Projects director jobs in Birmingham
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
What we're building
Level Water exists to solve a problem that shouldn’t exist: too many disabled children are still missing out on high-quality swimming lessons.
Last year, our swimmers raised over £1m. This year we’ve sold out events in minutes and want to double the fundraising. We’re on the path to exponential growth and we need someone who can help us get there.
We're Level Water, a founder-led charity solving learn-to-swim for disabled children. We're not your typical charity. We own our events and run them like a business. We move fast, test everything, and we're building something that doesn't exist anywhere else. Our events are uniquely profitable, and we reinvest in quality and growth.
We've just brought in a new Fundraising Director, and this Marketing role is a cornerstone of the team we're building. If you want to help define how a modern charity grows and does marketing, this is your chance.
The opportunity
This isn't a "post on social and send a newsletter" role. This is a “build something exceptional, then grow it” role. Marketing is at the heart of our flywheel, which means you’ll be integral to everything we are doing at Level Water.
You'll own marketing strategy and execution across our entire operation: our iconic events, our life-changing swimming programmes, and our reputation as a charity. You'll drive growth, tell stories that matter, and build genuine communities that scale.
You'll have the freedom to experiment. Want to test a new channel? Launch a content series? Build a creator programme? Run paid campaigns that actually convert? Brilliant. Build the business case and let's do it.
You'll work with real impact. Children with disabilities are learning to swim because of us. Families are transformed by our lessons. Volunteers and incredible teachers make it happen. These are stories that deserve to be told brilliantly, and you'll be the one telling them.
This role is 80% growth and 20% impact storytelling, but the two are inseparable. We’re product-led and we launch and test often. Great stories fuel growth. Growth creates more stories. You'll understand that tension and thrive in it.
You'll work closely with our Fundraising Director and CEO to scale marketing as our most powerful growth lever. You'll also manage a network of brilliant freelancers (photographers, videographers, copywriters, designers) to help you execute at the highest level.
And you'll grow with us. We're scaling fast, and we need people who can scale with us.
This is a mission-critical role in driving Level Water's growth. Every event you sell out, every story you tell, every audience you build helps unlock more funded swimming lessons, bringing us closer to a future where every disabled child can have a great swimming lesson with a confident, qualified teacher.
Marketing at Level Water isn’t just about selling events - it’s a core delivery mechanism in our Theory of Change. This role exists to move the levers that unlock more lessons, faster progression, stronger outcomes, and a sustainable income engine that funds it all.
This is the most exciting marketing job in the charity sector for the right person.
What you'll actually do
This role owns marketing as a growth engine. You'll set strategy, drive execution across multiple channels, and be accountable for how marketing translates into event sign-ups, fundraising growth, profile, and impact. You'll work closely with the Fundraising Director to shape priorities, influence decisions, and build something that scales.
Drive growth marketing that converts
-
Own end-to-end marketing for our events portfolio: from launch campaigns to sell-out.
-
Build and execute multi-channel campaigns across social, email, paid ads, PR, partnerships, and whatever else works.
-
Test everything. Audiences, messages, creative, channels. Find what works, double down, and scale it.
-
Use data to spot opportunities: which channels are converting? Where are we leaving growth on the table? What could we do differently?
-
Manage our digital advertising and paid social strategy with a ruthless focus on ROI.
-
Grow our email database and social audiences with intent, not just for vanity metrics.
-
Be trusted to repeatedly turn £1 into £5 or £10.
-
Define and unleash our audiences: help them share their stories in a way that turns experiences into future sales, and makes everything that Level Water does easier.
-
Build and manage our captain and ambassador programmes as genuine growth engines - nurturing relationships, setting expectations, and turning influence into measurable impact.
-
Proactively convert interest into action. This includes direct outreach (e.g. picking up the phone to captains, engaging top fundraisers, activating ambassadors) to ensure intent turns into ticket sales and fundraising.
Tell stories that build belief
-
Find, shape, and share the stories that show our impact: the children, the families, the teachers, the moments that matter.
-
Build and curate a library of content (video, photography, case studies, testimonials) that we can use everywhere.
