Policy development jobs

The Really NEET Project is seeking an exceptional, driven Regional Head to lead and inspire our work across Telford and the Midlands.

This is a unique opportunity for a passionate leader to help develop our future of alternative education, champion young people, and empower dedicated teams to deliver life-changing outcomes.

As Regional Head, you will provide strategic leadership, operational excellence, and inspirational direction, ensuring our centres consistently deliver outstanding support to young people who need it most.

Some of the key areas include:

• Provide strong and supportive line management to the Teaching, Learning and Assessment Coordinator, SENDCo and Change Leader.
• Lead the ongoing development and delivery of high standards across SEND, education, youth work and risk management, including safeguarding and health and safety.
• Advocate confidently for yourself, staff, young people, and their families within an inclusive practice.
• Foster a culture of psychological safety, vulnerability-based trust, and shared purpose within teams.
• Fulfil the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) role and make effective safeguarding decisions at local, regional and national levels.

Our Benefits:

• 10 weeks paid holiday per year (during school holidays)
• Vitality Health package (with no employee excess to pay on claims)
• Royal London Pension Scheme
• Job valuations to ensure competitive salaries
• 45p per mile for any work related journeys
• Annual 2 night staff Getaway
• Christmas spending voucher
• Regular social activities
• Annual Employee Wellbeing budget
• Occupational Health Offer
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave policies
• Foster & Kinship Policy – time off for training
• Time of for fertility/IVF treatments & appointments
• Bespoke CDP Opportunities

What to expect from the recruitment process:

1. Application form submitted and reviewed by the panel
2. Shortlisted candidates invited to a first stage interview
3. Candidates who are successful at the first stage interview will be invited for a second stage assessment which may consist of an in tray task, scenario presentation or microteach along with time with the learners and a tour of the workplace.
4. Candidate selection – the panel will review any applications and a selection decision made
5. Recruitment Manager will make contact with applicants to let them know the outcome of their interviews

All applications must be submitted by 20th April 2026 with interviews being held the following 2 weeks. All candidates should be notified of the outcome of interviews within 3 working days. (subject to change)

For more information on this role and our organization please visit our website

Please note that we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our learners and expect all those who work with us to share this commitment. Successful applicants will need to undertake a DBS Enhanced Clearance check (Disclosure and Barring Service) and complete a Self Disclosure.

Location: Rotherham

Mentored by: Chief Operations Officer

Type of Employment:  Full-time

Hours of Work: 40 hours per week

Days of work: Monday-Friday

Pay Level: £58,000-£65,000

The Really NEET Project is seeking an exceptional, driven Regional Head to lead and inspire our work across Barnsley, Rotherham and the North.

This is a unique opportunity for a passionate leader to help develop our future of alternative education, champion young people, and empower dedicated teams to deliver life-changing outcomes.

As Regional Head, you will provide strategic leadership, operational excellence, and inspirational direction, ensuring our centres consistently deliver outstanding support to young people who need it most.

Some of the key areas include:

• Provide strong and supportive line management to the Teaching, Learning and Assessment Coordinator, SENDCo and Change Leader.
• Lead the ongoing development and delivery of high standards across SEND, education, youth work and risk management, including safeguarding and health and safety.
• Advocate confidently for yourself, staff, young people, and their families within an inclusive practice.
• Foster a culture of psychological safety, vulnerability-based trust, and shared purpose within teams.
• Fulfil the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) role and make effective safeguarding decisions at local, regional and national levels.

