Policy communications manager jobs in Birmingham

Fantastic opportunity for a Fundraising and Grants Manager 

Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse (AAFDA) is a well-established and respected national charity offering specialist and expert advocacy and peer support to families bereaved by fatal domestic abuse. We have an exciting opportunity to build upon and grow our fundraising success to date, in the role ofFundraising and Grants Manager. We are seeking an experienced fundraising professional, with the drive and determination to manage all aspects of our fundraising function.

AAFDA is currently funded by statutory bodies, trusts and foundations, corporates, events and individuals. Under your management, you will identify, cultivate and grow these existing and new fundraising streams.As AAFDA’s Fundraising and Grants Manager, you will be responsible for oversight and growth of voluntary and statutory funding income, including from individuals (regular and one-off gifts, major donors and legacy giving), community groups, trusts and foundations, corporates, the statutory sector (including Police and Crime Commissioners) and other benefactors. Starting from a strong foundation with multiple opportunities for growth, you will lead on the delivery of our ambitious, multi-year, multi-disciplinary fundraising strategy with an annual fundraising plan agreed with senior management.  With keen funder and customer awareness, you will regularly monitor and review both the plan and the strategy, in addition to working closely with our Finance Manager to manage diverse income streams and achieve income targets to fund AAFDA’s unique support and advocacy work with families bereaved by fatal domestic abuse.  Holding responsibility for maintaining and developing the website and building social media programmes, you will undertake an ambassadorial approach in all activity to assist our CEO and Director of Services to lead and manage the AAFDA brand and corporate identity, with a focus on generating earned income, by extending awareness of what AAFDA does and how successful we are.

This is a permanent role, subject to funding, but we will work hard (alongside you!) to secure this.

In return for joining us, we will offer you:

• 25 days annual leave per annum, plus bank holidays
• Excellent development and training opportunities
• Pension Scheme
• Healthcare Scheme
• Employee Assist Scheme

Application closing date: 11th September 2026 5pm 

We review applications on a rolling basis. We reserve the right to close this posting early if we find the right candidate, so early submission is strongly advised.

To apply please submit a supporting statement along with your CV.

Applicants will be shortlisted according to how well they meet the criteria in the person specification.  Please highlight and explain how you meet these in your supporting statement. If you have been shortlisted for interview, you will be informed by email. Regrettably, we are normally unable to acknowledge unsuccessful applicants. 

We welcome applications from candidates with experience of domestic abuse.  We are also committed to diversity and strongly encourage applications from those with Black or Minoritised backgrounds.

We are not currently able to accept applications if you do not hold permission to work in the UK.

Registered charity no: 1185078

The purpose of this role is to lead the design and delivery of learning programmes that help social entrepreneurs create lasting impact. You’ll take direct responsibility for facilitating cohorts as well as leading 1-2-1 coaching and diagnostics, and delivering Action Learning Sets, SSE’s long-standing peer-coaching method (training provided). You’ll hold accountability for the quality of programmes allocated to you. You’ll work alongside our learning facilitators and our learning and enterprise development managers to ensure every programme stays true to our action learning approach.

As SSE deepens its focus on commercial acumen and scale-up support, you’ll help make sure that direction reaches every cohort you work with — keeping your programmes as sharp, practical and impactful as everything else we do. You’ll bring your own commercial awareness to how you facilitate, and build relationships with contributors, speakers and specialists who can bring real-world commercial expertise into the room for your cohorts.

You’ll succeed in this role if you believe in what social entrepreneurship can achieve and want to support social ventures to grow and create more impact in their communities and beyond.

ID: 1861 Senior Website & Digital Content Manager  

Service: Digital Marketing

Salary: Grade 4 point 38: £37,867.30 pro rata (£46,703 FTE) per annum, plus £480 home-based allowance FTE per annum (£389 pro rata)

Location: Homebased

Hours: Part time, 30 hours per week

We offer flexible working arrangements - please see below for more details.

Contract: Temporary 12 month contract (mat leave)

Family Action & the Role’s Impact:

At Family Action we support people through change, challenge or crisis. It’s what we’ve done for over 150 years. We protect children, support young people and adults and offer direct, practical help to families and communities. 

We see first-hand the power of family to shape lives, for better or worse, so we speak up for the importance of family in national and local policymaking, amplify family voices and represent the changing needs of families in the UK today. 

This is an exciting opportunity to lead the Website and Digital Content Team through a crucial period. You will have the chance to manage a portfolio of websites, including Family Action’s and Relate’s, and oversee the development and creation of digital content for a range of channels. You will manage a small team and work collaboratively across the wider development and external affairs directorate to drive brand awareness and income generation.  

Main Responsibilities (for details check the job description and person specification):

· Strategically manage a portfolio of websites across two distinct brands and a number of sub identities, ensuring they meet organisational goals, user needs, and sector best practice.

· Lead on the development and creation of digital and multimedia content across Family Action and Relate brands to support key business objectives

· Lead continuous optimisation of sales and donation journeys across Family Action and Relate websites, including testing, personalisation, and conversion rate improvements.

· Oversee the development of a new Relate website as part of a wider adaptive change programme, working closely with the Website and UX Manager and other key stakeholders.

· Use sophisticated analytics, data and insight tools to test, measure and evaluate content and website performance against KPIs, drive decisions and prioritise enhancements.

