Participation development officer jobs in Leeds

The Communications and Research Officer is a new post designed to help bridge the gap between the research and campaigning work of Drone Wars UK and our supporters and the general public. The role is split 50/50 between communications and research. The communications element combines social media activity, website content creation and email communications, helping to ensure our messages are communicated clearly, consistently and creatively across a range of channels.  The research element consists of undertaking a number of short-term specific research projects alongside participation in on-going longer-term research work.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys creating engaging content as well as undertaking in-depth investigations that contribute to positive social change. In addition, the person appointed will take an active role in the forthcoming strategic review shaping the organisation’s work over the next few years.

Job Description

Communications

• To be responsible for Drone Wars UK’s website, managing regular content updates and improving the content, layout and structure.
• To schedule social media content and manage social media accounts to increase engagement and reach.
• To use appropriate design tools in the creation of content for website and all digital and public facing channels.
• To undertake email campaigns in conjunction with the staff team to promote our work and increase participation in events.
• To participate in engagement with legacy and new media alongside other members of the staff team in order to promote the work and campaign aims of Drone Wars UK.
• To undertake appropriate speaking engagements on behalf of DWUK.

Research

• To undertake specific pieces of research into the use of armed drones, autonomous weapons and the militarisation of space as agreed with the Director.
• To write and produce accessible reports, articles and briefings based on the research undertaken.
• To write appropriate copy for the website.
• To contribute to on-going research work by keeping abreast of new and emerging military technologies.
• To contribute to maintaining the Drone Wars UK internal information database 

General

•  To work collaboratively with the staff team to set priorities and to develop existing and future research projects and campaigns.
• To network with other communicators, researchers and campaigners working on these issues in relevant organisations. 
• To undertake tasks as directed by the Director to ensure the smooth running of the organisation.
• To participate in campaign activity to limit the harms caused by armed drones, autonomous weapons and the militarisation of space.

Person Specification

Knowledge and Experience

• A degree, preferably to Master’s level, or equivalent experience in a subject area relevant to the post (Essential).
• Three years experience of engaging in research work, preferably in the peace and security/human rights sector or similar field (Essential).
• Commitment to the aims and objectives of Drone Wars UK (Essential) 
• Demonstrable ability to write and express thoughts and positions clearly, succinctly and accurately in English in a variety of formats, including major reports (Essential).
• Hands-on experience of managing websites (WordPress) and utilising social media, email marketing platforms, and varied digital tools to drive engagement (Essential). 

Skills and Attributes

• Understanding of the on-going legal and ethical debate around the use of armed drones, autonomous weapons and/or militarisation of space (Essential).
• Ability to manage workloads and professional duties without day-to-day managerial oversight (Essential) 
• The right to work in the UK (Essential)
• Understanding of and commitment to equal opportunities (Essential). 
• Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team (Essential).
• Experience in engaging with legacy and new media to promote campaign objectives (Desirable). 
• Familiarity with national and international security issues and institutions (Desirable).
• Willingness to learn new skills and work co-operatively with others to build strong campaigns (Desirable). 

The successful candidate will lead the delivery and development of Brake's fundraising events programme, driving participation, engagement and income generation. The portfolio includes Brake's flagship fundraising events, such as The Big Tea Brake and annual black-tie dinner, a series of digital fundraising challenges, and the management of third-party challenge events.

The role is responsible for creating exceptional supporter experiences, growing event income and building lasting relationships with participants, sponsors and stakeholders to help raise vital funds for Brake's work supporting road crash victims and campaigning for safer roads.

You are an experienced events professional with a track record of planning, delivering and growing successful fundraising events. You are confident managing multiple projects simultaneously, balancing competing priorities and delivering high-quality events that achieve participation, income and engagement objectives.

You enjoy working collaboratively with colleagues, supporters and external partners, while also being confident working independently and using your own initiative. You are highly organised, solutions-focused and resilient, with the ability to adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment. You are motivated by achieving results and continuously improving event performance through insight, innovation and excellent supporter experiences.