Our Benefits:

• 10 weeks paid holiday per year (during school holidays)
• Vitality Health package (with no employee excess to pay on claims)
• Royal London Pension Scheme
• Job valuations to ensure competitive salaries
• 45p per mile for any work related journeys
• Annual 2 night staff Getaway
• Christmas spending voucher
• Regular social activities
• Annual Employee Wellbeing budget
• Occupational Health Offer
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave policies
• Foster & Kinship Policy – time off for training
• Time of for fertility/IVF treatments & appointments
• Bespoke CDP Opportunities

What to expect from the recruitment process:

1. Application form submitted and reviewed by the panel
2. Shortlisted candidates invited to a first stage interview
3. Candidates who are successful at the first stage interview will be invited for a second stage assessment which may consist of an in tray task, scenario presentation or microteach along with time with the learners and a tour of the workplace.
4. Candidate selection – the panel will review any applications and a selection decision made
5. Recruitment Manager will make contact with applicants to let them know the outcome of their interviews

All applications must be submitted by 20th April 2026 with interviews being held the following 2 weeks. All candidates should be notified of the outcome of interviews within 3 working days. (subject to change)

For more information on this role and our organization please visit our website

Please note that we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our learners and expect all those who work with us to share this commitment. Successful applicants will need to undertake a DBS Enhanced Clearance check (Disclosure and Barring Service) and complete a Self Disclosure.

About Kinship

We are Kinship. The leading kinship care charity in England and Wales. We’re here for kinship carers – friends or family who step up to raise a child when their parents aren’t able to. 

Together, let’s commit to change for kinship families.

About the role

The Research Officer supports Kinship in building a strong and coordinated evidence base about kinship families, and ensures our influencing work is grounded in real experience.

The role supports the design, delivery and communication of high-quality research, insights and evaluation that shapes policy, practice and service development. It also supports the coordination and operational delivery of research and practice activity, helping ensure projects, networks and events run effectively and that insights are shared across the organisation and the wider sector.

They will work closely with colleagues across the organisation, including Policy, Programmes, Peer Support and Communications. It will ensure that research and insight are gathered and used consistently and that the experiences of kinship carers, particularly those from underserved communities, are central to our work.

Key responsibilities include:

• Design and deliver qualitative and quantitative research that improves understanding of kinship families’ needs, experiences and outcomes.

• Lead data collection through surveys, interviews, focus groups and desk research.

• Carry out analysis using suitable methods to produce accurate and meaningful insight.

• Ensure research reflects the diversity of kinship carers, including carers from ethnic minority communities, mixed heritage families, informal kinship carers and carers experiencing additional barriers.

• Maintain strong ethical standards and follow GDPR requirements.

• Developing and supporting participatory research methods with carers, children and young people.

• Support evaluation of Kinship services including peer support, training and digital programmes.

• Develop tools and approaches that help gather feedback and evidence of outcomes.

• Analyse programme data to highlight trends, gaps and opportunities.

• Provide evidence that strengthens Kinship policy positions and external influencing activity.

• Contribute data and insight to briefings, consultation responses and reports.

• Support opportunities for kinship carers to participate in research in a respectful and inclusive way.

• Manage the Kinship Professionals Network and the Kinship Care Researchers Network, including planning and scheduling meetings, coordinating agendas, recording and minuting meetings and sharing insights across the organisation. 

• Support the planning and delivery of research and practice events, from consultations to knowledge exchange events.

Essential requirements include:

• Experience completing mixed methods research including design, fieldwork, analysis and reporting.

• Experience working in a research, evaluation or insight role in a charity, academic or public sector setting.

• Experience producing accessible research outputs for different audiences.

• Experience engaging with underrepresented communities and understanding barriers to participation.

• Experience of kinship care or social care research in the UK or comparable settings

• Undergraduate degree in Psychology or a related discipline

• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills with experience of R or equivalent statistical languages.

What we offer you:

• Flexible working - we understand how important it is to balance family and work life.
• ​30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays (1 April to 31 March) pro rata (3 to be taken at Christmas shutdown)
• Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 confidential advice line and counselling)
• Charity Worker Discounts.

Key dates:

• Application deadline: 11.59pm on Sunday 19 April 2026
• First interview: w/c 27 April 2026 (online)
• Second interview: w/c 4 May 2026 (if required)

How to apply:

Please apply for the role of Research Officer by sending a CV (max 2 pages) and cover letter (max 1 page). The deadline is 11.59pm on Sunday 19 April 2026. Any applications arriving after the closing date will not be considered for shortlisting unless there are exceptional reasons. Please ensure you have read the application timelines.

