New ventures manager jobs

About the team

The Philanthropy Team raises income for Impetus and for Impetus partner charities. The team consists of 15 staff. Impetus has an annual income of c.£11 million which we are looking to grow significantly within the next few years. The team is led by two Directors of Philanthropy and Partnerships. 

The Philanthropy Team works with major donors, corporates and grant making trusts, as well as collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to ensure we make a compelling case to generate new financial commitments and wider support for our work. The team also deliver a high-quality engagement programme of volunteering and pro bono for Impetus’s corporate supporters.   

Impetus is driven by a shared belief in tackling the barriers that hold back young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in education and employment. Alongside investing extensive financial and non-financial support in our charity partners through our Investment Team we also seek to influence decision makers to design and implement evidence led policy and direct new resources to get young people the support they need through our Public Affairs team. We are resolutely focused on outcomes, driven by quality evidence.

You would be joining a team that is passionate, ambitious, determined and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our charity partners and the young people we serve. 

About this role

The Development Director (New Business) provides strategic leadership for Impetus’ new business development, prospect pipeline and high-value funding opportunities. The postholder will have responsibility for identifying, cultivating and converting new corporate, trust and foundation, and high-net-worth donor relationships, as well as continued relationship management for key, established relationships.

In 25/26, the Philanthropy and Partnerships team generated £11m in philanthropic income, alongside £2.8m in probono contributions. The Development Director will play a key role in delivering Impetus' growth ambitions, helping to increase philanthropic income to £14m by 2029. 

Working closely with the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships, the role will translate the fundraising strategy into clear new business priorities, pipeline plans and prospect engagement approaches, ensuring a strong flow of qualified opportunities and sustainable growth in high-value income.

Working closely with colleagues across Philanthropy and Partnerships, the postholder will personally lead and support significant six and seven-figure prospects and strategic funding opportunities, while overseeing the stewardship and retention of current partners. 

Working collaboratively across the Philanthropy and Partnerships team and with colleagues across the organisation, the Development Director will ensure a joined-up approach to donor acquisition, pipeline development, prospect conversion and stewardship, maximising income, partnership value and long-term impact within the agreed fundraising strategy.

Key responsibilities

New Business, Pipeline & Conversion

• Personally lead on six and seven-figure level priority prospects and strategic funding opportunities, managing the full fundraising cycle from qualification to close.
• Work with trustees, senior volunteers, and networks to unlock introductions and new opportunities, providing clear support and follow-up to maximise success.
• Evolve Impetus’ new business strategy, driving the identification, cultivation, and conversion of new high-value donor and partner relationships.
• Translate Impetus’ impact, evidence base, and venture philanthropy model into compelling propositions for new audiences and sectors.

Strategic Relationship Management & Growth 

• Own and oversee select donor relationships at six and seven-figure levels within the philanthropy portfolio, ensuring high levels of retention, satisfaction, trust, income growth and long-term value.
• Ensure your donors receive timely, consistent, high-quality and relevant engagement and communications throughout their relationship with Impetus.
• Work closely with the wider team to ensure a smooth transition between new business, and long-term stewardship.
• Ensure account plans for priority donors and partners include clear renewal and growth pathways; engagement and risk-management plans.
• Act as senior relationship owner where required, modelling strong stewardship and coaching the Head of Development and other colleagues to navigate complex or sensitive relationships.

Research, Insight & Pipeline Development

• Provide strategic leadership for the Research & Insights function, ensuring prospect research, donor intelligence and market insight inform fundraising strategy, pipeline development and organisational planning.
• Lead the strategic development of fundraising pipelines, ensuring focus on opportunities with the greatest potential for long-term income growth, impact and strategic fit.
• Ensure donor intelligence and prospect research are used effectively to identify, qualify and prioritise new funding opportunities.
• Maintain oversight of gift acceptance, due diligence and fundraising compliance in relation to fundraising opportunities, ensuring adherence to relevant regulatory requirements and organisational policies.
• Identify and escalate strategic, reputational or compliance risks associated with donors and partners.

Leadership and Team Performance

• Line manage and develop the Head of Development, providing strategic direction, coaching and performance oversight.
• Establish the Head of Development as the operational lead on new business, ensuring capability, succession and high performance across the wider team.
• Set clear objectives and success measures for new business growth, aligned to Impetus’ wider income strategy.
• Build and sustain an inclusive, evidence-led and high-performing team culture that balances pace and ambition with quality, learning and collaboration.
• Build fundraising capability across your team through leadership, coaching and consistent, fair, and high-quality performance management, including objective-setting, feedback and development planning.

Pro Bono, Events, Volunteering & Partnership Value

• Ensure engagement opportunities, including volunteering, pro bono and events, strengthen strategic partnerships and support long-term income growth through strong collaboration with colleagues.

Operational Excellence, Governance & Risk

• Ensure new business activity complies with due diligence, gift acceptance and risk management requirements.
• Oversee accurate pipeline reporting, forecasting, and performance tracking, using Salesforce and other systems to ensure insights inform decision making.
• Work with Finance and Operations to ensure income is contracted, invoiced, and reported accurately and on time in line with financial controls.
• Identify and escalate strategic or reputational risks associated with prospective partnerships.

Cross-Organisational Leadership & Representation

• Act as a senior ambassador for Impetus, representing the organisation credibly with new donors, partners, and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to organisational strategy, income planning, and senior leadership discussions.
• Lead philanthropic work on Impetus funds including identifying funding opportunities and risks; shaping prospect pipelines; contributing to cases for support and donor presentations; and develop fund stewardship.
• Champion collaboration across the Philanthropy team, ensuring opportunities are shared, relationships are leveraged and expertise is used to maximise income and impact.
• Back Impetus’ values, evidence-led approach, and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion across the Philanthropy team.

