Planning and reporting manager jobs in alexandria, west dunbartonshire council
Senior External Affairs Adviser
Contract type: Fixed Term Contract (12 months)
Full time: 34.5 hours, we are open to a conversation about how you work these hours
Location: Home based
Salary range: £43,000 - £48,000
About us
At Macmillan you'll find talented people working together to do whatever it takes to support people living with cancer. We're going all out to find even better ways to help even more people who need our support. Our values are at the heart of who we are and everything we do, inspiring our thinking and guiding our actions.
Our new organisational strategy sets out how we’ll fight even harder to make every pound raised count for even more. With your help, we’ll transform cancer care for good.
About the role
Join Macmillan Cancer Support as a Senior External Affairs Adviser, where you will play a vital role in shaping and delivering impactful change propositions and external affairs strategies across the UK. Your work will focus on delivering at-scale change for people with cancer, particularly the most marginalised groups.
Key responsibilities:
- Provide senior-level advice to develop external affairs strategies aligned with Macmillan’s mission.
- Lead cross-functional external affairs projects that are evidence-based and impactful.
- Develop and manage relationships with political stakeholders, policymakers, civil servants and healthcare providers.
- Provide high-quality insight and briefings to senior colleagues on the political landscape, and what the external opportunities and risks are.
- Anticipate shifts within the external environment and adapt approaches to maintain our relevance and influence.
- Collaborate with teams to ensure policy positions are strategic and evidence-based.
- Represent Macmillan at external events, advocating for improvements in cancer care.
- Coordinate campaigns to influence public policy and funding decisions.
About you
The successful candidate will have...
- Proven ability to manage complex and sensitive external contexts, making sound judgements on tone and messaging.
- Strong understanding of operating within a four-nations context and engaging with diverse stakeholders, including senior politicians and civil servants.
- Expertise in analysing complex policy issues and developing impactful, evidence-based policy positions.
- Strong organisational skills and flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and emerging issues.
- Excellent communication skills which are adaptable for external and internal audiences.
- Experience of working in multi-disciplinary teams or on multi-disciplinary projects.
Recruitment process
Application deadline: 23:59 on Tuesday 16th December 2025
Interview date: Virtual interviews will be held on 8th January 2026
To ensure fairness and consistency to select the best candidate for this role, all our applications are anonymised up until an interview has been confirmed.
So we can support you to be your best during the application or interview process, please contact Macmillan's TA Team for advice and reasonable adjustments.
We welcome applications from everyone who meet the criteria and strongly encourage individuals to apply who have a disability, impairment or health condition or individuals who identify as Black, Asian or from another minority ethnic background, as these groups are currently under-represented at Macmillan. Our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy along with our internal employee representation body, ‘Our Voice’ and 8 Employee Network groups help us promote fairness and belonging, becoming an engaged and inclusive organisation for all our people.
At Macmillan you'll find talented people working together to do whatever it takes to support people living with cancer.


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Summary
EduSpots is an innovative, dynamic, and community-orientated UK and Ghanaian registered charity which connects, trains, and equips grassroots voluntary educators (named ‘Catalysts’) to drive community-led change through education spaces named ‘Spots’. Our vision is of a world in which communities unite to create the futures they want to see, through education.
Since 2016, through collaborating with over 400 local voluntary community educators and actors – named ‘Catalysts’ – who take a central leadership role in the development of the network, we have supported 50 communities in creating and running community-led and owned education spaces named ‘Spots’’. Together, we are developing a model for a community-led education space with accompanying network engagement that could have global relevance.
Our Ghana-based team creates collaborative learning opportunities through three leadership programmes for Catalysts which are increasingly facilitated by the EduSpots app: the Ignite, Catalyse and Inspire Mentoring Programmes. These enable the Catalysts to lead EduKidz (early years education), DigLit (digital literacy), EcoSTEM (STEM and environmental education) and Ignite Equity (gender equity) clubs for learners typically aged 3-16, alongside locally designed education projects, reaching over 10,000 learners of all ages annually.
We are in an exciting period of our development, having more than doubled our income, programme breadth and reach in the last two years, with a recent independent evaluation by Expectation State offering further evidence in support of our model’s outcomes. We have been recently selected for two accelerator programmes, who are supporting us as we consider the scaling potential of our model. In the period, we are aiming to double our network reach, bringing an additional 50 Spots into the network.
We won the Tes International Award in 2018 and the Big Give Supporters’ Choice Award in 2022, and we were recently selected as a finalist for the 2023 Their World Scale-Up Innovation Prize. In 2021, our Founder was a Finalist in the UNESCO-backed $1 million Global Teacher Prize.
We are excited by our future.
About this role
The Global Head of Operations is a new role being introduced in 2026 with the core purpose of strengthening systems, processes and strategic delivery across both EduSpots Global and EduSpots Ghana, offering hands-on support to the CEO and wider staff across a range of areas.
In this senior role, you will work closely alongside the CEO, offering her the advice and skills needed to move EduSpots successfully through a complex period of growth in a challenging fundraising context, enabling more learners and Catalysts to participate in a unique community-led model of education, whilst sharing our practice more widely.
We are looking for an organised and empathetic strategic leader, ideally with strong or developing skills across project management, finance, HR and MEL skills and an ability to work independently in a fast moving work environment.
This role has the potential to grow into a Director of Global Operations or Deputy CEO role in time for outstanding candidates, and carries significant organisation-wide responsibility.
Candidates should hold a genuine passion for educational equity, a strong belief in the power of community-led models to transform lives at scale and a high level of flexibility in a fast-changing yet friendly and playful work environment.
Whilst this role is remote, and open to all global candidates, you will need to have understanding and experience of UK law, accounting and policy development, or a strong appetite to build experience in this area quickly.
Main duties and responsibilities
Systems
- Work with the CEO and staff to proactively strengthen systems and processes across the organisation, including monitoring, evaluation and learning frameworks and operations.
- Support the wider team with IT, including general skill development, leading the Google Space system.
- Monitor compliance to organisational policies and lead the quarterly review of the organisational risk register, working with the Ghana Head of Operations.
Finance
- Work with the Finance and Admin Officer to produce monthly and quarterly global management accounts, cash flow analysis and to complete the annual audit.
- Lead the financial planning of the organisation, working with the CEO and the Ghana Head of Operations to create the annual budget.
- Work with the Ghana Head of Operations to strengthen financial systems, processes, and training across the organisation.
- Work with the Ghana Head of Operations to prepare budgets for funding bids as needed.
- Work with the grants team to track grant spending and produce consolidated financial reports (including expenditure from the UK and Ghana) for donors.
- Ensure EduSpots’ new accounting software (QuickBooks) is fully embedded and utilised.
- Oversee bank account management, including payments, checking bank statements, and reviewing bank reconciliations for UK and Ghana.
- Ensure staff payroll (likely to be outsourced) and payments to freelancers / consultants are done accurately and in a timely manner.
HR
- Work alongside the CEO, Head of Operations, Safeguarding and Inclusion Managers and wider staff to develop strategies to sustain and strengthen a high performing and friendly work culture.
- Work across the team to strengthen HR and performance management structures, informed by best practice and legal frameworks.
- Lead the recruitment of staff, consultants and volunteers in the UK (advertising roles, drafting contracts, contacting referees and completing all filing and administration relating to recruitment).
- Onboard new staff, provide training on policies and procedures, and track key information (leave, appraisals, etc) for UK staff.
- Regularly review and keep the Staff Handbook up to date.
- Depending on skill-set, work with the CEO to lead professional development for staff across the organisation, liaising with trustees and advisory group members.
Administration & Governance
- Manage and maintain databases and our Google Drive system.
- Ensure compliance with GDPR and adherence to our child safeguarding and protection policy.
- Maintain insurance renewals, tracking and filing.
- Review and keep up to date all organisational policies in line with current legislation, working with the Trustees and Directors.
- Assist the CEO in the administration relating to EduSpots’ governance, including board meeting arrangements and minute taking.
- Support the CEO in all ad-hoc tasks that arise, working closely alongside her to ensure the smooth running of the organisation.
Strategic insight
- Work closely with the CEO and staff/Catalysts across the organisation to ensure all EduSpots’ decision-making is strategic and in the best interests of the Catalysts, Sparks and Communities we partner with.
Other areas
- Depending on experience, you may in time take on management responsibilities for some staff, but this role is principally a systems strengthening and quality improvement role, working closely with the CEO to offer advice and additional capacity.
- Depending on experience, you may support with grants writing / management and/or community fundraising. Experience of fundraising would be of significant benefit to the organisation in this key leadership role.
Personal Specification
Essential
- Minimum of 7 years’ experience of operations in a small/medium charity context.
- Self-starter with the ability to hit the ground running and work with minimal supervision with high levels of flexibility.
- Self-motivated, with an ability to motivate and energise others.
- High level strategic understanding, critical thinking and the ability to strengthen systems in a fast-paced high performance environment.
- Excellent communication, both oral and written.
- The ability to thrive and adapt in a fast-paced, creative and impact-driven culture.
- Strong administrative skills with a high level of attention to detail.
- Experience in creating user-friendly tools and processes to support project and quality management.
- Experience using Google Suite, with strong Excel skills.
- Tech savvy – ability to learn new tech tools efficiently.
- Experience coordinating others.
- Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills with strong empathy and cultural sensitivity
- Strong personal alignment with the mission, vision and values of EduSpots.
Highly desirable
- Experience supporting charity Boards, and working with external bodies including auditors, tax authorities, and other official bodies is highly desirable.
- Experience complying and strong familiarity with UK charity regulations and requirements.
- Experience preparing budgets and financial reports for donors/grants.
- Experience of working in a cross-cultural team.
- Experience of working with an international charity would be advantageous.
Please send a tailored covering letter and CV addressed to the CEO Miss Cat Davison by Wednesday 31st December with a hope to meet shortlisted candidates for a first-round interview in the week starting Monday 12th January.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Terms: 0.6 FTE, 3 days per week; one year contract, with possibility for extension
Salary: £24,000 - £38,000 per annum, depending on experience
Location:Remote working
Start Date:As soon as possible
Line Manager:Communications Manager
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, an adherence to Earth’s planetary boundaries, and the consideration of future generations
For nearly 40 years, we have developed a global reputation for groundbreaking dialogue and incisive thought leadership to strengthen international peace and security. We comprise an intellectually and culturally diverse team of 20 expert-practitioners with deep and wide-ranging 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 in which to work, with an exceptionally-positive and inclusive team culture. We have experienced rapid growth over the past decade, and we 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
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Competitive salary with room for growth
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30 days annual leave (pro rata), plus bank holidays and closure days over the December festive period
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Employer pension contributions of 5% (above the national minimum)
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Flexible working arrangements, with set days (Wednesdays required) but flexibility on hours
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Remote working with option to use co-working space
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1-2 all-staff in-person team away day per year, as well as other in-person working opportunities
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Opportunities for professional growth and development
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Excellent team culture built on respect, openness, and inclusion
The Role
BASIC is seeking a Digital Communications Officer with exceptional design sensibility and meticulous attention to detail. This role is responsible for maintaining and enhancing the organisation's digital presence through clear, consistent, and effective communication with key audiences. The Digital Communications Officer will support the implementation of strategic communication objectives, promote organisational priorities, and uphold the integrity and professionalism of BASIC's online profile.
Reporting to the Communications Manager and working closely with BASIC's programme teams, the postholder will develop, deliver, and analyse the impact of digital content across our online platforms — including BASIC's website and microsites, social media channels (LinkedIn, X/Twitter, BlueSky), and email communications.
Essential Requirements
The ideal candidate will be a fluent English speaker with strong copy-editing and proofreading skills. Professional-grade capabilities in graphic design, web design, newsletter software, and audio/video production are essential for creating compelling online content. We are looking for someone who combines technical fluency with creative flair and storytelling, and who understands how to engage diverse audiences across multiple digital platforms.
Key Responsibilities:
Digital Strategy and Content Management
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Work with the Communications Manager to develop, maintain, and refine BASIC's digital communications strategy and associated workplans
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Ensure consistency in the presentation of programme communications strategies and accessibility for all staff
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Monitor and evaluate the impact of communications activities, identifying successes, lessons learned, and opportunities for improvement
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Prepare communications plans for conferences, speaking engagements, international engagements, and campaigns
Website and Digital Platforms
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Commission, edit, and publish articles and commentaries for BASIC's website
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Maintain and update BASIC's website, microsites, and online presence (including Wikipedia and directory listings)
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Ensure all digital content is accurate, well-formatted, proofread, and on-brand
Social Media Management
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Develop and maintain a content calendar for BASIC's social media accounts (LinkedIn, BlueSky, X/Twitter)
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Create engaging, visually compelling, and timely social media content that advances BASIC's communications objectives
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Monitor social media engagement and use analytics to inform strategy
Email Communications and Newsletters
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Produce BASIC's regular newsletters, ensuring they are newsworthy, well-designed, and properly formatted
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Develop compelling headlines and select impactful imagery
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Use graphic design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite) to enhance visual appeal
Media Relations Support
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Develop, maintain, and update media contact lists and databases
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Work with the Communications Manager to document and refine media engagement processes
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Prepare press releases, ensuring they are compelling, accurate, and properly formatted
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Compile monthly digests of nuclear policy and security-related media coverage (as required)
Content Creation and Design
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Create visual, audio, and video content using professional-grade tools to tell BASIC's story effectively
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Ensure all imagery is well-cropped, edited, and appropriately branded
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Liaise with staff to identify the most impactful content for external communications
Additional Responsibilities (as required)
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Prepare programme Q&As, one-pagers, briefing notes, and key messages
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Support organisation of media training sessions
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Liaise with external contributors for website content
Please note: This list is not exhaustive. Other tasks may be required as they arise.
Person Specification
Essential:
- Degree in marketing, visual communications, journalism, or related field, or equivalent professional experience
- Proven experience in a digital communications or media role
- Experience in audio-visual storytelling such as video work or podcasting
- Excellent written and spoken English, with strong copy-editing and proofreading skills
- Professional-grade skills in graphic design, web design, and audio/video production
- Demonstrated ability to manage websites, social media channels, and digital campaigns
- Strong analytical skills, including experience using digital analytics to inform strategy
- Familiarity with email marketing or CRM platforms (e.g., Mailchimp)
- Technically fluent, with creative and storytelling flair
- Highly organised, collaborative, and attentive to detail
- Ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Desirable:
- Postgraduate qualification in a relevant field
- Experience working in a think tank, NGO, research, or public policy organisation
- Experience in media relations or crisis communications
- Knowledge of global security, defence, or nuclear policy issues
Working to safeguard humanity and Earth’s ecosystem from nuclear risks and interconnected security threats
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Job summary
The Head of Services and Support is a key role at Bowel Cancer UK, leading the delivery of our patient support services. We currently provide high-quality support, but we know we need to do even more - reach more people and have an even greater impact.
The Head of Services and Support will lead the development and delivery of our patient support services. This is a pivotal role with key areas of focus:
- Drive innovation in patient support.
- Expand our reach and accessibility to ensure no one faces bowel cancer alone.
- Build strong partnerships with stakeholders.
- Champion technology and digital solutions to enhance service delivery.
You’ll work closely with the Director (Senior Leadership Team), your colleagues on the Extended Leadership Team and your services team to set strategic direction and ensure our services are impactful, inclusive, and evidence based.
Applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted on a rolling basis.
We’re the UK’s leading bowel cancer charity. We’re determined to save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by bowel cancer.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.