Program officer jobs

We are looking for a dynamic, values-led, strategic leader to drive our mission for migration justice and social work solidarity. The role entails oversight of the operations and strategy of the organisation, responsibility for financial management and fundraising, maintaining the health of the organisation and embedding anti-racist and anti-opressive values into every aspect of the organisation. 

In this role you will be responsible for invoices, petty cash claims and staff expenses, as well as other regular payments and the purchase ledger payment runs. This role will liaise with managers and suppliers, as well as relating to the wider finance team and other members of staff.

This role would suit someone with some previous experience and knowledge of working in finance and accounting, bringing existing purchase ledger knowledge. The successful candidate will need be able to work to deadlines and have strong skills in admin, organisation, and IT. The nature of the role requires someone who is able to manage confidential data and is a problem solver

Harris Hill Charity Recruitment are delighted to be working with the European Association for Cancer Research (EACR) on this exciting new Fundraising Manager role.

 

About the EACR

The EACR is an international scientific membership organisation supporting cancer researchers through conferences, funding schemes and community-building. Following a recent consultancy review, the organisation is now ready to appoint its first dedicated Fundraising Manager to establish and grow its income-generation activity.

 

The Role

This brand-new position will lead trusts, foundations and corporate fundraising. Reporting to the CEO and sitting on the Management Team, you will:

• Build the first fundraising strategy, pipeline and targets
• Develop compelling proposals and cases for support
• Cultivate relationships with trusts, foundations and corporate partners
• Work closely with scientific, communications and membership colleagues
• Provide strategic oversight of fundraising plans, reporting and forecasting

The organisation understands that fundraising takes time: no major income is expected until 2027, and there is a healthy financial buffer, giving you space to develop a sustainable programme.

 

About You

We’re seeking a generalist fundraiser with strong trusts experience and confidence in corporate partnerships. You’ll be strategic, proactive, collaborative and comfortable shaping a new function from the ground up.

 

How to Apply

For full details of the role including how to apply, please download the full appointment brief.

£43,000 – £50,000 | 0.8–1.0 FTE | 18-month Fixed Term Contract
Hybrid: A minimum of once per week in the Nottingham office (Wednesdays)

Closing date: 9am, Wednesday 7th January 2026
Interviews: w/c 12th and 19th January 2026

We are seeking a Deputy Chief Executive Officer to support the current Chief Executive Officer and strengthen the senior leadership of our charity. Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Managers and Trustees, you will play a key role in driving our long term strategic goals and ensuring our values remain at the heart of everything we do.

Are you...

• A passionate, dedicated leader?
• Committed to our ethos, values and mission?
• Skilled in mentoring, supporting and empowering others?
• Looking for a leadership role within the charity sector?
• Ready to take on a new and rewarding challenge?

You will provide strong effective leadership to service managers and operational teams, ensuring decisions are made responsibly within available financial and organisational resources. This role is central to maintaining high quality services and supporting the continued success and sustainability of Health for All.

The ideal candidate will bring...

• Significant senior level management experience
• Proven people management experience
• A collaborative, adaptable and inclusive leadership style
• Excellent communication and relationship building skills
• The ability to develop partnerships that enhance our work and impact

There is scope for this role to evolve over time into the Chief Executive position, offering an exciting development opportunity for the right candidate. 

The main purpose of the role:

• To act as a Deputy to the Chief Executive Officer
• To lead the operational management team, mentor, support and empower managers to achieve objectives.
• To play a key role as a member of the senior leadership team.
• To identify and inspire process improvements, collaborating with team members to implement good practice.
• To develop and represent the charity in building strategic relationships.

Hours and contract period:
Full time, 35 hours per week, normally Monday to Friday but flexibility is required given the seniority of the post. There may be some need to work outside normal office hours and may include some weekend work. This post is offered on a permanent contract with a 6 month probationary period. This post will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service
check and satisfactory references.
Location:
Based at Tenants Hall Enterprise Centre in Middleton, Leeds, the role involves regular travel to other Health for All centres and locations. It is desirable that the successful applicant is a car driver with access to a suitable vehicle. Mileage and travel costs will be reimbursed through expenses. Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK.

Benefits:

• 31 Days annual leave plus bank holidays
• 5% Employers Pension Contribution
• Free Parking at Health for All centres
• Mindful Employer Plus employee assistance programme

Reports to:
Chief Executive Officer.
Responsible for:
Operational Service Managers (6 Managers)

Application closing date: Friday 19th December 2025

First Interviews: Early January 2026

To apply please download the application pack from our website and complete an application form, please note we do not accept CV's.

Are you a creative marketer with a flair for digital campaigns and audience engagement?

Earth Trust is seeking a Marketing Officer to join our Communications and Marketing team and help amplify our mission during an exciting phase of growth. 

About the role 

As Earth Trust evolves into a key visitor destination in South Oxfordshire, you’ll play a key role in promoting our visitor hub, venue hire and events. 

Working closely with a small, collaborative team, you’ll craft compelling content, manage multi-channel campaigns, and use data-driven insights to optimise performance. 

This is a unique opportunity to use creativity with digital channel management and connect people with nature while supporting commercial growth. 

What you’ll do 

• Plan and deliver marketing campaigns for venue hire, events, and our new paid-for adventure play.

• Create engaging content for social media, email, and web.

• Manage digital channels (MailChimp, WordPress) and optimise SEO. 

• Analyse campaign performance and manage budgets.

• Collaborate across teams to deliver impactful projects.

What we’re looking for 

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in marketing or communications 

• Strong copywriting and content creation skills 

• Proficiency in digital tools (MailChimp, WordPress, Canva) 

• Experience with paid media, SEO, and analytics 

• Organised, creative, and passionate about connecting people with nature 

Desirable: Charity sector experience, venue marketing knowledge and familiarity with Google Ads Grants. 

This role is 21 hours per week, typically worked over three days, of which two are in our offices by the Wittenham Clumps - Little Wittenham, between Abingdon, Didcot and Wallingford.

Harris Hill is delighted to be working with the Cotswolds Dogs and Cats Home (CDCH) to recruit its new Chief Operating Officer (COO).

The CDCH has been providing care and support to vulnerable animals in our community for over 80 years. We work across Gloucestershire and support over 1,000 animals each year living in our community.  We find wonderful families for pets who need a new home and provide access to veterinary treatment for pets living with financially vulnerable families through our subsidised veterinary clinics, ensuring no animal suffers because of cost.

As COO, you will:

• Oversee operations, including the CDCH centre, retail and fundraising as well as project delivery, finance, human resources, IT, customer service, and facilities.
• Translate the Board’s strategic vision into actionable plans and upgrade daily procedures.
• Lead a high-performing team.

If you are inspired and excited by what CDCH does, we’d love to hear from you.

Job title: Chief Operating Officer

Salary: Up to £75,000 p.a.

Location: Gloucestershire

Employment term: Permanent / Full Time

Please review the Recruitment Pack for further information about CDCH, the COO position and for details on how to apply.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 5th January 2026

Both CDCH and Harris Hill operate an equal opportunity policy and commit to treating all of our candidates and jobseekers fairly. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnership.

Are you a detail-oriented professional with a strong background in quality assurance?

TPP are recruiting for an Assurance Officer on behalf of our client, a longstanding professional membership and awarding body.

Benefits

• Salary: £32,500-34,000 per annum, depending on experience
• Employment type: FTC to 31st May 2026
• Hours: Full time, 35 hours per week
  • 9am-5pm Monday-Thursday with 45 minutes lunch
  • 9am-4pm Friday with 1 hour lunch
• Working arrangements: Hybrid working (office in London)
• Other: Significant investment in employee CPD

 
 
About the Organisation
 
Our client, a respected professional body, plays a key role in maintaining quality standards within the training and certification sector. Working closely with training providers, this organisation is committed to upholding high standards of compliance and quality assurance to support the development of industry-recognised training programmes.

The Role
 
As an Assurance Officer, you’ll manage a portfolio of Approved Training Providers (ATPs), ensuring they meet the organisation’s stringent quality criteria. You’ll deliver exceptional customer service, address quality issues proactively, and support the ongoing quality assurance of the organisation’s certified training courses. Your role will also involve reviewing online exam videos to maintain the integrity of assessments.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage applications from organisations seeking ATP status or course certification.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with ATPs, responding to queries promptly.
• Plan and support quality assurance activities, including audits, course observations, and performance analysis.
• Review proctoring videos to identify potential malpractice and ensure compliance.
• Handle quality issues, including complaints, delegate feedback, and pass rate data.
• Prepare reports and data for audits and investigations.
• Manage invoicing and payment processes for ATPs and Technical Assessors.
• Contribute to process improvements, enhancing the ATP and learner experience.

 
 
Skills and Experience required

• Strong experience in quality assurance, ideally within an awarding organisation, regulatory environment, or professional body. 
• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to critically assess information, identifying potential risks or irregularities. 
• Strong customer service and account management skills with experience in building relationships with stakeholders. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with CRM systems. 

 
 
Interviews

• 2 stages
  • 1st stage online
  • 2nd stage in person (London)

 
 
To Apply

• Covering letter
  • No more than 2 pages of A4
  • Addressing the required skills and experience listed above
• CV

 
 
Deadline for Applications

• ASAP – applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.

About Chance to Shine 

We are Chance to Shine: a children’s charity dedicated to harnessing the power of cricket to transform the life prospects of young people in the UK.

It is our mission that all young people have the opportunity to play, learn and develop through cricket. We want them to learn a love of the game and to find a sense of belonging through the sport, developing their wider wellbeing and life skills to help fulfil their potential.

Established in 2005, we have a long-term track record of delivery in state schools and under-served communities, bringing best-in-class cricket programmes to young people who might not otherwise have the opportunity to play. All our programmes are completely free for everyone involved, from schools and community groups to young people and their families.

About the role

It is an exciting time to join Chance to Shine as we grow our scale and deepen our impact with the aim of reaching 1 million young people annually by 2028. Broadening our community of supporters and growing our income is vital to achieving this strategy and the role of Events Officer is critical to this growth.

This role would suit an energetic and ambitious events professional, who is looking to progress in their career by supporting the delivery of a demanding programme of events to the highest standard. With the support and guidance of the Special Events Manager and Head of Fundraising, this is an exciting opportunity to develop your career skills and play a vital role in the growth of our events programme at an exceptionally well regarded and well-run charity.

Please note this is a meternity cover role, expected to end in February 2027. All office based staff are expected to attend our office in Holborn at least 2-days per week.

Key responsibilities

Special Events

• Co-ordinate logistics for CTS fundraising and organisational events including managing event paperwork and processes, such as invitations and RSVPs
• Manage events as directed e.g. lead on the delivery of the annual stadium takeover day, golf day and/or other events as required
• Responsible for administrative support for CTS fundraising events including maintaining attendee and gift records on our Raisers Edge database
• Responsible for proactively sourcing auction items and the fulfilment of said auction items and raffle prizes to be used at CTS and third-party fundraising events, including developing partnerships with potential auction donors (both individual and corporates)
• To effectively manage the tracking, distribution and coordination of all cricket tickets and hospitality associated with auction prizes throughout the year
• To support with sales for CTS events, such as golf days and fundraising dinners, through prospect research
• To recruit and manage volunteers to support CTS fundraising events
• To regularly monitor the events inbox
• To manage and support the delivery of activities that may occur in partnership with other charities
• To co-ordinate and manage invitations to hospitality opportunities
• To co-ordinate and manage evaluation of events
• To produce all event collateral including but not limited to copy for invitations, thank you letters, event programmes, auction cards, flyers and brochures
• Lead on financial elements for CTS events – raising invoices, tracking payments and income

Challenge & Beneficiary Events

• To organise all challenge event activity, including identifying potential challenge event supporters and partnerships
• To provide support to third party supporters raising funds for CTS through beneficiary event activity

General

• To ensure that the CRM database and donor records relating to all events are kept up to date
• To maintain the events section on the website
• To work closely with the communications team to promote events activity on all digital platforms
• To assist with the design and creation of event materials to promote events

· To assist with the design and creation of event materials to promote events

· To assist with wider fundraising tasks as required

· The role includes supporting at events that occur outside of normal office hours. Time off in lieu will be available

Key Relationships

The job holder will liaise with:

• Chief Executive and the CTS Senior Management Team
• Fundraising team
• Impact & Evaluation, Operations, Communications & Digital, and Finance & Resource teams
• Supporters, prospective supporters, ambassadors and suppliers
• Event volunteers

Person Specification

Essential Values and Drivers

• Enthusiasm to embrace Chance to Shine values: Inspiring, ambitious, trusted, inclusive and fun
• Excellent organisation, timekeeping and administrative skills
• Proactive working style with the ability to forward plan and problem solve
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong attention to detail
• Comfortable dealing with stakeholders at all levels
• Self-starter with strong motivation to succeed and ability to work independently in carrying out assigned tasks
• Ability to prioritise workload and manage multiple deadlines 
• Happy to be hands on and get stuck into a variety of tasks
• Creative, energetic, proactive and outgoing
• An ability to spot opportunities
• Able to work extended hours to support events as required (TOIL will be available)

Essential experience and competencies

· 1-2 years’ experience within events and/or fundraising

· A passion for fundraising and events with relevant voluntary or work experience

· Excellent IT skills: knowledge and experience of using MS Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint)

· Full UK driving license and able and willing to travel throughout the UK

Desirable experience and competencies
• An interest in cricket and/or the sport for good sector
• Experience using CRM/Fundraising Databases (e.g. Raisers edge)
• Knowledge of Adobe InDesign or Canva

Location: Home Based with regular national travel

Since 1962 the National Autistic Society has been campaigning to transform lives, change attitudes and create a society that works for autistic people. In National Programmes we champion the rights and interests of autistic people and their families, making sure national policy and legislation to reflect their needs. We provide autism training and best practice services and want all autistic people to have access to services and support that fully meet their needs. We provide diagnostic services, training, accreditation, consultancy and conferences, designed to support all professionals and organisations.  

The Supporter Fundraising team is responsible for managing and growing all supporter-led fundraising activity, including third-party challenge events, community fundraising, and our own portfolio of fundraising events. Together, our work generates over £1 million in income each year—vital funds that help the National Autistic Society achieve its mission: a society that works for autistic people.

Visit our website to find out more about who we are and what we do:  

Who we are looking for: 

We are seeking a proactive and creative Senior Events Fundraising Officer to join our dynamic team on a permanent basis.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about events fundraising and eager to take ownership of a diverse portfolio. You’ll play a key role in developing new fundraising events, supporting and inspiring colleagues, and delivering excellent supporter experiences that maximise income and impact.

The role will involve:

• Leading on a portfolio of owned and third-party fundraising events, including feasibility research, planning, marketing, participant recruitment, logistics, budgeting, and evaluation.
• Taking a lead role in the development of new fundraising events in collaboration with the Innovation Team, from research and proposals through to approval, delivery and evaluation.
• Providing first-class supporter care, ensuring participants feel valued and engaged, and that income and expenditure targets are met or exceeded.
• Working closely with marketing, press and PR colleagues to create and implement event promotion and communications plans, across both traditional and digital channels.
• Line managing and supporting Events Officers where appropriate, and deputising for the Events Fundraising Manager when required.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and event providers to ensure effective delivery and the best possible experience for supporters.
• Overseeing volunteer recruitment and stewardship plans to increase engagement and retention.

The successful candidate will bring:

• Experience of planning and delivering fundraising events, with proven ability to meet financial targets.
• Strong relationship-building skills, with confidence in working with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• A creative, innovative mindset and a passion for developing new fundraising opportunities.
• A commitment to delivering outstanding supporter care and improving supporter journeys.

This is a full-time, permanent role, for 35 hours per week. The salary for this position is £32,577 per year.

To view the full job description please click  

 What we can offer you: 

• Auto-enrolled Pension Scheme 

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays 

• Excellent induction, training and development programme including training about autism and opportunities to attend our conferences 

• Online staff discount scheme for a range of benefits such as cycle to work scheme, season ticket loan & shopping discounts for places such as Asda, Tesco, Sainsburys, Halfords, Nike, Apple and loads more! 

• Healthcare Cash Plan 

• Life Assurance at 2 x base salary 

• A portfolio of fantastic new salary sacrifices benefits and other flexible benefits private health, dental insurance, car salary sacrifice scheme, activity pass, holiday trading, enhanced pension & salary deduct loans (eligibility criteria may apply) 

• Access to a 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme & counselling programme

• Free access to the Headspace App – a global leader in mindfulness and you can enrol up to three friends or family for free! 

• Eligibility for a Blue Light Card 

Where you will be working: 

City Road, London / Homeworking / Hybrid

(Up to 20% national travel, including some evenings and weekends, as required.)

About our application process: 

When providing a supporting statement, please refer to the job description and person specification and include any information that shows your suitability for the role. 

For more information about this job, please contact Jonathan Littledale – Events Fundraising Manager ( ########### )

We do reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. 

For some roles, successful applicants will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding checks which will include additional references and criminal background checks. 

Applications for this job are sought from anyone who is suitably qualified and experienced for the role but particularly welcome from those with a diagnosis of autism. 

The National Autistic Society is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and adults who use our services and as such expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding checks. 

We are an equal opportunities employer

Role Description

The purpose of the Executive Assistant role is to provide administrative, organisational and coordination support to the Executive Team, ensuring their time and attention are aligned with organisational priorities, goals, and objectives. The role covers executive coordination, governance administration and project support.  The Executive Assistant enables effective decision making across the Leadership Team, supports the smooth delivery of priorities, and contributes to the execution of long-term strategic goals.

The Executive Team comprises the Chief Executive, Operations Director and Business Development Director.  They work together as part of the Leadership Team, comprising key leaders from across the charity.

Excellent attention to detail is crucial, as is the ability to operate with discretion and flexibility. A high standard of written and verbal communication is essential. The role requires collaboration across Finance, HR, Trustees, and external stakeholders, and an understanding of effective charity governance would be desirable.

This role requires a high level of emotional intelligence, sound judgement, and the ability to build trusted relationships across all levels of the organisation. Success in this role depends on a proactive mindset, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to remain calm and resourceful under pressure. The Executive Assistant must be highly dependable, detail-oriented, and capable of managing sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.

Responsibilities

Executive Coordination

• Manage calendars, inboxes, travel and meeting preparation for Executive Team
• Coordinate agendas and logistics for internal and external meetings
• Liaise with stakeholders, clients and partners to ensure smooth engagement

Governance Support

• Own the established governance timetable, board meeting scheduling, and trustee communications
• Draft and distribute board packs, take minutes, and track actions
• Support governance processes in collaboration with the Operations Director
• Support trustee onboarding, training, and engagement
• Ensure timely completion of Charity Commission and Companies House submissions
• Leverage AI tools and platforms to enhance business processes

Strategic communications

• Communicate with external stakeholders on behalf of the Executive Team
• Coordinate staff events and meetings
• Work with marketing and communities & projects teams for conferences and external events

Project support

• Support ongoing transformation projects in collaboration with Head of Business Functions
• Support recruitment and onboarding for senior roles led by the Head of Business Operations
• Support strategic planning and performance tracking led by the Operations Director and Business Development Director
• Support handover and re-onboarding of Executive Assistant on her return April 2027

Role Requirements

Required:

• Minimum of four years’ experience in a similar role.
• Experience supporting senior leaders in a fast paced and changing environment, taking initiative and managing competing deadlines calmly and flexibly.
• Confident communicating with the executive and leadership team, trustees and external partners in a professional and timely way.
• Able to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and good judgment.
• Confident coordinating meetings, preparing papers and taking accurate minutes.
• Ability to research, digest, analyse and present material clearly and concisely.
• Ability to identify and apply AI-driven tools to enhance business activities and using AI to streamline workflows and personalise business engagement.
• Comfortable stepping into an established role quickly and maintaining continuity during the maternity leave period.

Desirable:

• Experience in charity governance
• Experience in project support/management

Employees are also expected to be flexible in undertaking the duties and responsibilities attached to their post and may be asked to perform other duties that are consistent with the grade, responsibilities, and typical scope of the role. Any additional tasks should remain appropriate to the nature of the post and not extend into unrelated functions or specialisms.

All employees are expected to work in accordance with the organisation’s values and behavioural standards, which include being supportive, transparent, respectful, kind, honest, and collaborative. This means fostering a culture of empathy, openness, integrity, and teamwork in all interactions, and contributing positively to the organisation’s mission and strategic objectives.

We are committed to flexible working and are open to requests for different working patterns. This includes part time arrangements and four day working week requests, which we will always consider as part of the recruitment process.

To apply for this role, please share your CV with a one-page cover letter setting out why this role appeals to you and how your skills and experiences meet the key skills points in the job description.

Interviews expected to take place on week commencing the 2nd of February 2026.

Director of Mission and Evangelism

The successful candidate will come to serve alongside me and our other leaders. They will bring significant knowledge and
understanding of the Anglican church, the challenges and opportunities it faces in evangelism to those on the margins, and a creative empowering approach to answering those challenges. As Church Army continues its journey of significant strategic reshaping, you would play a vital role in shaping the vision and strategy and then leading the work of Church Army for the next season of ministry. As Church Army reorientates itself towards a much stronger focus on training and equipping for evangelism on the margins, the new Director will be able to demonstrate both understanding and experience in this area. You will also be able to demonstrate an ability to engage in the wider work of the Anglican church, as we seek to work in closer partnership on numbers of projects.

Matt Barlow
CEO, Church Army.

One YMCA delivers vital services including social housing, health and wellbeing programmes, children’s services, and youth and community activities that make a real difference across our local communities.

We are seeking a Triage and Intervention Officer to be the first point of contact for children and adults seeking support after experiencing domestic abuse.
In this rewarding role, you will complete risk and needs assessments, create personalised safety and support plans, and offer timely responses via our helpline, webchat, and referral pathways.

Working closely with the IDVA Team Leader, you will support both IDVA and therapeutic teams, maintain accurate case records, and ensure all work aligns with best-practice standards. You will manage your own workload, meet agreed KPIs, and play an essential part in ensuring victims receive high-quality, timely, and effective support.

If you are organised, compassionate, and committed to helping people rebuild their lives, we would love to hear from you!

Requirements:
• Willingness to undertake training and development relevant to the role.
• Commitment to valuing equality and diversity and applying this to all areas of work.
• Willingness to adjust working hours to meet operational needs, including occasional evening and weekend work.
• Access to a vehicle for travel in the course of your work, along with suitable business insurance to cover work-related travel. You must have a full Great Britain driving licence. If you have more than three points on your licence, please contact us to discuss before applying.

As some of our roles involve working with vulnerable members of society, this position may require a Basic or Enhanced Criminal Disclosure, which will be conducted once a conditional offer is made

Previous Applications: We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. However, if you have applied for a similar role within the last 6 months and were not successful, please consider whether your experience has developed further before reapplying

Accessibility & Adjustments: We are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and will strive to be as accommodating as possible. Please inform us in advance of any arrangements you may need to fully participate in the process.

At One YMCA we are an inclusive organisation and actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We do not discriminate on the basis of Age, Disability, Gender Reassignment, Marriage/Civil Partnership, Pregnancy/Maternity, Race, Religion/Belief, Sex and/or Sexual Orientation. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities, and industries, and are committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills, experiences, and abilities.
 

This is a  Full Time role.
Hours per week: 37.5
Working Pattern: Monday - Friday / 37.5 hours per week

The Head of Policy and Advocacy will lead the strategic development and delivery of MCF’s policy, advocacy and research agenda.Join the UK’s leading network for Muslim-led charities, strengthening the capacity, voice and impact of nearly 300 organisations.

Job role: Head of Policy and Advocacy

Employer: Muslim Charities Forum

Salary:£42,000 – 45,000 per annum

Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week (4 days office-based, 1 day hybrid/remote)

Position: Fixed Term Contract, 3 years.

Location: London SE1.Nearest stations Waterloo, Lambeth North

Closing date for applications:16th December 2025, 5.00pm or until a suitable candidate is identified.

About Muslim Charities Forum (MCF) 

Muslim Charities Forum (MCF) is the UK’s leading network for Muslim-led charities, strengthening the capacity, voice and impact of nearly 300 organisations. Guided by our pillars of Support, Connect and Represent, we champion excellence, transparency and social justice through resources, capacity-building, research and advocacy. 

We work to tackle structural and funding barriers, influence government, policymakers and the wider sector, and build a more sustainable, equitable Muslim-led charitable landscape. Through strategic partnerships and collaborations, we drive systemic change and amplify the contributions of Muslim-led organisations across society. 

Role Purpose 

The Head of Policy and Advocacy will lead the strategic development and delivery of MCF’s policy, advocacy and research agenda. The role involves shaping long-term strategy, building a robust evidence base, influencing government and policymakers, and representing MCF at senior levels across the charity, public and political sectors. 

The postholder will engage proactively with central and local government, devolved authorities, and regional mayors, ensuring that the voices and experiences of Muslim-led organisations are represented in policy development and decision-making. 

They will work collaboratively with MCF’s Communications, Partnerships, and Systemic Change and Sector Capacity teams to ensure a coordinated and strategic approach that delivers sustainable, long-term impact. 

Key Responsibilities 

1. Strategy and Leadership 

• Develop and deliver the next three-year Policy and Advocacy Strategy aligned with MCF’s organisational objectives. 

• Provide strategic advice to the CEO, Senior Leadership Team, and Board on policy opportunities and risks. 

• Lead and develop the Policy and Advocacy team, fostering a high-performing, inclusive and collaborative culture. 

2. Policy, Research and Insight 

• Monitor and analyse UK policy and regulatory developments affecting Muslim-led civil society. 

• Oversee research, consultations and data-driven insight to inform MCF’s policy positions. 

• Produce high-quality policy outputs, including reports, consultation responses and position statements. 

3. Influencing and Stakeholder Engagement 

• Lead MCF’s engagement with central government, local authorities, devolved administrations and regional mayors, as well as regulators and sector networks. 

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with ministers, parliamentarians, senior officials, think tanks and sector leaders. 

• Coordinate MCF’s public affairs activity, including roundtables, Select Committee and APPG engagement, and representation at high-level external forums. 

• Strengthen MCF’s profile as a credible and influential voice for Muslim-led civil society across all tiers of government and the voluntary sector. 

4. Sector Capacity and Member Support 

• Engage MCF’s members and Muslim-led organisations in collective policy development and advocacy. 

• Design and deliver tools, training and resources to build members’ influencing capacity. 

• Identify and advocate for structural solutions to sector-wide challenges, including funding inequality, regulatory barriers and intersectional disadvantage. 

5. Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting 

• Develop and implement frameworks to assess the effectiveness and impact of MCF’s policy and advocacy work. 

• Provide regular progress reports to the CEO. 

• Ensure compliance with charity law, lobbying and regulatory requirements. 

Person Specification 

Essential Criteria 

• Significant experience (5+ years) in senior policy, advocacy or influencing roles within the UK charity or voluntary sector. 

• Demonstrable success influencing government at national, local or devolved levels, achieving measurable policy or funding change. 

• Strong understanding of the UK charity policy, funding and regulatory environment. 

• Knowledge of the UK Muslim-led and/or faith-based civil society landscape. 

• Experience amplifying marginalised voices and embedding lived experience into policy and advocacy work. 

• Proven ability to lead teams and deliver organisational strategy. 

• Excellent analytical, written and verbal communication skills, with strong political acumen. 

• Commitment to social justice, equity and strengthening Muslim-led civil society. 

Desirable Criteria 

• Experience working with Muslim-led, faith-based or minority-led organisations. 

• Understanding of intersectionality and its impact on underrepresented communities. 

• Experience of research collaboration with academic institutions or think tanks. 

• Proven track record in building partnerships for policy or advocacy initiatives. 

Values and Behaviours 

• Strategic and forward-thinking leadership. 

• Collaborative and inclusive approach to diverse stakeholders. 

• Resilience and adaptability in complex, fast-changing environments. 

• Integrity and credibility in representing MCF and the wider sector. 

• Strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. 

• Excellent communication skills, particularly in amplifying underrepresented voices. 

Additional Information 

This is a senior leadership position. Occasional evening or parliamentary activities may be required, along with UK-wide travel. 

What We Offer 

• The opportunity to lead impactful change within one of the UK’s most dynamic faith-based networks. 

• A collaborative, inclusive, and supportive working environment. 

• Opportunities for professional growth, leadership, and innovation. 

Application Information 

To apply, please send a CV (no more than 2 pages) and a covering letter (max 1,000 words) explaining how you meet the essential criteria and your motivation and suitability for the post.

We are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are particularly keen to hear from candidates with lived experience of marginalisation and an understanding of Islamic ethos.  

We reserve the right to withdraw this role once a suitable candidate is identified. 

If you have not heard from us concerning your application within 6 weeks, please assume your application has been unsuccessful. 

Interviews: Initial online short interview (stage 1), face-to-face in-office interview (stage 2). 

No agencies.

UK residents only.Sponsorship is not possible for this post. References will be taken up prior to appointment including relevant ID checks. 

This is a very special role with huge potential for the right candidate to deliver transformational impact in our communities in Somerset.

The Opportunity

There is significant potential for growth, particularly through gifts in Wills, working in partnership with professional advisers and growing high-value fundraising. We’re also broadening our appeal to a wider range of donors and partners having launched our Collective Giving Funds, which offer a compelling way for anyone to give strategically to the causes and places they care about in Somerset

As our Philanthropy and Marketing Director you will be at the forefront of this ambition. We’re looking for a strategic leader who can balance vision with execution to deliver great results. You’ll need to be a credible, emotionally intelligent and authentic relationship builder, adept at building trust, genuinely passionate about our mission and have strong alignment with our values.

This senior leadership role also holds strategic responsibility for marketing and brand positioning, enabling us to unlock the full potential of philanthropy in Somerset to drive change in our communities. We’ve recently invested in the growth of our Philanthropy and Marketing Team, and have welcomed a specialist marketing Trustee on to our Board.

We’re looking for an experienced and inclusive manager, confident at providing a balance of coaching and mentoring to help our talented team to develop and shine. And as an active and engaged member of our Senior Leadership Team, you’ll share our passion for continuous improvement, help to drive organisational growth and development, and provide expert advice and guidance to our Board of Trustees.

The impact we make as a charity is achieved largely through our funding programmes. You must have an appreciation of the role that community-led charities and groups play in creating positive change locally. And the role we, as a place-based funder, can play to support that work. You do not, however, need experience of working for a funder previously.

Download the recruitment pack to see the roles full responsibilities and required skills, knowledge and experience.

About Somerset Community Foundation

Somerset Community Foundation (SCF) (charity no.1094446) is a grant-making charity that helps build strong communities where everyone can thrive. We do this by funding local charities and facilitating local giving.

We provide simple, rewarding and impactful ways for donors to give locally, guided by research and our unrivalled local knowledge.

For small, local charities, community groups and social enterprises, we provide vital funding and support to help their organisations flourish. We raise and distribute between £4 million and £5 million of funding to local groups every year. We’re also building an endowment for long-term investment into our communities, which is currently valued at around £11 million.

By inspiring local giving and funding social action, we support local communities to drive change and realise their dreams.

SCF is part of a network of 47 Community Foundations operating throughout the UK. Together we are one of the largest funders of communities across the nation.