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). 

Do you have experience of planning, developing, and delivering complex, multi-channel marketing campaigns? Could you help to refine our marketing campaigns and enhance results to ensure marketing investment delivers maximum impact?

About the role
We are recruiting for a Regional Fundraising Acquisition Officer to join on a full-time basis, working 35 hours per week on a permanent contract. This is a home-based role, with occasional travel required for in-person team meetings and events.

This is an exciting new opportunity within our team, as Regional Fundraising Acquisition Officer you will lead the delivery, optimisation and continuous improvement of multi-channel marketing campaigns, driving participation across Organise Your Own, Corporate, and Groups and Clubs activities.

Using data, insight and testing, you will identify opportunities to maximise registrations and campaign performance. Your understanding of sector trends will help inform strategy and ensure marketing investment delivers maximum impact. Acting as a subject matter expert, you will embed a test-and-learn approach to continually refine campaigns and enhance results.

In this role, you will collaborate closely with internal teams, external stakeholders and media agencies to brief, manage and optimise campaigns from planning through to execution and evaluation. With a strong focus on performance monitoring, you will deliver clear, insight-driven evaluations and actionable recommendations to shape future activity. By staying ahead of market developments and championing innovation, you will play a key role in evolving our marketing approach and driving best-in-class campaign delivery.

Interviews for this role have been provisionally scheduled to take place via MS Teams on Tuesday 25th and Wednesday 26th August.

About you
Joining us, you’ll have demonstrable experience of planning, developing, and delivering complex, multi-channel marketing campaigns. You’ll also have experience of marketing and communications, including the ability to brief in print, copy, design or market research and experience of working in fundraising products/events.

Crucially, you’ll be able to think strategically and monitor, collect and analyse data to make clear decisions and recommendations. You’ll be proactive with the ability to use your initiative to drive an activity forward or solve problems.

What you’ll focus on:

- Planning, developing and executing marketing campaigns for Alzheimer’s Society Regional Fundraising activity.
- Responsible for campaign KPI performance; meeting registration targets and other key metrics such as CPA.
- Delivering compelling copy, ensuring that all communication is in line with the overall campaign concept and adheres to Brand guidelines.
- Responsible for the production of all marketing collateral for all relevant Regional Fundraising acquisition campaigns.
- Developing and implementing Regional Fundraising marketing across a range of media channels.
- Providing timely and accurate updates on key campaign metrics to senior stakeholders, along with recommendations for improvements.
- Working closely with other teams, including Digital Marketing, Brand and Creative Services to develop campaigns with maximum impact.

About Alzheimer's Society - who are we and what’s our mission?
Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer. One in three people born in the UK today will develop dementia in their lifetime.

At Alzheimer’s Society, we’re the UK’s leading dementia charity and the only one to tackle all aspects of dementia by giving help and hope to people living with dementia today and in the future. We give vital support to people facing the most frightening times of their lives, while also funding ground-breaking research and campaigning to make dementia the priority it should be.

Together with our supporters, we’re working towards a world where dementia no longer devastates lives.

Our values make sure that our focus is clear for the challenges and opportunities ahead and remind us of what we all stand for.

Our commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging
We need to ensure the voices around our table better reflect and understand the communities we exist to serve. We strongly encourage individuals to apply who have a disability, impairment or health condition or individuals who identify as part of a minority ethnic background, as these groups are currently under-represented at Alzheimer's Society.

Our hiring process
We want you to bring your whole self to the process. Applications are anonymised until interview stage, and we’re happy to support any adjustments. Share your feedback via our candidate survey when applying to help us improve. We may close early if we receive high interest (with 48 hours’ notice). Some roles may require a DBS check as part of our safer recruitment commitment. Thinking about using AI during the recruitment process? we know this can be helpful in many ways but remember to include your personal and authentic self too. Your voice and experience are what really set you apart.

Giving back to you
At Alzheimer’s Society, we value our people and take a total reward approach to pay and benefits. You’ll enjoy a generous double-matched pension scheme, 27 days’ annual leave (plus bank holidays and wellbeing days), and access to a free Health Shield Cash Plan, 24/7 EAP, Thrive mental wellbeing support, and virtual GP services. Our Society Plus platform offers exclusive discounts, wellbeing resources, and recognition schemes, while our flexible working, family-friendly policies, and life assurance provide peace of mind and work/life balance. We also offer a free Will-writing service and long service awards to recognise your ongoing commitment.

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.