· Line manage a small team including a Website and UX Manager, Digital Marketing Executive, Content Executive and two temporary Website Project Managers

Main Requirements (for details check the job description and person specification):

· Extensive experience of website development and management within complex organisations

· Extensive experience of managing complex digital projects with multiple stakeholders such a website builds

· Experience of optimising website user journeys to drive a measurable increase in conversions such as sales and donations

· Ability to drive and manage content generation, working with a range of subject matter experts and within a robust governance architecture Extensive experience of using tools such as Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager, Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster to successfully plan, measure and evaluate content performance

· Experience of line management

Benefits:

- an annual paid leave entitlement of 30 working days plus bank holidays

- up to 6% matched-pension contributions

- flexible working arrangements and new starters have the right to make flexible working requests from day one of employment

- enhanced paid sick leave and paid family leave provisions

- eye care and winter flu jabs vouchers

- cycle to work scheme

- investing in your professional development with ongoing quality training and career development opportunities

We are forward looking, ambitious and committed to continuous improvement. We are a people focused, can-do organisation, which strives for excellence in all we do and operates with mutual respect.

To Apply:

· Click the “Apply Now” link below and fill out our digital application form

· Closing Date: Monday 31st August at 23:59. Please note, we may close the position early if we find the right candidate.

· To learn more about Family Action: Careers

Interviews will likely to take place virtually during the first week of September 2026.

For direct queries or if you would like to discuss any aspect of the selection process or flexible working requests, please email: matthew.dennis (full email address located on advert document)

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:

We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may need during the recruitment process and you will be asked whether you require any adjustments if shortlisted for interview. We also make reasonable adjustments on the job, where required.

We are committed to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion in all that we do and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Intersectionality is important to us and we particularly welcome applications from ethnically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ candidates and disabled candidates because we are committed to increasing the representation of these groups at Family Action. We know that greater diversity will lead to even greater results for families and children and strive for our workforce to be truly representative of the diverse communities we support. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role, and will reimburse your travel cost if you attend an interview.

Role   Project Co-ordinator – AAFDA All

Organisation: AAFDA – Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse

Project: AAFDA All

Role title: Project Co-ordinator

Salary: £35,000 pro rata to £28,000

Hours: 4 days per week Location: Home-based, with travel across England as required

Reports to: Operations Manager

Contract: Fixed term subject to funding (4-year grant)

AAFDA All is funded by The National Lottery Community Fund

About AAFDA

AAFDA is a national charity providing specialist, trauma-informed advocacy, emotional support and peer support to families bereaved by fatal domestic abuse, including domestic homicide, suicide where domestic abuse was a known factor, and unexplained deaths linked to abuse. We work to raise the status of bereaved families, strengthen professional and systemic responses, and influence policy and practice so that lessons are learned and future deaths are prevented.

About AAFDA All

AAFDA All is a four-year project developed in partnership with Imkaan to create, pilot and evaluate a culturally responsive advocacy and peer support service for bereaved family members from Black and minoritised communities who have lost a loved one to fatal domestic abuse. The project aims to reduce barriers to support, build trust with communities and specialist organisations, strengthen peer connection, and ensure that lived experience shapes service development, practice and wider systems change.

Role Purpose

The Project Co-ordinator will lead the development, co-ordination and day-to-day delivery of AAFDA All, ensuring that the service is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, safe, accessible and shaped by the voices of bereaved family members from Black and minoritised communities. The postholder will work closely with AAFDA colleagues, Imkaan, the Specialist Advocate, volunteers, community partners, statutory agencies and the Service User Advisory Group to develop referral pathways, support co production, co-ordinate peer support activity, monitor outcomes and embed learning across the programme.

In return for joining us, we will offer you:

· 25 days annual leave per annum, plus bank holidays (Pro rata)

· Excellent development and training opportunities

· Pension Scheme

· Healthcare Scheme

· Employee Assist Scheme

Application Instructions 

To apply for this role, please submit a supporting statement along with your CV. by Closing date: 13th September 2026

Interviews will be held on 

21st, 23rd and 25th September 2026 

As part of our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, we particularly welcome applications from candidates from Black and minoritised ethnic backgrounds who possess the necessary trauma-informed community insights and reach, understanding and skills to build trust and deliver the project aims safely and effectively.

Applicants will be shortlisted according to how well they meet the criteria in the person specification.

Please highlight and explain how you meet these in your supporting statement. If you have been shortlisted for interview, you will be informed by email. Regrettably, we are normally unable to acknowledge unsuccessful applicants.

Please note that we will not progress applications where the supporting statement does not address the criteria for the role being applied for.

The Communications Manager provides operational leadership for CLAPA's communications delivery, ensuring communications and marketing activity is effectively planned, prioritised and delivered in support of the charity's strategic objectives. 

Reporting to the Head of Communications and Marketing, the postholder is responsible for translating the communications strategy into coordinated day-to-day delivery. They will oversee the planning, scheduling and operational management of communications activity across the organisation, ensuring work is appropriately prioritised, resources are allocated effectively and projects are delivered to a consistently high standard. 

The role directly manages CLAPA's Communications Officers, embedding effective planning, briefing and workflow processes that enable the team to deliver proactive, creative and high-quality communications.

Acting as the primary operational lead for communications delivery, the postholder will ensure colleagues across CLAPA receive responsive, well-planned communications support while maintaining clear priorities and protecting the team's capacity to deliver its best work. 

If you think you have the talent, passion and experience to help us ensure we can always meet the needs of the community we serve, we want to hear from you.

