Outreach executive jobs in belfast

For over 125 years, the British Mycological Society has been at the heart of fungal science — bringing together researchers, conservationists, educators, and enthusiasts to celebrate and advance the study of fungi. From cutting-edge scientific research to public outreach and education, we’re passionate about raising awareness of the crucial role fungi play in our ecosystems and everyday lives.

Our mission is to promote fungal science internationally. To do this, we run a dynamic calendar of events — from scientific conferences, field meetings and workshops to public engagement activities — designed to connect, inform and inspire.

About the role

We’re looking for a highly organised, creative, and proactive Events Officer to coordinate and deliver our programme of in-person and online events.

You’ll be the go-to person for making sure everything runs smoothly — from planning and logistics to communication and on-the-day delivery. Working closely with other part-time staff, volunteers, and local event hosts, you’ll play a key role in bringing the BMS community together.

This is a varied, hands-on role for someone who loves making things happen, enjoys working with people, and takes pride in creating professional and welcoming events.

What you’ll be doing

• Plan and deliver a wide range of BMS events — from scientific meetings to workshops, training sessions, and outreach days.
• Manage event logistics including venues, accommodation, catering, AV and delegate communications.
• Coordinate online events using platforms such as Zoom.
• Liaise with speakers, volunteers, and committees to make sure everything runs seamlessly.
• Oversee event budgets and timelines.
• Create promotional materials (e.g. digital programmes, flyers, graphics) using Canva or similar tools.
• Handle registrations, enquiries, and on-the-day coordination.
• Support event evaluation and continuous improvement.

About you

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has at least 5 years’ experience delivering successful events in a charity, membership, or learned society setting.
• Is confident running both in-person and virtual events.
• Brings strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and a solutions-focused mindset.
• Is great at building relationships and working with volunteers, working groups and committees.
• Is comfortable working independently from home, while staying connected with a remote team.
• Has experience with event tools, databases and GDPR-compliant data handling.
• Can create professional-looking event materials using Canva (or similar).
• Desirable: a background or interest in natural sciences or mycology would be ideal, but curiosity and enthusiasm are just as valuable.

Working arrangements

• Permanent, part-time (3 days / 21 hours per week)
• Flexible hours across the week, with occasional evenings or weekends.
• Home-based, with occasional UK travel and overnight stays for events.

How to apply

Please send your CV and a cover letter explaining why you’re interested in this role and how you meet the requirements for teh attention of Dr Emma Thompson, Executive Officer, British Mycological Society.

Informal enquiries are welcome via email to Dr Emma Thompson. Contact details on the BMS website.

Closing date: midnight, Friday 12 December 2025*
Interviews: January 2026 (online)
Start date: February 2026

* Please apply early; we reserve the right to close the advert before the deadline if a suitable number of eligible candidates are identified.

We are seeking a Community Development Officer to lead a major in-progress project improving recognition, support, and care for people with smell and taste disorders at a local level across England. 

This three-year, volunteer-led programme, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund has achieved significant success in its first eighteen months. We are now recruiting a new postholder to take this strong foundation forward through the next phase of delivery. 

Over the past eighteen months, we have recruited and established a thriving network of volunteers and local groups across England. This momentum is expected to continue. The Community Development Officer will work closely with existing volunteers and groups, primarily remotely, while also attending in-person events and meetings in different parts of England as needed. 

The postholder will lead the ongoing recruitment, training, and support of volunteer groups, working with them to identify opportunities for local outreach and engagement. Together, you will ensure that more people affected by smell and taste disorders access the information, support, and recognition they need, while continuing to raise awareness of these often-unrecognised sensory impairments. 

Our volunteer groups bring together people with lived experience alongside experts from the food, beverage and fragrance sectors, and other relevant fields. 

We are looking for a motivated, forward-thinking individual with experience in leading and inspiring others. You will bring energy, creativity, and excellent communication skills to drive the project forward and help build an innovative, sustainable programme of volunteer-led activity, supporting our volunteers to influence change within their communities. 

You will empower volunteers to play an active role in transforming public understanding of how essential smell and taste are to our lives, whether they are running peer support groups, organising local events, delivering talks in community settings, or representing the charity at information days. 

You will join a small, friendly and ambitious team committed to your professional development as the charity continues to grow. 

If you are passionate about making a difference, enjoy working with people, and want to contribute to a pioneering and collaborative organisation that values and empowers its community, we would love to hear from you. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. 

