Network development officer jobs

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Fundraising Development Manager to join the Bright Shadow team at a pivotal moment for our charity.

Responsible for developing and delivering Bright Shadow’s long-term income strategy, you will play an important role at the heart of our organisation. As well as managing our funding pipeline and relationships with funders and donors, you will build a diverse and sustainable funding portfolio to support our ambitious creative programme for people living with and affected by dementia.

Why this role?

Bright Shadow has secured funding for this new position for the next three years, and we’re looking for someone to join our team at a pivotal moment. Our award-winning Zest programme is expanding in autumn 2026, we’re building our Dementia Arts Quality Framework, and we’re continuing to expand our capacity to co-create projects thanks to our Campfire Conversations and Open Forums.

Our team is small but mighty, including our fantastic inclusive board of trustees, two of whom live with dementia. We know we need to add an experienced fundraising manager to our team to help us build our community of support. Could that be you?

About the role

Working closely with the Chief Executive and Board of Trustees, you will:

• Develop and implement a long-term fundraising strategy
• Build and manage a strong funding pipeline across trusts and foundations, individuals, corporates, commissioning and earned income
• Write compelling funding applications and reports
• Develop new income streams and partnerships
• Steward relationships with funders, donors and key stakeholders
• Ensure robust systems for tracking income, reporting and compliance

This role combines strategy, relationship-building and hands-on delivery, and will play a central role in shaping Bright Shadow’s future.

About us

Founded in 2009, at Bright Shadow we do dementia differently. Serving Kent and Medway, we make ambitious, enriching, joyful experiences that use the power of the arts and creativity to enable people living with dementia – and those who give care – to live happy, healthy lives.

We understand the impact of a diagnosis, yet our work fosters positivity: focusing on what we can do, not what we can’t. People with dementia, family members, expert artists and other professionals are all part of co-creating our high quality artistic work.

Our trademark Zest groups, wider creative programme, and our training and resources for organisations seeking to be dementia inclusive, are all rooted in our passionate belief in authentic relationship-centred care.

About you

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has a strong track record of securing income from multiple sources
• Is an excellent writer and communicator
• Can think strategically while delivering day-to-day fundraising activity
• Is highly organised, proactive and able to manage competing priorities
• Builds strong relationships and works collaboratively
• Is passionate about creativity, community and living well with dementia

Experience in digital fundraising, commissioning or the arts/health sector would be an advantage.

Role details

Post reports to: Chief Executive

Post works alongside: Chief Executive, Director of Creative Research

Hours: 0.6 FTE – 3 days (21 hours) per week. Working pattern negotiable. Occasionally, flexibility may be required to ensure duties are delivered to a high standard and within deadlines (3 days per week)

Location: Remote, with some travel for meetings required.

Salary: £38,000 FTE (£22,800 pro rata)

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How to apply - please follow the link below to our website for details of how to apply.

The Sentencing Academy, established in 2019, has made significant strides in advocating for effective sentencing practices and enhancing the understanding of sentencing among professionals and the public. We are now looking for a visionary leader to join us as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This pivotal role will oversee the strategic direction of the charity, strengthening future sustainability and marking a new chapter in its mission to promote evidenced-based approaches to sentencing to help reduce re-offending, provide justice to victims and improve public confidence.

About the Role

This key position offers the chance to shape and develop the future of the Sentencing Academy and its commitment to enhancing sentencing practices and research in England and Wales. It is a leadership opportunity that involves executing a strategic plan that supports the charity's longevity. It is a role that not only focuses on organisational growth and influence but also emphasises the importance of operational compliance, financial health, and fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders and partners. The budget for 2026/27 is fully funded but there is a need to significantly widen the organisation’s funding base to ensure its sustainability beyond the current financial year.

About You

We are seeking a passionate, and experienced leader with a proven track record in the non-profit sector to join our team as CEO. You will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with an interest in sentencing and the wider criminal justice system. Your background will include strategic planning, governance, and financial management, with a strong ability to secure funding through grants and partnerships.

You will inspire and lead a diverse team, with expertise to build and maintain strong relationships, and represent our organisation in public forums and the media. As a forward-thinking leader you will demonstrate strong analytical problem-solving skills, and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure.

What We Offer

The post is offered on a 0.5 to 0.8 FTE basis (18.75 to 30 hours per week) on a permanent basis. An attractive package is offered alongside flexible hybrid working arrangements. The Sentencing Academy is currently a remote organisation although attendance at regular meetings in London will be essential. The salary for this post is £70,000 pro rata.

About Us

People’s Economy aims to build the agency and power of people facing injustice and working for social change so that they have the expertise, capabilities and resources to develop their own analysis of how the economic system is a root cause of the injustice they face, develop strategies to change it and then take action with others. Our vision is for a world with economies that meet the needs and priorities of people currently experiencing economic injustice.