Kinship is committed to championing equality, diversity and inclusion.  We believe our work is greatly enhanced by the varied backgrounds, experiences and views represented within our teams.  We aim to create inclusive teams, celebrate differences and encourage everyone to join us and be their true self at work.   We therefore encourage applications from anyone who fits our values, whatever their religion or belief, sex, gender identity, race, age, sexuality or disability and are actively seeking candidates that can bring real innovation and commitment to us. 

Are you an organisational development and capacity strengthening specialist who has a passion for, and has worked with, small geographically diverse organisations and individuals in the environmental space?

If that sounds like you, we have an exciting NEW position within our growing organisation.

You will oversee and coordinate the ongoing development and growth of our new capacity strengthening and organisational development strategy to Synchronicity Earth’s grantee partners across our portfolio of work. This is an opportunity to be a fundamental part of a growing area of work within the organisation and to embed it strategically within our Programmes Team.

If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.

PLEASE NOTE THAT IF YOU USE AI IN YOUR APPLICATION, YOU ARE MUCH LESS LIKELY TO BE SHORTLISTED. WE WANT TO SEE YOUR UNIQUE, BRILLIANT SELF. We do not use AI in any part of our recruitment process.

Closing date: 20th April 2026 (6am)

First stage interviews (Zoom):  likely 29th and 30th April 2026

Possible second stage interviews, dependant on first stage: likely 5th and 6th May 2026

Synchronicity Earth’s mission it to bring conservation to life through our work, championing effective approaches and increasing funding for Earth’s overlooked species and ecosystems and the communities working to protect them.

By joining, you’re not just taking part; you're contributing to our vision of a world in which biological and cultural diversity are valued, celebrated, and flourishing.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds for this role, particularly non-graduates, and are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements. We also welcome candidates who may have taken a career break. Your unique experiences and fresh perspective will only enhance our team's diversity and strengthen our ability to tackle the complex challenges facing our planet.

Candidates from Black, Asian, and Minority-Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds and people with disabilities who meet the criteria (in the section of the job description headed ‘What you will bring to the team’) and opt-in to our Guaranteed Interview Scheme will enter the first recruitment stage, see more information below.

Application and Recruitment Process

Inclusion is a priority throughout our workplace culture and is embedded in our recruitment process. To support this, the first stage of recruitment will be anonymised by Charity Job to mitigate against unconscious bias. Please let us know at any stage during the recruitment process if you have any accessibility requirements and we will do what we can to accommodate these for you. Please also let us know which pronouns you would like to be referred by, if you wish.

How to apply:

· Complete the application questions, upload your CV, and submit your application through Charity Job.

· Fill in our candidate survey. Whilst this survey is optional it is the way to opt in to the Guaranteed Interview Scheme (information below) if you would like.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme

We recognise that people from Black, Asian, and Minority-Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds and people with disabilities are under-represented in our sector, and that there are often additional barriers present for people from these groups when applying for roles in the charity sector and beyond.

As part of our commitment to attract and retain talented individuals from under-represented groups to the conservation and environment sector, if you belong to these groups, you can opt in to the Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS) in our candidate survey. If you meet the essential criteria for a role, you'll be guaranteed a first-stage interview.

Location: London
Contract: Permanent, Full time

Interview Date: w/c 11th May

IMO Liaison Advisor

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) is a global union federation representing transport workers across more than 150 countries. We bring together unions to fight for rights, equality, and dignity for transport workers worldwide.

We are seeking an IMO Liaison Advisor to support the ITF’s engagement with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), contributing to the development of policy, research, and technical work that advances the rights and safety of seafarers globally.

About the role

Reporting to the IMO Representative, you will play a key role in supporting the ITF’s work with the IMO. You will provide high-quality research, analysis, and technical input to inform submissions, policy positions, and advocacy.

