Personal assistant to director of development and smt jobs

Carers First is a charity that works directly with, and for unpaid carers, providing personalised information, advice and tailored support making it easier for those caring for someone else to continue living their lives to the fullest.

We have a committed, dedicated staff team and you could be just the person we are looking for to join us to make that valuable difference in carer’s lives. We live and work through our values in all that we achieve by being positive, collaborative and ambitious and we have clear plans to scale our reach, support and impact for carers.

About this role

As a Director of Income and Engagement your responsibilities would include: -

• Lead, inspire and manage an integrated Income, Data and Communications Team to diversify and increase income to reach and engage more carers.

• Drive a substantial increase in voluntary income and the charity’s supporter base.

• Lead on communications and campaigns to support delivery of the charity’s strategy. 

• Take an active role as a member of Carers First Leadership Team to shape and implement the charity’s strategy and unlock the whole organisation’s potential.

About you

To be successful in this role you will need -

• Experience in strategic planning with an ability to produce and deliver creative and impactful income generation and communications plans with targets and measures. 

• Demonstrable achievements in planning and delivering significant income growth within a charity, from a diverse range of sources, including trusts and foundations, community fundraising, individual giving, major donors, legacies and corporate partnerships.

• Demonstrable experience in writing compelling, robust and evidence-based proposals and cases for support for funders. 

• Extensive experience of planning and delivering national and local communications/marketing tailored to key audiences, across multiple channels, to increase reach and engagement with key audiences. 

We are looking for passionate people who are committed to the overall aims and objectives of the Charity. Carers First is committed to providing a supportive, vibrant, diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

Carers First can offer you 

In return for your contribution, we have an amazing package of staff benefits including 26 days annual leave entitlement which increases with length of service, flexible working options, paid carers leave, access to our work-place pension, staff discount scheme, employee assistance programme and a Benenden Healthcare package.  Whatever you are aiming to achieve in your career, we are here to encourage, help and support you grow, through our excellent training and development programmes. 

How to apply

To apply for our exciting opportunity and make a real difference to the lives of carers, click on the ‘Apply Now’ button to begin your application. Appointments are subject to Carers First receiving an appropriate disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service that we consider acceptable. 

Interview process 

The closing date for applications is 5pm on 8 August 2025. There will be a two-stage process.

Candidates who have fully evidenced they meet the requirements of the Personal Specification to a satisfactory standard will be long-listed and invited to Stage 1. 

Stage 1: Informal online meeting with the Chief Executive to discuss their application. Please note that applications will be assessed on an ongoing basis and therefore it would be helpful to make an early application. 

Following the informal meeting, candidates will be short-listed and successful candidates will be invited to Stage 2: 

Stage 2: Week commencing 18 August 2025 - formal face-to-face interview in London.  As part of the formal interview, candidates will be asked to give a presentation, and details will be provided in advance. 

Carers First is an Equal Opportunities Employer

Positive      Collaborative      Ambitious

We’re an award-winning charity running local learning centres in the heart of the communities where the young people we support live. Our centres provide a high impact education programme which includes practical learning support, pastoral care, and motivational and confidence-building activities for young people aged 7-18. Our aim is to enable students from the least advantaged neighbourhoods to realise their ambitions and achieve their wonderful potential.

As the UK’s leading university access organisation, our staff team is helping 56,000 young people each year at its 45 learning centres and extension projects across England and Scotland, and we plan to scale-up our provision to 50 centres over the coming years.

We are looking for an experienced Philanthropy Manager (maternity cover) to join our high-performing and talented fundraising team, all of whom have a genuine passion and enthusiasm for our mission to support young people achieve their ambitions.

We have a fantastic and diverse range of philanthropic supporters - from key individual donors through to major philanthropic trusts. As a manager in the Philanthropy team, you will have the opportunity to play a key role in managing and stewarding our current partnerships, and securing new supporters in order to meet and exceed our ambitious fundraising targets. 