Who we are

IPSEA (Independent Provider of Special Education Advice) is a national charity working to ensure that children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receive the educational support they are legally entitled to. Since we were formed in 1983, we have helped to improve the education experience of thousands of children and young people across England. We do this by providing free and independent legal advice and casework support for families, undertaking policy work and delivering training on the SEND legal framework.

What you’ll do

Reports to: Chief Executive

Location: Home-based or Hybrid (with frequent travel for events and meeting with parliamentarians and other stakeholders) 

We are seeking a Policy Manager to lead IPSEA's policy and influencing work to achieve positive change for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families. Working closely with the Chief Executive, Head of Legal and Training, trustees and colleagues across the organisation, you will set strategic policy priorities and develop evidence-based influencing plans that support IPSEA's mission and long-term objectives.

Drawing on insights from our advice and tribunal services, legal expertise and the experiences of families, you will identify systemic issues within the SEND system and develop policy solutions that improve children and young people's access to the support and education to which they are entitled. You will ensure that IPSEA's policy positions are credible, legally robust and informed by the lived experiences of those we support.

You will lead IPSEA's engagement with government, Parliament and other key decision-makers, identifying opportunities to influence legislation, policy and practice at both national and local level. This includes overseeing responses to consultations, parliamentary inquiries and calls for evidence, as well as preparing briefings and strategic advice to support senior-level engagement and advocacy.

Working collaboratively with colleagues across legal, communications, fundraising and training teams, you will ensure IPSEA's policy, campaigning and public affairs activities are aligned and maximise the organisation's impact. You will also monitor developments across the political, legal and policy landscape, helping IPSEA respond proactively to emerging opportunities and challenges affecting the rights of children and young people with SEND.

This role offers the opportunity to make a real difference as part of a small, friendly, and dedicated team. If you are passionate about helping children and young people with SEND and have the skills and experience needed, we would love to hear from you.

Who are we looking for?

You will have significant experience in a senior policy and campaigning/public affairs role and have good knowledge of local and national government structure including the legislative process.

You the ability to build and maintain relationships with a range of stakeholders including MPs, civil servants, campaigners and parents. You exhibit tact and diplomacy and can be impactful with people of varying levels and experience.

Your research and critical thinking skills enable you to analyse policy and data to produce relevant reports and position papers. You have experience of drafting organisation responses to government consultations and parliamentary calls for evidence.

IPSEA should also reflect the communities we support. We would particularly like to hear from candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people, under-served communities and disabled people, as well as those with lived experience of the SEND system, either as a child or as a parent/carer.

What we can offer you

• 5% employer pension contributions
• Healthcare cash plan
• Flexible working arrangements
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays plus an additional day off for your birthday (pro-rata if part-time).

To apply

Visit our website to download a recruitment pack and application form.

Deadline for applications: 9am on 7 September 2026.

First-round interviews: on 15 September 2026 in our offices in Takeley, Essex, with second-round interviews (online) on 18 September 2026.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE.

Head of Communications & Public Affairs 

Salary: Up to £62k depending on experience
Location: Remote, with regular planned travel nationwide, particularly to London and the South, plus attendance at monthly and quarterly team meetings
Hours: Full Time, 35 hours per week
Contract: Permanent

We're looking for an exceptional communications leader to join Help for Heroes as our Head of Communications & Public Affairs. This is a rare opportunity to shape how one of the UK's most recognised charities engages with the media, policymakers, supporters and the wider public, ensuring the voices of veterans and their families are heard where it matters most.

Leading our integrated communications, public affairs, policy and PR activity, you'll develop influential campaigns that continue to strengthen our reputation, support fundraising and drive meaningful change for the Armed Forces community. Working closely with senior leaders across the charity, you'll act as a trusted adviser, bringing insight into the political, media and stakeholder landscape while helping to navigate the opportunities and risks that affect our mission.

This is a high-profile leadership role for someone who combines strategic thinking with outstanding delivery, thrives on building influential relationships and wants to use their expertise to create lasting impact for those who have served our country.

Please see below for more information on what just might be your future role.

About the Role

As Head of Communications & Public Affairs, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping how the charity is seen, heard and understood by the public, media, policymakers and supporters. Ensuring the experiences of veterans and their families remain at the heart of national conversations and decision-making.

• Developing and delivering an integrated communications, public affairs and policy strategy that advances the charity's mission and influence.
• Leading high-profile campaigns that raise awareness, support fundraising objectives and drive systemic change for the Armed Forces community.
• Building influential relationships with media, government, political stakeholders, partner organisations and sector leaders.
• Acting as a trusted adviser to senior leaders, providing strategic counsel on reputation, stakeholder engagement, public policy and emerging issues
• Leading the charity's press office, crisis communications activity, ambassador programme and external reputation management
• Developing, inspiring and coaching a high-performing team, fostering innovation, collaboration and measurable impact.

About You

Are you a strategic communications leader who knows how to turn insight into action and ambition into results?

Do you have a strong track record of leading integrated communications, public affairs, policy or campaigning activity that has built reputation, influenced decision-makers and delivered measurable impact?

Can you confidently navigate complex issues, build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders and provide clear, credible counsel?

Are you equally comfortable shaping long-term strategy, responding to fast-moving external events and spotting opportunities to raise the profile and influence of an organisation?

