Policy development jobs

Closing date: 16 April 2026

Ref: 7337

Save the Children UK is seeking a passionate and experienced Senior Climate Change Advisor to join our Global Outcomes Department and lead transformative climate adaptation work that protects children's rights and futures.

In this pivotal role, you will provide technical leadership across the design and delivery of large-scale, single and multi-country climate adaptation programmes—particularly in developing countries and fragile contexts. A key focus of the role will be leading the development, delivery and learning of our climate and health portfolio, strengthening the evidence base and driving integration across programmes and policy.

Working closely with Country Offices, multilateral and bilateral development partners (such as the Green Climate Fund and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office), and global partners, you will shape high-quality, evidence-based programmes, strengthen climate resilience across sectors, and influence global policy and practice on climate action.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to one of the most urgent intergenerational challenges of our time. If you are committed to climate justice, child rights, and systems-level change - and have the expertise to bridge climate science with practical, child-focused solutions we would love to hear from you.

About Us 
Save the Children UK believes every child deserves a future. In the UK and around the world, we work every day to give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm.  When crisis strikes, and children are most vulnerable, we are always among the first to respond and the last to leave.  We ensure children's unique needs are met and their voices are heard. We deliver lasting results for millions of children, including those hardest to reach. 

About the Team: 
The climate crisis is a child right's crisis that threatens the fulfilment of all of children's rights. It is therefore of central importance to Save the Children's mission and a critical driver in our 2025-27 strategy.

The Climate Change team is working as part of the Global Outcomes Department, having our Impact and Influencing function catalyse positive change for children and their communities; by driving influencing agendas and bringing knowledge, evidence, analysis and expertise to our partnerships, programmes and advocacy work.    

 The Climate Change Team at SCUK also works as part of the Global Save the Children movement and the wider sector to drive long lasting systems changes at the global and country levels. We are committed to promoting inclusive and equitable solutions, amplifying the voices of children most affected by climate change, and prioritising locally led efforts for lasting change, through our ever-growing portfolio in UK, Africa and Asia. We are also committed to shifting powers to the local actors and country office by strengthening capacities particularly through providing high quality technical assistance for design, delivery, monitoring and evaluation of climate change projects (especially supported by GCF and other multilateral, bilateral, philanthropies and private sector development partners).

About the role  
As a Senior Climate Change Advisor you will provide technical leadership in climate change issues and adaptation actions to shape and drive influencing and impact agendas within Save the Children and the wider sector. You will provide expert technical guidance to drive impactful programme design and evidence generation, and to policy and advocacy goals. You will build and maintain strategic relationships with key decision-makers and partners, lead capacity strengthening for colleagues and partners, and champion equality, inclusion and the shifting power agenda.

• Technical lead for GCF Malawi, Community Resilient Health and Wellbeing of Rural Communities in Southern Malawi (CHWBRC) Project
• Provide global thought leadership in climate change (adaptation primarily), climate induced health risks, environment & natural resource management to shape and drive shared influencing and impact agendas within the Save the Children movement and the wider sector, maintaining up-to-date expertise and monitoring relevant external trends.
• Develop and deliver very high-quality policy, research, and/or technical programme design and evaluation with minimal supervision, ensuring inclusivity and excellence in implementation.
• Contribute to a strong learning culture through leading or supporting research, evaluation, innovation and knowledge sharing.
• Support Country Offices to integrate climate change risk management and resilience outcomes into ongoing and future Sectoral and developmental programmes, strategies, and policies.
• Contribute to and lead the development of climate-related research, studies, evaluations, and documentation of good practice to build a body of evidence, based on best practices and lessons learned from global and national experiences, to support (i) knowledge management, (ii) evidence generation, and (iii) programme improvements
• Facilitate capacity strengthening through mentoring, coaching, and training, providing formal and informal support to colleagues and partners to build expertise and effectiveness.
• Work closely with colleagues across Save the Children UK and the wider movement to ensure climate is mainstreamed across all thematic areas, ensuring that colleagues are equipped with the latest climate-related science and best practices.
• Build and maintain relationships with key decision-makers, including donors, government agencies, multilateral partners, and peer organisations, to enhance collaboration and secure funding for climate-related initiatives.
• Support Country Offices in building relationships with GCF National Designated Authorities (NDAs) and other key stakeholders to advance climate finance access and impact.
• Work with partnerships and fundraising teams to identify and develop strategic partnerships with external organisations that aligns with Save the Children's climate-related objectives, and to identify funding opportunities for climate-related projects.