The charity is rapidly scaling up, recently doubling its annual support to £6 million. Degrees has partnered with leading climate change funders and research partners including the Quadrature Climate Foundation, Open Philanthropy, Crankstart, Navigation Fund, Outlier Projects, LAD Climate Fund and UK Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA). Transparency of funding is essential to our work. We do not accept support from anonymous donors or funding from the fossil fuel industry. Fundraising for the organisation has been led by the Founder and CEO, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Chief of Staff, and the Chair of the Trustees with the support of an experienced Senior Philanthropy Advisor.

We now seek a full-time team member to build on this base. Reporting to the COO, and working closely with senior staff and the Chair, the Development Manager will support high‑performing fundraising that secures multi‑year, diversified funding. He / she will also introduce robust processes for pipeline management and donor stewardship and manage the complete donor lifecycle (from identification to cultivation to solicitation and stewardship) of a portfolio of top prospects. The post holder will receive initial onboarding support from the Senior Philanthropy Advisor. As fundraising grows, the team may expand in the future.

Initial priorities include expansion beyond the current donor pool, with a strong push to identify and engage new funders, and putting in place the systems (CRM, reporting cadence, key performance indicators) to support growth at scale.

As this is a new role, responsibilities are expected to evolve but some key items will include: 

Strategy & planning 

• Work with the CEO, Chief of Staff, COO, Senior Philanthropy Advisor, programme staff and the Chair of the Trustees to help develop and implement a multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with organisational objectives;

Pipeline development & new opportunities 

• Manage the fundraising pipeline, guiding the ongoing fundraising activities of senior staff and the Chair;
• Research and identify new funding opportunities from trusts and foundations, government funders, and multilateral donors in the development and climate sectors on an ongoing basis;
• Reach out to networks of donor advisors and established relationships for referrals;
• Initiate and manage contact with funding opportunities; 

Grant writing 

• Draft and coordinate the preparation and submission of grant proposals;

Donor stewardship & reporting

• Maintain excellent relations with existing funders by keeping them informed on charity and sector updates, inviting them to events, and ensuring the delivery of annual reports and notices;
• Ensure and manage ongoing formal grant reporting on behalf of the organisation;

Events & engagement 

• Often working with partners, plan and deliver fundraising events for existing and potential funders, particularly in the UK and US;
• Manage invitation lists, track attendance and ensure bespoke follow–up to attendees;
• Assist in the design of events that will inspire and engage funders while involving Southern experts in the Degrees research community;
• Coordinate all fundraising outreach and related programming for the Degrees Global Forum (a conference to be held in 2027); 

Processes, systems & administration

• Create and implement structured processes across the entire fundraising and donor lifecycle;
• Develop and track KPIs, providing regular reports to senior staff and the Trustees;
• Be responsible for fundraising data, contacts and administrative records.

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Fundraising Officer to join the fundraising team at the Batten Disease Family Association CIO (BDFA).

The BDFA, founded in 1998 is the only patient organisation in the UK for families affected by Batten disease, a rare and terminal neurodegenerative condition that affects children and young adults. The BDFA offers informed guidance and support to families and the professionals who work with them, as well as actively raising awareness, and promoting research into the management of Batten disease to improve patient care pathways and ultimately find a cure.

This is an exciting time to join the charity, which has grown to offer additional support services for families affected by Batten disease and to implementing a long-term strategy to develop its advocacy, education and research capabilities. Come and join our supportive team as we continue to build and develop the organisation and strengthen our financial resilience.

We’re looking for an individual who has some experience in fundraising, particularly leading on all aspects of community fundraising, developing and nurturing relationships with volunteer fundraising groups and individual supporters. The successful candidate will work under the guidance of our CEO to develop community fundraising maximising the funds raised by volunteer fundraisers and developing supporter engagement. The successful candidate will also work alongside our Trusts and Foundations Fundraising Officer to support our Trusts and Foundations income generation.

The Ideal Candidate for this role will have:

- Experience in all aspects of community fundraising including events, assisting fundraisers to develop imaginative fundraising ideas and inspiring new supporters to raise funds whilst maintaining relationships with existing supporters

- Experience in building and sustaining long-term relationships with fundraising groups and individual supporters

- Experience in managing effective and creative fundraising communications on social media and the website

- Ability to contribute to the overall Trusts and Foundations income stream, including proactively researching and identifying grant funding opportunities 

- Ability to lead on creative fundraising campaigns around key events such as Batten disease awareness day and Christmas

This job requires a motivated individual who has a passion for all those within our Batten community and a strong desire to support the development and financial growth of the BDFA. The role is full time (35 hours per week) and is home based with occasional travel around the UK to meet donors and support fundraising events.