The role at a glance

Contract: Fixed-term maternity cover contract (until August 2026). This role can be either full-time or part-time (0.8 FTE) - responsibilities will be adjusted proportionally for part-time candidates.

Start date: As soon as possible, as agreed with candidate

Working hours
09.00 - 17.30

We are a delivery organisation providing frontline educational services for young people. We are an organisation with team members at different stages of their career, including many in their first roles: We are committed to nurturing talent and
providing a developmental culture for all. Our team works in-person 4 days per week with the option of 1 day working from home.

Haven House Children’s Hospice cares for children and young people who have life-limiting or life-threatening conditions across North and East London, West Essex and East Herts. Our mission is to provide the highest quality palliative and holistic care services to children and their families in our local communities.

Since the hospice opened its doors in 2003, it has gone from strength to strength both in terms of the care we provide to children and their families as well as the close bonds we have developed and nurtured with individuals and organisations who are inspired by our work.

This role sits within the High Value partnerships team, working within the Corporate fundraising team, and alongside Philanthropy, Trusts and Grants, and Special Events. It reports into the Assistant Director of IGM/ Head of High Value Partnerships.

The team pride themselves on their fantastic partnerships and results, and it’s a great time to join as they are currently developing a high value strategy, to underpin the organisation wide strategy and the overall IGM strategy.

At Haven House the focus within the Income Generation and Marketing Team is to put the supporter and donor at the centre of everything we do, ensuring they feel inspired by our work and the children and families we support; engaged and committed to our cause and ultimately make a commitment to do something amazing.

We’re looking for an individual who is has the experience, confidence and skills to win new corporate partnerships and manage our current relationships with existing partners to a high standard.

We want someone to join us who loves being part of a hardworking and collaborative team and who is willing to try new things, bring fresh ideas and who has the energy and personal drive to execute them.  

If this role sounds right for you and you have the right skills and experience, please download the job description and apply.

As an employee you will be entitled to the following range of benefits:

· Hybrid office/home based arrangement

· 27 days' annual leave (pro rata)

· Pension scheme (company matches contribution up to 7%)

· Free onsite parking

· Employee Assistance Programme

· Eye care voucher scheme

· Cycle to work scheme

· Life cover (if eligible)

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff to share this commitment. Employment is subject to receipt of satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check.

About The Job

At the Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE), we’re on a mission to tackle the climate emergency and end the suffering caused by cold homes. From community energy projects to national policy work, we support people and organisations across the UK to take practical action and shape a fairer, zero-carbon future.

We’re looking for a Senior IT Manager to help us deliver secure, sustainable and people-focused IT systems, and support more than 140 colleagues to do their best work. If you’re someone who thrives on solving problems, improving processes, and helping others feel confident with tech, this is a role where your skills can make a real impact.

The role

As Senior IT Manager, you will lead on all things IT across CSE and our subsidiary, Retrofit West CIC. From supporting staff day-to-day to managing our infrastructure and external support partner, you will ensure our systems are secure, fit for purpose, and evolving with our needs.

You will sit within the Finance & Operations team and be part of CSE’s Senior Management Team (SMT), working closely with our Director of Finance & Operations. While you won’t directly manage staff, you will collaborate with the Operations Officers and support colleagues across every part of the organisation.

Your responsibilities will include:

· Managing our internal IT systems, tools and infrastructure.

· Being the main contact for our external IT support provider.

· Supporting colleagues with advice, onboarding, and day-to-day tech issues.

· Acting as CSE’s effective Data Protection Officer (training provided).

· Maintaining cyber security and overseeing our Cyber Essentials compliance.

· Supporting our bespoke in-house databases and CRM systems.

· Advising on IT procurement and platform decisions.

· Contributing to business continuity planning and risk management.

· Promoting sustainability and best practice across IT operations.

· This is a practical, hands-on role where you’ll help us run smoothly, safely, and sustainably - while also contributing to longer-term planning and improvements.

Who you are

You are calm under pressure, process-minded, and focused on making things work better. You enjoy working across teams, finding simple solutions to complex problems, and supporting others to use technology with confidence.