-
Work with freelance photographers and videographers to capture our events and programmes at their best.
-
Create content that our supporters, partners, and prospects actually want to engage with, not just content that ticks a box.
-
Manage our website (fundraising, events, and programmes pages) to ensure it's always up to date, compelling, and optimised for conversion.
-
Ensure our impact reporting to donors is rich with content about our work.
-
Use storytelling internally to build shared understanding, momentum and belief across the charity as we scale.
Build our profile and partnerships
-
Position Level Water as a leader in accessible swimming and outdoor challenge events.
-
Build and leverage relationships with press, influencers, local authorities, and stakeholders.
-
Identify partnership and sponsorship opportunities that align with our mission and drive growth.
-
Amplify examples of inclusion within our pools, making them known and also making inclusive practice visible.
-
Promote our swimming pool partners and recognise their contribution to our work.
Manage, measure, and improve
-
Own the marketing budget and get maximum value from every pound spent.
-
Manage our freelance network: scope projects, review proposals, and ensure quality work on time and on budget.
-
Report regularly on what's working and what's not: campaign performance, audience growth, conversion rates, ROI.
-
Stay ahead of the curve: what are the best organisations doing? What can we learn and adapt?
Who we're looking for
We care much more about how you work than where you've worked. You don't need charity sector experience .
People who thrive here have:
-
Hustle and drive. You take ownership. You spot opportunities and go after them. You don't wait to be told what to do.
-
A commercial approach. You think in terms of audiences, funnels, conversion, and scale. You understand what drives growth and you know how to execute it.
-
Copywriting chops. You can really write. Headlines that stop the scroll. Emails people actually read. Stories that land. You know that words matter.
-
A data brain. You can look at campaign performance and spot the story. You know that "CTR is up 18%" means something, and you know how to act on it.
-
A bias for action. You test things. You move fast. You're comfortable with uncertainty and you learn by doing.
-
Creative thinking. You generate ideas. You see opportunities others miss. You're not afraid to try something different.
-
Organisation. Strong attention to detail, with the ability to run 12 products, 40 email journeys and 100 web pages without dropping anything.
-
An entrepreneurial mindset. You think like an owner. If this were your business, how would you grow it?
Bonus points if:
-
You've worked in a startup, scale-up, or high-growth environment.
-
You've built audiences from scratch or scaled marketing profitably.
-
You've led paid campaigns that actually delivered ROI.
-
You've worked across multiple channels and understand how they work together.
-
You love being outdoors (swimming, hiking, wild camping, anything that gets you outside).
Why Level Water?
Our values: Bold, Driven, Personal, and Joyful are at the heart of this role. You'll be expected to bring ambition, move with purpose, care deeply about impact, and help create marketing that feels genuinely joyful to be part of.
Bold. This isn't a "follow the playbook" role. We want your ideas. We want you to challenge us. We want you to help us build something better.
Driven. We're growing fast and we need people who can scale with us. If you're ambitious, there's a huge opportunity here.
Personal. We're a small, founder-led team. We move fast, we debate hard, we test everything, and we care deeply about what we do.
Joyful. You'll work on some of the most iconic outdoor swims in the UK. You'll help tell stories that change lives. You'll be part of creating something people remember forever.
Practical details
-
Flexible working: remote, hybrid, or (even better) office-based in Tunbridge Wells or Exeter, your choice.
-
You'll attend weekend events throughout the summer (with time off in lieu).
-
Salary: £30k–£45k depending on experience.
How to apply
We want to hear from you in whatever way best shows us who you are and how you think.
Get creative. It’s a marketing job so sell us on your personality and style. A traditional CV and cover letter? Absolutely fine. A video introduction? Great. A presentation deck? Bring it on. Whatever format helps you shine and show us who you are.
Here's what we'd love to know:
1. How you'd approach marketing growth:
Imagine we want to double sign-ups for one of our summer events (currently sitting at 500 swimmers). Walk us through your approach: which channels would you use, what would your messaging be, how would you measure success, and what would you test first?