About you  
We are looking for someone with the following experience, competencies and skills 

• Proven experience and the ability to design and implement large-scale climate adaptation programmes in developing countries, for multi-lateral and bi-lateral development partners 
• Good understanding of climate change risks affecting global south communities, children and the marginalized
• Proven ability to translate complex scientific evidence on climate change into practical programming and policy recommendations 
• Proven ability to strengthen evidence and learning uptake through analysis and collaboration, and proven ability to produce high-quality knowledge products (e.g. research, case studies, evaluations, etc.) 
• Strategic thinker and demonstrated thought leader driven by impact and evidence, curious to keep up to date with new ideas and innovations, who sees the positive potential in change 
• Experience of strengthening the integration of climate resilience and environmental sustainability into sectoral programs and/or Experience of designing and implementing nature-based solutions and adopting evidence-based ecosystem-based approaches
• Familiarity with global climate frameworks, funding mechanisms (e.g. the Green Climate Fund), and relevant policy processes. 
• Experience supporting or managing multidisciplinary teams or consortia, ideally across countries or regions. 
• The ability to be a thought leader in global or national adaptation planning such as climate and health; climate and nutrition; nature-based solutions; locally led adaptation; climate and gender; food and water security, etc. 
• Strong interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and authenticity that enable effective communication with different audiences 
• Collaborative team player capable of coaching, motivating and working through others to achieve outstanding results 
• Proven ability to build external relationships and partnerships, and to influence decision-makers, policy audiences (including politicians) and donors, and other key actors globally 

Please note: To avoid disappointment, you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications are received. This is to ensure that we can manage application levels whilst maintaining a positive candidate experience. Unfortunately, once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications.

Location & Ways of Working:
The majority of our roles can be performed remotely in the UK, but at times you will be required to come to your contracted office (usually between 2–4 days per month, depending on the needs of your role, team, or service). For many roles, this is likely to be the minimum required to deliver impact.

This will be discussed and agreed with your manager/team, and we encourage candidates to discuss our ways of working in more detail at interview stage.

Please note: travel costs to your contracted office will be at your own expense. 

CENTRE FOR AGEING BETTER

Economics & Research Analyst

· Permanent

· Salary £38,393 per annum

· Full time

· Flexible working options will be supported.

· Central London Office and Hybrid working (6 days a month in office requirement)

We offer a pension scheme with employer contribution up to 10%, in addition you’ll receive 28 days holiday plus bank holidays, 24-hour access to a comprehensive employee assistance programme, cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan scheme and other benefits.

About the role

We’re looking for an Economics and Research Analyst to join the Work Action Area team. The mission of this team is to ensure equitable access to work and a good transition to later life. This role will play a key part in ensuring the policy influencing work of the team is supported by strong analysis and evidence.

They will join a friendly and supportive team who are achieving impact at the highest levels of Government, and across the country. They will work to understand what changes we need, and to influencing those in power to make those changes. And they will have the opportunity to develop into an expert on one of the key policy challenges of our times.

About you

You are a strong quantitative and economics researcher, with a keen interest in and understanding of policy and the labour market. You are able to absorb complex research and policy information quickly and synthesise it into clear and concise summaries for a range of audiences.  You have strong research skills including understanding of Stata or R, experience of conducting literature reviews and delivering descriptive analyses of data.

You will enjoy working independently but be confident working as part of a busy policy and research team, juggling competing priorities and working to tight deadlines. You will have a knowledge of the key policy issues related to an ageing population or a willingness to become a specialist in this area.

About us

The Centre for Ageing Better is a charitable foundation funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and part of the government’s What Works Network

Everyone has the right to a good life as they get older and our whole society benefits when people are able to age well. But far too many people face huge barriers, and as a result are living in bad housing, dealing with poverty and poor health and made to feel invisible in their communities and society.

The Centre for Ageing Better is pioneering ways to make ageing better a reality for everyone. Its key areas of work include challenging ageism and building a nationwide Age-friendly Movement, creating Age-friendly Employment and Age-friendly Homes.