About the Role

This role leads our work across Birmingham at an exciting moment. We are developing a participatory, community-centred approach to analysing the city's economy, identifying opportunities for change and coordinating alliances to act on them. This means bringing together mixed groups, including grassroots changemakers, researchers, funders and other partners, and facilitating processes that help people make sense of complex information together, find common ground and make decisions about collective priorities. The role requires someone who can hold these processes well: strong facilitation skills, communicating complex ideas accessibly, building trust across groups, sustaining momentum over time and helping diverse coalitions move from analysis to strategy to action.

The Senior Programme and Network Lead will develop and deliver initiatives that support a growing movement for economic justice across the city, with a particular focus on building support and engagement amongst grassroots changemakers and communities experiencing economic injustice. It will manage projects and resources, conduct programme development and delivery, oversee outreach and partnerships, changemaker recruitment and contribute to fundraising, ultimately playing a key role in shaping our regional impact. This position is crucial in coordinating our work across Birmingham and driving meaningful collaboration with local and national stakeholders, in particular working collaboratively with Economic Justice Brum, a long-standing initiative working on local economic systems change.

Online Open House

Come and meet us! Candidates are invited to attend an information webinar and to meet some of the team on Wednesday 13th May at 12pm or Wednesday 21st May at 5pm. Both webinars will cover the same content, so there is no need to attend both.

For the full role description, Open House registration information and details on how to apply please visit our website by clicking 'How to Apply' below.

We are looking for an entrepreneurial leader to relaunch and build the next phase of the UK Democracy Network: a national network that helps organisations working to strengthen democracy across the UK connect, collaborate and coordinate more effectively.

This is a rare opportunity to shape a growing national network. The Network already has strong foundations, sector backing, and three years of core funding secured. The next step is building it into an independent, trusted and influential organisation that helps the democracy sector work together more effectively.

About the Network

The Democracy Network exists to help make collaboration across the democracy sector more effective. It connects organisations, practitioners and professionals across the UK democracy ecosystem, helping to reduce duplication, strengthen relationships, share intelligence, and enable more coordinated collective action.

About the host organisations

The Network is jointly incubated by two organisations with deep roots in UK civic tech, democratic education, and sector-wide network building:

The Politics Project supports young people to use their voice by giving them access to brilliant democratic education. They work with young people, teachers, youth practitioners and politicians to help them learn about, teach and actively participate in democracy. The Politics Project also leads the Democracy Classroom Network, a sister network of over 100 organisations across the democracy, education and youth sectors which support over 3,500 teachers and youth practitioners to engage young people in democracy.

Democracy Club produces the most comprehensive election data in the UK. Established in 2010 and registered as a Community Interest Company in 2015, it runs the national polling station finder Where Do I Vote and candidate lookup service Who Can I Vote For, serving election information to millions of UK voters each year and supplying data to the Electoral Commission. Democracy Club brings a mailing list of 35,000, an active community of 1,200 volunteer contributors collaborating on election information, and strong digital and data expertise to the Network.

Our vision for the Network

Over the last year, we have carried out extensive consultation with members of the UK Democracy Network, the Network’s Steering Group and funders. Through this process, we have developed a new vision for the Network that is designed to reflect and support the diversity of the democracy sector, and the wide range of approaches, perspectives and organisations within it.

Our model is built around a series of smaller thematic, geographic and demographic-based “hubs” within the wider Network. These hubs will create spaces for organisations and individuals working on particular issues, in particular places, or with specific communities to collaborate more effectively, while remaining connected to the wider democracy ecosystem.

Alongside this, the Network will support stronger coordination and information sharing across the sector through activities such as a monthly bulletin, shared events, an annual conference and practical tools and databases that help partners collaborate more effectively.

Importantly, we want to build on and strengthen the excellent work that already exists across the democracy landscape, rather than duplicate it. Over time, we also hope the Network can help incubate and support new hubs and collaborations around emerging issues and opportunities within the democracy sector.

About the role

The Network will be delivered by a small core team: a Network Director (this role), a Network Manager (in post), and a Network Coordinator (to be recruited).

Our medium-term ambition is for the Network to become an independent organisation in its own right. We see this role as central to shaping that transition, with the successful candidate expected to lead the Network into its next phase as an independent organisation over the course of the grant period. 

Key responsibilities

The Network Director provides overall leadership of the Network and is responsible for its long-term sustainability and strategic direction. 

Specifically: 

• Strategic leadership. Set strategic direction for the Network in consultation with members, hosts and the Steering Group / Board.

• Represent the Network. In networking and fundraising events, high-level roundtables and in high-profile relationships with government, funders, media and sector leaders.

• Lead on fundraising. Develop relationships with major funders, alongside Hattie Andrews at The Politics Project, building a diversified, sustainable funding base.

• Oversee the Network's transition to an independent legal structure. Support the establishment of the Board, working with Harriet Andrews and Sym Roe to recruit members with a mix of professional expertise and elected network representatives.

• Build an inclusive, supportive team culture. Line manage the Network Manager and Network Coordinator.

• Oversee monitoring and evaluation. Lead reporting to funders, and support the annual review process with the team and Steering Group / Board.

Person specification

We are looking for a values-driven, experienced, strategic leader. They will have strong people and financial management skills, and the ability to build trusted relationships across the democracy sector. They will be an excellent communicator, comfortable leading through complexity and change, and motivated by a commitment to strengthening UK democracy. 