Strategic leadership

• Work in partnership with the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships to contribute to the fundraising strategy.
• Translate strategic priorities into clear operational plans, objectives and delivery, ensuring new business delivers against organisational priorities, income targets and long-term growth ambitions.
• Provide strategic oversight of annual forecasting, budgeting, pipeline performance and resource planning, ensuring risks and opportunities are identified and addressed proactively.
• Maximise the contribution of trustees, committees, senior volunteers and wider networks to support strategic relationship building and new business development.
• Act as a trusted senior adviser to the Directors of Philanthropy and Partnerships, providing insight, challenge and solutions to strengthen organisational fundraising performance and capability.
• Deputise for the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships where appropriate, within agreed delegations and priorities.
• Build a positive, collaborative and high-performing culture across the Philanthropy team, modelling Impetus' values and supporting continuous improvement.

Person specification

Essential:

Fundraising & new business leadership

• Significant experience in major donor and/or corporate fundraising at six and seven-figure gift level, with a strong track record of securing new income and managing complex partnerships.
• Ability to lead and personally deliver the full fundraising cycle, from prospecting and cultivation through to solicitation, negotiation, and close.
• Proven experience of building, managing, and converting a new business pipeline, balancing ambition with delivery.
• Strong ability to leverage internal and external networks, including trustees, senior volunteers, and professional contacts.

Senior stakeholder engagement

• Experience of operating at a senior level and leading high value or complex stakeholder relationships (trustees, board members, senior external partners).
• Ability to influence and build credibility with senior audiences through clear, confident and evidence led communication.
• Excellent negotiation skills, with the ability to secure mutually beneficial outcomes while protecting organisational values and reputation.

Leadership & people management

• Proven experience leading and developing high-performing teams, including developing senior colleagues and building leadership capability.
• A strong track record as a collaborative senior team member, contributing beyond own area of responsibility and supporting wider organisational success
• Ability to build a high-trust, high-challenge culture that supports excellence, inclusion, and learning.
• Strong performance management capability and ability to handle complex people issues, giving strategic feedback, and addressing underperformance constructively.
• Ability to deputise for the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships when appropriate.

Strategic & intellectual capability

• Strong strategic thinker with the ability to translate agreed strategy and insight into clear plans and execute them effectively.
• Ability to grasp, interpret apply and communicate complex information and ideas, including Impetus’ venture philanthropy and impact-led funding models.
• Evidence of an innovative and creative approach, with the ability to adapt in changing contexts.

Financial, operational & delivery capability

• Solid financial management, with experience contributing to budget-setting, managing agreed budgets, supporting forecasting and identifying efficiencies.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to delivery, with the ability to manage multiple priorities to a high standard
• Able to use insight and data (including CRM systems such as Salesforce) to inform decisions and strengthen performance.
• Sound judgement in identifying, managing, and escalating risk, particularly in relation to donor relationships and reputation.

Communication, values & ways of working

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to communicate clearly, persuasively, and with impact.
• Excellent relationship-building skills, with the ability to establish, maintain, and leverage relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
• A strong commitment to Impetus’ mission and to improving outcomes for young people.
• A clear commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, demonstrated through inclusive leadership and professional practice.

Desirable 

• Experience working within venture philanthropy, impact investing, or systems-change funding models.
• Familiarity with private equity, professional services.
• Experience contributing to income growth, donor strategy or portfolio development within an agreed organisational fundraising strategy.
• Knowledge of the UK charity or social impact sector, particularly education, employment, or youth-focused work.
• Experience using CRM systems (e.g. Salesforce) to manage pipelines, performance, and forecasting.

About Impetus

At Impetus, our focus is on helping young people achieve positive education and employment outcomes to increase their chance of leading fulfilling and successful lives, irrespective of their background.

We tackle the three most difficult challenges that affect a young person’s ability to succeed in life in Britain today:

• Lost learning through absence, suspensions, exclusions from school
• Stagnation in education attainment outcomes, which means many are missing out on key qualifications like GCSE English and maths
• The large numbers of young people out of education, training and employment

We use our deep expertise and high calibre networks to give the best non-profits working in these sectors the essential ingredients to have a real and lasting impact on the young people they serve.

Through a powerful combination of long-term funding, direct capacity building support from our experienced team and our pro bono partners, alongside research and policy influencing to drive lasting systems change, we work towards a society where all young people can thrive in school, pass their exams and unlock the doors to sustained employment, for a fulfilling life.

We are resolutely focused on outcomes and impact, driven by quality evidence.

You would be joining a team that is passionate, rigorous, determined, creative and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our portfolio partners and the young people we serve.

Impetus is a registered charity and our charity number is 1152262.

Our Values

In 2022 the Impetus staff agreed the following set of Values to act as our guiding principles as an organisation and help us to remain focused on achieving our mission to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

We are brave and curious

We are bold and brave in our pursuit of better outcomes for young people. We lead with curiosity and stay open to new perspectives. We support one another to take considered risks and learn together.

We bring high trust, high challenge

We build strong, long-term relationships through honesty, kindness, integrity, and respect. We create the space for open, constructive challenge, where colleagues, partners and supporters feel safe to speak up, hold each other to account, and bring their best in pursuit of our mission.