If you're passionate about telling powerful stories, understand the UK media and political landscape, and enjoy leading talented teams to achieve ambitious goals, we'd love to hear from you.

You'll bring significant senior-level experience across communications, public affairs or policy, alongside expertise in media relations, stakeholder engagement and reputation management.

Most importantly, you'll be motivated by the opportunity to use your skills, networks and leadership to improve outcomes for veterans and their families.

About the Team

You’ll join our ambitious Marketing, Communications and Public Affairs directorate, a team dedicated to amplifying the voices of veterans and their families and ensuring their experiences influence public understanding and decision-making.

We are a collaborative, creative, and purpose-driven team that works across the charity to tell powerful stories, build meaningful relationships and create lasting impact. Together, we’re passionate about helping the Armed Forces community get the support they deserve.

In return we can offer you:

• Belonging to a team who make a difference to our community and value equality, diversity and inclusion.
• 29 days’ annual leave plus 8 bank holidays, regardless of service — plus your birthday off to celebrate!
• Opportunity to buy and sell up to 5 days annual leave per year.
• Added to our free health scheme from day one, including discounts on dental, opticians, massages, and more - with the option to upgrade.
• 3 volunteer days per year to support the Help for Heroes community.
• A generous salary sacrifice pension scheme with an 8% employer contribution and a minimum 3% employee contribution, plus life insurance up to 4× salary as an active member.

Closing date: 23rd August 2026

Interview Process: Two stage process with an initial competency based interview and second round stage involving a task.

First round interviews to be held in person or via Teams 4th/7th/8th or 9th September.

Second Round in person 16th or 22nd September.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high number of strong applications.

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all backgrounds.

At Barnardo's, every story has the power to help change children's lives. We're looking for a Media and Communications Manager (maternity cover) to join Barnardo's and tell those stories.

As one of three managers in the Media and Communications team, you'll provide strategic oversight of our policy and influencing communications - working closely with policy colleagues to make sure Barnardo's campaigns and policy positions are translated into content that influences decision-makers, raises awareness of important issues and drives change for children and families.

If you're an experienced line manager with a track record of producing policy communications - be that writing and placing thought leadership pieces, running campaigns to drive through changes in government or advising senior leaders on how to communicate complex political issues - we'd love to hear from you.

When completing your application please refer to your skills knowledge and experience in relation to the Person Specification and Job Description. This should be done with an understanding of the context of the service described.

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date.  We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible.

Pay & Reward Framework

We appreciate our colleagues' dedication and their commitment to delivering excellence in the vital work we do, driven by their passion and commitment to Barnardo'svalues. We also know that we can only realise our ambitions and achieve better outcomes for more children, thanks to the talent, hard work and creativity of our people. 

We are committed to a rounded colleague experience with an approach to both pay and rewards that are fair, attractive, and progressive. This is in support of our strategic ambition to ensure Barnardo's is a place everyone can belong, grow and thrive.

The salary advertised is in line with our pay principles, for consistency and fairness while recognising the skills and experience applicants bring to the role. Appointing salaries can be discussed further at appointment stage; we do seek to appoint within this range always exercising responsible stewardship. 

Research and Policy Officer 
Job Description 

About DigitalCare Hub 

Digital technology helps care services spend more time caring. It helps the people we support keep control of their lives, and of their care. Over the last few years, the need for information to be shared securely and efficiently between health and care services has become even moreapparent. But this introduces new risks – for example how information is kept safe and secure, and what happens if a digital system fails. 

This is a shared role across DigitalCare HubandtheBetter Security, Better Careprogramme which wemanage. 

Digital Care Hubis runwithsocialcare,for social care.The Digital Care Hub provides free information,guidanceand support to enable adult social care providers to make the most of digital technology – and to do it safely. 

We are an independent, not-for profit, Community Interest Company, guided by care providers, so we understand the needs and challenges facing the diverse range of organisations in our sector. 

Better Security, BetterCareis a support programme– funded by the Department of Health and Social Care and managed by Digital Care Hub -to help adult social care providers to store and share information safelyby using the Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT). The DSPT is a free, online self-assessment for health and care providers to evaluate and improve their data and cyber security. 

The programme is delivered by acentral team and our local support organisations across the country. Most of these support organisations arelocal care provider trade associations. We also work closely with colleagues from the NHS, ADASS, DHSC and local councils. 

About you and the role 

We're looking for an inquisitive, analytical and collaborativeResearch and Policy Officerto join our growing team. 

You'll play a key role in helping Digital Care Hub become the leading source of evidence, insight and practical guidance on digital transformation, data, AI and cybersecurity in adult social care. 

Working across our national programmes, you'll design and deliver research projects, analyse policy developments, engage with providers and partners, and translate complex issues into clear, practical resources that help the sector improve. You'll contribute to consultation responses, produce reports and briefings, support national events and webinars, and help us demonstrate the impact of our work. 

This is a varied role that combines research, policy development, stakeholder engagement and programme delivery. No two weeks will look the same—you could be facilitating a roundtable with care providers, analysing survey data, drafting a briefing for government, interviewing providers for a case study or helping develop new guidance on AI in social care. 

You'll work closely with colleagues across Digital Care Hub and our national partners, taking an entrepreneurial approach to identifying emerging issues, generating insight and turning evidence into action. You'll report directly to the Chief Executive Officer and will have the opportunity to shape the development of our research and policy function as the organisation continues to grow. 

Key Responsibilities 

Research and Insight 

• Design and deliver research projects. 