The postholder will be expected to work in-office two days a week and attend regular in-person engagements in London.

Benefits

• 33 days’ annual leave pro rata, including Bank Holidays (with three days off between Christmas and New Year).

• 4% employer pension contribution.

• 2 working days / 15 hours of volunteer leave a year.

• Cycle to Work scheme.

Further information about the role and job specification can be found in the Candidate Recruitment Pack.

Equity, diversity and inclusion

The UK democracy sector has historically been less diverse than the country it serves, and we want to help change that, starting with how we recruit. We particularly welcome applications from people who are underrepresented in democracy sector leadership, including people of colour, disabled people and people from working-class backgrounds.

How to apply

Please apply via charity job with the following:

• Your CV (no more than two pages).

• A supporting statement of no more than 500 words, setting out how your experience, skills and knowledge meet the person specification and why you are drawn to this role.

The closing date is 11.30pm, Sunday 14th June 2026.

We will shortlist on the basis of the supporting statement against the person specification.

Caritas Social Action Network

Policy and Public Affairs Officer (maternity leave)

Location: office in London, with mostly working from home, regular travel in England and Wales, and rare travel overseas.

Contract: full-time, to cover a team member’s maternity leave

Salary: £30,00

Closing date: Tuesday 26 May at 12 noon

Interview date: Thursday 11 June in person, in London

CSAN is the official agency of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice affecting people who live in England and Wales. We’re facing a steep rise in poverty and significant pressures on social, economic and church resources. Currently, the Church is called to raise a prophetic voice against poverty and the rhetoric of division and work for the building of a more just society.

Over the last 20 years, CSAN has built up a network of 50 diocesan and direct service charities with a combined annual spend on social mission estimated at £400m, excluding the work of schools and religious congregations. Our members build up local community life in diverse ways, and many of them support individuals in difficulty, including with housing, prison and detention, social isolation, ill-health, violence, disability, employment, care, therapeutic and welfare support.

The key responsibilities of the post are:

1. To scan the social policy environment to capture developments in legislation, consultation papers and Bills relevant to the Caritas network for the purpose of comprehensive tracking and briefing.

2. To deliver an effective programme of Catholic advocacy and political campaigns that contributes to the common good, with particular attention to the priorities of the dignity of workers, child poverty, social care and end of life; supporting and connecting well with the team’s other activities, and where possible with the CSAN membership’s priorities,

3. To draft campaign and advocacy materials for the range of media channels used by CSAN and support the CEO in engaging with the press and approaches from campaigning organisations including contributing to CSAN’s social media networks.

4. To provide admin support and contribute to CSAN’s Alliances as required, especially the Advocacy Alliance and the Criminal Justice Alliance with information and education on policy and legislation.

5. To ensure that our advocacy is consistent with the Bishops’ understanding of the Church’s role in society and supports the priorities of the Bishops’ Conference, especially the Department for Social Justice.

6. To act as a conduit of information and communication between the Bishops’ Conference and the CSAN members, under the guidance of the CEO, assisting CBCEW where possible in gathering information and the lived experience of poverty.

7. To develop and contribute to practice materials for the network, especially in the areas of campaigning, advocacy, social policy and formation for mission.

8. To oversee monitoring of the Catholic press and relevant wider networks for relevant articles, developments and campaigns.

9. To support the general work of CSAN as required by the CEO, including leading in the development and organisation of the charity in specific areas subject to skills and experience.

The work of the small national team requires a high level of integrity and teamwork, respect for and capacity to navigate complex civil and church contexts at pace, and a stable commitment to personal formation and training. Our Policy and Public Affairs Officer (maternity leave) will bring a professional track record of relevant research and analysis, production of compelling communications, and diligent administration. A satisfactory basic DBS check and references are required.

CSAN is a member of Caritas Internationalis, one of the largest humanitarian networks in the world, with national agencies in over 160 countries, and among the most successful examples of organised Catholic social action in modern times.

Location: Northmead House, Creekmoor, Poole, Dorset – CAN operates hybrid working

Salary: £31,500

Hours: 37 hrs per week

Contract: 12 months initially

Closing date: 1st June (midnight)

Interviews: 10th June in person at our Creekmoor offices

Help strengthen communities across BCP 

Community Action Network (CAN) works alongside voluntary, community and faith sector (VCS) organisations so they can focus on what matters most: supporting people and communities. We’re now looking for an Infrastructure & Partnerships Officer to help deliver our commissioned service in partnership with VCS organisations and BCP Council Children and Young People Partnership colleagues.

About the role 

You’ll be a delivery-focused connector, supporting VCS organisations with practical organisational support, strengthening relationships between the sector and statutory partners, and helping local services work better together for children, young people and families.

This role is about turning plans into action and building trust, supporting

collaboration and ensuring community organisations can contribute effectively to local priorities.

About you 

You’ll bring experience of working in the voluntary, community or public sector, confidence building partnerships, and a strong commitment to inclusion, co-production and community development. You’ll be organised, approachable and comfortable working across the BCP area.

