set income and expenditure budgets for Corporate, Philanthropy, Legacy and Trust & Foundations to assist with any funding applications.
• Monitoring and reporting on income and expenditure and KPIs throughout the year.
• Providing quarterly income and expenditure re-forecasts.
• Ensuring all relevant information is recorded in line with charity, fundraising and data legislation and best practice.

5. Line Management

• Line management responsibilities for a small team, currently comprising of 3 staff.
• Be responsible for the day-to-day management of the team.
• Complete regular supervision and team meetings.
• Provide effective performance management to the team.
• Promote a positive and inclusive team culture aligned with Cerebra’s values.

6. General

• Monitor and evaluate the impact the areas of work that leading on.
• Support collaboration across the different Cerebra teams.
• Experience using Client Relationship Management (CRM) systems or similar digital tools for recording and tracking work.
• Uphold Cerebra’s Data Protection Policy and all relevant confidentiality and safeguarding policies.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties in line with the needs of the team and organisation.

Please see attached job description for person specification.

CPRE was set up 100 years ago with the aims of the ‘conservation of what is beautiful and interesting in our countryside and towns and villages; and the encouragement of the right type of development’.Today these words are just as relevant as when they were written in the 1920s and we campaign for good planning, protection from speculative development and the enhancement of nature and accessibility of our green spaces. 

CPRE Oxfordshire is an independent charity, federated with 40+ county charities and a national office, giving us local, regional and national reach.The Director will work with our Trustees and network of volunteers to formulate local strategy, run local campaigns and liaise with the National Charity.The Director is assisted by a small staff team. 

We are looking for an exceptional individual who can work with and motivate volunteers, take a strategic view on issues affecting the Oxfordshire countryside and represent CPRE Oxfordshire at County and National forums.The role also involves management of the small staff team, the oversight of our Governance including finances, reporting, budget, fundraising and volunteer management.

Responsibilities: 

The Branch Director is responsible for leading and managing the Branch’s activities and for reporting these to the Branch Chairman and Executive Committee.This includes: 

1. Policy and Strategy 

1.1 Contributing to and implementing our position statements and strategy, as agreed by the Branch Executive Committee, in order to respond effectively to Government policies, legislation and development issues affecting Oxfordshire’s countryside. 

1.2. Overseeing responses to consultations relevant to CPRE Oxfordshire. 

1.3 Maintaining good working relationships with National CPRE and other branches. 

1.4 Developing relationships with other local/national campaign groups and Parish Councils. 

2. Campaigns and projects  

2.1 Leading and managing local Branch campaigns and projects as agreed by the Board of Trustees. 

2.2 Managing Branch resources effectively to achieve campaign / project objectives, including use of the expertise of staff, branch consultants and volunteers. 

2.3 Developing new projects to align with remit of CPRE and extend the reach of the organisation 

3. Local Planning 

3.1 Enabling the Branch and District groups to respond effectively to strategic plans, local plans, neighbourhood planning, planning applications and related matters. 

3.2 Assisting with public inquiries and examinations, including preparing and presenting evidence. 

4. Membership & Fundraising 

4.1 Devising and implementing activities to increase recruitment of new CPRE members. 

4.2 Devising fundraising activities in line with agreed targets in collaboration with the membership and income generation working group. 

4.3 Promoting and maintaining active involvement of volunteers and recruiting new volunteers. 

5. Public Relations 

5.1 Ensuring CPRE Oxfordshire is promoted effectively to the public and stakeholders.

5.2. Maintaining oversight of charity communications through different media channels. 

6. Management of Staff, Volunteers, Budgets & Resources 

6.1 Leading and coordinating Branch staff and resources, in line with agreed priorities and budgets. 

6.2 Managing the Branch Office including the work of the staff team. 

We’re committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace at CPRE, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because diverse workplaces can make better and more creative decisions.Whatever your background, we welcome your application.

nterviews held on the 28th and 29th April 2026

We are looking for a strategically minded and highly committed individual to lead our System Navigation Services.  This person will be responsible for developing exceptional services to help people seeking sanctuary navigate the systems they are forced to exist in and delivering these in solidarity with those seeking sanctuary.These System Navigation Services - The Sanctuary, The Drop-In, The Sheffield Project for Refugee Integration and Growth (SPRING), and our Volunteering Team - are exciting, joyful, and powerful city-wide services that are developed alongside the community of people seeking sanctuary.  They are both impressive in their current form and have so much potential for the right candidate to build and develop them further. 