We are evidence led and results driven for young people

We pursue excellence for the young people we work with, are wholly committed to better outcomes, unapologetically results driven, and accountable for our actions.

We thrive through diversity

We seek to embed diversity of thought, background and experience in every aspect of our work. We are open, thoughtful and proactive in better understanding and challenging our assumptions to better deliver the change we seek.

We always seek collaboration

We will not succeed alone. We seek meaningful, productive partnerships with others to achieve our mission and drive systems change for young people.

Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

We believe that a diverse workforce leads to an organisation that is more open, creative and gets better results.

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

We want to reach a diverse pool of candidates. 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 work/life balance. We do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including working from home, working part-time 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.

Impetus is an equal opportunity employer and is determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We value diversity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

Our employee benefits

Impetus appreciates the invaluable contribution made by all employees and wishes to encourage and reward loyalty, motivation and experience. We therefore offer a range of benefits and policies which aim to assist employees during various stages of their lives and careers. For more information on these, please download the job information pack from our website.

How to apply

Please click on the "Apply for this job" button.

You will need to:

• Complete the online form (including the equal opportunities monitoring form).
• Upload a comprehensive CV and supporting statement.

The supporting statement should be no more than two sides of A4 and should address the criteria in the person specification.

You should also include the contact details of two referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be approached with your express permission.

As part of our commitment to flexible working we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at interview stage.

The deadline for applications is Sunday 20th September 2026, 11:59pm.

Interviews:

1st Interviews will take place on w/c 5th October 2026.

2nd Interviews will take place on w/c 12th October 2026.

You will also be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK.

Personal Data

Your personal data will be shared for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes our HR team, interviewers (who may include other partners in the project and independent advisors), relevant team managers and our IT service provider if access to the data is necessary for performance of their roles. We do not share your data with other third parties, unless your application for employment is successful and we make you an offer of employment. We will then share your data with former employers to obtain references for you. We do not transfer your data outside the European Economic Area.

Are you looking to work somewhere that actually invests in growing its people?

Do you love getting stuck into the day-to-day finance work as much as the bigger-picture strategy side?

Are you keen to be part of a Christian charity that's genuinely changing children's futures?

TLG’s Finance Manager role could be the role for you!

Title: Finance Manager

Location: Hybrid – TLG’s National Support Centre, Bradford, West Yorkshire (40% office-based including Tuesdays)

Salary: £37,066 - £40,090 (FTE)

Hours: Flexible,30 – 37.5 hours per week (0.8 – 1.0 FTE)

Reporting To: Director of Finance

Contract: Permanent

About TLG

Transforming Lives for Good (TLG) is a Christian children’s wellbeing charity rooted in the conviction that the local church is central to God’s mission of restoration and hope for children and families. Today, through our existing programmes of Early Intervention and Make Lunch, over 220 churches are partnering with TLG, supporting 4,699 children each year, with 1,059 children and family members connecting into the wider support of the church as a place of belonging, care and hope.

About the Role

As we journey towards our vision to bring fullness of life for every child, no matter what struggles they face, we’re looking for a passionate, motivated and mission-driven individual to join our team as Finance Manager. 

The Finance Manager will play a central role in shaping the financial strength and future growth of the charity. As the operational lead for day-to-day finance, you’ll ensure robust financial controls, deliver accurate and timely reporting, and provide clear, strategic insight that empowers leaders across the organisation. Working closely with the Director of Finance, you will be a key voice in safeguarding financial health and driving forward our mission.

As someone who has completed or nearly completed their Accountancy qualification, you will be given responsibility in an environment centred on growth. The Finance Manager will lead a high-performing finance function, bringing expertise across budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, and analysis. You will oversee and continually improve financial systems and processes, ensuring they are efficient, compliant, and fit for a growing organisation with ambitious goals. As you take on this impactful role, we will support and develop you as a leader with sector-leading internal and external training.

Some of the role responsibilities include elements of:

• Financial Management & Reporting
• Budgeting & Planning
• Systems & Processes
• Financial Leadership

Whilst the responsibilities and feel of the role will be familiar to someone with a career in charity finance, the close work with TLG’s commercial subsidiaries, the opportunity to speak strategically in the future of the charity, the focus on career development and the environment of grace and faith encompassing TLG make this role an attractive proposition for anyone who wants to make a difference for Jesus within the finance sector.

About You

You will be a fully or nearly Qualified Accountant who wants to grow in a finance career with an organisation committed to seeing you flourish. You can work well within a high‑performing finance function, bringing strong charity finance experience, excellent technical skills, and the ability to communicate clearly across the organisation, including with department heads throughout the team. You’ll balance strategic oversight with hands‑on delivery of management accounts, budgeting and reporting. Alongside this, you’ll bring an active Christian faith, playing a full part in the spiritual life of the organisation and working sensitively with people of all backgrounds.

Next Steps

For more information about TLG, the role and the person specification, please see the attached Job Pack.

To apply for the position, please send a CV and completed Candidate Bio Details Form to Christian Jobs.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Joe at Christian Jobs.

We are looking for an Operations Executive Assistant to join our Operations Team. This is a varied role at the heart of the organisation, combining operational coordination and executive support. Working across every part of Purposeful Ventures, you will help ensure colleagues have the systems, processes and support they need to do their best work.

Working closely with the Director of Finance and Operations, you will coordinate operational priorities, anticipate issues before they arise, and ensure the organisation runs smoothly, enabling senior leaders to remain focused on strategic work.