Our commitment to inclusion 

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and identities and are committed to being an inclusive, anti-discriminatory employer.

Why Join Us?
At CAN, you’ll be part of a dynamic team making a real difference in Dorset. We offer a supportive and flexible working environment, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to shape the future of a vital local charity.

We offer a competitive salary and great benefits, including contributory pension scheme, 25 days holiday (pro-rata) plus all bank holidays, season train ticket loan, flexible working and much more.

For more than 140 years, the Forces Employment Charity has proudly supported Service leavers, veterans, and their families in building successful civilian careers. We provide veterans with life-long, life-changing support, jobs, and training opportunities, regardless of circumstances, rank, length of service, or reason for leaving.​

​By working for FEC, you will become part of a vibrant team living the charity’s values: Expert, Supportive, Passionate, Open and Honest, Resilient, and Collaborative.​

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Brief role description​

The Business Development Manager will play a pivotal role, driving the acquisition of high-value, multi‑year corporate partnerships that deliver meaningful shared value for the organisation and its partners. They are responsible for developing and securing six‑ and seven‑figure strategic partnerships, ensuring each relationship aligns with organisational priorities and delivers clear, measurable impact.

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Who we are looking for​

We are looking for an experienced business development professional with a strong track record of winning long‑term corporate partnerships and securing multiple‑figure sums to deliver income targets.​

You will bring experience in prospect research and networking, with the ability to secure high‑value partnerships and deliver income targets. You will have excellent communication skills, including presentation, negotiation and influencing, and experience using CRM systems to support your work.​

You will demonstrate a highly self‑motivated and entrepreneurial approach, comfortable working to ambitious targets. You will be dynamic, organised and solutions‑focused, bringing a collaborative approach to your work. You will also be flexible and happy to attend events and meetings across the UK to secure funding partnerships.​

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

Eager to know more about the role? Have a look at the Job Description attached below​.

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

Have we convinced you to apply? If so, submit your CV and Covering Letter by Monday, 25 May 2026.​

Got questions about the role? Get in touch with the People Team at Forces Employment Charity​.

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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.​

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.​

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​

Mind in Croydon is seeking a compassionate, proactive and community-focused Social Networking Caseworker to support adults experiencing severe and enduring mental health challenges to build confidence, strengthen social networks and engage in meaningful community activities.

This is a person-centred, recovery-focused role working with a caseload of up to 35 individuals. You will support people to identify their goals, access mainstream opportunities such as education, physical activity, cultural groups and volunteering, and gradually reduce reliance on statutory services where appropriate.

The role combines direct one-to-one support, partnership working with mental health professionals and community organisations, and the development of group activities at Fairfield House, Croydon. You will play a key role in enabling people to rebuild independence, confidence and community connections.

This post requires flexibility to meet the needs of the service, which may include occasional weekend work, as part of the rota. Time off in lieu (TOIL) will be provided where additional hours are worked, and there is no routine expectation of frequent out-of-hours working.

If you are motivated by social inclusion, empowerment and practical recovery support, we would welcome your application.

Hours 36 hours a week, full time, worked across a rota covering Saturdays

Reports to: Social Networking Manager

Based at: Mind in Croydon Fairfield House 10 Altyre Road, East Croydon, flexible working with regular presence across our premises and community sites across the London Borough of Croydon

This is an exciting opportunity to take on a strategic, outward-facing role where you will build partnerships, develop new opportunities to expand our reach and impact.​​

�� What you’ll be doing

• Leading the expansion of F4YP services into new geographical areas

• Building strong relationships with schools, local authorities, and partners

• Creating referral pathways to increase access for children and families

• Identifying opportunities and supporting funding bids and proposals

• Strengthening local systems to better support young people’s wellbeing

• Raising the profile of F4YP across new communities and networks

�� What we’re looking for

• Experience in partnership building, outreach, or service development

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills

• Experience contributing to funding applications or commissioned work

• Ability to think strategically while delivering results

• A proactive, confident individual who thrives in a growing environment​

�� Bedford / Hybrid (Beds, Herts, Cambs) | ⏰ Full-time | �� 3-year fixed term | Working pattern: 9-day fortnight (one day off every two weeks

Are you passionate about building global communities and creating meaningful connections?

Join the University of Strathclyde as an Alumni Relations Officer and play a key role in engaging a worldwide network of over 230,000 graduates.

Strathclyde’s alumni community spans the globe - from the UK and Europe to North America, Asia and the Middle East. As part of our Alumni & Development team, you’ll help bring this network to life through events, volunteering opportunities and inspiring communications that celebrate alumni success and strengthen lifelong connections with the University.

What you’ll do
You will build and nurture relationships with alumni volunteers and ambassadors across key international regions, supporting the growth of local networks and working closely with volunteers to develop meaningful activity in their areas.

Alongside this, you will plan and deliver a varied programme of events in Scotland and internationally, helping bring the alumni community together. You’ll also create engaging content - across social media, newsletters and case studies - to showcase alumni impact and achievements, while collaborating with colleagues and stakeholders across the University to strengthen and enhance alumni engagement initiatives.