Alongside this work, we also expect a successful candidate will also have a deep understanding of systemic change, understand our unique role in that work, and understand how their role contributes to systemic change. 

Ultimately, this is a position of leadership within a highly trusted and impactful organisation at the forefront of the movement for the rights of people seeking sanctuary.  We are truly excited about bringing on someone to join us on the journey we are all on together – towards a city that is safe and welcoming for those seeking sanctuary.  In a time when that vision seems to be receding from us, we believe this work is more important than ever.

Salary: £70,000 - £80,000 pro rata 
Based: Based from home with frequent travel to our network of schools and EdCity (paid for)
Hours: Full time (32.5) 

Lift Schools is one of the largest and most ambitious multi-academy trusts in England. With schools across five regions, our mission is clear: to provide an excellent education for every child, in every classroom, every day. Mathematics sits at the heart of that mission. We believe that strong foundations in mathematics and numeracy unlock opportunity, academic success and lifelong learning. We are now seeking an exceptional leader to join our central curriculum team as National Lead for Secondary Mathematics to cover maternity leave. Lift Schools is growing so there is scope for the successful candidate to migrate into a permanent to add additional capacity to the team.

About the role
As a senior member of our central curriculum and education teams, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and driving our national approach to mathematics across our secondary schools. You will provide strategic leadership for mathematics, working closely with school leaders, teachers and central colleagues to improve curriculum quality, teaching practice and pupil outcomes at scale. This is a highly influential role, combining vision, expertise and collaboration to make a meaningful difference to thousands of children nationwide.

Reporting to the Director of Curriculum, you will work alongside regional education directors, heads of department and school leaders, and lead professional networks that build expertise and capacity across the trust.

About you
You are an experienced and credible secondary leader with a strong track record of improving mathematics outcomes and teaching. You hold significant expertise in effective mathematics education. You are strategic, network-minded and passionate about ensuring excellence at scale.

Who is Lift Schools?
Lift Schools is made up of 58 primary, secondary and special schools, educating more than 33,000 pupils across the country. We believe education can transform lives – and we want every child in our schools to achieve their full potential. Our mission is that we will provide an excellent education to every child, in every classroom, every day. With excellent leadership and teaching in every school, we will help children go on to lead successful and happy lives. We will work with others beyond our network to benefit more children and communities.

Why join Lift Schools?
- A rare opportunity to influence national practice at scale
- Work alongside a highly committed, values-driven central education team
- An opportunity to drive your subject forward at a high leadership and impact level 
- Flexible working with (funded) national travel
- The chance to make a lasting difference to children’s lives 

How we support you
At Lift Schools, we believe talent drives performance. We offer you:
Career development and training: Access a wide range of statutory and developmental training
Generous benefits: From your teacher pension plan to the benefits of annual leave during most teacher holiday periods,  healthcare and financial support, we've got you covered.
Lifestyle perks: Enjoy discounted gym memberships, travel deals, and even electric vehicle incentives.

The role is due to commence September 2026 or earlier if possible. This is a fixed term position to cover maternity leave.  Lift Schools is growing so there is scope for the successful candidate to migrate into a permanent to add additional capacity to the team.

Closing date: 27th April 2026
Interview date: w/c 7th May 2026

All candidates are advised to refer to the job description and person specification before making an application.
Lift Schools is committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our colleagues and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair and consistent recruitment process which is in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.

Lift Schools embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity.  Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and there is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Director of Finance will be an integral part of the Senior Management Team, with responsibility for the strategic and day to day management of Cathedral Finances. They will support the ongoing development and implementation of its multi year financial plan to underpin the Cathedral’s Strategic Plan.

The postholder will ensure law and regulatory compliance and that all aspects of financial planning and management are conducted to provide accurate, relevant and timely financial information to both budget holders and Chapter.