We are striving to create an organisation that reflects our society and the communities we serve. A workplace where everyone feels empowered and where diversity of background and thought is celebrated. We know there is more work to be done and are committed to continuing to improve our practice around Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion.

We very much welcome applications from minority groups and those underrepresented in our workforce. This especially includes people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, LGBT+ people, and Disabled people.

We are a Positive Action employer, therefore in recruitment where two candidates are ‘as qualified as’ each other, we will favour a candidate from any group identified as currently underrepresented in our team based on protected characteristics as outlined in the Equality Act 2010.

To apply

To apply please follow the link to complete an application form and Equality and Diversity monitoring form. 

Please address in your supporting statement how you meet the person specification for the role as fully as possible to demonstrate why you should be shortlisted for interview for this post.

Failure to do so will result in your application being automatically rejected.

We understand the benefits of using AI in the workplace and the support that generative AI can offer. However, we would encourage you to write your supporting statement and complete your application without the use of AI and if you do use AI to avoid copy and pasting and to consider the value it will add. We encourage you to showcase your experience, skills and knowledge using your own unique voice.

The closing date for this role is 11:59pm on 15th April, with in- person interviews to take place during week commencing 27th Apri

We are looking for a Marketing Manager for a 12 month fixed term contract.  The Young People’s Borough of Culture Marketing Manager will plan, manage and deliver the marketing and audience development campaigns for Hammersmith & Fulham’s Young People’s Borough of Culture programme.

The role will sit within the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, who are taking responsibility for leading the Young People’s Borough of Culture programme on behalf of the Where Culture Connects H&F Cultural Compact. The lead partners for the programme are the Lyric, H&F Council and Earls Court Development Company, with the shared vision of implementing a new long-term model for young people, education and business sectors.

The role will oversee a discreet budget for promotion of programmes and events, which will span multiple disciplines, event types and locations across the borough. They will work closely with the Young People’s Borough of Culture working group and partner organisations to ensure audience targets are met, reaching a broad audience and ensuring the impact of the programme is appropriately highlighted.

Please download the job information pack below for full details of the post and how to apply.

This exciting new role offers the right candidate the opportunity to lead LBWP's programmes and services for Black and minoritised, i.e. Global Majority, women and children who are survivors of domestic violence and abuse. Our programmes team is expanding as we are providing new refuge and dispersed accommodation services as well as legal advice, counselling and ex-service user training and development support. 

This senior leadership role also involves developing and maintaining external parternships with key stakeholders, funders, strategic women's sector organisations and local community partners as well as overseeing programme budgets, facilities managment and service user engagement.

Essential skilss and experience include:

• Senior management experience within the voluntary, community, or public sector
• Proven experience of simultaneously managing complex, multi- programme delivery 
• Good understanding of specialist domestic violence and abuse services that support the specific needs of Global Majority women and their children
• Experience of working as part of a senior management team and working collaboratively to develop organisational strategy and operational plans
• Experience of managing and supporting line managers and multidisciplinary teams
• Experience of managing project budgets, reviewing management accounts and identifying issues with internal systems to improve them

London Black Women's Project is a specialist ‘by and for’ organisation providing refuge, supported accommodation, and wraparound support programmes for Black and minoritised (Global Majority) women and their children who are survivors of domestic violence and abuse. We work across London in partnership with London boroughs, the specialist women's DV sector, funders and community services to provide holistic wraparound support and advice. 

Details

Position:Head of Community Support and Operations

Location:Barnsley, South Yorkshire

Hours:30 hours to be taken flexibly over Monday – Friday; 1 day wfh allowance

Salary:                                £50,562 FTE (£40,996 pro rata)

Contract type:Permanent

Reportable to: CEO

Direct reports: Volunteer Development Co-ordinator, Charity Advisor and Partnership Coordinator and any relevant roles that develop

Job Purpose

The Head of Community Support and Operations is a pivotal new role being introduced to the executive team at Barnsley CVS.  This person will be a key role in the growth and development of the executive team.  You will play an exciting part in the delivery and development of the recently developed 4-year strategy and theory of change. Your role will drive intention and focus on developing our support to the sector in a meaningful way to high standards, whilst ensuring our own internal operations reflect best practice.  You will need a strong knowledge of charity set up, management and governance along with a passion for what the VCSE sector does.  You will be confident in people management and development; have the ability to work inclusively with a wide range of people and backgrounds and the skill to see gaps and opportunities for service development.