What we’re looking for
We’re looking for someone with experience in relationship management, stakeholder engagement or volunteer coordination, who brings strong communication skills and the ability to connect with diverse, global audiences.

You’ll be confident leading conversations with senior stakeholders and comfortable representing the University in a variety of settings. A proactive, self-starting approach is essential, with the ability to turn ideas into action, alongside a genuine interest in international engagement and community-building.

Why join us?
You’ll be part of a collaborative and forward-thinking team, working at the heart of a globally connected university. This is an opportunity to shape how we engage with our alumni community worldwide -strengthening partnerships, celebrating achievements and making a lasting impact.

Interviews are scheduled to take place on 9 June 2026.

At Endometriosis UK, we are passionate about driving political change for the 1 in 10 women and those assigned female at birth living with endometriosis in the UK. This role will play an instrumental role in supporting the campaigns and policy function within the wider Communications Team.

This will be a busy, varied and important role working closely with the Policy and Campaigns Manager and Head of Campaigns and Communications to provide administration and wider support for the charity’s growing policy and campaigns function. This will include contributing to the production of government consultation responses, writing letters to politicians, producing background briefings ahead of parliamentary meetings and taking responsibility for political monitoring and informing the team of any engagement opportunities. A key part of the role will also be providing administration support for the policy function of the charity and the Head of Communications and Campaigns, including administrative support for the All-Party-Parliamentary Group on Endometriosis which Endometriosis UK provides secretariat support for. Tasks will include writing minutes, helping produce briefing papers, and booking events and meeting rooms.

You will also be the first point of call for our campaign supporters and will be aiding our supporters to take campaign actions through the drafting and creation of e-actions using Engaging Networks. You will be an exciting opportunity to help build our campaigning work and work towards the goals of our new 2025 organisational strategy.

Closing date for applications is Monday 25th May at 5pm. Interview date will be Tuesday 2nd June 2026 at our offices in London Bridge.

Please note that for capacity reasons, we are only able to get back to successful candidates on the status of their application.

⏰ Full Time – 37.5 hours per week
�� Reporting to: Head of Income Generation

At YMCA South Midlands, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to belong, contribute and thrive.

We are now looking for an ambitious, commercially minded and relationship-driven Business Development & Fundraising Manager to help grow sustainable income and develop meaningful partnerships that support our mission and expand our impact across the region.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys building relationships, spotting opportunities and turning ideas into action. You’ll play a key role in growing our corporate partnerships, increasing use of our conferencing and catering facilities, and helping shape future social enterprise opportunities.

If you’re someone who enjoys combining purpose with commercial thinking and wants to make a genuine difference, we’d love to hear from you.

The Role

You’ll work closely with the Head of Income Generation to grow income through:

• corporate fundraising partnerships
• business development opportunities
• sponsorships and CSR relationships
• conferencing and catering sales
• community and challenge fundraising initiatives

You’ll also line manage our Fundraising & Partnerships Officer and help strengthen the overall supporter and client experience across the organisation.

This is a varied and hands-on role where no two days are the same.

What You’ll Be Doing

Business Development & Income Growth

• Growing income through corporate partnerships and business development activity
• Increasing bookings and commercial opportunities across our conferencing and catering offer
• Supporting the promotion and development of HomeGround Café and other YMCA social enterprise initiatives
• Identifying and developing new income streams and partnership opportunities
• Building strong relationships with local businesses and regional partners

Corporate Partnerships & Fundraising

• Developing and managing a pipeline of corporate supporters and prospects
• Securing sponsorships, CSR partnerships and employee fundraising opportunities
• Building long-term, high-value relationships with businesses and supporters
• Working collaboratively across teams to maximise opportunities and impact

Stewardship & Supporter Experience

• Delivering an excellent experience for corporate clients and supporters
• Building long-term engagement and retention
• Using Donorfy CRM to manage supporter information and reporting accurately

Leadership & Performance

• Line managing and supporting the Fundraising & Partnerships Officer
• Monitoring performance, income targets and KPIs
• Using insight and reporting to improve performance and decision-making

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who is:

• commercially minded but values-driven
• confident building relationships and networking
• proactive, organised and self-motivated
• comfortable managing multiple priorities
• passionate about making a difference to young people and communities

You’ll ideally have:

• experience in fundraising, sales, partnerships or business development
• experience building and managing B2B relationships
• a track record of achieving targets and delivering results
• strong communication and relationship-building skills
• the ability to spot opportunities and turn them into action
• experience working collaboratively across teams

Experience within the charity sector is helpful but not essential. We are open to candidates from commercial backgrounds who are motivated by purpose and impact.

Why Join YMCA South Midlands?

This is more than a fundraising role.

It’s an opportunity to help shape the future of a growing charity that supports young people, families and communities across the South Midlands.

You’ll join a passionate and ambitious team that cares deeply about making a difference and is committed to creating a culture where people can do meaningful work, grow and thrive.

Additional Information

• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle is required
• Some evening and weekend work may occasionally be required
• Salary: Competitive (depending on experience)

Ready to Apply?

