Policy and research manager jobs

Salary: £45,000 to £50,000 per annum

Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours per week.

Reports to: Programme Director

Direct reports: None

Location: Harlow, Essex. Easily commutable from London Liverpool Street or Tottenham Hale Station. We offer a free minibus service to/from Harlow Town Train Station as well as free parking and EV charging on site.

Extra Information: Open to conversation on hybrid, flexible and compressed working arrangements.

About the role:

We’re building a Transport Solutions Team that works flexibly across all the tools in our delivery kit – from grants and innovation pilots to research, partnerships, and commercial interventions. Our growing portfolio includes flagship projects tackling challenges such as inclusive EV charging infrastructure, complex community transport needs, and large-scale research like the National Centre for Accessible Transport.

We are now recruiting for three Transport Solutions Managers, one permanent position and two 24 month fixed-term contracts. These roles will lead the design and delivery of high-impact work focused primarily on accessible electric vehicle (EV) charging – a key priority for the Foundation. This is a pivotal role that combines technical understanding, programme delivery, and stakeholder leadership, and is designed to work flexibly across our matrix structure.

While your core focus will be on EV charging, you also may be expected to lead and/or contribute to other transport projects across the transport themes.

This is an opportunity to join a collaborative, purpose-led team driving change in the transport system for disabled people, and to work on some of the most complex and impactful projects in the sector.

What you will be doing:

• Lead the design and delivery of accessible EV charging initiatives, working closely with Programme Directors and partners across government, industry and the charity sector.
• Scope, commission and manage projects related to EV charging – such as pilots, commercial partnerships, research studies or funding opportunities – ensuring alignment to strategic priorities.
• Bring technical and market understanding of EV charging (e.g. standards, installation, interoperability, user experience, accessibility requirements) to shape the Foundation’s approach in this space.
• Manage end-to-end delivery of specific initiatives, including planning, budgeting, due diligence, contracting, risk management, and governance reporting.
• Use insight, evidence and stakeholder engagement to shape new programmes of work and ensure delivery reflects the needs of disabled people.
• Work flexibly across our matrix team, contributing to projects or funding rounds outside your own portfolio as needed, and supporting colleagues with specialist input or delivery resource.
• Build and maintain relationships with key external stakeholders, including OZEV, DfT, BSI, chargepoint operators, local authorities, disability organisations and industry experts.
• Collaborate across the Foundation, including with the Insight & Evaluation, Finance and Communications teams, to ensure high-quality delivery, learning and visibility of our work.
• Bring and apply knowledge in key areas as accessible transport, disability, inclusive innovation, grant making or systems change.
• Support the development and continuous improvement of our delivery models, funding mechanisms and ways of working.

Your experience:

Must haves:

• Experience managing complex projects, ideally in EV charging, transport, or energy sectors.
• Ability to translate technical or policy insight (e.g. standards, user experience, accessibility, or engineering considerations) into practical delivery and funding approaches.
• Experience managing projects or funding opportunities from inception through to delivery, ideally across multiple partners or suppliers.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively across government, industry, and the charity sector.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills, with the ability to deliver multiple, complex workstreams to deadlines.
• Strong analytical capability, able to interpret data, research and qualitative insight to inform recommendations and decision-making.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce high-quality reports, business cases, and presentations for senior audiences.
• Confident IT literacy, including Microsoft Office (particularly Excel and PowerPoint).

Nice to haves:

• Understanding of EV charging systems, standards (e.g. PAS 1899), and market dynamics.
• Experience working alongside government, local authorities, or industry partners on projects.
• Familiarity with innovation or funding mechanisms such as pilots, challenge funds, co-design, or commissioning frameworks.
• Understanding of wider disability and transport issues, such as the social model of disability and key accessibility barriers.
• Experience supporting or line managing others in a team or project context.

If you’re interested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills and experience, we'd still encourage you to apply.

Content Operations Manager

£45,000-£50,000 plus

Reports to: Content Delivery Lead

Directorate: Marketing, Fundraising & Engagement

Contract: 12 month fixed-term contract

Hours: Full time 35 hours per week

Location: Stratford, London Office-based

Closing date: 07th December 2022 23:55

This vacancy may close earlier if a high volume of applications is received or once a suitable candidate is found, therefore we strongly recommend that you apply early to avoid disappointment. Please let us know if there is anything about the recruitment process that you would like to discuss, in particular if there are any changes or adjustments that would make it easier for you to apply. Please contact or 020 3469 8400 as soon as possible.

Visa sponsorship: You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. Cancer Research UK is not able to offer visa sponsorship.

Recruitment process: 2 stage interview process

Interview date: Week commencing 15th December for first stage

At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.

We're looking for an inspiring Content Operations Manager to drive strategic content delivery across the organisation, combining project management, workflow design, and stakeholder engagement to improve efficiency and user experience.

Working closely with teams within Digital and beyond, you will help further embed content design and strategy best practices within our content community across CRUK.

This role will support us with new ways of working to enhance content governance and new ways of working after a CMS migration. You will work with the wider Content Excellence Team to develop governance frameworks that empower our wider content community and improve user experiences.

What will I be doing?

• Provide project management and direction for developing cross-organisational content operations
• Work with stakeholders to further develop and optimise our content operations
• Develop a methodology for producing user-focused content aligned with strategic objectives
• Conduct research and analyse content metrics to optimise strategy and operations.
• Working alongside the change manager, communicate content operational changes across the organisation
• Support the Delivery and Support Team to set processes for the organisation to conduct content audits

What are we looking for?

• Experienced in enterprise content management and implementation
• Able to turn content strategy into clear plans and technical delivery
• Knowledge of content technologies (headless CMS, asset management, analytics).
• Proven leadership in guiding organisations through content transformation.
• Worked with multidisciplinary digital teams to deliver user-focused content.
• Confident in using research and data to improve content strategy and operations.

Our organisation values are designed to guide all that we do.

Bold: Act with ambition, courage and determination

Credible: Act with rigour and professionalism

Human: Act to have a positive impact on people

Together: Act inclusively and collaboratively

We're looking for people who can believe in and embody these organisation values and can use them to drive forward progress against our mission to beat cancer.

If you're interested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills and experience we'd still love to hear from you.

What will I gain?

We create a working environment that supports your wellbeing and provide a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools. Our policies and processes enable you to improve your work-life balance, take positive steps in your career and achieve your personal wellbeing goals.

You can explore our benefits by visiting our .

How do I apply?

We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. CVs are required for all applications; but we won't be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to complete the work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively.

For more information on this career opportunity please or contact us at .

For more updates on our work and careers, follow us on: , , , and .

Marketing and Communications Manager

Location:

Hybrid: Primarily based at Cosmic HQ near St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, with opportunities for home working

Reports To:

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Salary:

£36,000 per annum pro rata, £21,600 actual for 0.6FTE

Hours:

3 days per week/0.6FTE

Job Type:

Permanent

Annual Leave:

27 days plus bank holidays, plus office shuts between Christmas & New Year, pro rata for 0.6FTE

About Cosmic 

Cosmic is a small but mighty children’s charity, dedicated to supporting the incredible work of the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, and Queen Charlotte’s Hospital, Hammersmith. We provide vital funding for life-saving equipment, specialist staff training, pioneering research, and family support services - helping to make a real difference for children and families when they need it most.

We’re looking for a passionate and creative Marketing and Communications Manager to help us tell Cosmic’s story, engage our incredible supporters, and grow our reach and impact. If you love storytelling, enjoy building strong relationships, and want to be part of a small, supportive team that’s making a real difference, this could be the perfect role for you. You’ll play a key part in raising Cosmic’s profile, supporting fundraising campaigns, and keeping our community connected through engaging and impactful communications.

Key Responsibilities

External Communications

• Collaborate with the team to develop a communications plan to support Cosmic’s calendar of events, income generation and volunteering, taking ownership of its implementation.
• Manage supporter communications through platforms like Mailchimp, including scheduling updates and mail merges.
• Produce and manage the production and distribution of the charity’s supporter newsletter, corporate newsletter, and other direct marketing materials.
• Develop a GDPR compliant method to gather data from families who benefit from Cosmic Service Delivery, to support conversion to fundraising via a Cosmic communication plan and supporter journey
• Create and execute engaging campaigns for Cosmic, based on our service delivery, to generate income.
• Liaise with celebrity partners to coordinate media campaigns.
• Develop and maintain a bank of photographs and ensure media consent forms are obtained and recorded appropriately.
• Assist fundraising teams in sourcing free advertising opportunities for events, such as community group emails and online platforms.
• Working with internal and external stakeholders to deliver and maximise media opportunities and campaigns that help raise awareness of the Cosmic’s services
• Writing press releases for local, regional and national press covering Cosmic service delivery, events and fundraising campaigns.
• Plan and execute events designed for stewardship and engagement alongside the Cosmic Events Team.
• Support in the development and delivery of the Cosmic ambassador strategy

Internal Communications

• Work closely with supporters, NHS staff, and the NHS Imperial Trust to gather compelling patient, family, unit, and staff stories for promotional purposes.
• Be a visible presence on the wards, building relationships to develop case studies, improve communication, and identify opportunities for collaboration.
• Keep charity notice boards updated with promotional material.
• Contribute to the quarterly Trustee report.
• Ensure that all communication is clearly logged on the Cosmic CRM solution, Donorfy.

Digital

• Manage Cosmic’s social media channels, developing and implementing a consistent and engaging social media plan to promote the charity’s work, events, and fundraising initiatives effectively.
• Digital transformation of the Cosmic website and other digital channels with a consistent and clear brand, ensuring optimal user experience.
• Create engaging and consistent digital designs for all marketing materials on Canva.

Branding and Merchandising

• Design and create a new range of fundraising merchandise and marketing materials to promote the Cosmic brand.
• Support the fundraising team by developing high-quality materials for proposals, events, and activities, and assist in promoting these initiatives.
• Develop and formalise a clear Cosmic Tone of Voice and charity branding, establishing guidelines for how Cosmic presents itself both internally and externally to ensure consistency and alignment with its mission and values.
• Build a Cosmic library of “curated content” with aligned descriptions of who we are and what we do, tailored for different audiences.
• Ensure all internal templates (letterheads, email signatures etc) use the correct colour palette, format and logo.

Administration

• Build a process to balance and prioritise the requirements and request for digital, marketing and communication support from the Cosmic Team
• Respond effectively to incoming telephone calls and emails, ensuring all inquiries are handled professionally.
• Maintain and update the charity’s database of contacts and supporters, taking the lead in implementing changes to improve data recording and analysis.
• Provide support to charity volunteers during activities.
• Develop engaging and relevant supporter journeys using Cosmic audience personas.
• Regular development and gathering of Cosmic case study materials.
• Evaluate the success of campaigns, setting and tracking key metrics, feeding learnings back into future work in a cycle of continuous improvement.
• Prepare and deliver regular, meaningful reporting on communications, to assist and drive strategic communications and marketing decision making.

General

• Build relationships across Cosmic, NHS units, and key stakeholders to identify opportunities for collaboration.
• Stay informed about fundraising sector trends and identify ways to apply them to Cosmic’s work.
• Undertake any other tasks commensurate with the role, adhering to the charity’s time-in-lieu policy.
• Support PICU/NICU with day-to-day needs, including celebrating milestones, organising activities, or assisting families with specific requirements.

Who We’re Looking For

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Previous experience in a marketing or communications role, ideally working within the charity sector.
• Proven success designing and delivering communications plans and campaigns.
• Experience of successfully pitching stories or collaborations to media, journalists and influencers.
• Understanding of how to create engaging content – both written and visual.
• Understanding of how to develop opportunities for coverage and know how to make them happen, and of media and communication trends, with the ability to stay ahead of the curve.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft engaging content for diverse audiences.
• Strong digital storytelling skills.
• Experience in creating marketing materials in Canva and managing communications campaigns.
• Experience of managing social media channels, creating content that drive results
• Experience of using WordPress, Mailchimp and CRM solutions.
• Confidence in liaising with stakeholders, including NHS staff, supporters, and celebrity partners.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Creative thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Knowledge of GDPR and data protection best practices.
• A genuine passion for Cosmic’s mission and values.

Desirable Skills and Experience:

• Experience in developing case studies
• Previous experience in a charity or fundraising environment.

Why You’ll Love Working with Us

At Cosmic, we’re a small team with a big heart. Every day, we get to make a real impact on the lives of children and families facing the toughest times. You’ll have the chance to use your creativity, develop new ideas, and see the difference your work makes - whether it’s helping to fund vital equipment, supporting a fundraising event, or simply putting a smile on a child’s face.

·        27 days holiday plus Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time roles)

·        £200 professional development budget annually

·        Hybrid working opportunities

·        Employee Assistance Programme

·        Flexible hours. Core office hours 10am – 4pm

To be considered for this role, please answer the screening questions in full.

Are you fiercely dedicated to Indigenous peoples’ rights, a fluent Spanish speaker, and ready to put your networking, analytical, and strategic skills to use as part of a dynamic international campaign team? Survival International is offering a rare opportunity to join our Research and Advocacy Department, working primarily on our campaigns for the rights of uncontacted Indigenous peoples in Spanish-speaking South America. 

This is a chance to join a deeply committed Indigenous rights campaigning organisation that regularly takes on powerful targets and wins. We are looking for a creative, strategic and focused research and policy person to join us at either Officer or Assistant level. You can be part of combating the violent colonialism and land theft that is threatening Indigenous peoples worldwide – one of the most urgent crises of our time. 

For further details and how to apply, please see the job description and application form. The application form is downloadable via the 'How to apply' button.

The Research Manager at Healthwatch Hounslow will be an experienced manager of community-focused projects or programmes.

You will be comfortable with all aspects of research – from scoping, to desk research, to fieldwork, to analysis and writing reports. You will be a clear and confident communicator, whether producing concise, engaging content such as reports, or resenting/speaking in meetings or at events.

We are looking for someone who understands and has experience of creatively engaging diverse groups and communities – particularly seldom heard and underserved groups. Ideally you will be familiar with and an advocate for the principles and practices of co-production and public involvement.

The Research Manager will enjoy engaging with a wide variety of people – from hearing residents’ views and experiences of services, to influencing senior commissioners or providers of health services to make changes and improvements.

You will have a keen interest in Health and Social Care; and a passion to ensure that local people in the community are heard, and health inequalities are addressed.  

People and Policy Partner
Location: Remote (ability to attend ad-hoc meetings in the London office 1-2 days per month)
Salary: £39,000 - £41,000 per annum dependant on experience
Contract: Maternity cover contract from January 2026 – November 2026

About the Organisation
My client is a leading, purpose-driven organisation committed to delivering strategic impact across the sector. They combine research, policy, and operational excellence to achieve their mission, and are seeking an experienced People professional to join their team and drive forward their employee relations and policy initiatives.

The Role
Reporting to the People Operations Manager, the People and Policy Partner will provide a solution-focused, high-quality People service across the organisation. You will be a trusted advisor to managers and staff on all aspects of People activity, supporting employee relations, policy development, and organisational change. This is a hands-on, specialist role with responsibility for improving policies, processes, and employee experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert guidance on employee relations, supporting managers with complex or sensitive cases.
• Lead the review, development, and implementation of People policies and procedures to ensure legal compliance and best practice.
• Coach and develop managers to enhance people management capabilities.
• Manage family leave processes, inductions, appraisals, and return-to-work processes.
• Deliver hands-on operational support to the People team, including running drop-in sessions and supporting transactional work.
• Act as deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead when required.

About You

• Proven experience in a generalist People role within a medium-to-large organisation.
• Up-to-date knowledge of employment legislation and HR best practice.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Experience developing and implementing policies, coaching managers, and managing complex employee relations cases.
• Flexible, proactive, and committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
• CIPD Level 5 or equivalent qualification desirable.

How to Apply - For a full job description please contact:

Faye Marshall – [email protected]
Giuseppe Di Maria –

Closing date: 5pm, Friday 5th December

Interview date: 11th December via Teams

Harris Hill is a certified B Corp™ and a leading charity recruitment agency. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion.

Tender is an arts charity working with children and young people to prevent domestic abuse and sexual violence through creative projects. Our programmes are safe, enjoyable, age-appropriate spaces where young people can engage with sensitive topics and “rehearse” for real-life scenarios. Participants are encouraged to be both consumers and producers of learning through script-work, role-play and creative media such as films and art. Throughout, we enable young people to explore their choices, rights and expectations in relationships and to recognise the early warning signs of abuse.

We have an exciting opportunity for someone who is interested in both research and converting that research into compelling data and stories to support our policy and influencing work.

This role will sit within our Research & Impact team, but will work across our communications, fundraising, and policy & influencing teams, particularly working closely with our senior leadership team to support our policy & influencing work. By converting the evidence and research from the research & impact team in to actionable insights and recommendations which can be shared with our funders, supporters and key decision makers such as policy makers and civil servants, you will play an important role in promoting the importance of prevention work as a tool to prevent domestic abuse and sexual violence.

We are looking for someone with some experience in research and evaluation who has a passion for communication and storytelling. You will enjoy exploring quantitative and qualitative data to pull out meaningful insights, building relationships with a range of internal and external partners, and using data and evidence to persuade others to prioritise prevention-focused approaches to addressing societal issues.

Key responsibilities

The main responsibilities of this role are:

• EnsuringTender’s projects implement Tender’s Theory of Change and evaluation processes, and ensure learnings from evaluations are used to improve Tender’s work
• Analysing Tender’s evaluation results and carrying out secondary research to produce reports and guidance on best practice approaches to preventing domestic abuse and sexual violence
• Using the findings from Tender’s evaluations and research to author and disseminate (on behalf of Tender and working in partnership with other organisations) recommendations for policy makers on preventing domestic abuse and sexual violence

Marie Curie is the UK’s leading end-of-life charity. We are the largest non-NHS provider of end-of-life care in the UK, the only provider across all 4 nations, delivering community nursing and hospice care across the country, while providing information and support on all aspects of dying, death, and bereavement. Our leading research pushes the boundaries of what we know about good end of life, and our campaigns fight for a world where everyone gets to have the best possible quality of life while living with an illness, they’re likely to die from.

You’ll join Marie Curie’s Policy and Public Affairs team in our Research & Policy Directorate, working alongside passionate colleagues across the UK to champion better palliative and end of life care. We collaborate with governments, the NHS, social care, the voluntary sector, researchers, and people with lived experience to deliver lasting change.

In this strategic role, you will shape Marie Curie’s policy platform for palliative and end of life care, using evidence from research and practice to drive systemic change. Your work will influence government, health, and social care policy at national and local levels - helping to ensure that everyone who needs palliative care can access it, regardless of who they are or where they live.

You will be responsible for: 

• Leading the development of evidence-based policy positions to improve access, quality, and sustainability of palliative and end-of-life care.
• Analysing complex policy developments, identifying opportunities to influence at national and local levels.
• Building and managing strategic relationships with policymakers, sector leaders, and other key stakeholders.
• Acting as a spokesperson for Marie Curie, representing the charity in the media, at conferences, and in political forums.
• Working with research teams to shape policy-relevant research and ensure findings are used to inform decision-making.
• Designing and manage strategic programmes of work, ensuring delivery on time, within scope, and with measurable impact.

Key Criteria:

• Proven experience of leading impactful policy change in palliative and end-of-life care, health, or social care.
• Demonstrable ability to use research and practice evidence for policy development and influencing.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex issues clearly and persuasively.
• Political astuteness and proven policy influencing skills.
• Experience designing and managing strategic programmes of work.
• Understanding of health and social care systems and policy-making processes.
• Commitment to advocate for equity and equality.

Please see the full job description .

Application & Interview Process

• As part of your online application, you will be asked for a CV and supplementary information about your motivation and relevant experience. Please review both the advert and job description and outline your skills, experience and knowledge for the role.
• Closing date for applications: 7 December 2025

Salary: £45,000-50,000 per annum (+ £3,500 London Allowance if applicable)

Contract: Permanent, full-time (35 hours per week)

Based: Hybrid. You can work from anywhere within the UK, with regular travel to the London office as required.

Benefits you’ll LOVE:

• Flexible working. We’re happy to discuss flexible working at the interview stage.
• 25 days annual leave (exclusive of Bank Holidays)
• Marie Curie Group Personal Pension Scheme (we will match your contribution up to 7.5%)
• Loan schemes for bikes; computers and season tickets
• Continuous professional development opportunities.
• Industry-leading training programmes
• Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programmes
• Enhanced bereavement, family friendly and sickness benefits
• Access to Blue Light Card membership
• Subsidised Eye Care

Marie Curie is committed to its values, which underpin our work. We take stringent steps to ensure that the people who join our organisation through employment or volunteering, are suitable for their roles and are committed to safeguarding all our people from harm. This includes our staff, volunteers and all those who use or come into contact with our services. We are dedicated to creating not just a safe place to work but also a supportive and rewarding one.

We are committed to a world where everyone can thrive and fulfil their potential. We are devoted to the social justice imperatives and organisational benefits of full diversity, inclusion and equity in the workplace, and are a Stonewall champion. We actively encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, perspectives and lived experiences.

We're happy to accommodate any requests for reasonable adjustments. Please email any requests to [email protected]

Policy & Campaigns Support Officer

Location: Liverpool

Salary: £44,228

Grade 6.1 £44,228 per annum rising incrementally to 6.3 £45,928

Full-time, Monday-Friday 35 hours a week (happy to talk flexible working)

Permanent 

Based at regional office in Liverpool L3 8EG

**Previous applicants who did not reach assessment centre stage, should not reapply.  If you previously attended the assessment centre stage and would like your application to be reconsidered, you may either submit a new application or email Jay McKenna to request a review of your application.**

We’re looking for someone to join our North West team, to contribute to our wide and varied work supporting our trade unions, their members and changing the world of work for good.  This is an interesting time as we look to take forward work on the new Employment Rights Bill and tackling the far-right and more.

About the role

The role includes supporting our regional campaigning, policy and research and media work.  You will have the opportunity to work with colleagues, trade unions and other partners to make a difference to working lives through the campaigns, events and work we do.

Who we’re looking for

This position would suit someone who has experience of campaigning and building constructive working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders and who can use their experience and organisational skills to contribute to the success of our unions and delivery of our regional workplan.

 What experience, skills, knowledge and understanding do you need?

• You’ll be committed to the work of trade unions to improve the world of work
• You’ll able to understand complex issues and exercise sound political judgement
• You’ll have a good knowledge and strong interest in the economic and social issues affecting working people in the North West
• You’ll have good knowledge and understanding of key issues for our client including current issues in trade unionism and campaigning

If this is you, then we’d like to hear from you.  If you aren’t sure, don’t rule yourself out - You can take a look at our job description and person specification for more information.

We are particularly keen to receive applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BME) applicants who are underrepresented in this part of our client but also welcome applications from any candidate

Therefore, if you’re BME and are interested in the post, we invite you to join an online briefing at 12 pm, on Wednesday 10th December, to hear about the role and the TUC and ask questions of the recruiting manager. 

You don’t need to attend the briefing session to apply for this position.  

The closing date for completed applications for this post is 12 midday, Monday 15th December 2025.  Interviews will be held on Wednesday 7th January 2026.

Our clients staff enjoy a good benefits package including final salary pension scheme and other benefits.  Please read our staff terms and conditions document for additional information.

Our client operates an anonymised recruitment process and names are not included during shortlisting. We don’t ask for details of educational institutions attended.

To view the job description and person specification, guidance on completing your application and our clients terms and conditions, please click on the ‘documents available’ button at the top our online application portal.  To apply for the post, click on the Apply Now button.

Closing date: 15th December

Shortlist date: 16th December

Interview date: 7th January 2026

Head of strategic research development
 

Location: Contracted to our Peterborough office with the flexibility for hybrid working
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full time 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £50,000 - £55,000 depending on experience
Benefits: We want all our employees to feel valued and engaged and are committed to offering a positive working culture along with a good work-life balance. As well as ensuring we pay our employees fairly, we offer the following benefits: Flexible working, Generous annual leave, Private Medical Insurance, including dental and optical, Pension Scheme, Sick Pay, Death in Service, Employee Assistance Programme, Bike Loan Scheme, Cycle2Work Scheme, Eyecare, Discount Portal
 
Closing date: Wednesday 3 December 2025

Telephone interviews will be held week commencing 8 December 2025

Interviews will be held week commencing 15 December 2025

No agencies please
 
Be a part of an energetic and vibrant team who are driven by the desire to improve the lives of people living with kidney disease. Our vision is the day when everyone lives free from kidney disease.

Reporting into the director of research development and partnerships, the head of strategic research development leads the development and delivery of Kidney Research UK’s research strategy in our priority and emerging research areas, working closely with our research and health system-facing teams.

The role is responsible for horizon scanning and translating strategic priorities into deliverable research funding initiatives, mobilising multi-partner collaborations that accelerate progress from concept to delivery.

The post-holder will also provide line management for the research programme managers, offering direction, guidance and professional development to ensure coherent delivery across research themes and initiatives.

As a senior member of the team, the post-holder will deputise for the director of research development and partnerships as required, representing the charity with senior stakeholders, making timely decisions, and ensuring strategic continuity across portfolios.

You will have experience in research strategy, development, funding or portfolio management within the health, biomedical or life sciences sector. You’ll combine strategic insight into how research is funded and evaluated with the ability to lead and inspire others, fostering professional growth and wellbeing.

You will be a strategic thinker, confident and assertive, able to make sound decisions, delegate effectively and keep processes moving at pace. Strong communication skills (written, verbal and interpersonal) will enable you to work well across teams, build productive relationships with colleagues, and to influence and liaise effectively with external stakeholders.

If you are interested in the position, please complete the online application form and submit together with your CV.

We are committed to providing equal opportunities for everyone and encourage applications from all sections of the community.

About Kidney Research UK:

Kidney Research UK is the leading charity in the UK focused on funding research into the prevention, treatment and management of kidney disease. Our vision is the day when everyone lives free from kidney disease and for more than 60 years the research, we fund has been making an impact. But kidney disease is increasing as are the factors contributing to it, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity, making our work more essential than ever.

At Kidney Research UK we work with clinicians and scientists across the UK, funding and facilitating research into all areas of kidney disease. We collaborate with partners across the public, private and third sectors to prevent kidney disease and drive innovation to transform treatments.

Over the last ten years we have invested more than £71 million into research. We lobby governments and decision makers to change policy and practice to ensure that the estimated 7.2 million people living with all stages of kidney disease in the UK have access to the most effective care and treatment, and to make kidney disease a priority.

Most importantly, we also work closely with patients, ensuring their voice is heard and is at the centre of everything we do, from deciding which research to invest in to how we plan our priorities and our work across the charity.

Those patient contributions are vital, always helping us and our partners to understand what life is like with kidney disease, always ensuring we see the patient behind the treatment and always reminding us that behind every statistic and every number is a person – the patients and the carers who inspire our mission and push us forward to make a difference and change the future of kidney disease.

You may also have experience in the following: Strategic Research Development, Research Strategy Lead, Health Research Leadership, Biomedical Research, Life Sciences Research, Research Portfolio Management, Research Funding Initiatives, Research Strategy Development, Multi-partner Collaboration, Project/Programme Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Decision-making & Strategic Planning, Funding Evaluation, Policy & Research Translation, Line Management, Team Leadership, Senior Stakeholder Liaison, Charity, Charities, Third Sector, Not for Profit, NFP, etc.
 
REF-225 057

As a cross-border, cross-culture children’s charity, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is at the heart of what we do. We are committed to fostering a workplace that promotes mutual respect and allows equal opportunity for all. We seek applications for candidates with diverse backgrounds including, but not at all limited to, family overseas, experience being raised by non-biological parents, ethnic minority communities and people with health conditions or impairments. 

Job Outline:

CFAB supports children on the move between the UK and other countries and children who are separated from their family in another country. The complexities of migration and international separation can make many of these children particularly hard to support and particularly vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. We ensure that children in these circumstances enjoy the same care, protection and right to a family life as we would want for any child.

We are the only UK representative of the International Social Service network, and the only charity in the UK with a dedicated international social work team. We are proud to have royal patronage from HRH, Princess Alexandra.

You will lead CFAB’s programme of campaigns, research and advocacy. You will raise awareness of our work to protect children who are separated from their families across international borders by developing key relationships with Government departments, drafting policy briefings, developing campaigns and leading on our public affairs work. You also will produce newsletters, create compelling content for our social media channels, maintain our website and promote our campaigns to key stakeholders.

We are looking for a highly motivated, creative individual who has excellent written skills and is positive, proactive and eager to learn. You will be working in a small team so a hand-on, solution focused approach is a must.

Key responsibilities:

Policy

• Draft policy positions, briefings and internal and external reports as appropriate.
• Identify and cultivate parliamentary and ministerial contacts sympathetic to our cause.
• Monitor Parliamentary inquiries, Bills, debates, parliamentary questions, and government consultations and draft submissions in a timely manner.
• Monitor and analyse government statistics.
• Work with Experts by Experience to shape advocacy and amplify the voices of those with lived experience of our work.

Campaigns & Communication

• Lead on developing our public-facing campaigns, tailoring our key messages for different audiences and identifying ways to push forward our issues through presentations, meetings, social media and other channels.
• Lead on our Public Relations work, maintaining our database and relations with relevant media, trade press and sector leads to raise awareness of our work and our policy campaigns.
• Write and produce CFAB's digital newsletters.
• Produce and track the efficacy of email marketing campaigns.
• Responsibly use digital and AI tools to enhance communication strategies, ensuring alignment with organisational values and safeguarding data privacy and integrity.

Marketing

• Contribute to the updating and maintenance of CFAB’s website as required.
• Design and produce other marketing materials as needed.

Social media

• Manage all activity on our social media channels including the creation of posts, videos and images and ad hoc engagement.
• Track online engagement with CFAB and regularly monitor performance to enable an effective assessment of our communication tools and outputs. 

Other duties commensurate with the role as required by CFAB.

Person specification: (Skills, Abilities, Knowledge and Experience)

Essential:

• Excellent written English, with proven ability to research and write accessible, clear policy documents and reports for a range of audiences.
• Passionate about CFAB’s mission.
• A ‘self-starter’ with a willingness to learn about CFAB’s complex cause. • Sound knowledge of the political system and policy making in the UK.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to juggle multiple priorities. • The ability to engage and build relationships internally and externally to CFAB
• A clear commitment to CFAB’s values and beliefs, including the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace. 

Desirable:

• Educated to degree level.
• Experience of providing strategic and tactical political and/or policy advice, including to senior management.
• Experience in a marketing or communications role, preferably within the third sector. • Experience using Mailchimp and website management.
• Sound working knowledge of window-based software packages, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, electronic mail, and the internet.
• Graphic design skills and experience working within brand guidelines. • Experience in building relationships with journalists and placing stories.
• Familiarity with Salesforce.

Additional Requirements

1. Ensuring adherence to necessary legislation e.g. Data Protection Act, Health and Safety Act
2. Participation in evening and/or weekend events, networking and meetings

This job description is a non-contractual document and may be changed at any time by CFAB. All employees are expected to be flexible over the tasks/duties and responsibilities of their roles in order to meet the needs of both of CFAB and our service users/partners.

About the role

This new Lead role sits within the Design Council Programmes Team led by the Chief Design Officer and has responsibility for leading the development and embedding of our funding strategy. Coordinating income generation of ~£2m per year including securing £250k of philanthropic (T&Fs, corporates, other sources) funding in the first year, the role also has the objective of growing overall revenue but in line with the refreshed Design Council business and funding model to ensure it remains strategically aligned and sustainable.​

Reporting to the Head of Programmes with a dotted line to the Chief Operating Officer, you will be responsible for oversight of the overall revenue pipeline, working across the organisation to have full line of sight of funding opportunities and partnerships and ensure a consistent approach to how we generate revenue. ​​

You will drive an effective stakeholder engagement plan, working closely with the Communications team to ensure campaigns and events help build and maintain a strong network of funder relationships and strengthening our profile as a charity. ​

The scope covers directly securing philanthropic/corporate partner funding as well as supporting wider commercial income generation and also ensuring they are all anchored in our Theory of Change and enable long term income growth.​

Our core programmes of work support delivery of our Theory of Change encompassing Skills, Capability, Innovation and Research. We are looking to create and grow funding partnerships through a variety of activities including events, learning and training and world leading research, and the Fundraising and Partnerships Lead will play a critical role in developing funding relationships, securing them, both directly and also supporting the wider team.

Key Responsibilties 

 1. New Funding Generation and Planning​

• Lead the identification of new revenue opportunities across the range of Design Council propositions with the objective of growing total revenue base, in line with the Design Council funding strategy and business model​

• Overall accountability for converting philanthropic (T&Fs, corporate sponsorship etc) opportunities into secured new partnership funding and supporting on conversion of funding partnerships for other commercial (paid project) work​

• Working closely with Chief Design Office, Head of Programmes and in particularly the Programme Leads to ensure each area of work (Skills, Capability, Innovation and Research) has an appropriate funding plan including a roadmap for future development​

• Support Programme Leads, Head of Communications and CDO in identifying opportunities to commercialise core propositions and other DC assets in line with our Design for Planet ethos and market-making approach​

• Overall owner of marketing and other funding collateral to support Programme Leads in growing revenue from their respective propositions as well as new promotion of Design Council for potential new funders and other partners, and working with the Communications team to develop and maintain it​​

2. Partner Cultivation and Stewardship​

• Personally build and maintain relationships with existing partners ensuring consistent engagement and communication ​

• Identify, research, and qualify potential philanthropic and corporate funding partner prospects​

• Develop and implement partner stewardship plans including communication approach and in person engagement, including long term relationships that can secure multi-year significant levels of funding as well as growing it over time​

• Seek out, regularly attend and drive external events and meetings to build personal relationships and extend partner network​​

3. Grant and Commercial Proposal Development & Bid Writing​

• Support Programme Leads in researching and identifying potential grant and commercial opportunities from foundations and other private or public organisations​

• Lead engagement with potential funders in terms of submission of new proposals for all partner-funded work and support Programme Leads to ensure consistency and coherence for our paid project work​

• Support and sometimes lead writing compelling grant proposals and commercial bids, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission and goals. ​

• Lead or support others on tactics to ensure bids are successfully converted

4. Event Planning and Execution​

• Assist Senior Events Manager with organizing fundraising events and other events designed to support future revenue growth through funding partners​

• Regularly scan the external environment for relevant external events Design Council should be attending​

• Ensure appropriate marketing collateral is developed and maintained to support and promote Design Council events aimed at fundraising​

• Be a key DC representative at events, maximising the potential of income opportunities and raising the profile of the organisation and its objectives​​

5. Data Management and Reporting​

• Overall process owner for managing the pipeline of partnership opportunities across both revenue-generating prospects and non-revenue generating prospects​

• Overall custodian of the funding pipeline including holding Programme Managers to account to ensure accurate maintenance of CRM records ​

• Working closely with COO and Head of Finance & Operations to ensure accurate and timely reporting and effective internal meetings to track status of the funding pipeline​

• Support Programme Managers in researching funding trends and market changes​​

6. Line Manager for Partnerships Programme Manager​

• Provide quality line management guidance and support to the Partnerships Programme Manager, ensuring clear and motivating goals and regularly and meaningful feedback​

• Support the Partnerships Programme Manager in their learning and development, with regular reviews of their Individual Development Plan and career aspirations​

• Be a source of learning and guidance for the wider Programmes Team in terms of fundraising and partnership development

Who we're looking for 

We are looking for a driven, self-motivated and hands-on individual, with a track record of securing funding from a range of sources and growing revenue in a national not-for-profit or commercial organisation. ​

You will be ambitious for Design Council’s aspiration of reaching £8m revenue by 2031 and be able to demonstrate commercial acumen and experience of developing revenue generation strategies and converting opportunities into secured income. ​

You will also know that fundraising  is challenging and competitive, so you will be resilient and experienced in building the relationships that can secures six-figure+ multi-year income. Therefore you need to be brilliant at building external networks, joining the dots and seeing opportunities to connect people and ideas for the benefit of organisational strategy. ​

You must also be excellent at building and nurturing relationships, with a wide range of external stakeholders, and also effectively collaborate internally across the organisation.​

You are a natural salesperson, able to identify opportunities and have compelling conversations that lead to partnerships and revenue.​

This is a growing role with lots of moving parts, so we’re looking for a someone who is flexible and adaptable, who proactively identifies challenges and opportunities.​

You are passionate about our Design for Planet and Green Design Skills missions and demonstrate an ability to think strategically as well as commercially and work collaboratively.

Skills & Experience

• At least 5 years’ experience fundraising / revenue generation in a commercial or not-for-profit sector organisation
• Experience working with high-net-worth individuals or foundations
• Ability to create fundraising strategies and help execute them
• Grant / bid writing experience for both grants and commercial tenders
• Ideally have an existing network of potential funders / partners, and confident in use of events and marketing to drive interest and engagement
• Experience of funding agreements and commercial contracts
• Have line management experience and a passion for developing people
• Ideally have experience of government funding and other public bodies

You will also be

• A confident and excellent communicator
• A natural in external engagements and new environments and with new people
• Willing and able to attend regular external events (London and elsewhere in the UK)
• Empathetic, pragmatic and adaptable, with a solutions-mindset
• Proactive, hands on and willing to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in
• Cognisant of the importance of accurate data, effective processes and knowledge of working with CRMs
• Confident working at different levels within an organisation
• Willing and able to take a risk-based approach to making decisions
• Curious and open to new ideas and ways of working
• A team player and natural collaborator but also comfortable working on your own
• Resilient and comfortable with navigating through change
• Aware of some of the rewards and challenges of working in the not-for-profit sector
• Passionate about Design for Planet​ and the power of design

Job Purpose: To provide high-quality and comprehensive advice, information, practical and advocacy support relating to domestic and other forms of gender-based violence perpetrated against Black and minoritised women and children. To assist with educational, developmental, policy and campaigning work arising from advice and casework. To promote the aims and objectives of SBS as a specialist organisation for Black and minoritised women and children.

This vacancy is restricted to Black and minoritised women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

We reserve the right to close these adverts early if we have sufficient interest, so early applications are encouraged.

Are you driven by a commitment to social justice and equality? Do you want to utilise your expertise to support vulnerable women and children in their fight against inequality and discrimination? Southall Black Sisters has the perfect opportunity for you. We are seeking a dedicated Immigration Solicitor to provide specialised, personalised advice to our clients, empowering them to make informed decisions about their future.

The postholder will support and contribute to Southall Black Sisters’ (SBS) research, policy and campaigning work by developing and delivering high-quality, intersectional research that:

• Strengthens the evidence base on violence against women and girls (VAWG), particularly as it affects Black, minoritised and migrant (BMM) women and girls.
• Centres the lived experiences of victim-survivors, using participatory and coproduced research methods.
• Informs SBS’s advocacy, public education and service delivery strategies through accessible, impactful research outputs.

Working closely with senior staff, frontline colleagues and external partners, the postholder will design and contribute to research projects, gather and analyse qualitative and quantitative data, and produce clear, well-structured outputs including reports, policy briefings and presentations. They will be supported to develop their research skills and will be encouraged to bring creativity and rigour to exploring the structural inequalities that shape the lives of the women SBS supports.

By joining our team, you will be at the forefront of the fight for equality and justice, making a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Why work with Southall Black Sisters?

Southall Black Sisters is committed to providing a supportive working environment, where team members feel valued, empowered and safe. To that end, we provide an excellent package of employee benefits including:

• Generous annual leave entitlement 
• Hybrid working 
• Enhanced pension contribution
• Enhanced sick pay
• Subsidised public transport season ticket
• A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, including access to confidential support from MBACP therapists 
• Clinical supervision with an MBACP therapist to explore issues arising from casework
• A focus on continued learning and development through accredited training delivered by experts in their field
• Organisation-wide away days
• Career development pathways and support
• The opportunity to learn and grow within an organisation renowned for inspiring political activism and campaigning successes
• Employer eye care scheme

To Apply

Submit a completed application form along with the optional equal opportunities monitoring form by the application deadline. Please do not send us your CV as this will not be considered.

Please note, incomplete applications will not be considered.

Deadline: Wednesday 10th December 2025 (5.00pm).
Interview dates: Thursday 18th December 2025 (Please note that the interview date is fixed. Applicants who cannot attend must state this in their application)

The Partnerships Manager will play a pivotal role in delivering Youth Futures Foundation’s Employer Strategy.

You will embed and scale evidence-based practice across employer networks to create systemic change in how employers recruit, develop and retain young people.

This role suits someone skilled at translating strategy into delivery — influencing employer behaviour and embedding Youth Futures’ evidence into employer practice.

• You will bring experience of driving behaviour or practice change through partnerships, combined with a passion for tackling youth unemployment and a strong interest in equity, diversity and inclusion issues.
• You will need solid relationship-building and collaboration skills, and the ability to manage people and performance to deliver measurable impact.
• An understanding of how inclusive employment practices and workplace cultures can improve outcomes for young people — particularly those facing disadvantage.

This role can be based at our Birmingham, Leeds or London hub. We currently operate a hybrid model of two-days per week in the office and three-days from home.

For more information on this role, please download our recruitment pack.

Due to receiving high volumes of interest in our opportunities, this vacancy may close earlier than the advertised deadline. To ensure your application is considered, please submit it as soon as possible.