You will bring:

· Experience managing IT systems, infrastructure and external providers.

· Working knowledge of GDPR and cyber security best practice.

· Familiarity with platforms such as Microsoft 365, SharePoint, and cloud services.

· Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage risk and prioritise effectively.

· A people-focused approach- patient, clear and collaborative.

What success looks like in this role

This role is central to keeping our systems secure, stable and supportive of colleagues across CSE. We are looking for someone who can confidently take ownership, work independently, and continuously improve how we deliver IT.

In the first 6–12 months, success might include:

· A clear, well-documented overview of CSE’s IT systems and infrastructure.

· Smooth and reliable day-to-day IT support across the organisation, with positive feedback from staff.

· Effective working relationship with our external IT provider, with clear processes and expectations in place.

· Cyber Essentials accreditation maintained and compliance confidently overseen.

· Risks, dependencies and continuity plans identified and managed.

· Practical support provided to colleagues across departments, especially around internal databases and platforms.

· Recommendations in place for any long-term system or hardware improvements.

We are looking for someone who can build on strong foundations, while helping us work smarter and stay secure as we grow.

About us

CSE is a national charity based in Bristol with a clear mission: to tackle the climate emergency and end the suffering caused by cold homes. We believe in a future where everyone can live in a warm, healthy home powered by a fair and sustainable energy system - and we work with people, organisations and communities to help make that a reality.

Our team of over 140 staff brings together a wide range of expertise, from energy advice and community engagement to software development, data science and policy advocacy. We collaborate across teams and disciplines to deliver practical change, and we’re proud of our independence, integrity and commitment to social justice.

We’re always looking for people who care deeply about social and environmental justice and who enjoy working collaboratively to make practical change happen.

What we offer

Working at CSE means being part of a supportive, purpose-driven team, where your skills contribute to real social and environmental change. We offer:

· Salary: £47,508 – £55,953 (Salary Grade I)*

· Pension: Ethical company pension scheme - 8% employer / 6% employee contributions

· Holiday: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

· Flexibility: TOIL (time off in lieu) for out-of-hours work, and flexibility to support work–life balance (role dependent)

· A commitment to supporting your career progression and continued development

· A range of staff-led groups, including our Employee Voice and EDI working group

Wellbeing:

o Health Cash Plan

o Life Assurance

o Enhanced sick pay

o Access to retail discounts and discounted breakdown cover

o Employee support programme

o Staff activities like yoga at lunch and a book club

Financial support & lifestyle benefits:

o Tech Scheme

o Cycle to Work Scheme (promoting sustainable commuting)

 A values-led workplace:

o Friendly, collaborative team culture

o Purpose-driven work that supports people and the planet

o We are a Living Wage Employer and a Disability Confident Employer

* The salary for the post will be on Scale I (£47,508– £55,953). Starting salary is expected to be at the lower end of the range with precise level depending on skills, relevant experience, and qualifications.  A suitably qualified and experienced applicant should expect to find themselves closer to the middle of the range following successful completion of their 6-month probationary period.  Subsequent movement is dependent on annual appraised performance against the defined job description for the post.

Our office is based in central Bristol, close to public transport links.

Our culture and values

At CSE, our values shape how we work together and with others. We look for these qualities in all our staff and expect them to guide day-to-day work and relationships. These include:

Commitment to CSE: Reflecting our charitable purpose, vision and strategic objectives in your work, and contributing to a culture where everyone feels welcomed, valued and able to belong.

Collaboration: Sharing knowledge and experience generously, valuing others’ contributions, and communicating with openness and respect.

Conscientiousness: Taking responsibility for your work, delivering to the best of your ability, and working to improve while caring for CSE’s resources and reputation.

Initiative: Looking for ways to improve outcomes, solve problems and try new approaches, while responding flexibly to change and supporting others to do the same.

Application procedure

To apply, please complete CSE’s application form, available at our website. We will also consider CVs (maximum 3 pages) accompanied by a supporting letter, if preferred. However, all applications should clearly demonstrate how your skills and experience meet the person specification outlined in the job description. CSE anonymises all applications prior to shortlisting.