• Develop surveys and analyse data. 

• Conduct interviews and focus groups. 

• Facilitate provider roundtables. 

• Review policy and academic literature. 

• Produce evidence summaries. 

• Identify emerging issues across digital health and adult social care. 

Policy Development 

• Draft policy papers and consultation responses. 

• Translate research into practical recommendations. 

• Produce briefings for government, boards and senior leaders. 

• Track developments across DHSC, NHS England, CQC and ICO. 

• Support Digital Care Hub policy positions. 

Programme Delivery 

• Support grant funded programmes. 

• Develop guidance and resources. 

• Produce webinar materials and case studies. 

• Coordinate advisory groups. 

• Support monitoring and evaluation. 

Stakeholder Engagement 

• Build relationships with providers and representative bodies. 

• Collaborate with universities, government and sector partners. 

• Engage technology suppliers where appropriate. 

Communications 

• Write reports, briefings and newsletters. 

• Draft articles and presentations. 

• Support thought leadership. 

Monitoring and Evaluation 

• Develop outcome measures. 

• Analyse programme impact. 

• Produce evaluation reports. 

• Identify lessons learned. 

Person Specification 

Essential 

• Degree or equivalent experience. 

• Experience designing research projects. 

• Strong qualitative and quantitative research skills. 

• Excellent written communication. 

• Ability to explain complex subjects clearly. 

• Excellent organisational skills. 

Desirable 

• Charity experience. 

• Knowledge of digital transformation. 

• Understanding of AI and cybersecurity. 

• Experience evaluating programmes. 

• Experience working with government. 

 
Main terms and conditions 

• £36,000 per annum including pension. 

• Full timefixed term12 month fixed term contract 

• Homebased,withsometravelacross England 

• 28 days annual leave plus Bank holidays 

Are you interested in improving the lives of people with a learning disability? Can you turn complex ideas into evidence-based policy? Are you a skilled communicator able to influence decision-makers? If so, we would love to hear from you!

We are currently looking for a Policy Specialist to join Mencap. This position sits within the Policy and Public Affairs teams of Mencap’s Campaigns, Advocacy and Activism Directorate (CAA). You will work closely with our influencing, information and advice, campaigning, and research work, as well as sector partners.

This is an exciting new role to deliver policy change and enhance the rights of people with a learning disability. At a key time to influence health reform, we are seeking a policy specialist to shape policy work that reflects the needs and experiences of people with a learning disability and their families. Working within the policy team, you will be responsible for developing evidence-based policy work and influencing decision-makers. 

This is a 4-day a week position (30 hours per week). We are flexible with your work location, but there may be some occasional travel needed to our London office or Westminster.

You will: 

You will bring to this role:

If you're passionate about driving meaningful change for people with a learning disability and you're ready to use your policy expertise to make a real impact, please apply now with an up-to-date CV. Applications close on Tuesday 1st September, 2026. Interviews are scheduled to take place via Microsoft Teams during the week commencing 7th September 2026.

• Translate complex work into clear and persuasive policy briefings, consultation responses and reports.
• Work within wider coalitions of charities, building collaborative relationships and ensuring that the needs and priorities of our community are addressed.
• Develop and expand Mencap’s ‘Policy Shapers’ work, ensuring our work reflects the health needs and experiences of people with a learning disability and their families.
• Support our information and advice team, briefing them on important developments, inputting into casework discussions relevant to your areas of work, and supporting the creation of public information resources.
• Represent Mencap at meetings and events, with MPs, civil servants, and sector partners.
• Identify and analyse relevant research to develop evidence-based policy recommendations.
• Experience of working on health policy issues.
• Strong communication skills: experience tailoring your messaging to a variety of different audiences and representing an organisation.
• Experience building positive relationships and working collaboratively to achieve outcomes; able to positively challenge, negotiate and compromise.
• The ability to work on your own initiative while contributing to team priorities and sustain enthusiasm under pressure.
•  Experience analysing evidence to develop recommendations.
• Knowledge of the health issues facing people with a learning disability, as well as the health and wider parliamentary system. 
• Passion about making the world a better place for people with a learning disability. 

Benefits

Here at Mencap, we offer an impressive range of benefits designed to support and reward our employees to ensure that our teams feel valued and appreciated. 

Our benefits package offers 32 days of paid holiday (including bank holidays, pro rata), along with a range of perks such as discounts at leading high-street retailers, access to health cash plans, interest-free loans, and many more exciting offerings. 

For more details on what we have to offer, please see the attached document outlining all the fantastic benefits available to you as a member of our team! 

About Mencap

Our vision is for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives. 

We're here to support people with a learning disability, their families and their carers. We fight for a kinder, fairer and more inclusive society for people with a learning disability to live in. 

At Mencap, everyone works with people with a learning disability either providing support or advice, or alongside one another as colleagues. 

Belonging at Mencap is for everyone, every day, everywhere. 

· Everyone is expected to treat people well and make Mencap an inclusive organisation. 

· Every day we grow and learn. It’s okay to make mistakes but we learn from them and make changes 

· Everywhere people will feel respected, valued, and safe to be themselves. 

We have Belonging network groups that meet online and are open to all colleagues. The groups include people who identify as Black and Asian, LGBTQIA+, disabled or with a long- term health condition, women, parents and carers, and their allies. 