No two days will be the same. You might be coordinating a new starter's first day, overseeing office operations, preparing papers for senior meetings, implementing a new operational process, coordinating organisational compliance activities, supporting grant administration, or resolving an operational issue before it becomes a problem.

This is a role for someone who enjoys making things work well. You will be trusted to take ownership, build strong relationships across the organisation and continuously improve how we operate. You'll need to be equally comfortable supporting senior leaders, coordinating projects, solving practical problems and paying close attention to detail.

This role sits at the centre of Purposeful Ventures. You will work with colleagues across the organisation, gaining a broad understanding of how we operate while taking ownership of the systems, processes and coordination that help enhance how the organisation works. If you are someone who enjoys understanding how organisations work and finding practical ways to make them work even better, you will have plenty of opportunities to make a difference.

Job Description

Purpose

The Operations Executive Assistant plays a central role in the efficient running of Purposeful Ventures by providing operational management, executive support and administration across the organisation.

The role is varied and post holders are expected to have, and will be supported to continue to develop, expertise across a broad range of operational activities.

Responsibilities and duties

Executive support

Working closely with the Director of Finance and Operations and Management Team:

• Monitoring operational priorities and proactively following up actions on behalf of the Director of Finance and Operations.
• Preparing briefing notes, reports and background information to support decision-making.
• Coordinating cross-organisational activity on behalf of the Directors, ensuring actions are progressed and deadlines met.
• Providing proactive executive and administrative support to members of the Management Team.
• Managing diaries, scheduling meetings and coordinating logistics where required.
• Providing holiday and absence cover for the Executive Assistant to the CEO, ensuring continuity of support.
• Preparing agendas, coordinating papers and tracking actions from meetings.
• Organising meetings, workshops and events.
• Anticipating administrative requirements and proactively resolving issues to enable senior leaders to focus on strategic priorities.
• Coordinating operational issues across the organisation, using judgement to resolve matters independently and escalating where appropriate.
• Handling confidential information with professionalism and discretion.

Operations and Business Administration

• Working closely with colleagues across operations, communications, philanthropy, finance and project teams:
• Being a first point of contact for enquiries, correspondence and shared mailboxes, ensuring a consistently high level of customer service.
• Managing calendars, room bookings, registering and greeting visitors, organising meetings and organisation wide events.
• Ensuring the effective management of organisational documents, templates and operational systems.
• Maintaining CRM records and contributing to operational reporting.
• Coordinating document administration including agreements and approvals.
• Driving continuous improvement of organisational systems and processes, for example:
  • Leading small operational improvement projects.
  • Coordinating the implementation of new systems and operational processes.
  • Support organisational change initiatives.
• Acting as first point of contact for our external IT provider (Penelope), managing internal IT operations
• Coordinating our operational compliance calendar, ensuring key activities are completed on time, including:
  • Supporting the implementation and review of organisational policies and operational procedures.
  • Coordinating annual policy reviews and maintain version control.
  • Monitoring mandatory organisational compliance activities and escalating any risks.
• Maintaining relationships with operational suppliers; coordinating contract renewals; monitoring service delivery and escalating issues.
• Coordinating office health and safety arrangements, working closely with the building management company. Coordinating workplace risk assessments, maintaining accident records and coordinating fire marshal/first aid arrangements. Acting as Fire Marshal following appropriate training

People operations and onboarding

Working closely with the People Coordinator and colleagues to deliver an outstanding onboarding experience by:

• Carrying out Right to Work and DBS identity verification processes through our Due Diligence Checking platform, including video identity checks where required.
• Managing IT onboarding requests, including Penelope onboarding forms.
• Coordinating system access including EdCity passes and user set up.
• Preparing first-day arrangements including laptops and merchandise; welcoming new starters including building orientation, team introductions, and IT set up.
• Scheduling induction meetings, one-to-one introductions and team coffees.
• Setting colleagues up on the compliance learning system and assigning mandatory training. Monitoring new starter and refresher training to ensure completion and compliance.
• Maintaining organisation charts and onboarding documentation.

Office and Facilities

Ensuring that Purposeful Ventures provides a welcoming, productive and well-organised working environment by:

• Coordinating the day-to-day running of our fully serviced office at EdCity.
• Welcoming visitors and supporting colleagues in the office.
• Managing office supplies and equipment.
• Liaising with building management and external suppliers.
• Coordinating office IT equipment and ensuring new and existing colleagues have the equipment they need.
• Supporting the organisation of internal events and team activities.

Supporting Incubating Organisations and New Projects

Working with organisations that Purposeful Ventures is incubating by:

• Providing ad hoc administrative support to them and new projects.
• Assist with processes, communications, and administration.
• Support teams with coordination and project delivery activities.

The job description is subject to change and the postholder may be required to undertake tasks not specifically referred to above. Such duties, however, will fall within the scope of the job description.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for a highly organised, proactive and collaborative professional with experience providing executive and operational in a fast-paced environment. You will take ownership, build trusted relationships across the organisation, and be passionate about creating efficient systems and delivering an outstanding experience for colleagues and stakeholders.

You will bring an appreciation of the charity and social impact sector and a commitment to Purposeful Ventures' mission and values, recognising the importance of working for the good of the wider system.