If you’re excited by the opportunity to combine purpose, partnerships and business growth to create meaningful social impact, we’d love to hear from you.

The Kids Network is looking for an Executive Director to support the Fundraising, Finance and Operations of the charity for an interim period. 

• Contract: Fixed 12-14-month contract depending on availability for start date – Full time 35 hours per week 

• Salary: £60,000 per annum 

• Location: London Victoria/ Hybrid 

• Some evening and weekend work may be required, which can be claimed as TOIL 

• Reporting to the CEO 

• Line Management of 3x staff

About the Charity 

A rare opportunity to lead a values-driven children's charity through an exciting chapter of its story. 

The Kids Network is a growing charity with an ambitious five-year strategy and a decade of impact behind us. We connect children facing adversity with caring mentors from their own communities, creating relationships that change trajectories. In 2027 we celebrate our 10th anniversary and this role sits right at the heart of that milestone. 

We're a small, high-performing team of 16 who care deeply about the children and families we serve. We work hard, we learn constantly, and we look after each other. Now, while our Managing Director is on maternity leave, we're looking for an exceptional interim leader to hold the organisation steady and help it thrive. 

About the role: 

As Interim Executive Director, you'll be deputy to the CEO and a core member of our Senior Leadership Team. You'll hold the big picture: strategy, governance, finance, and fundraising, whilst also being across our operations and being present and part of the day-to-day. From Board engagement and risk management to leading our impact report and driving our plans for our 10th anniversary event, no two weeks will look the same. 

You'll lead and line-manage talented team members across fundraising, school partnerships, and operations. You'll be the steady hand that keeps our income pipeline strong and our systems running smoothly. 

This role would suit you if, you're a leader who balances strategic thinking with being genuinely hands-on. You stay calm under pressure, make clear decisions when they're needed, and take people with you rather than leaving them behind. 

Mission matters to you. Working to improve the lives of underserved children is something you care about, not just a role you're filling. You'll champion our values, model our culture and behaviours, and bring the team with you in doing the same. 

You're well-suited to the interim context. You’re able to build trust quickly, make an impact from day one, and build on what's already working well. You're comfortable with a varied workload and have the experience to make good decisions for the benefit of the children we work with. 

Benefits: 

• Flexible working arrangements (mostly working from home, with approximately one-two days a week working from the office)   

• Option for 2 Me days   

• 25 days annual leave entitlement

• Option to swap bank holidays for other religious holidays  

• Team Socials  

• Birthdays off  

• Working in a value led organisation, where we see and share the impact we have on children every day 

Responsibilities 

Strategy & Leadership 

• Provide executive leadership to the organisation, fostering a high-performance, inclusive and values-led culture aligned with the charity’s mission. 

• Lead, support, and develop the Senior Leadership Team and Fundraising and Schools Partnership leaders, ensuring consistent performance and accountability. 

• Inspire and motivate staff, promoting engagement, foster a learning culture, create ownership, and commitment to organisational goals. 

• Work with the CEO, Board, and Senior Leadership Team to shape and deliver the charity’s third year of its five-year strategy, ensuring alignment with the funding landscape and the evolving needs of children and communities. 

• Deputise for the CEO when required, including Board engagement, strategic decision-making, and external representation. 

• Act as an ambassador for TKN, promoting its work and campaigns to engage, influence, and collaborate with key stakeholders. 

Governance & Operations:

• Lead the Operations function. Manage the Systems and Operations Officer to ensure our robust systems and operations continue to run effectively at a high quality and enable the charity to achieve its stated goals. 

• Provide executive oversight of HR, demonstrating knowledge of HR compliance and law, supporting with serious HR matters and providing leadership support on people matters, performance management and staff development.

• Oversee the use of key technology platforms, ensuring that the charity is operating in the most efficient way, in accordance with UK GDPR and promoting data hygiene and security and supporting the Operations officer to develop guides and standard operating procedures 

• Hold executive accountability for organisational compliance, risk management, and operational integrity. Act as the lead for the charity in the event of a serious data or H&S incident. 

• Lead the organisational risk register and risk management, ensuring risks are proactively identified, mitigated, managed and communicated to our board of Trustees and the CEO 

• Maintain awareness of relevant policy, legislative, regulatory, and sector developments, ensuring organisational readiness and compliance. 

• Work closely with the CEO and chair of the Resource Committee to set the agenda and plan for papers for this committee (3 times a year). 

• Act as the key contact with the landlord and the charity’s IT contractors, as and when required 

Income Generation, Partnerships and Communication:

• Oversee the coordination and delivery of key fundraising activities, supporting the organisation’s income generation through strategic oversight and targeted input where required. Lead and line manage the Fundraising and Development Lead.

• Play a key role in planning and delivering the 10-year anniversary event in May 2027. 

• Develop, manage, and strengthen high-level strategic funder relationships and networks, building a strong pipeline of partnerships to support income targets.

• Lead and line manage the Schools and Partnerships Lead to achieve ambitious school targets and secure positive partnerships with schools

• Utilise the organisation’s data systems to identify relevant insights and stories, leading the development of the 2026 Impact Report. 

