Policy and public affairs officer jobs
Team: Advocacy
Location: Remote with regular travel across Wales and UK - Must be a commutable distance to Cardiff
Work pattern: Mon-Fri, 7 hours per day. Occasional weekend or evening hours required
Salary: Up to £37,565.95 per year
Contract: Permanent
We are the UK’s largest cat welfare charity. All over the country, our passionate employees, volunteers and supporters are using their kindness and expertise to make life better for millions of cats and the people who care for them.
Will you join us and make life better for cats?
Responsibilities of our Advocacy and Government Relations Officer for Wales:
- Lead engagement with the Welsh Government and MSs
- Support engagement with the UK Parliament
- Monitor parliamentary activity daily and conducting online research
- Preparing position statements and responses to external policy developments
- Developing public-facing charity campaigns including online resources, organising events and delivering presentations
- Media spokesperson for Cats Protection
About the Advocacy team:
You will be working as part of the Advocacy & Government Relations team in the Advocacy & Influence Directorate. The team is made up of 11 members who work across the whole of the UK speaking up for cats. Our campaigns change laws to better protect the health and welfare of cats.
What we’re looking for in our Advocacy and Government Relations Officer for Wales:
- Experience of advocacy, public affairs or influencing work (which may include campaigns), ideally in Wales
- Lives within a commutable distance of Cardiff or willing to relocate to the area
- Experience of policy work and research
- Experience of dealing with high profile/ VIP individuals e.g. Ministers, MSs, MPs, MSPs, MLAs, Government Officials, Local Councillors and officers, corporate executives; professional organisations
- Proven ability to multi-task and work independently on own initiative, accurately and under pressure
- Resilience and an ability to deal with potentially upsetting topics
- Experience of effective use of social media and the internet in an advocacy/campaign context
- A confident communicator with good written and oral skills; and great people skills
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to be flexible and adaptable
- Intermediate skills using Microsoft Office – Teams, Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint
What we can offer you:
- range of health benefits
- 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with length of service
- Salary Finance, which empowers you to take control of your financial wellbeing
- Access to a wide range of internal and external learning and development opportunities
- A friendly and supportive team
- We are happy to wait for the right candidate, please still consider applying if you have several months’ notice period
- and much more, which you can learn about
Application closing date: 11th February 2026
Virtual interview date: 19th & 20th February 2026
Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment. Please note, applications received after the closing date may not be responded to.
If successful, your recruitment journey will include:
1. Anonymised application form
2. Video screening
3. Virtual interview
Please note, the process may change slightly dependent on application numbers. We will inform you of any relevant changes.
Please email us if you require any adjustments to be made for you to complete your application or to participate in the recruitment journey.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
Team: Advocacy
Location: Remote with regular travel - Must be a commutable distance to Edinburgh or Belfast
Work pattern: Mon-Fri, 7 hours per day. Occasional weekend or evening hours required
Salary: Up to £37,565.95 per year
Contract: Permanent
We are the UK’s largest cat welfare charity. All over the country, our passionate employees, volunteers and supporters are using their kindness and expertise to make life better for millions of cats and the people who care for them.
Will you join us and make life better for cats?
Responsibilities of our Advocacy and Government Relations Officer for Scotland/Northern Ireland:
- This role will cover both Scotland and Northern Ireland, the successful candidate will need to be able to travel between the two nations
- Lead engagement with the Scottish Government, the Northern Irish Executive, UK and local Government
- Support engagement with the UK Parliament
- Monitor parliamentary activity daily and conducting online research
- Preparing position statements and responses to external policy developments
- Developing public-facing charity campaigns including online resources, organising events and delivering presentations
- Media spokesperson for Cats Protection
About the Advocacy team:
You will be working as part of the Advocacy & Government Relations team in the Advocacy & Influence Directorate. The team is made up of 11 members who work across the whole of the UK speaking up for cats. Our campaigns change laws to better protect the health and welfare of cats.
What we’re looking for in our Advocacy and Government Relations Officer for Scotland/Northern Ireland:
- Experience of advocacy, public affairs or influencing work (which may include campaigns), ideally in Scotland/Northern Ireland
- Lives within a commutable distance of Edinburgh or Belfast or willing to relocate to the area
- Experience of policy work and research
- Experience of dealing with high profile/ VIP individuals e.g. Ministers, MSs, MPs, MSPs, MLAs, Government Officials, Local Councillors and officers, corporate executives; professional organisations
- Proven ability to multi-task and work independently on own initiative, accurately and under pressure
- Resilience and an ability to deal with potentially upsetting topics
- Experience of effective use of social media and the internet in an advocacy/campaign context
- A confident communicator with good written and oral skills; and great people skills
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to be flexible and adaptable
- Intermediate skills using Microsoft Office – Teams, Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint
What we can offer you:
- range of health benefits
- 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with length of service
- Salary Finance, which empowers you to take control of your financial wellbeing
- Access to a wide range of internal and external learning and development opportunities
- A friendly and supportive team
- We are happy to wait for the right candidate, please still consider applying if you have several months’ notice period
- and much more, which you can learn about
Application closing date: 11th February 2026
Virtual interview date: 5th & 6th March 2026
Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment. Please note, applications received after the closing date may not be responded to.
If successful, your recruitment journey will include:
1. Anonymised application form
2. Video screening
3. Virtual interview
Please note, the process may change slightly dependent on application numbers. We will inform you of any relevant changes.
Please email us if you require any adjustments to be made for you to complete your application or to participate in the recruitment journey.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
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!
Young Citizens is seeking a Business Development and Special Projects Lead to support a critical year of fundraising, income generation and partnership development. This role supports the special projects work with the CEO and will work with the senior team to lead on the income and visibility opportunities that unlock our delivery for our three-year strategy.
Your Role’s Purpose
Year 1 of this role will be focused on business model development, income generation and strategic partnerships. Working closely with the CEO and senior management team, you will help shape, test and secure new funding and commercial opportunities that position Young Citizens for long-term sustainability and impact. The special projects element includes supporting the developmental design of our future business model, charity strategy and public affairs work.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys building, creating and working at pace to achieve great results within a small team. You will be rapidly developing propositions, forging partnerships and converting ideas into credible, funded initiatives. You will play a central role in strengthening our relationships with funders, institutions, corporates and sector partners, while supporting wider organisational development projects.
Young Citizens works at the intersection of education, democracy and civic life, and this role offers a unique opportunity to influence how active citizenship is funded, delivered and embedded across the UK.
In Year 1, your primary focus will be to:
- Develop and drive income/fundraising with existing channels, including grant funding, partnerships and commercial activity.
- Build a strong pipeline of income opportunities, working closely with the CEO to convert prospects into funding
- Produce high-quality business cases, funding bids, proposals and presentations of our work
- Design and execute new funding models and partnership opportunities alongside the CEO’s updated strategic plan
- Lead staff member for strategic engagement with funders, corporates, policymakers and sector stakeholders.
Alongside this, you will contribute to priority special projects that support Young Citizens’ organisational growth and external positioning.
Who We’re Looking For
This role is not just open to traditional fundraisers or partnership managers. As long as you have the seniority and expertise leading results, you might come from a charity, social enterprise, consultancy, policy or start-up background. What matters most is your ability to confidently progress a pipeline of opportunities, build partnerships, generate income and deliver results.
We are interested in a wider pool of candidates with 5+ years in the working world, possibly from other start-ups or programme design focus instead of 'trad' fundraising roles'. If you are a high-performer who wants to focus on corporate partnerships, external relations and business success, this role may be right for you—talk to us.
We’re looking for someone who is:
- Entrepreneurial and proactive, with a strong interest in business development and income generation
- Confidently able to design and deliver on their ideas, instilling confidence and get results with high-level stakeholders
- Highly professional writer and communicator, able to produce strong proposals and pitch deck materials
- Commercially aware, with an ability to spot and shape fundable opportunities
- Excels at working closely with senior stakeholders including the CEO, able to predict needs and are responsive to what gets the best results
- Organised and adaptable, able to own multiple priorities in a small, fast-moving organisation
- Technically capable, making data systems like Salesforce easily integrated into their workflow
- Distinctly motivated and/or experienced in social impact, education, democracy or civic participation
Please note the pay scale of this role is determined by the demonststrable strategic seniority the person brings in managing others and organisational outcomes alongside technical role skills above.
Success in the first six months of this role will look like:
- Immediate management and confidence securing existing income contracts with corporate and funding partners of £200,000+
- Tactical, high-volume stakeholder engagement campaigns to increase sponsorship and new income opportunities
- Leading the development of improved business modelling, pricing structures and income streams that create a more sustainable base
- Operating with professionalism, improving processes and keeping organisational priorities at the forefront
Why join us?
- Make a real difference by helping deliver inspiring citizenship experiences to young people nationwide.
- Shape and strengthen the delivery of our flagship national programmes.
- Join a supportive, purpose‑driven team that values collaboration, flexibility, and doing great work together.
- Grow with us as we deliver our new three‑year strategy and embed smarter, stronger delivery processes.
If you're excited about making a tangible impact through high‑quality programme delivery, and want to contribute to a mission‑driven organisation, we’d love to hear from you.
A few useful notes to apply:
This is a 12 month fixed contract starting as soon as possible.
- The closing date for applications is 11pm on Sunday 22 February 2026. We encourage you to apply ahead of the deadline, as shortlisting will begin on Thursday 12 February. However, as long as this advert remains live, first‑round interviews have not yet been finalised.
- Please submit a covering letter of no more than two pages outlining your interest in this role. Applications without a covering letter cannot be reviewed. We are unable to progress applications that do not demonstrate direct or clearly transferable experience.
- If you have any questions before applying, please contact our HR team.
For a full overview of the role and responsibilities, please see the job pack for more details.
Young Citizens is a citizenship education charity that informs, equips and inspires children and young people across the UK to be active citizens.


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Organisation
Family Fund is the UK’s largest charity supporting low-income families raising disabled or seriously ill children and young people.
We help thousands of families every year with essential grants, services and practical support. But we do much more than that. We champion families’ voices, challenge inequality and help shape the conversation on disability, childhood illness and disadvantage.
The Role
This is an exciting opportunity to shape how Family Fund connects with people across the UK. As a newly created role, it offers real scope to define and develop the function, while playing a central role in strengthening the organisation’s voice and influence.
We are looking for a bold, creative Group Director of External Affairs to join our Senior Leadership Team. At a time when families need us more than ever, you will raise Family Fund’s national profile and influence, positioning the organisation as a trusted, evidence led voice on childhood disability, serious illness and the broader challenges facing low-income families. You will build and sustain strong relationships with policymakers, funders, and the public ensuring the organisation secures the visibility, support, and resources needed to drive lasting change for the families we serve.
You will lead an energetic, specialist team spanning communications, media, public affairs, partnerships and research, bringing these areas together through a joined up external engagement strategy that delivers real impact.
Some key responsibilities include:
- Lead our communications, media, public affairs, partnerships and research teams
- Raise Family Fund’s profile as a trusted national voice
- Build strong relationships with policymakers, media, funders and partners
- Help drive real change for families through influence and insight
Who we’re looking for
We are looking for an experienced leader who loves the power of communication, influence and connection.
Key attributes will include:
- Senior experience in external affairs, communications or public affairs
- A strong track record of influencing policy and engaging senior stakeholders
- Experience leading teams and working at senior level
- A warm, confident communication style and great relationship skills
- A real passion for Family Fund’s mission and social justice
This is an exciting, high impact role with the chance to make a genuine difference to families across the UK.
Candidate Briefing Pack
For comprehensive information about Family Fund, the role responsibilities and the person we are looking for, please download the Candidate Briefing Pack.
How to Apply
If you would like to apply for this fantastic opportunity, please provide the following with your application:
- An up-to-date CV
- A supporting statement of no more than 2 sides of A4, outlining your experience, motivations and suitability for the role.
All applications are being handled by our recruitment partner, Russam. All applications should be uploaded via the Russam website.
If you have any difficulty uploading your application or if you would like to have an informal and confidential discussion about the role, please contact Melissa Baxter - Managing Partner, Charities at Russam.
Closing date for applications: Monday 2nd February 2026
Initial interviews with Russam: 17th and 18th February 2026
Interviews with Family Fund: 4th, 5th and 6th March 2026
Flexibility will be provided if needed - do let us know as soon as possible if you are unavailable on these dates.
We commit to inclusion, equality and diversity and we welcome applications from all parts of the community. Family Fund is a Disability Confident Leader. We will invite to interview all disabled applicants who meet the requirements for the role. If you have a disability, and are happy to let us know, please highlight this in your covering letter. We have also signed the Armed Forces Covenant, and we welcome applications from the Armed Forces Community.
About NCVO
We are the charities charity. For over 100 years, NCVO has stood shoulder to shoulder with communities, championing and celebrating voluntary action.
Our membership is made up of over 17,000 voluntary organisations across England, from small, grassroots community groups and social enterprises, to large, far-reaching charities.
We believe that communities are strengthened by voluntary action. We therefore want charities to thrive and be empowered to deliver for people and communities.
About the Voice & Impact directorate
This role sits within the Voice & Impact directorate, a team focused on amplifying the voices of charities in civil society and making positive change for the future. V&I comprises NCVO’s policy and public affairs team; communications, campaigns and marketing team; digital content team and membership and engagement team.
About the Membership & Engagement team
Membership and engagement is a newly evolved team that exists to grow, connect and convene NCVO’s membership. The team acquires roughly 1,400 new members a year and offers care and support to retain 90% of its current 17K members.
About the role
The member subscriptions officer manages the administration and finance of NCVO’s membership subscriptions. Key duties include running monthly renewals, issuing invoices, managing payments and reducing aged debt. The role involves regular use of NCVO’s CRM system to ensure accurate records and efficient processes.
The post holder will handle member enquiries, support new applications and maintain strong relationships with members. Working closely with NCVO’s Finance team, they will ensure timely direct debit collections and contribute to income tracking and forecasting.
This role is ideal for someone detail-oriented, numerate, and confident using databases, with experience in financial administration and customer service.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
NCVO is fully committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in our sector. We want this to be reflected in the diversity of the people who work for us and we welcome applications from people from all backgrounds and identities. We particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups in the voluntary sector and those with diverse, lived experience. As part of our commitment to employing disabled people, all disabled candidates who meet the minimum requirement for all competencies on the person specification will be guaranteed an interview.
If you have access needs or require reasonable adjustments as part of the recruitment process, please let us know. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a pre-interview task and will have one week to complete the exercise. Interview questions will be shared in advance.
NCVO is an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from everyone. Charity No. 225922.
How to apply
For more information and to apply, please click on the Apply button.
If you have any queries regarding our vacancies or experience any issues downloading or submitting your application form, please email us.
Shortlisting date: 12 February 2026
Interviews: 25 February 2026
Benefits for NCVO employees
NCVO offers many attractive benefits including:
- 25 days’ annual leave (for full time staff and pro-rata for part-time staff) and office closure between 25 December and 1 January inclusive. After three years' service annual holiday increases to 27 days, and after five years to 30 days, (pro rata for part time staff)
- the option to purchase up to five more days each year
- Volunteering leave (pro rata for part-time staff)
- enhanced pay for sick/maternity/adoption leave
- subsidised gym membership
- season ticket loan
- generous employer pension contribution of up to 8.5% of salary, into our stakeholder pension scheme (linked to employee contribution)
- training and development opportunities.
- The opportunity to join Hospital Saturday Fund health cash plan for free at the basic level of cover, or at a reduced rate for other levels of cover
- 24-hour free and confidential employee assistance programme
We’re located a short walk from London King’s Cross station in a modern accessible building, overlooking Regent’s canal.
5Rights is seeking to recruit an outstanding professional Senior Public Relations Adviser to support our world-leading NGO at a time of exceptional visibility and opportunity to scale our impact. This is a remote role and can be based either in the UK or Belgium.
About 5Rights
5Rights Foundation exists to ensure a digital world that will serve children and young people today and for future generations. We are a small team of senior professionals and experts delivering change in how the digital world works. We have shifted the narrative and the agenda through provocative comms campaigns (e.g. Twisted Toys), pioneering research (e.g. Pathways) and award-winning tools (e.g. Child Online Safety Toolkit). We continue to drive real-life change thanks to an outstanding track-record of delivering legislation (e.g. Californian Age Appropriate Design Code), policy and regulatory frameworks (e.g. UNCRC General comment No.25), and industry standards (e.g. IEEE 2089).
Role Purpose
The Senior Public Relations Advisor leads 5Rights' external public relations and media strategy, positioning 5Rights as a global authority on children’s rights in the digital environment. The role shapes the public narrative around our mission, ensuring 5Rights’ work achieves maximum visibility, credibility and impact with policymakers, the media, industry and the public.
This is a senior, strategic role requiring exceptional judgement, political awareness and strong relationships across media and stakeholder landscapes.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver a comprehensive public relations strategy aligned with 5Rights’ mission and policy objectives.
- Position 5Rights as a leading voice on children’s rights in the digital environment in UK, EU and international media.
- Anticipate emerging issues and shape proactive public relations strategies around key policy moments, research releases and advocacy campaigns.
- Protect and enhance the organisation’s reputation, including crisis communications and risk management.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with senior journalists, editors and broadcasters across national and international media.
- Secure high-profile coverage in print, broadcast and digital media.
- Act as principal media advisor to the Executive Director and senior leadership team.
- Support and coach senior spokespeople and youth representatives for media engagements.
- Lead public relation planning for major campaigns, policy launches and advocacy initiatives.
- Advise on strategic partnerships and external engagement from a public relations perspective.
- Represent 5Rights at events, conferences and high-level meetings as required.
- Contribute to strengthening 5Rights’ overall public relations impact by bringing senior PR expertise, networks, and strategic media insight to the team.
Person specification
This is a highly challenging and rewarding position for a professional with the following attributes:
Essential skills and attributes:
- Extensive senior-level experience in public relations, communications, journalism or public affairs, ideally within policy, advocacy, human rights, technology, or social impact sectors.
- Proven track record of shaping national and international media coverage and securing high-profile placements across print, broadcast and digital platforms.
- Demonstrated experience leading public relations and media strategy, including reputation management, at organisational or campaign level.
- Experience advising senior leaders and acting as a trusted public relation expert in high-stakes and politically sensitive environments.
- Exceptional writing and editorial skills, with the ability to translate complex policy, technical and research content into compelling public narratives.
- Deep understanding of media landscapes, political processes and public policy dynamics, particularly in the UK, the EU and internationally.
- Experience of crisis communications and issue management.
- Outstanding judgement and political awareness.
- Strong strategic thinking combined with hands-on delivery.
- Highly developed interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and build relationships at senior level.
- Confident, authoritative and credible spokesperson when required.
- Excellent project management and organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple high-profile priorities simultaneously.
- Ability to work under pressure and respond rapidly to fast-moving external developments.
- Strong collaboration skills and ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
- High standards of professionalism, discretion and integrity.
- Deep commitment to the mission and values of 5Rights Foundation.
- Resilient, adaptable and solutions-focused.
- Proactive, self-motivated and comfortable working with a high degree of autonomy.
Desirable skills and attributes:
- Experience working on children’s rights, digital rights, technology policy or online safety.
- Experience of international advocacy and global communications.
Practical details
- Location: Remote position in either the UK or Brussels. Some international travel required.
- Salary: €80,000 / £70,000 per annum including all benefits.The final offer will depend on skills and experience.
- One-year contract, renewable dependent on impact.
- Working hours: Full time (38h week), with occasional accommodation necessary for work across time-zones.
- Statutory pension contribution.
- 25 days annual leave per annum.
- Work equipment including a laptop will be provided.
- Starting data: ASAP, depending on notice period.
- Reporting line: Leadership team
5Rights values diversity and we strongly encourage people from under-represented groups to apply for this role. We aim for our recruitment to be inclusive and equitable, and we strive to constantly learn and improve in this regard.
How to apply
Please send your CV and a brief cover letter by 31st January 2026 via our website.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About Mesothelioma UK
Mesothelioma UK is a national charity dedicated to supporting anyone affected by mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer caused primarily by asbestos exposure. Our mission is to help people live better and longer, champion equitable access to improved treatments, advance research, and amplify the voices of those living with mesothelioma. We are proud to provide specialist nursing, information, research, and advocacy services across the UK.
The Opportunity
As our founder and current CEO steps down, we are seeking a visionary and values-driven Chief Executive to lead Mesothelioma UK into its next chapter. This is a pivotal moment for the charity, offering the chance to build on our strong foundations and drive forward our ambitious strategy to improve outcomes for all those affected by mesothelioma.
About the Role
Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Chief Executive will:
- Inspire and lead a high-performing team, including our unique NHS-based nursing network.
- Develop and deliver organisational strategy and operational plans.
- Ensure robust financial management and income generation.
- Build strong relationships with stakeholders including the NHS, donors, partners, and research teams.
- Act as an ambassador for the charity, raising our national and international profile.
- Uphold our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
About You
We are looking for an exceptional leader who brings:
- Proven experience at CEO, Director, or equivalent senior level in a non-profit or health sector environment.
- A track record in leadership, strategic planning, financial management, governance and fundraising.
- Strong people management and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Passion for our mission and values, with high ethical standards and integrity.
- The ability to inspire, motivate, and unite staff, volunteers, and partners.
What We Offer
- Salary circa £75,000 (negotiable, dependent on experience)
- 10% employer pension contribution
- Health Cash Plan & Employee Assistance Programme
- Flexible working arrangements
- The chance to make a profound difference to people’s lives
We are a national charity dedicated to supporting people affected by mesothelioma through expert care, information, and advocacy.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We’re looking for a Principal Officer – Engagement to lead the development and delivery of SYMCA’s Engagement Strategy, embedding a culture of creative, inclusive, high-quality engagement across the organisation. You’ll coordinate engagement activities, manage engagement leads, and ensure that all engagement work aligns with the Mayor’s priorities and SYMCA’s strategic objectives. This is a senior role with significant influence—helping to build trust, strengthen relationships, and improve outcomes for South Yorkshire.
Applications must be accompanied by a cover letter to detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role (please see role profile attached). Please note, all applications should be made directly via our careers portal.
Please note South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority does not hold a sponsorship licence and cannot provide Skilled Worker sponsorship for any roles advertised.
About the role
In this role, you’ll champion best practice in engagement, ensuring that SYMCA’s approach is ethical, accessible, and impactful. You’ll design and deliver engagement activities and training, provide internal consultancy, and work with partners to maximise collective impact. Your work will help shape policy, improve organisational capability, and foster a culture of engagement excellence.
Key responsibilities include:
- Design and deliver a corporate engagement training programme to build internal capability and confidence.
- Design and deliver some engagement activities directly but chiefly provide consultancy and advice to the organisation on ethical and accessible engagement, ensuring compliance with best practice and legal standards.
- Collaborate with Bloomberg I-Team and Insights team to co-design innovative engagement and social research projects.
- Coordinate outreach and partnership working with key stakeholders including local authorities, MCAs, Government, VCSE, and universities.
- Convene and manage internal and external engagement networks to build organisational capacity and foster peer learning.
- Identify emerging trends and best practices in engagement, translating insights into strategic recommendations.
About you
We’re looking for an enthusiastic strategic leader with proven experience in designing and delivering engagement programmes. You’ll need excellent communication and project management skills, the ability to work across complex structures, and a passion for championing inclusive engagement. If you thrive on driving culture change and building strong relationships, this role is for you.
Essential:
- Experience delivering engagement projects in partnership with external organisations.
- Experience designing toolkits and delivering training to build engagement capability.
- Excellent communication and project management skills.
- Experience managing high-level stakeholder relationships.
- Experience in ethical and inclusive engagement approaches and using digital tools to manage relationships.
- Experience presenting, organising events, and managing meetings.
- Interest in devolution and its potential to empower communities and restore trust.
- Demonstrable interest in behavioural insights, social research, and participatory engagement methods.
Benefits
All colleagues have access to a Local Government Pension Scheme and the chance to be part of an organisation where you can really make a difference. Located in Sheffield City Centre, we are well-placed for transport links and encourage employees to take advantage of the active travel facilities. Work/life balance is extremely important to us here at SYMCA with our recognised family/friendly policies, genuine work flexibility, recognition, and shared success.
In addition to the above, some of benefits include -
Holiday Entitlement – From 28 to 36 days annual leave entitlement (depending on length of service) plus bank holidays. Pro-rata for part time colleagues.
Annual Leave Purchase Scheme – The ability to purchase up to a further 15 days per year in additional to your normal annual leave
Hybrid working – Our offices are a space where we come together and collaborate. Most of our roles are offered on a hybrid basis with the exception of some support roles being onsite full time. Please note, unless specified within the job advert, we cannot accommodate remote working contracts.
Flexible Hours Scheme – Most roles within SYMCA work under the Flexi-Scheme which allows office-based employees’ flexibility and discretion over their working hours. Under the scheme employees can accrue a defined amount of credit or debit of working hours, and to take time-off in the form of Flexi-Leave or banked Annual Leave.
Rewarding You - Reducing everyday expenses through discounts, benefits, financial advice, wellbeing solutions and more with Reward Gateway and Cycle-to-Work schemes.
Training on the job - Support with upskilling skills through on-the-job training and qualifications
Professional Membership Fees – Where membership to Professional bodies is applicable to your role, SYMCA will reimburse your membership fees where applicable and following approval by Line Management.
Diversity at South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority
Our workforce is made up of a diverse community, where we all belong and feel part of something bigger. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief.
All employees are eligible to request Flexible Working arrangements from day one of employment as such all requests will be considered subject to operation requirements.
Where candidates share disabilities within the application process, if they demonstrate that they meet all essential criteria from the Role Profile within their application, they will automatically be invited to interview.
Working hours: This is a full-time role (35 hours per week) with the opportunity for hybrid working and flexible working. Attendance in person will be required at the Diocesan Office or venues within the Diocese for relevant committee meetings.
Part-time working may be considered for an exceptional candidate, with a minimum of 28 HPW (0.8 WTE).
Salary: £42,000- £46,000 per annum, subject to qualifications and experience.
Benefits: We offer a range of benefits including hybrid and flexible working, 11% non-contributory pension scheme, 25 days holiday rising to 29 after five years’ service.
ROLE DUTIES
- Act as the primary governance support for the COO, ensuring all governance activities align with strategic priorities.
- Lead and manage the administration of the Finance Executive, Audit & Risk Committee, and Property Committee
- Support the COO, Diocesan Secretary and Head of Service Delivery in managing risk processes, including risk registers and compliance reporting.
- Prepare governance and Committee reports and relevant dashboards for the COO, CEO and senior leadership, including the Management Team and Bishops Leadership Team.
- Acting as a liaison between governance bodies and internal/external stakeholders.
CRITERIA
- Degree or equivalent level of relevant experience in governance, business administration, or a related field.
- Relevant and substantial experience in committee administration and governance support.
- Experience of working with and familiarity with regulatory compliance and risk management.
- Experience of working with, alongside a strong understanding of governance principles and compliance frameworks
For more information please see the job description, and to apply please visit the Chelmsford Diocese website to complete a application form.
Closing Date: Midday Thursday 12th February
Interview Date: Tuesday 24 February
We reserve the right to invite candidates for preliminary interviews.
Please be advised we reserve the right to close the role early and we cannot consider candidates who do not complete and return a completed application form.
Please refer to the CDBF Privacy Policy found on the Chelmsford Diocesan website for guidance on how we will process your data.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Head of Advocacy, Awareness and External Relations is a senior leadership role within AtaLoss, working closely with and reporting directly to the CEO. The post-holder will lead work across the public, bereavement and commercial sectors to deliver AtaLoss’ strategic outcomes by:
- providing national leadership in bereavement awareness, advocacy and policy influence, including through Parliament, the APPG and the media
- strengthening the website as the UK’s trusted gateway for bereavement support, ensuring accessible, high-quality content and effective signposting
- enabling holistic bereavement support in communities and workplaces through partnership development, training and the growth of Bereavement Friendly Communities
- contributing to organisational sustainability through income-generating training, cross-sector partnerships and effective external engagement.
The role sits at the heart of AtaLoss’ mission to ensure that every bereaved person can access the right support at the right time, and to position bereavement as a public health issue requiring timely, coordinated and understanding response.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Context and Background
The NSPCC’s purpose is to prevent the abuse and neglect of children across the UK.
The Strategy and Knowledge (S&K) Directorate exists to help shape the world around us - and what the NSPCC does - so that it reflects what we have learned and can help keep children safe from abuse.
The Directorate is responsible for organisational strategy, developing and influencing public policy, championing an evidence-based approach in all our work, developing innovative services and managing our knowledge and information.
This role within our Policy and Public Affairs team will assist in delivering our influencing campaigns asking for public support to persuade government to change laws and policies to better protect children and young people. This exciting role will play a pivotal part supporting the team’s work so we are able to deliver large-scale, impactful campaigns in support of the NSPCC’s policy priorities and our organisational strategy.
Job purpose
This role will support the planning, delivery and evaluation of the NSPCC’s campaigns to mobilise the public behind our influencing goals and galvanise decision makers to act. The postholder will:
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Support the development of our influencing campaigns to inspire new and existing supporters to take action to keep children safe - including through research to inform the planning of campaigns and the creation and dissemination of impactful communications such as emails, social posts and supporter actions.
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Assist the Influencing Campaigns team to manage and develop the campaigns database so it can grow to build a strong, active network of supporters helping us influence change.
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Support the team’s work to ensure the insights and voices of children, young people and those with lived experience are embedded in the design and delivery of our influencing campaigns
Key relationships - Internal
- Influencing Campaigns Manager for England/UK (line manager)
- Other members of the Influencing Campaigns team across the UK
- Policy and Public Affairs team across the UK
- All Strategy and Knowledge teams
- Teams leading brand, marketing and income generation campaigns
- Media and social media teams
- Participation and Lived Experience Advocates teams
Key relationships - External
- NSPCC campaign supporters
- Individuals and representatives from agencies and suppliers on campaigning activity
- Contacts in corporate partnerships representing the NSPCC’s campaigning work
Main duties and responsibilities
Supporting the Influencing Campaigns team day-to-day
o Managing the campaigns inbox and responding to supporters
o Assisting the Influencing Campaigns team by attending meetings with stakeholders (across the NSPCC and beyond)
o Monitoring and evaluating campaigns activity at NSPCC
o Tracking and evaluating campaigns “best practice” in other organisations (to enable competitor analysis)
Development of NSPCC influencing campaigns
o Supporting background research for the development of influencing campaigns o Assisting with planning and designing content across owned, earned, and organic channels
o Helping Influencing Campaigns Managers across the UK with the development of campaign tactics and interventions
o Supporting the Influencing Campaigns Managers across the UK with the development of the campaigns network
Delivery and evaluation of NSPCC influencing campaigns
o Writing and designing campaigns content including social posts, emails and actions
o Support with planning, organising and delivering events
o Liaison with participation and lived experience teams to ensure the insights and voices of children and young people are embedded in our influencing campaign activity
o Issuing or publishing campaigns content
o Monitoring and evaluating the success of NSPCC campaigns o Reporting to stakeholders on campaign activity
Responsibilities for all Staff within the Strategy & Knowledge Directorate
A commitment to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people
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A commitment to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people and
adults at risk.
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To comply with all relevant NSPCC safeguarding policies
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A commitment to applying NSPCC Values and Behaviours to all aspects of work
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To maintain an awareness of own and other’s health and safety and comply with
NSPCC’s Health and Safety procedures
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A sound understanding of and commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
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To comply with NSPCC Diversity and Equality policies and practices and work in a
manner which facilitates inclusion.
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To maintain and develop competence in the use of IT systems.
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To manage confidential and/or sensitive information in accordance with NSPCC
policies and Data Protection and GDPR regulations
Person specification
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Experience of supporting the successful delivery of influencing campaigns that have had an impact in changing laws and policies
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Good understanding of the political landscape and policy making processes across the UK
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Strong verbal and written communication skills including an ability to analyse, respond to and present complex information in clear, accurate and persuasive ways for a wide range of audiences
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Excellent organisational skills with the ability to organise and plan own work and the work of others to deliver objectives on time
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Understanding of how to measure campaigning actions and optimise delivery of campaigns
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Demonstrable ability to establish, nurture and maintain effective relationships and collaborative work with a wide variety of colleagues and stakeholders
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Experience of working with children and young people and/or those with lived experience as part of the delivery of influencing campaigns
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Experience of working with media and social media teams to help create communications which support campaigning work
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Commitment to the NSPCC’s mission to prevent cruelty and stop child abuse and neglect.
Safer Recruitment
As an organisation, we are committed to creating and fostering a culture that promotes safeguarding and the welfare of all children and adults at risk.
Our safer recruitment practices support this by ensuring that there is a consistent and thorough process of obtaining, collating, analysing and evaluating information from and about candidates to ensure that all persons appointed are suitable to work with our children and adults.
The recruitment and selection of our people will be conducted in a professional, timely and responsive manner and in compliance with current employment legislation, and relevant safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance.
Our principles:
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Always seek to recruit the best candidate for the role based on merit including their skills, experience, motivation and competencies. Our robust recruitment and selection process should ensure the identification of the person best suited to the role and the organisation.
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Committed to diversity and equality of opportunity and will interview all applicants (internal and external) who self-declare at application as having a disability and who meet the minimum requirements in the person specification of the vacancy they are applying for.
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We will make reasonable adjustments at all stages of the recruitment process in order to enable successful candidates who declare disabilities to start working or volunteering their time with us.
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Any current member of staff or volunteer who wishes to apply for vacancies and is suitably qualified will be considered and addressed fairly and objectively based on their merit.
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As an organisation committed to safeguarding, we will ensure all under 18’s joining the organisation will have ongoing risk assessments to ensure their role and activities are safe and appropriate.
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All documentation relating to candidates will be treated confidentially in accordance with the GDPR legislation.
About the team
The Communications team at Impetus is a small, friendly, creative team that punches above its weight. Sitting alongside our brilliant Policy colleagues within the wider Public Affairs team we are passionate about communicating Impetus’ work with clarity, in a way that resonates with our audiences, and increases our influence and impact.
Aspiring to be a ‘digital first’ organisation, we spend time keeping up with digital communications trends to improve our efficiency and help us produce and optimise engaging, cutting-edge content.
About this role
We’re looking someone who can support the team to maintain our strong online presence by delivering engaging, creative digital content. This role is about collaborating with colleagues, applying your knowledge of digital platforms, and actively developing your skills to keep pace with emerging trends.
Based in our busy Communications team, you will be responsible for creating compelling and engaging online copy for a range of platforms, as well as managing and growing our social media communities to amplify our brand, working across the organisation, for example:
- Supporting our Philanthropy team to engage donors in our work and through our series of events.
- Helping our Policy team to increase the knowledge of their recommendations for change among opinion formers and decision makers through social media.
- Working directly with the Investment team and our portfolio partners to gather and share their insights and stories.
Day-to-day you might be writing and repurposing blog content for our online channels, working with our Creative Content Officer and Media and Communications Officer producing multi-media content to support our events programme, or using insights and data to keep our digital content relevant and our audiences engaged.
We are looking for someone creative and driven, who shares our ambition and can help keep us on top of emerging digital trends.
You’ll know your way around social media platforms including X / Twitter and LinkedIn and tools like and Hootsuite and Google Analytics. You will also be able to produce excellent written content for an online audience including social media posts and blogs, with scope to grow within the role over time.
This is an exciting time to join a rapidly growing organisation. We’ll give you creative freedom within a clear brand framework. And your work will have a tangible impact on tackling the barriers that hold back young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Key responsibilities
- Writing clear, concise and engaging copy for a variety of online platforms including social media, blogs, websites and email marketing.
- Supporting the Senior Communications Manager to manage our online brand, including how people interact with and interpret our work, by creating and scheduling content for social media and digital platforms using agreed templates and tone of voice.
- Liaising closely with our Creative Content Officer and Media and Communications Officer to produce compelling multi-media products that can be used across our platforms.
- Maintaining accurate records and trackers for posts, engagement data, and campaign timelines.
- Supporting the Communications team by preparing materials for events and online campaigns.
- Monitoring and optimising our digital channels, ensuring content is consistently high-quality, well structured, on brand and performing at its best.
- Using data and feedback to improve content quality and relevance.
- Collaborating with colleagues across teams to ensure consistency and timely delivery of our digital communications content.
- Assisting the Head of Communications in the development, implementation and monitoring of our internal communications strategy, including our regular staff newsletter.
- Working with our portfolio partners and the Investment team to gather and share their insights and stories.
- Escalating risks or delays early, providing clear context and options.
- Applying inclusive language and accessibility standards in all content.
- Actively seeking opportunities to learn about new digital tools and trends.
Person specification
Essential
- A highly developed understanding of online platforms and social media algorithms.
- Experience creating accurate, engaging content for online platforms.
- Experience of working with social media platforms e.g. LinkedIn and X, and tools e.g. Hootsuite and Google Analytics.
- A track record of writing concise and engaging content that resonates with the target audience and presents complex subjects in a clear and compelling way.
- Ability to adapt content strategies to meet the changing needs of the audience and the platform.
- Experience of using data and insights to optimise content, engagement and grow followers.
- Demonstrably up to date with emerging digital trends and an interest in online community building.
- Ability to follow agreed processes, templates, and brand guidelines.
- Strong organisational skills to plan and sequence tasks effectively.
- Attention to detail and commitment to delivering work to agreed standards.
- A willingness to learn and adapt to new tools and approaches.
- Collaborative approach, building positive relationships within the team.
- Commitment to Impetus’ mission and values, including equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Desirable
- Experience in video / film production and optimising video content for online platforms.
- Experience of commissioning content and working in close collaboration with agencies and/or freelancers.
- Experience / knowledge of website management and CMS, email marketing platforms, project management software and digital ad platforms.
- An interest in the education and / or youth employment policy landscape.
- An interest in the UK youth and / or charity sectors.
About Impetus
At Impetus, our focus is on helping young people achieve positive education and employment outcomes to increase their chance of leading fulfilling and successful lives, irrespective of their background.
We tackle the three most difficult challenges that affect a young person’s ability to succeed in life in Britain today:
- Lost learning through absence, suspensions, exclusions from school
- Stagnation in education attainment outcomes, which means many are missing out on key qualifications like GCSE English and maths
- The large numbers of young people out of education, training and employment
We use our deep expertise and high calibre networks to give the best non-profits working in these sectors the essential ingredients to have a real and lasting impact on the young people they serve.
Through a powerful combination of long-term funding, direct capacity building support from our experienced team and our pro bono partners, alongside research and policy influencing to drive lasting systems change, we work towards a society where all young people can thrive in school, pass their exams and unlock the doors to sustained employment, for a fulfilling life.
We are resolutely focused on outcomes and impact, driven by quality evidence.
You would be joining a team that is passionate, rigorous, determined, creative and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our portfolio partners and the young people we serve.
Impetus is a registered charity and our charity number is 1152262.
Our Values
In 2022 the Impetus staff agreed the following set of Values to act as our guiding principles as an organisation and help us to remain focused on achieving our mission to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
We are brave and curious
We are bold and brave in our pursuit of better outcomes for young people. We lead with curiosity and stay open to new perspectives. We support one another to take considered risks and learn together.
We bring high trust, high challenge
We build strong, long-term relationships through honesty, kindness, integrity, and respect. We create the space for open, constructive challenge, where colleagues, partners and supporters feel safe to speak up, hold each other to account, and bring their best in pursuit of our mission.
We are evidence led and results driven for young people
We pursue excellence for the young people we work with, are wholly committed to better outcomes, unapologetically results driven, and accountable for our actions.
We thrive through diversity
We seek to embed diversity of thought, background and experience in every aspect of our work. We are open, thoughtful and proactive in better understanding and challenging our assumptions to better deliver the change we seek.
We always seek collaboration
We will not succeed alone. We seek meaningful, productive partnerships with others to achieve our mission and drive systems change for young people.
Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
We believe that a diverse workforce leads to an organisation that is more open, creative and gets better results.
We want our team at Impetus to represent the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We also want our team to be one where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop.
We want to reach a diverse pool of candidates. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that potential employees may need to in order to be successful.
We recognise the importance of a good work/life balance. We do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including working from home, working part-time job shares and other arrangements.
Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore.
Impetus is an equal opportunity employer and is determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We value diversity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.
Our employee benefits
Impetus appreciates the invaluable contribution made by all employees and wishes to encourage and reward loyalty, motivation and experience. We therefore offer a range of benefits and policies which aim to assist employees during various stages of their lives and careers. For more information on these, please download the job information pack from our website.
How to apply
Please click on the "Apply for this job" button.
You will need to:
- Complete the online form (including the equal opportunities monitoring form)
- Upload a comprehensive CV and supporting statement.
The supporting statement should be no more than two sides of A4 and should address the criteria in the person specification.
You should also include the contact details of two referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be approached with your express permission.
As part of our commitment to flexible working we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at interview stage.
The deadline for applications is Sunday 8th February 2026, 11:59pm.
Interviews:
1st Interviews will take place on Thursday 19th February 2026.
2nd Interviews will take place on w/c 23rd February 2026.
You will also be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK.
Personal Data
Your personal data will be shared for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes our HR team, interviewers (who may include other partners in the project and independent advisors), relevant team managers and our IT service provider if access to the data is necessary for performance of their roles. We do not share your data with other third parties, unless your application for employment is successful and we make you an offer of employment. We will then share your data with former employers to obtain references for you. We do not transfer your data outside the European Economic Area.
Impetus transforms the lives of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds by ensuring they get support to succeed in school, in work and in life.

The Programme Director, Media and Communications leads on the design, development and implementation of communication strategies and plans to advance Humane World for Animals UK’s strategic priorities with regard to campaigns, brand-building and fundraising. The role creates, implements and measures the success of a comprehensive communications programme that will aim to significantly enhance the organisation’s image and position within the UK animal protection space.
If you are results-oriented, organised and creative and have strong proven experience as a media and communications professional then we would like to hear from you.
Key areas of responsibility
1. Develop and execute communications strategies for Humane World for Animals UK’s key campaigns and fundraising requirements.
2. Measure and track communications impact, reach and effectiveness, reporting against agreed targets.
3. Manage, maintain and grow productive relationships with a range of journalists with a goal of securing prominent national media coverage.
4. Oversee the organisation’s social media channels to promote campaigns, support fundraising and engage meaningfully with UK supporters and political stakeholders.
5. Serve as chief content reviewer to ensure communications materials adhere to policy, factual accuracy and visual brand guidelines.
6. Lead on designing reputational risk management mitigation strategies.
7. Implement UK specific brand strategies with the aim of increasing and measuring brand awareness in the UK market.
8. Lead on celebrity recruitment and stewardship.
9. Manage sourcing and contracting relationships with communications / PR agencies and databases to ensure consistently high-quality and value for money communications outputs.
10. Manage the communications and media budget, including regular reporting.
About you
Our successful candidate will be confident, creative and positive with a proven track in media and communications roles at a senior level. A proactive self-starter, you will have demonstrable experience of managing and developing strong, focused and ambitious teams, and a solution-focused approach to overcoming obstacles. You will have experience of building high quality media and communication strategies and plans and delivering these in a fast-paced environment. You will have ambition and drive for creating positive change for animal welfare; a willingness to constantly learn and develop the most impactful, cost-effective communications for our target audiences; and your work will be solidly underpinned by regular evaluation of progress and impact with a view to further improving strategies.
We are searching for an experienced media and communications professional to make a difference and be part of our successful and friendly team. If that’s you, please get in touch!
You must have an existing right to work in the UK, and you must reside in the UK, to be considered for this role. Please submit your CV and a covering letter by 11pm Sunday, 1st February. Applications without covering letters will not be considered.
Please note: Our policy is to offer a fixed one-year contract to start with, with a view to convert to a permanent contract in year two based on performance.
We make bold progress for all animals by working together on the biggest problems—no matter where they are or how deeply entrenched.

The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Do you have demonstrable experience of new business development? Have you personally secured 6 figure partnerships in previous roles?
We're recruiting a New Partnerships Manager to be responsible for proactively identifying, prospecting, and cultivating leads in key sectors to secure new 5-6 figure, multi-year corporate partnerships with local and national businesses.
What does this role do?
As New Partnerships Manager, you'll:
- develop a prospect pipeline to raise a personal income target which contributes to an overall team target,
- support the Senior New Partnerships Manager in the identification and cultivation of new corporate partnerships, accessing a range of income streams and budget holders,
- support senior team members in attending meetings with potential corporate partners, including preparing relevant briefs in advance,
- prepare relevant and creative applications and proposals for pitches for potential corporate partners,
- work closely with the Corporate Partnerships Team to ensure the transition between new business and account management is seamless for both Dogs Trust and the new partner.
Interviews for this role are provisionally scheduled for week commencing 9th February 2026, and will take place on Teams. Please note, this role is based at our London office, with office attendance at least one day per week and sometimes at short notice.
Could this be you?
To be successful in this role you'll have demonstrable experience of new business development, ideally in a charity setting, with a track record of securing six-figure partnerships. You'll be organised, articulate and credible, with a real appreciation of different budget holders within companies who may be interested in supporting Dogs Trust, and an understanding of different types of corporate partnerships. In addition, you'll have demonstrable experience of senior stakeholder management and negotiation skills, and you'll have the ability to write clearly and concisely, and to tailor written style to the needs of different audiences.
To apply for this position please click the APPLY NOW button. Our application process requires you submit a personal statement explaining your interest and suitability for the role.
Dogs are incredibly diverse, much like the humans that love them! At Dogs Trust we value diversity, and we're committed to fostering an inclusive culture. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, abilities, and cultures and believe that a diverse workforce helps us to achieve our mission. Our colleague networks give our people a voice, acting as vehicles for real and meaningful change within Dogs Trust. We truly want to see every candidate shine throughout the entire job application process, interview stages, and during their time with us. If there's anything on your mind or any adjustments you may need, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to support you every step of the way.
Please note, Dogs Trust is a wholly independent organisation, free of association with any political party. Our independence is critical, as it allows us to pursue our mission to campaign on dog welfare issues, on behalf of the UK’s dogs and their owners. For our public affairs roles, the ability to display political neutrality in the public eye or when working with MPs is essential.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
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 title: Programme Assistant, Enquiries
Line manager: Team Leader, Enquiries (Senior Officer, Enquiries in Team Leader’s absence)
Salary: £30,000
Type of contract: Permanent
Start date: 16th February 2026 or shortly thereafter
Benefits:
• Challenging and rewarding work, always life-changing, sometimes lifesaving
• Competitive salary
• Team and individual training opportunities
• Commitment to performance and personal development
• Hybrid working, home and office (minimum 2 days each week in the office)
• Eight hours each day Monday – Friday, with flexible working by arrangement around core hours of 10am – 4pm
• 25 days plus Bank Holidays annual leave entitlement
• 8% employer pension contribution
• Convenient office location at Elephant and Castle, close to Tube (Bakerloo and Northern lines) and bus routes
Role purpose statement: The Programme Assistant, Enquiries plays a vital role in the Fellowship Programme working directly with academics facing immediate risk in their home countries to carry out due diligence or signposting. This includes managing an individual caseload, dealing with prospective applications and general enquiries, providing administrative support to the Enquiries team as well as support across the Fellowship Programme when needed.
Organisational Background
The Council for At-Risk Academics is a UK-registered charity founded in 1933 under the leadership of William Beveridge, to rescue academics suffering persecution under the rise of Nazism and facilitate their continued work in safety. Sixteen Cara Fellows from the 1930s and 1940s became Nobel Laureates, and many more innovators in their fields, including, Nikolaus Pevsner, Lise Meitner and Karl Popper. A number of Cara’s founders and Council members also personally provided places and/or funds to help individual academics; and Cara, known in the 1930s as the AAC, later the SPSL, was closely involved in the successful effort in 1933 to bring to London the Warburg Institute art library, which had been prohibited by the Nazis, and six of its staff. The Fellowship Programme is the continuation of the rescue mission operation started in 1933.
Cara has been a lifeline to academics at risk for over 90 years, as and when world events have placed them in the line of fire: Hungarian Uprising, Cold War, Apartheid South Africa, Iran, Latin American Juntas, Vietnam, Kosovo, DRC, Rwanda, Sudan, Zimbabwe etc. and, more recently Iraq, Turkey, Yemen, Palestine, Syria, Afghanistan and Ukraine. Cara support is typically framed as temporary sanctuary offered at times of heightened risk.
Cara Objectives ‘To assist academics who have been, or are, or are at risk of being, subject to discrimination, persecution, suffering or violence on account of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion, to relieve needs among them and their dependants and ensure that their specialist knowledge and abilities can continue to be used for the benefit of the public.’
‘To advance education by supporting academics and their educational institutions in countries where their continuing work is at risk or compromised, to ensure that such academics and institutions can continue to fulfil their critical role as educators for the public benefit.’
This is a critical time to join our dedicated and friendly Fellowship Programme team as we expand our capacity to support at-risk academics from the Middle East, Sudan, Myanmar, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Russia and many other countries.
Role & Responsibilities
Casework
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Signposting prospective applicants to the application form.
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Manage own caseload, preparing cases for eligibility review, including arranging calls to speak with applicants, booking English language tests, and gathering all relevant documentation.
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Escalating complex cases to the Team Leader as required.
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Maintain accurate and GDPR-Compliant records of casework activity.
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Researching international affairs to develop understanding about risks applicants face.
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Researching potential hosts for academic placements and liaising with external stakeholders in relation to applicants.
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Attend weekly case review meetings with the team.
Administration
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Provide general administrative and logistical support, including answering phone enquiries.
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Manage the general enquiries inbox, alongside another colleague, answering emails about the enquiries’ process, the Fellowship Programme and Cara.
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Signpost enquiries to relevant colleagues internally and to other organisations where applicable.
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Contribute to report writing.
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Present and collect data on general enquiries and applications to the Programme.
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Ensure safekeeping of confidential information.
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Maintain excellent detailed records of correspondence, documents, and activities.
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Provide administrative support to colleagues on projects as required.
Managerial Support
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Contributing to Fellowship Programme policy changes and decision-making.
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Provide advice and guidance to colleagues.
Ad Hoc Responsibilities
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Show adaptability and willingness to take on additional work when necessary.
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Support the Fellowship Programme and Cara as a whole with ad hoc responsibilities.
Responsibilities also include related activities that might arise in relation to the Fellowship Programme as required by the Chief Executive and Deputy Chief Executive & Fellowship Programme Manager, and other senior colleagues.
Person Specification
Essential:
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Bachelor’s degree
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Fluent English (spoken and written)
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Proactive with a willingness to learn
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Confident and empathetic with strong interpersonal and communication skills
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Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment
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Keen team player who is ready to support and help colleagues
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Excellent record keeping and attention to detail
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Ability to work independently and in a team
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Good time management with ability to prioritise and independently work to deadlines
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Understanding of issues of confidentiality
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Interest in and commitment to the work of Cara
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Confident use of Microsoft package
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Awareness of current global issues
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Ability to handle difficult conversations with sensitivity and resilience
Desirable
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Master’s or equivalent experience
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Casework experience
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Arabic language skills are desirable. Other foreign languages (such as Farsi/Dari, Pashto, Ukrainian and Russian) will also be considered
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Salesforce/CRM software experience
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Experience in a supporting role with people with lived experience of forced migration or other forms of severe adversity
Please send a CV and cover note in response to the four screening questions. Applications that do not follow this guidance will not be considered.
Please respond to the following questions in your cover letter.
1. What draws you to Cara and the work of supporting at-risk academics, and how does your experience and skills relate to this role? (max 500 words)
2. Tell us about a time where you had to balance multiple urgent tasks. (max 300 words)
3. Tell us about a time when you worked with sensitive personal data. (max 300 words)
4. Name 3 things you think it would be important to consider when working with people who've experienced war or displacement like those who apply for Cara support. (max 300 words)
Cara provides help to academics in immediate danger, those forced into exile, and those who remain and work in their home countries despite the risks.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.