You will work closely with the Head of Strategic Partnerships to identify gaps and opportunities to develop our offer of support to the sector whether through direct services, training, brokerage agreements or membership offers.  As you identify these opportunities, you will work collaboratively with the Head of Business Development to explore commercial income options that are also in line with our mission and vision.

Using your excellent people skills, you will act as the first point of contact for HR matters within the charity, overseeing the general management of our online HR system, policies and procedures.  You will work in collaboration with the CEO in any areas that need significant development or management.

You will keep up to date with new initiatives and ideas in the wider infrastructure sector, relevant legislation and modern thinking in relation to charity management best practice.

Benefits:

- 33 days annual leave increasing with years of service + annual leave given between Christmas and New Year that doesn't count against your annual leave

- Sick leave entitlement increases with years of service

- 5% pension contribution

- Paid leave to complete voluntary activity for up to 5 days pro rata

- Discount on local gym membership

- Flexible working with TOIL given for any additional hours worked

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Head of Development 

Department: Development
Line Manager: Director of Audiences and Growth
Reports From: Development Officer, Freelance Bid Writer
Salary: £43,000 - £52,500

The Belgrade theatre has big growth plans with a vibrant programme; we are proud of our reputation for excellent stewardship and donor care. We are a National Portfolio Organisation, funded by Arts Council England, and enjoy the support of many individuals, trust and foundations and corporate supporters. We are now looking for an ambitious, creative, and energetic fundraiser to help take us into our next chapter. You might be an experienced Development leader or someone looking to take that next step, or perhaps this could be a lateral move from another related sector. We are open to discussing flexible working patterns, and you will be able to shape the role around your particular skills and experience. 
 

You will have the full support of the CEO, senior team and Board of Trustees, and we will work with you to ensure you continue to develop in your professional practice. You will have the satisfaction of knowing that your work is making a real difference in supporting the Belgrade Theatre realise its Story of Change and continue to build on our co-creation model of developing theatre by and with the people of Coventry.

You will be joining us at an exciting time whilst we build the production of our new co-created show Nanny of the Maroons, and your skills and expertise in fundraising and income-generation activity, will support us to launch this production in a way that can have real impact for the people of Coventry; whilst shaping a sustainable future for the organisation, and achieving an annual revenue funding target of £450K. 
 

This is a hands-on role focused on delivering fundraising activity, supporting income generation through campaigns, events, partnerships and donor stewardship. You will build meaningful relationships with donors, partners, and funders, working on strategies that support artistic ambition, creative learning and community engagement programmes, and long-term organisational growth. 
This role will suit someone who is organised, proactive and confident in delivering fundraising activity, and who can bring practical ideas that connect with Coventry’s diverse communities.
 

Key Working Relationships:

Internal: Director of Audiences and Growth, CEO, Artistic Director and Director of Producing and Co-creation. This role will line manage the Development Officer and oversee freelance bid writers. This role needs to have constructive relationships with all departments within the business including working closely with the audiences, marketing and communications team and colleagues across Box Office, Finance and Front of House. You will deliver a programme of fundraising activity including memberships, small, mid-scale and larger trusts and foundations, community fundraising, sponsorship and local business partnerships.
 

External: Trusts and Foundations, Donors, High Net worth individuals, Members, Individual Giving, Stakeholders, Volunteers and Business Networks
 

Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership 

• Develop and deliver a multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with organisational priorities 
• Lead on income diversification across individual giving/membership, major gifts, legacies, trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, campaigns and events 
• Set and monitor annual income targets with clear KPIs and reporting structure

Fundraising Campaigns & Income Generation

• Develop and deliver audience-focused fundraising campaigns that support theatre programming, community engagement and audience development.
• Identify and implement practical income opportunities, such as round-up donations, maximising Gift Aid and testing messaging at key audience touchpoints.

Events & Community Fundraising

• Plan, promote and deliver fundraising events including donor evenings and follow up donor cultivation, community fundraising activities and donor profile events 
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and volunteers to ensure events are well organised and provide a positive supporter experience.