Working with colleagues, affiliates, and external stakeholders, you will help ensure that the ITF’s maritime safety and regulatory work is evidence-based, well-coordinated, and effectively communicated. You will also work closely with the ITF Permanent Representative to support alignment between IMO engagement and wider ITF priorities at the International Labour Organization (ILO), reflecting the increasing interconnection between global maritime and labour regulatory frameworks.

Key responsibilities include:

• Conducting research and analysis to support ITF submissions and engagement with the IMO
• Providing technical and policy input on maritime regulations and issues affecting seafarers’ rights and safety
• Drafting briefings, fact sheets, and other materials for internal stakeholders and affiliated unions
• Supporting the development and implementation of work plans and strategies related to IMO engagement
• Working closely with the ITF Permanent Representative to support coordination and alignment between IMO and ILO priorities
• Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to respond to enquiries and contribute to ITF policy positions
• Supporting the communication of regulatory developments and ITF positions to affiliates

About you

You will have strong knowledge of maritime issues and international regulatory frameworks, alongside the ability to analyse complex information and communicate it clearly to a range of audiences.

You will also demonstrate:

• Experience in research, analysis, or policy support within a relevant field
• Sound understanding of shipping and international maritime regulations
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively and build effective working relationships
• Good judgement, discretion, and professionalism when engaging with stakeholders
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail

Why join the ITF?

This is an opportunity to contribute to global efforts to improve maritime safety and protect seafarers’ rights. You will work within a values-driven organisation committed to solidarity, equality, and internationalism.

Development Manager (Individual Giving & Major Donors)

David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation | Shalford, Surrey (Hybrid)
Salary: £40,000–£45,000, dependant on experience

David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) is seeking an experienced and relationship‑driven Development Manager to lead our individual giving and major donor fundraising. This is a pivotal role within a conservation charity dedicated to protecting endangered species across Africa and Asia.

As our Development Manager, you will:

• Shape and deliver strategies for major donors, mid‑level giving, regular giving, adoption programmes and campaign‑led appeals
• Cultivate and steward high‑value donors through personalised engagement
• Oversee donor journeys and ensure an exceptional supporter experience
• Provide strategic leadership for key fundraising events
• Work closely with colleagues across Conservation, Education, Art, Marketing and Finance
• Line manage a Development Executive and play a key role in developing a coordinated, high‑performing fundraising team

We’re looking for someone with:
✔ Proven success in major donor / high‑value individual fundraising
✔ Strong relationship‑building and communication skills
✔ Experience developing donor journeys and direct marketing appeals
✔ Confidence working with senior stakeholders
✔ Passion for wildlife conservation and DSWF’s mission

Why join us?
You’ll be part of a small, committed team making a tangible impact on global wildlife protection. We have invested over £14 million into frontline conservation since 1984 and continue to drive meaningful change through anti-wildlife crime initiatives, education and the power of art.

Role details:

• Hybrid (home + 2 days/week in Shalford, Surrey)
• Full time, 35 hrs/week
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays + extra days at Christmas
• Pension + Employee Assistance Programme
• Start date: As soon as possible

How to apply:
Send your CV and a cover letter (no longer than two pages) by email by midday, Monday 20th April.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in conservation and the arts.

Deliver hands-on advice, outreach, training and mentoring as part of a new countywide partnership programme.

This four-year role, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, sits at the heart of the Small and Mighty (SaM) infrastructure support programme, delivered by a partnership of Community First Oxfordshire, OCVA, Oxford Community Action, Charity Mentors and Volunteer Link-Up, working directly with grassroots voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise groups. You’ll help organisations navigate challenges, build capacity and connect with others through outreach clinics, tailored training and collaborative spaces. Alongside staff within partner organisations and the existing CFO and OCVA team, you’ll play a key role in strengthening Oxfordshire’s community sector for the long term.

Job-share will be considered.

About Us
IIED is an international policy and research organisation working to build a fairer, more sustainable world, in partnership with others across the globe.

• We stand up: challenging the systems and structures that perpetuate economic, social and environmental injustice – acknowledging our own role in this.
• We speak out: calling out the big blockers that prevent progress for communities and working to amplify voices, redistribute power and strengthen rights.
• We innovate: developing, co-producing and supporting evidence-based ideas to drive progress towards a thriving world for all.
• We collaborate: building connections at local, national and international levels, to support diverse partners to tackle the climate, nature and inequality crises so that people and the planet can thrive. Come and be part of this exciting journey with us.

We are now looking for an English and Spanish speaking Researcher to join us on a full-time basis, working 35 hours per week, for a 12 month fixed-term contract.

The Benefits

• Salary of £44,892 - £55,773 per annum
• 25 days' annual leave per year, plus bank holidays and additional leave over Christmas
• 7.5% employer pension contributions
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Employee protection scheme (life, critical illness, income protection)

This is an unmissable opportunity for a high-calibre, English and Spanish speaking research professional with experience in forest and farm development work in Latin America to join our international organisation.

You’ll have the chance to design and deliver vital work that helps to shape understanding in an area that matters deeply to communities, livelihoods and the environment.

What’s more, you’ll join a globally connected organisation that values collaboration, innovation and learning, and offers access to hybrid working, as well as a strong benefits package designed to support your wellbeing and long-term development.

The Role

As a Researcher, you will deliver research and analysis on forest and farm finance across the Global South, with a special emphasis on Latin America, working to strengthen sustainable finance models that support people, nature and climate goals.

A significant focus of the role will be designing and delivering action research projects, generating qualitative and quantitative evidence and applying appropriate research frameworks to deepen understanding of forest and farm finance.

Working with forest and farm producer organisations, you will analyse findings, develop new knowledge and produce research outputs that support the development of green value chains, improved access to finance and stronger self-generated finance models.

You will also co-ordinate collaborative projects with international partners, contribute to funding proposals and support communication and engagement activities that share research insights with wider audiences.

Additionally, you will:

- Support project planning, reporting and budget management
- Write and edit research outputs for publication and dissemination
- Build and maintain partnerships with stakeholders, funders and research networks

About You

To be considered as a Researcher, you will need:

• A solid research background with skills and experience evidenced by a track record of growing publications in your own field (e.g. research reports, policy briefs, tools or toolkits)
• Field research and in-country experience in forest and farm development work in Latin America
• Experience in research or in technical capacity development in relevant areas such as forestry or agroforestry, forest enterprise development, climate or development finance
• Experience of research team coordination, including from a distance
• Fluency in both English and Spanish
• Knowledge of institutions, actors, and current debates and research agendas in the field of forestry, agriculture and development
• An understanding of how to work effectively with partners in developing countries
• A relevant postgraduate degree in an area such as forestry, land use, economics, sustainable development or similar, or equivalent experience
•  Professional training and/or a certification in economics or access to finance for vulnerable communities
• The willingness to travel to developing countries

This role requires a Basic DBS check.

IIED is a hybrid working organisation, and you are likely to be working from home most of the time. As such, you will need a suitable place to work and a reliable, fast internet connection.

The closing date for this role is 12th April 2026.

IIED is a Global organisation that serves the Global Majority. We are committed to equity of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in IIED’s workforce, including members of minority groups and those with lived experience of the work we do. Even if you don't satisfy all the criteria, we still encourage you to apply, as we will offer training and development to upskill the right candidate for the role.

Impact & Communications Coordinator

Salary: c.£30,000
Contract: Permanent | 35 hours per week
Location: Hybrid (North London & homeworking)

FEAST With Us (FEAST) is looking for a driven and creative Impact & Communications Coordinator to lead the measurement, evaluation and communication of our work tackling food insecurity across London. This pivotal role combines impact evaluation, data analysis and storytelling—using evidence to improve our services, strengthen fundraising, and clearly communicate the difference FEAST makes to individuals and communities.

About Us

FEAST improves the nutrition, wellbeing and health of people at risk of food insecurity. We deliver nutritious community meals, and Healthy Eating on a Budget programmes across London venues, working in partnership with charities and community organisations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead FEAST’s impact measurement, evaluation and learning, including Theory of Change and impact frameworks
• Collect, analyse and interpret qualitative and quantitative impact data
• Produce accessible impact reports, case studies and insights
• Support funding applications and reporting with robust evidence
• Develop and deliver FEAST’s communications and marketing strategy
• Create engaging digital and print content (website, social media, newsletters, reports)
• Manage FEAST’s website and ensure consistent brand messaging and tone of voice
• Build relationships with partners, ambassadors and stakeholders

About You

You will have:

• At least 2 years’ experience in charity impact/evaluation
• At least 2 years’ experience in communications or marketing
• Strong data analysis, writing and storytelling skills
• Excellent organisation and project management abilities
• Experience using tools such as Excel, PowerBI, Mailchimp, CMS/WordPress and Canva
• A strong commitment to FEAST’s mission and values

Knowledge of food insecurity, nutrition, PowerBI dashboards, PR or policy work is desirable.

Key Benefits

• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Pension: 3% employee / 5% employer contribution
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• Flexible hybrid working
• Supportive, mission‑driven team culture

How to Apply

Send your CV and covering letter by 5pm, Friday 24 April 2026. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis.

“The go-to organisation for a public health perspective”.

(Senior UK Government official)

The Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH) is the representative body for Directors of Public Health in the UK. It has a rich heritage, with its origins dating back more than 160 years and is a collaborative organisation working in partnership with others to maximise the voice for public health.

We are now seeking a new Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation through the next phase of its evolution, maintaining and building upon its established reputation and influence. The role requires a wide-ranging set of skills, capabilities and experience, proven leadership and credibility at the highest level. The successful candidate will have strong negotiating and influencing skills, and the ability to work independently, with board-level accountability, and be expected to develop and sustain extensive national networks across local authorities, the NHS, the voluntary sector and central Government. Possessing an adaptability in working practice together with a self-motivated, proactive approach that performs well under pressure, the successful candidate will be educated to Masters level with ongoing study in public health. In addition, they should have senior management training or equivalent experience and a clear record of continuing professional development. Experience should include at least five years in the public health environment, including in policy development, plus a minimum of three years in operational, financial and resource management.

Accountable to our Board of Trustees and the wider membership, the new CEO will develop the strategic direction of the Association and lead the organisation to deliver a rolling medium-term Strategic Business Plan, balanced budgets and effective governance in compliance with company and charity law. An ability to prioritise planned and reactive work programmes to meet the needs of our membership is required, alongside the sourcing and delivery of timely bids for external funding together with the management of staff and resources to ensure value for money and staff wellbeing.

The post holder will support the President, Vice‑President, Board and ADPH Council by applying public health knowledge through teaching, coaching, publishing and presenting as appropriate, maintaining a personal programme of continuing professional development, and be expected to uphold the Association’s values of members first, excellence, collaboration, inclusion and professionalism. Occasional travel, throughout the UK, and flexibility for occasional evening or weekend work will also be necessary.

To apply, submit a CV and a covering letter outlining your leadership experience, strategic achievements and vision for supporting Directors of Public Health across the UK.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead and shape Public Law Project’s advocacy and influencing work at a critical time. 

Following the launch of our new 2025 – 2030 strategy, the successful candidate will develop and implement a public affairs strategy, working closely with research, casework and communications colleagues to shape policy and stakeholder opinion to advance our strategic objectives. 

This role works at the intersection of some of the most pressing issues facing the UK today – from advocating for fair and humane immigration and asylum systems, to championing universal access to justice, and addressing the risks posed by the misuse of AI by government. You will play an important role in ensuring our evidence, casework, and legal expertise translate into meaningful political impact.