Application deadline: 9am, Monday 28th July 2025

If you do not hear from us by the 6th of August 2025, please assume your application has not been successful.

Interviews:

Initial online interviews will take place during the week commencing Monday 4th August 2025.

Candidates invited to a second round will be interviewed in person at our Bristol offices during the week commencing Monday 11th August 2025. 

Applications should be sent:

By email to our jobs @ cse .org .uk email

By post to: Reception, Centre for Sustainable Energy, St James Court, St James Parade, Bristol BS1 3LH

If you require any reasonable adjustments to take part in the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials or accessible meeting spaces), please let us know and we’ll be happy to accommodate your needs.

CSE is committed to being an inclusive, diverse and non-judgmental workplace. We welcome applications from everyone, regardless of background or identity. We particularly encourage applications from people whose experiences or communities are underrepresented in our organisation or the wider workforce - including people from racially or ethnically minoritised backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQ+ people, and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

We know that people sometimes hesitate to apply for roles unless they meet every requirement. If this role excites you but you’re not sure you meet every single point in the person specification, we’d still love to hear from you.

Please note that at this time we do not require assistance from recruitment agencies.

We are looking for a passionate and ambitious Head of Fundraising to lead and grow our voluntary income. Your focus will span the full range of fundraising activities, from statutory and trust funding to developing and increasing income across major donor giving, legacies, corporate partnerships, and individual giving.

This role offers an opportunity to shape how we communicate our value to funders and supporters, build long-term partnerships that reflect our mission, and grow a culture of income awareness across the organisation. It is a fantastic opportunity for an existing Head of Fundraising, or someone who feels ready to take the next step in their career and play a key role in shaping the future of our fundraising strategy.

As Head of Fundraising, you will work closely with the CEO and senior leadership team to increase philanthropic support and voluntary income. You’ll lead our efforts to diversify and grow income streams – securing support from individuals, corporates, and other partners – with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and long-term impact. You’ll be part of an organisation where you can see the direct effect of your work on the services we deliver to keep children safe.

You will lead and support a small team, bring fresh thinking and strong relationship-building skills, and work closely with project leads to ensure our funding reflects real needs and delivers real impact. You will be able to combine strategic and commercial awareness, with hands-on delivery.

This role will give you the opportunity and responsibility to build on our successful fundraising and extend our appeal to new donors as well as maintain our existing supporters. You will need demonstrable fundraising experience and the ability to work confidently as a strategic thinker as well as a practical fundraiser. You will come with strong ideas and skills to implement them.

If you’re driven by making a difference – especially, in the field of child protection and want to bring your fundraising leadership to a mission that matters, we’d love to hear from you.

What you’ll get from us

We offer hybrid working, with a minimum of 2 days in the office after one month in the position, a NEST pension, 33 days’ annual leave rising to 38 days (inclusive of statutory bank holidays following qualifying period), up to 5 days’ learning and development per year, flu jabs, eye tests, charity discounts, an employee assistance programme and the option of Benenden medical cover. We are proud to partner with the Living Wage Foundation and be an accredited employer of choice.

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and protecting the vulnerable adults, children and young people that we work with. As such, all posts are subject to a safer recruitment process including the disclosure of criminal records and vetting checks. We ensure that we have a range of policies and procedures in place which promote safeguarding and safer working practices across our services.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

We believe in creating a positive environment where our differences are respected and each of us feels valued for our contribution. Showing respect and consideration to all is part of our values and at the core of our culture.

As an inclusive employer, all qualified candidates will be considered regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or belief, age, socioeconomic background, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity and caring responsibilities, marital status, nationality and disability including invisible disabilities and neurodiversity. As part of our safer recruitment process, we actively remove bias from applications i.e. applications are anonymised prior to sharing with the recruiting panel and equal opportunity monitoring forms are removed from applications on receipt and retained by HR for analysis reporting.

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