2. What excites you about this role:
Tell us why this opportunity appeals to you specifically.
3. Something you're proud of:
Share one thing you've built, grown, or improved. Doesn't have to be in charity or even at work, it could be anything that shows your drive and ability to make things happen.
Before you apply
If you've got questions about the role, the team, or whether this might be right for you, please reach out. I'm Andy Punter, Fundraising Director at Level Water, and I'd genuinely love to chat.
Deadline
20th March 2026
We're excited to meet you. Let's build something brilliant together.
Registered Charity
6 - 10
We equip pools and leisure providers across the UK to deliver specialist swimming lessons for children with disabilities.
Thank you!
Job Type: Full time
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £55,000 – £60,000 per annum
Scope and purpose
To implement MEI’s business development strategy, helping us secure sustained income to deliver our priorities and fulfil our mission to improve lives through maths education. This includes managing bid processes for major funding, working with senior leadership and business leads to write costed proposals, identifying tender and other funding opportunities, reviewing and finalising funding agreements, and working with the Director for Strategic Communications and Partnerships to nurture relationships and bring new opportunities to fruition.
Main duties and responsibilities
Support all aspects of MEI’s business development and fundraising activity.
Funding opportunities and competitor environment
- Scope external funding opportunities, reviewing these against MEI’s mission, objectives and key criteria.
- Report to MEI’s Senior Leadership Team and Board on the pipeline of new and potential opportunities and produce business cases for new ventures for MEI’s SLT/Board.
- Undertake research into donors, sponsors and other funders, reviewing suitability and conducting due diligence.
- Work with the Director for Strategic Communications and Partnerships to develop relationships and opportunities towards formal agreement.
- Provide advice and guidance to colleagues involved in developing new business, including how to model costs and pricing, and shaping and writing effective proposals.
- Build intelligence about the competitive landscape, identifying competitors, assessing potential threats and maintaining an up-to-date register for SLT and the Board.
Tenders, bids and proposals
- Manage a diverse set of funding opportunities and proposals on the go at any single time, ranging from conference sponsorships to grant applications, project bids, corporate partnerships and government programme bids.
- Participate in pre-market engagement for large tenders, clarifying funder expectations and requirements, guiding senior leadership decisions about priorities and bidding criteria.
- For competitive tenders, manage the process from tender launch to bid submission with input from business and operational leads, including: tender clarification; costs and budget; proposal writing, review and sign off; compliance requirements; and supporting documentation.
- Co-ordinate post-award processes through to contract signature, in line with Grant Manager responsibilities and in liaison with SLT and trustees, legal partners, finance and other partners/teams.
- Participate in post-tender feedback reviews and share learning across the team, using lessons learned to undertake revision and improvements.
Sponsor and donor management
- Support the account management and stewardship of donors and sponsors, liaising with appropriate teams, ensuring that objectives of donors and sponsors are fully met.
- Directly manage relationships with lead representatives of annual conference sponsor and exhibiting organisations, ensuring their objectives are met, arrangements are handled smoothly, and risks and issues are managed effectively.
Systems, records and reporting
- Shape the configuration and use of MEI’s CRM system and other internal systems for effective business development and fundraising.
- Ensure contact records are up to date, accurate and compliant.
- Produce regular reports for SLT and Board on progress in business development and fundraising, including conversion rates, KPIs, and risks.
- Contribute to MEI’s culture of evidence-driven decision-making, providing high quality evidence and intelligence which supports business strategy.
General leadership and management
- Work with trustees, SLT and business teams to ensure that business development and fundraising activity is coherent and aligned with broader strategy and delivery.
- Support the development of commercial skills, competencies and approaches across MEI.
- Undertake other duties assigned by the Director for Strategic Communications and Partnerships and keep them up to date through accurate and regular updates.