Key requirements

The successful candidate will have:

• A strong understanding of office, operations and business administration, with an appreciation of how effective operational processes enable organisations to deliver meaningful outcomes and impact.
• Knowledge of executive support and the principles of providing proactive, high-quality support to senior leaders and management teams.
• An understanding of employee onboarding, colleague experience and the importance of creating a welcoming, well-organised and inclusive environment for new starters.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft 365 and confidence using and administering a range of digital systems, with the curiosity and agility to learn new technologies quickly.
• An understanding of organisational policies and procedures, and the importance of maintaining compliance, consistency and good governance within a charity.
• An understanding of the role of the Charity Commission and Companies House, and an appreciation of the governance and compliance responsibilities of charitable organisations.
• An understanding of information governance, confidentiality and UK data protection legislation (including GDPR), and the importance of handling sensitive information with integrity and professionalism.
• Right to work in the UK

Experience

The successful candidate will have demonstrable experience of:

• Providing proactive executive or senior administrative support to senior leaders or management teams, anticipating needs and enabling others to focus on strategic priorities.
• Coordinating complex diaries, meetings, events and logistics while balancing multiple competing priorities.
• Managing office operations or business administration within a busy, collaborative and fast-paced environment.
• Coordinating multiple operational priorities while exercising sound judgement and working with a high degree of autonomy.
• Delivering a positive onboarding experience through coordinating new starter administration, systems, induction activities and colleague support.
• Taking ownership of operational processes and continuously identifying opportunities to improve systems, simplify ways of working and enhance the experience of colleagues.
• Building positive and trusted relationships across teams and with external suppliers, partners and stakeholders.
• Working with confidential and sensitive information, consistently exercising sound judgement, discretion and high ethical standards.
• Working collaboratively across functions to achieve shared objectives and support organisational success.

Desirable:

• Experience within the charity, education or social impact sector.
• Experience supporting governance, Board or senior leadership meetings.
• Experience coordinating compliance processes such as Right to Work, DBS checks or mandatory training.

Use your marketing skills to support mission-driven organisations enhance and showcase their impact, while helping strengthen our core brand.

As Marketing Executive, you will help tell the stories of Purposeful Ventures’ incubations and partner organisations, as well as our own. Working closely with the Senior Communications Manager, the Philanthropy and Communications team, and colleagues across some of our incubations and partner organisations, you will develop clear, audience-focused marketing that helps mission-driven organisations connect with the people who matter most and strengthens the Purposeful Ventures brand.

A distinctive part of this exciting new role is the opportunity to support our incubations as they are being set up. From helping develop visual identity assets to supporting with social media content, you will help our incubations put the foundations of its brand and marketing in place – working with their founders and teams to do so. If you enjoy variety, collaboration and turning ideas into compelling stories, you'll thrive in this role.

We welcome a keenness to work with start-up teams and with a non-profit focused on improving young people’s lives from their earliest years.

Job Description

This role sits within Purposeful Ventures’ core team, and provides marketing and brand support to both our core team and wider incubations.

Responsibilities and duties

Digital marketing and owned channels

• Manage routine updates to Purposeful’s current website, ensuring content is accurate, up to date and aligned with our tone of voice
• Support the Senior Communications Manager with the development of Purposeful’s new website including gathering content from internal teams, creating or adapting visual assets, CMS content
• Work alongside the Senior Communications Manager to create and design engaging LinkedIn content that reflects Purposeful’s brand and engages our priority audiences, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders if required
• Support the Senior Communications Manager with populating Purposeful’s LinkedIn content calendar, including updating our annual activity calendar
• Prepare regular engagement analysis, using LinkedIn Analytics and other relevant analytics tools, across Purposeful’s owned channels supporting the Senior Communications Manager to identify trends and opportunities to improve content performance

Content and brand assets

• Design and adapt defined collateral for presentations and external communications, including case studies, testimonials, annual reports, impact reports and templates, ensuring materials are clear, accurate, up to date and aligned with Purposeful’s tone
• Create and adapt defined compelling visual content to illustrate Purposeful’s work and impact to internal and external audiences (such as video, photography, graphics, data illustration)

Bespoke marketing support for incubations and partner organisations

• Work with the Senior Communications Manager and wider team to produce defined marketing materials for new incubations, based on each incubation’s set-up strategy. Typical outputs may include launching social media profiles, creating visual identity assets, brand guidelines, microsite or website design/build, supporting creating key messaging documents, creating tone of voice/glossary guidance, designing marketing assets, drafting social media content plans and marketing plans
• Work with the Comms team and our Ventures colleagues to deliver or support defined marketing projects for our existing incubations and parter organisations, building on the types of outputs above

Who we are looking for

Key requirements

• Passionate about creating a fairer society where all young people thrive
• Demonstrable track record of taking ownership of commitments and working hard to succeed.
• A strong design eye and experience using design tools (e.g. Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud or similar software) to create clear marketing assets
• Working knowledge of a range of website skills, platforms (e.g. Wix, Squarespace), content management systems, basic web design principles, user experience and user journeys
• Experience working from defined marketing briefs, understanding scope of work requirements: executing a brief, delivering agreed outputs for a specific audience at pace, on time and within a limited budget
• Knowledge of relevant social media tactics and experience supporting the set-up of social media profiles, or creating and managing content across social media platforms with an understanding of audience and channel specific nuances – particularly on LinkedIn
• Experience using analytics tools, such as Google Analytics and LinkedIn Analytics, to monitor engagement, evaluate performance and identify opportunities for improvement across website and social media channels.
• Ability to liaise with stakeholders beyond your immediate team, which may include experience with clients, social entrepreneurs, start-up leaders, customers or external stakeholders including working to a brief, managing feedback and delivering agreed outputs
• Right to work in the UK

Desirable

• Experience supporting internal communications across one or more channels, formats or outputs
• Experience supporting B2B or B2C event planning (such as conferences, exhibitions, public or internal events, speaker presentations, receptions, webinars or fundraising events)
• Experience working with freelancers or marketing agencies, including supporting drafting briefs, commissioning processes, project check-ins, recording minutes/actions
• Awareness of how AI tools can support content creation, design and editing, with judgement about when human review, accuracy checks and brand oversight are needed
• Charity or start-up experience is not essential. We are looking for someone who brings initiative, curiosity and transferable marketing skills, and can produce relevant, meaningful assets and outputs that add value to a project.