The BDFA recognises the positive value of diversity and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive team.  We encourage applications from all suitably qualified or experienced individuals, regardless of their race, gender, biological sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.

Salary £27k - £34k PA dependent on experience

Upload a CV and covering letter to apply

Apply by: Monday 15th December

Interviews for this role will take place on Monday 22nd December

The Degrees Initiative is a UK-based NGO that strengthens the capacity of the Global South to evaluate solar radiation modification (SRM), a controversial proposal for reducing some impacts of climate change by reflecting sunlight away from the Earth. Degrees is neutral on whether SRM should ever be used, but we believe that the Global South should be empowered to conduct their own research and to play a central role in SRM discussions. The initiative has been working in different forms for over a decade, and our work receives worldwide coverage and widespread acclaim. 

This is a unique opportunity to inform conversations on SRM in Africa. Rather than lobbying for outcomes, Degrees aims to support informed, independent policymaking by fostering connections between researchers and policymakers and strengthening institutional expertise. Degrees promotes regional research, creates spaces for policy-science dialogue, and supports the dissemination of Global South research.

Responsibilities

The Policy and Engagement Manager, Africa will strengthen the voice of the Global South in discussions and potential negotiations on SRM research and governance with relevance to Africa by connecting experts to policy processes. Accordingly, the successful candidate will: 

• Identify and engage key policy actors (e.g. national delegates and legislators, scientific advisors, intergovernmental officials) in Africa, connecting them to local SRM experts and providing them with information, where appropriate, while remaining neutral regarding the potential use and governance of SRM;
• Work with SRM researchers from the region to support the ongoing development of a coordinated community of experts; 
• Build informal and formal partnerships with like-minded organisations, helping to inform discussions and counter misinformation about climate and SRM.
• Share expertise and experience gained from Africa with staff and researchers and participate, as appropriate, in activities in Asia and the Pacific and Latin America and the Caribbean to gain similar expertise;
• Identify the most impactful international forums and regional SRM discussions, and work to connect local experts into these; 
• Identify a core group of researchers interested in policy engagement, and facilitate and join their participation in governance fora such as the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, UNFCCC COP, UN Environment Assembly, and meetings of the Convention on Biological Diversity;
• Support the execution and coordination of the Degrees policy engagement strategy in collaboration with other policy and programmatic staff; 
• Contribute to budgeting and alignment with programmes;
• Support monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) activities by contributing to tracking, documentation, and reporting of policy engagement outcomes;
• In cooperation with the communications staff, ensure the development of clear, contextualised briefing materials for policy makers and other audiences. 

Community Fundraiser - London​

Are you ready to take on a new challenge with a leading charity making a real difference in brain tumour research? ​

Brain Tumour Research is seeking an experienced and motivated fundraiser to join our team. As a key part of our fundraising efforts in our high-performing East region, you will have the opportunity to drive income generation through a variety of initiatives, including challenge events, fundraising groups, and corporate partnerships such as charity of the year. You will also be responsible for driving initiatives to increase our profile and supporter base within London.​

Key Responsibilities: ​​​

• Generate income across a range of community fundraising initiatives and events, with the opportunity to lead on key projects 
• Steward supporters to help drive the charity’s fundraising activities and growth 
• ​Work with the fundraising team to develop and maintain strong relationships with fundraisers, donors, partners, and key stakeholders ​
• Contribute towards the growth and success of fundraising efforts, ensuring a sustainable income stream for the vital ongoing funding of brain tumour research ​​

Requirements: ​​

• At least one year of fundraising experience, with a proven track record in income generation 
• Strong experience in supporter stewardship  
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage and inspire supporters and partners alike ​
• Passion for Brain Tumour Research and its mission to fund research and ultimately find a cure 

​

If you are looking for a fulfilling and impactful role and have the level of experience and skill we are looking for, we welcome your application.​​

​For this role, the successful candidate must live in the London area.​​

​We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.

​

We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process.  Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.

Closing Date: 04th January 2026

​

We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.