Trusts, Memberships & Partnerships

• Research, write and submit applications to small, mid-scale and large trusts and foundations aligned with The Belgrade’s artistic, co-creation, educational and community activity to ensure we meet our target of 10% of turnover against fundraising activity 
• Review and refresh The Belgrade’s s membership schemes, sponsorship offers and local business fundraising opportunities.
• Develop proposals to support income from individuals, trusts and community partners.
• Establish and Develop a Legacy programme with the associated campaign 

Donor Stewardship & Supporter Care

• Support and steward donors, members and supporters through appropriate communication, recognition and reporting.
• Ensure donor recognition is accurate and visible across digital, print and in-venue materials.
• Experience of managing a varied pipeline of fundraising prospects, including identification of key internal and external milestones

Digital Fundraising & Communications

• Work with the Marketing team to create fundraising content for email, web and social media.
• Use storytelling to promote THE BELGRADE ’s charitable activity and encourage supporter engagement.

 
Monitoring, Reporting & Compliance

• Maintain accurate donor records.
• Track fundraising income and prepare reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure all fundraising activity complies with GDPR, Gift Aid requirements and Fundraising Regulator guidance.

Planning, Collaboration & Good Practice

• Contribute to the delivery of agreed annual fundraising plans, supporting our Audiences and Marketing team by tracking activity and progress against targets.
• Stay informed about THE BELGRADE ’s artistic programme and community work, working with colleagues across departments to support clear and relevant case for support.
• Build and maintain networks with fundraising colleagues in the arts and charity sectors, sharing learning and good practice with THE BELGRADE particularly at a local and regional level
• Contribute positively to THE BELGRADE ’s inclusive, collaborative and community-focused culture, supporting volunteers involved in fundraising activity where appropriate.
• Set company wide strategies to maximise individual giving around our Making Memories campaign for Pantomime and our Stage for All campaign that supports co-creation. 

General

• Keep up to date with emerging technologies and industry trends to improve efficiency and fundraising potential.
• Maintain a strong applicable knowledge of the theatre’s programme, strategy and business plan.
• Attend staff meetings / training as required.
• Adhere to policies and procedures and act as an ambassador for best practice.

 
What Success Looks Like

• Reaching our fundraising target of £450k
• Growth in philanthropic income year-on-year
• Strong donor engagement, both recruitment and retention
• Increase in size and diversity of membership base including renewal of lapsed bookers
• A motivated, high-performing development team 
• Clear, compelling fundraising messaging around The Belgrade’s case for support embedded across the organisation 
• A sustainable funding model that supports artistic excellence and community impact

The postholder will be required to work from the theatre in Coventry, although some flexibility for occasional working from home is available subject to the needs of the business.  This role may require working weekends and evenings for attendance at Guest Nights and Stakeholder Events etc. from time to time for which time off can be taken in lieu. 

Please note the job description for this position may be reviewed and amended to incorporate future business needs.

Person Specification:
Essential - the successful candidate will meet the majority of these requirements.

• Experience delivering fundraising campaigns.
• Experience stewarding and supporting donors or supporters.
• Experience writing successful funding applications.
• Experience planning and delivering fundraising or community events.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Understanding of fundraising compliance, including GDPR and Gift Aid.
•  Awareness of current fundraising trends and inclusive fundraising practices.
• Proactive, organised and hands-on approach.
• Confidence building and maintaining professional relationships with a range of stakeholders
• Commitment to inclusivity, ethical fundraising and community values.
• Collaborative, adaptable and solution focused.
• Experience cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors or supporters
• Experience using CRM or database systems to manage supporter data
• Willingness to embrace the Belgrade’s Brand Values
• A genuine interest in inclusive arts, music and social impact

Desirable

• Experience of developing new fundraising initiatives from conception to realisation
• Experience of budget responsibility and reporting on achievements against targets
• Knowledge and experience of major gift fundraising

Apply Now
Upload your CV and Cover Letter
In your cover letter, tell us: 

• Why you want to work for The Belgrade Theatre?
• What experiences and skills do you have that you feel will illustrate your suitability for the role 

Our Commitment to Equality
 

The Belgrade Theatre is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and supportive environment for everyone. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences—including but not limited to individuals of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, ages, faiths or beliefs, disabilities, and neurodiverse conditions.