About the team

The Philanthropy Team raises income for Impetus and for Impetus partner charities. The team consists of 15 staff. Impetus has an annual income of c.£11 million which we are looking to grow significantly within the next few years. The team is led by two Directors of Philanthropy and Partnerships. 

The Philanthropy Team works with major donors, corporates and grant making trusts, as well as collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to ensure we make a compelling case to generate new financial commitments and wider support for our work. The team also deliver a high-quality engagement programme of volunteering and pro bono for Impetus’s corporate supporters.   

Impetus is driven by a shared belief in tackling the barriers that hold back young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in education and employment. Alongside investing extensive financial and non-financial support in our charity partners through our Investment Team we also seek to influence decision makers to design and implement evidence led policy and direct new resources to get young people the support they need through our Public Affairs team. We are resolutely focused on outcomes, driven by quality evidence.

You would be joining a team that is passionate, ambitious, determined and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our charity partners and the young people we serve. 

About this role

The Development Director (Philanthropy) provides strategic leadership across Impetus’ philanthropy and stewardship portfolio, with responsibility for relationship management, renewal, growth and selected new business activity. The postholder will work with high-value funders, including corporate partners, trusts and foundations, and high-net-worth individuals.

In 25/26, the Philanthropy and Partnerships team generated £11m in philanthropic income, alongside £2.8m in pro bono contributions. The Development Director will play a key role in delivering Impetus’ growth ambitions, supporting the increase in philanthropic income to £14m by 2029. 

Working closely with the Directors of Philanthropy and Partnerships, the role will translate the fundraising strategy into clear stewardship, renewal, relationship-growth and selected new business plans, ensuring strong donor retention, high-quality engagement and sustainable growth in high-value income.

Working closely with the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships, the postholder will oversee the donor lifecycle across the philanthropy portfolio, with particular focus on strategic stewardship, renewal, relationship growth and the effective transition of selected prospects into long-term donor relationships. They will personally lead and support significant six and seven-figure donor relationships and selected funding opportunities, while working with colleagues to ensure the philanthropy pipeline, stewardship plans and account management disciplines are strong.

Working collaboratively across the Philanthropy and Partnerships team and with colleagues across the organisation, the Development Director will ensure a joined-up approach to donor stewardship, renewal, relationship growth and selected donor acquisition, maximising income, partnership value and long-term impact within the agreed fundraising strategy.

Key responsibilities

Strategic Relationship Management & Growth

• Own and oversee strategically significant donor and partner relationships at six and seven-figure levels, ensuring high levels of retention, satisfaction, trust, income growth and long-term value.
• Set and embed best practice stewardship standards, ensuring donors receive timely, consistent, high-quality and relevant engagement and communications throughout their relationship with Impetus.
• Work closely with the wider team to ensure a smooth transition between new business, and long-term stewardship.
• Ensure account plans for priority donors and partners include clear renewal and growth pathways; engagement and risk-management plans.
• Act as senior relationship owner where required, modelling strong stewardship and coaching the Head of Philanthropy and other colleagues to navigate complex or sensitive relationships.

New Business: Pipeline & Conversion 

• Personally lead on select six and seven-figure level priority prospects and strategic funding opportunities, managing the full fundraising cycle from qualification to close.
• Work with trustees, senior volunteers and networks to support warm introductions, relationship development and follow-up, in line with agreed new business and stewardship priorities.
• Work with colleagues to translate Impetus’ impact, evidence base and venture philanthropy model into compelling propositions for donors, prospects and priority audiences.

Performance and KPI Reporting

• Accountable for ensuring effective implementation, monitoring and continuous improvement of fundraising performance frameworks, KPIs and reporting disciplines.
• Use performance data and insight to improve team effectiveness, inform portfolio planning and resource recommendations, and identify opportunities for retention, renewal and growth.
• Oversee philanthropy portfolio data quality, reporting and forecasting, ensuring robust systems and processes.
• Ensure robust systems, processes and performance disciplines are in place to support delivery of agreed philanthropy portfolio objectives and wider fundraising goals.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and evidence-led decision-making across the philanthropy portfolio and direct team.

Donor Communications

• Provide strategic oversight of donor communications for the philanthropy portfolio, ensuring messaging is clear, compelling, timely and aligned to Impetus’ voice, values and evidence base.
• Work with Communications and Philanthropy colleagues to design and continuously improve philanthropic communications, including cases for support, proposals, pitches, stewardship materials and donor updates.

Leadership and Team Performance

• Line manage and develop the Head of Philanthropy, providing direction, coaching and performance oversight within agreed strategy and priorities.
• Develop the Head of Philanthropy as the operational lead for stewardship, ensuring capability, succession and high performance across their team.
• Set clear objectives and success measures for stewardship, renewal, relationship growth and portfolio delivery, aligned to Impetus’ wider income strategy.
• Build and sustain an inclusive, evidence-led and high-performing culture across the philanthropy portfolio, balancing pace and ambition with quality, learning and collaboration.
• Build fundraising and stewardship capability across the team through coaching and consistent, fair and high-quality performance management, including objective-setting, feedback and development planning.