• Work with the external Marketing Provider and Schools and Partnerships Lead to deliver the organisation’s communications strategy to maintain a strong digital and online presence 

Finance & Sustainability 

• Hold accountability for the operational delivery and financial sustainability of the charity. 

• Work closely with the CEO and external Financial Service Provider to develop organisational budgets, support with the annual independent examiner and ensure effective financial planning, management, and oversight. 

• Ensure financial performance, risks, and forecasts are clearly and appropriately communicated to the CEO, Board. 

• Support income sustainability by aligning delivery with funding strategy and identifying opportunities for growth and partnership. 

• Act as main liaison between the charity and the Financial Service Provider, ensuring that both the charity and contractor adhere to the organisation's financial procedures 

Personal Specification 

Strategic Leadership & Drive 

• Proven senior leadership experience at director level or equivalent in the charity, public, or social sector, including leading teams and engaging boards. 

Organisational governance 

• Financial acumen; comfortable owning budgets, managing forecasts, approving payments and communicating financial health clearly to the board. 

• Sound knowledge of charity governance, HR, GDPR, risk management, and regulatory compliance. 

• Excellent organisational & project management skills 

Vision, stakeholder engagement and influence 

• Experience cultivating strategic partnerships with schools, funders, and external stakeholders. 

• A track record of building funder relationships and driving income generation, with confidence overseeing fundraising strategy and pipelines. 

• Advanced communication skills, someone who can represent the organisation externally with credibility and warmth. 

Change Management & Adaptability 

• Experience in an interim/ short term role 

• Strong people management skills, with a warm and accountable approach to developing and supporting others. 

Desirable:  

• Experience working directly with school and corporate partnerships 

• Experience using Salesforce.  

• Experience working with trustees

How to apply & Dates 

To apply please submit a CV and a covering letter through Charity Jobs, ensuring the cover letter is no more than 2 pages.

The ideal start date is August 2026 

The interview process and dates will be: 

• Rolling initial conversations as and when suitable candidates apply 

• First formal interviews (online) 27th May 

• Final interviews & presentation (in person) 2nd June

Due to the size of the Charity, we are unable to respond to all applications, therefore if you do not hear from us to arrange an interview you have not been successful with your application.  

The Kids Network is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to apply for an enhanced DBS check.  

Safeguarding commitment   

The Kids Network is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to go through our safer recruitment processes, including an enhanced DBS check.   

Equity commitment      

The Kids Network values diversity and inclusion and we have worked to create an application process that is as accessible as possible, however we still recognise that there is maybe more we can do especially for applicants who are minoritised in society, have specific accessibility needs and/or experience discrimination.    

 If this is the case we are both happy and open to discussing better ways to support your candidacy and make this application process as equitable as possible for you.    

 We are a diverse organisation and welcome everyone but it is important to note that the intersections of your identity will not increase or affect the amount of labour you are asked to do. If you wish to draw on your own lived experiences that will be both encouraged and supported but it is not nor ever will be a prerequisite of this role.   

You can find out more about our commitment to anti-oppression on our website.  

The role

Job Title: Youth & Community Engagement Officer

Part Time:          8- 12 days per month

Salary: £28-30,000 pro rata

Reporting to: Operations Director

Job Purpose:

 This role will lead the development and delivery of Allergy UK’s youth engagement initiative. We are beginning several exciting new projects focused on engaging young people who live with allergy and providing opportunities for them to have a voice and support them in raising awareness of the issues that affect their life. We are seeking young people’s participation and co-production in all activities we develop to support their needs. The role of Youth Engagement Officer will be to engage with young people across the UK, to ensure that they have the opportunities and support to shape and influence Allergy UK’s programmes and activities for young people living with allergy.

The Youth & Community Engagement Officer will engage with children and young people across the UK to ensure they are meaningfully involved and supported to influence Allergy UK’s services, campaigns and resources. This includes creating safe, inclusive spaces where young people and parents and carers feel listened to and empowered to share their experiences.

The successful individual will develop youth opportunities that build confidence, skills and life chances, while supporting children and young people living with allergy to overcome the social, emotional and practical barriers they may face. A key part of the role will be working collaboratively with parents and carers to ensure their voice inform decision making and design.

As a Youth & Community Engagement Officer, you will have experience of working positively with children, young people and families, and have a proactive, organised and confident approach.

Strong organisation skills and initiative are essential as you will be the lead Allergy UK’s youth provision.

You will coordinate a range of activities on-line and in-person engagement sessions, blogs, podcasts, learning opportunities and digital activities all rooted in co-production principles. You will work as part of a wider team to engage children, young people and parents and carers, to amplify unheard voices and stories, and help drive positive change for families living with allergy.

The post is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund until September 2028. As a grant- funded role, the postholder will be responsible for the effective delivery, monitoring and evaluation of agreed grant outcome and KPI’s, ensuring full compliance with funder requirements and reporting deadlines.