You bring: 

• A minimum of 2 years’ experience of working in event delivery in a fast paced, target driven environment
• Experience of planning, delivering and evaluating multiple events simultaneously, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget and to a high standard;
• Experience of fundraising events, challenge events or participation-based campaigns, with a focus on achieving income and participation targets;
• Experience of using data, reporting and insight to monitor performance, identify opportunities and improve results;
• An understanding of supporter stewardship and the ability to deliver excellent participant experiences that encourage fundraising and repeat engagement;
• Excellent communication, relationship-building and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively both internally and externally;
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines;
• Resilience and adaptability, with a proactive, solutions-focused approach to overcoming challenges;
• A commercial mindset, with the ability to maximise income, manage budgets and demonstrate return on investment;
• Strong negotiation skills and confidence when working with venues, suppliers, contractors and external partners;
• Experience of using CRM systems and other digital tools to manage data, reporting and supporter communications;
• A collaborative team-player who contributes positively to shared objectives and organisational success.

Take a look the the full job description attached.

Digital Service Manager

We are seeking an experienced Digital Service Manager to lead the delivery, governance and improvement of high-volume digital services that support democratic participation.

Position: Digital Service Manager
Salary: £45,000 to £55,000 per annum (FTE)
Location: Remote, UK based
Hours: Full-time
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: Friday 7 August 2026

About the Role

mySociety is looking for a Digital Service Manager to oversee the day-to-day running and development of its online services, including WhatDoTheyKnow, FixMyStreet, TheyWorkForYou and WriteToThem.

This is a varied role combining operational service management, user support, governance, risk management and continuous improvement. You will ensure services run effectively, support users, manage complex issues and work collaboratively with teams and stakeholders to improve digital services that create meaningful social impact.

Key responsibilities include:

· Managing complex and high-volume digital services, ensuring excellent user support

· Overseeing escalations, priority cases and rights-based requests including GDPR related matters

· Maintaining policies, processes and governance standards across services

· Managing service risk, reporting and compliance with relevant legislation

· Identifying opportunities to improve user experience and service delivery

· Supporting and developing a User Support Officer and working alongside volunteers

You will join a fully remote, digital-first team, with opportunities to meet colleagues face to face at quarterly team meetings.

About You

You will have experience managing complex digital services and the ability to make effective decisions in fast-moving environments.

You will bring:

· Experience managing user-focused digital services

· Strong understanding of GDPR and information rights requests

· Knowledge or experience of Freedom of Information, media law or online community moderation

· Excellent organisational, problem-solving and communication skills

· Experience improving processes and delivering high-quality services

· The ability to work effectively within a remote and geographically distributed team

You will be proactive, collaborative and passionate about using technology to improve access, participation and positive change.

About the Organisation

mySociety is a small, purposeful charity creating and running digital services that break down barriers to democratic participation. Through its platforms, the organisation helps people access information, engage with decision makers and take action on issues that matter.

The organisation is committed to creating an inclusive team and welcomes applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.

Other roles you may have experience of could include Digital Product Manager, Service Delivery Manager, Digital Operations Manager, User Support Manager, Digital Services Lead, Product Operations Manager, Digital Programme Manager.

THINK is expanding our Data function and looking for find a Data Consultant who can help achieve that growth.

THINK Data is the specialist data function of THINK, working exclusively in the charity and not-for-profit sector. We combine deep sector knowledge with hands-on technical expertise across three core areas: data health, analytics and insight, and CRM system challenges. 

Led by the Director of THINK Data, the team covers key elements of data strategy with charity clients to help them get more from their data and make better decisions. Discovering the challenges around the infrastructure of systems, processes and insight capability charities need to make data work harder for their mission. The Director leads on new business generation, team development, innovation in data products and thought leadership across the sector. Part of that innovation is exploring the best ways to use AI in how we work and how we advise clients, taking a considered and human approach. 

The Data Consultant role centres on data discovery and consultancy - working with charity clients to understand their data challenges and shape practical roadmaps for change. Alongside this you will contribute to client delivery, own key internal systems, and help develop new products and services. 

This is an opportunity to grow. We are looking for a driven, ambitious individual with a background in charity fundraising and experience in data analysis and management, who is ready to take a step up into consultancy. The role offers a clear path to develop from Data Consultant to Senior Data Consultant, with the potential over time to progress towards Data Director. The right person will help shape the future of THINK Data and grow as the function grows. 

To apply please follow the guidance in the Candidate Pack. Informal calls with Steve White, Director of THINK Data or Matt Smith, Managing Director of THINK are available upon request.