Pro Bono, Events, Volunteering & Partnership Value

• Ensure engagement opportunities, including volunteering, pro bono and events, strengthen donor relationships, partnership value and long-term income growth through strong collaboration with colleagues.

Operational Excellence, Governance & Risk

• Ensure philanthropy and selected new business activity complies with due diligence, gift acceptance and risk management requirements.
• Oversee accurate philanthropy pipeline reporting, forecasting and performance tracking, using Salesforce and other systems to ensure insight informs portfolio planning and decision-making.
• Work with Finance and Operations to ensure income is contracted, invoiced, and reported accurately and on time in line with financial controls.
• Identify and escalate strategic, financial or reputational risks associated with donors, prospects and partnerships.

Cross-Organisational Leadership & Representation

• Act as a senior ambassador for Impetus, representing the organisation credibly with new donors, partners, and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to organisational strategy, income planning, and senior leadership discussions.
• Lead philanthropic work on Impetus funds including identifying funding opportunities and risks; shaping prospect pipelines; contributing to cases for support and donor presentations; and develop fund stewardship.
• Champion collaboration across the Philanthropy team, ensuring opportunities are shared, relationships are well managed and expertise is used to maximise income and impact.
• Model Impetus’ values, evidence-led approach and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion across the philanthropy portfolio.

Strategic Leadership

• Work in partnership with the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships to contribute to the fundraising strategy.
• Translate strategic priorities into clear operational plans, objectives and delivery, ensuring stewardship, renewal and relationship growth contribute to organisational priorities, income targets and long-term growth ambitions.
• Provide strategic oversight of philanthropy portfolio forecasting, budgeting input, pipeline performance and resource recommendations, ensuring risks and opportunities are identified and escalated proactively.
• Maximise the contribution of trustees, committees, senior volunteers and wider networks to support donor stewardship, relationship growth and selected new business development.
• Act as a trusted senior adviser to the Directors of Philanthropy and Partnerships, providing insight, challenge and solutions to strengthen philanthropy portfolio performance and wider fundraising capability.
• Deputise for the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships where appropriate, within agreed delegations and priorities.
• Build a positive, collaborative and high-performing culture across the philanthropy portfolio, modelling Impetus’ values and supporting continuous improvement.

Person specification

Essential:

Fundraising & new business leadership

• Significant experience in major donor and/or corporate fundraising at six and seven-figure gift level, with a strong track record of securing new income and managing complex partnerships.
• Ability to lead and personally deliver the full fundraising cycle, from prospecting and cultivation through to solicitation, negotiation, and close.
• Proven experience of building, managing, and converting a new business pipeline, balancing ambition with delivery.
• Strong ability to leverage internal and external networks, including trustees, senior volunteers, and professional contacts.

Senior stakeholder engagement

• Experience of operating at a senior level and leading high value or complex stakeholder relationships (trustees, board members, senior external partners).
• Ability to influence and build credibility with senior audiences through clear, confident and evidence led communication.
• Excellent negotiation skills, with the ability to secure mutually beneficial outcomes while protecting organisational values and reputation.

Leadership & people management

• Proven experience leading and developing high-performing teams, including developing senior colleagues and building leadership capability.
• A strong track record as a collaborative senior team member, contributing beyond own area of responsibility and supporting wider organisational success
• Ability to build a high-trust, high-challenge culture that supports excellence, inclusion, and learning.
• Strong performance management capability and ability to handle complex people issues, giving strategic feedback, and addressing underperformance constructively.
• Ability to deputise for the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships when appropriate.

Strategic & intellectual capability

• Strong strategic thinker with the ability to translate agreed strategy and insight into clear plans and execute them effectively.
• Ability to grasp, interpret apply and communicate complex information and ideas, including Impetus’ venture philanthropy and impact-led funding models.
• Evidence of an innovative and creative approach, with the ability to adapt in changing contexts.

Financial, operational & delivery capability

• Solid financial management, with experience contributing to budget-setting, managing agreed budgets, supporting forecasting and identifying efficiencies.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to delivery, with the ability to manage multiple priorities to a high standard
• Able to use insight and data (including CRM systems such as Salesforce) to inform decisions and strengthen performance.
• Sound judgement in identifying, managing, and escalating risk, particularly in relation to donor relationships and reputation.

Communication, values & ways of working

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to communicate clearly, persuasively, and with impact.
• Excellent relationship-building skills, with the ability to establish, maintain, and leverage relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
• A strong commitment to Impetus’ mission and to improving outcomes for young people.
• A clear commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, demonstrated through inclusive leadership and professional practice.

Desirable 

• Experience working within venture philanthropy, impact investing, or systems-change funding models.
• Familiarity with private equity, professional services.
• Experience contributing to income growth, donor strategy or portfolio development within an agreed organisational fundraising strategy.
• Knowledge of the UK charity or social impact sector, particularly education, employment, or youth-focused work.
• Experience using CRM systems (e.g. Salesforce) to manage pipelines, performance, and forecasting.

About Impetus

At Impetus, our focus is on helping young people achieve positive education and employment outcomes to increase their chance of leading fulfilling and successful lives, irrespective of their background.

We tackle the three most difficult challenges that affect a young person’s ability to succeed in life in Britain today:

• Lost learning through absence, suspensions, exclusions from school
• Stagnation in education attainment outcomes, which means many are missing out on key qualifications like GCSE English and maths
• The large numbers of young people out of education, training and employment

We use our deep expertise and high calibre networks to give the best non-profits working in these sectors the essential ingredients to have a real and lasting impact on the young people they serve.