We believe that a diverse workforce enriches our creative community and strengthens our connection to the audiences we serve. Our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion is at the heart of everything we do, and we strive to ensure that all employees and applicants feel valued, respected, and empowered to bring their full selves to work.
 

If you require any adjustments, accommodations, or assistance at any stage of the recruitment or application process, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will work with you to provide the support you need to make your application journey as accessible and comfortable as possible.

If you are applying through the Disability Confident Scheme, please reference that in your cover letter or application

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FORM

The Belgrade Theatre is committed to ensuring equal opportunities, aiming to attract and work with staff from a wide diverse pool. The information that you give us on this form will be treated confidentially and stored on our HR database as statistical information only. This will be used to help monitor the diversity of applicants and to enable us to continue to develop policies and procedures regarding diversity and to submit required data to our funders. The information you supply will not be made available to anyone in any form other than anonymous data.

At the Belgrade Theatre, we are dedicated to creating an environment where everyone has equal opportunity to thrive and contribute to telling powerful, diverse stories that reflect us
as a vibrant community.

At Rethink Mental Illness, we believe everyone should be able to live a fulfilling life, regardless of how severely mental illness affects them. Our services are growing — and so is our ambition. That’s why we’re looking for a passionate and skilled Business Development Manager to help us shape the future of our charity and the support we provide.

About the role

As our Business Development Manager, you’ll play a key role in sustaining and expanding the services that make a real difference to people severely affected by mental illness. You’ll bring teams together, write with clarity and purpose, and lead the end‑to‑end bid development process — ensuring we continue to deliver high‑quality, impactful support where it’s needed most.

You’ll champion collaboration, draw on the expertise of colleagues across the charity, and craft compelling, evidence‑based proposals that reflect who we are and what we stand for. From early development to final submission, you’ll help us win and retain contracts that directly improve lives.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading the end‑to‑end development of bids, retenders, and proposals in line with internal quality standards.
• Working collaboratively with teams across Rethink Mental Illness, building strong relationships and creating connected ways of working.
• Supporting and managing Bid Development Officers.
• Contributing to regional business development plans and helping shape sustainable, innovative service models.
• Writing high‑quality, insightful submissions that articulate our strengths, capabilities, and lived‑experience approach.
• Developing early-stage budget models and working with Finance and HR to finalise financials ahead of submission.
• Generating insight through data, evidence, and internal expertise to create winning proposals.
• Researching competitors and identifying what makes Rethink Mental Illness stand out.
• Supporting successful bids through structured handovers and mobilisation.
• Contributing to continuous improvement through feedback, learning, and maintaining our Bid Library.

What you’ll bring

Essential

• A strong track record of writing successful competitive bids or proposals.
• Excellent writing, critical thinking, and communication skills.
• The ability to interpret complex tender documents and understand commissioner expectations.
• Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to unite diverse teams.
• Knowledge of commissioning, current legislation, and best practice in mental health and social care.
• Experience constructing budgets and modelling service assumptions.
• Strong organisational and project‑management abilities, with flexibility to meet deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and excellent general IT skills.
• A values‑driven approach consistent with Rethink Mental Illness’ ethos.

Desirable

• Experience working within mental health, health, or social care sectors.
• Lived or professional experience related to mental health and wellbeing.

Why Rethink Mental Illness?

When you join us, you’re not just taking on a role — you’re becoming part of a movement.
A movement committed to improving the lives of people severely affected by mental illness through high‑quality services, innovation, and compassionate support.

You’ll be part of a collaborative, supportive team where your growth and wellbeing matter, and where your work has a clear, direct impact.

The Head of Community Services Development will lead the growth and evolution of Day One’s national offer for people affected by serious and life-changing injury, while designing and implementing a new service to support individuals transitioning from Hospital to Home. The post holder should combine strategic leadership with hands on service design and development expertise, ensuring the national offer becomes the charity’s returning home service in line with the new strategy for 2026-2029. Newly designed services will deliver high-quality, compassionate support and that are well designed, evidence-based and responsive to the real world needs of people with serious and life-changing injury. Working closely with the Head of Lived Experience, to ensure lived experience insight is central to all design and implementation, and that new pathways complement Day One’s existing Peer Support model.

What You Will Bring 

To be a highly organised, outcome focussed self-starter, with excellent communication and leadership skills who is able to work in a fast-paced environment and build productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders. You will be highly skilled and experienced in scoping and designing a service and seeing it through to implementation, adapting it in accordance with ongoing analysis and feedback.