​

At Rights & Security International (RSI), we are seeking a Northern Ireland Human Rights Officer to lead our work on racial justice, protesters' rights and other human rights in Northern Ireland. We are a London-based international human rights charity that promotes respect for the rights of all people when governments act in the name of 'national security'.

** You must be based in Belfast or Derry/Londonderry and have a right to work in the UK. **

We have been promoting justice, transparency and equality in Northern Ireland for 35 years – ever since our founding. The successful candidate will help us strengthen our new local projects on racial justice, ending xenophobia and Islamophobia, and defending the human rights of peaceful protesters. We have done research and other work in NI on these issues for several years and aim to become even more impactful.

The successful candidate will also help us ensure that justice processes for harms committed during the conflict often described as ‘the Troubles’ meet international human rights standards.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a welcoming team of highly dedicated staff who embrace human rights for all people.

This position reports to the Freedom of Expression and Belief Team Leader.

Person specification:

RSI is looking for a passionate and detail-oriented candidate who is based in Belfast or Derry/Londonderry and has:

· At least an undergraduate degree in law, social sciences, human rights, journalism, or another relevant field.

· Demonstrable experience in anti-racism, anti-Islamophobia or migrants’ rights work.

· Strong knowledge of NI-based networks on equality, migrants’ rights, gender-related rights or similar issues.

· Strong research and writing skills.

· Experience advocating with decision-makers about human rights protections.

· Working knowledge of the peace process in Northern Ireland.

· Effective project and time management skills, with the ability to manage competing deadlines and complex long-term projects.

· A strong commitment to equality, diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace.

Responsibilities:

· Convening and directing a network of groups interested in expanding and upholding the rights of peaceful protesters in Northern Ireland.

· Researching issues related to racism, xenophobia and Islamophobia in NI and potentially across the island of Ireland.

· Scrutinising Northern Ireland’s transitional justice processes, in collaboration with victims, survivors, families and their representatives.

· Reviewing legal and policy developments in Northern Ireland, making recommendations on strategic RSI interventions.

· Engaging with elected officials and other decision-makers on issues within RSI’s mandate.

· Any other tasks as designated by the supervisor or Executive Director.

RSI strives to be diverse, equitable and inclusive. We treat all staff and interns like team members and encourage everyone to bring their full selves to work. We welcome applications from candidates from groups that have historically been underrepresented in the human rights, legal or policy fields, and/or who are from communities that have been directly impacted by the issues we address in our work. We also welcome applications from people who are re-entering the workforce after time away. All applications are considered on an equal-opportunity basis. Should you require reasonable assistance for the completion of your application, please contact us via the email address listed on our website.

We offer flexible working hours. This position is remote but will require occasional travel to meetings and events in Northern Ireland, as well as occasional travel to our office in London.

Please note that we are only able to respond with feedback to shortlisted candidates.

By submitting your application, you consent to our processing and retention of your personal data to the extent, and for the time period, necessary to consider the application. We will keep your application on file for no more than six months.

Terms: 30 hours per week / 0.8 FTE, 4 days per week; two year contract with possibility for extension

Salary: £41,200 - £56,650

Location: Remote working and quarterly in-person team away days.

Line Manager: Executive Director

Please note that you must have the right to work in the UK. 

Closing Date: 4th January 2026

About BASIC

BASIC is an independent, non-profit think tank working to safeguard humanity and Earth's ecosystem from nuclear risks and interconnected security threats, for generations to come. Our vision is for a global security consensus founded on multilateralism, the recognition of the indivisibility of security, adherence to Earth's planetary boundaries, and consideration of future generations.

For nearly 40 years, we have built a global reputation for groundbreaking dialogue and incisive thought leadership to strengthen international peace and security. We are an intellectually and culturally diverse team of 20 expert-practitioners with deep institutional experience, headquartered in London with additional presences in Berlin and Rome. We are independent, receive no core funding from any state, and our project work is funded transparently.

BASIC's approach to resolving contemporary nuclear dynamics is centred on dialogue as both a practice and a philosophy. We interpret dialogue broadly, recognising that meaningful engagement takes many forms: from facilitating direct strategic conversations between adversaries grounded in conflict resolution principles, to developing networks and diplomatic initiatives that build consensus around shared objectives, to shaping the intellectual foundations of policy discourse through rigorous research and thought leadership.

BASIC is a fast-paced and rewarding environment with an exceptionally positive and inclusive team culture. We have experienced rapid growth over the past decade and are well-suited to people who are motivated by our mission, able to work at a sustained pace, keen to develop professionally, and enjoy being part of a collaborative team working on consequential issues.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary with room for growth

• 30 days annual leave (pro rata), plus bank holidays and closure days over the December festive period

• Employer pension contributions of 5% (above the national minimum)

• Flexible working arrangements, with set days (Wednesdays required) but flexibility on hours

• Remote working with option to use co-working space

• 1-2 all-staff in-person team away day per year, as well as other in-person working opportunities

• Opportunities for professional growth and development

• Excellent team culture built on respect, openness, and inclusion

The Role

BASIC is seeking an experienced and strategic Communications Manager to lead and implement effective communication strategies that amplify our mission, enhance our brand identity, and strengthen engagement with key audiences. The ideal candidate will have exceptional written and verbal communication skills, a proactive approach to storytelling, and the ability to collaborate across the organisation to ensure clear, consistent, and impactful messaging.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Communications Manager will play a central role in shaping BASIC’s external presence, working across programmes to craft compelling narratives for social media, the website, and other digital platforms, as well as press contacts.

The Communications Manager will be the point of contact for all communication activity and will be responsible for setting the strategy and communicating this to the team. As an organisation, BASIC is keen to develop brand identity, particularly amongst our programmes and the Communications Manager will be instrumental in developing this work. 

Key Responsibilities

Organisational Communications & Strategy

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with BASIC’s mission and objectives including a strong link to impact.

• Lead the evolution of our social media strategy, ensuring increased engagement and impact.

• Develop and implement strategic online communication plans to enhance BASIC’s digital presence, ensuring consistent and engaging messaging across all platforms.

• Oversee BASIC’s branding and identity development, ensuring consistency across programmes and platforms. This includes: organisational brand asset, image, review and refresh.

• Act as BASIC’s press officer, managing media engagement, journalistic contacts, and public relations.

• Plan and execute BASIC’s website redevelopment strategy, including better functionality for fundraising efforts and overseeing all aspects of website content/management.

• Draft, edit, and manage organisational newsletters using MailChimp/MailerLite, ensuring clear, engaging, and audience-focused content that aligns with BASIC’s communications strategy.

• Provide communications training to staff, fostering a culture of shared responsibility for communications.

• Create promotional materials to advance BASIC’s initiatives.

• Strengthen BASIC’s internal and external communications, ensuring alignment with key stakeholders.

Programme Responsibilities

• Develop and execute tailored communications plans for specific programmes, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and effective audience engagement.

• Collaborate with programme teams to create and distribute engaging content that highlights programme achievements and key messages

• Work with programme teams to define the strategy, vision and purpose of newsletters

• Coordinate programme events (virtual and in-person), in terms of communications outreach to increase visibility and structuring of success stories

• Support the creation of digital content (social media posts, website updates, videos, etc.) to promote programme activities and initiatives

• Assist with publishing programme reports including proofing and providing guidance for branding and imagery 

• Provide communications support for programme fundraising activities

• Monitor and analyse communications impact across programmes, using feedback and data to suggest improvements and ensure messaging is reaching the right audiences

• Help to manage relationships with key stakeholders for each programme by ensuring ongoing engagement and support for programme objectives

• Ensure consistent branding and messaging across all programme communications to maintain coherence with the organisation's overall identity

Person Specification:

Essential:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Marketing, Education, Business, Fundraising)
• 8+ years of working in a communications role
• Knowledge of global security or related issues with linkage to UK policy
• Proven experience in developing and implementing communication strategies aligned with organisational goals and objectives
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to craft clear, compelling messages
• Ability to generate innovative ideas and content that engage target audiences and enhance brand visibility
• Strong networking and stakeholder engagement skills
• Experience in monitoring and evaluating communication impact through media coverage, engagement metrics, and analytics. Ability to evaluate the effectiveness of strategies and identify areas for improvement.
• Strong collaborative skills with the ability to work effectively across teams to ensure consistent messaging and brand representation.
• Keen eye for detail with a commitment to accuracy and quality in all communications materials

Desirable:

• Experience in crisis communications, including drafting statements and managing sensitive issues.

Why Join BASIC?

This is an exciting opportunity to shape the communications strategy of a respected international security think tank. If you are a creative, strategic, and proactive communicator who thrives in a collaborative environment, we’d love to hear from you.