We want to encourage everyone to apply to work at Mencap and we offer a variety of different contract types and working patterns. We’re not looking for specific experience. It is your personality and values that will make you a great colleague. We will train and develop you to succeed in the role you’re applying for. 

About Thrombosis UK

Thrombosis UK is the UK’s leading thrombosis charity, working to improve awareness, prevention and support for people affected by blood clots.

As part of our new organisational strategy, we are launching a major programme focused on raising awareness of blood clot (VTE) risk during pregnancy and the postpartum period. This programme will combine public awareness, healthcare professional engagement, patient advocacy and policy influence to improve understanding, encourage earlier action and contribute to longer-term system change.

We are seeking an experienced freelance communications professional to work alongside our team to help shape and deliver this programme.

The opportunity

This is not a traditional PR brief. We are looking for someone who can think strategically while also delivering practical communications activity across multiple channels.

The consultant will work alongside Thrombosis UK staff who already deliver digital communications, social media, volunteer engagement and patient support. The role is to provide strategic communications expertise, lead specialist campaign activity and build the team's capacity, rather than replace existing internal functions.

The successful consultant will help us develop and implement an integrated campaign that includes:

· Public awareness campaigns

· Media relations and press activity

· Digital communications and content planning

· Website content and user journeys

· Stakeholder communications

· Support for public affairs and parliamentary engagement

· Campaign evaluation and learning

The consultant will work closely with our Chief Executive and wider team, bringing specialist campaign expertise that complements our existing clinical knowledge and patient support work.

Want to make a difference to people’s lives? Then join our small team at Immunodeficiency UK, a charity devoted to supporting people living with poor immune systems.

About Immunodeficiency UK

Our charity aims to create an environment that ensures those affected by immunodeficiency have the knowledge to live fully, manage their condition effectively, and have their health needs understood and addressed by the healthcare system.

Each year we help hundreds of people through our helpline, educational resources, practical support, hardship grants, and our strong patient voice. We work on a range of projects to help improve patient care. You can find out more about our work by visiting our website and reading our annual impact reports..

This is a varied and interesting opportunity working for a charity that goes above and beyond in supporting people with primary and secondary immunodeficiency. The role offers an opportunity to exercise your creativity on varied and interesting projects that can make a real difference. You will receive excellent support and encouragement from our CEO and Trustees.

Responsibilities

As the Digital Communications and Fundraising Officer, you will play a key role in raising the charity's profile and awareness of primary and secondary immunodeficiency, growing supporter engagement, and generating income to support our work.

• You’ll develop and implement a digital communications strategy
• You’ll create and publish content across our website, email, social media and digital publications
• You’ll manage the website, ensuring content is accurate, accessible and up to date
• You’ll produce multimedia content — graphics, video, photography and case studies
• You’ll manage our social media accounts and our monthly newsletter
• You’ll plan and deliver digital fundraising campaigns
• You’ll create fundraising appeals, supporter communications and impact reports
• You’ll gather and share impact stories using a storytelling approach

This job is for you if:

• You’re confident in managing social media and creating digital content
•  Are familiar with email marketing platforms, customer relationship management (CRM) systems and                WordPress
• Have experience in planning and delivering fundraising or marketing campaigns
• Have strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities independently

Charity or non-profit experience is a plus, as are graphic design or video editing skills.

Diversity and inclusion

Immunodeficiency UK is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.

Closing date is Friday 4th September at 5pm. Applications generated by AI will not be considered.

Interviews will take place the week commencing 14th September. 

For nearly 20 years, Lively Minds has been proving that parents are the sleeping giants of early childhood development. With strong evidence and a national scale proof point in Ghana, we have shown that parent powered approaches delivered through government systems can transform children's lives at scale.

We are now at a pivotal moment. We have the evidence, the model and the momentum, and we need the funding, profile and influence to match our ambition. This is a rare opportunity to lead income generation and external voice for an award winning NGO entering an exciting new phase of growth. You will lead our fundraising strategy and direct engagement with Funders ensuring that we maximise all funding opportunities as we continue our strategic evolution. You will also shape a compelling external narrative that will help position Lively Minds as the definitive partner for governments strengthening their early childhood development systems.

If you are an exceptional fundraiser and communicator who is equally comfortable in a strategic conversation and writing a winning proposal, we would love to hear from you.

Read the full advert and apply below. Closing date: 3rd September 2026.

About Lively Minds

Lively Minds is an award-winning NGO with nearly 20 years of experience designing, testing and scaling early childhood development (ECD) solutions across the Global South. Our core idea is simple but radical: parents are the sleeping giants of ECD. Governments and donors have long overlooked parents, assuming that poverty and low literacy make them unable or unwilling to support their childrenʼs development. We have spent two decades proving otherwise. With RCT-backed evidence and a national-scale proof point in Ghana, we have demonstrated that parent-powered approaches, delivered through government systems, can achieve meaningful child development outcomes at scale.

Our 2026–2028 strategy marks a pivotal shift. Having demonstrated what is possible, we are now helping pioneer an innovative model of country-led sustainable scale. Rather than delivering programmes ourselves, we provide lean, time-limited technical advisory support to governments to help them integrate parent-powered ECD into their own systems, budgets and institutions. We are currently working with the governments of Ghana, Uganda, Oromia state (Ethiopia) and The Gambia in 2026, growing to six or more country engagements by 2028. Our ambition is to catalyse a sector-wide shift, positioning Lively Minds as the definitive partner for governments seeking to strengthen their ECD systems.

Our scale strategy rests on three interdependent pillars: fixed-term Technical Advisory partnerships with governments; the development of a modular radio model simple and affordable enough for governments to adopt and fund independently; and an advocacy and sector influence agenda designed to make parent-powered ECD the norm globally.

Purpose of the Role

Lively Minds is at a critical inflection point. We have the evidence, the model and the momentum. We now need the funding, profile and sector influence to match our ambition. The Director of Fundraising and Communications is a priority hire, created to provide the dedicated, experienced leadership that this moment demands.

The Director will own and drive Lively Mindsʼ income generation, building new funder relationships, managing and deepening existing ones, and ensuring the organisation has the pipeline, discipline and quality of engagement to meet and exceed its fundraising targets. Working in close partnership with the Founding CEO, who retains ownership of a small number of long-standing strategic relationships, the Director will take primary responsibility for securing the funding that makes the 2026–2028 strategy deliverable, and that opens the door to greater scale beyond it. We need to raise approximately £3.4m over the next 3 years to deliver our strategy. But our ambition is to exceed that target so we can support additional governments.

Alongside fundraising, the Director will provide strategic leadership to Lively Mindsʼ communications and advocacy work, ensuring that the organisationʼs external voice is compelling and that we are building credibility in the spaces where funding decisions are made. The Director will lead and provide strategic coherence to a small but outward-facing team, including Head of Partnerships and Advocacy Lead who are active on the international stage. Lively Minds is committed to thought-leadership and active external engagement, but equally committed to ensuring that communications resource is deployed with discipline and rigour. The Director will set a clear strategic filter for where the organisation shows up, what it publishes and who it engages: prioritising focus and quality over volume, and always asking whether external activity is building the relationships and reputation that ultimately drive income and/or systems change.

Lively Minds is a dispersed, remote organisation. The Directorʼs team the Advocacy Lead, Development Manager and Communications Officer - are internationally distributed. The ability to lead, develop and maintain high standards across a dispersed team is essential. The role requires regular travel to international conferences and events.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy & Income Generation

• Own and deliver the multi-year fundraising strategy with clear priorities, targets, income streams and a disciplined pipeline to support the 2026–2028 strategy and future scale
• Steward existing funder relationships, turning strong partnerships into long-term supporters, advocates and connectors to new funding opportunities.
• Lead the shift towards Big Bet and catalytic funding, personally cultivating and negotiating high-value, multi-year partnerships and positioning Lively Minds for system-level scale
• Maintain a high standard of fundraising quality, pipeline management and forecasting, while coaching the team to produce compelling, sophisticated fundraising materials
•  Build and continuously strengthen a diverse funding pipeline, identifying emerging opportunities, new funding markets and strategic partnerships that reduce concentration risk and support long-term financial sustainability

Communications, Brand & Advocacy

• Own and deliver Lively Mindsʼ communications and marketing strategy, balancing visibility and sector influence with the need to strengthen fundraising and systems-change objectives
• Partner closely with the CEO to shape and steward a coherent external narrative, brand and messaging framework across all audiences and channels
• Oversee high-quality core communications and fundraising materials, including cases for support, pitch decks, website content, proposals and donor reports
• Provide strategic communications expertise to Advocacy, Partnerships and MEL, ensuring evidence and learning are translated into compelling narratives and consistent external messaging
• Lead efforts to strengthen Lively Mindsʼ profile and thought leadership in the ECD sector, identifying opportunities for strategic media, events, publications and external platforms that reinforce its positioning and influence

Organizational Leadership&TeamDevelopment

• Contribute actively to SMT and organisational strategy, bringing funder intelligence, external perspective and communications expertise to strategic decision-making.
• Work closely with Finance and MEL to align fundraising targets, forecasting, budgets and evidence, ensuring proposals are credible, accurately costed and evidence-led
• Act as the organisationʼs communications subject matter expert, providing guidance and challenge to ensure high-quality, consistent external communications
• Lead and develop the Advocacy Lead, Development Manager and Communications Officer, fostering a team culture of quality, accountability, strategic clarity and continuous improvement
• Build strong cross-organisational collaboration, ensuring teams understand how fundraising, communications, advocacy and evidence work together to advance Lively Mindsʼ strategic priorities

Person Specification

Essential Experience & Skills

• 10+ years of significant senior-level fundraising experience within international development, education, philanthropy or a comparable sector
• Proven track record of securing major grants from foundations, institutional donors and high-net-worth individuals, alongside demonstrated experience securing or meaningfully progressing large-scale, catalytic funding from Big Bet philanthropy programmes such as the Audacious Project, Skoll Foundation or comparable funders. A strong understanding of what these funders look for and how to position an organisation compellingly within their processes is essential
• Exceptional fundraising writing skills, with the ability to personally develop compelling cases for support, funding proposals, award applications and pitch decks tailored to sophisticated impact funders. This is a hands-on role requiring both strong writing capability and the ability to coach others to consistently produce high-quality fundraising content
• Experienced in developing and owning a marketing and communications strategy, with a strong understanding of how to balance organisational visibility, thought leadership and sector influence with coherence, strategic focus and income generation
• Demonstrated ability to work closely with a Founding CEO to shape and steward the organisationʼs external narrative and brand. Comfortable working in a founder-led environment, providing expertise and constructive challenge while ensuring the organisation maintains a clear, consistent and coherent external voice

Desirable Experience

• Experienced fundraising for a technical advisory, systems change or government-facing organisation
• Knowledge of the ECD, education or early childhood sector and its funding landscape
• Familiarity with the Big Bang Philanthropy network or equivalent impact-focused funder communities
• Experience working alongside advocacy and partnerships teams, providing communications expertise and strategic coherence to their external activity
• Familiarity with the funding landscape for organisations operating in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Experience working remotely across multiple countries and effectively collaborating with cross-cultural teams

Behaviours & Ways of Working

• A doer, equally comfortable in strategic conversations and writing a funding proposal
• Sets a high bar for quality and clarity in all external communications and holds it consistently
• Builds a strong, trust-based partnership with the Founding CEO, provides honest challenge and operates effectively within a founder-led dynamic without losing their own voice or judgement
• Collaborative and cross-organisational. Invests in strong relationships with programme, MEL and finance colleagues, understanding that the best fundraising is grounded in organisational reality
• Calm and focused under pressure - able to manage competing priorities and maintain quality when the stakes are high

What We Offer

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• 25 days annual leave
• Health insurance
• Pension contribution
• Generous learning and development budget
• Flexible, remote working

Application Instruction

Interested candidates are encouraged to read the Job Description carefully before applying to ensure they understand the role and meet the required criteria.

To apply, please complete the pre-screening questions and submit your updated CV

PLEASE NOTE - Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Timeline

Closing Date: 3rd September 2026

Our Stance

Lively Minds operates a strict Safeguarding Policy and is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of children and vulnerable people. As part of our recruitment process, the suitability of successful candidates will be verified through appropriate background checks including professional references and police checks.

Lively Minds is fully committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and to providing equal opportunities throughout our recruitment process. We want this commitment to be reflected in the diversity of the people who work for us, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, experiences and perspectives.

We are committed to ensuring that recruitment decisions are based on merit, skills, experience and suitability for the role, and that all candidates are treated fairly and with respect throughout the recruitment process.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced relationship fundraiser to join Kids and play a key role in growing our philanthropic income. If you are passionate about building meaningful donor relationships and creating lasting impact for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), we'd love to hear from you.

Philanthropy and Relationships Manager

Location: Home-based with regular travel for face-to-face meetings
Hours: 36 hours per week (flexible working arrangements can be discussed at interview)
Salary: £35,000 per annum

About the Role

We're looking for an ambitious and motivated Philanthropy and Relationships Manager to lead the development of our major donor programme. Building on recent strategic recommendations, you will develop and deliver a sustainable fundraising programme that grows support from mid-level and major donors.

Working closely with the Head of Fundraising and colleagues across the organisation, you will identify, cultivate and steward high-value supporters, creating compelling opportunities for them to invest in Kids' mission. You will play a vital role in securing significant gifts and developing long-term partnerships that help children and young people with SEND achieve their full potential.

This role offers the opportunity to shape and grow a portfolio of supporters while helping to create a culture of philanthropy across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy and Planning

• Develop and implement a measurable strategy for philanthropic growth.
• Work closely with the Head of Fundraising to strengthen and embed a culture of philanthropy across Kids.
• Collaborate with colleagues to identify, cultivate and solicit major donor prospects.
• Provide guidance and support to colleagues on donor engagement and relationship management.

Relationship Management

• Build, manage and strengthen relationships with existing supporters.
• Understand donor motivations and create tailored engagement plans that inspire long-term support.
• Represent Kids at networking and cultivation events, building visibility and awareness of our work.
• Work collaboratively with service delivery teams to demonstrate the impact of donor support.

Prospect Development

• Manage and grow a mid-level giving programme.
• Develop and maintain a strong pipeline of prospective donors through research, identification and outreach.
• Build and manage a portfolio of mid-level and major donor prospects.
• Work with the Events Manager to deliver engaging donor cultivation events.

Income Generation and CRM Management

• Take ownership of individual income targets and contribute to wider fundraising goals.
• Manage donor pipelines, forecasting and reporting through Donorfy CRM.
• Monitor performance and identify opportunities to maximise income growth.

Donor Communications

• Develop compelling cases for support and impact reports.
• Create personalised communications and proposals that align with donors' interests and motivations.
• Deliver a high-quality donor experience that encourages long-term engagement and investment.

About You

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• Proven success in networking and relationship building that has resulted in financial support.
• Experience securing new gifts and developing new donor relationships.
• A strong track record of building and managing fundraising pipelines and supporter portfolios.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage high-value supporters.
• Experience using CRM systems and data to manage donor relationships, forecasting and reporting.
• Strong budgeting and financial forecasting skills.
• Experience researching and identifying prospective donors.
• Confidence engaging and influencing senior stakeholders, including CEOs, trustees and decision-makers.
• The initiative and resilience to build new relationships from the ground up.
• A genuine passion for improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND and their families.
• An understanding of the policy and influencing landscape affecting children and young people with SEND.

Why Join Kids?

At Kids, you'll be part of a dedicated team committed to creating brighter futures for disabled children, young people and their families. This is an exciting opportunity to shape a growing philanthropy programme, develop meaningful supporter relationships and secure transformational gifts that make a lasting difference.

Apply today and help us create life-changing opportunities for children and young people with SEND.

For further details about the role, responsibilities and requirements, please refer to the full Job Description attached.

We encourage early applications as we reserve the right to close this vacancy ahead of the advertised closing date if we receive a high volume of suitable applications