You will have experience using a range of advocacy tools to influence senior stakeholders in Parliament and Government, including in the context of legislative development. You will also be a strategic thinker, comfortable working across multiple policy areas, with excellent political judgement.

This role sits in our research team. As you grow our influencing capacity and practice, you will need to develop excellent working relationships internally and externally. You will have demonstrable experience of collaborative, inclusive working practices. 

You will be committed to PLP’s values, have a keen interest in our work, some understanding of public law, social justice and constitutional reform, and a strong desire to affect change.   

This is a permanent post. PLP supports flexible working practices and whilst this post is conceived as a full-time role, part-time hours will also be considered for the right candidate. 

As part of our commitment to recruiting fairly we use anonymised-selection processes until interview. We also offer additional interview opportunities to the highest-scoring candidates from under-represented communities, and use ‘tie-breaker’ provisions at all stages of our selection process. 

Polka Theatre in Wimbledon seeks a Development & Events Manager to join our successful and welcoming team.

This is the role for you, if you:

· Would like to work for a pioneering national theatre for children.

· Enjoy planning and delivering fundraising events, which leverage immediate and ongoing support for the charity.

· Want to help a charity inspire supporters and build quality relationships with them, by telling the story of our impact.

· Are creative, personable, dynamic and great at communicating.

Polka is seeking a Development and Events Manager to coordinate Polka’s regular giving programmes, manage an established programme of events and oversee a committed portfolio of corporate supporters. As a key member of the Development Team, this is an exciting and rewarding opportunity to help shape Polka's future as a leading children's theatre. 

The Development and Events Manager will help donors feel inspired, appreciated, and compelled to support Polka. You will do this through high-quality communications and events for Polka’s donors, potential donors and corporate partners. The postholder will devise and coordinate a varied annual programme of stewardship and cultivation events and take a proactive role in attracting new supporters.

This is a permanent, full-time role. More details are in the recruitment pack on our website.

This role will suit candidates with fundraising experience, particularly with individual giving and events. We also welcome applications from people with transferable skills who can draw on their experience in other sectors. 

The role is primarily on site at Polka Theatre in Wimbledon, with up to 2 days working from home per week.

Polka's commitment as an equal opportunities employer means we are keen to encourage applications from people from the Global Majority, people across the gender spectrum and people who self-identify as disabled, who are underrepresented in our sector.

Polka is funded by Arts Council England, London, registered charity number 256979.

Business Manager

Location: Kendal, Cumbria (with regular travel across Cumbria and to our site in Carlilse)

Salary: £42,830 per annum, plus 9% pension contribution.

Duration: Full-time (35 hrs per week) fixed term for 3 years (with possibility of extension).

The role offers a unique opportunity to lead the business development and management of the Trust’s consultancy (Cumbria Wildlife Consulting (CWC)) and commercial plant nursery, ensuring they together provide a high-quality integrated service, meet financial targets, and align with the Trust's mission to protect and restore Cumbria’s natural environment, and inspire action. 

Since 2023, the Trust has run a semi-commercial nursery at its Gosling Sike site near Carlisle, providing local provenance, peat-free plug plants for use in our projects, but also selling to partner organisations. The Trust has recently secured funding to expand its operation, increasing capacity and enabling more efficient production.  

In addition to the above, the role will also build new, high-value strategic partnerships and business relationships with a focus on identifying and developing new business opportunities within the nature economy.

What we are looking for:

An individual who is enthusiastic and passionate about delivering nature’s recovery in Cumbria, but who is also business-minded with a proven track record of working in a commercial environment. They should possess the relevant skills, experience and confidence to grow new business ventures, taking them to the next stage. Applicants should be self-motivated, organised and have experience of leading teams both remotely and in person. A full driving licence and access to a car with business use insurance are desirable.

CV’s will not be considered.

To apply, please click on the link below.

Cumbria Wildlife Trust is devoted to the conservation of the wildlife and wild places of Cumbria.