Key Relationships
- Director for Strategic Communications and Partnerships
- Chief Operating Officer
- Chief Learning Officer
- Financial Controller
- Business and Central Services Manager
Person Specification
Essential
- Demonstrable experience of fundraising across multiple income streams
- Strong track record of writing bids and securing grant and other funding
- Knowledge and experience of public sector procurement
- Excellent writing skills for bids and fundraising communication
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and work autonomously
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships across MEI and with external funders
Desirable
- Experience in the education or charitable sector
- Track record of securing large government contracts
- Experience collaborating with product development or programme design teams
- Familiarity with MEI’s mission and the education landscape
Personal Attributes, Values and Behaviours
- This is a list of personal attributes which are important for the role but also should encapsulate behaviours required to meet the MEI values of equity, credibility, commitment and service.
- Communicates with clarity and respect
- Commitment and ability to work with all stakeholders to deliver exceptional service
- Actively seeks to work collaboratively when required to achieve the highest service standards
- Self-motivated with a strong work ethic, proactive attitude, and commitment to continuous learning and skill development
- Supportive and collaborative, able to guide and motivate others to deliver high-quality work
- Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and foster positive, collaborative relationships with colleagues and stakeholders
- Highly organised, able to manage multiple tasks and adapt to changing priorities
- Dynamic, enthusiastic, and positive, bringing energy and a can-do attitude to the role
Additional Information
This role will involve some travel and occasional overnight stays away from home.
REF-227 227
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Contract type
Permanent
Location
Whittington with some flexibility for remote working
Hours
Part time (22.5 hours per week) with flexibility to work evenings and weekends when required
Annual salary
E1 £39,224.42 to E3 £46,068.16 - Pro rata for part time hours.
Last day to apply
29/03/2026
Reporting to the Fundraising Development Manager, the Legacy Manager is responsible for leading and delivering the long term growth strategy for legacy income at St Giles Hospice.
The post holder will develop and implement a sustainable and scalable legacy programme that increases the number of legacy pledgers, strengthens the future pipeline of legacy gifts and delivers consistent income growth aligned to organisational objectives.
The role will own the legacy value proposition, marketing strategy and support journey from initial engagement through to pledge stewardship. The post holder will champion a culture of legacy giving across the organisation and position leaving a gift in a Will as a meaningful and natural way to support St Giles Hospice.
In partnership with the Fundraising Administration team, the Legacy Manager will ensure legacy gifts are managed professionally and compliantly, with strong forecasting, reporting and internal oversight.
Knowledge and experience
Essential
·Experience of working within the third sector or a values led organisation
·Demonstrable experience of legacy fundraising or transferable experience within a strategic income stream with clear growth accountability
·Proven experience of delivering income growth against agreed targets and KPIs
·Experience of developing and implementing strategic plans
·Experience of managing budgets, financial planning and reporting with commentary on variances
·Experience of working collaboratively with marketing and data teams to develop insight led campaigns
·Track record of successfully managing and developing relationships with individual supporters, customers or professional partners
·Experience of analysing and interpreting data to inform decision making and maximise return on investment
·Knowledge of the regulatory environment for fundraising from individuals including data protection, Gift Aid and Fundraising Codes of Practice and regulation
·Experience of project management including budget setting and performance monitoring
Desirable
·Specific experience in legacy fundraising within a charity setting
·Experience of developing and delivering a legacy marketing strategy
·Experience of working with professional advisers such as solicitors or will writers
·Experience of contributing to senior leadership or board level reporting
·Experience using Donorflex or a similar CRM database
Values
·Exhibits our hospice values and behaviours
Skills
·Ability to think strategically and translate long term vision into operational delivery
·Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial and performance data and forecast future income
·Excellent written communication skills with the ability to create compelling and sensitive legacy messaging
·Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills
·Ability to build and maintain strong internal and external partnerships
·Confident presenting to a range of audiences including professional partners and senior stakeholders
·Ability to prioritise and manage competing deadlines
·Strong organisational and diary management skills
·Computer literate with experience of CRM systems
·Ability to understand when issues need escalation
·Ability to maintain confidentiality
·Ability to work effectively as part of a team
·Resilience when working towards ambitious targets
Personal Attributes
·Empathetic and emotionally intelligent
·Proactive and growth focused
·Commercially aware and results driven
·Collaborative and supportive
·Ambassador for St Giles Hospice
·Able to work under pressure
Other requirements
·Valid driving licence
·Eligibility to work in the UK
·Please note that St Giles Hospice does not hold a sponsorship licence and is therefore unable to accept sponsorship requests
Just so you know:
This post is subject to a Disclose and Barring Service (DBS) check.