Your main responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Key Accountabilities:

· Design, develop and deliver youth-led and family-centred services across three core areas:

o Continue to design and deliver youth-led services with the existing 18–25 youth group for people living with allergies

o Recruit, , launch and establish a new youth group for 13–17-year-olds living with allergies

o Recruit, launch and establish a support and engagement group for parents and carers of children and young people living with allergies

· Plan, project manage and deliver engaging co-production projects, building positive, trusted relationships with children, young people and parents and carers, and promoting meaningful participation.

· Create opportunities for young people to have a strong and influential voice, supporting them to engage in Allergy UK’s awareness- raising and public affairs activity to influence policy, improve services and drive change.

· Establish, develop and lead the Allergy UK Youth Forum, ensuring it is representative, inclusive and impactful.

· Support and develop young people to become champions and ambassadors for Allergy UK, building confidence, leadership skills and advocacy capability.

· Work collaboratively with a wide range of organisations including but not exclusively schools, local government, health and youth services and voluntary sector organisations.

· Develop and deliver training and development resources to support young people’s skills, understanding and personal development.

· Ensure all required documentation is completed accurately, secularly, and within agreed timescales, in line with contractual, safeguarding and reporting requirements

· Work closely with the Operations Director and wider staff team, providing insight and advice on issues affecting children, young people and families living with allergy.

· Develop and embed effective youth engagement procedures and best practice, ensuring a consistent, safe and inclusive approach across all activities..

· Take responsible for the health and safety including risk assessments and reviews for all youth and family engagement activities, ensuring safety and wellbeing of participants.

· Act as a key role holder for safeguarding, ensuring that the safety and wellbeing of children, young people and vulnerable adults is central to all youth and family engagement activity. This includes promoting a strong safeguarding culture, adhering to Allergy UK’s safeguarding policies and procedures, identifying and escalating safeguarding concerns appropriately, completing and contributing to risk assessments, and working closely with designated safeguarding leads and relevant staff to ensure safe, inclusive and compliant practice at all times.

· Maintain accurate and confidential records, ensuring the secure and compliant recording of sensitive data on Allergy UK’s Salesforce database in line with data protection requirements.

Person Specification

This role involves regular contact with children, young people and potentially vulnerable adults. The successful candidate will be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, in accordance with organisational safeguarding policies.

Essential:

 Education & Qualifications

 Degree or equivalent and demonstrable/relevant work experience.

Essential Experience

 · Minimum of 3 years’ experience working with young people

· Experience of directly engaging children and young people (ideally across different age groups, e.g. 13–25)

· Experience of developing and delivering engaging youth engagement opportunities, following best practice, and adopting methods of co-production

· Experience of planning, delivering and evaluating projects or programmes

· Coordinating online and inperson activities (e.g. groups, workshops, forums, events)

· Managing multiple workstreams and meeting deadline

· Experience working independently while contributing to a wider team

· Practical experience of working in a safeguarding‑aware environment

Desirable Experience

 · Experience of working with or supporting parents and carers, particularly in health, disability or community contexts

 The purpose of this job description is to focus attention on the most important aspects of the jobholders role. It is not intended to be a complete list of duties: therefore, it is to be expected that the day-to-day performance of the job will include tasks not listed above. The list of duties for which the jobholder is responsible may reasonably be varied or added at the discretion of the charity.

What you will bring

Essential Skills and Knowledge

 · Knowledge of safeguarding responsibilities relating to:

o Children and young people

o Vulnerable adults

· Experience of recognising, recording and escalating safeguarding concerns in line with local and national guidance.

· Experience of recording accurate information on a CRM system, ideally Salesforce, ensuring timely and GDPR-compliant data entry.

· Experience of monitoring, evaluation and reporting against grant-funded KPIs.

· A Demonstrable experience of working directly with young people in a youth engagement/participation role.

· Demonstrate experience in the development and delivery of strategies to successfully engage, interact and promote development with young people.

· Experience in planning and delivering youth sessions and activities.

· Experience of working with a range of stakeholders and representing the views of young people.

· Experience of writing reports and meeting conflicting deadlines.

· Experience of managing people, resources, or projects.

· Skills and Knowledge Ability to engage with young people.

· Ability to work independently.

· Ability to motivate others and work as part of a team.

· To ensure young people feel safe and are safeguarded, by ensuring cross partnership and local safeguarding policies and procedures are adhered to.

· Understanding of the issues facing young people.

· Understanding and commitment to equal opportunities policies.

· Evidence of challenging discrimination or implementing equal opportunities with young people.

· Knowledge and understanding of relevant legislation, especially regarding children’s rights, promoting inclusion.

· Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Microsoft Teams, Salesforce (or similar CRM) and Zoom

· Able to work flexibly to meet requirements of the role.

Desirable

· Understanding of allergy

· An understanding of the charity sector and the work of volunteers.

Behavioural Competencies

 Relating & Networking Working with People

Adhering to principles and values Persuading and influencing Formulating strategies & Concepts Planning & Organising

Attitudes

· A positive individual who can guide, inspire and motivate team members

· Decisive and determined

· Ability to think on your feet and adapt quickly when needed

· Ability to manage a large and varied workload, prioritising to meet competing deadlines

· Empathetic and sensitive

· A passionate commitment to delivering the charity’s vision, mission and values

· Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion