Programme administrator jobs in cambridge, cambridgeshire

Would you like to support a dynamic annual conference that brings together a diverse group of people to learn, be inspired and collaborate to achieve workplace justice and fight poverty and discrimination?

Workplace Justice is a new company limited by guarantee that has been created to take forward the annual New Organising Conference. The New Organising Conference is unique in bringing together a diverse group of participants - trade unions established and new, community organisers, not for profits, academics, lawyers and journalists, with a shared interest in worker rights. In September 2025 60 people will deliver 40 different sessions to an audience of 135 people.

Overview of the role

This role, which will be largely remote, with regular online supervision and periodic meet-ups, offers the opportunity to support an important social justice initiative which has received hugely positive feedback from participants. You will have a high degree of autonomy, and a varied and interesting workload, as well as the opportunity to interact with and meet inspiring activists and educators.  Because of the annual cycle of the conference, you will ideally be able to flex your working hours across the year, with the opportunity for a four week break after the conference.

Job description

To provide operational support for Workplace Justice and the New Organising Conference with a particular focus on outreach and social media but also covering finance, website, participant database, registration, and governance.

Outreach and Operations Support Manager, New Organising Conference

3/4 days/week circa £33,000 f/t/e/

Background

Workplace Justice is the organisational home of the annual New Organising Conference, now in its third year, with support from the Network for Social Change The New Organising Conference, held over a weekend, is unique in bringing together a diverse group of participants - trade unions established and new, community organisers, not for profits, academics, lawyers and journalists, with a shared interest in worker rights and community organising. Participants learn, get inspiration and form new collaborations. In September 2025, 60 people delivered 44 different sessions to an audience of 130 people. You can see videos of past conferences here.

Overview of the role

This role is largely remote, with weekly online supervision and monthly meet-ups with the Coordinator, and twice yearly Board meetups. It offers the opportunity to support an important social justice initiative which has received hugely positive feedback from participants. You will have a high degree of autonomy, and a varied and interesting workload, as well as the opportunity to interact with and meet inspiring activists and educators.  Because of the annual cycle of the conference you will ideally be able to flex your working hours across the year, with the opportunity for a four week break after the conference. You are unlikely to be able to take more than one week’s holiday during July and August.

Summary job description

To provide operational support for Workplace Justice and the New Organising Conference, focussing on marketing and communications including social media but with responsibility in addition for finance, the participant database and governance.

The role offers 5 weeks paid holiday. PAYE or self-employed status for discussion.

Key tasks

• Raising the profile of NOC and attracting participants and session leaders through social media, email communications and networking

• Responsibility for ensuring the website evolves in line with the needs of the Conference

• Maintaining and operating a database of participants, past and present

• Managing the registration of participants to the conference including taking payment and where necessary issuing invoices, and recruiting volunteers to assist at the conference

• Supporting the Board led process to select sessions and plan the programme

• Attending the conference and trouble shooting as necessary

• Operating a simple finance system

• Support as needed for initiatives arising from the NOC

• Any other support tasks that may be required

Person specification

Essential

• At least three years experience in a similar role

• Contacts in and understanding of the trade union movement, UK or international

• Proven track record of using outreach on social media to achieve results

• Experience of working independently

• Close attention to detail in data handling

• Persuasive and constructive manner in dealing with other people

• Familiarity with website editors e.g Squarespace

• Experience of basic financial management

Desirable

• Experience of using the Action Network system

• Experience of event management

• Ability to accommodate peaks and troughs in workflow

• Experience of using graphic design software e.g. Canva, Adobe

• Experience of website design

• Experience of managing projects or operations with multiple stakeholders

Online interviews will be on October 10th with final in person interviews held in London on October 14th. If selected for an interview, we will email the interview questions ahead of the interview. As well as interviews there will be tests of competencies. All non AI generated applications with an email address will be acknowledged. If selected you will be expected to attend a 24 retreat with the Board on 5/6 December.

We especially welcome applications from people who are or have been marginalised in society on the basis of their class background, income, ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexuality, or other characteristics. 

Key dates

• The closing date for applications is midnight on October 4th

• Online interviews will be on October 10th with notification on October 8th.

• In person interviews will be held in London on October 14th with notification on October 11th.

We are looking for an experienced Finance Director to join our team of nearly 100 staff, ideally before the end of 2025.

This is a full-time, home-based, permanent position. You can be based anywhere in mainland UK or Ireland, with some travel and occasional overnight stays to meeting and conferences mainly in England and Wales.

We offer flexibility around working hours, including the option of a 9 day fortnight - time off in lieu is also available. We offer 25 days holiday pro rata (rising to 28 days) plus statutory public holidays. We are happy to make adjustments for people with disabilities and/or caring responsibilities, and we welcome applications from all communities.

The role is a grade 7 position with a starting salary circa £75,000 plus benefits including 9% employer pension contribution.

The Finance Director (“FD”) works alongside the Chief Executive and Operations Director to manage the finances and governance of The Rivers Trust, a leading conservation charity with three associated trading subsidiaries operating across the UK and Ireland, with a collective annual income approaching £10m.

Given the prospective retirement of the current postholder at the end of 2025, we are seeking a well-qualified and experienced individual to take on this senior leadership role as soon as possible to enable handover to occur.

The role is very varied and wide-ranging, including presenting financial information to the Trustees and senior management on a quarterly basis, reviewing monthly management accounts, leading on annual budgeting, appraising internal project concepts and contracts, statutory compliance administration and liaising with auditors.

The postholder will lead a team of eight in the Finance department and join a very welcoming team of 95 highly engaged and passionate staff at The Rivers Trust.

Main duties and responsibilities:

Working alongside the CEO, the Finance Director will provide commercial, financial and governance management and leadership for The Rivers Trust ("the Charity") and its associated subsidiaries (“The Companies”). The FD will not only be an exceptional accountant, with executive oversight of the finance function, but will be commercially astute and have the confidence to represent robustly the best interests of The Companies. The FD will also be an experienced manager of people.

Key Accountabilities:

1. Act as a business partner to support and constructively challenge the CEO in the general management of the Charity and the Companies, reporting to the board.
2. Lead all aspects of the finance function (including maintaining and developing the financial control environment; robust financial accounting; cashflow management; incisive management information; clear and concise reporting to Board) to ensure that the Charity and the Companies’ assets are secured, risks are managed, and the Board of Trustees, subsidiary boards and committees can make well-informed decisions.
3. Manage relationships with auditors, funders, IT specialists, banks, investment platforms and other external organisations.
4. Provide support to project bids and the development of other commercial opportunities to ensure that bids/opportunities are optimised for the Charity and the Companies as a whole.
5. Provide input to project and programme delivery from time to time, to ensure that performance is maximised for the Charity and the Companies.
6. Attend Board meetings and Business Audit and Risk Committee meetings to guide the Board and the Senior Management Team on financial, commercial and governance issues.
7. Ensure compliance with the requirements of the Charity Commission and Companies House and, from time to time, provide guidance to members of the Rivers Trust movement on good governance practice.
8. Maintain the finance department operational manual for business continuity.
9. Serve as the Company Secretary for the Charity and Companies.

Staff Management:

1. Lead, manage and develop the finance team (who work remotely) and ensure the team understands their respective and collective contribution to achieving the Charity's and the Companies’ objectives.
2. Support the team in their professional development.
3. Ensure the team delivers a high-quality service focused on internal and external customers and funders.

Knowledge, skills, experience, and personal qualities:

Essential

• Significant experience in financial management and senior leadership roles, ideally gained in a range of organisations.
• A strategic thinker, able to see the big-picture, shape long-term direction and balance this with attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills combined with creativity and openness to innovate.
• Strong IT and digital skills, with experience of using technology to improve efficiency and automate processes.
• Proven people leadership experience, with a track record of managing, developing, and inspiring teams and creating a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative culture.
• Excellent relationship builder, with the interpersonal skills to influence, collaborate, and provide constructive challenge while maintaining positive relationships across the organisation, including with trustees and senior stakeholders.
• Experience reporting to boards of trustees and/or directors, with the confidence to contribute to board-level discussions as a trusted adviser.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills, able to distil complexity into pertinent, concise and understandable messages tailored to diverse audiences.
• The courage to make and communicate tough decisions and be open about risks and setbacks.
• Resilient and calm under pressure, with the ability to maintain focus and steady leadership in challenging circumstances.
• Impeccable standards of integrity and personal ethics, acting as a role model for the organisation values.
• Knowledge of Sage financial software packages.
• Work to a good standard in Microsoft 365, especially Excel, Word, Outlook and Teams.

Desirable

• Experience of working in the charitable sector.
• Experience of being a Company Secretary.
• Understanding of the environmental sector or a passion for making a positive impact.
• Familiarity in using Sharepoint, Sage and Slack.
• Knowledge of Partial Exemption VAT rules.
• A basic understanding of Irish tax law, Irish and UK payroll taxes and corporate governance.

Qualifications/ Education

• Qualified Accountant, preferably ICAEW or ACCA.

Additional information

Everyone who works for us is expected to contribute to a respectful and inclusive working culture and follow our policies and procedures including Health & Safety, EDI, Cybersecurity and GDPR.

Please note we can only accept applications made through this site, and not sent by email or other methods.

We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible. We warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. If you would benefit from any adjustments to support you through the process, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

To apply please send your CV and a covering letter.

Closing date: Wednesday 24th September 2025

We may close this vacancy early if we receive a strong pool of applications, so we encourage early submission

As the UK’s leading dementia research charity, we’re determined to stop this from becoming a reality. We’re working to revolutionise the way we treat, diagnose and prevent dementia. But we will not stop there. With your support, we will keep going until every person is free from the heartbreak of dementia. We exist for a cure.

The Senior Executive Assistant will play a pivotal role in the Chief Executive’s Office, working closely with the Deputy Chief Executive and members of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to ensure the smooth and effective execution of strategic, operational, and governance priorities. Acting as a trusted partner and first point of contact, the Senior Executive Assistant will proactively manage high-level administrative functions, facilitate internal and external stakeholder engagement, and contribute to organisation-wide planning and coordination. The role requires a high level of discretion, organisational acumen, and an ability to anticipate the needs of senior leaders in a dynamic and mission-driven environment.

In addition to supporting the Deputy Chief Executive, this role also provides specific project support to the Directors within the Fundraising and Marketing Directorate and contributes to the governance, internal communications, and strategic coordination across Alzheimer’s Research UK (ARUK).

Main duties and responsibilities of the role:

Executive Support

· Serve as the primary point of contact and trusted liaison for the Deputy Chief Executive, managing their calendar, commitments, and priorities with discretion and strategic foresight.

· Proactively coordinate complex diaries, internal and external meetings, and briefings, ensuring effective time management and optimal scheduling across teams and stakeholders.

· Prepare agendas, compile and distribute papers, attend meetings as needed, and record minutes and action points with professionalism and accuracy.

· Manage comprehensive travel arrangements (domestic and international), including bookings, itineraries, visa requirements, and expenses in line with organisational policy.

· Screen incoming correspondence (emails, calls, invitations), handle or redirect enquiries, and ensure timely and appropriate follow-up.

· Provide responsive and high-quality administrative support across the Senior Leadership Team as needed, in coordination with the Executive Support Manager.

Governance, Project and Strategic Support

· Coordinate and manage key organisational meetings including: Monthly Heads meetings across ARUK and Fundraising and Marketing Leadership Team (FMLT) meetings

· Ensure the smooth delivery of these meetings by preparing documentation, recording actions, and driving follow-through with relevant stakeholders.

· Support cross-organisational strategic initiatives, such as ARUK’s Stakeholder Engagement programme and other priority activities led by the Deputy Chief Executive.

· Proactively use ARUK’s CRM system (Salesforce) to support relationship management and strategic engagement by Executive Directors.

· Assist in the planning and delivery of internal communications activities and events that build alignment and engagement across the organisation to include the annual Fundraising and Marketing away day and monthly Fundraising and Marketing meeting.

· Take on discrete projects on behalf of the Deputy Chief Executive

· Work closely with the Executive Support Manager and Head of Governance to support Board and trustee-related activities, including the preparation of papers, coordination of logistics, and accurate record-keeping.

· Help ensure the delivery of effective governance arrangements and contribute to continuous improvement in the support of ARUK’s leadership and oversight functions.

Team and Leadership Contribution

· Act as a senior member of the Executive Support team, sharing best practices and supporting colleagues with guidance, training, and mentoring where appropriate and deputising for the Executive Support Manager where appropriate

· Contribute to process improvement initiatives that increase the efficiency and impact of the Chief Executive’s Office.

· Stay informed of sector developments, best practices in executive support, and opportunities for innovation within the charity’s operations.

What we are looking for:

· Extensive experience providing high-level executive support to senior leaders 

· Discretion, integrity, and sound judgement in handling confidential and sensitive information.

· Experience coordinating meetings, travel, and logistics for senior leaders.

· Exceptional organisational and time-management skills, with proven ability to manage complex and competing priorities.

· Strong written and verbal communication skills, with attention to detail and professional presentation.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience with CRM systems such as Salesforce.

· Proven ability to build relationships and work collaboratively across teams and with external stakeholders.

Additional Information:

Ways of working: As part of our Agile ways of working you will be required to work approximately 2 days a week from the office, which is subject to the requirements of the role and the business needs. Flexibility on where you work can be split between working from home and our office.

Roles that are classed as part of the Agile ways of working are not able to claim any costs for Mileage/Travel on Public Transport, Accommodation and/or Meals.  This includes when attending the office for various meetings/events.

Our Office: Our office is at 3 Riverside, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AD. 

Salary: Circa £35,000 per annum, plus benefits

Please download the Vacancy Pack on our website for more information.

The closing date for applications is the 21st September 2025, with interviews being arrange once shortlisting has been completed. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity, as on occasion we may have to bring forward the interview date and/or the closing date based on the needs of the business. Although a possibility, this will only happen in exceptional circumstances. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential.  We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented.  Any offer of employment is however subject to you having the right to work in the UK.

As part of our commitment to being an inclusive employer and ensuring fairness and consistency in our selection process, we will handle your CV and application with the utmost confidentiality. While we strive to anonymise your CV where possible, there are certain sections, such as the application question, that cannot be fully anonymised. We kindly ask that you remove any personal information, including your name, when answering the application question. The hiring panel will not have access to your personal details, such as your name and address, until you are invited for an interview. Should you require any adjustments at either the application or interview stage, please contact us via our website. 

How to apply: Please create an online account using our Online Recruitment Platform which can be accessed through our Job Vacancies page. You will be able to attach your CV to your application and track the status of your application.

About Alzheimer’s Research UK: Alzheimer's Research UK is the UK's leading dementia research charity. Our mission is to accelerate progress towards a cure.  Today 1 in 2 people will be impacted by dementia, either through caring for a loved one, developing it themselves or tragically both. But there is hope. 

There has never been a more important and exciting time in dementia research. With promising new drugs in clinical trials that slow the progression of the diseases that cause it, and revolutionary new ways to diagnose them on the horizon, we are now at a tipping point. Working with the smartest minds globally and across the UK, with industry and academia, Alzheimer’s Research UK is uniquely placed to invest in the very best research identifying barriers to a cure and knocking them down so that there are more and better treatments for everyone with dementia. For the first time in history, we can see a future where people with dementia can get a swift and accurate diagnosis, and effective treatments that could slow or even stop their disease. We stand for everyone affected by dementia. We stand for a cure. 

In 2024, we were incredibly proud to be awarded a 3-star accreditation by Best Companies which recognises ‘World Class’ levels of workplace engagement. This is the second consecutive time; we have been awarded a Best Companies 3-star accreditation.

We were also listed in the prestigious Best Companies lists:

· 18th in the 100 Best Large Companies to Work For in the UK.

· 10th in the 50 Best Companies to Work For in the East of England.

· 2nd in the 30 Best Companies to Work For in the Charity Sector.

ARUK really does look after its people, where you will be able to add value and make a difference. 

To view further details about working for us and the benefits we offer, please visit Alzheimer’s Research UK