We may review applications before the application review date, however, if you apply after the application review date, your application may not be considered. We will accept applications until we have successfully filled the role; this may be earlier than the closing date.
If you have not heard within 14 days of the application close date, then please consider that your application has been unsuccessful at this time.
As part of your application your data will be managed in line with St Giles Hospice Privacy Policy and kept for 6 months. If you would like to see this in full, please visit our website for our Privacy Policy. This is in extension to Charity Job Privacy Policy.
Registered Charity
101 - 500
Whether you’re living with a terminal illness, or your loved one is nearing the end of their life, we’re here for you at every stage.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Contract Type: Fixed Term until 31/03/2030
Location: Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester or Newcastle (frequent travel to our London office is expected)
1st stage interviews: 30/03 over MS Teams
2nd stage assessment: 09/04 in our London Centre
Funded: This role is fully funded by the Department of Health and Social Care
Join The King’s Trust as our Senior Head of Delivery for Health and Social Care and lead a national portfolio that opens meaningful career pathways for young people. This role shapes programmes that help young people build confidence, develop skills and move into sustainable employment within one of the UK’s most vital sectors. You will guide strategic direction, strengthen our offer and ensure our work remains aligned to real workforce needs across Health and Social Care.
You will build strong partnerships with NHS organisations and employers, drive high quality delivery across multiple sites and lead a skilled team committed to creating impact at scale. Your leadership will support ambitious planning, effective performance management and clear financial stewardship. Your ability to use insight and data will help us continue to grow accessible, inclusive and innovative programmes that meet the needs of young people and industry partners.
We are looking for someone who brings credibility, collaboration and confidence in complex systems. If you’re motivated by purposeful work, passionate about equity and excited by the chance to influence national outcomes for young people, this is a rare opportunity to make a measurable difference.
What happens next?
Please submit a CV and Cover Letter that includes your experience, transferable skills and motivation to work for The King's Trust! The Team will be in touch about the next steps shortly after the closing date.
Why do we need a Senior Head of Delivery - Health & Social Care?
Last year, we helped more than 40,000 Young People, with three in four young people on our programmes moving into a positive outcome in work, education or training. The young people we help face a range of challenges, such as unemployment, mental health issues or some who have been in trouble with the law. We believe all young people should have the chance to succeed, and that young people are the key to a positive and prosperous future for all of us. We want to continue having a positive impact on young people’s lives, and we couldn’t do this without the important work of our Senior Head of Delivery - Health & Social Care!
Perks for working at The Trust!
- Great holiday package! 30 days annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays. Office closure on the days between Christmas and New Year
- Flexible working! Where operationally possible, our roles require a combination of office days and working from home (please speak to the hiring manager about this particular role)
- You can volunteer for and/or attend events – The King's Trust Awards, Pride, active events, etc.
- In-house learning platform! Develop your skills for your career and your role
- Benefits platform! Everything from health and financial well-being support to discounts on your favourite restaurants, shops and cinemas.
- Personal development opportunities through our Networks – KT CAN (Cultural Awareness Network), KT GEN (Gender Equality Network), KT DAWN (Disability & Wellbeing Network), and PULSE (LGBTQIA+ Network).
- Fantastic Family leave! Receive 13 weeks of full pay and 13 weeks of half pay for maternity and adoption leave. Receive 8 weeks of full pay for paternity leave.
- Interest-free season ticket loans
- The Trust will contribute 5% of your salary to the Trust Pension Scheme
- Generous life assurance cover (4 x annual salary)
Registered Charity
More than 1000
We believe that every young person should have the chance to succeed, no matter their background or the challenges they are facing.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Role
The Programme Officer will manage day-to-day relationships with Degrees’ research groups based in the Latin America and Caribbean region, ensure smooth grant administration, and support regional events.
Key Responsibilites
Grantees
- Being the first point of contact for our grantees and stakeholders, including volunteer research collaborators.
- Supporting research teams to gain access to, for example, modelling data.
Grant management
- Grant management, including onboarding and ongoing administrative support for the grantees of the various research funds at Degrees.
- Processing payments.
- Supporting the monitoring, evaluation and learning process in relation to programmatic activities.
Events
- Working closely with the Events Manager, other regional Programme Officers and Policy Engagement staff to organise international events, including regional workshops in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Administration
- Support the building and improvement of internal processes.
- Contributing to the monthly call and research seminars.
- Provide ad-hoc support as needed, for example, financial administrative support for grants and programmatic events, note-taking, organising travel, inputs to communications, working with Degrees’ senior management, board, volunteers, and partners.
Key relationships
- Within the Programmes team forge close working relations with Programmes Director, Programmes Manager, other Programme Officers, Events Manager, Staff Scientist and Scientific Writing and Publishing Lead.
- Develop strong working relations with colleagues from the following teams i) Operations, ii) Policy & Engagement and iii) Communications.
- Provide ongoing support for Degrees funded scientists based in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Qualifications
We are seeking a dynamic self-starter based in the UK, with experience in planning and running international events as well as academic workshops. As Degrees is still operating as a relatively small but growing team, the successful candidate will be flexible and motivated – prepared to turn their hand to whatever needs doing to deliver Degrees’ programme of work.
Essential
- A university degree in a relevant subject such as international development, international relations, public policy or earth sciences.
- At least two years’ experience.
- An understanding of climate change science and associated development challenges.
- Fluent in English and Spanish.
- Strong organisational and project management skills.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Good analytical skills with an ability to distil key messages from complex information.
- Strong digital skills.
- An ability to multitask, to set and deliver on priorities, and to work under pressure.
- Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work with people of all levels and backgrounds.
- Comfortable working in a dynamic, remote start-up environment.
- Ability to travel overseas for up to a week per visit as required.
- A commitment to the mission and values of the Degrees Initiative.
- Legal right to work in the UK.
Desirable
- A master’s degree in a relevant subject.
- A degree in environmental science or international development.
- Five to ten years of post-university professional experience
- Proficiency in Portuguese.
- Advanced digital skills, such as proficiency with advanced spreadsheet functions.
- Experience using CRM systems and Microsoft Office applications, with strong proficiency in Excel.
- Experience working in or with developing countries.
- Experience in event organisation, workshop facilitation, grant administration, impact monitoring and evaluation, and/or budgeting and financial management.
Registered Charity
21 - 50
A dynamic charity working on climate change and global development
Thank you!
Safeena is the UK’s first Muslim Cancer Support Network. We are entering a pivotal phase of growth as we transition from a volunteer-led initiative into a professionally governed, nationally scalable charity.
We are seeking an exceptional Head of Transformation to lead this organisational step-change.
The Role
You will drive transformation across governance, systems, culture and delivery. Working closely with the Board and senior stakeholders, you will build the operational infrastructure required to scale Safeena’s three-pillar model:
-
Patient-centred faith-sensitive support
-
Healthcare navigation and advocacy
-
Community awareness and stigma reduction
You will ensure Safeena becomes compliant, data-driven, financially sustainable and ready for national expansion.
Key Responsibilities
-
Lead organisational development, governance and risk management
-
Embed safeguarding, GDPR and quality assurance systems
-
Build and oversee operational systems (CRM, reporting, dashboards)
-
Strengthen partnerships with NHS, mosques and community partners
-
Support income generation and long-term sustainability
-
Develop a high-performing, accountable culture
About You
You will bring:
-
Proven experience delivering organisational transformation
-
Strong governance, compliance and risk oversight expertise
-
Experience building systems and infrastructure in a growing charity
-
Financial literacy and strategic planning capability
-
Exceptional stakeholder and partnership management skills
-
A commitment to equity and culturally competent service delivery
Experience within the charity, health or community sector is desirable.
This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of a nationally significant, faith-sensitive cancer support network addressing health inequalities across the UK.
#Transformation #Change
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Contract: Full-time (open to part-time for right candidate, minimum 3 days per week)
Salary: £35,000-£37,000 (based on experience, pro-rata if part time)
Contract type: 12-month fixed-term (with strong intention to extend subject to funding)
Start date: May 2026
Reporting to: Director, John Schofield Trust
Location: Remote (UK only), with occasional travel
1. About the John Schofield Trust
The John Schofield Trust is a charity dedicated to improving social mobility and diversity in journalism and the media. We support early‑career journalists and university students from under‑represented backgrounds through high‑quality mentoring, professional development and access to industry networks.
Our work focuses on long‑term, meaningful relationships between experienced media professionals and talented individuals at the start of their careers. As demand for our programmes continues to grow and we work to adapt to a changing sector, we are looking for an Operations Manager to play a central role in delivering our work.
2. Role Summary
The Operations Manager will be a pivotal new role within the John Schofield Trust’s small staff team. You will be responsible for the end‑to‑end delivery of our mentoring programmes, ensuring an excellent experience for both mentors and mentees.
You will manage relationships with mentors, mentees and partner organisations, oversee programme operations, and contribute to the Trust’s learning, impact reporting and future development. This role suits someone who enjoys working with people, managing multiple moving parts, and taking initiative in a mission‑driven organisation.
3. Key Responsibilities
Programme delivery and quality
• Manage the day‑to‑day delivery of the Trust’s mentoring programmes, including supporting a new ‘emerging newsroom leader’ pilot scheme
• Oversee recruitment, selection, training and matching of mentors and mentees
• Ensure a high‑quality experience for participants throughout the programme lifecycle
Relationships and partnerships
• Build and maintain strong relationships with mentors, mentees and alumni
• Represent the Trust in meetings with universities, newsrooms and other partners
• Support the growth and engagement of our mentor and supporter network
Data, impact and learning
• Maintain and develop the Trust’s database of mentors, mentees and supporters
• Collect and analyse programme data to monitor impact and learning
• Gather testimonials and case studies for reporting to stakeholders and the wider public
Organisational contribution
• Support events and occasional in‑person activities
• Administer elements of our governance, including minuting of meetings and assembling annual report
• Contribute to the wider work and development of the Trust, including our marketing and communications
• Undertake other tasks in line with the role
4. Essential Experience and Skills
• Experience of successful programme or project management
• Strong relationship‑building and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• High standards of professionalism and attention to detail
• Confidence using Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, to manage and analyse data
• Experience supporting or delivering events
• Awareness of journalism, media, education and/or training and development
5. Attributes
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Proactive, organised and solutions‑focused
• Comfortable working independently in a small, remote team
• Motivated by social impact and widening access to opportunities
6. Desirable (Not Essential)
• Experience working in or with the journalism or media sector
• Experience running mentoring, coaching or development programmes
• Experience of fundraising or donor engagement
• Experience using social media or digital marketing
• Confidence using AI tools
We encourage applications from candidates who meet most, but not all, of the criteria above.
7. Application Process
Please submit the following by email to info[at]johnschofieldtrust[dot]org[dot]uk with the subject line ‘Operations Manager application’:
• A CV (maximum three sides of A4)
• A cover letter (maximum two sides of A4)
Your cover letter should explain why you are well suited to the role, referring to the responsibilities and criteria above and giving specific examples.
Please provide both documents in PDF form and include your name in the file name e.g. ‘Tom Smith Cover Letter’ or ‘Tom Smith CV’.
Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments during the application process.
8. Key Dates
Application deadline: 23:59 on 23rd March 2026
Interviews: End of March – Beginning of April
Start date: May 2026 or sooner if notice period allows
9. Equal Opportunities
The John Schofield Trust is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and do not tolerate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
We are open to flexible working arrangements, and we welcome candidates who have taken non-linear career paths.
Due to the volume of applications, we cannot provide feedback to candidates not invited to interview.
10. Questions
If you have any questions about the role email info[at]johnschofieldtrust[dot]org[dot]uk
Thank you for your interest, and good luck.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.