Job title: Senior Development Manager

Contract type: 1-year contract, 3-days per week (21hrs per week, standard office hours are 9am – 5pm, Monday – Friday. Work outside these hours is required on occasions. Flexible working subject to agreement).

Start date: April 2026

Salary: £45,000 - £55,000 per annum 

Holiday: 25 days + Public Holidays pro rata

Pension: Generous workplace pension scheme

Location: London, Somerset House 

Reporting to: Director

Travel: Occasional travel to projects and events may be required.

Safeguarding: In line with Art Explora’s Safeguarding Policy, all staff are required to have a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which Art Explora will carry out upon appointment.

Art Explora’s mission is to tackle the social, economic and geographic barriers that prevent many people from having the opportunity to take part in the arts.

The role 

Art Explora UK is a small but entrepreneurial arts charity looking for an experienced fundraiser to join our dynamic team and help us implement a new fundraising strategy, and achieve our ambitious and exciting targets at a time of growth and opportunity.

This is a flexible part-time role for someone who is happy working independently, while liaising closely with the Director, Programme Heads and Trustees. On-boarding and hand-over will be with the current Fundraising Consultant. The Senior Development Manager will identify, cultivate, solicit, and manage funders and prospects, working across public sector, trusts, foundations and corporate supporters.  A particular focus will be on securing support for two high-profile, flagship programmes: Time Odyssey and the Mobile Museum, however there is significant potential to expand this scope of work.

The Senior Development Manager will be someone who thinks creatively, seizes opportunity and, with excellent inter-personal skills, brings experience, energy and drive to attract donors and prospects to the Charity’s exciting mission to innovate forms of engagement and increase access to arts and culture.

Specific Responsibilities

• Deliver against a 6-figure fundraising target, taking responsibility for a cohort of prospects, with a focus on trusts, foundations, public sector and corporate partners.

• Write compelling proposals/applications and reports for trusts and foundations, to engage supporters and demonstrate the impact of our work.

• Collaborate with colleagues, in particular the Director and Programme Heads, to source programme information, schedule meetings/calls with prospects, writing excellent briefing notes in advance.

• Adhere to best practice in prospect cultivation, solicitation and stewardship, and ensure the due diligence policies in place are followed.

• Deliver the highest level of donor care through excellent communication skills: building rapport with prospects and donors, and ensuring correspondence is appropriate and consistent.

• Set up and deliver cultivation events for prospects and donors that highlight the work of Art Explora and associated opportunities to support.

• Work closely with press/marketing to ensure messaging and brand identity is aligned.

Key outcomes

• Achieve fundraising target

• Expand and progress the existing pipeline of prospects and donors

• Demonstrate highest level of prospect/donor interaction and relations – actions that result in an engaged and informed donor pool

• Produce excellent and regular donor communications, both written and in-person.

• Submit in a timely fashion proposals and reports.

• Deliver excellent development events as required, within budget.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• 4+ years’ experience in donor-facing fundraising, with a focus on the arts/education sector. 

• Highly organised with the ability to work at pace and manage a number of projects and priorities simultaneously.

• Demonstrable experience of working to and meeting challenging fundraising targets; proven ability to secure six-figures awards.

• Experience of independently managing a designated group of donors and prospects and moving those relationships forward to successful outcomes.

• An understanding of and commitment to excellent stewardship and donor care

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; a developed ability to influence and inspire donors and prospects around a given cause or project.

• Confidence to drive forward relationships with donors and prospects, meeting independently and presenting proposals face-to-face and in writing.

• Flexibility to occasionally work outside of normal office hours and travel to various locations as required.

• A passion for the arts and an understanding of the arts education landscape.

If you feel you meet some of the criteria but not all, please feel free to enquire and learn more.

Deadline: 11:59pm Sunday 12  April 2026.

The interviews will be the week commencing 20 April.

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds. We strive to promote an inclusive environment, which celebrates and promotes diversity.

For any queries regarding eligibility or the job specification please contact Art Explora.