How to apply 

Please upload your CV and supporting cover letter to Charity Jobs outlining why you’re interested in the role. Please take your time to explain how your experience is relevant to this post.

Closing date: 9am Monday 13th April 2026 

Interviews:  

First stage virtual: Monday 20th April 2026 

Second stage in-person (Leeds): Thursday 30th April 2026 

For further information, please refer to the attached recruitment pack.

The Development Manager (Grants) leads on bid-writing and relationship building with grantmakers (Trusts/Foundations/Public). The candidate will be a key player in the Grants team alongside the Director of Development (Grants/Major Gifts) and Development Officer. Create has seen its fundraising increase significantly in recent years, as it fulfils its ambitious plans to double its reach by its 25th anniversary in 2028. The Grants team is responsible for securing over 50% of the charity’s income, managing an extensive portfolio of T/F/Public funders, approaching a well-researched pipeline of potential funders, and researching prospects. The successful candidate will share Create’s commitment to the transformative power of the creative arts within community settings, with exceptional written and verbal communication, research, organisational and IT skills, and meticulous attention to detail.

1. JOB TITLE: Grant Officer (Sustainable Future)

 

 Contract: 2 year fixed-term, 35 hours per week
 

Location: York/ hybrid (in office attendance once or twice a week)
 

Salary range: £46,036
 

2. MAIN PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE JOB

To support the management, administration and development of the Sustainable Future grant programme and occasional related initiatives. 
 

Assess and critically appraise project ideas, using sound judgement to provide clear, constructive guidance to prospective applicants.
 

3. POSITION IN ORGANISATION

Reports to: Sustainable Future Programme Manager 
Responsible for:  n/a
 

4. DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
 

4.1       GRANT PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT SUPPORT

To work within organisational strategies and policies, and in accordance with the priorities and guidance as specified by the Programme Manager:
 

• Contribute to the delivery of all aspects of the grant cycle, including responding to applicant inquiries, assessment of applications, presenting and discussing applications with the grant committee and communicating decisions to applicants. On occasion, there may a requirement to contribute to this work for other JRCT grant programmes.

• Assist with monitoring grantees’ work and expenditure of JRCT funds.

• Contribute to the design and delivery of networking, convening or learning initiatives for grantees. 

• Manage and co-ordinate the administration of external events and consultations.  

• Assist the Programme Manager with the administration of proactive projects.

• Keep abreast of external developments through reading, attending conferences and similar events, and liaising with other funders.

• Contribute to the development of grant policy and grant programme reviews.

4.2 GRANT PROGRAMME ADMINISTRATION
 

• With direction from the Programme Manager, co-ordinate and contribute to the preparation and circulation of committee papers for the grant cycle, including writing assessment memos, meeting notes, agenda papers and minutes.  On occasion, there may a requirement to contribute to this work for other JRCT grant programmes.

• Use the grants administration database to process and monitor grant applications and provide reports and statistics.  Maintain accurate database records to enable the appropriate payment and ongoing monitoring of grants. 

• Ensure that effective information storage and retrieval systems (paper and electronic) are developed, maintained and managed for the programme area and maintain records of committee membership and subscriptions.

• Arrange and co-ordinate committee meetings and meetings with applicants/grantees on behalf of the Programme Manager, including related travel, accommodation and room bookings, liaising with trustees and co-optees.

• Liaise with other staff and external colleagues on behalf of the Programme Manager and assist in implementing good communication systems for the staff team and wider organisation. 

5. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
 

• Consistently perform the role effectively and in line with the values and mission of JRCT.

• Proactively keep up to date with developments affecting your work and maintaining and improving personal competence through continuous professional development.

• Take direction on projects and priorities from your line manager and trustees, which may vary from time to time.

• Develop, foster and maintain effective relationships with relevant external stakeholders and organisations.

• Work to administration and communication protocols efficiently to ensure that organisational systems and procedures are implemented.

• Abide by all organisational policies, codes of conduct and practice.

• Prepare for and participate in supervision and appraisal meetings.

• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.

• Contribute constructively to team meetings and organisational priorities.

• Demonstrate a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

• Carry out other duties as may arise, develop or be assigned commensurate with the role.