Through a powerful combination of long-term funding, direct capacity building support from our experienced team and our pro bono partners, alongside research and policy influencing to drive lasting systems change, we work towards a society where all young people can thrive in school, pass their exams and unlock the doors to sustained employment, for a fulfilling life.

We are resolutely focused on outcomes and impact, driven by quality evidence.

You would be joining a team that is passionate, rigorous, determined, creative and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our portfolio partners and the young people we serve.

Impetus is a registered charity and our charity number is 1152262.

Our Values

In 2022 the Impetus staff agreed the following set of Values to act as our guiding principles as an organisation and help us to remain focused on achieving our mission to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

We are brave and curious

We are bold and brave in our pursuit of better outcomes for young people. We lead with curiosity and stay open to new perspectives. We support one another to take considered risks and learn together.

We bring high trust, high challenge

We build strong, long-term relationships through honesty, kindness, integrity, and respect. We create the space for open, constructive challenge, where colleagues, partners and supporters feel safe to speak up, hold each other to account, and bring their best in pursuit of our mission.

We are evidence led and results driven for young people

We pursue excellence for the young people we work with, are wholly committed to better outcomes, unapologetically results driven, and accountable for our actions.

We thrive through diversity

We seek to embed diversity of thought, background and experience in every aspect of our work. We are open, thoughtful and proactive in better understanding and challenging our assumptions to better deliver the change we seek.

We always seek collaboration

We will not succeed alone. We seek meaningful, productive partnerships with others to achieve our mission and drive systems change for young people.

Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

We believe that a diverse workforce leads to an organisation that is more open, creative and gets better results.

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

We want to reach a diverse pool of candidates. 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 work/life balance. We do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including working from home, working part-time 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.

Impetus is an equal opportunity employer and is determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We value diversity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

Our employee benefits

Impetus appreciates the invaluable contribution made by all employees and wishes to encourage and reward loyalty, motivation and experience. We therefore offer a range of benefits and policies which aim to assist employees during various stages of their lives and careers. For more information on these, please download the job information pack from our website.

How to apply

Please click on the "Apply for this job" button.

You will need to:

• Complete the online form (including the equal opportunities monitoring form).
• Upload a comprehensive CV and supporting statement.

The supporting statement should be no more than two sides of A4 and should address the criteria in the person specification.

You should also include the contact details of two referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be approached with your express permission.

As part of our commitment to flexible working we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at interview stage.

The deadline for applications is Sunday 20th September 2026, 11:59pm.

Interviews:

1st Interviews will take place on w/c 5th October 2026.

2nd Interviews will take place on w/c 12th October 2026.

You will also be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK.

Personal Data

Your personal data will be shared for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes our HR team, interviewers (who may include other partners in the project and independent advisors), relevant team managers and our IT service provider if access to the data is necessary for performance of their roles. We do not share your data with other third parties, unless your application for employment is successful and we make you an offer of employment. We will then share your data with former employers to obtain references for you. We do not transfer your data outside the European Economic Area.

Are you passionate about how the church can address homelessness?

About the role 

Our mission at Hope into Action is to empower the local church to help end homelessness. For over 15 years we’ve developed our model and grown a network in 38 locations. We know that homelessness is more than just house-lessness: people need community and friendship, as well as accommodation. 

Our Community Connect pilot project has a big vision: to extend our church-based friendship and support to those at risk of homelessness. The project will complement Hope into Action’s core model of supported housing and aligns directly with the government's strategic emphasis on community-basedsupport to preventhomelessness. 

You will be instrumental in assisting 3 initial locations (Peterborough, Norwich & Southampton) to pilot the Community Connect programme and will work with the Head of Delivery & Training to create the structures, training and processes necessary to develop and grow it in more locations. 

You will support the local Co-ordinators at each location to promote the vision, set up partnerships, recruit volunteers and receive appropriate referrals from local authorities and agencies. 

There will be a budget to work to and defined goals to deliver as we seek to grow in years 2 & 3 and to see Community Connect launched in more locations.

About you 

You will be passionate about our work to empower the church to address homelessness and you share our values. You will be able to work with members of the public, professional bodies and churches. You will be able to work with people with support needs from a wide range of backgrounds. 

Whilst offering confident leadership for Community Connect, you will be closely liasing with existing Hope into Action staff to ensure the project dovetails well with our core delivery. Additionally, you will have a good understanding of strategic planning as we keep one eye on current provision and the other on future plans for growth and national scalability. 

We love diversity and we value your unique skills, strengths, knowledge, and experience. We hope that joining our team will help you realise your potential and help us to raise our performance in empowering those we serve.

About us

Peterborough was where Hope into Action began back in 2011. We are at the forefront of providing excellent quality supported accommodation to those that need it most in the city. Partnering with 11 churches, we currently have 16 homes each serving different demographics and strong relationships with other ministries and local authorities. It’s natural it is one of our initial locations for Community Connect and we’re delighted to be working with Light Project Peterborough on this venture. 

Norwich is also a city managed directly by Hope into Action UK. With 11 homes it’s been operating since 2012 and has our most experienced Team Lead. 

Our Southampton franchise is led by City Life Church and opened in 2020, it now has 7 homes and runs some other outreach projects to those on the margins, which make it another well suited and prepared location for Community Connect.

We believe that homelessness ends in community and that the church has a unique role to play.